245: The Workplace Gratitude Practice Most Leaders Are Missing | Joel Zuckerman

Release Date: Nov 15

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.

What 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

In This Episode:

• 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 Referenced:

• ‍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

Want to Learn More?:  

• Website: www.learnit.com
• Email: podcast@learnit.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

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