Should we bring humour to work?

Can it help us connect and achieve more, or risk making us seem trivial?

Our guest today, Drew Tarvin, learned engineering in school and was hired for his technical skills. Yet, it was humour—not engineering—that became his edge in the workplace.

By using humour, he diffused tension, built strong relationships, influenced others, and accelerated his career. This led him to create Humor That Works, a company that has helped 10,000+ leaders in over 100 organisations—including IBM, GE, and the FBI—harness humour to lead effectively.

In this episode, Drew shares how humour can amplify leadership and why it’s more than just a tool for entertainment. As someone who typically discusses purpose and fulfilment, I found this conversation a powerful reminder that humour can add depth to even the most serious work.

Episode Shownotes
https://howtolive.life/episode/080-humour-at-work-with-Drew-Tarvin

Related Episode
#059 Creativity at work with Eshan Ponnadurai
Spotify: https://howtolive.life/ep59spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://howtolive.life/ep59apple

Connect with Matthew
https://drewtarvin.com/

Next Wave
6 month program for high performers hitting 40s and beyond to design the next phase of life. Register interest below -
https://www.sharadlal.net/nextwave

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Searching for meaning in life and work? The secret isn’t in those rare, life-altering moments—it’s hidden in the small, everyday moments we often overlook.

The key? Storytelling.

Even if we don’t share them, simply turning our experiences into stories in our own minds can transform how we see ourselves and our lives. It’s how we grow, learn, and ultimately, find deeper purpose.

In today's podcast, I’m joined by master storyteller and five-time Moth GrandSLAM champion, Matthew Dicks. If you’re not familiar with The Moth, it’s New York City’s iconic storytelling platform, and Matthew has dominated it, winning 52 StorySLAMs.

Beyond that, Matthew co-founded Speak Up, a storytelling organisation that has helped thousands craft more compelling stories. His Homework for Life project is a powerful tool for anyone looking to enrich their daily life through storytelling, one small step at a time.

If you're looking for simple, practical ways to find more meaning and connection in your life, this episode is for you.

Episode Shownotes
https://howtolive.life/episode/079-finding-meaning-in-everyday-stories-with-matthew-dicks

Related Episode
#068 Connecting the dots to purpose with Marc Nicholson
Spotify: https://howtolive.life/ep68spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://howtolive.life/ep68apple

Connect with Matthew
https://matthewdicks.com/

Next Wave
6 month program for high performers hitting 40s and beyond to design the next phase of life. Register interest below -
https://www.sharadlal.net/nextwave

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About Sharad Lal
https://www.sharadlal.net/

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Ever felt like a jack of all trades, master of none? Think again! Welcome to the world of Portfolio Life!

Just like a financial portfolio, it’s about bringing together all your passions, talents, and needs—balancing them to create a fulfilling life on your own terms

It starts by understanding what truly matters to you: income, flexibility, creativity, intellectual stimulation, family responsibilities, and more. From there, you can design a life that accommodates all these dimensions. And just like rebalancing a portfolio, you can adjust with each new chapter of your life—minimising risks while maximising joy and fulfilment.

In the latest episode of the How to Live Podcast, I sit down with Christina Wallace—serial entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, and the creator of The Portfolio Life.

Christina has done it all: she’s worked with BCG, started multiple businesses, and found her sweet spot at the intersection of business, technology, and the arts. Today, she teaches at Harvard Business School, produces Broadway shows, writes bestselling books, raises two kids, and even sings in a choir!

If you want to learn how to create your own Portfolio Life—blending passions, multiple income streams, and a sense of purpose—this episode is a must-listen!

Episode Shownotes
https://howtolive.life/episode/078-crafting-a-portfolio-life-with-christina-wallace

3 Questions to ask yourself

1. When have you seen me happiest?
2. What do you come to me for?
3. Where do I stand our against my peers?

Related Episode
#064 How to Live with Derek Sivers
Spotify: https://howtolive.life/ep64spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://howtolive.life/ep64apple

Connect with Christina
https://christinawallace.com/

Next Wave
6 month program for high performers hitting 40s and beyond to design the next phase of life. Register interest below -
https://www.sharadlal.net/nextwave

Leave us a message
https://howtolive.life/contact

About Sharad Lal
https://www.sharadlal.net/

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