The Role of Joy in High-Performance Leadership with Kate Bowler

Joy isn’t optional for leaders, it’s what keeps you connected to the story that makes your work matter. In this episode, Andy sits down with Kate Bowler to explore why joy isn’t a distraction from leadership—it’s what sustains it. Joy doesn’t come from solving every problem or achieving every goal. Instead, it reconnects leaders to the deeper story behind their work—the reason it matters in the first place. Download the application guide: https://bit.ly/422p1Ad Here's what they cover in this episode: The difference between happiness and joy and why it matters (04:30) Why joy shows up in hard moments—not just easy ones (06:40) Burnout isn’t just exhaustion—it’s losing the story (10:45) How busyness crowds out joy (and what to do about it) (11:30)  Can you actually practice joy? (14:30) Why leaders need joy to stay connected to purpose (17:10) Three ways to become more open to joy: do, love, hope (20:45) The danger of worshiping productivity (22:00) Toxic positivity vs. honest joy (25:00) Special thanks to our sponsor BELAY for offering a free download of their resource The Guide to Outsourced Accounting. Just text the word ANDY to 55123 to claim your free guide now. Recognized as one of Forbes' 6 Leadership Podcasts To Listen To In 2024 and one of the Best Leadership Podcasts To Stay in the Know for CEOs, according to Industry Leaders Magazine. If this podcast has made you a better leader, you can help it by leaving a quick Spotify or Apple Podcasts review. You can visit Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and then go to the “Reviews” section. Thank you for sharing! ____________ Where to find Andy: Instagram: @andy_stanley Facebook: Andy Stanley Official X: @andystanley YouTube: @AndyStanleyOfficial  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.