Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas Summary
Overview of Humor, Seriously
In "Humor, Seriously," Stanford professors reveal the science behind humor as a business superpower. While laughter decreases in workplaces, top executives prefer employees with humor. Endorsed by bestselling author Daniel Pink, this Wall Street Journal bestseller explains why the funniest leaders often become the most successful.
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Key takeaways
The Laughter Advantage: Why Humor Is Your Professional Secret Weapon
Picture this: Warren Buffett cracking jokes at shareholder meetings. Richard Branson pulling pranks on his executives. Google institutionalizing play alongside productivity. What do these success stories share? They've discovered what behavioral science confirms: humor isn't just enjoyable - it's a competitive advantage. The research is compelling: 98% of executives prefer employees with humor, and 84% believe these employees do better work. Leaders who use self-deprecating humor consistently receive higher ratings on trustworthiness and leadership ability. Yet most of us experience what Stanford professor Jennifer Aaker and executive coach Naomi Bagdonas call "the humor cliff" - the dramatic decline from a four-year-old's 300 daily laughs to a forty-year-old's mere 300 laughs every two and a half months. We've traded authenticity for artificial professionalism, leaving our true selves at the office door. As our workplaces become increasingly digital and disconnected, we don't need more sterile professionalism - we desperately need more authentic human connection. Just a hint of levity can transform a moment from transactional to genuinely relational.
Debunking Myths and Understanding Humor Styles
The Science and Architecture of Humor
Putting Humor to Work in Daily Communication
Leading with Levity and Building Trust
Navigating Humor's Gray Areas
The Spark of Joy: Humor in Work and Life
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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