Ep. 125, Staying Human When the Stakes Are High: When Good Becomes Radical with Heather A. Campbell
You don’t lose your humanity overnight as a leader.
You trade it away one “this is just how it has to be” moment at a time.
EPISODE SUMMARY
Leadership pressure has a way of quietly narrowing us—our choices, our curiosity, and eventually, our humanity. In this conversation, Jenn sits down with Heather Campbell to unpack what actually helps leaders stay grounded, present, and human when the stakes are high and the margin for error feels thin.
This episode isn’t about coping harder or pushing through with a smile. It’s about noticing the subtle moments where leaders disconnect from themselves—and learning how to interrupt that pattern before it costs trust, clarity, and culture. Jenn Whitmer talks with Heather Campbell, who brings deep insight, lived experience, and practical wisdom for leaders navigating complexity without losing themselves in the process.
Here’s What’s in the Episode:
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[09:52] Why the most powerful leadership shifts begin as an invitation, not a mandate.
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[14:22] Why “being professional” often becomes a cover for emotional disconnection.
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[26:16] How high-capacity leaders unintentionally train themselves out of curiosity.
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[31:59] What actually restores trust when leaders feel stretched, scrutinized, or stuck.
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[23:38] A practical reframe for staying human without oversharing or collapsing boundaries.
Key Takeaway
Staying human isn’t about lowering standards—it’s about widening awareness. Leaders who remain curious under pressure make better decisions and create cultures people want to stay in.
About the Guest: Heather Campbell
Heather Campbell is a leadership consultant and coach who helps organizations build healthier, more human cultures—especially in high-pressure environments. Her work centers on awareness, trust, and helping leaders recognize the moments where small shifts create outsized impact. Connect with Heather at heatheracampbell.com
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.
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Resources & Links:
Grab Heather's book: Good is Amazing
Good is Amazing: Stop Overstriving and Celebrate Being Enough is fantastic! Grab your copy here.
Find all the books featured on the Joyosity Podcast here.
Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.
Free 99:
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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:
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Joyosity™ Jumpstart → Get crystal clear on what you want, what’s in the way, and how to move forward with traction.
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Enneagram Navigator → Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.
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A Party for More:
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