Ep 85 with Dr. Joy Qualls: How Joy and Gratitude Impact Your Leadership

True joy isn’t found in a perfect life—it’s forged in the valleys, refined in the storms, and anchored in the unchanging character of God. In this episode, host Christine Caine and Professor and Associate Dean in the Division of Communication at Biola University Dr. Joy Qualls unpack what it means to cultivate joy as a spiritual discipline, a leadership strength, and a lifeline in seasons of pain. They explore how gratitude reshapes perspective, why worship is a weapon against discouragement, and how joy impacts every person you influence. If you’ve ever felt your circumstances stealing your joy, this conversation will give you tools to reclaim it—and live with the strength only God’s joy can provide.

SHOW NOTES:
Redefining Joy in a World That Chases Happiness

Christine and Joy open the conversation by distinguishing between fleeting happiness and the deep, resilient joy that comes from knowing God.

The Valleys That Shape Us

Joy shares personal seasons of loss, disappointment, and uncertainty, and how God met her in the middle of them—not with instant fixes, but with sustaining presence.

Gratitude as a Spiritual Discipline

How daily thankfulness shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance, even when nothing in our circumstances has changed.

Leadership That Flows From Joy

Joy explains how leaders who are anchored in God’s joy create healthier cultures, inspire resilience in others, and model a life that isn’t shaken by external pressure.

Practical Ways to Guard Your Joy

From boundaries to spiritual rhythms, Joy and Christine outline intentional steps to protect the wellspring of joy in your heart.

Find Dr. Joy Qualls on Instagram at @madamspeaker.
Keep up with her at joyqualls.com

Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode, and don’t forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast. 

You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can’t wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts! 

—
Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine. 

We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.

 No matter where a woman has influence – in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry – Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.