In this Unstuck Classic, we revisit the story of Veronica, a leader who deeply cares about culture, connection, and people, yet feels worn down by an organization that prioritizes performance metrics over humanity. Her ideas to reignite morale are repeatedly delayed, leaving her questioning whether purpose and joy still have a place at work, and how she can reconnect with the spark that once drove her.
This Unstuck Classics episode revisits one of the most listened-to conversations in the podcast’s history, a powerful dialogue with Amanda Gore, Hall of Fame keynote speaker and author of Joy Is an Inside Job. With more than 25 years of experience helping organizations like Google, Disney, and Cisco, Amanda shares how joy, connection, and emotional intelligence are not distractions from performance, but the foundation of it.
If you’ve been running on fumes, questioning your impact, or feeling disconnected from meaning at work, this episode is a reminder worth revisiting.
Notable Quotes
“Joy is not something outside of you. It’s the essence of who you are; love, peace, and joy.” — Amanda Gore
“Most people think joy is excitement, but real joy is quiet peace and acceptance.” — Amanda Gore
“Everything in business is about feelings, whether we admit it or not.” — Amanda Gore
About Our Guest
Amanda Gore is a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, author, and expert in emotional intelligence, joy, and human-centered leadership. With over 25 years of experience working with global organizations including Google, Disney, and Cisco, Amanda helps leaders reconnect to purpose, strengthen culture, and create workplaces where people genuinely thrive. Her work blends neuroscience, psychology, and lived experience to help individuals rediscover joy as a sustainable way of being.
Resources & Links
Amanda Gore
Website – https://amandagore.com/
Book: Joy Is an Inside Job – https://a.co/d/j5V19lF
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalgore
Facebook – https://facebook.com/thejoyproject.amandagore/
X – https://twitter.com/amandagore_joy
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/amandagorejoy/
YouTube – https://youtube.com/user/amandagoretv
Jay Abbasi
Website – https://jayabbasi.me/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast
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Join Us Next Time
There will be no new episode this Friday due to the holiday. Unstuck returns on Monday the 29th with another classic conversation, “Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time,” featuring Kevin Karshnik. A timely reminder for anyone ready to stop delaying what matters most as 2026 approaches.