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Joyosity episodes

  • Ep. 92, The Story Isn’t Over Yet, Joyosity™ Summer Sips

    Think you’re at the end of your story? You’re probably just in the messy middle.

    Episode Summary:

    In this Summer Sips episode, Jenn and Shelby revisit their August conversation with keynote speaker and storytelling powerhouse Kindra Hall. From Appalachian tales to leadership truths, this episode reminds us that storytelling isn’t just a communication tactic—it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re leading a team, coaching your kids, or just trying to survive Tuesday, stories shape how we connect, grow, and lead. Kindra’s insight that *“when there’s a problem, there’s a story”* reshapes how we show up at work and in life.

    You’ll hear about football sagas in the holler, four-year-old curiosity, and what it means to reclaim your narrative as the main character of your own leadership.

    Key Takeaway

    When things feel like the end, it’s probably just the middle. And to paraphrase Andy Grammer, grab the pen and write the next part of the story.

    Guest: Kindra Hall

    Kindra Hall is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and expert on the strategic power of storytelling. She’s the author of *Stories That Stick* and *The Story Edge* and has been featured in Forbes, Inc., and SUCCESS Magazine. Kindra helps leaders and organizations harness storytelling to build trust, connection, and influence in their work.

    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 upcoming book, *Joyosity*, hits shelves this fall, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. Connect with Jenn at jennwhitmer.com See Jenn in action and check her speaking availability at jennwhitmer.com/speaking.

    Co-Host: Shelby Merryweather

    Shelby produces many live streaming shows and podcasts, including *Joyosity™ ™.* She is also founder and CEO of Sunshine Lane, where she helps creative entrepreneurs lead with clarity and calm. Connect with Shelby at shelbymerryweather.com.

    Pour Yourself a Full Glass:

    August 2024 Episodes

    • Episode 49: We’re Literally Dying Without Joy [Apple] [Spotify] or [YouTube]
    • Episode 50: The Biological Power of Stories for Leaders, part 1 with Kindra Hall [Apple] [Spotify] or [YouTube]
    • Episode 51: Storytelling as a People Power Skill, part 2 with Kindra Hall [Apple] [Spotify] or [YouTube]
    • Episode 52: ICYMI: Joy at Work and Storytelling with Jenn and Shelby [Apple] [Spotify] or [YouTube]
    • Grab Kindra’s book The Story Edge

      Joyosity Book Coming this Fall: Join the Joyosity™ Works Very Important Party and get:

      • Early sneak peeks of the book with real tools to help you in your life, your work, and in your leadership.
      • An exclusive chance to shape this message, including cover art, and help other leaders create positive culture with complex people.
      • Behind-the-scenes updates and bonuses.
      • Get it here: https://jennwhitmer.com/books

        Resources & Links:

        Free 99 Steps: 

        Why Do I Keep Doing This? Enneagram Motivations.

        You’re not broken. You’re just being run by a well-meaning but slightly unhinged internal script. Meet the five motivations behind your leadership quirks and learn how to flip the script with this quick guide.

        Joyosity Explorer 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

        Get crystal clear on what you want, what’s in the way, and what’s actually working. In this powerful strategy session, we’ll use the Joyosity™ Compass to name your roadblocks and map a leadership plan you can actually follow. No fluff, just traction. Schedule your session here.

        Starting the Journey: Enneagram Navigator

        Tired of trying to figure out your Enneagram type from freebie quizzes that leave you more confused than a group text with no context? In this 1:1 session, I’ll help you decode your motivations and blind spots so you can finally lead (and live) with clarity, not guesswork. Book your Navigator session here.

        Ready to Dive In: Joyosity™ Intensive

        What if you could clear the fog, realign with your values, and build a practical plan for joyful leadership — in just one transformative day? This personalized experience combines deep self-awareness, strategic clarity, and honest-to-goodness joy to help you lead with purpose *and* still like your life. Start the process here.

        A Party for More: Book Jenn to Speak

        When your whole team needs the spark — not just the spark notes — I bring the energy, expertise, and real talk that shifts culture. With contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter, I help leaders connect, communicate, and make

        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 — in a quick sip.

        12 min
      • Ep. 91, ICYMI: The Gratitude Clown Car: Who’s in Your Joy Ride?

        What if your checklist is killing connection?

         

        You can show intentional appreciation without making people feel like a task.

         

        This month on the Joyosity™ Podcast, we’ve been getting cozy with gratitude. Far beyond the generic “thanks!” you reflexively say cause you were raised with manners.

         

        We’re talking personalized, purposeful, and strategic appreciation that actually fuels connection and trust at work (and home).

         

        In this In Case You Missed It episode, Jenn Whitmer and producer Shelby Merryweather reflect on May’s big takeaways — from Enneagram-savvy thank-yous to the surprisingly soulful power of systems.

         

        Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

        • The subtle (but powerful) difference between thankfulness and gratitude — and why only one builds trust.
        • How to give appreciation that’s specific to someone’s Enneagram style (spoiler: praise what you want to produce).
        • Why “operationalizing your values” (yes, even gratitude) creates more joy and less burnout.
        •  

          And again Shelby brings the question every leader should ask around 16 minutes in.

           

          📬 Want more joy? Rate, review, and subscribe. Then share this episode with a fellow leader who could use a little more gratitude that actually sticks.

           

          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 upcoming book, Joyosity, hits shelves this fall, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. Join the Joyosity™ Works Very Important Party at jennwhitmer.com/books.

           

          Guest: Shelby Merryweather

          Shelby produces many live streaming shows and podcasts, including Joyosity™. She is also founder and CEO of Sunshine Lane, where she helps creative entrepreneurs lead with clarity and calm. Connect with Shelby at shelbymerryweather.com/

           

          🔗 Resources & Mentions:

          • Want to know more about the Enneagram? Grab “Why Do I Keep Doing This?” Enneagram Personality Motivations at jennwhitmer.com/enneagram
          • Connect with Kevin Monroe and the Gratitude Challenge at kevindmonroe.com/
          • Jenny Blake’s Free Time (yes, even generosity can be systemized!) https://amzn.to/4mshVxB
          • Joy Beth (Smith) Crownover https://www.instagram.com/jbstwocents/
          • 33 min
          • Ep. 90 Deploying Gratitude: Energizing Your Team with Kevin Monroe

            Gratitude isn’t a garnish! It’s the main dish. In Part 2 of our conversation with “The Gratitude Guy” Kevin Monroe, we roll up our sleeves and get practical. This episode is all about turning appreciation into action — without falling into the traps of toxic positivity or meaningless thanks.

             

            You’ll learn how to deploy gratitude as a leadership strategy, how to make it part of your workplace rhythms, and why it transforms not just your team culture but your people’s *entire lives*. (And honestly, yours too.) If Part 1 was the “why,” this one is the “how.”

             

            This isn’t about feel-good fluff. It’s about building a joy-filled, high-performing workplace on purpose.

             

            Here’s what we talked about:
            03:15 Don’t Be That Guy: Why bad behavior cancels out even your best thank-yous

            06:37 The ripple is real: How gratitude multiplies inside and outside of work.

            11:16 Practice, not perfection: How to make gratitude an ongoing practice, part of your leadership and team rhythm.

            12:43 Stop sprinkling. Start deploying: Three steps to use gratitude well.

            15:46 The 4S Formula: The four parts every "thank you" needs to actually land.

            20:04 The Big Bocks: How to deploy gratitude today. One thing you can do to create a and why generative workplace that wins.

             

            Here’s the real real?

            Cultures that prioritize joy and gratitude don’t just "retain" employees. They freaking energize them.

            If you’re tired of Band-Aid solutions and empty gestures, this episode is your blueprint for doing it differently — and doing it right.

             

            Guest: Kevin Monroe

            Kevin is a workplace gratitude consultant, leadership mentor, and founder of multiple gratitude initiatives that have reached over 70 countries. Known for his transformative gratitude challenges and practical frameworks, Kevin helps leaders turn gratitude from a buzzword into a strategy for engagement, motivation, and cultural transformation.

            Find Kevin and more about his work at kevindmonroe.com https://kevindmonroe.com/.

             

            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 organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her storytelling style blends practical strategies with a dash of humor, making the hard stuff easier.

            Her upcoming book Joyosity launches October 21, 2025—and it’s your new favorite leadership manual (even if you don’t think joy is your thing… yet).

             

            Find out more: jennwhitmer.com https://jennwhitmer.com 

             

            Reviews are like high-fives for podcasters. And shares?? Big hugs.

            If you’re feeling the love, leave a review and make our day (and someone else’s workweek). We are grateful for you: you listen, you share, and you put it into practice.

             

            Links/ Resources:

            The Free 99 Step:

            - Kevin’s 21-Day Journey → https://kevin-monroe.kit.com/products/cultivating-hope-a-21-day-journey-may 

            - Get in on the Joyosity Works Very Important Party → http://jennwhitmer.com/books

            Ready to Make a Plan:

            Joyosity Jumpstart https://jennwhitmer.com/jumpstart  If you’re ready to stop leading from survival mode and lead with connection and joy, the Joyosity™ Jumpstart Session https://jennwhitmer.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3TxtmrUFUqPUT55qA3P3hOdr~a-jjAT0w-xlk5HEIFnKDXV8y_xGh.ae3HVViwBfx1K2Z5UWKXOd954KzNLKUr  is for you. Clarify what you want, where you are, and what’s getting in the way so you can make a real plan.

            Book Jenn to Speak:

            Watch Jenn in Action https://jennwhitmer.com/keynote-speaker

            Ready for a keynote that actually changes people? Forget another “feel-good” talk that fades by Monday. You need high energy, high impact, and strategy that sticks.

            ✔️ Audiences saying, “That changed me.”

            ✔️ Joy with strategy — not fluff.

            ✔️ Real leadership transformation.

            Book or suggest Jenn for your next event 

            https://jennwhitmer.com/keynote-speaker 

             

            Know someone who books speakers? Connect us over email! The second half of 2025 is booking fast and 2026 dates already requested. Grab your spot while you can!

            27 min
          • Ep. 89 Stop Saying Thank You: Lead with Connection with Kevin Monroe

            Gratitude isn’t just a warm fuzzy feeling — it’s a leadership superpower. But most of us are doing it wrong… or at least, doing it on autopilot.

             

            Ready to learn how real gratitude can transform your team, your culture, and your own leadership mindset? Let’s dive in.

             

            In this episode of The Joyosity™ Podcast, Jenn Whitmer welcomes Kevin Monroe — globally known as "The Gratitude Guy" — to explore how gratitude isn't just nice-to-have, it’s a game-changer at work. Kevin shares his personal story of accidentally becoming a gratitude expert, the difference between genuine gratitude and transactional thankfulness, and why seeing people — and we mean really seeing them — is at the heart of leadership.

             

            This isn’t about gratitude jars gathering dust or robotic thank-yous at checkout lines. It’s about sparking real human connection, even in the toughest seasons of leadership.

             

            Here’s what we talked about:

            06:12 The Pit of Despair Can Be a Launchpad: Kevin shares how hitting a personal low point ignited his extraordinary work around gratitude — and how struggle often plants the seeds of deeper joy.

            09:40 Gratitude ≠ Thankfulness: Thankfulness can be transactional and automatic. Gratitude requires human connection, recognition, and intentionality.

            16:05 The Kmart Card Problem: Forcing gratitude isn’t going to work for you…or your people

            19:55 Connection Powers Engagement: Leadership isn’t about checking the “gratitude” box. It’s about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

            28:48 Gratitude Empowers: Simple shifts — like asking “Who made your day better this week?” — can build trust, retention, and authentic workplace culture.

             

            If today’s conversation sparked something in you, imagine what a life infused with real gratitude could unlock. Share this episode with a leader who needs a reminder: seeing people — truly seeing them — changes everything.

             

            And hey, don't forget to subscribe so you catch Part 2 of this conversation with Kevin Monroe — it's gonna get even better.

             

            Guest: Kevin Monroe

            Kevin is a workplace gratitude consultant, leadership mentor, and founder of multiple gratitude initiatives that have reached over 70 countries. Known for his transformative gratitude challenges and practical frameworks, Kevin helps leaders turn gratitude from a buzzword into a strategy for engagement, motivation, and cultural transformation.

            Find Kevin and more about his work at kevindmonroe.com https://kevindmonroe.com/ .

             

            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 organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her storytelling style blends practical strategies with a dash of humor, making the hard stuff easier.

            Her upcoming book *Joyosity* launches October 21, 2025—and it’s your new favorite leadership manual (even if you don’t think joy is your thing… yet).

            Find out more: jennwhitmer.com https://jennwhitmer.com 

             

            Links/ Resources:

            The Free 99 Step:

            - Kevin’s 21-Day Journey → https://kevin-monroe.kit.com/products/cultivating-hope-a-21-day-journey-may

            - Get in on the Joyosity Works Very Important Party → http://jennwhitmer.com/books

            Ready to Make a Plan:

            Joyosity Jumpstart https://jennwhitmer.com/jumpstart  If you’re ready to stop leading from survival mode and lead with connection and joy, the Joyosity™ Jumpstart Session https://jennwhitmer.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3TxtmrUFUqPUT55qA3P3hOdr~a-jjAT0w-xlk5HEIFnKDXV8y_xGh.ae3HVViwBfx1K2Z5UWKXOd954KzNLKUr  is for you. Clarify what you want, where you are, and what’s getting in the way so you can make a real plan.

            Starting the Journey:

            Enneagram Navigator http://jennwhitmer.com/enneagram-typing Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life.

            32 min
          • Ep. 88 Can the Enneagram Rip Open Plastic Gratitude? with Jenn Whitmer

            When is a cookie a giant letdown?

            (Nope, not a joke setup.)

             

            When the cookie is a crumb compared to the work you do. Because a one-size-fits-all thank-you is just another way to say you don’t really see me.

             

            In this episode of the Joyosity Podcast, Jenn gets fired up about the difference between generic appreciation and the kind that actually builds culture, boosts performance, and keeps your best people from walking out the door.

             

            You’ll also discover how the Enneagram can be a powerful tool to personalize appreciation and create true belonging. Sure, it may feel like one more to-do at first—but it’s actually the shortcut to saving time, money, and your sanity.

             

            In this episode, you’ll learn:

            01:24 What happens when your gratitude isn’t in the right language

            04:36 The performance outcomes linked to belonging and feeling seen, heard, and valued (yep, we brought receipts)

            10:26 How to stop giving “meh” thank-yous that land worse than a vanilla cookie

            13:04 What each Enneagram type actually values in appreciation—and how to speak that language

            23:34 How to appreciate what you see and want to see more of

            27:01 A tiny challenge that leads to big impact

             

            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 organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her storytelling style blends practical strategies with a dash of humor, making the hard stuff easier.

            Her upcoming book Joyosity launches October 21, 2025—and it’s your new favorite leadership manual (even if you don’t think joy is your thing… yet).

             

            Resources & Links:

            - Learn more about the Enneagram with Jenn → https://jennwhitmer.com/enneagram

            - Get first dibs on Jenn’s upcoming book Joyosity: Cultivating Joy at Work → http://jennwhitmer.com/books

            - Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life. Join Jenn for an Enneagram Navigator session → http://jennwhitmer.com/enneagram-typing

             

            Want to help others learn this too? Send it to your fellow leader who’s still handing out generic gift cards and wondering why no one’s smiling. Or better yet, leave a review —with specific appreciation, of course.

            29 min
          • Ep. 87 ICYMI: Stop Hiding Stress—Why It’s Killing Trust on Your Team

            Turns out, shielding your team from stress doesn’t protect them—it breaks trust.

             

            And if you’ve ever found yourself trying to carry it all alone? You’re not the only one.

             

            There’s a swirl every modern leader experiences. So we’re going there.

             

            Keynote speaker for joy at work Jenn Whitmer and podcast and livestream producer Shelby Merryweather are digging into what actually builds trust, especially when the pressure’s on and you’re figuring out how to lead through change. We’re talking team culture and honest leadership, helping you communicate with clarity and redefining what “professional” even means. Listen in on our transparent convo about what makes modern leadership work — and where we all still get stuck.

             

            Oh! At 12:45, Shelby names the moment every leader’s lived but few say out loud.

             

            If you're Googling “how to lead with being exhausted” at your desk right now? Start here.

             

            Key Takeaways for Leaders:

            03:07 How to be professional. Can you be professional and human? Professionalism shouldn't mean fake, stuffy, or perfect.

            08:03 Change is scary, but not changing is worse.Trying (and potentially failing) is often better than staying stuck in fear.

            11:08 Transparency builds trust. Trying to “protect” your team by hiding your stress usually backfires. 15:58 Villagers make the village. Stop buying into the myth of the solo hero. We need each other to be healthy for the long term.

            21:00 What tech can’t do. When you get distracted by the Shiny Object Syndrome that is AI and tech tools, you make it worse

            24:29 Why your internal people matter the most.Clients and customers will stay if you take care of your people. And a great story about a mop.

             

            Send this to your village, and especially the ones who want to be more human at work.

            And if you haven’t already, subscribe to the Joyosity Podcast and leave us a quick review. It’s like being the cream in the coffee of someone’s day.

            Got thoughts about change, leadership, or fronds? Leave your comment or shoot us a message on LinkedIn: Jenn Whitmer https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer/  We’re here for the richness. 

            Featuring:

            Host: Jenn Whitmer – Joy-bringer, keynote speaker, and leadership consultant helping leaders create positive culture with complex people.

            Producer: Shelby Merryweather – Podcast producer, business owner, and fellow human navigating the push-pull of professionalism and play.

            Resources & Links: - Join the Joyosity™ Works VIP: Joyosity: Cultivating Joy at Work – jennwhitmer.com/books http://jennwhitmer.com/books  - Grab Ron Tite’s upcoming book: The Purpose of Purpose – Amazon link https://amzn.to/4cFqMYw  - Need help figuring it out? Grab a Spark Session for 15 minutes — https://jennwhitmer.com/spark-call 

            34 min
          • Ep. 86 Work Not Working? An Invite to Disruption (and Joy)

            Stress, toxicity, and exhaustion at work is killing us. Literally. Leaders are burned out, disengaged, and desperate for something real. If that’s you… I wrote a whole book for you!

             

            Joyosity: Cultivating Joy at Work. And today, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of what’s in this book for you.

             

            This isn’t your typical leadership book (because I’m not your typical leadership “guru” who’s never taken a meeting in the carpool line).

             

            This book is researched, practical, and joyful in all the right ways.

             

            In this episode, here’s what we’re talking about:

            02:02 Where this journey started (yep, it involves getting fired and crying on couches)

            03:54 Why joy isn’t fluff and what it is instead.

            05:34 What’s in the book to help you.

            06:40 How you can be a part of the Joyosity™ Works Very Important Party and the movement to spread this message.

            08:21 why that matters well beyond you and me.

             

            Share this episode with the leaders in your circle, your friend group text, and your network.

             

            Want to get in on the Joyosity™ Works VIP??

            Get early access, behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and exclusive bonuses. jennwhitmer.com/books

             

            Can’t wait to get started and want to make a plan now?

            The Joyosity™ Jumpstart is for you!

             

            If you’re ready to stop leading from survival mode and lead with connection and joy, the Joyosity™ Jumpstart Session is for you. Clarify what you want, where you are, and what’s getting in the way so you can make a real plan.

             

            13 min
          • Ep. 85 The Leadership Trap: What’s Distracting You from Real Impact? with Ron Tite

            Titles. Egos. Positions. We can do with a few less of those and far more actual leaders.

             

            In this episode of The Joyosity Podcast, Ron Tite, speaker, author, and founder of Church & State, returns for a deeper conversation on leadership, purpose, and impact. Jenn Whitmer and Ron break down how leaders at any level—not just CEOs—can bring purpose to life in their organizations. From real-world examples to practical strategies, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

             

            What You’ll Hear:

            3:22 How to lead with purpose when you’re not the CEO

            4:59 The necessity of personal growth in driving organizational change (and a bit about Steve Martin!)

            7:28 How to align your role, work, and leadership to a bigger mission

            12:58 The biggest leadership distraction today (and how to avoid it)

            15:45 Why purpose isn’t simply an ideal. How to use purpose as a powerful decision-making tool

            Be sure to listen for Ron’s clear purpose framework.

             

            About Ron Tite:

            Ron Tite is a renowned speaker, author, and the Chief Innovation Officer at Church & State, an award-winning advertising agency. His insights on creativity, business strategy, and leadership have made him one of the most engaging thought leaders on LinkedIn and beyond. His latest book, The Purpose of Purpose, challenges leaders to rethink how they define and activate purpose in their organizations.

             

            About Jenn Whitmer: Jenn Whitmer 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 upcoming book, Joyosity, hits shelves on October 21, 2025, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.

             

            Resources & Links:

            Ron’s Book: Preorder The Purpose of Purpose (Coming May 6!)

            Follow Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontite/

            Church & State Agency: https://churchstate.co/

            Jump into Your Purpose: Joyosity™Leadership Intensive

            Work on your leadership stories, mindset, values, and alignment to purpose one on one with Jenn. Five spots available in April and May 2025.

            Jenn’s Book: Preorder Joyosity (Coming Oct. 21!)

             

            27 min
          • Ep. 84 The Purpose Pivot: Aligning Values, Strategy, and Action with Ron Tite

            “When the world hints at change, most businesses hesitate. When the world demands change, they take the easy way out.” Ron Tite with the mic drop moments on the podcast this week.

             

            We both agree real leadership isn’t about superficial strategies. Running a business and leading is far more than just giving lipservice to purpose. You must anchor action to purpose.

             

            In this episode of The Joyosity Podcast, host Jenn Whitmer sits down with Ron Tite, speaker, author, and founder of Church & State, to discuss the truth about purpose-driven leadership. Ron’s new book, The Purpose of Purpose, dives into why businesses get purpose wrong, how they “purpose-wash” for PR, and what it takes to align values, strategy, and action.

             

            What You’ll Hear:

            4:34 Ron’s winding career path

            9:58 Why many businesses misunderstand and misuse purpose

            12:42 How purpose connects to profit, culture, and leadership growth

            14:07 The difference between true purpose and performative purpose

            19:39 The leadership issue that’s bigger than the Great Resignation —resignation to the status quo

             

            About Ron Tite:

            Ron Tite is a renowned speaker, author, and the Chief Innovation Officer at Church & State, an award-winning advertising agency. His insights on creativity, business strategy, and leadership have made him one of the most engaging thought leaders on LinkedIn and beyond. His latest book, The Purpose of Purpose, challenges leaders to rethink how they define and activate purpose in their organizations.

             

            About Jenn Whitmer: Jenn Whitmer 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 upcoming book, Joyosity, hits shelves on October 21, 2025, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.

             

            Resources & Links:

            Ron’s Book: Preorder The Purpose of Purpose (Coming May 6!)

            Follow Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontite/ 

            Church & State Agency: https://rontite.com/ 

            Jump into Your Purpose: Joyosity™Leadership Intensive

            Work on your leadership stories, mindset, values, and alignment to purpose one on one with Jenn. Five spots available in April and May 2025.

            Jenn’s Book: Preorder Joyosity (Coming Oct. 21!)

            Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a fellow leader and leave us a review. Let’s put joy, curiosity, and purpose at the center of leadership!

             

            26 min
          • Ep. 83 Why Serious Leaders Fail (And What to Do Instead)

            Seriousness about destroyed me in 2nd grade. And unfortunately, it’s likely your path to failure as a full-grown adult human.

             

            SO MANY messages about “professionalism” and “be serious.” It’s not shocking then that many leaders fall victim to the ideas that seriousness, discipline, and relentless productivity are the keys to success. But research — and real-world experience — prove otherwise. In this episode, Jenn Whitmer breaks down the hidden cost of “serious leadership” and why joy, play, and connection create stronger, more effective teams.

             

            If this sounds delightful (and maybe untrue) tune in to learn:

            • Why “seriousness equals success” is killing you and your team.
            • The true cost of joyless leadership (Meaning burnout, disengagement, and turnover.)
            • What leaders and businesses get wrong about joy (and it’s just a joy juke that breaks trust)
            • The hidden trap of being the “smushed leader” and how to escape it
            • Two questions to ask your team and your leader to you don’t have to be the only responsible adult in the room.
            •  
            • Doing this alone sucks. So grab one of the Joyosity™ Intensive slots for Q2 before they’re gone.

               

              Links/ Resources:

               

              The Free 99 Step:

              Joyosity Explorer 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

              If you’re ready to stop leading from survival mode and lead with connection and joy, the Joyosity™ Jumpstart Session is for you. Clarify what you want, where you are, and what’s getting in the way so you can make a real plan.

               

              Ready to Dive In:

              1:1 Joyosity Leadership Intensive

              http://jennwhitmer.com/intensive

              Work on your leadership stories, mindset, values, and alignment with Jenn 1:1 when it fits your schedule. Five spots available in November and December 2024.

              A Party for More:

              Book Jenn to Speak for your team or next event. Bring this knowledge (and joy) to transform your team.

               

              23 min

            About Joyosity

            From the publisher's feed

            We believe true leadership requires more than just surface-level strategies — it requires a profound connection to everything that makes us human.