How do you find joy at work without faking positivity or losing yourself in the process?

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Joyosity™ Podcast, Jenn Whitmer talks with performer, teacher, and creator Tara DeFrancisco about joy at work, authenticity, leadership, creativity, trust, and self-judgment. Together, they explore how to be fully yourself at work, why presence matters, and how authenticity helps people connect more deeply in leadership, performance, and everyday life.

Tara shares insights on bringing your full self to work, letting go of the need to perform for your inner critic, and learning how to enjoy the work you have already earned. Jenn and Tara also discuss improv, emotional connection, workplace joy, online identity, and what it means to lead with truth instead of control.

This episode is for anyone who wants more joy in work and life without forcing positivity. If you are a leader, creative, speaker, performer, or professional trying to stay grounded, authentic, and connected, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective on authentic leadership and meaningful work.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

03:21 What do you do with joy when energy is low, and you still have to show up.
04:52 Why presence is the reward for the work you have already done.
07:43 How trust is built through modeling rather than controlling in leadership, improv, and creative work.
12:18 What happens when people realize they are actually allowed to enjoy the way they work.
17:33 What it means to be the same person everywhere you go, and why authenticity creates deeper connection.

Key takeaway:

Joy at work grows when you stop performing for your inner evaluator and become present enough to enjoy the work you have already done.

About Tara DeFrancisco
Tara is a globally respected improviser, educator, speaker, and comedic performer known for her powerful blend of humor, connection, and authenticity. She has performed more than 8,000 shows on renowned stages, including iO Chicago, The Second City, and ComedySportz, and is especially known for HERE: The (Improvised) Musical, her acclaimed two-person show performed in 24 countries and more than 90 cities.

Tara is also the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of The Nest Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, and a sought-after teacher whose work has taken her around the world. Most recently, she began serving as a facilitator and artistic liaison for Cirque du Soleil. Through speaking, teaching, and performance, Tara helps people and organizations unlock more play, presence, trust, and connection.

taradefrancisco.com/

Tara’s Socials:
Instagram: instagram.com/taradefrancisco
TikTok: tiktok.com/@taradefrancisco

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.

jennwhitmer.com

Jenn's Socials:

Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer

LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer

Podcast edited by Katey Perkins, Midsouth Story Co

Resources & Links:

Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading with more clarity, intention, and joy?

There is a program for you. Join the waitlist here: jennwhitmer.com/waitlist

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 direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books.

Free 99:

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.