the Learn-It-All™ podcast 245: The Workplace Gratitude Practice Most Leaders Are Missing | Joel Zuckerman
More than half of American workers are Millennials or Gen Z—and their top workplace concern isn’t salary or vacation, but feeling seen and appreciated. In this heart-opening episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon sits down with Joel Zuckerman, bestselling author of Gratitude Tiger, to explore why gratitude is a powerful leadership tool—far beyond a feel-good buzzword. Joel shares how a simple experiment—writing one heartfelt letter—transformed his life and career, and why gratitude is actually a competitive edge for leaders and organizations alike.
From practical strategies for showing authentic appreciation to why “silent gratitude is useless,” this episode is a playbook for boosting morale, deepening trust, and making every member of your team feel like they matter. Whether you’re a manager with a mile-long to-do list or an employee eager to stand out, Joel’s approach will help you lead—and live—with more generosity and intention.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why gratitude is leaders’ secret weapon for retention and morale (and why Gen Z craves it most)
- The power of handwritten notes: why Joel’s written over 280 gratitude letters (and how it changed everything)
- Joel’s “Seven Pillars of Expressive Gratitude”—and how businesses can apply them in minutes, not hours
- How to share authentic appreciation (even when feedback is tough)
- Simple, actionable ways to express gratitude—whether you have 7 paragraphs, 7 sentences, or just 7 words
- How showing gratitude helps you become a more likable, promotable team member
- Why “getting specific” turns gratitude into real trust and connection
Timestamps:
00:00 – Gen Z & Millennial workers’ #1 workplace concern: being seen and valued
00:41 – Meet Joel Zuckerman: author, speaker, accidental gratitude advocate
01:35 – Why “silent gratitude” is useless
02:52 – Joel’s first handwritten gratitude letter (and what happened next)
06:17 – How writing letters rewired Joel’s relationships—and himself
08:11 – The 7 Pillars of Expressive Gratitude
13:24 – How busy leaders can show gratitude in 7 words
14:01 – The ROI of appreciation for business: loyalty, retention, morale
17:07 – 7-word gratitude for employee feedback
20:44 – Keeping gratitude authentic (and grounded in truth)
28:49 – Flip the script: use gratitude to get promoted and build likability
32:41 – Finding gratitude, even when life gets hard
39:14 – Why everyone (not just Olympians!) can inspire with gratitude
43:03 – Joel’s favorite “gratitude received” stories
45:08 – The one action Joel wants you to take today
About Joel Zuckerman
Joel Zuckerman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and renowned gratitude advocate. Known for his years writing about golf and travel, Joel’s life took an unexpected turn when he challenged himself to write a single letter of heartfelt appreciation. Nearly 300 gratitude letters and countless speaking engagements later, he’s the author of Gratitude Tiger and a sought-after keynote speaker who helps business leaders and individuals use gratitude as a tool for connection and organizational impact.
Resources & Mentions:
- Website: gratitudetiger.com
- LinkedIn: Joel Zuckerman on LinkedIn
- Joel’s book: Gratitude Tiger
- “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” by Richard Carlson
- William Arthur Ward’s quote: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
- Doug Conant, former Campbell Soup CEO, and his 30,000 handwritten notes (Doug Conant on LinkedIn)
- Emily Post’s advice on thank-you notes (emilypost.com)
- “Live Like Sam” Foundation (livelikesam.org)
- Harvard Business School’s “competent jerk vs. lovable fool” study
- Mike Robbins: Mike Robbins on LinkedIn
Podcast Contact Information:
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: podcast@learnit.com
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