What do you want people to see when they look at your leadership?
In this mini-episode, Jenn and Shelby reflects on the conversation with former Nike executive Kenx Black, who brings serious depth to the idea of values — not as brand buzzwords, but as the way you move through the world.
From design to decision-making, Ken reminds us that personal values don’t stay put—they follow you through every role, every pivot, every big “what’s next.”
Whether you're building a team or choosing clients, knowing your values helps you say “yes” with purpose and “no” without guilt.
Key Takeaway
Your values aren’t just about how you see the world. They’re how you want the world to see *you*.
Guest: Ken Black
Former Nike exec, SPARQ, design thinker, and strategic advisor coach who believes in leading with purpose. Connect with Ken at: linkedin.com/in/ken-black-5336a64/
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 upcoming book, Joyosity, hits shelves on October 21, 2025, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. Find more with Jenn at: jennwhitmer.com.
Co-Host: Shelby Merryweather
Shelby produces many live streaming shows and podcasts, including Joyosity™. She is also founder and CEO of Sunshine Lane, where she helps creative entrepreneurs lead with clarity and calm. Connect with Shelby at shelbymerryweather.com.
Pour Yourself a Full Glass:
October 2024 Episodes
Episode 57: Values, Trust and the Bottom Line Apple, Spotify , or YouTube.
Episode 58: How Values Build Your Leadership, part 1 with Ken Black Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.
Episode 59: Values as a Compass in Business Leadership, part 2 with Ken Black Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.
Episode 60: How to Develop Your Team as a Leader, part 3 with Ken Black Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.
Episode 61: ICYMI: How Values Guide You Through Uncertainty with Jenn and Shelby Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.
Joyosity Book Coming this Fall:
Join the Joyosity™ Works Very Important Party and get:
- Early sneak peeks of the book with real tools to help you in your life, your work, and in your leadership.
- An exclusive chance to shape this message, including cover art, and help other leaders create positive culture with complex people.
- Behind-the-scenes updates and bonuses.
Get in here: https://jennwhitmer.com/books
Resources & Links:
Free 99 Steps:
Values Identifier Guide will give your direction and more. You can’t lead with confidence if you’re unclear on what matters. This free guide helps you identify and define your top five values — so your choices stop feeling like darts in the dark.
Joyosity Explorer 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 what’s actually working. In this powerful strategy session, we’ll use the Joyosity™ Compass to name your roadblocks and map a leadership plan you can actually follow. No fluff, just traction. Schedule your session here.
Starting the Journey:
Enneagram Navigator
Tired of trying to figure out your Enneagram type from freebie quizzes that leave you more confused than a group text with no context? In this 1:1 session, I’ll help you decode your motivations and blind spots so you can finally lead (and live) with clarity, not guesswork. Book your Navigator session here.
Ready to Dive In:
Joyosity™ Intensive
What if you could clear the fog, realign with your values, and build a practical plan for joyful leadership — in just one transformative day? This personalized experience combines deep self-awareness, strategic clarity, and honest-to-goodness joy to help you lead with purpose *and* still like your life. Start the process here.
A Party for More:
Book Jenn to Speak
When your whole team needs the spark — not just the spark notes — I bring the energy, expertise, and real talk that shifts culture. With contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter, I help leaders connect, communicate, and make.
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