Episodi
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What happens when the leader of a legacy beauty brand starts talking about more than skincare products? Joy, purpose, and profit.
Episode SummaryIn this final installment of Jenn Whitmerâs conversation with Helen Morrison of Frownies, the discussion expands beyond brand growth and social media into a deeper conversation about power, beauty standards, aging, visibility, leadership, and influence.
Helen shares how she sees Frownies as more than a skincare company. For her, the brand is an opportunity to challenge harmful beauty narratives, help women reclaim agency, and use influence responsibly. Rather than chasing profit alone, Helen is focused on building a company that leaves people better than it found them.
Jenn and Helen also explore what it means to lead with purpose, create from deep alignment, and stay visible in a culture that often encourages women to disappear as they age. This episode is a thoughtful listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, and business owners who want to grow something meaningful without losing themselves in the process.
In this episode, youâll learn:01:36 Helen shares what she has learned about power, responsibility, and stewardship, and why influence becomes dangerous when it is disconnected from purpose.04:52 What happens when purpose and joy are the center of a business.11:07 How purpose-driven leadership shapes growth, impact, and legacy.12:03 What joy at work looks like.13:31 Should women remain visible as they age?Key takeaway:Leading with purpose means using your influence to challenge harmful norms, stay visible, and build something that creates real good beyond profit.
Why You Should ListenYou want to build a mission-driven brand without sacrificing growth or integrity.Youâre thinking deeply about leadership and influence and how to use both responsibly.You care about changing beauty culture instead of simply participating in it.You want to stay visible and confident as you age in business and in life.Youâre a founder, creative, or business owner trying to grow something powerful while staying aligned with your values.If you lead a business, a team, or a brand built on trust, this conversation offers a powerful example of what it looks like to grow with integrity. Helen Morrison shares honest insight on leadership, visibility, social media backlash, authentic marketing, customer loyalty, and scaling a business in the digital age.
About Helen Morrison
Helen Morrison is the fifth-generation CEO of Frownies, the iconic family-owned, women-led skincare brand founded in 1889. A great-great-granddaughter of founder Margaret Krosen, Helen has helped lead the brand into the modern era, blending legacy, storytelling, and customer connection with a sharp instinct for digital growth.After joining Frownies full-time in 2020 as Director of Brand Strategy, she became the relatable face of the brand across social media, helping turn a long-trusted beauty secret into a viral modern phenomenon while staying rooted in the personal, high-touch care that built the company in the first place. Today, Helen is known for her honest, approachable voice, her ability to translate heritage into relevance, and her leadership in growing Frownies without losing the heart of what made it matter for generations.
Grab $10 off Frownies here! jennwhitmer.com/frownies
Helenâs Socials:
Instagram: https:instagram.com/helenkmorrison/
TikTok: tiktok.com/@helenkmorrison
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/helen-morrison-09469769About the Host: Jenn Whitmer
Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Socials:
Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer
Podcast edited by Katey Perkins, Midsouth Story Co
Resources & Links:Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading with more clarity, intention, and joy?
There is a program for you. Join the waitlist here: jennwhitmer.com/waitlistGet Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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How do you lead a 100-year-old family brand when TikTok suddenly turns it into a viral sensation? Helen Morrison of Frownies shares what it takes to navigate legacy, leadership, criticism, and customer trust while growing fast in public.
Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Joyosity⢠Podcast, Jenn Whitmer talks with Jacqueline Kerr about how workplace change actually happensâinside teams, organizations, and systems.
They explore why people often do not respond to new ideas, not because change is bad or hard, but because those ideas do not match their current priorities, pressures, incentives, or mental filters. Jacqueline shares how leaders can create the enabling conditions for change by starting small, reducing friction, building trust, and demonstrating results instead of forcing buy-in.
This episode is especially helpful for leaders, managers, culture builders, HR professionals, and change agents who want to improve team habits, workplace culture, employee engagement, burnout prevention, leadership communication, and organizational change adoption.
If you have ever wondered, "Why wonât they just do the obvious, better thing?", this conversation will help you understand resistance to change, behavior change at work, and how to build momentum without unnecessary frustration.
In this episode, youâll learn:01:19 What shaped Helen Morrisonâs leadership journey.04:37 Why working in the family business as a teenager did not feel like her dream path.11:16 How to recognize untapped potential.13:32 What happened when Frownies took off on TikTok and Helen became the face of the brand.15:48 Why responding to criticism with respect became a key part of the companyâs identity.17:22 How voice messages and real conversations helped turn online tension into customer trust.Key takeaway:Growing a legacy brand in public takes more than smart marketing â it takes human-centered leadership, trust, and the courage to stay authentic under pressure.
Why You Should ListenLearn why people resist change less out of stubbornness and more because of competing priorities, pressure, and mental filtersHear a practical framework for creating the conditions that make change easier to adopt and sustainGet ideas for leading culture change without forcing buy-in or creating unnecessary frictionUnderstand how small experiments and early wins can build real momentum across a teamPick up better ways to bring skeptical or resistant leaders along without dismissing the pastDiscover how reminders, environment design, and trust often matter more than more informationWalk away with useful insight for improving team habits, reducing burnout, and leading change more effectivelyIf you lead a business, a team, or a brand built on trust, this conversation offers a powerful example of what it looks like to grow with integrity. Helen Morrison shares honest insight on leadership, visibility, social media backlash, authentic marketing, customer loyalty, and scaling a family business in the digital age.
Whether youâre navigating brand growth, online criticism, legacy business challenges, or modern leadership, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what it means to stay grounded while growing in public.
Jenn Whitmer talks with Helen Morrison of Frownies about leading a legacy family business through viral growth, building trust on social media, handling online criticism, and staying authentic as the public face of a modern brand. This episode is packed with insight for entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders growing a company in the digital age.
About Helen Morrison
Helen Morrison is the fifth-generation CEO of Frownies, the iconic family-owned, women-led skincare brand founded in 1889. A great-great-granddaughter of founder Margaret Krosen, Helen has helped lead the brand into the modern era, blending legacy, storytelling, and customer connection with a sharp instinct for digital growth.After joining Frownies full-time in 2020 as Director of Brand Strategy, she became the relatable face of the brand across social media, helping turn a long-trusted beauty secret into a viral modern phenomenon while staying rooted in the personal, high-touch care that built the company in the first place. Today, Helen is known for her honest, approachable voice, her ability to translate heritage into relevance, and her leadership in growing Frownies without losing the heart of what made it matter for generations.
Grab $10 off Frownies here! jennwhitmer.com/frownies
Helenâs Socials:
Instagram: https:instagram.com/helenkmorrison/
TikTok: tiktok.com/@helenkmorrison
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/helen-morrison-09469769About the Host: Jenn Whitmer
Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Socials:
Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer
Podcast edited by Katey Perkins, Midsouth Story Co
Resources & Links:Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading with more clarity, intention, and joy?
There is a program for you. Join the waitlist here: jennwhitmer.com/waitlistGet Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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Episodi mancanti?
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What if people are not resisting change because they are stubborn⌠but because their brains literally cannot see the change as relevant yet?
Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Joyosity⢠Podcast, Jenn Whitmer talks with Jacqueline Kerr about how workplace change actually happensâinside teams, organizations, and systems.
They explore why people often do not respond to new ideas, not because change is bad or hard, but because those ideas do not match their current priorities, pressures, incentives, or mental filters. Jacqueline shares how leaders can create the enabling conditions for change by starting small, reducing friction, building trust, and demonstrating results instead of forcing buy-in.
This episode is especially helpful for leaders, managers, culture builders, HR professionals, and change agents who want to improve team habits, workplace culture, employee engagement, burnout prevention, leadership communication, and organizational change adoption.
If you have ever wondered, "Why wonât they just do the obvious, better thing?", this conversation will help you understand resistance to change, behavior change at work, and how to build momentum without unnecessary frustration.
In this episode, youâll learn:01:57 Enabling Conditions for Change10:40 How to Win Over Resistant Leaders21:50 Stealth Interventions That Work24:00 Why Reminders Beat Information28:21 Readiness for Change Is ContextualKey takeaway:Real change happens when leaders make new behaviors easier, safer, and more relevant to peopleâs real priorities instead of just asking them to buy in.
Why You Should ListenLearn why people resist change less out of stubbornness and more because of competing priorities, pressure, and mental filters.Hear a practical framework for creating the conditions that make change easier to adopt and sustain.Get ideas for leading culture change without forcing buy-in or creating unnecessary friction.Understand how small experiments and early wins can build real momentum across a team.Pick up better ways to bring skeptical or resistant leaders along without dismissing the past.Discover how reminders, environment design, and trust often matter more than more information.Walk away with useful insight for improving team habits, reducing burnout, and leading change more effectively.About Dr. Jacqueline Kerr
Dr. Kerr is a behavior change expert, keynote speaker, grant-writing strategist, and former public health professor who helps leaders create meaningful change without burning out in the process. A former UC San Diego professor and internationally recognized researcher, she has secured more than $56 million in grant funding, published more than 220 scholarly works, and was named among the worldâs most influential scientific minds.Today, through her work as CEO of The Grant Doctor and Head of Behavior Science at The Huuman Group, Jacqueline combines science, strategy, and real-world leadership experience to help organizations improve burnout prevention, behavior change, and long-term impact. Her work spans academia, healthcare, corporate leadership, and community advocacy, all driven by a clear mission: empowering leaders to keep changing the world.
drjacquelinekerr.com/leading-real-change.com/Dr. Kerrâs Social:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-kerr-a62581173/About the Host: Jenn Whitmer
Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Socials:
Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer
Podcast edited by Katey Perkins, Midsouth Story Co
Resources & Links:Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading with more clarity, intention, and joy?
There is a program for you. Join the waitlist here: jennwhitmer.com/waitlistGet Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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What if great leadership is not about chasing work-life balance, but about building clear expectations, honest communication, and a culture where people can be fully human?
Episode SummaryIn Part 2 of this conversation, Jenn Whitmer continues her interview with hospitality leader Carrie Campbell to explore what leadership really looks like after a culture vision has been defined.
In high-pressure, always-on environments, leadership can easily drift toward burnout, unclear expectations, and unspoken resentment. Carrie challenges the idea of work-life balance and instead offers a more sustainable model: work-life integration. Through clear communication, healthy boundaries, consistent coaching, and shared responsibility, leaders can build teams that are both high-performing and deeply human.
Jenn and Carrie talk about how to coach people who are always on, how to address conflict before it grows, how to create team norms that make expectations visible, and how to say no without damaging trust. This episode is packed with practical leadership insights for anyone who wants to build trust, prevent burnout, reduce resentment, and lead with greater clarity, courage, and care.
In this episode, youâll learn:03:11 There is no true work-life balance in leadership roles and whatâs better07:16 How to stop managing hours and start coaching people toward trust, ownership, and outcomes10:45 How leaders can address overwork and burnout without accidentally rewarding unhealthy behavior15:51 Why team norms, weekly one-on-ones, and clear context are essential for a healthy workplace culture24:14 How to say no in a way that protects the relationship, creates clarity, and keeps the conversation moving forwardKey takeaway:Healthy leadership is not about being available all the time. It is about creating the kind of clarity, trust, boundaries, and communication that allows people to do great work without losing themselves in the process.
Why You Should ListenYou want practical strategies for preventing burnout in leadership and team cultureYou are trying to build a workplace rooted in trust, clarity, and accountabilityYou need better ways to coach employees without micromanagingYou want to create healthy boundaries in an always-on work environmentYou are looking for tools to improve communication, conflict resolution, and team normsYou believe high performance should not come at the cost of peopleâs well-beingIf you are leading in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and want to build a healthier, more sustainable team culture, this episode offers practical wisdom you can use right away. Jenn Whitmer and Carrie Campbell explore how clear expectations, honest communication, strong boundaries, and intentional coaching can help leaders reduce burnout, build trust, and create teams that are both human and high-performing. Youâll walk away with helpful insight on work-life integration, conflict, team norms, and how to lead with more clarity and courage.
About Carrie Campbell
Carrie is Senior Vice President of Evergreen, formerly Fenway Park Events, at the Boston Red Sox, where she leads year-round marketing, sales, and event execution. With more than 30 years in hospitality and tourism, she has helped transform Fenway Park into one of New Englandâs premier event venues. Known for building strong teams and people-first cultures, Carrie is also a recognized industry leader, board member, and advocate for the meetings and events world.evergreenfenway.com/
Carrieâs Socials:
Instagram: instagram.com/carrieonculture/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carrie-campbell29/
About the Host: Jenn Whitmer
Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Socials:
Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer
Podcast edited by Katey Perkins, Midsouth Story Co
Resources & Links:Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading with more clarity, intention, and joy?
There is a program for you. Join the waitlist here: jennwhitmer.com/waitlistGet Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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Policy may keep things running, but empowered people are what make culture, trust, and exceptional experiences possible.
Episode SummaryWhat if the best leadership isnât about enforcing rules, but about creating a culture where people feel empowered to think, care, and act with intention?
In this episode of the Joyosity⢠Podcast, Jenn Whitmer sits down with Carrie Campbell, a hospitality leader with deep experience in luxury hotels, team culture, employee engagement, and high-pressure service environments. Carrie shares how her leadership philosophy was shaped by both toxic workplace experiences and the intense demands of the hospitality industry.
Together, Jenn and Carrie explore what it takes to create a healthy workplace culture in fast-paced organizations where burnout, transactional leadership, and unclear expectations can quickly take over. They unpack how strong leaders move beyond policy and checklists to build clarity, trust, shared language, team norms, and people-first accountability.
This conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone leading through culture change, workplace burnout, employee experience, customer service, team development, or leadership transformation.
In this episode, youâll learn:01:49 Why culture should never be treated like an afterthoughtâand how effective leaders drive performance and people development together.04:17 Why work-life balance is not always the goal.07:16 Managing time vs. leading for outcomes.10:45 How to coach leaders who are always âonâ.16:07 Creating healthy team norms.
Key takeaway:Policies may keep operations moving, but empowered people are what create trust, connection, and exceptional experiences.
Why You Should ListenThis episode is for you if you are:
Leading a team through culture change.Trying to reduce burnout without lowering standards.Navigating people leadership in a fast-paced environment.Building stronger team norms and communication.Looking for practical leadership tools that support both performance and humanity.What does great leadership actually look like in high-pressure workplaces? In this episode of the Joyosity⢠Podcast, Jenn Whitmer talks with hospitality leader Carrie Campbell about building healthy workplace culture, empowering employees, preventing burnout, and leading people with clarity instead of hiding behind policy. This conversation is full of practical leadership insights for anyone focused on team development, culture change, customer experience, and people-first leadership.
About Carrie Campbell
Carrie is Senior Vice President of Evergreen, formerly Fenway Park Events, at the Boston Red Sox, where she leads year-round marketing, sales, and event execution. With more than 30 years in hospitality and tourism, she has helped transform Fenway Park into one of New Englandâs premier event venues. Known for building strong teams and people-first cultures, Carrie is also a recognized industry leader, board member, and advocate for the meetings and events world.evergreenfenway.com/
Carrieâs Social:
Instagram: instagram.com/carrieonculture/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carrie-campbell29/About the Host: Jenn Whitmer
Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Social
Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer
Podcast edited by Katey Perkins, Midsouth Story Co
Resources & Links:Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading with more clarity, intention, and joy?
There is a program for you. Join the waitlist here: jennwhitmer.com/waitlistGet Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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How do you find joy at work without faking positivity or losing yourself in the process?
Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Joyosity⢠Podcast, Jenn Whitmer talks with performer, teacher, and creator Tara DeFrancisco about joy at work, authenticity, leadership, creativity, trust, and self-judgment. Together, they explore how to be fully yourself at work, why presence matters, and how authenticity helps people connect more deeply in leadership, performance, and everyday life.
Tara shares insights on bringing your full self to work, letting go of the need to perform for your inner critic, and learning how to enjoy the work you have already earned. Jenn and Tara also discuss improv, emotional connection, workplace joy, online identity, and what it means to lead with truth instead of control.
This episode is for anyone who wants more joy in work and life without forcing positivity. If you are a leader, creative, speaker, performer, or professional trying to stay grounded, authentic, and connected, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective on authentic leadership and meaningful work.
In this episode, youâll learn:03:21 What do you do with joy when energy is low, and you still have to show up.04:52 Why presence is the reward for the work you have already done.07:43 How trust is built through modeling rather than controlling in leadership, improv, and creative work.12:18 What happens when people realize they are actually allowed to enjoy the way they work.17:33 What it means to be the same person everywhere you go, and why authenticity creates deeper connection.Key takeaway:Joy at work grows when you stop performing for your inner evaluator and become present enough to enjoy the work you have already done.
About Tara DeFrancisco
Tara is a globally respected improviser, educator, speaker, and comedic performer known for her powerful blend of humor, connection, and authenticity. She has performed more than 8,000 shows on renowned stages, including iO Chicago, The Second City, and ComedySportz, and is especially known for HERE: The (Improvised) Musical, her acclaimed two-person show performed in 24 countries and more than 90 cities.Tara is also the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of The Nest Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, and a sought-after teacher whose work has taken her around the world. Most recently, she began serving as a facilitator and artistic liaison for Cirque du Soleil. Through speaking, teaching, and performance, Tara helps people and organizations unlock more play, presence, trust, and connection.
taradefrancisco.com/
Taraâs Socials:
Instagram: instagram.com/taradefrancisco
TikTok: tiktok.com/@taradefranciscoAbout the Host: Jenn Whitmer
Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Socials:
Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer
Podcast edited by Katey Perkins, Midsouth Story Co
Resources & Links:Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading with more clarity, intention, and joy?
There is a program for you. Join the waitlist here: jennwhitmer.com/waitlistGet Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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Sometimes joy looks like making the non-obvious choice.
Episode SummaryIn this solo episode of the Joyosity⢠Podcast, Jenn Whitmer kicks off a new series: The Courage to Do It Differently: Joy Makes WorkâŚWork.
Too many leaders are still operating inside systems that reward burnout, confusion, performative productivity, and polished dysfunction. But work does not have to stay that way. Joy is not naive, weak, or a nice-to-have. It is a courageous, strategic way of building work that actually works.
Jenn invites listeners to reflect on three powerful questions about their leadership right now. If work has started to feel heavy, performative, or disconnected, this episode will help you name what is no longer working and identify one brave next step toward greater clarity, humanity, and joy.
In This Episode, Youâll Learn02:25 Why doing things differently can feel terrifying, even when it is the right choice05:16 The hidden workplace habits that may be draining your team08:04 How joy at work leads to better work, stronger relationships, and healthier outcomes08:46 Three questions to ask yourself as you consider change12:38 Why real change rarely comes from one giant leapA leadership podcast for people leaders navigating burnout prevention, workplace joy, sustainable culture change, and courageous decision-making.
Key TakeawayJoy at work is not a soft extra. It is a brave, strategic choice that helps leaders build healthier teams, clearer cultures, and more sustainable ways of working.
About the Host: Jenn Whitmer
Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Socials:
Insta: Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer
Resources & Links:Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading with more clarity, intention, and joy?
There is a program for you. Join the waitlist here: jennwhitmer.com/waitlistGet Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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Somewhere between the feedback, the frustration, and the fifth Slack ping, most leaders stop being intentional.
EPISODE SUMMARYIn this episode of the Joyosity⢠Podcast, Jenn Whitmer is back with Michael Whitmer for part two of this ICYMI conversation, pulling together the most practical leadership lessons from the Joyosity in Practice series. This one is all about the ânow what?ââhow leaders stay human in the everyday moments that quietly shape trust, culture, and performance. Together, Jenn and Michael talk through what it looks like to practice joy in real time: tracking whatâs working, listening better, lowering the pressure of perfection, giving feedback that actually helps, and using small pauses to lead with more intention.
Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:[05:50] Why joy is not fluffy or extraâand the 3 signals that tell you itâs actually present.[07:19] How a âsmile fileâ or glimmer list can help you notice progress, impact, and meaning.[11:34] Why leaders need qualitative measures tooânot just metrics and KPIs.[14:27] Why listening is not just a soft skill, but part of your technical leadership skill.[17:01] How leadership is usually shaped in small moments, not big dramatic ones.[19:52] Why calling something an experiment can reduce pressure and improve learning.[21:48] How âminimum viable magicâ helps you move forward without waiting for perfection.[24:12] Why the feedback sandwich is terrible and what to do instead.[29:05] How to pause before reactingâand use âfour corner calm breathingâ to stay in charge of your emotions.Jenn and Michael make the case that leadership does not rise or fall in big public moments nearly as much as it does in small private ones. The real work happens in the pause before you reply, the way you frame feedback, the questions you ask when something is unclear, and whether you choose curiosity instead of control. Joyosity is not about pretending things are fine. It is about building the kind of rooted, resilient leadership that helps people feel connected, effective, and human.
Key TakeawayThe leaders who stay human under pressure are not waiting for perfect conditionsâthey are practicing small, intentional choices that create trust, clarity, and joy in real time. About the Guest: Michael Whitmer Michael Whitmer works at the intersection of leadership, team culture, brand elevation, crisis communications, and values-based marketing. He serves as Vice President at Look East, a values-based communication agency. He develops integrated marketing communications strategies that strengthen trust and deliver measurable results. With more than 20 years of experience in food and agribusiness, he brings leadership, strategic thinking and ingenuity to every project. He brings a thoughtful lens to belonging, trust, and purposeful leadership. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/michaelawhitmer/ About the Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. jennwhitmer.com Jenn's Social
Resources & Links:The Joyosity In Practice series: Ep 124 Joy as Resistance: How Leaders Stay Human When Pressure Is High with Jenn Whitmer Ep 125 Staying Human When the Stakes Are High: When Good Becomes Radical with Heather A. Campbell Ep 126 When Resistance is a Timing Signal with Ipek Gray Ep 127 Creativity Isnât a Luxury SkillâItâs a Leadership Requirement with Melissa Dinwiddie Ep 128 Balancing Strategy and Fire Drills: A Playbook for Senior Leaders with Harry Cook IV Ep 129 Managing People Is the Hard Part with Karen Ansen Ep 130 Why Collaboration Breaks Down and How Leaders Can Fix It with Catherine Casalino Ep 131 Staying Calm When the World Is on Fire: Leadership, Emotions, and Real Control with Ken Miller Ep 132 Stop Chasing Noise. How to Lead with Clarity with Rohit Bhargava Ep 133 Joyosity in Practice: ICYMI pt. 2 with Michael Whitmer Ep 134 Joyosity in Practice: ICYMI pt 2 with Michael Whitmer Michael's resource for you: Lights, Camera...Nail It! 5 Keys to Mastering Your Public Presence No matter where you show up as a spokespersonâmedia interview, keynote, panel discussion, public testimony, podcast, or just your weekly 1:1âyou have something valuable to say. The way you share your expertise impacts your reputation and that of your organization, and determines how messages are received by your audiences. Get your copy here. Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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What do leaders do when they know better⌠and still spiral anyway?
EPISODE SUMMARYIn this ICYMI episode of the Joyosity⢠Podcast, Jenn Whitmer is joined by Michael Whitmer for a candid debrief on the Joyosity in Practice: How Leaders Stay Human When It Matters Most series. After Jenn shares a painfully relatable SXSW moment of self-doubt, she and Michael unpack what stood out from the seasonâs guests: conflict avoidance, feedback, pressure, creativity, self-awareness, and the leadership habits that help people stay grounded when things get hard.
This conversation is part reflection, part leadership audit. If youâve ever rushed past discomfort, avoided a hard conversation, taken feedback too personally, or forgotten that being human is not a leadership flaw, this episode will feel like a reset. Jenn and Michael connect the dots from the full series and pull out the ideas leaders most need to hear againâbecause repetition is a mercy, and leadership is not a position. Itâs a practice.
Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:[2:20] How joy helps leaders stay connected to who they are when pressure rises[7:56] Why conflict avoidance feels safer in the moment but usually costs more later[8:22] Why showing your humanity can actually help other people relax and do better work[11:38] How curiosity can make feedback more useful and less defensive[15:08] What leaders miss when they expect people to produce without enough space to think[19:33] Why urgency can quietly sabotage thoughtful leadership[25:47] How better meetings start with clarity about what kind of meeting it actually isThis episode is a reminder that joy is not denial, polish, or pretending. It is a practice of staying connected to yourself and other people so you can lead with more clarity, courage, and humanity.
Key TakeawayLeadership does not break in one big momentâit is built or betrayed in the small, human choices you make under pressure.
About the Guest: Michael Whitmer Michael Whitmer works at the intersection of leadership, team culture, brand elevation, crisis communications, and values-based marketing. He serves as Vice President at Look East, a values-based communication agency. He develops integrated marketing communications strategies that strengthen trust and deliver measurable results. With more than 20 years of experience in food and agribusiness, he brings leadership, strategic thinking and ingenuity to every project.
He brings a thoughtful lens to belonging, trust, and purposeful leadership. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/michaelawhitmer/
About the Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Social Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer
Resources & Links:The Joyosity In Practice series: Ep 124 Joy as Resistance: How Leaders Stay Human When Pressure Is High with Jenn Whitmer Ep 125 Staying Human When the Stakes Are High: When Good Becomes Radical with Heather A. Campbell Ep 126 When Resistance is a Timing Signal with Ipek Gray Ep 127 Creativity Isnât a Luxury SkillâItâs a Leadership Requirement with Melissa Dinwiddie Ep 128 Balancing Strategy and Fire Drills: A Playbook for Senior Leaders with Harry Cook IV Ep 129 Managing People Is the Hard Part with Karen Ansen Ep 130 Why Collaboration Breaks Down and How Leaders Can Fix It with Catherine Casalino Ep 131 Staying Calm When the World Is on Fire: Leadership, Emotions, and Real Control with Ken Miller Ep 132 Stop Chasing Noise. How to Lead with Clarity with Rohit Bhargava Ep 133 Joyosity in Practice: ICYMI pt. 2 with Michael Whitmer Ep 134 Joyosity in Practice: ICYMI pt 2 with Michael Whitmer
Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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Great leadership is not about being louder or being first. It is about seeing what other people miss.
EPISODE SUMMARY
So many leaders say they want creativityâbut secretly punish it the moment it looks inefficient, awkward, or unfinished.
In this episode of the Joyosity⢠Podcast, Jenn Whitmer talks with bestselling author, keynote speaker, and Non-Obvious Company founder Rohit Bhargava about what leaders need when everything feels loud, urgent, and crowded with bad advice.
Together, they unpack how to think more strategically, how to build thought leadership without copying someone elseâs formula, how to give better feedback, and why delegation feels slower at first but is essential for long-term leadership.
If you care about leadership development, strategic thinking, communication, innovation, burnout prevention, or building a stronger point of view at work, this conversation is packed with practical insight.
Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:
[03:12] Why âhappy accidentsâ are not a leadership strategyâand why intentional, strategic decisions matter more.
[10:47] What thought leadership actually is, and how to choose the right format based on your strengths instead of forcing yourself into someone elseâs model.
[13:19] Why having a clear point of view may turn some people awayâand why that is often a good thing for leaders and teams.
[16:03] How unclear leadership creates silent misalignment, drains productivity, and steals joy from teams.
[26:34] A simple way to give better feedback.
[33:18] Why delegation is not actually about speed in the moment.
Jenn Whitmer talks with Rohit Bhargava about leadership clarity, thought leadership, delegation, and feedbackâespecially for leaders navigating uncertainty, team misalignment, and constant noise. They explore how to make strategic decisions instead of relying on âhappy accidents,â how to develop a clear point of view at work, how to delegate in ways that build team autonomy, and how to give better feedback without crushing people.
If youâve been searching for help with strategic leadership, clear communication, delegation, team alignment, or thought leadership, this conversation offers practical insight for leading with more intention and less reaction.
Key Takeaway
Great leaders do not chase noise, copy formulas, or wait for lucky breaks. They build clarity on purpose, trust their point of view, and create space for others to grow.
About the Guest: Rohit Bhargava
Rohit Bhargava is an expert in marketing, innovation, trends and the future. He believes the world needs more non-obvious thinking and his mission is to help people see what others miss. He owns both the Non-Obvious company and IdeaPress Publishing with his wife Chhavi.
He's a the author of multiple best-selling books, a 10-time SXSW featured speaker, and in general a non-obvious thinker who deeply cares about human connection.
Connect with Rohit at rohitbhargava.com/
About the Host: Jenn Whitmer
Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Social
Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
LinkedinJenn Whitmer - Vistage Worldwide, Inc. | LinkedIn
Resources & Links:
Rohit's upcoming book with Henry Coutinho-Mason: Future Words: A Non-Obvious Glossary of Terms That Don't Exist (But Soon Will)
Our lives are evolving faster than our vocabulary. But words usually catch up. Every year the keepers of the dictionary add new words that reflect the zeitgeist of the time. Future Words predicts what those will be.
From the authors of Future Normal comes this clever, lightly satirical glossary of terms that donât exist yet â but probably should. Each invented entry captures a subtle shift in how we live, work, love, and occasionally pretend to understand whatâs going on.
Some of these words will make you laugh. Some will feel uncomfortably accurate. All of them are designed to spark deeper conversations about where your relationships, life and work are heading next.
Find out more here.
Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.
This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.
Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.
Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.
Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.
Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.
Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.
Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.
A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.
Loved this episode?
Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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POV: the world is on fireâand everyone is looking at you to stay calm. Leadership falls apart before the crisis in the quiet moments of fear, pressure, and unchecked emotion. The crisis just reveals it all.
EPISODE SUMMARYWhat happens when leaders confuse urgency with importance and control with strength? In this grounding, no-fluff conversation, Jenn Whitmer sits down with Ken Miller to talk about what actually helps leaders stay steady when the pressure is high. Drawing from Kenâs lived experienceâfrom incarceration to entrepreneurship to boardroomsâthis episode reframes emotional regulation, decision-making, and leadership presence. This is not about optimism or pretending things are fine. Itâs about gap control, emotional awareness, and leading from clarity instead of fear. If youâve ever felt the pull to react fast, clamp down, or hide emotion âto be professional,â this episode will challengeâand steadyâyou.
Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:[01:10] Why joy is not optimism, denial, or a reward for getting everything right[07:12] The biggest thing leaders misunderstand in high-pressure situations: EMOTIONS[08:53] Gap control: expanding the space between stimulus and response so leaders act and not react[11:56] Ken's mic drop for leaders: âIf you forget emotions, you will be controlled by them.â[16:09] A real leadership failure and the moment control started costing trust[19:02] Why checklist leadership feels safe but quietly limits humanity and innovation[29:45] âIâm good with good.â What it actually means to be well as a leaderLeaders searching for how to stay calm under pressure, emotional intelligence in leadership, decision-making in high-stress situations, leading through uncertainty, and how to manage emotions at work will find this episode especially relevant. Jenn Whitmer and Ken Miller explore why fear-based leadership leads to reactive decisions, how gap control helps leaders respond with clarity instead of urgency, and why compassion, self-awareness, and perspective are not soft skillsâbut strategic ones. This conversation is particularly valuable for executives, managers, and business owners navigating burnout, team tension, or high-stakes leadership moments who want to lead with steadiness without sacrificing humanity.
Key TakeawayJoy in leadership doesn't come from reacting faster. You need to create enough space to respond with clarity, compassion, and courage.
About the Guest: Ken MillerKen Miller is a speaker, coach, and author whose life story reflects the power of resilience, accountability, and intentional growth. Raised in a home marked by both love and trauma, Ken excelled academically early on, becoming a National Merit Scholar and graduating from an Ivy League universityâclear signs of his potential. But addiction and a series of destructive choices led him into homelessness, incarceration, and profound personal loss. Hitting rock bottom forced Ken to make a defining decision: to rebuild his life through small, consistent, intentional choices. Released from prison with little more than determination, Ken committed himself to change. That commitment transformed his life and career, leading him to become a successful entrepreneur, mentor, and respected leadership voice. Today, Ken shares his story with organizations, schools, and leaders across the country, offering a powerful message: your past does not define your futureâand itâs never too late to choose differently. Connect with Ken at kenmillerspeaks.com.
About the Host: Jenn WhitmerJenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's SocialInstagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer LinkedinJenn Whitmer - Vistage Worldwide, Inc. | LinkedIn
Resources & Links:Ken's Latest book: Becoming With remarkable honesty, Ken takes you through the raw, unfiltered realities of his past: the streets of Reno, prison cells, the depths of addiction, and the agonizing struggle to forgive the man he had become. But this is far more than a cautionary taleâit's a testament to human resilience, second chances, and the possibility of healing even the most shattered lives. Grab your copy on Amazon or Bookshop. Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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Collaboration doesn't fail because people are "difficult."
It's because we confuse control with leadership.
If youâve ever left a collaboration thinking âWhy was that so hard?ââthis episode is for you.
EPISODE SUMMARYEveryone says they value collaboration. Few leaders actually know how to practice it when the pressure is real.
In this episode, Jenn sits down with Catherine Casalino, a veteran book cover designer and art director who has spent decades co-creating with authors, editors, and publishersâoften under tight deadlines, high expectations, and very strong opinions.
This conversation isnât about design. Itâs about how leaders create conditions where collaboration can actually workâwithout micromanaging, steamrolling, or disappearing into people-pleasing. Catherine shares what she listens for when collaboration is about to struggle, why iteration is a leadership skill (not a failure), and how joy shows up in the quiet, high-stakes moments where leaders are tempted to control.
If you lead people, projects, or cross-functional work, this episode will change how you approach collaborationâstarting now.
Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:
[00:05] Why most collaboration breaks down in the quiet, pressured moments, not the big blowups.
02:16] The hidden leadership skill at the center of joyful collaboration: shared ownership.
[6:49] Why listening is a people-power skill, not a âsoft skill."
[17:10] Early warning signs that a collaboration is going to struggle and how to respond without ego.
[29:45] Why the first draft is never the goal and why leaders need to normalize iteration.
[30:16] âThe only job of the first draft is to existâ and what that teaches us about leadership
[43:51] How joy becomes viral in teams when leaders are willing to examine themselves first
Leaders searching for how to improve collaboration at work, collaborative leadership skills, how to lead creative teams, or how to collaborate without micromanaging will find practical insight in this episode of the Joyosity Podcast. Through a real-world conversation on collaboration, leadership, communication, and trust, Jenn Whitmer and Catherine Casalino explore what makes collaboration succeedâor quietly fall apartâespecially under pressure.
This episode is especially relevant for leaders navigating cross-functional teams, creative collaboration, feedback challenges, people-pleasing tendencies, and control-driven leadership habits, offering a grounded, human approach to building joyful, effective collaboration that actually works.
Key TakeawayCollaboration doesnât require "let's just get together." It requires braver leaders that make room for evolution, listening, and shared ownership.
About the Guest: Catherine CasalinoCatherine Casalino is an accomplished art director and book cover designer who has worked in publishing for decades, designing covers across genres and collaborating with countless authors and creative teamsâincluding the covers for Joyosity and the Playbook. Her work exemplifies how clarity, curiosity, and trust create better outcomes than control ever could.
Connect with Catherine at casalinodesign.com or her Instagram @cat.casalino.
About the Host: Jenn WhitmerJenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Socials:
Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
LinkedinJenn Whitmer - Vistage Worldwide, Inc. | LinkedIn
Resources & Links:Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.
This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.
Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.
Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.
Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.
Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.
Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.
Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.
A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.
Loved this episode?
Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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What if the thing thatâs making leadership feel so heavy isnât the pressure but the pretending?
EPISODE SUMMARYWhat happens when leadership rewards performanceâbut quietly erodes the person underneath it? In this episode of Joyosity in Practice, Jenn Whitmer sits down with Australian employment lawyer and leadership coach Karen Ansen for a powerful conversation about presence, power, conflict, and what it really costs leaders when they disconnect from themselves in the name of professionalism. Karen brings decades of experience working with leaders in high-stakes, emotionally charged environmentsâlaw, HR, and organizational conflictâand names what many leaders feel but rarely say out loud: avoiding discomfort doesnât create peace; it creates problems. Together, Jenn and Karen explore why presence is not a ânice-to-have,â how healthy conflict actually builds trust, and why curiosityânot controlâis one of the most underrated leadership skills. This episode is for leaders who are tired of performing strength and ready to practice it.
Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:[01:15] How leadership erosion happens quietly and why self-abandonment is a hidden leadership risk.[06:24] Why âprofessionalismâ often blocks leadership presence and emotional intelligence at work.[10:45] Big personalities in leadership: why confidence in women leaders is misread as a problem.[15:12] The cost of avoiding self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional presence in leadership.[20:59] People management and leadership stress: why leading humans is the hardest leadership skill.[23:33] Letting go of control in leadership: how outcome detachment improves communication and trust.[30:06] Conflict management for leaders: a practical framework for difficult conversations without avoidance or escalation.Leaders searching for leadership presence, emotional intelligence at work, and conflict management skills often assume they need better scripts, stronger authority, or tighter control. This episode challenges that assumptionâexploring how self-awareness in leadership, mindfulness at work, and staying present during difficult conversations actually build trust, reduce defensiveness, and improve team communication
Youâll hear practical insights on managing people under pressure, leading through conflict, and how letting go of control can make you a more effective, human leaderâwithout sacrificing credibility or results.
Key TakeawayJoy at work isnât about shunning discomfort quicklyâitâs about staying present long enough to learn from it.
About the Guest: Karen AnsenKaren Ansen is an employment lawyer, HR strategist, and leadership coach based in Australia. She is the principal of Ignite HR and the founder of Ignite Your Purpose, where she works with leaders navigating conflict, complexity, and high-stakes decision-making without sacrificing their humanity. Karen is known for her rare ability to blend legal precision with emotional intelligenceâhelping leaders solve real problems by addressing the human dynamics underneath them. Connect with Karen at ignitehr.com.au.
About the Host: Jenn WhitmerJenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Socials:
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jenn_whitmer/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer/
Resources & Links:Get Joyosity and Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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What do you do when your strategic plan says one thing⌠but the fire drill of the day demands something else? If youâre leading in complexityâmanaging up, down, and sidewaysâthis episode is your playbook.
EPISODE SUMMARYIn this episode, Jenn sits down with enterprise leader Harry Cook to explore how leaders balance long-term strategy with urgent operational demands. With experience across financial services, federal government, and healthcare, Harry shares what it takes to align culture with corporate strategyâespecially when competing priorities, executive pressure, and tactical distractions threaten focus. Harry is a truth-teller who's lived it. This is a must-listen for chiefs of staff, VPs, middle and senior leaders, and anyone responsible for translating executive vision into execution. Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:
[02:14] What a Chief of Staff Actually Does in Complex Organizations[06:48] How to Align Culture with Corporate Strategy[11:32] Managing Up Without Undermining Authority[16:55] Balancing Long-Term Strategic Goals with Urgent Tactical Demands[21:40] Preventing Strategy Drift in Fast-Moving Environments[26:18] Using Humor and Humanity to Regulate High-Stress Teams[31:07] What High-Performing Leadership Teams Do Differently
Key TakeawayCultivating joy means staying clear, connected, and human when everything feels urgent. How to manage up as a VP, what a Chief of Staff actually does, aligning culture with corporate strategy, balancing strategic and tactical leadership, preventing burnout in high-pressure executive roles, improving executive communication, enterprise program execution, and leading in complex organizational structures. If youâre leading between vision and fire drillsâsend this to someone who needs language for what theyâre holding. And if you want tools to strengthen communication, reduce friction, and make strategy stick? Start with joy. Because clarity creates performanceâand joy makes clarity possible. About the Guest: Harry Cook IV Harry Cook is an experienced enterprise leader developing motivated teams to deliver strategic enterprise programs and solutions within complex organizational structures. He has served as Chief of Staff, partnering with C-level executives and senior leadership to align culture, community, and corporate vision while navigating urgent operational demands. His background spans financial services, federal government, healthcare, and other large-scale industries where balancing long-term strategy with tactical execution is mission-critical. Connect with Harry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrycookiv/ About the Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. jennwhitmer.com Jenn's Socials: Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer LinkedinJenn Whitmer - Vistage Worldwide, Inc. | LinkedIn
Resources & Links:Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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You donât need more discipline to lead. You need less fear, fewer rules, and permission to make bad output on purpose.
EPISODE SUMMARYSo many leaders say they want creativityâbut secretly punish it the moment it looks inefficient, awkward, or unfinished. In this episode, Jenn sits down with creativity instigator Melissa Dinwiddie to dismantle one of the biggest lies holding leaders back: that creativity is a luxury reserved for artists with time, talent, and confidence. Together, they explore what it actually takes to create sustainablyâespecially when youâre tired, responsible, and carrying real stakes. This isnât about âfinding your inner artist.â Itâs about building trust with yourself, loosening perfectionism, and letting play lead the way again. If youâve ever felt blocked, blank, or secretly jealous of people who âjust create,â this conversation will feel like oxygen.
Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:[03:10] Why most people confuse talent with trustâand how that kills creativity before it starts.[07:45] The real reason perfectionism shows up (and why itâs not a motivation problem.)[12:30] How fear disguises itself as âbeing practical,â âbeing busy,â or âbeing professional.â[18:05] What leaders get wrong about playâand why play is actually a leadership skill.[23:40] How to create when youâre exhausted, overcommitted, or convinced youâre ânot creative.â[29:15] A simple reframe that turns creative blocks into useful information.[34:50] Why joy and creativity are not rewardsâbut renewable resources.
Key TakeawayCreativity builds confidence. You donât wait until you feel ready. You create, and clarity follows. About the Guest: Melissa Dinwiddie Melissa Dinwiddie is an innovation strategist, keynote speaker, and recovering perfectionist who helps leaders create cultures where people can think, connect, and do their best workâespecially under pressure. With a background as a Juilliard-trained dancer, professional visual artist, improviser, and jazz singer-songwriter, she brings a deeply human, embodied approach to leadership and organizational change. Melissa works with analytical leaders and teams to replace surface-level innovation tactics with small, practical experiments that build trust, psychological safety, and real momentum. Her work lives at the intersection of play, imperfection, and rapid learningâbecause thatâs where joy, creativity, and performance actually thrive. She is the author of the forthcoming book Innovation at Work, a toolkit of micro-experiments designed to help leaders unstick teams and restore the joy of meaningful work. Connect with Melissa at melissadinwiddie.com. About the Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. jennwhitmer.com Jenn's Social Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
LinkedinJenn Whitmer - Vistage Worldwide, Inc. | LinkedIn
Resources & LinksMelissa's Latest book: Innovation at Work Innovation theater is killing your teamâs potential. Your smartest people are stuck perfecting slides instead of testing ideas while competitors ship messy prototypes and learn what actually works. Find out more here. Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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What if the problem isnât what youâre doing as a leader⌠but when youâre doing it? EPISODE SUMMARY Leaders are taught to push through resistance, decide faster, and trust the dataâeven when something feels off. But what if resistance isnât a stop sign⌠itâs a signal? In this episode, Jenn is joined by Ipek Gray, founder of The Born Method, to explore how timing, internal signals, and decision-making rhythms shape leadership far more than hustle ever could. Together, they unpack why ease is often dismissed in leadership culture, how data without humanity fails us, and what it looks like to lead in alignmentâespecially under pressure. This conversation is for leaders who are tired of forcing progress and ready to make decisions that actually align with who you are and the good you can do. Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:[07:09] Why resistance isnât failureâbut information about timing.[17:01] Why ease isnât lazinessâitâs alignment.[20:06] How self-awareness without self-disclosure quietly erodes trust.[24:33] Why data without human context creates false certainty.[29:45] How fast decisions can be driven by anxiety, not clarity.[32:10] Why great leaders stop comparing energy and start designing for renewal.[37:53] Three grounding questions that bring leaders back into alignment. Key Takeaway Great leaders don't force movement. Great leaders understand how to move when it's aligned About the Guest: Ipek Gray Ipek Gray is the founder of The Born Method, a guidance system blending behavioral data with ancient numerical wisdom to help leaders, founders, and teams make aligned decisions. With a background in data science and grant-based research, Ipek brings a rare mix of analytical rigor and human insight to leadership work. Find more about Ipek at thebornmethod.com About the Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. jennwhitmer.com Jenn's Social Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer LinkedinJenn Whitmer - Vistage Worldwide, Inc. | LinkedIn Resources & Links:
Follow Ipek's Substack: Math of Being Raised within a mathematical system her mother created, she's now now sharing the math of being human. The Born Methodâ˘. The Math of Being Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books. Free 99: Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work. Ready to Make a Plan: Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction. Starting the Journey: Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots. Ready to Dive In: Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership. A Party for More: Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode? Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity. -
You donât lose your humanity overnight as a leader.
You trade it away one âthis is just how it has to beâ moment at a time.
EPISODE SUMMARYLeadership pressure has a way of quietly narrowing usâour choices, our curiosity, and eventually, our humanity. In this conversation, Jenn sits down with Heather Campbell to unpack what actually helps leaders stay grounded, present, and human when the stakes are high and the margin for error feels thin.
This episode isnât about coping harder or pushing through with a smile. Itâs about noticing the subtle moments where leaders disconnect from themselvesâand learning how to interrupt that pattern before it costs trust, clarity, and culture. Jenn Whitmer talks with Heather Campbell, who brings deep insight, lived experience, and practical wisdom for leaders navigating complexity without losing themselves in the process.
Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:[09:52] Why the most powerful leadership shifts begin as an invitation, not a mandate.
[14:22] Why âbeing professionalâ often becomes a cover for emotional disconnection.
[26:16] How high-capacity leaders unintentionally train themselves out of curiosity.
[31:59] What actually restores trust when leaders feel stretched, scrutinized, or stuck.
[23:38] A practical reframe for staying human without oversharing or collapsing boundaries.
Key TakeawayStaying human isnât about lowering standardsâitâs about widening awareness. Leaders who remain curious under pressure make better decisions and create cultures people want to stay in.
About the Guest: Heather CampbellHeather Campbell is a leadership consultant and coach who helps organizations build healthier, more human culturesâespecially in high-pressure environments. Her work centers on awareness, trust, and helping leaders recognize the moments where small shifts create outsized impact. Connect with Heather at heatheracampbell.com
About the Host: Jenn WhitmerJenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Socials:
Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer
LinkedinJenn Whitmer - Vistage Worldwide, Inc. | LinkedIn
Resources & Links:Grab Heather's book: Good is Amazing
Good is Amazing: Stop Overstriving and Celebrate Being Enough is fantastic! Grab your copy here.
Find all the books featured on the Joyosity Podcast here.
Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.
This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.
Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.
Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.
Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.
Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.
Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.
Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.
A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.
Loved this episode?
Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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What if joy isn't denial...but an act of rebellion?
When the world feels heavy, choosing joy can feel naĂŻveâor even irresponsible. But it's actually the very thing that keeps you going.
In this opening episode of Joyosity in Practice, Jenn wrestles with a question many leaders are quietly carrying: Is it out of touch to talk about joy when things are this hard? After hearing firsthand fear and exhaustion from a close friend, Jenn reframes joy not as optimism or toxic positivityâbut as a courageous, strategic act of resistance against burnout, dehumanization, and quiet self-abandonment.
This episode lays the foundation for the series, introducing joy as a practiceâone that shapes better leadership, healthier workplaces, and more sustainable lives. Youâll hear why âjust pushing throughâ stops working, the real cost of treating joy as optional, and how small, intentional practices can help leaders stay human when pressure is high and the stakes are real.
Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:[02:40] Why joy isnât naĂŻveâitâs connected, constructive, and courageous
[06:20] The three components of joy (and what joy is not)
[07:30] The Joy Ratio: 35% joy, 10% toil, and the messy middle
[08:45] The measurable outcomes of joy at work (productivity, collaboration, performance) [
09:30] Why âjust push throughâ works at firstâand then quietly fails
[11:55] How endurance without discernment becomes self-abandonment
[12:15] The organizational cost of treating joy as optional
[14:15] The personal cost: numbness, irritability, physical stress, and burnout
[15:45] Why modeling self-neglect as success is harming leaders and teams
[16:20] What it actually looks like to practice joy (small, intentional, repeatable)
[20:30] The invitation: What if joy were strategicâfor you?
Key TakeawayWhen leaders treat joy as optional, they pay for it with burnout, bad decisions, and broken culture. Start small and reap big.
About the Host: Jenn WhitmerJenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
jennwhitmer.com
Jenn's Socialhttps://www.instagram.com/jenn_whitmer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer/
Resources & Links:Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works PlaybookJoyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.
This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.
Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.
Find links to purchase at https://jennwhitmer.com/books or you may even see it in the airport this month.
Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.
Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.
Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.
Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.
A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.
Loved this episode?Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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You donât need a new personality, a new job, or a vision board with unhinged optimism. You need to live in the joy ratio.
In this final episode of the New Year mini-series, Jenn walks you through how to actually design your life and leadership for joyânot as a vibe, but as a strategy.
This is a guided, reflective episode (yes, you'll want to grab a pen), where values, stories, and personality finally come together in a practical framework Jenn calls the Joy Ratio. Youâll identify what genuinely fuels you, what quietly drains you, and how small, intentional shifts can radically change how you experience your work and life.
No ânew year, new you.â Just a new openingâand a smarter way forward.
Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode:
1:01 If you donât know what brings you joy, there is no way you can ever live in joy..
2:12 We don't need to normalize toxic positivity or toxic teams.
4:11 Identifying joy for yourself.
7:07 Identifying toil, even if you're good at the work.
9:58 Using the joy ratio.
11:02 how to design your work and entire life for joy without pretending toil can disappear.
Key Takeaway
You canât lead well from a life thatâs designed to drain you. You didnât âloseâ your joyâyou never built it into your leadership.
About the Host: Jenn Whitmer
Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces.
Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose.
Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
Resources & Links:
Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.
This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.
Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.
Find links to purchase at https://jennwhitmer.com/books or you may even see it in the airport this month.
Free 99:
Episode 120 of the Joyosity⢠Podcast â The New Year Trope Leaders Keep Believing
Joyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.
Ready to Make a Plan:
Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction.
Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.
Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.
A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.
Loved this episode?
Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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Personality tools were meant to create clarityânot shame. So why do so many leaders leave personality conversations feeling worse? In this episode, Jenn tackles one of the most misunderstood leadership tools out there and makes a bold claim: your personality isnât the problemâmisusing is. If youâve ever wondered, âIs my personality the thing holding me back?ââthis episode is for you. Continuing the New Year, New Opening mini-series, Jenn reframes personality awareness as a leadership skillânot a fix-yourself project. She explains how strengths get weaponized under pressure, why self-awareness without self-disclosure backfires, and how tools like the Enneagram can cultivate trust, clarity, and joy when used well. This is a shame-free, practical conversation for leaders who want to stop fighting their wiring and start leading from it. Hereâs Whatâs in the Episode: 2:44 You don't need to fix yourself to be a great leader.7:40 Strengths don't disappear with fear and pressure. But they do warp into weakness.10:28 Personality awareness can become self-centeredness if you misuse it.12:30 How to avoid "checkbox leadership" that oversimplifies complex people.13:56 The three rules of the road to avoid misusing personality tools as a leader.
Key Takeaway You donât need a new personality. You need awareness of how yours behaves under pressure. About the Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosityâ˘, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. Resources & Links: Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isnât extra. Joy is how you thrive.This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.Find links to purchase at https://jennwhitmer.com/books or you may even see it in the airport this month.
Free 99: Episode 120 and 122 of the Joyosity⢠Podcast â The New Year Trope Leaders Keep BelievingJoyosity Explorer Map â This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work. Ready to Make a Plan: Joyosity⢠Jumpstart â Get crystal clear on what you want, whatâs in the way, and how to move forward with traction. Starting the Journey: Enneagram Navigator â Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots. Ready to Dive In: Joyosity⢠Intensive â A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership. A Party for More: Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak â Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.Loved this episode? Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader whoâs ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity. - Mostra di più
