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Ep. 101, Thank Them Now, Not Later, Joyosity™ Summer Sips

Season #2

Thank you is fine. Gratitude is joyful. In this final Summer Sip (for now!), Jenn and Shelby reflect on the gentle but potent wisdom of Kevin Monroe — “the gratitude guy” himself. Kevin makes the case for real-time, specific gratitude as a leadership practice, not just a feel-good afterthought. They explore how pausing to name the invisible work behind visible wins changes the tone of your team and your own inner narrative. From podcast production to parenting to just staying afloat, Jenn and Shelby show how noticing what we couldn’t do alone leads to more joy, more connection, and way better leadership.

Key Takeaway

Gratitude isn’t about being nice. It’s about being aware of what you couldn’t do alone.

Guest: Kevin Monroe

Kevin Monroe is a leading voice on purpose-driven leadership. Through his Gratitude Challenge, retreats, and coaching, he helps leaders tap into the transformative power of thankfulness in work and life. He believes gratitude isn’t an add-on. It’s a way of being.  

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:

May 2025 Episodes

  • Episode 88: Gratitude is a Leadership Strategy Apple | Spotify | YouTube
  • Episode 89: The Gratitude Shift: Seeing What You Couldn't Do Alone with Kevin Monroe Apple | Spotify | YouTube
  • Episode 90: Leading with Thankfulness: Why Joy Follows Awareness with Kevin Monroe Apple | Spotify | YouTube
  • Episode 91: ICYMI: The Joy of Noticing—How Gratitude Changes Everything Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Grab Kevin’s latest book, *The Ripple Effect Journal: 31 Days of Gratitude with Don't Wait To Thank*  

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: Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life 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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