VibeMakers: Unlocking the power of humor & storytelling in company culture with Gita Kulkarni
In times of change and uncertainty, what binds us as humans?
Storytelling.
Storytelling is the timeless art that connects our past, illuminates our present, and shapes our future.
So it’s time we start paying attention on telling our stories, well.
This week on VibeMakers, I had the absolute pleasure of diving deep into the world of humor with the brilliant Gita Kulkarni of The Humor Edge. Our conversation was not only a journey through laughter but also an exploration of how storytelling shapes our professional lives (hint… it helps us be more charismatic and relatable).
Exploring the currency of humor
Humor isn’t just for lightening the mood; it’s a critical tool for building relationships and fostering an engaging workplace environment. As Gita and I discussed, humor is like a muscle that needs regular exercise to develop. It’s addictive, pulling us closer and enhancing our connections. This episode made me reflect on the importance of crafting stories with intentionality and ensuring they’re not only insightful but also resonate on a human level.
The power of storytelling
A well-told story isn’t just for entertainment (although that’s a benefit). It builds empathy and enhances relationships. Have you ever been with a team that routinely shared stories of their past and what made them, well…them? How did you feel about that person, knowing their struggle and their thought process during that struggle? Perhaps you felt as though you got them a little bit more.
Then, take that thought process into a context of company culture. Through shared storytelling, we navigate the inevitable peaks and valleys of corporate life, setting scenes that listeners can relate to and “get it.”
Starting with a story
How do we begin integrating these powerful tools into our daily work lives? The answer lies in starting with yourself (because hey, it’s easy to know our own story) and a workshop approach that begins at the unit of self. Here, we practice the simple framework of choosing a story, which moves beyond a top-down approach to foster a grassroots shared language and a new way of doing business that’s inclusive and engaging.
Listen and discover
Watch or listen to the full episode to explore how humor and storytelling can transform your approach to work and leadership.
Your stories matter
How have humor and storytelling impacted your professional relationships and work environment? Share your experiences with us - your insights enrich our community and guide our future discussions.
Final thoughts
Storytelling unites us. By sharing our experiences, we create connections and find common ground. Let's continue sharing our stories to enrich our lives and strengthen our compay cultures.
What’s next?
In our upcoming episode of Vibe Makers, I’m excited to host Jake Brintzenhofe , a sharp mind in the field of predictive analytics and strategy. Jake brings a fresh perspective on how predictive modeling can be applied beyond traditional business metrics to enhance talent acquisition and foster a thriving company culture. Make sure to tune in for a session filled with deep dives into how predictive intelligence can revolutionize our approach to HR and culture management.
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