Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
Self-Improvement
About
It's funny business! Learn leadership & business skills to deal with people & handle life's curveballs. A professional comedian offers laughs & practical tips.Funny comedian & top keynote speaker Jan McInnis's unique, fun and useful ideas will help you develop solutions to your own work and life issues.Jan is an established comedy writer. She's sold material for Jay Leno's Tonight Show monologue on the Tonight Show as well as many other people, places and groups – radio, TV, syndicated cartoon strips, and even guests on the Jerry Springer show (her parents are proud). For over 25+ years she's traveled country as a comedian, keynote speaker, and Master of Ceremonies. She's shared her clean comedy with thousands of organizations, and her business tips with thousands of corporations and associations. She's been onstage in front of everyone from the Mayo Clinic to several of the Federal Reserve Banks. Jan is also currently co-starring in the Baby Boomer Comedy Show, touring theatres
Episodes
- How to Connect with Any One
Have you ever found yourself having to address a group that you have pretty much nothing in common with? As a comedian and keynote speaker, it happens. Here's a quick story about a time that I had to connect. . .and I did. It's a fun story…
- My Week in the SF Comedy Competition
Jan McInnis recounts her experience participating in the San Francisco Comedy Competition, a prestigious event. She highlights humor as a valuable business skill for leadership, change management, and building resilience.
- A Unique Obstacle to Getting to the Event
This episode discusses a unique obstacle a comedian faced on their way to a performance, detailing the experience and adding it to their collection of amusing career events. The speaker, Jan McInnis, is a keynote speaker and comedian focus…
- Musical Chairs in the Air
Jan McInnis, a comedian and keynote speaker on change management, uses stories about airline seat disputes to illustrate points about leadership, resilience, and handling change. She highlights how humor is a valuable business skill for co…
- Chasing Hollywood Representation
Jan McInnis, a comedian and keynote speaker, discusses the challenges of seeking representation in Hollywood. She shares a personal anecdote about how representation came to her and offers insights based on her extensive experience helping…
- Park at Your Own Risk
Jan McInnis shares parking anecdotes, particularly from LAX, and explains how her experience as a comedian and change management speaker helps organizations use humor for resilience, leadership, and stress relief.
- What to do About Rover??
Traveling the comedy road is tough especially when you have to leave your pets at home. My cat Rover was with me through many good and bad times, and then when I went into comedy, I had to leave her for months at a time. Luckily I had a so…
- The Day I Broke the "Um" Record - Toastmasters
Toastmasters helps a lot of people with their speaking. I've never used them, but I did give a speech at their conference once that was wonderful AND got me into trouble! Know the rules of what you're going into before you go into it I gue…
- Hollywood Timing
Timing in comedy, and especially Hollywood is super helpful. Joke timing makes the joke work, and when you have good timing on meeting people in Hollywood, it helps your career. Here's a story about two times Hollywood Timing worked for me…
- Comedy in Black and White - working with D.L. Hughly
What are the differences in black and white comedians and the audiences they draw? I had an interesting experience opening for DL Hughly. He was a huge star and I was an open mic comic. It didn't go well for me. Here's the quick story and…
- Reinventing Myself
How have I stayed in the comedy profession, made a great living at it while also NOT being famous? Well it's called reinvention and I've done it a lot! Here's a quick story on reinventing myself from one thing to the other while still stay…
- When the Cruise Ship Thinks You Jumped Overboard
Who jumps off a cruise ship on PURPOSE? Performing comedy on a cruise ship is not my favorite thing. One of my earlier episodes is a scary story about being stranded in a foreign country before cell phones were super popular. This story ha…
- My Bad ad Weird Jobs
Comedy is a weird job, but it's not a bad job. Weird and bad jobs are the definition of first jobs; you know, the ones you get when you're right out of high school or college. Fast food is bad, but I guarantee telemarketing is worse. I kno…
- Airline Seat Fighting at 30,000 Feet
Fighting over an airline seat, we've all been there! Or at least thought about it. This is one time that I actually thought I was going to be a part of the news because of a fight on the airlines. Listen to my quick story and beware of doi…
- The Long-Term Payoff of Keeping Your Word
In the comedy business, it's easy to cancel one gig for another, better paying gig. Many times entertainers are looking at the short-term gain of making more money, instead of keeping their word. Here's a quick story about how keeping my w…
- Helping Out vs Being Taken Advantage Of
Yes there's a thin line between helping out vs being taken advantage of, and in comedy you have to pay attention or you will get taken advantage of a lot! Here's a quick story about 2 times where I had each of these things happen . . . or…
- Drama in the Front Row
Alcohol and comedy clubs go together very well - which can lead to drama! And not all drama is because someone is drunk. Here's a quick story about a night where alcohol caused drama in the front row . . . but not how you would think. http…
- Battling the Bachelorettes
There are some groups in comedy clubs that comedians dread . . . Bacherlorette parties rank right up there around number 1. I've had to deal with my fair share of them but one club owner actually had a brilliant idea for marketing to them…
- Dolls? At My Age?
Yes, but these are special dolls! Here's a quick story about some dolls I was given to help me stop worrying about the future! It was a cool gift and I've used them for decades. Take a listen to see if you might need a set of these! https:…
- The Elements of Frustration in Comedy
There are lots of frustrating elements in comedy, and we're used to them . .. things like drunks or bad set ups. But sometimes there are things that mess up your performance that you couldn't even think up! Here's a quick story about a few…
- The Day I Regretted Saying "yes!"
If I could take back agreeing to this idea, I would, because I regretted saying yes to this one. Here's a quick story about why you should stick up for yourself when someone has an idea that you don't think will work. I was too new to come…
- A Bombshell Announcement (that turned into a great show!)
You'd think being a comedian prepares you for anything — hecklers, bad lighting, even a buffet line louder than your mic. But there's one thing no amount of punchlines can fix, and I found myself walking straight into it one afternoon. I w…
- The Heckle I'll Never Forget
On stage with family in the audience, the pressure was on—and things went sideways fast. In this episode, keynote speaker and comedian Jan McInnis takes you inside one unforgettable night in her comedy career. It's a hilarious, cringe-wort…
- Opening for a Superstar: Expectations vs. Reality
Opening for a superstar sounds like every comedian's dream gig—but is it really? In this episode of Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips from a Comedian , Jan McInnis shares the chaos, comedy, and leadership lessons from opening for Julio Ig…
- Walking Away From Your Dream Job
A lot of people have a dream job that they really want to do. Many people don't pursue it. There are lots of reasons for staying where you are instead of taking the leap into the unknown. Some of the reasons, like money or location, are va…
- Cruise Ship Fiasco
Working on cruise ships as an entertainer can get weird, and I'm not talking about hecklers. Just getting to the ship in another country is a journey in itself. Here's a quick story about a cruise ship fiasco that could have turned out ver…
- When Your Gig Comes with a Warning Label
Working around sketchy entertainers is, thankfully, not usual, but it happens. Here's a quick story about one of the times I had to work with someone who really wasn't that safe for women. https://www.TheWorkLady.com Jan McInnis is a top c…
- How NOT to get a referral
Referrals are a big part of most freelancer's business, especially comedians and keynote speakers! Here's a quick story about the right and wrong way to go about asking for a referral. https://www.TheWorkLady.com Jan McInnis is a top chang…
- The Wordrobe Choice that Backfired
What you wear onstage is important. This is a quick story about what NOT to wear. I got to work with someone who wore an odd outfit and her wordrobe choice backfired on her. https://www.TheWorkLady.com Jan McInnis is a top change managemen…
- Fame and Fortune
As a comedian, I've learned that TV credits don't always define success. People often assume fame equals talent, but my career has thrived without constant screen time. From Irish Pubs to casino gigs, whats in a TV Credit? https://www.TheW…
- A High Stakes Booking
This behind-the-scenes look at a once-iconic comedy club shares the highs, nerves, and unexpected lessons that come with chasing stage time in a competitive industry. Through one comic's journey to land a coveted spot at Harvey's Comedy Cl…
- Decorated and Deflated: A Lesson in Pointless Power Plays
In the world of leadership, influence, and workplace culture, few things are more delicate—and more impactful—than how feedback is delivered. As a keynote speaker who's worked with countless organizations, I've seen firsthand how a single…
- When Things Get Awkward
Humor isn't just for laughs—it can be a powerful tool for navigating awkward or uncomfortable situations with grace and confidence. In this story, keynote speaker Jan McInnis shares a memorable moment when a potentially embarrassing wardro…
- "Trust Me" is Not a Good Business Plan
Think contracts are just boring paperwork? Think again. This real-life tale dives into what happens when a "sure thing" gig turns into a disappearing act—thanks to one agent's total fear of commitment (to a contract, that is). It's funny,…
- Thanks for the Feedback . . . I Think!
What really happens when a keynote speaker doesn't get the gig? In this episode, Jan pulls back the curtain on the wild, weird, and sometimes downright baffling feedback she's received after not being chosen for events. From strange select…
- Out of the Blue & Kinda Weird
Curious what not to do when asking for career advice? In this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of humor keynotes and professional speaking, veteran keynote speaker Jan McInnis shares a wild ride of missteps, missed calls, and mispl…
- Climbing to the Top of the Pile, 1 Joke at a Time (writing for Jay Leno)
Breaking into a crowded field can feel daunting, but persistence pays off in surprising ways. In this behind-the-scenes glimpse into a comedy career, you'll hear about the thrill of receiving that very first joke check from Jay Leno's Toni…
- How I Got Cheated Out of My Biggest Break in Comedy
Trying to get stage time at the Laugh Factory in L.A. is a big deal—especially if you're hoping to get in front of Jamie Masada, the guy who helped launch tons of comedy careers. This story's all about the hustle, calling in favors, and na…
- Oh Darn, a Woman Comic
People always ask what it's like being a woman in the male-dominated world of stand-up, and the truth is—it's mostly fine… but there are a couple things that drive me nuts. This is a fun peek into what what I've had people say to my face,…
- 3 Nights in Hawaii for 16 Minutes on Stage
Imagine flying to Hawaii for a humor keynote, only to have everything shift in a way you never saw coming. As a keynote speaker, comedian, and corporate speaker, I know that timing, adaptability, and engaging an audience are everything—but…
- Comedy Under Pressure
In this episode, comedian and keynote speaker Jan McInnis takes us behind the scenes of a high-stakes convention show that could make or break her career. With pressure mounting from every angle—an intimidating crowd, a skeptical agent, an…
- My Rideshare Nightmares
Ever wondered what really goes on behind the wheel of a rideshare? As someone who relies on Uber and Lyft for travel, I've had some eye-opening experiences—some hilarious, some frustrating, and some downright nerve-wracking. From reckless…
- My Recipe For Success: The Secret Ingredients for Achieving Anything!
Ever thought you could conquer anything with just a mix of enthusiasm and naivety? In this inspiring and humorous episode, Jan McInnis shares her journey from an ill-prepared novice hiker to an experienced explorer of over 25 national park…
- When More Money is Too Much
https://www.TheWorkLady.com Money matters can bring out the best and the worst in any industry, but in the unpredictable world of comedy, payment stories often take on a life of their own. While underpayment and non-payment are hot topics,…
- Deadly Rental Cars
Here's a quick story about a rental car that almost killed me this year! AND I offer 4 quick things to check on a rental car that might just save your life. https://www.theWorkLady.com Jan McInnis is a top keynote speaker, funny female mot…
- Finding Nemo with Ellen DeGeneres
Sometimes you get an opportunity out of the blue that is HUGE; Here's a quick story of one of mine. https://www.TheWorkLady.com Jan McInnis is a top change management keynote speaker and comedian. She uses short funny stories to emphasize…
- Bad Comment Cards. Larry the Cable Guy Helps
A week of bad shows will kill your spirit. My week working with Larry the Cable Guy saved my career, AND I learned a valuable lesson about failure. Here's a quick story from my days on the road in comedy clubs. https://www.theWorkLady.com…
- ALMOST on Oprah!
I had my plane tickets and I was BOOKED. But other stuff happened. Somewhere out there, there's a house wife in Texas who messed up my big break!! Here's the short version of a moment in my life that hurts! https://www.theWorkLady.com Jan…
- Cher's Help Launching My Career
Who knew attending a Cher concert would lead to a life in comedy for ME! AND it was so full of weird coincedences that you just can't make it up. Take a 2 minute listen as to how I got the nerve to get verbalize my goals, which led to the…
- Do You Really Want to Be Famous? I got to work with Jon Stewart
Do you really want to be famous is a quick post about the weekend I worked with Jon Stewart at the Punchline Comedy Club in Atlanta. It gave me a unique perspective on being famous and brought up a few questions. https://www.TheWorkLady.co…