JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast

Greg De Koker
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JOY² – Live With Joy is a leadership and personal growth podcast exploring the hidden power of joy in work, leadership and life. Hosted by brand and culture strategist Greg De Koker, the show features inspiring conversations with founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs and change makers who believe joy belongs at the center of how we live, work and lead. If you want more meaning, energy and joy in your life and leadership, this podcast is for you. Join the conversation. Let’s Live With Joy.

  1. 1d ago

    12 - The CEO Who Built a Thriving Company by Putting People First with Greg Taylor

    In this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, Greg De Koker sits down with Greg Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Steam Whistle Brewing, for a conversation about leadership, culture, and the power of putting people first. For many Canadians, Steam Whistle is more than a brewery—it's part of countless memories shared with family and friends. Behind the iconic brand is a company built on humility, trust, recognition, and genuine human connection. Together, Greg and Greg explore how great leaders create environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. They discuss why employees should be treated as a company's first customers, how psychological safety fuels growth, and why appreciation remains one of the most powerful leadership tools. In this episode, we explore: • Why joy is a competitive advantage in business • The role of humility, trust, and recognition in leadership • Why employees should be treated as a company's first customers • How psychological safety encourages growth and honesty • The balance between accountability and compassion • Why hiring exceptional people helps organizations thrive More than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that culture is built through everyday interactions and relationships. While Steam Whistle is known for brewing great beer, Greg Taylor shows that lasting success comes from investing in something even more important: great people. Because joy isn't something we experience after success arrives—it's something we create together along the way. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared 00:02:19 Meet Greg Taylor & The Culture Behind Steam Whistle 00:04:28 What Joy in Leadership Really Means 00:06:19 Creating a Workplace People Want to Join 00:08:03 Psychological Safety & Honest Conversations 00:10:11 Recognition, Feedback & Building People Up 00:15:03 High-Performing Teams & Accountability 00:20:25 Protecting Culture as Organizations Grow 00:23:15 Scaling Joy & Creating Memorable Experiences 00:25:26 Humility, Leadership & Customer Experience 00:29:12 Treating Employees as Your First Customers 00:34:20 Breaking Down Hierarchy Through Connection 00:38:09 Why Love, Joy & Performance Belong Together 00:43:48 A Defining Moment of Joy at Steam Whistle 00:45:23 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts Connect with Greg De Koker Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠ Connect with Greg Taylor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nelsongnt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-taylor-38036945/ Connect with Steam Whistle Brewing Website: https://steamwhistle.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steamwhistlebrewing/ Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠ Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠ YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast ⁠ Stay Connected to JOY²: Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/ ⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Take Action Ask yourself: • Do people feel valued, appreciated, and heard? • Have I created a space where others can speak honestly? • When was the last time I recognized someone beyond their achievements? • What small action could make work more meaningful this week? The culture we create is shaped by the conversations we have, the appreciation we show, and the example we set. Action Tip This week, create one intentional moment of connection: • Tell someone why they matter to your team • Check in and genuinely listen • Recognize an overlooked contribution • Express appreciation for someone's effort or character • Create a moment of fun or celebration Because leadership isn't about controlling people—it's about creating an environment where people feel connected, valued, and inspired to do their best work.

    57 min

  2. Jun 4

    11 - The Culture Advantage: Creating Workplaces People Never Want to Leave with Courtney Stevens

    On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Courtney Stevens for a heartfelt, insightful and genuinely fun conversation about leadership, workplace culture, resilience and the power of joy in creating exceptional teams. As Co-owner and Chief Creative Officer of Wilmot Orchards, Courtney shares how a people-first mindset, intentional leadership and meaningful relationships helped transform a family-run farm into one of Ontario's most loved destinations. She explains why leadership isn't about titles or authority. It's about creating environments where people feel valued, supported and inspired to contribute their best. Along the way, Greg and Courtney share stories, laughs and lessons as they explore the connection between joy and performance, the importance of being fully present, and how culture shapes both the employee and customer experience. Courtney also offers practical insights on hiring, mentoring young employees and creating positive first-job experiences that leave a lasting impact. The conversation takes a deeper turn as Courtney shares her personal journey through anxiety, burnout and recovery. With honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on the importance of self-awareness, healthy boundaries and strong support systems while continuing to lead with purpose and compassion. In this episode, we explore: • Why joy and performance are deeply connected • Leading with trust, care and presence • Hiring for attitude, character and potential • Helping young employees build confidence and life skills More than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that culture is built one interaction at a time. People may forget what you said. People may forget what you did. But they'll never forget how you made them feel. And when leaders create environments rooted in trust, joy and connection, the impact extends far beyond the workplace. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared 00:01:57 Introducing Courtney Stevens & Wilmot Orchards 00:08:31 Personal Practices for Cultivating Joy 00:16:16 Bringing Class and Elegance to Farming 00:27:22 Growth Through Feedback and Adaptation 00:31:03 Why Fun Matters at Work 00:32:55 Creating a Culture People Love 00:36:40 Leadership, Trust & Responsibility 00:44:09 Mental Health, Boundaries & Resilience 00:53:20 Hiring for Culture and Long-Term Success 00:56:00 Final Reflections on Joy & Leadership Connect with Greg De Koker Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠ Connect with Courtney Stevens Website: https://www.wilmotblueberries.com/ Business LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilmot-orchards-inc/about/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtney.stevens.737 https://www.facebook.com/WilmotOrchards Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneybreannestevens/ https://www.instagram.com/wilmotorchards/ Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠ Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠ YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠ Stay Connected to JOY²: Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Take Action Ask yourself: - How am I making people feel each day? - Am I creating a culture people want to be part of? - Do the people around me feel valued, appreciated and supported? Because leadership isn't about getting more out of people. It's about bringing out the best in people. Action Tip This week, intentionally create one meaningful moment of connection. - Thank someone. - Listen without distraction. - Have a deeper conversation. Remind someone that they matter. Because when people feel valued, trusted and connected, joy becomes more than a feeling. It becomes a catalyst for growth, performance and transformation.

    1h 5m

  3. May 28

    10 - How Great Leaders Inspire Employees to Care, Contribute & Perform with Aiden Carey and co-host Wray Carvelas

    On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker and co-host Wray Carvelas sit down with leadership expert and Ascencia Group Senior Partner, Aiden Carey, for a powerful conversation about leadership, accountability, culture and the human side of performance. With more than 25 years of experience leading teams across mining operations and multinational organizations, Aiden shares why the best workplaces are built through trust, connection, shared vision and genuine care for people – not pressure or control. He explains how great leaders create environments where people feel motivated, supported and inspired to contribute at their highest level. Together, Greg, Wray and Aiden explore why joy and performance are deeply connected, how leaders can transform frustration into passion, and why helping people feel seen and heard changes everything. Through authentic stories and practical leadership insights, this episode reveals that leadership is less about managing people – and more about creating something people genuinely want to be part of. In this episode, we explore: • Why joy drives performance • How vision creates alignment and purpose • The difference between accountability and punishment • Turning frustration into passion and growth • Why people thrive when they feel valued and supported • The role of trust and human connection in leadership • How great leaders help people recognize their own potential More than a conversation about leadership, this episode is a reminder that people do their best work when they feel connected to a shared purpose and supported by leaders who genuinely care. Because as Aiden reminds us: People don’t just want a paycheck. They want to feel proud of what they’re building – and who they’re building it with. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared 00:01:43 Introducing Aiden Carey & His Leadership Journey 00:05:04 Finding Joy Through Leadership & Team Success 00:08:10 Creating a Culture People Want to Be Part Of 00:11:29 Coaching Leaders & Transforming Careers 00:16:06 Finding Joy in Family, Adventure & Shared Experiences 00:18:16 Building Vision, Purpose & Team Alignment 00:22:14 Creating Accountability Through Shared Vision 00:29:04 Why Fun at Work Matters 00:30:04 Building Trust Through Human Connection 00:34:09 Final Reflections on Leadership & Joy Connect with Greg De Koker Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ ⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠ Connect with Aiden Carey Website: https://www.ascenciagroup.com/ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiden-carey-22b38a15b/ Connect with Wray Carvelas Website: www.ascenciagroup.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ascencia-group-unleashing-tomorrow-s-leaders-today/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wray-carvelas-80520032/ Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 ⁠ Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠ YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠ Stay Connected to JOY²: Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Take Action Ask yourself: • Do the people around me feel valued? • Am I creating clarity and purpose? • Do I lead with connection – or just performance? • What kind of culture am I creating? Sometimes leadership isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about creating the conditions where people can thrive. Action Tip This week, try one intentional leadership practice: • Have a meaningful conversation with a team member • Recognize someone’s contribution publicly • Ask your team for honest feedback • Clarify the vision behind a project or goal • Replace criticism with coaching and support Because when people feel connected, trusted and inspired, high performance becomes a natural outcome.

    37 min

  4. May 20

    9 - The Future Self Conversation That Could Change Your Life with T Sansome

    On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Theresa (“T”) Sansome for a heartfelt conversation about joy, self-awareness, emotional healing, and reconnecting with the wisdom already within us. As the founder of Future Self Now and a coach with nearly 30 years of experience, T shares how connecting with your “future self” can help you live with more clarity, trust, peace and intention. Rather than chasing a better version of yourself, she explains how joy begins when you reconnect with who you already are beneath the pressure, expectations and self-criticism. Together, Greg and T explore how people lose themselves through responsibility, people-pleasing, overthinking and emotional overwhelm – and how presence, appreciation, self-kindness and intentional living can guide us back home to ourselves. Through honest reflections and practical insights, this episode explores the emotional patterns that block joy, the power of community and inner guidance, and why healing often begins when we stop abandoning ourselves. In this episode, we explore: • What it means to connect with your “future self” • Why joy should be the starting point — not the reward • The difference between gratitude and appreciation • How self-criticism disconnects us from ourselves • The comfort, nurture and action cycle for hard seasons • Why community and connection amplify joy • How intentional living helps reclaim our energy More than a conversation about personal growth, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and remember that the clarity and joy you’re searching for may already exist within you. Because as T reminds us: You don’t have to become someone else to experience joy. You simply have to reconnect with the truest version of yourself. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared 00:02:17 Meet Theresa (“T”) Sansome & Future Self Now 00:04:33 Greg’s Experience Connecting with His Future Self 00:07:16 Why Joy, Presence & Appreciation Matter 00:10:01 Gratitude vs. Appreciation 00:14:31 Letting Go of Emotional Weight & Old Patterns 00:17:21 Self-Compassion, Healing & Emotional Awareness 00:20:02 Responsibility, Control & Choosing Your Experience 00:27:45 The Addiction to Responsibility & Losing Yourself 00:31:13 Building the Future Self Now Community 00:35:39 What Blocks Joy & How to Return to Yourself 00:38:04 The Comfort → Nurture → Action Cycle 00:45:22 Family, Love & Moments of Full-Body Joy 00:51:01 Community, Connection & Shared Energy 00:52:10 Final Reflections & Reconnecting with Yourself Connect with Greg De Koker Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠ Connect with Theresa Sansome Website: www.futureselfnow.com LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-sansome-30537012/ Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363⁠ Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠ YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠ Stay Connected to JOY²: Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Take Action Take a moment to pause and reconnect with yourself. Ask yourself: • What brings me joy right now? • Where have I been neglecting myself? • Am I showing myself kindness? • What would my future self tell me today? • How can I live more intentionally? Sometimes joy isn’t about adding more. It’s about reconnecting with yourself. Action Tip This week, try one small intentional practice: • Journal for a few quiet minutes • Take a walk without distractions • Replace self-criticism with self-compassion • Reflect on your future self’s advice • Choose something that genuinely lights you up Because joy doesn’t have to wait for someday. It can shape how you live every day.

    57 min

  5. May 14

    8 - How Great Leaders Build High-Performing Teams Without Fear or Pressure with Chris Barkey

    On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with Chris Barkey for a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, performance, and why joy still matters in high-pressure environments. After decades leading global engineering teams at Rolls-Royce plc and Baker Hughes, Chris shares what truly drives high-performing teams – and it’s not fear, pressure or control. It’s trust. It’s purpose. It’s creating environments where people can thrive. Through stories from his career leading thousands of engineers around the world, Chris explains how culture is shaped through everyday behaviors, honest conversations, intentional leadership, and the small moments that make people feel seen and valued. Together, Greg and Chris explore how joy and performance work together – not against each other. They discuss leadership energy, psychological safety, communication, recognition, and how removing unnecessary barriers can unlock stronger cultures and better results. In this episode, we explore: • Why joy should be part of the process – not just the outcome • How trust and behavior shape high-performing cultures • Why celebration, recognition and positivity matter at work • How communication and feedback strengthen teams • The hidden bureaucracy and habits that block innovation and joy • Why curiosity and shared success create stronger organizations More than a leadership conversation, this episode is about creating workplaces where excellence and wellbeing can coexist. Because as Chris reminds us: You can do serious work, solve hard problems, and still create an environment where people genuinely enjoy the journey. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared 00:02:02 Meet Chris Barkey / What Joy in Leadership Really Means 00:07:22 Why Joy Should Be Part of the Process 00:09:51 Culture Change, Laughter & High Performance 00:15:44 Purpose, Family & Shared Experiences 00:19:31 Managing Pressure in High-Stakes Leadership 00:23:24 Emotional Awareness & Leadership Energy 00:31:02 Building Culture Through Shared Language & Behaviors 00:34:07 Coaching, Feedback & Positive Communication 00:41:09 Breaking “Sacred Cows” & Removing Bureaucracy 00:45:12 Small Changes That Transform Culture 00:49:20 Creating Environments Where Teams Thrive 00:54:34 Conflict, Perspective & Staying Curious 00:58:18 Closing Thoughts & Takeaways Connect with Greg De Koker Website: ⁠www.joy2.ca⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/⁠ Connect with Chris Barkey LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbarkey/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/chris.barkey.35⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chris_j_barkey/⁠ Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363⁠ Spotify: ⁠creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast⁠ YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast⁠ Stay Connected to JOY²: Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/⁠ Take Action Take a moment to reflect on the environment you create for the people around you. Ask yourself: • Do people feel valued and supported around me? • Am I bringing positive energy into conversations? • What barriers or frustrations could I help remove? • Am I celebrating progress – or only focusing on problems? Sometimes the smallest shifts create the biggest cultural change. Action Tip This week, choose one intentional leadership action: • Recognize someone sincerely and specifically • Ask a teammate what’s getting in the way of them doing great work • Replace criticism with curiosity • Celebrate a small win with your team • Pay attention to the energy you bring into the room Because leadership isn’t just about results. It’s about how people experience the journey getting there.

    1 hr

  6. May 7

    7 - What If Nothing Needs to Change for You to Feel Joy? with Kyle Grooms

    On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with financial advisor and community leader Kyle Grooms for a grounded, eye-opening conversation about what it truly means to live with joy – not as something you chase, but as something you recognize and allow. Kyle shares a simple yet powerful perspective: joy isn’t created by circumstances, success or material things – it’s already present. The real work is learning how to see it and stop blocking it with unnecessary complexity or stress. Through his experiences as a husband, father and advisor guiding clients through uncertainty, including COVID and market volatility, Kyle reveals how gratitude, relationships and service have helped him stay steady and fulfilled – even when life gets hard. Together, Greg and Kyle explore what happens when you stop overcomplicating life… and focus on what actually matters. In this episode, we explore: • Why joy isn’t something you create, but something you allow • How perspective, not circumstance, shapes your experience • The connection between gratitude and global awareness • Why treating people well always comes back to you • How giving and service can become a path to fulfillment • The role of relationships in creating meaning, stability and joy • Simple mindset shifts to navigate stress and uncertainty • How focusing on “the relationship” transforms connection But beyond the insights, this episode is about something deeper. It’s about perspective. It’s about simplicity. It’s about remembering what you already have. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, caught in negativity or chasing the next thing, this conversation will help you reset and reconnect with the joy already in front of you. Because as Kyle reminds us: Joy isn’t something you find later – it’s something you allow right now. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to Joy Squared 00:02:01 Meet Kyle Grooms / A Relationship Built on Trust 00:05:07 Why Joy Feels Accessible (and Why It Often Isn’t) 00:06:15 Gratitude, Global Perspective & Feeling “Lucky” 00:11:26 The Role of Family in Daily Joy 00:14:16 Why Material Things Don’t Increase Happiness 00:18:39 Mental Health, Awareness & Compassion 00:21:12 The Power of Kindness & Giving 00:25:25 Joy in Work & Client Relationships 00:30:41 Leading Through Uncertainty (COVID Lessons) 00:33:18 Bringing Intention Into Everyday Interactions 00:37:21 What Blocks Joy – and How to Shift It 00:41:19 Zooming Out: The Bigger Global Perspective 00:47:00 The “Three Circles” of Relationships 00:52:25 Final Reflections / Allowing Joy Into Your Life 00:53:11 Closing Thoughts & Takeaways Connect with Greg De Koker Website: www.joy2.ca LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/ Connect with Kyle Grooms Website: www.penmore.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kylegrooms// Listen and Subscribe to JOY²: Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast Stay Connected to JOY²: Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/ Take Action Take a moment today to notice what’s already good in your life. Not what’s missing. Not what needs fixing. What’s already there. Ask yourself – am I allowing this… or overlooking it? Sometimes, the only shift needed is awareness. Action Tip Next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, try this: • Pause and slow down • Zoom out and shift your perspective • Ask: what actually matters right now? • Focus on one thing you’re grateful for • Choose a response that supports the relationship Joy isn’t about eliminating challenges – it’s about seeing clearly through them. And the more you practice, the easier it becomes.

    54 min

  7. Apr 30

    6 - The Hidden Power of Awareness and Emotional Control in Joy with Karen Goslin

    On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker sits down with therapist, author and transformation expert Karen Goslin for a bold, honest and deeply personal conversation about what it truly takes to break free from the patterns that keep us stuck – and step into a life of intentional joy. From hitting rock bottom through illness, loss and heartbreak to building a life rooted in freedom, purpose and impact, Karen shares how doing the inner work doesn’t just change how you feel – it changes everything. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful realization: the stories you’ve been telling yourself may not be true – and rewriting them is the key to unlocking your joy. Together, Greg and Karen explore what happens when you stop reacting to life through old wounds… and start responding with awareness, accountability and intention. •  How hidden narratives from your past shape your present – and how to rewrite them •  Why your brain creates inaccurate stories during painful moments (and how to correct them) •  Simple, practical tools to interrupt triggers and respond with clarity instead of reaction •  The connection between discipline, self-care and your ability to experience joy •  How reframing pain can open the door to freedom, passion, and possibility But beyond the tools, this episode is about something deeper. It’s about awareness. It’s about ownership. It’s about getting out of your own way. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected or unsure of what’s holding you back, this conversation will challenge your thinking, ground you in practical action, and remind you that change is always possible – no matter where you’re starting from. Because as Karen reminds us: Joy isn’t found by fixing everything around you – it’s created by changing your relationship with what’s within you. Chapters: 00:00:00  Welcome to Joy Squared 00:02:06  Meet Karen Goslin 00:09:36  What Is Joy? Freedom, Passion & Getting Out of Your Own Way 00:12:02  Why Most People Don’t Know What They Want 00:13:25  Rewriting Narratives & Removing Mental Blocks 00:17:06  From “Not Enough” to Self-Awareness 00:21:05  Why Our Brains Create Inaccurate Stories in Painful Moments 00:23:01  The CHANGE Method / Tools to Interrupt Triggers 00:30:09  Creating Joy Through Discipline, Sleep & Lifestyle Choices 00:36:30  Reframing the Past & Building New Mental Anchors 00:40:11  Why Your Past Doesn’t Disappear – But Your Relationship to It Can 00:56:48  Final Reflections / Hope, Healing & What’s Possible 00:58:48  Where to Connect with Karen 01:00:25  Joy Is Contagious – Create It & Share It Connect with Greg De Koker Website: www.joy2.ca LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/ Connect with Karen Goslin Website: https://karenrsw.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karen-goslin-msw-rsw/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karengoslin.speaks/ Linked Tree: https://linktr.ee/karengoslin.speaks Take Action Take a moment to notice a story you’ve been telling yourself – especially one that shows up when you feel triggered, stressed or not enough.  Ask yourself: is this actually true… or is this something I created in a moment of pain?  Now consider a different perspective. A more accurate, grounded and empowering version of that story.  This is where change begins. Action Tip Practice creating a “pause” the next time you feel triggered.  Before reacting, try this simple sequence:  • Notice what’s happening in your body and mind  • Interrupt the reaction (even with something physical, like taking a breath or shifting your focus) • Ask yourself: What do I know to be true right now?  • Choose a response that aligns with what you really want – not just how you feel in the moment  Joy isn’t about eliminating triggers – it’s about learning how to move through them with intention.  And the more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

    1h 2m

  8. Apr 23

    5 - Why Joy Is the Missing Link in High Performance and Leadership with Tracey Swanepoel and Co-host Wray Carvelas

    On this episode of the JOY² – Live With Joy Podcast, host Greg De Koker and co-host and Title Sponsor, Wray Carvelas, sit down with strategy and culture expert Tracey Swanepoel for a powerful and perspective-shifting conversation on the true role of joy in leadership, performance and everyday life. With decades of experience spanning business, storytelling and organizational transformation, Tracey brings a rare ability to simplify complexity and reconnect people to what matters most. Her work is rooted in a simple but often overlooked truth: when people feel seen, heard and genuinely connected, everything changes. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reframe: Joy isn’t the reward at the end of the journey. It’s the fuel that makes everything else possible. Together, we explore what happens when leaders move beyond chasing outcomes – and instead create environments where purpose, meaning and human connection can thrive. Because when that shift happens, performance doesn’t suffer. It expands. In this episode, we explore: • Why joy is a foundational driver of performance – not just a “nice to have” • How storytelling and simplicity can align teams and bring strategy to life • The power of helping people feel truly seen, heard and valued • Why the smallest “micro-moments” of joy matter more than big wins But this conversation goes beyond leadership. It’s about awareness. It’s about connection. It’s about how you choose to show up – every single day. If you’ve ever felt caught in complexity, disconnected from purpose, or stuck chasing results that don’t truly fulfill you, this episode offers a powerful reset. Because as Tracey reminds us: The joy you experience along the way is far more powerful than any result you achieve at the end. Chapters: 00:00:00  Welcome to Joy Squared 00:01:40  Meet Tracey / Strategy, Culture & Storytelling 00:05:18  What Joy Means in Work and Life 00:08:00  Simplicity, Storytelling & Human Connection 00:14:01  Joy at Home: Family, Presence & Being Seen 00:23:53  From Tennis Dreams to Life Purpose 00:28:14  Why Joy is Foundational, Not Optional 00:31:03  Strengths, Resilience & Leading Through Joy 00:33:08  Turning Insight into Action 00:34:27  Final Reflections: Joy is Contagious Connect with Greg De Koker Website: www.joy2.ca LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregdekoker/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/greg_de_koker/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/greg.koker.5/ Connect with Wray Carvelas Website: www.ascenciagroup.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ascencia-group-unleashing-tomorrow-s-leaders-today/ Connect with Tracey Swanepoel Website: www.thinkspiration.co.zaLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-swanepoel-61496872/ Listen and Subscribe to JOY²:  Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joy-live-with-joy-podcast/id1886910363 Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joy-squared-podcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JOY2LiveWithJoyPodcast Stay Connected to JOY²: Instagram: www.instagram.com/joysquaredofficial/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/joysquaredofficial/ Take Action Take a moment to notice where you’ve been treating joy as something secondary – something that comes after the work is done or the goal is achieved. Where are you postponing it? Now flip it. What would change if joy became your starting point instead of your destination? Today, choose one moment – at work, at home, or in a conversation – where you intentionally bring more presence, more connection and more humanity into the experience. Not later.Right there, in the middle of it. Action Tip This week, lead with intention before you lead with action. Before your next meeting, conversation or task, pause and ask: • How can I simplify this? • How can I help someone feel seen or heard? • Where can I create a moment of real connection? Small shifts create big ripple effects. Joy isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you create – moment by moment, interaction by interaction.

    35 min
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JOY² – Live With Joy is a leadership and personal growth podcast exploring the hidden power of joy in work, leadership and life. Hosted by brand and culture strategist Greg De Koker, the show features inspiring conversations with founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs and change makers who believe joy belongs at the center of how we live, work and lead. If you want more meaning, energy and joy in your life and leadership, this podcast is for you. Join the conversation. Let’s Live With Joy.

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