My parents raised their children to be reallllly career focused. Obsessed, actually. So, I went right from college to work and simultaneously into graduate school. When I completed my masters in 1993, I was 28. I had been in school for and working on my career my entire life. I told Gary that, for the first time, I was going to try to do something that would literally do nothing to advance my career. I took a standup comedy class taught by Jeff Justice. My intention was to do it once.

I can only describe the experience of getting on stage that first time as being like I removed a mask and became someone I never knew existed. When I got my first laugh I thought I have found a home! I was hooked.

I took more classes from Jeff, and then studied improv comedy with Robert Lowe. Ultimately, I joined an improv comedy troupe called The Comedy Dogs where I performed for the next three years. It was there that I met Kupe, who has become a lifelong friend and performing partner.

Perversely, my comedy career really helped my professional career. It made me a much better presenter and communicator. It also made me much quicker on my feet.