Questions:

Answers:

Explain what you do each day to a 5 year old (no crayons allowed)?

Explain what you do each day to a 5 year old (no crayons allowed)?

Each morning at 7:30 am my phone rings. When I pick up the phone, instead of saying “hello”, I start laughing. My Laughter Buddy, Janet, and I laugh a big belly laugh for two minutes. We are silent and focus on our breathing for one minute and then the giggles restart for another two minutes. This simple exercise gets my body and mind ready for a positive, wonderful day. I am hired by companies to laugh with their employees to make them feel good and work more effectively. Laughter is the best medicine and too important to leave to chance.

What childhood event still has an outsized influence on how you approach life?

When I was aged seven my parents got separated and a few years later divorced. Although much more common these days, it seemed like I was the only. I felt alone. It was a confusing and challenging time. As a result, I am now very aware of the people around me and I notice when someone is alone in a crowd. I will introduce myself and check in with them. This approach to life has opened me to wonderful opportunities. You never know who you will meet when you look around and connect with someone new.

Working on your business is no longer an option. What global problem would you most like to throw yourself at trying to solve and why?

The global mental health tsunami is one problem I would do my best to solve with laughter. No words are required. Laughter is the universal language. It is high vibration, healing energy. When we laugh, we feel good. When we feel good, we do good. Laughter helps us get present and become more resilient. Stress, anxiety, frustration, anger, sadness and many more are all low vibrating energies. A challenge just to live each moment in this state. Laughter raises us up and energizes us. With a more open mental capacity, we can see issues outside ourselves that need our attention.

If you could plan one incredible business moment in the next 12 months, what would it be?

The corporate world needs a boost more than ever. I am expanding my laughter practice to raise the vibration and help employees connect on a deeper level. I am ecstatic to be hired to do laughter yoga for a large corporation with multiple departments. Daily laughter sessions for three months to introduce staff to the concept of laughing for the health of it. One representative from each department will be trained by me as Laughter Yoga Leaders to continue to lead daily laughter sessions. There are so many opportunities to bring this complementary joy juice into the world. Consider engaging me for your corporate wellness program.

What people and opportunities have you attracted in to your life in the past year that wouldn’t have been possible previously?

When we pivoted online, so many healers and laughters professionals came in to my life. I now have a global laughter wellness family. Before 2020 there were few opportunities to do laughter yoga online. To get my message out about the benefits of laughing for the health of it, I have been a guest on over 200 podcasts around the world. We are more similar than different. I am grateful for this time as I have expanded my reach by increasing my network. Laughter is the best medicine. I’m thrilled for the chance to share my passion for laughing.

Return to top

In an average week, how much of your time is spent doing the work that truly lights you up?

Equanimity and being at peace while doing anything during the day is my ultimate goal. After many years around the sun, I finally understand the importance of self care and wellness. I enjoy my life immensely. There was a time before laughter yoga where much of my time was spent in stress and out of joy and peace. I did not know that stress is the opposite of laughter. To increase these joyfilled feelings, I will laugh more, breathe deeper and spend more time in nature. Those are the tasks that truly light me up and they go with everything.

In the last 12 months, the people you’ve met, the experiences you’ve had, the places you’ve been, what has been the highlight of the year?

The highlight of the year was laughter. I am thrilled to have made an impact on mental health by sharing my passion for laughing. Laughter has changed my life. I am healthier, more energetic and manage stressful situations with ease. I have received many paid gigs to bring joy and giggles to a variety of organizations including seniors, special needs, schools and corporations for team building. I checked off a ‘bucket list’ item; to go in a hot air balloon to celebrate 34th anniversary. It was so peaceful, quiet and literally like floating through the air. Gratitude for this life.

What is the biggest thing you have recently learnt you wish you had learnt earlier?

I took a deep dive to learn about alternative healing modalities and was introduced to the biofield. Everything is energy. We use electrical analogies to describe our health; A bright spark, a live wire; when your light goes out. I wish I learned earlier that we are in charge of how we feel by managing our energy. When we are low energy or tired, it is a great time to go for a walk or at least stand up and stretch. When we move, energy moves. Emotions are simply energy in motion. When we are aware of our emotions, we can feel them and then heal them.

Future gazing: In 20 years time, looking back at this coming 12 months, how would you summarise the year?

What an incredible year 2023! I talked about creating a one woman show for ten years! Finally, Life Lessons from a Worm Bin was born and performed. This enviro-taining engaging revue took the audience on a fun ride of the journey of Cathy’s Crawly Composters. Sold out shows raised awareness about the benefit of worm composting and how worms and laughter go together for a magic life. Sustainability is the theme. Life lived each day with gratitude and grace. I pinch myself and wonder, “How can this life get any better?” Ha ha and then it does.

Related to your business career, if you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I was employed as a secretary for 20 years. I gained much experience, confidence and skill as an office worker. If I could change one thing about myself it would be to become an entrepreneur much sooner. I truly believed that my lot in life was as an Administrative Assistant. I was 39 years old when my business journey began. Although prior to 2002 I had a magical life including lots of travel in Canada, Africa, Asia and Europe, the past 20 years as an entrepreneur have been the most gratifying. I love being in charge of my life and making a difference in the world.

In business, when is it acceptable to lie?

In business, when is it acceptable to lie?

Lie is a strong word with negative connotations also known as ‘white lie’ or ‘stretching the truth’. People lie all the time often to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. Honesty is definitely the best policy. You always know the details of the story as they are true. If a situation with a client has come to an end and payment is not forthcoming, it may be acceptable to threaten legal action even if you have no intention to follow through. Remember if you tell a lie no matter how small, there may be consequences.

To switch off from business and de-stress my go to solution is ...

To de-stress my go to is deep diaphramatic breaths and gentle giggles. Whenever I feel stress in my body, I take a few moments to feel it to heal it. What am I experiencing and how do I feel about it? Stress is simply an emotion. When we emote, we secrete chemicals in our body. Cortisol and adrenaline are associated with stress. Happy chemicals flow when we laugh. We are in charge of our own pharma. At the start and end of the day, I take time for a short meditation often while earthing in my yard.

What is your greatest career extravagance?

My greatest extravagance in life is time. I am so blessed and grateful for the ability to use my time how I chose. As an entrepreneur, I get to decide when and where I do business and with whom. We can always make more money but time is fleeting. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Time is precious and I treat it accordingly. Having boundaries helps me say yes to that which I desire and no to that I do not. Time is a gift that is often taken for granted. Use your time wisely.

What living leader do you most admire?

Marg Hachey is a serial entrepreneur greatly admired by many. She ran a tech company for over 32 years. Sold it and when the new owners were running it into the ground, she swooped back in and not only recovered the business, she sold in again for a massive profit! She is the Managing Director of Gro Your Biz, a peer to peer advisory for women business owners. Marg is dynamic and passionate about helping women grow their organizations to create financial stability. Marg is generous with her advice. Her favourite expression is: “Nobody likes change except a wet baby.”

What is one element or trait of your industry that you most dislike?

What I dislike most about the Laughter Yoga industry is that it is still a relatively unknown movement. It is only 28 years old started in March 1995. Although there are laughter clubs in over 120 countries, it is a well kept global secret. Laughter is the best medicine and needed more than ever. It may seem too simple and often overlooked. Laughter yoga has changed my life. I am more resilient, joyful and energetic. My goal is to inspire others to laugh more. Visit my laughter page to learn more about this magic medicine. www.cathysclub.com

Return to top

What is your biggest fear in business?

One of my biggest fears in business has happened already. I didn’t know that people don’t buy what they need, they buy what they want. Although I believe everyone needs a worm bin in their homes, most do not want worms in the house. I pivoted early in my business to speak about vermicomposting to educate about the possibility of having worms in the classroom, home, business … worms everywhere to convert our food scraps and paper into nature’s finest soil amendment. This nutrient rich soil allows us to grow more nutrious food. I guess it was a good thing I didn’t understand people’s buying habits.

Your business is destroyed, what one thing can never be taken from you?

Our business is about sustainable solutions for today’s challenges; worm composting for amending the soil, sprouts for eating (grow your own) and laughter for overall health and wellness. Everything we offer is how we live our life. If our business was destroyed, we would continue to implement these sustainable ways. I have trust that all will be well and taken care of. This attitude is beneficial is all areas of my life and I believe one of the reasons for my stress reduced magically existence. Laughter has made me more resilient. I expect miracles and am grateful when they show up. My joy for life can never be taken.

How important is a sense of humour in your business? Anything too serious to be joked about?

Levity and a sense of humour are essential in my business and my life. Everything goes better with laughter. When we laugh we feel good. Laughter is high vibration magic energy. We get connected on a deeper level. Time flies when we are laughing and having fun and we become totally present. Creativity and brain-storming are enhanced when in a positive mood. The workplace becomes a friendly environment when humour is encouraged. Jokes can be cultural and must be appropriate for the work setting. Off colour humour may cause stress in some rather than provide relieve.

What is your biggest regret in business?

I learned long ago that having regrets is a waste of energy. I currently have no regrets in my business nor in my life. I believe that taking action following inspired thought is the way to a life lived without regret. Follow your heart as it always knows the correct path. We have become disconnected from ourselves, distrusting of ourselves. We often look out for guidance when all we need do is look within, breathe and ask. Regret, guilt, envy and the like are all a waste of time and energy.

If someone is going to work with you for a long time what is
important they know about you that might not be immediately obvious?

If someone is going to work with you for a long time what is important they know about you that might not be immediately obvious?

It may be important for someone to know that I am noisy. You know I am in the room as I am always laughing, singing, humming, strumming, drumming and moving around. I am often talking to myself. Ha ha I have the best answers. If you are someone who requires silence during work, I will not be a good workmate for you. As a child I had a Chatty Cathy doll. She was my mentor and I learned well. I love to talk. I am also a great listener and cheerleader. I enjoy deep conversations.

What do you think is the biggest myth of building a business?

One of the biggest myths about building a business is that all you need is a great idea and money will flow to you. There are many moving parts to operating a successful enterprise. It starts with an idea. You may have the new best thing on the market, if no one knows about it and there are no sales, it is not a business, it is a hobby. How will people find you? How will they know about this great service or product? I chose media as my marketing strategy and have over 300 articles, TV, radio, a documentary and since March 2020 over 200 podcast guest appearances.happy people.

What one thing do you feel makes the biggest impact on company culture?

Energy has by far the biggest impact on company culture. Everything is energy. Positive energy is essential to encourage collaboration and create a cohesive company culture. Have you ever heard of Mirror Neurons? Have you ever notice that when you smile at someone, they usually smile back? Or when you see someone crying, you feel sad too? This is partially due to mirror neurons. Laughter wellness in a corporate setting will increase creativity and have a positive impact by connecting staff on a deeper level. We are affected by the people around us. If you want to be happy, hang out with happy people.

What is your fondest memory of something that happened in your business?

In 2012, I saw a tweet about Byoearth, a vermicomposting business in Guatemala. I retweeted “What a cool organization! Red wiggler worms are the way.” Within 5 minutes, the Founder tweeted, “When can you come to Guatemala? Your expertise and guidance is needed here. How exciting! A friend held a fundraising for me. We had a raffle and received 5 original works of art. Over $3000 was raised in one night. I had an incredible 2 week trip around Guatemala visiting worm composting, speaking and I now import hand carved wooden worm shaped and happy face earrings supporting a women’s group. So grateful for this amazing journey with so many fond memories.

What mistake have you made that you learnt the most from?

One mistake I made was thinking everyone knew about my business and what my company offered. I thought every one had access to the same information aka the internet. I believed that when I searched for something and you searched the same subject, we would receive the same information. Our searches show us more and more of we search for and become narrower as a result. It is essential to keep talking about what you do to everyone even if you think they know what you have to offer. You never know who needs to hear your message.

Return to top

What is the greatest accomplishment in your life?

The idea of having a worm bin in the house was less known in 2002. Without awareness, action is impossible. I chose media and speaking as my marketing strategy to educate about vermicomposting. Over 75,000 people have experienced my presentation! I have attracted over 500 articles, TV, radio, a documentary about my business and since 2020 over 200 podcast guest appearances around the world! Now I raise awareness about laughing for the health of it. We have a mental health tsunami, so many are struggling. When we laugh we change and raise our vibration. Because of me, more people are aware of these sustainable ways for a better life.

What have you dreamt of doing for a long time but still haven’t done?

I have wanted to create and perform a one woman show for many years. Working title is: Life Lessons from a Worm Bin. It’s the 21st anniversary of Cathy’s Crawly Composters. I learned that not everyone wants worms in the house. The word worm has many negative connotations; computer worm, tapeworm, can of worms. While exhibiting, people would share their favourite worm horror stories. I have so many stories and will create this show to help raise awareness about the benefit of using worms to convert food scraps and paper into nature’s finest fertilizer. Managing our food scraps is one thing we can all do to help mitigate climate change.

Where will you be in 20 years? What does an average day look like?

In 20 years it will be the year 2043, I will be 80 and in optimum physical health. Speaking gigs around the world actual and virtual will regularly be on the agenda. People will gather to experience the magic of laughing for the health of it. My days will be filled with gratitude, peace, love and joy. I will take long walks in the forest. Spend time with great friends calculating our next big adventure. I expect miracles and spend my time looking up. Spreading joy, high vibrations and laughter will keep me connected, vibrant and living life to the fullest.

If you could gain one quality or ability that would significantly increase your business success what would it be?

Consistent follow up would be a great trait to have in your toolbox. A favourite expression of one of my mentors was “there’s a fortune in the follow up”. This is wonderful advice! It can be challenging to change a habit. Just starting out? Create this one routine of consistent follow up and your business will reap the rewards.

If you were starting your business from scratch today, what would be the biggest change?

Technological advancements are the biggest change. In 2002 cell phones were much less prevalent. It is liberating to live without a cell phone. When I mention that I do not have a cell phone, the response is often, “good for you”. I believe people are genuinely supportive of the no cell phone stance but cannot imagine it for themselves. We have become so dependant upon technology that it now governs our life. Starting a business today would be difficult without mobile technology.

What in your business are you most grateful about?

What in your business are you most grateful about?

I am so grateful for the opportunity to laugh daily. Laughter is the best medicine and it has changed my life. I have a Laughter Buddy. For over a year we laugh every morning for 5 minutes. We get our daily D.O.S.E. and it sets up our day with high vibrations and the love drugs buzzing through our veins. Laughter raises my vibration which allows me to attract the people I want to work with. Laughter is a practice. Join my online Tuesday Laughter Club 9:30 am ET. Details here https://www.cathysclub.com/ Experience the magic of laughing for the health of it.

Name 3 things you and your best clients have in common.

We have the same core values. Mutual respect for each other and the greater good. When we feel good, we do good. Our intention is to operate with integrity so we attract clients also looking for serve from the heart. Laughter moves us out of our head and into our heart.

What would constitute a perfect day for you?

A perfect day for me is framed with a wonderful morning and evening routine. Rising around 6 am. My morning routine includes meditation, deep diaphramatic breathing, gentle stretching and 5 minutes of laughter with my laughter buddy. Before bed, I have a similar routine to calm my energy. This daily routine helps keep my energy grounded and sets me up for success. Home-made delicious healthy food throughout the day to nourish my body.A walk in the forest, time on my rebounder and finally an infrared sauna to round out my self care.

Pitch your business to a complete stranger who knows nothing about your industry.

Ever heard that laughter is the best medicine? It is scientifically proven to be true. Laughter gets us out of stress and into joy by changing the chemistry in our body. When stressed, we secrete cortisol and adrenaline. When laughing, we get our dose of dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. We are in charge of our own pharma. Corporations are using laughter wellness programs to boost morale and team building. Laughter breaks down barriers for clearer communication. When we laugh, we raise our vibration. Creativity increases as does our overall experience in life.

How does building your profile help in your day to day business?

Staying present online is essential in today’s market. Without a digital presence, one becomes a digital ghost. In order to attract new opportunities, I offer a free weekly online laughter club so people can experience the magic of laughing for the health of it. Keeping top of mind is important in today’s busy marketplace. We are bombarded with thousands of messages daily. Our conscious brain can only process so much. The rest is filed away. Marketers used to suggest that people had to see or hear about your product/service seven times before buying. It is likely many more times today. Check out my Fun Fab Friday video series to get a glimpse. www.cathysclub.com/fabfri

Return to top

Which entrepreneur, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with and why?

I would love to dine with American microbiologist, vermicomposter and environmentalist, Mary Appelhof. Mary wrote the book, Worms Eat My Garbage in 1982. It’s the 20th anniversary of Cathy’s Crawly Composters and I continue to meet folks who have not heard of the concept of vermicomposting. I can only imagine how challenging it was in the eighties to suggest a worm bin in the kitchen to manage food scraps and paper. I wonder how she was able to overcome the negative resistance to her idea of indoor composting. What advice would she offer to help shift people perspective on worms? Worms are going to play an ever increasing role in waste management, soil production and therefore food security.

What skill have you developed since leaving formal education that has been most useful in your career?

Since leaving formal education I have taken a deep dive into why laughter is the best medicine. The ability to laugh at myself when I’ve made a mistake or erred helps me get out of stress and come up with solution. Our brain requires 25% more oxygen than the rest of our body. When laughing we are exhaling and emptying our lungs of stale air. We will need to take a deep breath in of fresh air to continue Ha Ha’ing. Since stress is related to over 90% of today’s ailments, if we manage our stress, we can manage our life.

What are your clients really buying? (the feeling beyond the product or service you provide)

After spending time with me, people feel more energized, lighter and in a better mood. Laughter is a very high vibration energy. I help people get out of stress and into joy. When we laugh we shift our energy up. We become totally present. Living in the moment is the only way to have a more peaceful, joyfilled life. Laughter brings us there.

What is your number one hack for getting yourself motivated when things seem hopeless?

Laughter is my go to hack for getting myself motivated. When we laugh, we secrete the love drugs; dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. These chemicals help us feel better. When we feel sad, depressed, anxious, frustrated, hopeless and other low vibrating energies, we secrete stress hormones; adrenaline and cortisol. Laughter changes everything. As a Laughter Yoga Teacher, I incorporate tapping, brain gym and other healing modalities to get out of stress. Hope is restored as our brain becomes oxygenated. Neurons firing as we come up with better solutions.

What is your best advice for people on how to recruit great team members?

In order to recruit great team members, it is essential to be clear on the purpose for creating the team. What is required of the position and what part the team member will play? Be clear on what you want and what is to be accomplished. Operate with honesty and integrity. To avoid confusion with requirements and commitments have an outline of expectations. A well rounded team includes a variety of personalities and skills. Attract the people you need with well defined intentions.

What do you wish your prospects would understand before they talk to you?

What do you wish your prospects would understand before they talk to you?

I wish my prospects understood that the laughter movement is here and it’s real. If people understood the value of adding laughter to daily life, they would do it for the health of it. Without awareness, action is impossible. Ha ha if you do not know about the benefit of laughter, you are not doing it. When the concept is understood, the practice is easy. Laughter is a universal language, no words required.

What coming technological advancement do you expect to have the biggest impact on your business?

New technologies make it possible to share laughter wellness with a wider audience. The ability to connect online provides an incredible opportunity to learn laughter yoga from the comfort of our own homes without the need to travel. Attending a laughter club has never been easier. Teaching laughter yoga online was not an option prior to March 2020. Online training has made learning about this simple skill more accessible. Want to experience the magic of laughing for the health of it? Join me Tuesdays at 9:30 am Eastern Time; details here www.cathysclub.com

What misconception do people outside of your industry hold about it?

‘Laughter is the best medicine’ is an universal expression. People outside the laughter wellness industry may find this simple approach to de-stress and feel better too simple therefore dismiss the concept. In order to reap the benefits of this magic medicine, it is essential to take the ‘pill’ eg. Laugh. When we laugh, we secrete the love drugs (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins) vs. cortisol when we are stressed. Laughter is high vibration activity that brings us to the present. Creativity opens as our brain is oxygenated. Laughter connects us on a deeper level. When we feel good, we do good.

What do you wish someone had told you at the beginning of your career?

I wish I knew how important it was to start a laughter club, for my own health. It is in the practice of something that it becomes habit. Since adding laughter to my daily health regime, it has helped me to become more resilient, more joyfilled and less stressed. I know the benefit of laughing for the health of it. This drives me to want to educate others on how to raise their vibration, get more energy, connect better and live more joyfully. I incorporate tapping, brain gym and other healing modalities. Laughter goes with everything.

What makes you most optimistic about the future of your industry?

I am optimistic about the future of Laughter Wellness as we have a global mental health tsunami. Laughter gets us out of stress and into joy. Laughter has many health benefits. Did you know the brain requires 25% more oxygen than the rest of the body? Laughter forces us to breathe deep. When stressed, we’re not breathing properly so our body isn’t getting enough oxygen. Laughter gives us hope as we connect better, live in the present and just enjoy life more. Laughter is too important to leave to chance that’s what give me hope for the future.

What belief do you hold about your industry that is not shared by many?

I believe laughter is going to play a vital role in assisting folks to live a more joyfilled life. Laughter is the fastest happiness hack. Laughter is the best medicine is a universal expression. Laughter gets us out of stress and into joy. There are lots of opportunities to bring this magic medicine to the world. Laughter raises our vibration, oxygenates our bodies, helps us connect on a deeper level and brings us to the present moment.

Return to top