Grit isn't it. You need joy in community. In this second half of our Disneyland conversation, we shift from rides and rain ponchos to something deeper: how community and belonging make joy stick when life is brutal. My friends and I talk about what it really looks like to have people who’ve got your back—through job changes, grief, divorce, parenting, and the everyday “I cannot do one more hard thing” moments. From a weekly group that’s met for 15 years, to long-distance friendships sustained by Marco Polo, to a monthly “Food Club” that became a lifeline, we unpack how joy and resilience are built together, not alone. We also dig into: why saying “yes” to embodied, in-person time changes your brain, why most adults stop marking milestones (and why that’s a problem), how the gap and the gain framework helps leaders see how far they’ve come, and why celebrating after hard things isn’t denial—it’s evidence that you’re still here and still growing. Here’s What’s in the Episode: Community is resilience infrastructure, not a bonus. Joy and resilience go hand-in-hand when you have people who will listen, pray, problem-solve, or just sit with you so you can take the next step instead of staying stuck. Belonging doesn’t magically appear—you build it. “Everybody wants the village, but nobody wants to be a villager.” Showing up, checking in, hosting, inviting, and going first are how leaders create real community in life and at work. Embodied time together literally changes how you feel. Moving from “once-a-year girls’ trip” to more frequent in-person time deepened connection and created a rooted sense of belonging—what your team also needs, beyond Slack and email. Celebration marks the gain, not just the goal. Using the gap and the gain idea, we talk about how consciously looking back at what you’ve survived and accomplished builds self-efficacy, confidence, and courage for the next hard thing. Most meaningful wins are a group sport. Writing a book is solitary, but finishing and celebrating it isn’t. Leadership works the same way—you may carry the title, but you don’t carry the load alone (or at least, you shouldn’t). Key Takeaway Joy and resilience aren’t solo acts — leaders thrive when they build and lean on real community. 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. 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.
