Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas - Authors of Humor Seriously: Why Humor Is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life (And how anyone can harness it. Even you.)
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Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, professors at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, discuss the significance of humor, happiness, and meaning in both business and life. They co-authored the book "Humor, Seriously: Why Humor is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life" and teach courses that aim to provide students with a healthy dose of humanity and an intellectual perspective that only humor can bring.
Aaker and Bagdonas believe in the power of humor to make positive change in the world and achieve business objectives. They teach courses at the MBA level and also work with inmates at San Francisco's county jail, finding that their concepts resonate with students of all ages and backgrounds.
The definition of happiness changes over the course of life, with different priorities and values emerging at different stages. The relationship between money and happiness or meaning is complex, with studies suggesting that beyond a certain base amount, factors like connection, learning, and making a positive impact bring more happiness than wealth.
The ability to find meaning in negative experiences has a significant impact on an individual's happiness and their ability to handle future challenges. Aaker and Bagdonas discuss examples of leaders who effectively use humor in business, such as Sara Blakely and Leslie Blodgett, and share stories about individuals like Hiroki Asahi and Secretary Madeleine Albright who used humor to create a positive and playful atmosphere in their respective workplaces.
The episode concludes with Guy Kawasaki thanking Naomi Bagdonas and sharing a personal story about an encounter he had that challenged stereotypes. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of humor, happiness, and meaning in business and life, and highlights the power of humor to make positive change and achieve business objectives.
Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, professors at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, discuss the