The Summer Shelf: Books to Inspire Better Leaders
By: Brittany Teepe
Summer Reading Series Kickoff: Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas
Summer has a way of reminding us to slow down, recharge, and make room for the things that inspire us. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, traveling with family, enjoying a long weekend, or simply finding a little more breathing room in your schedule, the summer months offer the perfect opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce The Summer Shelf: Books to Inspire Better Leaders – a summer reading series featuring books that explore leadership, workplace culture, connection, personal growth, and the small shifts that can make a big difference in how we show up every day.
And what better way to kick things off than with a book that reminds us that leadership doesn’t always have to be so serious? Enter: Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas.
This book explores a simple but powerful idea: humor is more than just a way to get a laugh – it’s a leadership tool. (And yes, this is your permission slip to appreciate a good workplace meme, a perfectly timed joke, or the colleague who knows how to bring a little levity when the day needs it most.)
But Humor, Seriously goes far beyond funny stories and punchlines. Aaker and Bagdonas explore the science behind humor and explain how it can strengthen relationships, improve communication, boost creativity, and create more connected teams.
One of the biggest messages throughout the book is that humor is a skill we can intentionally develop. The authors describe humor as a “superpower”, not because it makes us the funniest person in the room, but because it helps us connect with others. And connection is at the heart of great leadership.
In today’s workplaces, where trust, engagement, and belonging are more important than ever, humor can be an underrated leadership advantage. A leader who creates moments of connection, encourages authenticity, and brings a little humanity into the workplace can help teams feel more comfortable sharing ideas, solving problems, and collaborating.
The book also challenges the idea that professionalism and humor are opposites. Too often, we assume that being a strong leader means always being polished, serious, and perfectly composed. But Aaker and Bagdonas remind us that people connect with people – not job titles. Great leaders know that people don’t just remember what you said; they remember how you made them feel.
A thoughtful moment of humor can lower barriers, make difficult conversations easier, and help teams navigate challenges with more resilience. The authors explore how humor can create psychological safety – the kind of environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and even admitting when they don’t have all the answers. And perhaps one of the most important reminders from this book: humor doesn’t mean becoming the office comedian.
You don’t need to be the person telling jokes in every meeting or trying to create a stand-up routine during your next presentation. (Please don’t add “corporate comedian” to your job description just yet.) Instead, humor is about awareness, empathy, and timing. It’s about recognizing the moments where a little lightness can create connection.
Think about the leaders who have made an impact in your career. Chances are, they weren’t just the ones who delivered great results. They were the ones who made meetings feel less intimidating, encouraged conversations, helped people relax, and created an environment where people could bring their full selves to work. That’s the real power of humor.
As we begin The Summer Shelf, Humor, Seriously is the perfect reminder that leadership is not just about strategies, goals, and performance metrics. It’s about relationships. It’s about culture. It’s about creating workplaces where people feel connected and motivated to do their best work.
Because while leadership is serious business…it doesn’t mean leaders have to take themselves too seriously.
☀️ Key Takeaways from Humor, Seriously
- Humor is a leadership skill.
The best leaders use humor intentionally to build trust, create connections, and strengthen relationships. - Connection comes before collaboration.
Teams work better when people feel comfortable being themselves and engaging openly with one another. - Professional doesn’t have to mean serious all the time.
Authenticity, warmth, and personality can make leaders more effective – not less. - Humor can create stronger workplace cultures.
A little laughter can reduce tension, encourage creativity, and help people feel like they belong. - The goal isn’t to be funny; it’s to be human.
The most impactful leaders don’t perform leadership; they create meaningful moments with the people around them.
Humor, Seriously is the perfect reminder that leadership isn’t about being the most serious person in the room; it’s about being the person who helps others feel valued, connected, and ready to contribute.
As we continue through The Summer Shelf, we’ll explore more books and ideas that help leaders grow, teams thrive, and workplaces become stronger – one page at a time!
Connect with us today by visiting cleindy.com and subscribing to all blog content!