Avish Parashar

Biography

Avish grew up in “exotic” Poughkeepsie, NY and now makes his home in Philadelphia, PA. Though he performed all through high-school, he decided to stop performing when he went to college to “focus on his studies” (his parents were very proud of this decision).

That resolve lasted only a few months, as the first time he saw an improv comedy show he fell in love (his parents were slightly less proud). One week later he auditioned for the campus improv group, got in, and the rest is history. After graduating, he started Polywumpus Improv Comedy, which performed regularly in and around Philadelphia for seven years. Avish closed up Polywumpus to focus on the speaking and training side of the business – using improv comedy as a tool to teach valuable business skills such as creativity, and adaptability.

Weaving together humorous stories, jokes, audience interaction, and improv comedy games, Avish keeps the audience engaged while imparting a key lesson: Planning is Important, but Improvising is Essential! No matter how well you plan, things will go wrong, surprises will arise, and the Universe will throw you a curveball. Your success and sanity are directly related to how you respond these challenges. By the end of one of Avish’s presentations you will have key tools to flow with all that life throws at you. Avish has spoken to the very creative (actors and directors), the very un-creative (accountants), the very casual (college students), and the very business-like (sales professionals). The end result is always the same – smiles, laughs, and a new way of looking at life and business.

Avish is the author of Improvise to Success! and the Amazon bestselling, Say ‘Yes, And!’ (And yes, his parents are once again very proud.)

Videos

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Testimonials

Thank you for presenting at our CEO Conference. You came highly recommended from our CEO and did not disappoint. Your programme was the perfect way to open our second day; it changed the tone and pace from the first day and allowed our audience to laugh be inspired and energized for the future. The feedback was very positive; your programme was truly memorable and throughout the rest of the conference, people remembered your ‘Ding Happens!’ message. You delivered it in an exciting and fun way, with pertinent and easy-to-understand messages, delivered in a way that was funny and really engaged our crowd. Any organization planning an internal conference would really benefit from the energy, content, and humour that you bring to the event. Thank you again.

– ELIZABETH HARRAWAY, VP Global Corporate Communications, Cobham plc

You were the best keynote speaker I’ve ever heard in all my years in HR!

– DAWN DIXON, HR Generalist, Upper Chesapeake Health

To be honest, there was some concern and resistance when we first thought about hiring Avish because his topic of using improv comedy for business skills is so different from what we normally expect at a financial conference. I am glad we pushed through that – the unique approach turned out to be a perfect fit for our event! The energy, style, interaction, and humor were amazing at getting people motivated and recharged to enjoy the rest of the conference. Not only that, but the message was very applicable to everyone in attendance.

– MELISSA HANSEN, SPEAKER CHAIR, TAMPA BAY ASSOCIATION FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS

I connected with the client today. She said you were ‘amazing.’ She thought you were a ‘perfect mix of funny delivery with appropriate message, kept everyone engaged the entire time, and were a great way to start the conference.

– ASHLEY ANDRUS, Zoe Training (Booking agent)

You set a great tone and energy level for the next 2 days of technical training and meetings. During those next 2 days many people were using the terms and concepts you presented to us about how change and how you choose to responds to it as well as the importance of having fun while you work. You gave us all a new, fun language with which to communicate and we had fun using it!

– SHARON DENZLER, All Risks Limited

I really enjoyed your presentation! A perfect way to end the conference! It was very interesting and of course very funny! We all need to laugh a little more! As a matter of fact, I was walking around this morning, saying Ding happens, because it was, but I am better for it today, thanks to you!

– ANDREA A. ALESI, PHR, HR & Payroll Specialist

We recently hired Avish to kick off our company’s ‘Inspire YOU’ event. We invited our clients to participate and learn ideas and techniques to make them more effective in their work, so needless to say, it was important to make a great impression. Fortunately, Avish did an amazing job, impressed our attendees, and his session was rated as ‘the most exciting’ of the day! The feedback from our attendees was extremely positive. In addition to being hilarious and high-energy, people appreciated being given specific tools they could take back to their organizations and apply and share right away. Avish’s keynote is a perfect way to start or end a conference, and we could not be happier with the job he did!

– KIRSTEN BELL, Communications Specialist, MJ Insurance

I am delighted to offer this recommendation to Avish Parashar for his extraordinary support when a last minute need arose due to weather for a chapter meeting speaker. Without hesitation, Avish willingly accepted our invitation and hit a home run with his interactive, engaging, and wildly FUN program, Ding Happens! I believe Avish was our most highly rated speaker ever, and his message about change management was as informative and memorable as it was entertaining! THANK YOU, Avish! I look forward to partnering with you again in the future!

– DEBBIE DEISSROTH, Dynamic Human Resources Professional, Kennedy Health

Booksby Avish Parashar

Improvise to Success!: 16 Simple But Powerful Principles From Improv Comedy That Will Take You to Personal and Professional Success!

Say "Yes, And!": 2 Little Words That Will Transform Your Career, Organization, and Life!

For Meeting Planners

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Speaker Documents

Presentation Topics

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Blog Posts

Mental Health Awareness: The Mark of a Modern Workplace

🌎✨ As we recognize World Mental Health Day, we're shining a spotlight on critical mental...

What’s Holding You Back from Managing Your Energy Effectively?

Have you ever wanted to get more energy in your day-to-day activities? https://youtu.be/hltabhE0QRM Have you...

Use Improv as a Mindfulness Practice and Improve your Well-Being

🌟 Mental Fitness Through Improv & Mindfulness 🌟 https://youtu.be/xuAhzUGZ438 Mental fitness is not just about...

Innovative Event Strategies to Inspire Your Attendees with Courtney Mesmer

https://youtu.be/1erTgGFdyW8 Watch this week’s podcast episode here: YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon...

Valuable Life Lessons from Parenting & Overcoming Failures

Learn valuable life lessons from overcoming failure and parenting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJTIi-nhq60&list=PLXTlGHk63lLgbS8LN-PENXDzwMdqWAnOm "Life’s greatest lessons come from...

Pink October: Breast Cancer Awareness and the Power of Healing Our Emotional Histories

Pink October: Understanding the Connection Between Emotional Health and Breast Cancer This newsletter is brought...

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Reviews & Ratings

     Excellent  
     Based on 74 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Tim Mooney 
 August 20, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth was on point and tremendous help before and after the event! Two thumbs up!
  
 
       
   Anthony Veneziale 
 August 14, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is the real deal -- he knows the best speakers to make sure your event is successful. I've had the pleasure of working with Seth and The Keynote Curators and he's top notch. Also, his podcast is chock full of great insights and important topics. Thanks Seth!!
  
 
       
   M.D Milloy 
 August 8, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is a great host, very inspirational and professional. Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Aaron Farzam 
 August 3, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keynote speaker searches have been overwhelmingl for me and my team.  Seth made the process easy.  Our expectations were exceeded. Great company. Highly recommended.
  
 
       
   Dante Fabro 
 July 29, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keynote Speaker knowledge is unrivaled by Seth Dechtman and his team at The Keynote Curators.  If your event or conference requires a keynote speaker, call The Keynote Curators.  They are thorough and deliver the goods.  Seth makes sure that you get what you are looking for...in spades. Not to mention, Seth is very down to earth and speaks to people as equals. I really appreciate that. I'd recommend The Keynote Curators any day!
  
 
       
   Jamie Wright 
 July 25, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Found out about these folks through The Keynote Curators podcast - really great stuff!!
  
 
       
   Alison Levine 
 July 10, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great podcast with a wide variety of speakers, topics, and themes. You can learn something unexpected from every episode!
  
 
       
   Victoria Matey 
 June 27, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the pleasure of joining the Keynote Curators podcast as a guest. My experience collaborating with Seth and his team was great - fast, efficient, and most importantly, they are all wonderful human beings!
  
 
       
   Justin Chaffee 
 June 20, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Keybnote Curators and Seth Dechtman are a class act.

Timely, professional, and most of all hit the mark. Cannot recommend them with more emphasis.

If you need a speaker for your event conference or any program, do not hesitate to contact Seth and his team.
  
 
       
   Brandon Grimm 
 June 12, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth Deckman is the only Keynote Curator you’re ever going to need for your events and conferences that require the best Keynote speakers. His attention to detail and true concern about meeting your event’s needs to go above and beyond. I cannot recommend him highly enough call him as soon as you have your speaker need for your next conference or meeting.