What does it mean to lead with authenticity, spark engagement through play, and truly unlock both individual and team potential? In this lively episode of Uspire Unlocked, Amanda welcomes Em Stroud, entrepreneur, bestselling author, global speaker, comedian, and coach whose mission is to help the world laugh more, think more, and play more. From selling double glazing at 16 years old to studying theatre in Italy, to coaching high-level executives and performing in a banana suit at TEDx!. Em Stroud shares her vibrant journey. She reveals how reimagining leadership through empathy, joy, and creativity can transform organisations and why laughter and kindness are business-critical, not just “nice-to-haves.” Discover how reframing meetings, embracing different “play styles,” and intentionally building your support system can help leaders foster resilience, happiness, and high performance in a fast-changing world. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Intro: Meet Em Stroud, comedian, author, speaker, and fearless advocate for laughter and play in leadership 02:17 Fusing performance with executive coaching 07:26 Balancing business, team, and clients for mutual success 10:08 Why leaders should change seats and challenge meeting norms 12:01 Walking meetings and unlocking new thinking 13:53 Lighting up the room and reawakening humanity in dark times 15:05 Proving the real ROI of play, kindness, and fun at work 18:45 Why creativity is the future superpower 19:47 How a playful team exercise saved days of meetings and better results 23:28 Why every leader needs a support network for growth and resilience 27:43 Em Stroud’s core values freedom, fun, curiosity, and kindness 30:51 Top tip for leaders: Practice “just being” 2 minutes a day 32:42 The pizza of life: Inside Em Stroud’s next book Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this conversation will inspire you to bring more authenticity, creativity, and joy into your leadership journey one slice (and one laugh) at a time. About The Uspire Partnership: The Uspire Partnership: Building the future of business The Uspire Partnership helps businesses evolve. From start-up, scale-up, to corporate growth, we build ecosystems that empower your organisation, elevate your leaders, and drive lasting transformation. Their collective of specialist brands build confidence, capability, capacity, and connection for companies across the full business lifecycle. Their family includes; Uspire – Leadership and commercial development designed to build capable leaders and high-performing teamsBe Human – Empathy training helping organisations embed human connection into businessEnergise Partners – A growth and transformation partner for scaling businessesBusiness Doctors – Trusted advisors helping small businesses achieve their vision Together, The Uspire Partnership builds human-led solutions that unlock confidence, inspire growth and deliver lasting transformation. Connect with The Uspire Partnership: Website: www.theuspirepartnership.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Em Stroud: Em Stroud is The Comic Coach — a speaker, MC, performer, and bestselling author who helps leaders and teams unlock creativity, resilience, and better performance through play. With over 20 years’ experience across impro, theatre, and leadership development, Em works globally with organisations to build cultures of trust and innovation and a more joyful work place. A two-time TEDx speaker (one as a banana), Em is currently on tour with her new one-woman show, The Em Show. Her podcast ‘Clowning Around Again’ will launch in April this year. Produced by Winter Audio
