Pep Rosenfeld on Work Laugh Balance

What if the most powerful tool at work isn’t logic, but laughter? On this episode I'm speaking to a comedian who far from thinking humour is a workplace distraction, thinks it might be one of our most powerful tools. 

Episode Summary
My guest is Pep Rosenfeld: comedian, improviser, and co-founder of the Amsterdam-based comedy institution Boom Chicago. He’s also the author of Work Laugh Balance, a manifesto for injecting humour into the working world. We explore why humour matters; not just as entertainment, but as a serious enabler of collaboration, communication, and honesty. Pep brings a unique perspective: part performer, part business trainer. 

We talk about how Boom Chicago went from late-night improv to a launchpad for corporate masterclasses in leadership and presentation. Along the way, we unpack the risks and rewards of using humour at work; what works, what really doesn’t, and how to find the line without crossing it. Pep shares ethical guidelines for office jokes, the power of self-deprecation, and why starting with a laugh can lead to deeper conversations. We also get into the craft of being funny.

Pep explains why good comedy is rarely spontaneous, why AI still can’t tell a decent joke, and why live audiences matter more than ever. Whether you're trying to lighten the mood in a meeting or name the elephant in the room without causing a stampede, this episode offers practical ideas (and a few laughs) on how to do it with intelligence and care.

AI-Generated Timestamped Summary
[00:00:00] Opening on humour’s overlooked role in work; intro to Pep Rosenfeld
[00:01:00] How Boom Chicago began as a summer comedy project in Amsterdam
[00:04:00] Expanding into improv for kids on the autism spectrum
[00:06:00] The book’s premise: humour fuels communication, leadership, and trust
[00:11:00] Why advertisers and leaders alike should embrace humour
[00:12:00] Rules for workplace humour: self-deprecate, avoid punching down, don’t get creepy
[00:16:00] Comedy as a tool for tackling elephants in the room
[00:23:00] The myth of improv: strong humor depends on thoughtful prep
[00:26:00] The power of presence and live attention in comedy
[00:33:00] What comedians offer that motivational speakers don’t
[00:36:00] How Pep uses AI to show the limits of artificial humour
[00:41:00] Using comedy to defuse fear and build connection
[00:44:00] Parallel skills: being a lawyer vs. being a comedian
[00:50:00] The energy difference between live and virtual comedy
[00:55:00] Defining Work Laugh Balance: credibility without sterility
[01:00:00] What’s next for Pep, where to find his work, and closing thoughts

Links
Pep on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pep-rosenfeld-394b2424/
Boom Chicago, Pep's Amsterdam comedy club - https://boomchicago.nl/
Work Laugh Balance - https://amzn.eu/d/678xGYN

If you eniyed this episode, then you might also like these previous episodes of the show:

Comedy writer Paul Dornan on Being Truly Funny - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/paul-dornan-on-being-truly-funny/
Improv Comedian Neil Mullarkey on Being In The Moment - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/neil-mullarkey-on-being-in-the-moment/
Impressionist Josh Berry on Comedy, Satire and Impressions - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/josh-berry-on-comedy-satire-impressions-part-one/