“Someone’s story is what gets us most.” With a background in improvisational comedy and marketing, Judi Holler is an expert at crafting and remixing fearless stories. She’s also author of the new book Fear Is My Homeboy. We discussed all of this and more on this week’s episode of the On Brand podcast.

About Judi Holler

Judi Holler is a professionally trained improviser and alumna of the Second City Training Center Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois. Judi started working in the hospitality industry at the age of thirteen and has spent the past fifteen years working in the convention and meetings industry, specializing in sales and marketing for companies like Marriott, Omni, and Starwood Hotels before starting her company, HOLLA! Productions, in 2013. Judi is a past president of Meeting Professionals International, Chicago Area Chapter, and was named one of the 40 under 40 in the meetings industry by Connect magazine in 2015.

Judi was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and spent ten years living in Chicago, studying improv by night and growing her career by day. Judi now resides in Hudson, Ohio, with her husband, Scott, and their amazingly adorable golden retriever, Tito. Judi is a proud stepmom to three badass boys— Sean, Sam, and Jack. She is also a gushing godmother and auntie to niece, Kiley Grace, and nephews, Finnegan and Jaxson.’

When Judi is not keynoting conferences, working as a corporate event emcee/moderator, writing, and creating cool stuff for you, she is most likely on her Peloton bike, deep in a book, or testing out a new fear experiment. Judi likes her books non-digital, her wine bubbly, and her music hip-hop.

Episode Highlights

What does improv training have to do with marketing and communication? I couldn’t wait to ask Judi this. Turns out, it helps a lot. “I call it my fear church. It keeps me from being stuck, safe, and boring.”

“We’re all DJs.” When Judi said this to me, it caught me off guard. I don’t think of myself as a DJ-type. Then Judi shared why it’s important to “remix” the content we read and share. Maybe I am a DJ!

“Someone’s story is what gets us most.” But it may take a few times. “You have to share 7–9 times for the chance that someone sees it.”

What brand has made Judi smile recently? Johnny’s Cupcakes! It’s been awhile since anyone has mentioned this smile-worthy brand on the show! We also talked about how Seth Godin’s new Instagram mini-books have made us both smile.

To learn more, go to judiholler.com, follow her on Instagram, and check out her book Fear Is My Homeboy on Amazon. Speaking of her book — text ‘brave’ to 4747-47 and you’ll get free access to a sample chapter!

As We Wrap …

Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.

On Brand is sponsored by my book Brand Now. Discover the seven dynamics to help your brand stand out in our crowded, distracted world. Order now and get special digital extras. Learn more.

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Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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