Personality tools were meant to create clarity—not shame.

So why do so many leaders leave personality conversations feeling worse? In this episode, Jenn tackles one of the most misunderstood leadership tools out there and makes a bold claim: your personality isn’t the problem—misusing is. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my personality the thing holding me back?”—this episode is for you. Continuing the New Year, New Opening mini-series, Jenn reframes personality awareness as a leadership skill—not a fix-yourself project. She explains how strengths get weaponized under pressure, why self-awareness without self-disclosure backfires, and how tools like the Enneagram can cultivate trust, clarity, and joy when used well. This is a shame-free, practical conversation for leaders who want to stop fighting their wiring and start leading from it. Here’s What’s in the Episode:

2:44 You don't need to fix yourself to be a great leader.
7:40 Strengths don't disappear with fear and pressure. But they do warp into weakness.
10:28 Personality awareness can become self-centeredness if you misuse it.
12:30 How to avoid "checkbox leadership" that oversimplifies complex people.
13:56 The three rules of the road to avoid misusing personality tools as a leader.

Key Takeaway

You don’t need a new personality. You need awareness of how yours behaves under pressure. 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 and 122 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.

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Ep. 122, Your Personality Isn’t Holding Your Leadership Back—Your Fear Is