In this episode of the NEGOTIATEx podcast, Courtney Bickert, an international development expert and stand-up comedian, delves into her multifaceted career journey. From serendipitous opportunities in international development rooted in her Russian language skills to transformative experiences in Albania and China, Courtney’s path is both intriguing and enlightening. A pivotal moment occurred in London, where she embraced stand-up comedy. This newfound passion led to the inception of ‘Laughing Matters,’ which focuses on integrating humor in professional settings. This episode explores the science and universality of humor, its role in conflict situations, and its dual power in self-empowerment and influencing others.