Greg Schwem | Corporate Comedian & Keynote Speaker
Clean, customized business humor and motivational keynotes trusted by Fortune 500 companies to energize conferences, sales meetings, and workplace culture.
Chicago’s Top Corporate Comedian & Business Keynote Speaker
As a nationally recognized corporate comedian and business humorist, Greg Schwem has spent over two decades helping Fortune 500 leadership teams, global associations, and sales organizations turn workplace chaos, technology disruption, and deadline stress into shared laughter. Dubbed the “king of the hill in the growing world of corporate comedy” by the Chicago Tribune, Greg delivers custom-crafted business humor that connects teams, boosts morale, and leaves audiences quoting his stories long after the conference concludes. Whether opening an executive retreat or delivering an unforgettable national convention keynote, Greg guarantees a clean, engaging, and 100% HR-safe experience tailored directly to your industry culture.
From Broadcast Journalism to Corporate Stages: The Story Behind America’s Business Humorist
A customized, hilarious keynote experience designed specifically for meeting planners who want an engaging, HR-safe event
A graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Greg originally viewed stand-up comedy as a weekend pursuit. But while working as an on-air television news reporter in West Palm Beach, Florida, and doing stand-up sets at night, he followed his passion: “I realized I liked making people laugh much more than depressing them on the evening news,” Greg recalls.
Back in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois, Greg honed his craft in premier comedy clubs while simultaneously serving as a corporate trade show narrator for world-renowned enterprises. Observing corporate culture from trade show floors became the foundation for his signature brand: “The Business Humor Specialist.” Over the years, this evolved into full-scale programs exploring workplace culture and team humor, as well as high-energy keynotes showing teams how to bring passion and rock-star creativity to work.
In 2024, Greg faced his toughest personal battle, undergoing successful surgery for colon cancer. After receiving a clean bill of health, he returned to the stage with renewed purpose, expanding his comedic keynote presentations across national conferences, executive retreats, and international cruise ships. “For over twenty years, I told corporate audiences that humor was our best tool to deal with crises and stress. Now I had to live that message myself,” he shares. This life-changing journey inspired his signature resilience keynote on overcoming gut punches with humor and proved why humor is serious business for breaking down workplace barriers.
Beyond keynote speaking, Greg is widely booked as a corporate event host and emcee for multi-day conferences and awards galas. Since 2010, he has written the nationally syndicated Humor Hotel column for Tribune Content Agency and is the author of bestselling business books featured in his latest book collection, including Text Me If You’re Breathing. When not traveling for corporate events, he gives walking and cycling tours of the Windy City, planning a corporate event in Chicago or nationwide? You can check Greg’s speaking availability; he’ll be happy to make your conference unforgettable!
Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Comedian Greg Schwem
Who is Greg Schwem?
Greg Schwem is a Chicago-based corporate comedian, keynote speaker, and nationally syndicated humor columnist. A graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, he worked as a TV news reporter before building a two-decade career bringing clean, relatable humor to Fortune 500 companies, associations, and leadership teams.
What are Greg Schwem’s corporate speaking fees and pricing?
Greg Schwem’s speaking fees vary depending on the presentation format (in-person keynote, multi-day conference emcee, or virtual keynote), travel logistics, and custom industry research requirements. Corporate events within the greater Chicago area feature waived or minimal travel expenses. For exact fee quotes, date holds, and customized proposals, submit an inquiry at gregschwem.com/book-greg or email greg@gregschwem.com.
Is Greg Schwem’s comedy appropriate and HR-friendly for corporate events?
Yes, 100%. Greg’s material is strictly clean, professional, and researched specifically for each client’s industry, organizational culture, and executive themes. His presentations are crafted to entertain employees and leadership without crossing HR boundaries or using offensive humor.
What keynote programs does Greg Schwem deliver?
Greg delivers high-impact presentations covering team communication, workplace resilience, managing generational workplace shifts, navigating technology, and turning professional setbacks into shared triumphs. His signature keynotes include programs on resilience and change, workplace communication, and bringing energy and passion to work.
Where is Greg Schwem based, and how do event planners book him?
Greg is based in Chicago, Illinois (USA) and performs worldwide, taking his corporate comedy to conferences, national sales meetings, and executive retreats across the country and overseas. You can book Greg by submitting the booking form at gregschwem.com/book-greg or emailing greg@gregschwem.com. He typically responds within 24 hours to discuss event logistics and customized content.
Ready to Bring Clean, Customized Business Humor to Your Next Corporate Event?
Elevate your upcoming conference, sales meeting, or executive retreat with America’s favorite corporate comedian. Greg Schwem delivers actionable takeaways, high-energy engagement, and unforgettable laughter tailored specifically to your company culture.