Ep. 121, The Stories Exhausting Your Leadership (And Why They Feel So Responsible)

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel tired, tense, or quietly resentful… It might not be your workload. It might be the story you’re leading from. In this episode, continuing the New Year. New Opening theme, Jenn names the five cultural overstories that sound responsible, professional, and noble—but are quietly draining your energy, joy, and agency as a leader.   And then she shows you how to rewrite them—without blowing up your life or becoming a totally different person.   Here’s What’s in the Episode: 1:15 If you can't measure it, you can't manage it, is BS. 3:12 What's an overstory and how it impacts your leadership. 4:43 Joyblocking overstory 1: Measure is everything. 5:33 Joyblocking overstory 2: Tradition, TRADITION! 6:58 Joyblocking overstory 3: Work before play. 7:41 Joyblocking overstory 4: It's not that bad. 9:46 Joyblocking overstory 5: We're not worthy. 13:39 How to rewrite the story to cultivate joy: The Story Transformation Process. Key Takeaway Joy isn’t blocked by reality. It’s blocked by unexamined stories that quietly steal your agency.   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.   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: Episode 120 of the Joyosity™ Podcast → The New Year Trope Leaders Keep Believing 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. Loved this episode? Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader who’s ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.