Kathy Klotz-Guest

Kathy Klotz-Guest is a powerhouse speaker, author, and former Silicon Valley tech executive with a mission to create braver, healthier workplaces. Drawing on over two decades of leading high-performing teams in product, marketing, and communications, as well as her background in stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy—including performances at the iconic Second City—Kathy has developed a groundbreaking approach to leadership and culture. Her philosophy, called Brave Fuel℠, is built on the idea that humor, trust, and connection are the catalysts for courage, creativity, and innovation.

While leading teams by day and performing comedy by night, Kathy noticed a striking pattern: workplaces that prioritize trust and connection consistently outperform those that don’t. Through humor and playfulness, she discovered how to create environments where bold ideas flourish, collaboration thrives, and fear is replaced by courage. Her unique leadership mindset draws from the principles of improv, such as “I got your back” and “Yes, and”, fostering psychological safety that empowers teams to think boldly and adapt in uncertain times.

Kathy’s impact extends far beyond the workplace. She founded Keeping it Human℠ in 2010, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations communicate and innovate more effectively. Her Amazon top-10 book, Stop Boring Me!, has been celebrated as a “must-read” for leaders, and her insights on humor and leadership have been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, and Inc. She also teaches two highly acclaimed LinkedIn Learning courses: Leading with Improv and Humor: A Leader’s Guide to Building Team Trust, equipping leaders with tools to build resilient, connected teams.