Why do conversations about inclusion and belonging tend to feel so heavy? Used intentionally, my guest today makes the case that humor can actually break down walls, spark connection, and invite people into the dialogue—instead of pushing them away. It’s a powerful way to open culture conversations without diminishing their importance.
My special guest today is Aaron Fung, and he’s simplifying how to use humor to drive inclusion and belonging. If you want to spark culture conversations that are more real, more open, and more effective—without making light of the issues—this episode is for you.
Here’s how.
My special guest today is Aaron Fung and he’s simplifying how to use humor to drive inclusion and belonging.
We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:
- Why humor can play a powerful role in making conversations about inclusion and belonging more approachable and impactful.
- How to “read the room” and know when humor will land well—or when to choose a different approach.
- What boundaries leaders should set to avoid sarcasm or humor that alienates others, including neurodivergent colleagues who may interpret tone differently.
- How humor can strengthen credibility—not undermine it—especially when executives see DEI work as “too serious” to laugh about.
- …and ultimately, one practical way HR professionals and leaders can weave humor into everyday culture conversations while still honoring the importance of the work.
Q: Are you ready to learn how to use humor to drive inclusion and belonging at work? If yes, this one is for you.
It’s time to #DoTheThing!
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<What’s catching my eye this week>
- 3 hours of (free) focus music for deep concentration - Quiet Quest - Study Music
- Hire Mary Baird to teach your senior leaders about creating a better employee experience for your workforce - The Simplifiers
- 50 powerful questions to help you reflect - The Institute of You
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My challenge for you this week:
How are you going to take what you’ve learned in today’s episode and take action by using humor this week at work? What’s one thing you’ll do differently? Share it with me, privately or publicly. Snap a photo of you doing the thing, and send me a DM over on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesimplifiers) for added accountability and support!
Links, books and apps mentioned:
Resource: Find Aaron Fung on LinkedIn - click here
Book: Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder - Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Podcast: How to master the art of executive storytelling, featuring Libby Magliolo - The Simplifiers Podcast
Podcast: How to be a better leader (guided visualization) - The Simplifiers Podcast
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About Aaron Fung, CPCC, PCC, SPHR:
Aaron Fung - His passion for helping people become the best versions of themselves has guided him across a 20+ year career in finance, consulting, sales, coaching and DEI roles. He currently serves as the Head of Inclusion and Belonging for the Americas at WSAudiology, one of the world's largest hearing aid manufacturers. In addition, he runs InclusionAF (a DEI speaking and consulting business which serves several Fortune 200 clients) and CoachingAF (a career coaching business where he advises mid-career professionals on how to find career clarity). He serves on the NJ chapter board of Ascend, a nonprofit membership organization that develops pan-Asian leaders in Corporate America and Canada.
Before WSAudiology, Aaron managed the Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) business partner team at Pinterest, where he advised C-suite executives on how to build inclusion within each of their functions. Prior to his move into the DEIB world, Aaron held HR consulting/tech sales roles at SAP SuccessFactors and LinkedIn, management consulting roles at Slalom and Deloitte Consulting's human capital practice, led strategic initiatives for Ascend, and worked in wealth management sales and learning roles at Credit Suisse, Merrill Lynch and American Express.
He received his MBA with a concentration in Human and Organizational Performance from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management (where he was an Ingram Scholar and received the Owen Service Award) and a BA in Business Administration from the University of Puget Sound.
A second-generation Chinese American who was born and raised in San Francisco, Aaron lives in Cliffside Park, NJ. He is the proud father of two amazing kids, Cooper and Clementine, a staunch advocate for autism awareness and inclusion, and both the son of a US Army veteran father and a paraplegic mother, and the grandson of a US Navy civilian steward. He is also a prolific traveler with 46 countries visited, a journey which he chronicles on his travel blog, "Go See the World" and is trying his hand at stand up comedy in his spare time.
Where Aaron hangs out online:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronlfung
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goseetheworldfung
Website: https://www.coachingaf.com
Website: https://www.inclusionaf.com
Aaron’s vote for the perfect guest on The Simplifiers Podcast:
Zohran Mamdani - Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a New York State Assembly member representing Queens’ 36th District and a candidate for Mayor of New York City. Born in Kampala, Uganda and raised in New York, he brings a multicultural perspective and a deep commitment to grassroots organizing.
In the Assembly, he has championed working-class issues, including securing fare-free bus programs and supporting transformative debt relief for taxi drivers. Mamdani is a democratic socialist who advocates for bold policies to fight the city’s affordability crisis, such as universal childcare, stronger tenant protections, and expanded public services. His campaign focuses on dignity, accessibility, and economic justice for all New Yorkers. Grounded in community activism, he aims to build a city that works for everyday people—not just the wealthy or well-connected.
