Marc Engel
Moderator-Facilitator, Writer-Comedian.
Marketing Research & Human Insights,
Creative Problem-Solving using
Applied Improvisation.
Thank you for visiting my site!
“Marc has an amazing gift to connect with people across boundaries (cultural, religious, age/life-stage), with empathy lying at the heart of it all. He transcends and deep dives into the essence of humanity, exploring complex issues through humor. He brings to life the things that connect us as people—it’s a perspective rooted in love and possibility.”
(with inspiration from—and apologies to—INXS and Dylan)
Thank you, Jeff Shelton, for filming and editing this piece.
My passion is to connect and empower. I use humor and compassion to empathize with others, truly understand them, and link ideas not previously connected, drawing out insights and stimulating new ways of thinking. Whether advising clients or performing comedy, I help people gain fresh perspectives.
About Me in 199 words
I began my careers in research and comedy while I was in college. (Reagan was still president.) My research roots are in quantitative, but I branched out into qualitative 20 years ago, and I’m a better researcher (and comedian) because of it. My comedy roots are in stand-up and writing, but I branched out into improv nearly 25 years ago, and I’m a better person and researcher (and better comedian) because of it. As a counter-balance to the fun and creativity, I’m also a member of the California Bar.
If academic pedigree were as prized as a canine’s, my degrees from Cornell and UCLA and year at Oxford might qualify me for the Westminster Kennel Club. But, my best education has come outside the classroom. The animating principle in my life is discovering and honoring the common humanity and dignity that reside within each of us. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with, and performing for, thousands of people from all walks of life. I’m enriched by the diversity of perspectives I’ve heard, and I’m heartened whenever I witness the kindness and generosity of spirit that recognizes the shared needs, wants, values, fears and motivations that make us human.
Affiliations
Co-Chair, San Francisco Chapter, Qualitative Research Consultants Association
Inclusive Culture Committee
Applied Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Sub-Committee
2021 Annual Conference Committee
Co-presented ‘playshops’ with Pascal Patenaude at the worldwide conference and individual chapters on the value and utility of Applied Improvisational Thinking for qualitative researchers.
Co-presented, “Tapping into the Creative Storytelling Processes of Broadway and Hollywood”
with Dina Shulman, exploring what researchers can learn from the mindset and approaches of writers, actors and directors.
Member
@1marcengel Amazing first day of the #QRCA2021 conference! I was moved from the start by Gina and Tonise—and the engagement con… https://t.co/h9oaVO6xIG
@1marcengel Honored and humbled to be among this illustrious group of award winners. Congratulations, All! https://t.co/FnCinOOtrw
@1marcengel 😂😂😂 Me, too! https://t.co/e7VY1jxqv7
@1marcengel Best career counselor ever! https://t.co/htYXM9CZuL
@1marcengel Another powerful and hopeful short film by the wise Tiffany Shlain. https://t.co/U0EJXSKMF2
Visit My Store
On The One Hand, On The Other
My blog on perspective, often with a comedic twist.