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How I Got Cheated Out of My Biggest Break in Comedy

Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips From a Comedian

Release Date: 04/17/2025

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...

"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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

https://www.theWorkLady.com 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 proud). For over 25 years, she’s traveled the country as a keynote speaker and comedian, sharing her unique and practical tips on how to use humor in business (yes, it’s a business skill!). She's been featured in The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post for her clean humor, and she's the author of two books: Finding the Funny Fast – How to Create Quick Humor to Connect with Clients, Coworkers, and Crowds, and Convention Comedian: Stories and Wisdom From Two Decades of Chicken Dinners and Comedy Clubs. She also has a popular podcast titled Comedian Stories: Tales From the Road in Under 5 Minutes. In her former life, she was a marketing executive in Washington, D.C. for national non-profits, and she received the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives “Excellence in Education” Award. Jan’s been featured at thousands of events from the Federal Reserve Banks to the Mayo Clinic.

Jan McInnis shows businesses how to use humor in everything from sales to human resources in dealing with staff, coworkers, clients and potential clients.

https://www.TheWorkLady.com https://youtu.be/BtjxzDn-QLE https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmcinnis https://twitter.com/janmcinnis https://www.pinterest.com/janmcinnis/pins/ https://www.youtube.com/c/JanMcInnisComedian https://www.facebook.com/ComedianJanMcInnis https://www.instagram.com/jan.mcinnis/

Jan has shared her humor keynotes from Fortune 500 companies to international associations. Groups such as . .. Healthcare. . . Mayo Clinic, Health Information Management Associations, Healthcare Financial Management Associations, Hospitals, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Kaiser-Permanente, Davita Dialysis Centers, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Home Healthcare Associations, Assisted Living Associations, Healthcare Associations, National Council for Prescription Drug Companies, Organization of Nurse Leaders, Medical Group Management Associations, Healthcare Risk Associations, Healthcare Quality Associations

Financial. . . Federal Reserve Banks, BDO Accounting, Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group, Merrill Lynch, treasury management associations, bankers associations, credit unions, Money Transmitter Regulators Association, Finance Officers Associations, automated clearing house associations, American Institute of CPAs, financial planning companies, Securities, Insurance, Licensing Association

Government . . . purchasing officers associations, city clerks, International Institute of Municipal Clerks, National League of Cities, International Worker's Compensation Fund, correctional associations, LA County Management Association, Social Security Administration, Southern California Public Power Authority, public utilities, U.S. Air Force, public personnel associations, public procurement associations, risk management associations, Rehabilitation associations, rural housing associations, community action associations

Women's Events. . . American Heart Associations, Go Red For Women luncheons, Speaking of Women's Health, International Association of Administrative Professionals, administrative professionals events, Toyota Women’s Conference, Women in Insurance and Financial Services, Soroptimists, Women in Film & Video, ladies night out events, Henry Ford Health Centers Women’s Event, spirit of women events, breast cancer awareness,

Education . . . School Business Officials associations, school superintendent associations, school boards associations, state education associations, community college associations, school administrators associations, school plant managers associations, Head Start associations, Texas adult protective services, school nutrition associations, Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals, principal associations, library associations

Emergency, safety, and Disaster . . . International Association of Emergency Managers, Disney Emergency Managers, state emergency management associations, insurance groups, 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.

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