What if the key to innovation and stronger teams isn’t more structure—but more creativity? In this episode, Jeff Rogers shares how his background in improv comedy and work with Second City shaped his approach to leadership, storytelling, and corporate transformation.
From building trust within teams to shifting mindsets from risk-avoidance to exploration, Jeff breaks down how organizations can unlock creativity and take meaningful action. You’ll also hear powerful insights on why people fear judgment—not public speaking, how small perspective shifts can change outcomes, and why embracing an “explorer’s mindset” is essential in today’s fast-changing world.
About the Guest:
Jeff Rogers is an award-winning keynote speaker, professional emcee, and creativity expert with over 25 years of experience engaging corporate audiences. Known for his high-energy, interactive style, he blends improvisation, storytelling, and innovation to help organizations think differently, collaborate effectively, and take meaningful action.
Jeff began his career as an award-winning stand-up comedian before being discovered by Amy Sedaris and encouraged to train at Second City. He went on to perform alongside renowned comedians such as Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler, honing the improvisational techniques that now define his work with business leaders.
Today, Jeff is a nationally recognized speaker and storytelling champion, delivering keynotes, workshops, and hosted events that drive innovation, strengthen culture, and inspire teams to move from uncertainty to unstoppable momentum. He is also an international best-selling author and creator of the PLAYMaker Mindset, a framework that combines creativity, collaboration, and the science of play to unlock breakthrough thinking and performance.
Beyond the stage, Jeff has worked as a TV host, screenwriter, and creative director—including leading the inaugural Chicago Ideas Week—and has appeared in commercials and television shows for major brands. His work focuses on helping organizations align purpose, ignite creativity, and build cultures that thrive in times of change.
Website: https://www.jeffrogersunlimited.com/
About the Host:
Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE is one of the top 5 most award-winning speakers in the world. His Top 1% TEDx video has over 2.8 million views, his 27 books are translated into multiple languages, including 3 International bestsellers. He is a Certified Virtual Presenter and past National President of the National Speakers Association. Jim’s PBS television programs, podcast appearances and radio shows have reached millions of Success Seekers and he is often retained to advise achievers and their companies.
Even his colleagues, some of the top speakers in the world, have hired Jim to speak at their own events. Jim is an Executive MBA Professor at California Lutheran University School of Management and serves as their first Entrepreneur in Residence. He has been inducted into the Sales & Marketing Hall of Fame in London for his pioneering work with his concept of “Relationship Selling.” He is also in the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and has received The Cavett Award and The Golden Gavel Award.
Jim has written 27 books, hundreds of articles and he is always writing at least one new book. His most recent book is HI-REV for Small Business, The Faster Way to Profits . Audiences buy his books by the hundreds and he happily adds autograph sessions to his speeches.
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