Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Joel Zeff, International Keynote Speaker, Work Culture Expert, Humorist, and Author of "Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work," who highlights his new book and discusses the power of improv to teach valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. During the interview, Joel shares his career transformation from journalism and advertising to becoming an international keynote speaker and author, highlighting how his journey into stand-up and improvisational comedy led to his current speaking career. He discusses the power of improv and fun in workplace presentations, emphasizing how it engages audiences and teaches valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Joel also shares insights about his book, which reflects on his speaking experiences and favorite stories, while emphasizing the universal principles of improv that can lead to success and fulfillment in any field.
From Journalism to Keynote Speaker
Joel Zeff shares his journey from journalism and advertising to becoming an international keynote speaker and author. He explains how losing his job at a newspaper led him to explore stand-up and improvisation comedy, which eventually led to speaking opportunities. Joel's career as a speaker began when a client from his agency job asked him to perform improv comedy at an executive retreat.
Improv for Engaging Workplace Presentations
Joel discusses the power of improv and fun in workplace presentations, emphasizing how it engages audiences and teaches valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. He explains that improv creates opportunities for people to showcase hidden talents and fosters positive support, which leads to increased engagement and openness to the message. Joel also describes his approach as a speaker and conductor, adjusting his involvement based on the audience volunteers' performance to create ownership and passion. He highlights that improv is a tool to convey important messages about leadership, communication, and innovation in a visual and engaging manner.
Embracing Change in Improv and Life
Joel discusses his book, which is a love letter to his speaking engagements and improv experiences. He shares a favorite story about an introduction mix-up that turned into a memorable moment, illustrating the importance of embracing change and staying in the game. Joel emphasizes that the principles of improv, such as being open to change and staying present, are universal and applicable to success in any field. He hopes readers will be inspired by the book to find passion and fulfillment in their work.
Book Writing and Motivation Insights
Joel discusses the process of writing his book, which he found energizing and inspiring. He explains that reflecting on his stories and their impact on audiences fuels his motivation to continue helping people. Joel emphasizes the importance of having a full "tank" of positive support to drive success and overcome challenges. He mentions that the book-writing process was particularly motivating after the disruption caused by Covid-19. Joel provides information on where to purchase his book and how to connect with him, offering a free chapter to those who reach out through his website and who mention "cityCURRENT."
Visit https://www.joelzeff.com to connect with Joel Zeff and to learn more about his book and speaking.