Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast · 2026-05-04 · 35 min
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: 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.
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