Real leaders. In the rain. Still celebrating.

 

In this behind-the-scenes joy experiment, I take you to Disneyland with three of my closest friends—including one who witnessed the birth of the Joyosity book idea… from a raft.

 

We talk about why celebration matters, why leaders resist it, how play actually works in real adult life (hint: it’s not all spontaneous whimsy), and the real fear we have of joy.

 

Sprinkled throughout: a Star Wars ride, soaked clothes, a debate about cringe, deep laughter, and research-backed insights you can use tomorrow.
 

Here’s What’s in the Episode:

• 5:52 Celebration isn’t extra—it’s a strategic reset. Intentional celebration helps your brain overcome negativity bias and reinforces evidence that you can do hard things. Leaders need this more than they think.


• 8:27 Play is a productivity tool, not a luxury. Whether it’s crafting, hiking, or joking with coworkers, play restores innovation, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. When leaders don’t play, they get stuck. Literally.


• 17:11 Childlike ≠ childish. Childish behavior derails workplaces (tantrums, gossip, baby-talk politics). Childlike behavior brings curiosity, wonder, creativity, and openness to “what if?” — the soil where innovation grows.

 

Key Takeaway

Play, rest, and celebration aren’t indulgences; they’re performance tools that keep leaders (and teams) from getting stuck.

 

About the Guests: A Quorum of the March Girls
These women are real-life leaders throughout the country. Camille leads an area for a global nonprofit, Jen is a PhD science educator and program consultant, and Sarah is a pediatric occupational therapist with a neonatal specialty.
The four of us, plus Lindsay a trainer to professional athletes, have been friends for more than 30 years. So this is the behind the scenes of real-life leaders celebrating at Disneyland.

 

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 hit shelves December 9, 2025, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.

 

 

Resources & Links:

Get Joyosity:

• 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.


• https://jennwhitmer.com/books

 

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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