What if joy was not something we waited to find in our work, but something we intentionally chose to lead with?

In the first episode of the Joy in the Work series, Dr. Denise Ball welcomes Dr. Christina Mendez-Hall for a heartfelt conversation about choosing joy as educators and school leaders. Together, they explore how joy can influence the way we lead, strengthen relationships, navigate challenges, and contribute to positive, healthy school cultures.

As a new school year begins, this conversation offers a simple invitation: before the meetings, plans, initiatives, and inevitable challenges, consider how you want to show up for the people you serve.

Joy does not mean ignoring the hard parts of our work. It means making room for gratitude, hope, laughter, faith, purpose, and connection alongside them.

One question to carr ...