Greg Schwem

Humor is Serious Business…But We Should Still be Laughing

In a hilarious, yet at times controversial presentation, renowned business humorist and award-winning Chicago Tribune humor columnist Greg Schwem challenges his audience to realize that eliminating, or curtailing humor in the workplace environment also stifles creativity and teamwork. For those who say, “we aren’t a funny company” or “this isn’t a good time for us to be laughing,” Greg disagrees. Using real world examples, Greg explores how companies have increased sales and overcome negative publicity through humor. What one generation finds “offensive” or “inappropriate” might be deemed perfectly acceptable to another generation. Who is correct? Greg offers suggestions for how to navigate this slippery slope while laughing the entire time. He also shows how humor helped lift this country’s emotions during the COVID-19 crisis while helping businesses cope with the worst possible scenarios. Don’t believe that’s possible? Then you haven’t heard of the suburban Chicago restaurant that offered a free roll of toilet paper with every takeout order! 

Turning Gut Punches into Punch Lines

In January 2024, while in the midst of a late in life divorce, corporate comedian and business humor speaker Greg Schwem was diagnosed with a malignant tumor lying flat on his colon. Divorce and cancer in one year. Other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?

Facing an uncertain outcome, Schwem was forced to adopt what he had been preaching to corporate clients such as Microsoft, Oracle, and AT&T for years: Locate humor in the

unfunniest of situations, during times when everything seems hopeless.

With a laptop propped up on hospital pillows, Schwem began writing…and writing…and writing. The result was Turning Gut Punches into Punch Lines, a hilarious, multimedia-fueled keynote speech that teaches audience members how to always be on the lookout for “the funny,” use humor to battle personal struggles, business challenges, or both, and emerge happier. It starts, Schewm says, by admitting you are the “least interesting person in the room” and letting others provide the laughs.

Some insights from the presentation, most of which was written without the help of pain

medication:

• My surgeon kept telling me passing gas any time was a good thing. I handed him my phone and said, “Please call my ex and repeat what you just said.”
• Everyone has a great, and funny story to tell, if you’re willing to listen and show genuine interest.
• I started watching TikTok videos of doctors giving health advice. One was called “Five Foods NEVER to Keep in your Refrigerator” After 30 seconds I realized it could easily be titled, “Five Foods Greg Schwem ALWAYS keeps in his Refrigerator.’

Work, Laugh, Repeat

Perfect for any group that needs a humorous break from the serious side of business. Despite its therapeutic qualities, laughter is often absent from the business environment. Schwem shows it is possible to laugh at work and about work. Audience members will put down their iPads and Blackberries and laugh along with him as he good-naturedly discusses topics such as Smart Phone abuse, social network overload, never-ending conference calls, “frequently” asked questions, and home office workers. His preparation includes company web site research, phone conferences and maybe even a personal visit!

Rock, Roll and Laugh Your Way to the Top

Greg Schwem knows a thing or two about rock and roll. As a comedian who has opened concerts for stars ranging from Keith Urban, to Celine Dion, to Enrique Iglesias to (wait for it) KC and the Sunshine Band, Schwem has seen how rock and roll is really a business. Like your business. In short? Every company and employee has “rock star” potential. Schwem shows you how to achieve that potential in a highly motivational presentation that combines hilarious comedy, live concert footage and a musical soundtrack featuring everything from classic rock to country to Lollapalooza. Topics include “Why Every Office Needs a Keith Richards,” “Are you Team Taylor or Team Kanye?” and “Don’t Let Your Company Become a Country Song.”

Meeting Emcee/Video Host

A good emcee needs to multitask. He must keep the event moving, be adept at improvisation and work efficiently with all participants onstage. Greg Schwem has hosted everything from a one-hour awards ceremony for 200 BAE Systems engineers to a three-day conference for 6,000 McDonald’s restaurant managers, to a virtual webinar for IBM customers. He is equally at ease chatting with a company CEO live on stage, pronouncing (correctly) the names of awards recipients, or conducting humorous on-camera interviews with meeting attendees.