I'm reading two books on comedy right now: The Comedy Bible and Truth in Comedy.

I enjoy making people laugh. Always have.

But now I want to take it more seriously — study it like a professional would.

So tomorrow night, I start an intro to improv class. I have practice stand up sessions with my “comedy buddy” on the calendar. And I've already penciled in stand-up open mics for early 2026.

Why push myself like this?

Because doing scary stuff makes you a better leader.

Keynotes and workshops? I'm comfortable there now. But stand-up and improv? That's a whole different level of vulnerability.

And here's what both comedy books keep hammering home: The secret to being funny is to NOT TRY to be funny.

Don't force it. Be authentic. As my friend JB says, "You can't make up real life."

The same principle in comedy is also true in leadership.

Think about it:

And yet most school leaders try to practice leadership in isolation.

Those leaders aren't getting better. If they are, it's incremental — change as slow as a glacier melting.

The best leaders and comedians share one thing in common. They're true to themselves. They don't force it.

Here’s what this means for school leaders:

The Ruckus Maker Mastermind has helped principals achieve their Do School Different dreams for nearly a decade. Not by working alone. By practicing leadership in a community that challenges and supports them.

2026 is coming fast.

If you're ready to stop practicing leadership in isolation and start leading boldly alongside driven, innovative principals, then apply to join our next cohort below:

What would be possible on your campus if you weren't doing this alone?

Keep Making a Ruckus,

Danny