What if the secret to building a high-performing team wasn’t in your systems, but in your sense of humour? In this episode, Hayley Bohan is joined by the always-energizing Michael Kerr — international speaker, author, and “Workplace Energizer” — to unpack how small businesses can lead with intention, laugh more, and create cultures that don’t suck the soul out of their people.

If you’re a small business owner juggling all the hats and hiring your first few team members, this one’s for you.

Michael Kerr is a Canadian Hall of Fame speaker, founder of Humour at Work, and the author of nine books — including his latest, Small Moments, Big Outcomes: How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results. For over 25 years, he’s been travelling the globe to help organizations create more collaborative, humane, and hilariously effective workplaces. Learn more at mikekerr.com.

• Why humour is a leadership superpower (even if you don’t think you’re funny)

• Michael’s leap from senior leadership to solo-preneur speaker — and what made it stick

• The difference between managing and leading culture (yes, even with just 2 employees!)

• What happens when values are just words on a wall — and how to bring them to life

• The ROI of culture: retention, trust, and brand reputation

• Why a sense of purpose makes employees stay (even when they get better offers)

• The one value that transformed a company’s culture: “100% Jerk-Free Workplace”

• Plus: Michael’s practical tips on building culture without spending more money or time

• Michael’s book: Small Moments, Big Outcomes

• Michael’s Website

• Michael on LinkedIn

• Michael on YouTube

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

If you’re building a brand that’s rooted in purpose and people, don’t just focus on the outside perception. Start from the inside — and lead with humour.

• (00:00:01) - Daring Heart and Strategy in Small Business Marketing
• (00:01:41) - How to Change a Soul Sucking Workplace
• (00:06:01) - Why Leaders Should Lead With Humor
• (00:10:22) - How to Build a Culture of Excellence in your Business
• (00:17:31) - Importance of values in a small business
• (00:21:25) - The Value of Humor at Work
• (00:24:59) - How to Train Your Dog to Sleep
• (00:26:48) - Building a Business on a Slow Start
• (00:31:50) - Do You Get Any Repeat Jobs?
• (00:33:06) - How to Think of Yourself as a Culture Leader
• (00:35:26) - A sense of purpose in the workplace
• (00:42:15) - Valuing your Employees: The 2
• (00:43:22) - How to Build a Culture of Excellence
• (00:45:14) - A message about leadership and culture
• (00:46:38) - Daring Dreams