Peter McGraw

Peter McGraw is a behavioral economist, author, and professor known for his unique intersection of comedy and business. He serves as a professor of marketing and psychology at the University of Colorado Boulder and is the founder of the Humor Research Lab (HuRL). McGraw's work focuses on how insights from comedy can be applied to improve business practices and creativity.

Career Highlights

• Author: He wrote Shtick to Business: What the Masters of Comedy Can Teach You about Breaking Rules, Being Fearless, and Building a Serious Career, published in 2020. This book explores valuable lessons from comedians that can enhance business acumen, creativity, and innovation.124
• Research: McGraw's research delves into the psychology of humor, aiming to understand what makes things funny and how these principles can be leveraged in professional settings.34
• Teaching: He teaches MBA courses in marketing management and behavioral economics at institutions including UC San Diego and the London Business School.3

Key Concepts

In Shtick to Business, McGraw emphasizes:

• The importance of "thinking funny" rather than simply being funny.
• How comedians' practices can inspire better management and marketing strategies.
• Real-world applications of comedic principles to foster innovation and problem-solving in business contexts.234

Overall, Peter McGraw combines academic rigor with practical insights from the world of comedy to offer a fresh perspective on business challenges.