245: The Workplace Gratitude Practice Most Leaders Are Missing | Joel Zuckerman
Release Date:
November 17, 2025
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
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:
鶹ýbsite:
LinkedIn:
Joel’s book:
“” 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 ()
