Shannon McDevitt has made a career out of having fun. She is founder of Just Humor Me, which offers personal and professional development programs focused on creating happier, healthier, more productive and profitable workplaces. “School without recess would have been unbearable; so why should adults be deprived of a much needed fun break during their workday?” she asks.
McDevitt is a certified etiquette instructor and a certified laughter leader. She has two books and a line of products in development. She volunteers her skills at the Center for Women and the Medical University of South Carolina. She leads a weekly self-esteem and social skills group at Harbor View Elementary School and is a member of the South Carolina Women’s Business Network.
How do you define success?
Success is watching a group of grown-ups laugh like kids; it’s having someone tell me I made them feel validated; it’s a client who tells me they used the 12 steps of the People Peeve program and it helped them deal with a difficult person; it’s when I inspire people to celebrate themselves and each other; it’s knowing that I’ve made a difference, and that building a business based on the principles of civility and fun has proven to be the best decision I ever made.
What was the toughest decision you have made in your professional life?
Every 30 days having to decide which of my dogs deserves to win “Employee of the Month.” It’s always a close call.