WH: How did you become interested in this line of work? (tell us a little bit about your background)
Joyce Years ago I adopted two beliefs that have been my guiding principles. One is the universe supports you when you are doing the right thing; and the other is every situation and every person you meet is your perfect teacher. Everything I have done has led to this work: my spiritual practice, my work as a consultant in organizational culture and leadership, and the classes I have taken. I have learned many lessons both on and off the job which I weave into the workshops I do.
WH: What motivates you to do what you do? or Where does your passion come from?
Joyce: From an early age, I have been a studier of groups and how they interact. This led to my work as a consultant in organizational culture and leadership. I have had the opportunity to consult to Fortune 500 organizations throughout the United States. I have seen first hand that people want to do the right thing and be their best. However, the way an organization works or its culture can beat people down, undermine people’s best efforts and intentions. My passion comes from the fact that I have been able to make a difference in the lives of many people by improving their workplace cultures. It’s been very gratifying work.
WH: What personal or professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
Joyce: I have been asked to be the keynote speaker on a number of occasions. Of particular note was the time I was asked to be the subject matter expert at one of the Con Edison’s Strategic Issues Seminars. I spoke in front of 300 people and the speech was broadcast throughout the organization.
WH: Who are your role models and mentors?
Joyce: There was a man from my Quaker Meeting named Jim Oltman. I say “was” because he died in 2015. He took me under his wing when I felt like a broken bird. He supported me, loved me and gave me counsel. And his counsel was great and well-seasoned because he had a powerful career as the Chief Operating Office at the Federal Reserve Bank and he was a “weighty Friend.” His love and support were instrumental in the career choices I made.
WH: What is the best resource for people who wish to learn more about your line of work?
Joyce: They should visit my website: flourishingcultures.com. They can read about the services I offer and read my blogs and insights.
WH: Share a quote sums up your life's philosophy.
Joyce: My favorite quote is from Viktor Frankl. It is “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
WH: If you weren't in this line of work, what would you be doing instead?
Joyce: I would be an event planner. I love throwing parties.
WH: What would be the title of your TED TALK?
Joyce: TED Talk:” It’s Not ‘Why Me?’ It’s ‘Why Not You?’”
WH: What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Joyce: I love working in my garden. Must be why I called my business flourishing cultures!
WH: What was the last book your read or PodCast you listened to that inspired you?
Joyce: Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamont
Check out Living Your True Purpose with Joyce on August 14th!