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Ep. 134, Joyosity in Practice: ICYMI pt 2 with Michael Whitmer
Somewhere between the feedback, the frustration, and the fifth Slack ping, most leaders stop being intentional.
EPISODE SUMMARY
In 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 “now what?”—how 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 what’s working, listening better, lowering the pressure of perfection, giving feedback that actually helps, and using small pauses to lead with more intention.
Here’s What’s in the Episode:
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 Takeaway
The leaders who stay human under pressure are not waiting for perfect conditions—they 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 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
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 Michael's resource for you: Lights, Camera...Nail It! 5 Keys to Mastering Your Public Presence No matter where you show up as a spokesperson—media interview, keynote, panel discussion, public testimony, podcast, or just your weekly 1:1—you 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
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 WhitmerSomewhere between the feedback, the frustration, and the fifth Slack ping, most leaders stop being intentional.
EPISODE SUMMARY
In 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 “now what?”—how 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 what’s working, listening better, lowering the pressure of perfection, giving feedback that actually helps, and using small pauses to lead with more intention.
Here’s What’s in the Episode:
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 Takeaway
The leaders who stay human under pressure are not waiting for perfect conditions—they 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 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
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 Michael's resource for you: Lights, Camera...Nail It! 5 Keys to Mastering Your Public Presence No matter where you show up as a spokesperson—media interview, keynote, panel discussion, public testimony, podcast, or just your weekly 1:1—you 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
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.