Episode 200: Joy as a People Strategy

In episode 200 of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin welcomes Hannah McKitrick, the Founder and CEO of My Intuitive Health, to discuss how leaders can infuse joy into their daily routines and organizational culture. Hannah talks about her upcoming culinary leadership retreat with Traci, how to combine personal and professional fulfillment, and her key leadership strengths.

In this episode…

Workplace fulfillment is often overlooked in favor of productivity metrics, leading to disengagement and burnout. Leaders who prioritize efficiency over employee well-being may find their teams lacking motivation and creativity. How can leaders integrate joy into the workplace to promote engagement and fulfillment?

According to leadership and wellness expert Hannah McKitrick, creating a fulfilling work environment begins with personal joy. Leaders who intentionally incorporate activities that bring them happiness — such as mindful breaks, meaningful conversations, or creative outlets — set a positive example for their teams. Hannah recommends starting each day with a reflection on small actions that can uplift personal energy, emphasizing that joy is contagious and can transform workplace culture. Encouraging team-building activities, such as culinary wellness retreats or virtual cooking experiences, can foster connection and inspiration within teams, driving both professional and personal growth.

In episode 200 of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin welcomes Hannah McKitrick, the Founder and CEO of My Intuitive Health, to discuss how leaders can infuse joy into their daily routines and organizational culture. Hannah talks about her upcoming culinary leadership retreat with Traci, how to combine personal and professional fulfillment, and her key leadership strengths.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[4:08] Why Hannah McKitrick advocates for incorporating joy into the workplace

[10:26] Identifying your key leadership strengths

[14:56] The lasting impact of Hannah’s leadership retreats

[17:43] Hannah and Traci Austin announce their joint leadership retreat

[22:51] How to combine personal and professional goals

Quotable Moments:

“To me, joy is everything. I know the depth of it because I know the depth of the other side, like misery.”
“I experienced a euphoria that I did not know was possible, and my greatest joy now is bringing people along on that journey.”
“Joy is contagious. If you, as a leader, can bring that into the day, your team will pick up on that.”
“When you’re happy in yourself and fulfilled, the little things don’t carry as much weight and don’t rock you as much.”
“People deserve to be held in a space where someone’s guiding them into exactly what they need and want.”

To me, joy is everything. I know the depth of it because I know the depth of the other side, like misery. Share on X

Action Steps:

Cultivate joy daily: Start each morning by identifying five activities that will bring you joy and energy for the day. This practice sets a positive tone and can create a contagious atmosphere of joy within your team, addressing workplace dissatisfaction.
Embrace personal growth opportunities: Consider attending retreats or workshops that focus on self-discovery and fulfillment, such as culinary wellness retreats. These experiences are transformative, providing a space to rejuvenate and return to work with a fresh perspective and increased joy.
Leverage strengths for team success: Identify your core strengths using tools like the Predictive Index and collaborate with team members who complement your weaknesses. This strategy enhances team productivity and creates a more fulfilling work environment.
Create expansive experiences for your team: Paint a picture of what’s possible for your team, encouraging them to envision and pursue their dreams within the workplace. This approach fosters a culture of innovation and engagement, addressing limited vision and potential in organizational settings.
Balance work and personal joy: Integrate joyful activities from your personal life into your work routine, such as sharing a passion for cooking or participating in group activities. This balance helps maintain focus and creativity, contributing to a more fulfilling and joyful professional life.

About Hannah McKitrick

Hannah McKitrick is the Founder and CEO of My Intuitive Health, which helps corporate leaders transform employee wellness through luxury culinary wellness retreats and mind-body cooking programs. She is also a Chapter President at The Dames, LLC, which empowers women managing six- and seven-figure businesses to scale through events and membership communities. As a board-certified holistic nutritionist, Hannah uses food, connection, and embodiment to inspire vibrancy, fulfillment, and alignment among organizations and teams.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you’re looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.