Who is Pep Rosenfeld?

Pep Rosenfeld is a keynote speaker and thought leader on how to reduce what he calls social friction inside organizations. As the author of Work Laugh Balance, he is one of the most prominent voices in how humor can be used as a practical tool to improve communication, strengthen collaboration and transform culture.

His background is unusually broad. Pep is a keynote speaker, communication trainer, comedian and Emmy-nominated writer whose work combines performance expertise with real-world business application.  

He co-founded Boom Chicago, the celebrated comedy institution that launched the careers of Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, Amber Ruffin and the creators of Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly). Decades of performing, directing and coaching talent shape his approach to leadership, storytelling and teamwork.

Book Pep Rosenfeld for your event

When you book Pep, you get more than a keynote. You get a session built specifically for your audience.

Pep invests time upfront to understand your organization, your challenges and your language. He then weaves those insights into a tailored talk that feels relevant, specific and immediately applicable. He can even craft tailored comedy material about your organization.

His sessions are highly interactive. Using techniques from improvisation, he gets audiences actively involved through short exercises that reinforce key skills such as listening, adaptability and clear communication. People don’t just hear the ideas, they experience them, which makes them stick.

The result is a keynote that feels less like a presentation and more like a shared experience that continues to resonate long after the event.

Impact, style and what audiences can expect

Pep’s style is energetic, playful and grounded in practical insight. His keynotes combine storytelling, humor and clear frameworks that audiences can apply right away.

At the core of his work is a simple idea: when social friction is high, people hold back. When it’s low, ideas move faster, conversations get better and teams perform at a higher level. Their resilience, ability to thrive during change and collaboration shift into a higher gear.

Audiences leave with more than inspiration. They walk away with specific tools to communicate more clearly, contribute more confidently and collaborate more effectively.

Pep is also a highly sought-after host. He has led major conferences including TEDx, The Next Web, Brand Minds and the Nordic Business Forum, where he famously made Barack Obama laugh. His interviews with speakers such as Simon Sinek, Brené Brown and Malcolm Gladwell are consistently rated among event highlights.

A trusted partner for high-level organizations

Global organizations rely on Pep when an event requires clarity, energy and a host who can guide the room with confidence.

He has worked with companies including Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, ING, IBM, Netflix, Google, Adyen, Booking.com, and Novartis. Whether delivering a keynote, moderating discussions or hosting multi-day events, he brings a level of professionalism and adaptability that keeps audiences engaged throughout.

Recognition, experience and his perspective on humor

Pep’s perspective on humor is shaped by a career that spans both business and entertainment. In addition to his keynote work, he was nominated for an Emmy for his writing on Saturday Night Live.

Adam Grant wrote of Work Laugh Balance:
“This book won’t make your boring boss funny. But it will make you laugh and help you bring more humor into your job. Pep Rosenfeld is one of the funniest people in business, and any workplace can benefit from his levity.”

This blend of expertise and playfulness is what sets Pep apart. He brings the rigor of a communication trainer, the instincts of a performer and the strategic lens of someone who has worked closely with leaders and creators across industries. Audiences leave his keynotes with more than a moment of laughter, they gain skills that strengthen teamwork, storytelling and leadership long after the event ends.