We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Mammano. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.

David , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

In my late teens and early twenties, I dove headfirst into the world of stand-up comedy. I even moved to Chicago, the comedy mecca of the Midwest, to give it a real shot. I hit the open mics, hustled the clubs, and soaked in every lesson I could from the legends and lunatics alike. It was a thrilling ride, but after about a year, I came to a realization: while I loved making people laugh, I didn’t want to turn comedy into a full-time career.

So I packed my bags and moved back to my hometown of Rochester, NY. There, I shifted gears to started a business, built a family, and settled into what I thought would be the next chapter of my life. Cue the dramatic narrator: “And for the next 25 years, he barely touched a microphone…”

Then came 2020. COVID hit, and like so many others, I found myself with more time than usual to reflect. Between Zoom calls, sourdough starters, and disinfecting groceries, something kept bubbling up inside me…this itch to get back on stage. I missed stand-up. I missed the joy, the rush, the sound of laughter that connects strangers in the most beautiful way.

So in late 2021, when the world began cautiously reopening, I finally scratched that itch. I booked a show at our local comedy club and… over 200 people showed up. It was electric. Truly one of the best nights of my life. The laughter, the energy, the pure human connection, it all came flooding back.

But I was in my early 50s by then, and while the dream of becoming a touring comedian was behind me, something new was taking shape. I started thinking: what if I could merge my love of business and entrepreneurship with my rediscovered love of comedy? What if laughter could be a leadership tool?

So I dove into the research, and lo and behold, I wasn’t the only one who believed in the power of humor in the workplace. From Harvard Business Review to Stanford studies, the evidence was clear: when used appropriately, humor builds trust, fosters collaboration, boosts creativity, and strengthens leadership. Smiles aren’t just nice; they’re strategic.

Today, I’m a full-time speaker and podcaster, with a message that’s near and dear to my heart: “Putting Fun(ny) Back in Business.” I help leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs harness the power of humor to build better cultures, stronger relationships, and more engaging work environments.

I’m so grateful I took the leap to get back on stage, especially at an age when most people are starting to plan their retirement. For me, the encore turned into a whole new act. And the best part? I get to make people laugh and help them grow. That’s a punchline I’ll never get tired of.

David , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

David Mammano is a Humor and Heart Centered entrepreneur, speaker, podcaster, author, and educator with a passion for helping people and businesses reach their full potential. With over 25 years of experience in launching and scaling companies, David has dedicated his career to inspiring and educating entrepreneurs, business leaders, and young professionals, while keeping them entertained along the way.

As a serial entrepreneur, David knows firsthand the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. He is best known as the founder of NextStepU, a nationally recognized resource that helped students nationwide navigate their education and career paths. His business success has earned him recognition as a three-time Inc. Magazine Fastest Growing Company honoree, showcasing his ability to build and scale high-impact ventures.

David is the host of the “The David Mammano Show” podcast, where he shares insights from top business minds and entrepreneurs, providing actionable strategies for success. He is also a two-time TEDx speaker and the author of several books, including Crash and Learn, which focus on resilience, and leadership.

Adding to his unique approach, David is also a stand-up comedian, blending humor with business insights to create engaging and memorable talks. Whether on stage delivering a keynote or performing stand-up, his energy, wit, and storytelling captivate audiences and make learning both fun and impactful.

A sought-after keynote speaker and emcee, David has helped countless entrepreneurs refine their strategies, develop leadership skills, and build profitable, purpose-driven companies. His ability to mix business wisdom with comedy makes him a one-of-a-kind force in the world of business education.

When he’s not speaking, coaching, or making people laugh, David enjoys spending time with his family, staying active, cycling and embracing new adventures. His mission remains clear: to inspire, educate, and empower people to live their best lives, both personally and professionally.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective way I’ve grown my clientele has been by building real relationships and showing up consistently. I try to lead with value, be myself, and genuinely care about helping people. When you do good work and treat people right, they tell others. Most of my growth has come from referrals, word of mouth, and just being someone people trust and enjoy working with.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life was when I walked away from stand up comedy to start a business. In my late teens and early twenties, I was all in on comedy. I even moved to Chicago to pursue it seriously. But after about a year, I realized that while I loved making people laugh, I did not want that lifestyle long term. So I moved back to my hometown of Rochester, started a business, and eventually built a life around entrepreneurship, education, and helping others grow.

Fast forward twenty five years, and another big pivot hit when the pandemic arrived. Like many people, I took a step back to reflect. I ended up reconnecting with my comedy roots, but this time I brought it into the business world by using humor as a tool for leadership, connection, and culture building. It reminded me that pivots are not failures. They are course corrections toward something even better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.davidmammano.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidcmammano/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mammano
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemammano/
• Twitter: https://x.com/DavidMammano
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvabseDHmcwrGui4xqXIexw
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/57x5JteavlV97egbRRti9S