Feeling stuck in a culture rut? You're not alone! In this episode, Mapi and Christine sat down to spill the tea on everything they learned from their case study series. The conversation uncovers some real gems about building a workplace where people actually want to come to work. Our conversation is a bit of a road trip, starting with recognizing that something is broken to investing in a culture where people are excited to show up to work. Join us for a twenty-two minute roadmap to a more joyful work culture, we promise it is a journey worth taking.
In this episode, we sit down with Geri Ewing, the Director of the Clean Product Value Chain’s Central Support Group. Geri exemplifies exceptional leadership by candidly sharing what it means to lead through challenging times. She opens up about receiving feedback on her leadership and team that was initially hard to accept, even leading her to briefly consider retirement. However, instead of retreating, Geri empathized with the feedback provider and decided to take action. She led her team through a transformative journey of addressing the issues head-on, fostering courageous conversations, and collaborating on solutions. Over time, this approach not only resolved the problems but also brought back joy and laughter to the office. We're grateful Geri shared her inspiring journey with us. Tune in—you'll be glad you did.
Are you born a chief joy officer or do you become one?Is joy leadership a natural trait, or can it be learned? This episode of the 9 to 5 Joy podcast dives into the nature vs. nurture debate of Joyful Leaders. Mapi and Christine explore the question: Do our backgrounds push us towards joy or away from it, and how does that impact our leadership style? They analyze past guests who embody a passion for people, relationships, and creating positive experiences.
Feeling stuck with a joyless leader? We discuss the implications of a CEO's disposition on their team and explore the spectrum of leadership styles - from those who ignite joy in their teams to those who unintentionally stifle it. Join us as we unpack these joyful dilemmas and help you identify the leaders who cultivate a thriving workplace.
Join us as we chat with Robert Cadena, CEO and Co-founder of Lean Solutions Group, a company that is supporting over 500 U.S. based companies with logistics through satellite offices with over 900 employees. Robert’s authenticity is on blast in this episode, he shares the surprisingly simple driving force behind his success: helping people. He'll reveal how focusing on the details that matter to your team, empowering your high performers, and fostering a culture of respect can make all the difference. If you're looking for actionable tips to create a thriving workplace, this episode is a must-listen!
In this episode, Mapi travels to Colombia for a conversation with Lean Solutions Director, Kristell Pardo. Kristell shares her journey of professional evolution within a company. She has seen the company go from 100 employees to over 10,000 employees. A huge part of this success is that the culture not only champions the growth of employees but also integrates employees' contributions into a culture that fosters joy. It’s not just rhetoric; it's quantifiable, with impressive annual team retention rates. What's their secret? Kristell reveals that the foundation of their success lies in nurturing an environment of constant communication, trust, and authenticity, where employees are encouraged to be their full selves. This approach has created a supportive network that bolsters both personal and professional development. Curious about how multinational companies cultivate thriving cultures? This episode is for you!
n this episode, Mapi and Christine reflect on insights from their chat with Wesley Hitchcock, highlighting the importance of “taking the next best step” and practicing humility in cultivating joy. Wes's philosophy underscores that joy doesn't require perfection but is built through small, intentional acts - whether it's uplifting a colleague, bringing humor into meetings, or remembering a small detail like someone's favorite treat. This conversation is a testament to the significant impact of mindful, everyday actions on our overall joy and well being. Tune in to discover how simple gestures can enrich your life and those around you. Join us and let this episode be your 'little thing' for today.
In this episode, we meet Wes Hitchcock, a well-being expert and consultant at a global consulting firm, who shares his journey from battling performance anxiety which eventually led to an anxiety attack and bout of hives. These highly personal experiences informed him as he explored well-being deeply, eventually guiding others in his organization. He emphasizes the value of understanding how excellence, leading from your strengths and health complement each other. offering practical advice for professionals facing similar challenges. He uses his character strengths of prudence, creativity, critical thinking and a broad perspective to encourage others to find their character strengths and lead into them. We want you and your character strengths to join us for this episode!
Let's debrief! Mapi and Christine sit down and reflect on their conversation with Reeve and Gary from Denso. They discuss the importance of viewing competitive marketplace challenges as opportunities to improve culture. Denso's joy journey highlights the significance of experimentation and pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zone to reach our goals. We hope you will join us for this conversation!
In this episode, Reeve Rummel, Director at DENSO, and Gary Best, Senior Manager, sit down to talk with us about taking ownership of culture, stand-up meetings, and little cards that lead to big conversations. In our first case study, Reeve and Gary discuss their journey at DENSO, encountering marketplace challenges that led to opportunities for cultural shifts. As part of that journey, they both took ownership of their own leadership and learning and began to run experiments that resulted in more transparency, collaboration, purpose, and, of course, joy! This episode is not to be missed.
Join us in this episode as we chat with Sheena Elzmendez from the Well Biz, bringing over 20 years of coaching experience to the table. She shares practical insights on creating joyful workplaces, highlighting that joy is more than just a checkbox.
Sheena emphasizes the need for genuine efforts in improving workplace culture for everyone. When organizations commit to this journey, the result is happier, more engaged, and more productive employees. This positive shift not only impacts the company's bottom line through increased profit but also boosts employee retention. Tune in to discover the keys to fostering joy and transforming your workplace into a thriving and fulfilling environment.
In this episode, Mapi and Christine debrief about their conversation with Morris Copeland, Chief Community Services Officer of Miami-Dade County. It was a privilege to sit down with someone who has made such a tremendous impact on our community and on so many lives. It was easy to find things that we loved about that conversation. Chief Copeland exudes love, joy, vision, and clarity wrapped in a bow of clear communication. Listen in to reflect on what makes for an incredibly powerful leader who is able to effect authentic change for an entire community.
In this extraordinary episode. We get the Joy of a true heart to heart with Morris Copeland Chief Community Services Officer of Miami-Dade County. Morris shares with us his journey that started at gunpoint, and putting his own life in danger. This experience put into motion a change that lead to hope. Eventually with the help of his family and community that hope turned to a life of leadership, service and joy. In this conversation Morris shares the importance of leading with Trust, Empathy, and Compassion and how those principles have helped him to collaboratively make changes that have changed a community and been nationally recognized. Listen in, this is a conversation that really should not be missed.
In this episode, Mapi and Christine reflect on the heart-centered work environment of Menlo Innovations where well-defined systems empower a culture of collaboration. Our visit to Menlo has become a vivid example of what a joyful workplace looks, sounds, and feels like.
The series of episodes around Menlo Innovations goes beyond a recounting of experience; it's an exploration of the inspiration and challenges that come with leading from the heart. Discover how intentional systems and processes honor individuals and fuel exceptional work. Tune in for a concise yet compelling narrative that might just reshape your perspective on leadership and workplace culture.
Explore a workplace where joy triumphs over profit. Join Lisa Ho, Project Manager, and Anika Gidley, High-Tech Anthropologist at Menlo Innovations, as they share their firsthand experiences. Lisa shares her experiences bringing babies to work to mastering realistic time estimations, Anika's early career journey unfolds in an environment that encourages high-level contributions and learning from seasoned peers. discover how joy-driven processes enhance collaboration and productivity. Enjoy!
In this conversation, Mapi and Christine sit down with Rich Sheridan, CEO and Chief Storytelling officer of Menlo Innovations. Rich shares his story of deciding to build a workplace where he is excited to come to work every day. A place where every decision, interaction, and process points to Joy derived from doing good work and seeing that work delight the people it’s intended to serve. From hiring for kindergarten skills to project management implemented with yarn and dots, this episode reminds us that Joy is accessible, simple, and intentional. The principles Rich describes don't just apply to work, this is a must-listen for anybody trying to foster Joy in their environment.
In this episode Mapi and Christine take the time to share our gratitude for you! and you! and you! We are so thankful for our audience, our guests, each other, and the growth journey of the 9 to 5 Joy podcast. Listen in, we hope it inspires to share your gratitude with the people you are grateful for.
In this episode we explore the art of listening and engage in a meaningful debrief on the real-world implications of this practice in the workplaceMapi shares her insights into implementing the Strengths Finder tool to empower individuals at work and enhance project assignments.Meanwhile, Christine opens up about the experience of giving students a voice in the classroom, and navigating and responding when they raise challenging topics! We would love to have you chime in, share in the comments how you have experienced or practiced listening and the results.
Assistant Superintendent Erin Rathke is exactly the type of leader we want in the districts where children attend school. In this episode she shares her journey from aspiring teacher to joy-builder in schools, emphasizing the simple truth that kids hold the key to Joy. Erin provides straightforward advice for educators and leaders on finding and spreading joy. if you have worked in a school, sent a student to school or attended school, this episode is for you!
Join us as we explore heart-centered leadership and its transformational impact on your organization. LuAnne, our expert guest, reveals how to harness strengths and passions using tools like Strengths Finder and The Passion Test, but emphasizes the need for a commitment to practice change.
Discover how aligning human potential with organizational roles can boost engagement and productivity. Consider how to develop a more engaged, more joyful, and more productive team based on the principles in this episode.