Joy is a Choice: It’s Not Selfish—It’s How You Show Up Best for Your Team | Raquel Braganza - E11

Dusty is joined by Raquel Braganza, a transformational coach and joy strategist, for a powerful conversation on reclaiming joy as a daily, deliberate practice—especially for leaders and caregivers who often pour from an empty cup. Raquel shares moving stories from her clients, including a mother who found light in a dark season by throwing a “cat party” with her children, and executives who rediscovered joy through simple rituals like music-filled showers and warm towels. She explains how choosing joy isn’t about perfection or privilege—it’s about presence, agency, and designing a life that reflects your values. From redefining success to embracing emotion as a strength, Raquel invites listeners to treasure hunt for joy in the everyday. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or simply trying to lead yourself well, this episode will challenge and encourage you to create moments of joy on purpose—and to believe that you are more than your circumstances.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Meet Raquel Braganza

(03:51) – The Power of Rituals and Small Joys

(07:39) – Joy as a Leadership Tool

(10:39) – Creating Personalized Joy Moments

(16:35) – Balancing Joy and Misery

(30:06) – The Transformation of Seeking Joy

(34:41) – Embracing Joy in the Mundane

(38:08) – The Exhaustion of Leadership

(53:44) – Rapid Fire Questions

Key Topics Discussed:

Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership

Mentions:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-braganza/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquelbraganza_lifecoach
Joy Coaching Gift: https://www.poweredbyjoy.coach

Mentions: https://dustyholcomb.com/2019/02/27/circle-of-concern-vs-circle-of-control/

Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial by Tony Robbins

Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team by Simon Sinek

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com