A dose of laughter

Side effects may include smiles, self-discovery, and success

Since I was a young girl, I’ve known two things: I love to help others learn and grow and I love to make people laugh. And when I can do both together – helping people heal with humour – I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot!

Now, with years of experience under my belt as a counsellor, HR professional, and amateur comedian, I’ve also come to know that the transformative power of laughter is the gateway to self growth and self love. And achieving wellness and success… in your relationships, your career, your life.

Laughter is more than a momentary hit of joy. It builds trust. It relaxes our defenses so that we can release old patterns of thinking and behaviour.

Laughter helps unsticks what is keeping you stuck, opening the door to positivity and potential.

When you do it often, with intention, every area of your life comes alive. Let me show you how.

Contact Marla

My Values

Integrity

Staying true to honesty, commitment, and accountability. Doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult.

Trust

Fostering security, connection, and confidence with yourself and each other, to unlock authenticity, growth, and resilience.

Wellness

Building strength, stamina, and wisdom in every dimension of health so you can thrive.

Laughter

Using laughter intentionally to build trust, openness, and connection with others, ourselves, and our fullest potential.

Positivity

Acknowledging that life can be tough, while looking for opportunities to find learning, growth, and optimism.

Learning

Embracing curiosity and passionately seeking opportunities for continuous learning and ongoing self-development.

I’m on a mission to inspire people to awaken their greatest self.

Ready to get unstuck in your work, relationships, and life? In this video, I share how laughter is the surprising key to unlocking lasting change.

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Speaking

I’m a high-energy speaker and emcee who combines humour, heart, and insight through my signature Laughter Intelligence™ approach. Using both the science and art of laughter, I spark curiosity, ignite meaningful engagement, and inspire a better way of living.

Whether it’s a leadership retreat, team-building session, or wellness event, I help people laugh their way to becoming their greatest self – in their careers, relationships, and lives.










You had me at ‘HA!’

Unleashing the superpower of laughter

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stuck in routines and habits that drain our energy, and cut off from the connection we really want. Sound familiar? You’re not the only one!

Here’s the good news: one of the best ways to get unstuck has been with you all along – it’s laughter!

In this lively (and yes, laughter-filled) keynote, I share my own journey of learning to use laughter intentionally – not just as a reaction, but as a powerful tool to overcome challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with what matters most.

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You’ll be introduced to Laughter Intelligence™ – the art and science of using laughter on purpose. Through stories, research, and interactive moments, you’ll discover how to tap into your own laughter “superpower” to boost well-being, strengthen relationships, and spark lasting change.

Key takeaways:

  • The science-backed benefits of laughter for your body, mind, and relationships
  • Your unique “laughter signature” and how to use it for transformation
  • Practical ways to use laughter to build trust, resilience, and wellness – every day
  • A renewed sense of energy, optimism, and joy you can carry forward immediately

This keynote is perfect for groups who want to bounce back from challenges, shift their perspectives, and have some laughs along the way.

Are you ready to reconnect, recharge, and transform through laughter? Let’s begin – together.

Book Marla






Lassoing laughter in your life

Harness the power of laughter to become your greatest you

What if laughter could be more than a spontaneous reaction – what if it became a tool for transformation?

In today’s fast-paced world, stress, disconnection, and emotional fatigue are all too common. We crave posititivity, resilience, and well-being, yet often overlook one of the most powerful tools at our disposal: laughter.

In this engaging, high-energy session, audiences will be introduced to Laughter Intelligence™ : the ability to understand and intentionally use the positive energy of laughter to elevate well-being, enhance relationships, and lead with impact.

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At the heart of this framework is S.M.I.L.E., a five-step process for developing Laughter Intelligence™: Study, Map, Identify, Leverage, Expand. Through this framework, participants will explore understanding and applying the science and art of laughter can create positive impacts in every area of their life.

Key takeaways:

  • Learn the proven benefits of laughter
  • Discover your unique “laughter signature” and how to use it with purpose
  • Learn strategies to use laughter intentionally, every day, for transformation in key areas of your life
  • Leave ready to tackle any challenge – with a chuckle

This marvelous session is perfect for anyone wanting more resilience, stronger relationships, and a healthier, happier life.

Ready to connect better, feel better, and live better? Let’s talk!

Book Marla






Lassoing laughter at work

Harness the power of laughter to foster connection, productivity, and wellness in the workplace

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure, and often hybrid workplace, teams are overwhelmed, disconnected, and running on empty. Engagement is slipping. Productivity feels forced

Wellness? Often an afterthought. Traditional solutions only scratch the surface – what’s missing is human connection, emotional release, and a genuine sense of belonging.

This is where Laughter Intelligence™ comes in.

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In this engaging, uplifting, and insight-packed session, leaders and teams will learn about the art and science of laughter. Laughter isn’t fluff! Intentional laughter can unlock the door to stronger relationships, better performance, and a healthier workplace culture.

Key takeaways:

  • Discover why laughter is a critical asset for psychological safety and team performance
  • Learn to use Laughter Intelligence™ to build trust, boost morale, and increase engagement
  • Explore your own relationship with laughter so you can effectively harness this powerful tool (at work and in your life)
  • Practice practical techniques to infuse humour and levity into daily interactions – without losing professionalism

This workshop is designed for senior leaders, managers, and their teams.

Ready to energize your team, elevate your culture, and boost performance through the power of laughter? Let’s talk!

Book Marla



Marla’s bio

Marla Simlett – also known as Marvelous Marla – is a speaker, emcee, and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who helps people learn and laugh their way to becoming their greatest selves. Drawing from her unique blend of counselling expertise, HR experience, and comedic flair, she created Laughter Intelligence™ – a transformational approach that uses intentional laughter to unlock trust, wellness, and authentic growth. Whether leading corporate events, wellness retreats, or counselling sessions, she brings research based evidence, insight, humour, and heart to help people show up fully, get unstuck, and spark lasting change.

Her goal? To help people feel energized, connected, and ready to thrive – at work, home, and in life.

When she’s not on stage or in session, she can be found biking around Vancouver, baking delicious allergy-friendly treats, or treasure-hunting for that perfect thrifted find. Compliment her outfit, and she’ll be sure to tell you just what a bargain it was!

AV requirements

  • A lavaliere (lapel) or headset microphone. If this is a challenge, I can also present with a cordless hand-held mic.
  • 1-2 cordless hand-held mic for audience member engagement, Q&A, etc
  • Projector, screen
  • Sound system & cables to enable audio sharing from slides
  • Notepads & pens (for audience)
  • Stage set up: I don’t require a lectern (podium), but if you have one, I’ll use it to place my laptop, notes, water. Please have it placed on the far right or left of the stage.

Contact Marla

Book Marla so you can…

Unlock
transformation

When you laugh, you engage. When you engage, you learn. When you learn, the possibilities are limitless. Whether you’re aiming for personal breakthroughs, professional success, or just want to laugh your lemons into lemonade, embracing laughter is the key to growth.

Unstick
your stuck

We all get caught in unhelpful patterns. It can happen at work, home, or in relationships. Laughter is the solvent that releases resistance and removes barriers so real change can happen – and stick (in a good way)!

Connect
and Thrive

People are thirsty for meaningful relationships, belonging, and psychological safety. Laughter is the hydration station you need to build trust and connections from the inside out. It encourages creativity, well-being, and productivity that can help you flourish.

Make Learning
Fun!

Growth takes effort, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. With high energy, fun, and plenty of laughter, you can create engaging experiences – keeping seriousness where it matters while making learning an absolute joy.

Become your
greatest you

Step into your fullest potential with laughter as your guide. It fuels wellness, resilience, and awareness – helping you leap over limits and shine in every aspect of life.

Counselling

Individual Counselling • Virtual Sessions

Do you want change in your life, but don’t know how to get there? Spend a lot of time in self doubt, self-criticism, and self sabotage – never feeling like you’re enough? Feeling stuck, but can’t make the shifts you know you need?

You’re not alone. Counselling can help.

I use an integrated mind-body approach that incorporates EMDR, somatic therapy, parts work, and mindfulness, and of course, the transformative power of laughter, to help you shift and clear negative thoughts, patterns, and behaviours. This will help you get unstuck so you can step into your greatest self with strength, clarity, and confidence.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), I have a Master’s degree in counselling psychology and over 10 years experience supporting clients to feel, be, and do better – whatever that looks like for them.

The life you want is possible. And you don’t have to go it alone.

If you’re looking to learn and laugh your way to becoming your greatest you, book a complimentary consultation.

Contact Marla

Rave reviews

“Her engaging style, integrity, and unique sense of humour sets her apart. Marla brings passion and presence to every event I’ve experienced with her. She is always prepared, adaptable in the moment and inviting, whether in person or virtual. Marla creates an interactive space that keeps participants engaged and energized. She handles everything so smoothly – it’s impressive to watch her perform. Marla would be an asset to any event!”
- Georganne Oldham, Principle, LeadershipMind Consulting
“Marla is dynamic and interactive! She’s able to articulate complex ideas and concepts in a simple and concise manner, making it easy for everyone to understand. She encourages open dialogue and embraces different perspectives, creating a safe space for everyone to contribute. She knows how to keep the participants fully engaged and actively involved, creating a learning experience that is not only educational but also enjoyable.”
- Nuria Sefchovich, Transformational Coach
“A great counsellor! In our weekly sessions, Marla has taught me tools to manage my stress and anxiety. She gets to the root cause of what’s triggering me quickly. I feel so much calmer, more grounded and able to deal with work, my relationships, and any ups and downs in my life. I highly recommend her.”
- SS
“Compassionate and down-to-earth counsellor. Marla truly listens and meets you where you are. Her warmth and genuine care make it easy to open up and feel supported every step of the way. She is knowledgeable and approachable. I fully recommend her.”
- Wendy Akune, Registered Clinical Counsellor
“I have attended several large events where Marla has facilitated and emceed. Marla contributed to success for these events with her clear instructions, encouragement of audience participation, and ensuring activities ran in accordance with the agenda. At the end of each event, she did an amazing recap of the day, reinforcing the learnings and positive outcomes for everyone. The humour she brings was always a sure way of keeping people engaged and connected!”
- Brad, Senior HR Leader
“Marla knows how to quickly get up to speed on the tone, theme, and details of a conference. We relied on her to provide opening/closing remarks, introduce speakers, keep people on track during breakout activities, and more – all of which she did with humour, confidence, and professionalism. I love how Marla synthesizes key points from speakers, points out relevant observations from activities, and provides insightful summaries to the audience – all with humour and polish. Book Marla… she’s sure to level-up your event!”
- Nancy O’Krafka, Past Director, WorkSafeBC
“Marla – you are such a great facilitator! You are a very engaging speaker and so funny! You made a great experience even better.”
- Conference Attendee
“Marla’s a compassionate and skilled counsellor. I have been impressed by her empathy and unwavering commitment to supporting her clients through life’s challenges.”
- Paula Rajmil, Registered Clinical Counsellor
“I highly recommend Marla for anyone seeking clarity, guidance, and growth! She has an incredible gift for reading energy and creating a safe, supportive space to share. The tools she provides are practical and I find myself returning to them time and time again.”
- NR
“As the master of ceremonies, Marla’s warmth and charisma created a welcoming atmosphere that immediately put everyone at ease. Throughout the day, she encouraged interaction, expertly connected content from each speaker, ensuring a seamless flow that kept the audience engaged and attentive. I highly recommend Marla for any future events, confident that her professionalism and energy will make a lasting impact.”
- Jasmine Charchun, Coaching & Community

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