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Ep. 133, Joyosity in Practice: ICYMI pt. 1 with Michael Whitmer
What do leaders do when they know better… and still spiral anyway?
EPISODE SUMMARY
In 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 season’s 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 you’ve 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 again—because repetition is a mercy, and leadership is not a position. It’s a practice.
Here’s What’s in the Episode:
This 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 Takeaway
Leadership does not break in one big moment—it 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 Joyosity™, 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 Isn’t a Luxury Skill—It’s 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
Free 99:
Ready to Make a Plan:
Starting the Journey:
Ready to Dive In:
A Party for More:
Loved this episode?
Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader who’s ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.
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By Jenn WhitmerWhat do leaders do when they know better… and still spiral anyway?
EPISODE SUMMARY
In 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 season’s 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 you’ve 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 again—because repetition is a mercy, and leadership is not a position. It’s a practice.
Here’s What’s in the Episode:
This 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 Takeaway
Leadership does not break in one big moment—it 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 Joyosity™, 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 Isn’t a Luxury Skill—It’s 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
Free 99:
Ready to Make a Plan:
Starting the Journey:
Ready to Dive In:
A Party for More:
Loved this episode?
Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader who’s ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.