Ep. 124, Joy as Resistance: How Leaders Stay Human When Pressure Is High
What if joy isn't denial...but an act of rebellion?
When the world feels heavy, choosing joy can feel naïve—or even irresponsible. But it's actually the very thing that keeps you going.
In this opening episode of Joyosity in Practice, Jenn wrestles with a question many leaders are quietly carrying: Is it out of touch to talk about joy when things are this hard? After hearing firsthand fear and exhaustion from a close friend, Jenn reframes joy not as optimism or toxic positivity—but as a courageous, strategic act of resistance against burnout, dehumanization, and quiet self-abandonment.
This episode lays the foundation for the series, introducing joy as a practice—one that shapes better leadership, healthier workplaces, and more sustainable lives. You’ll hear why “just pushing through” stops working, the real cost of treating joy as optional, and how small, intentional practices can help leaders stay human when pressure is high and the stakes are real.
Here’s What’s in the Episode:
[02:40] Why joy isn’t naïve—it’s connected, constructive, and courageous
[06:20] The three components of joy (and what joy is not)
[07:30] The Joy Ratio: 35% joy, 10% toil, and the messy middle
[08:45] The measurable outcomes of joy at work (productivity, collaboration, performance) [
09:30] Why “just push through” works at first—and then quietly fails
[11:55] How endurance without discernment becomes self-abandonment
[12:15] The organizational cost of treating joy as optional
[14:15] The personal cost: numbness, irritability, physical stress, and burnout
[15:45] Why modeling self-neglect as success is harming leaders and teams
[16:20] What it actually looks like to practice joy (small, intentional, repeatable)
[20:30] The invitation: What if joy were strategic—for you?
Key Takeaway
When leaders treat joy as optional, they pay for it with burnout, bad decisions, and broken culture. Start small and reap big.
About the 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 book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.
Jenn's Social
https://www.instagram.com/jenn_whitmer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer/
Resources & Links:
Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isn’t extra. Joy is how you thrive.
This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.
Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day.
Find links to purchase at https://jennwhitmer.com/books or you may even see it in the airport this month.
Free 99:
Joyosity Explorer Map → This 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 how to move forward with traction.
Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator → Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.
Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity™ Intensive → A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.
A Party for More:
Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak → Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.
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