Dusty is joined by Raquel Braganza, a transformational coach and joy strategist, for a powerful conversation on reclaiming joy as a daily, deliberate practice—especially for leaders and caregivers who often pour from an empty cup. Raquel shares moving stories from her clients, including a mother who found light in a dark season by throwing a “cat party” with her children, and executives who rediscovered joy through simple rituals like music-filled showers and warm towels. She explains how choosing joy isn’t about perfection or privilege—it’s about presence, agency, and designing a life that reflects your values. From redefining success to embracing emotion as a strength, Raquel invites listeners to treasure hunt for joy in the everyday. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or simply trying to lead yourself well, this episode will challenge and encourage you to create moments of joy on purpose—and to believe that you are more than your circumstances.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – Meet Raquel Braganza
(03:51) – The Power of Rituals and Small Joys
(07:39) – Joy as a Leadership Tool
(10:39) – Creating Personalized Joy Moments
(16:35) – Balancing Joy and Misery
(30:06) – The Transformation of Seeking Joy
(34:41) – Embracing Joy in the Mundane
(38:08) – The Exhaustion of Leadership
(53:44) – Rapid Fire Questions
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-braganza/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquelbraganza_lifecoach
Joy Coaching Gift: https://www.poweredbyjoy.coach
Mentions: https://dustyholcomb.com/2019/02/27/circle-of-concern-vs-circle-of-control/
Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial by Tony Robbins
Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team by Simon Sinek
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.