Joyosity

Jade is living proof that you don't have to choose just one activity to be successful, but you must have purpose.

In part one of this conversation with Jade, a true Renaissance woman who's not afraid to embrace all her gifts, she brings the straight talk of hope to exhausted leaders.

We dove deep into the idea of purpose and leadership, particularly why purpose is the ultimate guide in life and work. Jade shared her powerful definition that I repeat all the time: “Purpose isn't what you do. It’s what happens in others when you do what you do.”

And we talked through what that looks like for you as a leader, and how you cultivate that on your team so productivity soars, creativity flourishes, and success follows (all without the exhaustion).

This conversation will inspire and challenge you to bring your whole, fabulous self to everything you do. Trust me, your work (and the world) will thank you for it!

Join us on LinkedIn and Instagram…do you know your purpose?

Here’s what we talked about:

05:45 The pressure to choose one thing

09:14 How purpose can guide you in your career

14:59 How to boost effectiveness

17:21 How to get your employees to be comfortable to be themselves

21:21 Growing into uniqueness

22:05 The difference between passion and purpose

Links/ Resources:

The Free 99 Steps:

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.

Clarity Over Chaos Workshop is on your time, but only available for through January 2025. Get access now to debunk leadership myths that keep you in chaos, assess your situation with the Joyosity™ Compass, and create one clear next step to enhance your effectiveness.

Ready to Move Forward:

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.

83% of American’s report having significant workplace anxiety. In 1990 that number was 30%.

How did we get here? And more importantly, how to restore? In this episode, we’ve got some compelling research and a few historical stories to really illustrate why centering people versus profit is what leads to long term success at work.

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I believe that joy should be a mark of a successful business. I know that might sound a little too good to be true, but when joy is at the center of workplace cultures, people are 31% more productive.

So check out three ways to help you make joy your workplace reality. Take a listen and let me know what you think. Disagree? Let’s chat!

DM on LinkedIn or my email.

Here’s what we talked about:

03:30 Milton Friedman’s long term impact on our workplace

09:25 Getting to the deeper meaning of your work

10:45 Knowing yourself and your employees

15:00 A few questions to ask to make sure you know each other

21:32 Resources to help you get started

Links/ Resources:

The Free 99 Step: 

Joyosity Explorer Map http://jennwhitmer.com/joyosity-explorer 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:

Clarity Workshop https://jennwhitmer.com/clarity-workshop is the interactive, on-demand workshop that helps you figure out exactly where you stand, what’s keeping you stuck, and where to focus your energy (because you can’t do it all—but you can do what matters most). You’ll walk away with ONE clear action item that’s both doable and meaningful—no cheesy resolutions or “new year, new you” fluff. Just practical steps to lead with confidence, energy, and purpose all year long.

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.

As the new year begins, do you feel it? That relentless pull?

The questions shout at us, demanding answers. What’s your plan? Your word of the year? Your goals? Your resolutions? The messages are everywhere: Strive harder. Add more. Be perfect.

But what if the real question isn’t about more? What if, instead, we started with a different question: What creates joy?

In this special bonus episode of the Joyosity Podcast, Jenn Whitmer shares her own story of when limits came crashing down and how learning to ask different questions that helped her find not only the power of setting limits, but freedom.

Join us as Jenn explores how embracing your limits can unlock freedom and focus, making life more sustainable, effective, and joyful. With stories, practical tools, and a powerful resource to guide your reflection, this episode is a gentle invitation to approach the new year differently.

Join the Conversation:

What brings you joy? Head over to Jenn’s Instagram and share your thoughts! Let’s start a ripple effect of joy in leadership and beyond.

Happy New Year! 🎉

Here’s what we talked about:

3:27 Why the myth of “more” holds leaders back.

4:56 How to focus on the work that truly aligns with your purpose.

6:28 A simple framework to explore joy now and what drains you during the podcast and with the Joyosity Explorer Map.

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.

Starting the Journey:

Enneagram Navigator

Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life.

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.

What’s your knee jerk reaction when someone disagrees with you? I’m sure none of us were born with the instinct to lean in with curiosity. It’s definitely something I have learned and a skill I’ve worked on (and literally just this week had to practice in some big disagreements!)

Thinking back of this month’s focus on getting to joy through disagreement proved to me yet again the power of having hard conversations and approaching conflict with curiosity and kindness.

In this week’s episode, Shelby and I look back on the lessons learned this month and recap some of our favorite moments from the conversations with Justin. We talk about how conflict is showing up online and in our homes and how we’ve approached it.

One of our big consistent reminders this month: Just because I disagree with you doesn’t mean I hate you. Ufda! And we talk about how to navigate that grey space in life and leadership.

If you’ve got some tricky relationships or disagreements this holiday season, this will lend you a few skills to help you have more peace and joy!

And, if you’re ready to leave behind the exhaustion of leading and ready to lead with joy, check the resources section to book a Spark Session to discuss with me your best steps forward!

Here’s what we talked about:

02:07 Disagreements in community and online

06:39 Leaning into curiosity in conflict

09:55 The best of this month’s conversation

14:07 Bridging the gap and finding common ground

16:01 How to welcome disagreement as a leader

20:28 The common myth in disagreement

24:43 How to navigate and challenge the algorithms

28:19 Tips for networking events and listening well

Links/Resources:

Grab Justin Jones-Fosu’s latest book, I Respectfully Disagree https://amzn.to/4gl9fpb

Erin Walsh’s book: It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence https://amzn.to/4grMO1r  Comes with some great pre-order (bonuses)

https://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/its-their-world-bonuses/ 

The Free 99 Step:

Spark https://jennwhitmer.com/spark-call 

Session Book a 15 -minute spark session with me here https://jennwhitmer.com/spark-call  We'll work together to take a look at what's working and what isn't, uncover the most pressing problem that's keeping you stuck, and identify your next best step.

Joyosity Explorer Map http://jennwhitmer.com/joyosity-explorer 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 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.

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.

On The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when Will goes to confront his birth father is emotional and beautiful. And in this episode of the podcast, Justin Jones-Fosu and Jenn Whitmer connect this episode not only to Justin’s journey, but also you as a leader.

The big idea Justin brings from his experience with his father is the power of conversation over a confrontation.

And he gives us his five pillars of respectful disagreement. Not only how they saved him from more anger and heartache, but also how you can use these pillars as a leader when you face disagreements with and among your colleagues (or really any humans!)

This conversation was beautiful and powerful. I hope it helps you lead with an open heart and welcome respectful disagreement in your workplace. Because when you do, you’ll discover how healed relationships and genuine curiosity unlock new levels of productivity, engagement, and joy.

Here’s what we talked about:

03:11 Five pillars to help you start respectfully disagreeing

06:31 The Tortoise Principle

09:17 Turning a confrontation into a conversation

14:30 Four powerful questions for understanding differences

20:50 The power of three

24:08 Practice asking and listening deeply

Links/ Resources:

Grab Justin’s latest book, I Respectfully Disagree.

What happened to you? by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry

Clip of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The Free 99 Step:

Connect with Jenn on Instagram and LinkedIn and join the conversation.

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.

Starting the Journey:

Enneagram Navigator

Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life.

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.

Do you thank someone for disagreeing with you? Not usually! But after this conversation with Justin, I hope you consider the benefits of respectful disagreement.

Justin’s most recent book, I Respectfully Disagree, takes readers on the journey to one of my favorite topics: conflict is a necessity in a functional workplace.

In this conversation, Justin shares how his mother challenged him to be open to new experiences growing up, we tackled the definition for what a disagreement really is, and we even dove into the touchy topic of an “open-door” policy.

Justin’s wisdom from how he’s seen disagreement at work directly result in better performance will help you implement this idea immediately as a leader.

Respectful disagreement is a powerful tool for leadership and workplace harmony. Willing to give it a try?

Here’s what we talked about:

03:57 Lessons from Mom and planting seeds of humanity

08:04 Indirect vs direct disagreements

11:24 Misconceptions about respect and being open minded

17:45 Why we should lean into healthy conflict

18:45 Challenging the open door challenge

25:45 Thanking your team for disagreement

Links/ Resources:

Grab Justin’s latest book, I Respectfully Disagree.

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.

Starting the Journey:

Enneagram Navigator

Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life.

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.

Disagreement is a part of leadership. It’s uncomfortable, it’s hard but it’s a skill that we need to cultivate in order to lead well. This week, we dove into the art of leading when everyone isn't on the same page.

As I sat down with a plate of eggs and hashbrowns, I noticed the table conversation revolved around lab-raised meat and a skeptic — not what I was expecting at a business networking breakfast before 8am!

How many times have you found yourself in the middle of a conversation that was, well, less than agreeable? When faced with a heated conversation, what's your initial reaction? Understanding whether you're a moonwalker or a stirrer-upper can set the stage for effective leadership.

We covered my favorite "Three Question Rule" and how this helps you understand hidden perspectives, builds trust, and opens up avenues for diverse ideas. I gave examples for each of these questions and how to pivot as you listen intensely and with an open heart.

Eventually as the leader you will have to make the call, but asking questions will help you lead more effectively and explaining your decisions fosters respect and shows you value your team's input.

Transforming disagreements into moments of connection and productivity can make your leadership journey not just successful but joyful. So keep those questions coming and see the positive ripple effects throughout your organization! Still have questions? Book a spark call with me, I’d love to chat!

Here’s what we talked about:

04:33 What is your first instinct to disagreements

06:08 Why you should ask three questions before you jump in

10:58 First question to ask

12:30 Second question to ask

19:02 Disagreement is rarely efficient

20:00 Third question to ask

22:29 The person asking the questions is leading the conversation

Links/ Resources:

The Free 99 Step:

Spark Session

Book a 15 -minute spark session with me here. We'll work together to take a look at what's working and what isn't, uncover the most pressing problem that's keeping you stuck, and identify your next best step.

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.

Starting the Journey:

Enneagram Navigator

Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life.

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 December 2024.

“Just”

My business is “just“ me.

I’m “just” a manager.

I’m “just” a stay-at-home mom.

I spoke to a room of “just” 20 people.

This seemingly innocent word can creep into our vocabulary and minimize our achievements. Both Shelby and I realized how impactful it is to shift away from minimizing language and embrace our full worth thanks to Krista this month.

Krista Monson reminded us of the importance of respecting ourselves, trusting our intuition, and holding others in high regard.

Shelby and I dove into some of our favorite lessons learned this month and how Krista’s words showed up in our lives all month. We explored the beauty of building meaningful connections and communities. Shelby introduced the brilliant concept of a “trust bank,” where small acts of trust can accumulate and provide immense value in times of need. We also discussed the power of taking “untethered hours” away from technology to spark creativity.

Whether it’s redefining success, practicing bold asks, or leaning into human connection, this episode is packed with wisdom for every leader seeking joy and harmony at work. Tune in, reflect on these lessons, and let's create flourishing organizations together!

Here’s what we talked about:

03:12 Tips for overcoming self-doubt in your business

08:45 How to recognize minimizing language in your communication

12:17 The struggle of working your dream job and preventing burnout

15:21 Red flags to watch for when people do not have a high regard for people

24:50 Exercises to help regulate emotions during high-stress moments

30:15 Why maintaining a high regard for others matters in leadership

34:27 How connecting with nature can spark professional creativity

Links/ Resources:

The Unplugged Hours by Hannah Brencher

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.

Starting the Journey:

Enneagram Navigator

Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life.

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 December 2024.

Bumblebees. That was the inspiration for one of Krista’s biggest shows at Cirque Du Soleil.

Creativity comes to us in moments we aren’t expecting. It’s rarely when we’re checking emails and sitting around a board table trying to force it.

In this episode, Krista shared her 8 survival skills for how to stay true to yourself and your creativity in high pressure situations and big transitions.

Krista’s years of creativity and work in the arts has seen both. She warns us to stay away from the word “just” and how to have the courage to lean into curiosity as we navigate periods of uncertainty and transformation.

Krista emphasized that a leader’s ability to listen deeply—not just to others, but also to oneself—is essential for aligning values with action. We laughed together about the importance of play and rest and explored the concept of deep listening.

If you’re creativity is feeling low, I invite you to listen. Krista’s expertise is hard earned and beautifully put. This episode was packed with unique strategies that blend clarity, courage, and curiosity.

Let’s lead with flexibility and joy, and remember: a little chaos can actually be your creative ally!

Here’s what we talked about:

04:40 The Creative Survival Kit

06:35 The impact of your self talk

09:15 Why ‘just’ may be sabotaging your leadership presence

10:48 How to gain perspective you need when overwhelmed

17:58 Tips for building trust through curiosity and deep listening with your team

25:07 Tips for fostering creativity during uncertain times

30:33 How to effectively balance preparation and flexibility in leadership

35:22 Common mistakes leaders make when dealing with failure and chaos

38:16 8 big ideas to fuel your leadership

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.

Starting the Journey:

Enneagram Navigator

Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life.

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.

“More”. I am guilty of wanting to add one more sentence, one more ornament to the tree, one more side to Thanksgiving dinner. How do we know when “more” is leading us to the right thing or distracting us from what matters?

This week Krista shared with us her journey through a VERY successful career and how she knew when to step back or when to add more— not more tasks but diving deeper into what's truly meaningful.

Anyone who knows me knows that I want my life to be a musical, so I was so excited to sit down with Krista Monson, an award winning choreographer who spent years working with Cirque du Soleil! Krista shared her personal struggle of burnout despite a glittering career and reminded us that even the most dazzling careers have moments where we need to step back, readjust, or even try something new.

Like so many leaders I’ve spoke with, the higher you get on the ladder, the further you get from the work that you love. We dove into what that looked like for Krista, how you can recognize the need for something different and how to navigate career transitions.

Grab that favorite beverage, get comfortable, and tune in. This conversation with Krista Monson is packed with wisdom and a great reminder to stay curious and seek out joy in work!

Here’s what we talked about:

02:43 Who is Krista Monson?

07:28 What it feels like when work is in alignment with our values

08:32 Common mistakes leaders make when seeking fulfillment in their career

12:22 How connection leads to better work

14:26 Overcoming burnout and career transitions

17:48 How curiosity and wonder lead to more

24:00 The kind of more that we need to add

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.

Starting the Journey:

Enneagram Navigator

Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life.

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.