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.
