In "Humor, Seriously," authors Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas unveil the untapped power of humor within the realms of business and personal achievement. Drawing from their acclaimed course at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, this insightful book presents humor not as a mere frivolity but as a formidable tool to enhance competence, creativity, and resilience. With a foundation built on comprehensive research and enriched by wisdom from world-class comedians and leading business figures, Aaker and Bagdonas guide readers through the art and science of humor. They argue convincingly that incorporating humor into our daily interactions can fortify relationships, amplify our ability to persuade and motivate, and cultivate an environment where creativity and joy thrive. Beyond just theory, "Humor, Seriously" offers practical strategies for enlivening one’s professional and personal life through laughter. The authors dissect what makes things genuinely funny and teach readers how to mine their experiences for comedic gold. From making impactful first impressions to delivering tough feedback or fostering a lighter, more innovative company culture, the book is replete with actionable advice to leverage humor in making real connections and achieving genuine success. Aaker and Bagdonas not only show how humor can be intentionally wielded but also navigate the nuances of keeping it appropriate and recovering gracefully from missteps. This book promises to transform your perception of humor from a trivial afterthought to a critical skill set, essential for leadership, resilience, and making meaningful progress in today’s world.