Ep. 95, The Word that Shrinks You, Joyosity™ Summer Sips
In this Summer Sip, Jenn and Shelby revisit their conversation with former Cirque du Soleil creative director Krista Monson. From reclaiming the word just to literally lying in a vineyard to watch bees, Krista shares how slowing down, restoring creativity, and honoring your voice are essential survival tools — not luxuries — for leaders and creators alike.
Key Takeaway
When you minimize your words, you minimize your work. Language shapes the world — so speak with intention, not apology.
Guest: Krista Monson
Krista Monson is a renowned creative director, speaker, and former Artistic Director with Cirque du Soleil. Over 13 years, she led casting and directed performances for some of the company’s most iconic shows, including O in Las Vegas.
Krista has choreographed and produced global events — from the UN’s World Humanitarian Summit to global athletic games opening ceremonies. Today, she helps families reconnect with creativity, purpose, and presence through storytelling and artistic insight.
Find more about Krista here: https://sincerelyyoursmemoirs.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 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.
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:
November 2024 Episodes
- Episode 62: Connections are the Glue of Healthy Leadership with Jenn Whitmer
- Episode 63: How to Stop Burning Out Doing What You Love with Krista Monson
- Episode 64: Eight Survival Tips for Leaders with Krista Monson
- Episode 65: ICYMI: The Art of Uncommon Leadership with Jenn Whitmer & Shelby Merryweather
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 in 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.
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