Productive Joy

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Dr. Jen Fry, a speaker, author, and sports geographer who specializes in transforming conflict into growth. Dr. Fry discusses how her upbringing with a conflict-avoidant parent shaped her understanding of conflict and how she now helps others navigate it effectively. She explains that conflict, while difficult, is essential for improving mental health and relationships. Dr. Fry shares insights from her book, 'I Said No: How to Have a Backbone of Boundaries without Being a Jerk,' emphasizing the importance of practical approaches to conflict resolution. She also highlights the vital role of self-reflection and treating others well, even on challenging days. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:04 Meet Dr. Jen Fry00:37 The Importance of Addressing Conflict01:14 Jen's Personal Journey with Conflict03:35 Navigating Family Dynamics07:09 The Power of Setting Boundaries11:00 Choosing Your Hard13:34 Transition from Volleyball Coach to Speaker14:20 Lessons Learned from Coaching15:39 Pursuing a PhD and Understanding Power16:55 Theoretical vs. Practical Knowledge17:56 Defining Productive Joy21:13 Navigating Conflict for Joy25:07 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie recaps her week, highlighting inspiring interactions with Jackson Gray and Sheryl Raphael Whitaker. Jackson, a driven young entrepreneur, reached out for an interview, showcasing determination and willingness to learn. Sheryl, who orchestrated Christie's TEDx experience, shares insights from her book 'It Starts with Joy,' emphasizing the power of choice in creating joy. Dr. Christie discusses personal growth, the importance of continuous learning, and making intentional choices. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:15 Meeting Jackson Gray00:46 Introducing Sheryl Raphael Whitaker01:31 The Journey of Continuous Growth03:13 January Reflections and Challenges04:48 Embracing Imperfection05:55 Creating Your Own Success06:44 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Sheryl Raphael Whitaker, author of 'It Starts With Joy.' Sheryl is a TEDx organizer, artist, and joy creator. She shares her insights on finding and embracing joy, drawing from her Caribbean roots and personal journey. Sheryl emphasizes the importance of being your authentic self and discusses her book, which aims to help leaders uncover and cultivate joy. The conversation touches on dealing with past negative experiences and how to protect your joy. Sheryl also talks about her inner critic, 'Beatrice,' and her goals for the future, including a challenge to give 100 talks in 2026.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:04 Sheryl's Background and Achievements01:03 The Magnetic Personality02:14 Embracing Authenticity04:23 The Journey to Writing a Book06:58 Challenges and Lessons Learned08:02 Dealing with Difficult Leaders14:10 Finding and Protecting Joy14:25 Defining Productive Joy16:20 Finding Joy in Leadership16:40 Creating Joy in the Workplace17:27 The Importance of Individual Joy18:07 Leadership Responsibilities and Impact18:42 Connecting with Sheryl19:12 Services Offered by Elite Talent Solutions20:16 The Role of Joy in Leadership21:14 Human-Centered Leadership and AI23:32 Embracing Your Inner Critic26:41 Rapid Fire Questions28:16 Final Thoughts on Joy#AuthenticLeadership#JoyAtWork#LeadershipDevelopment#HumanCenteredLeadership#LeadWithJoy#PurposeDrivenLeadership#ExecutivePresence#PersonalGrowthJourney#WorkplaceWellbeing#LeadershipPodcast#ConsciousLeadership#WomenInLeadership

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes 23-year-old entrepreneur and personal trainer Jackson Gray. Jackson shares his thoughts on managing personal challenges, setting guardrails, and being unapologetically himself. He offers insights for both young adults navigating their paths and the older generations supporting them. Jackson and Dr. Christie also discuss his upbringing, mental health, and the importance of saying no. Highlighting the process of maintaining traditional values in a modern world, this discussion is a powerful reminder that personal growth often comes from embracing discomfort.Connect with Dr. Christie: christie@intentionalitygroup.comEpisode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Jackson Gray00:04 Jackson's Background and Achievements01:05 Advice for Young Adults and Their Supporters02:10 Jackson's Personal Experiences and Reflections04:10 The Importance of Guardrails in Life09:31 Learning to Say No and Personal Growth11:38 Jackson's Future Aspirations and Societal Views13:36 Defining Productive Joy20:26 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie gives the highlights of her amazing conversations with Chelsea Clark and Lauree Ostrofsky, and shares their valuable insights about personal development. She stresses the importance of taking bold actions even before feeling ready and emphasizes the idea that we are in control of our own progress. Dr. Christie encourages everyone to push past self-doubt and embrace their worthiness for success and joy. She underlines the significance of consistency in achieving goals and offers her support to anyone feeling stuck. Connect with Dr. Christie: christie@intentionalitygroup.comEpisode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:05 Lessons from Chelsea Clark and Lauree Ostrofsky00:58 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Negative Self-Talk02:33 The Importance of Consistency03:31 Taking the Leap and Finding Support05:43 Encouragement and Call to Action

Welcome to Productive Joy! In this episode, Dr. Christie is joined by the inspiring Lauree Ostrofsky. Lauree is an entrepreneur, author, career coach, brand new dog mom, and stepmom to teenagers. Known for overcoming fear and teaching others to do the same, Lauree shares her path from a shy child to a successful speaker and coach. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 28, Lauree opens up about how the health crisis reshaped her perspective on fear and success. They discuss the importance of self-kindness, finding delight in everyday activities, and creating supportive communities. Lauree’s insights are sure to inspire and motivate listeners.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:05 Meet Lauree Ostrofsky: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change02:13 Lauree's Journey: From Shy Child to Confident Speaker04:32 A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Finding Purpose Through Adversity07:56 Coaching and Consulting: Helping Others Leap10:40 The Importance of Celebrating Success13:12 Creating Productive Joy: Embracing Delight and Authenticity24:52 Rapid Fire Questions: Fun, Authenticity, and Self-Kindness31:22 Conclusion: Turning Fun into Action

Today on Productive Joy Dr. Christie welcomes Chelsea Clark, an advocate, author, and entrepreneur. Chelsea discusses her strategies for setting achievable goals, the importance of breaking them into manageable quadrants, and how she transitioned from a passionate blogger to the founder of NicheInvestor.com. Chelsea reflects on her mistakes, personal reinventions, and shares insights from her book, 'Glow Up Yourself.' She emphasizes the power of self-improvement, highlights the value of selling an online business, and inspires listeners to embrace their flow state and turn their unique genius into a profitable venture.Connect with Dr. Christie: christie@intentionalitygroup.comEpisode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:04 Meet Chelsea Clark: Advocate, Author, and More00:51 Embracing New Beginnings and Overcoming Fear01:43 Setting and Achieving Goals for the New Year05:06 Chelsea's Journey: From Blogger to Business Owner09:13 The Power of Sharing and Community Building12:22 Defining Productive Joy and Finding Flow15:19 Glow Up Yourself: Chelsea's Book and Personal Story19:49 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs22:17 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Welcome to Productive Joy, the recap for 2026! Join us as Dr. Christie reflects on the past year and sets intentions for the new one. Learn how to harness your influence, set attainable goals, and make small, consistent shifts to achieve lasting change. She discusses the power of choosing a guiding word for the year and share personal stories of growth and intentionality. Embrace opportunities, navigate your circumstances with positivity, and turn fun into actionable steps for a fulfilling year ahead. Let's start 2026 with purpose and joy!Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:51 Reflecting on the Past Year02:11 Embracing Your Current Situation03:35 Setting Attainable Goals04:52 Choosing Your Word for the Year05:57 Reflecting on Personal Growth08:04 Encouragement for the New Year#IntentionalLiving#NewYearReflection#ConsistencyOverPerfection#PersonalGrowthJourney#MindsetShift#GoalSetting2026#JoyIsAChoice#SmallHabitsBigChange#PurposeDrivenLife

Welcome to the first episode of Productive Joy in 2026! As the new year begins, Dr. Christie reflects on the rapid passage of time and the importance of setting intentions. Rather than making traditional New Year's resolutions, the focus is on being intentional in various aspects of life - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She shares her personal word for the year, 'intentional,' and encourages everyone to choose a word that resonates with them. The episode also emphasizes finding joy in everyday moments and being thoughtful in actions. Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:31 Setting Intentions for 202600:45 Choosing Your Word for the Year01:17 Living with Intentionality03:54 Finding Productive Joy04:18 Looking Ahead04:58 Intentionality in Work05:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Today on Productive Joy, Dr. Christie explores the concept of productive joy and shared examples of individuals who embody this principle through their work helping others and creating positive educational environments. She emphasizes the importance of finding and nurturing bright spots in chaos to create better outcomes, while encouraging listeners to define their own version of productive joy. Dr. Christie poses a challenge everyone to actively work towards their goals by the end of 2026, urging us to think differently and create tangible steps towards their desired future.Watch Dr. Christie’s recent TEDx talk on being a 'bold flavor' and consider how to implement intentionality in everyday decisions, from family interactions to workplace dynamics.I am a Bold Flavor | Dr. Christie McMullen | TEDxSouthlake