White Elephants, Cuss Boxes and Cheating Jerry Lewis
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
Release Date: 09/17/2021
When Things Get Awkward
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
Humor isn’t just for laughs—it can be a powerful tool for navigating awkward or uncomfortable situations with grace and confidence. In this story, keynote speaker Jan McInnis shares a memorable moment when a potentially embarrassing wardrobe mishap could’ve overshadowed an entire presentation. Instead, with a quick wit and a well-timed joke, she not only saved the moment but also connected with the audience and diffused the tension in the room. It’s a great reminder that finding the funny can turn even the most cringeworthy situations into opportunities for connection. Jan...
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"Trust Me" is Not a Good Business Plan
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
Think contracts are just boring paperwork? Think again. This real-life tale dives into what happens when a “sure thing” gig turns into a disappearing act—thanks to one agent’s total fear of commitment (to a contract, that is). It’s funny, frustrating, and a little too relatable for anyone who’s ever said yes without seeing the fine print. If you've ever trusted a handshake and hoped for the best, you’ll want to read this. Spoiler: it ends with a bang… and not the kind you expect. Jan McInnis is a top change management keynote speaker and comedian. She uses short...
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Thanks for the Feedback . . . I Think!
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
What really happens when a keynote speaker doesn’t get the gig? In this episode, Jan pulls back the curtain on the wild, weird, and sometimes downright baffling feedback she’s received after not being chosen for events. From strange selection methods to unexpected competition, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories that are equal parts hilarious and head-scratching. If you've ever wondered what goes on in the speaker selection process—or just want a good laugh—you don’t want to miss this one. Jan McInnis is a top change management keynote speaker and comedian. She uses...
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Out of the Blue & Kinda Weird
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
Curious what not to do when asking for career advice? In this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of humor keynotes and professional speaking, veteran keynote speaker Jan McInnis shares a wild ride of missteps, missed calls, and misplaced expectations—all sparked by a surprise request from an old comedy colleague. It’s a true tale filled with lessons on timing, tact, and how not to burn bridges before you’ve even crossed them. Jan McInnis is a top change management keynote speaker and comedian. She uses short funny stories to emphasize her tips on how businesses can use humor...
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Climbing to the Top of the Pile, 1 Joke at a Time (writing for Jay Leno)
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
Breaking into a crowded field can feel daunting, but persistence pays off in surprising ways. In this behind-the-scenes glimpse into a comedy career, you'll hear about the thrill of receiving that very first joke check from Jay Leno’s Tonight Show monologue—without even knowing which joke sold. Not only did I sell jokes to to him, BUT I also got some cool industry perks, memorable introductions, and an unforgettable moment of validation. Jan McInnis is a top keynote speaker, funny female motivational speaker, comedian, Master of Ceremonies, and comedy writer. She has written for Jay...
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How I Got Cheated Out of My Biggest Break in Comedy
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
Trying to get stage time at the Laugh Factory in L.A. is a big deal—especially if you’re hoping to get in front of Jamie Masada, the guy who helped launch tons of comedy careers. This story’s all about the hustle, calling in favors, and navigating the weird world of showbiz politics. It’s a real-life peek into how things almost happen in Hollywood—and what you learn when they don’t. Jan McInnis is a top keynote speaker, funny female motivational speaker, comedian, Master of Ceremonies, and comedy writer. She has written for Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show monologues as well as many...
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Oh Darn, a Woman Comic
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
People always ask what it’s like being a woman in the male-dominated world of stand-up, and the truth is—it’s mostly fine… but there are a couple things that drive me nuts. This is a fun peek into what what I've had people say to my face, and how I've handled it! Jan McInnis is a top keynote speaker, funny female motivational speaker, comedian, Master of Ceremonies, and comedy writer. She has written for Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show monologues as well as many other people, places, and groups—radio, TV, syndicated cartoon strips, guests on The Jerry Springer Show (her parents are...
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3 Nights in Hawaii for 16 Minutes on Stage
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
Imagine flying to Hawaii for a humor keynote, only to have everything shift in a way you never saw coming. As a keynote speaker, comedian, and corporate speaker, I know that timing, adaptability, and engaging an audience are everything—but this was a whole new challenge. With the pressure on and no room for error, I had to think fast and use comedy in business to keep the energy high. What happened next proved that sometimes, the best moments in public speaking come when you least expect them, and that workplace humor can turn any situation into a success. Jan McInnis is a top keynote...
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Comedy Under Pressure
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
In this episode, comedian and keynote speaker Jan McInnis takes us behind the scenes of a high-stakes convention show that could make or break her career. With pressure mounting from every angle—an intimidating crowd, a skeptical agent, and a fellow comic with a history—she had no idea how the night would unfold. Tune in for a gripping and hilarious story about resilience, surprises, and finding the funny in unexpected places. Jan McInnis is a top keynote speaker, funny female motivational speaker, comedian, Master of Ceremonies, and comedy writer. She has written for Jay Leno’s...
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My Rideshare Nightmares
Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian
Ever wondered what really goes on behind the wheel of a rideshare? As someone who relies on Uber and Lyft for travel, I’ve had some eye-opening experiences—some hilarious, some frustrating, and some downright nerve-wracking. From reckless drivers to unexpected fare demands and surprising last-minute changes, these rides have taught me a lot about safety, preparation, and the importance of professionalism. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just curious about the wild world of ridesharing, take a listen to the things that happened to me LAST YEAR! Jan McInnis is a top keynote...
info_outlineFunny comedian & top keynote speaker Jan McInnis's unique, fun and useful ideas will help you develop solutions to your own work and life issues.
Jan is an established comedy writer. She's sold material for Jay Leno’s Tonight Show monologue on the Tonight Show as well as many other people, places and groups – radio, TV, syndicated cartoon strips, and even guests on the Jerry Springer show (her parents are proud).
For over 25+ years she’s traveled country as a comedian, keynote speaker, and Master of Ceremonies. She's shared her clean comedy with thousands of organizations, and her business tips with thousands of corporations and associations. She's been onstage in front of everyone from the Mayo Clinic to several of the Federal Reserve Banks. Jan is also currently co-starring in the Baby Boomer Comedy Show, touring theatres with comedian Kent Rader, and she is also an excellent Master of Ceremonies!
Jan is the author of two books "Finding the Funny Fast – How to Create Quick Humor to Connect with Clients, Coworkers & Crowds," and "Convention Comedian – Stories and Wisdom From Two Decades of Chicken Dinners and Comedy Clubs." Her short stories can be heard on her popular podcast: "Comedian Stories: Tales From the Road in Under 5 Minutes."
What's in store every week?
Monday – Friday – Jan offers a quick tip for managing work and personal life
Saturday – a tip for Finding the Funny . . . Jan will help you find the funny in your life with a quick tip on using humor
Sunday – It's time to sit back and enjoy a minute of Jan's clean comedy from her shows
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Mayo Clinic
Abbott Pharmaceuticals
Sanofi Aventis Pharmaceuticals
Kaiser-Permanente
Davita Dialysis Centers
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
National Council for Prescription Drug Companies
Organization of Nurse Leaders
Federal Reserve Banks
BDO Accounting
Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group
Merrill Lynch
American Institute of CPAs
National League of Cities
International Worker's Compensation Fund
LA County Management Association
Social Security Administration
Southern California Public Power Authority
U.S. Air Force
American Heart Associations
Go Red For Women luncheons
Speaking of Women's Health
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Toyota Women’s Conference
Women in Insurance and Financial Services
Soroptimists
Women in Film & Video
Henry Ford Health Centers Women’s Event
Breast cancer awareness
School Business Officials associations
School superintendent associations
School boards associations
State education associations
Community college associations
Head Start associations
Texas adult protective services
Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals
International Association of Emergency Managers
Disney Emergency Managers
COPIC
Salt Lake County Public Works and Municipal Services Disaster Recovery Conference
Pennsylvania Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health conference
Mid Atlantic Safety conference and Chesapeake Regional Safety Council
Risk associations