Pep Rosenfeld keynote speaker

Pep Rosenfeld is the author of Work Laugh Balance and a keynote speaker who helps organizations reduce social friction and build positive cultures where collaboration, innovation and change actually work.

A co-founder of Boom Chicago, the Amsterdam-based comedy institution that launched the careers of Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, Amber Ruffin and the creators of Ted Lasso, Pep has spent more than 30 years performing, writing and leading in high-pressure environments where performance matters.

Today, he brings those lessons to the business world.

Pep’s interactive keynotes focus on one powerful idea: most organizations don’t struggle because of weak strategy. They struggle because of invisible interpersonal resistance — what he calls social friction. Through tailored stand-up, sharp storytelling and engaging audience interaction, Pep lowers that friction in real time, creating the psychological safety and shared language teams need to collaborate honestly and move faster.

Each keynote is deeply customized. Pep researches your organization and writes original material specifically for your event, demonstrating how humor can open conversations around tough topics — from change and feedback to leadership and ownership. Participants don’t just listen. They engage in improvisation-based exercises right from their seats, practicing skills like active listening, adaptability and clear communication.

In addition to his keynote work, Pep hosts high-profile global events including Nordic Business Forum, TEDx and The Next Web. He has interviewed leaders such as Simon Sinek, Brené Brown and Malcolm Gladwell, and brings that same sharp presence to corporate events for organizations like Google, IBM, ING, Netflix, Novartis and Johnson & Johnson.

Pep was nominated for an Emmy for his writing on Saturday Night Live. Of his book, Adam Grant wrote: “Pep Rosenfeld is one of the funniest people in business, and any workplace can benefit from his levity.”