What does it mean to lead with joy, even in the middle of a cancer diagnosis, workplace stress, and cultural pressure to overwork?
In this episode of Work is Third, Dawn Hunter is joined by Dr.Tonicia Freeman-Foster, leadership coach, cancer warrior, and unapologetic joy-seeker. They share their personal stories of survival, the healing power of Zumba, the importance of boundaries at work, and what it takes to leadourselves first so we can lead others well.
🎧 Topics Include:
- The difference between joy and happiness
- Why intuition matters for your health
- How to protect your energy in tough seasons
- Leadership lessons from chemo chairs and Caribbean vacations
- The cultural roots of hustle and how we unlearn them
- What "Work is Third" really means
This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a movement. Let’s reclaim our time, our joy, and our power.
Keywords
Joy, Wellbeing, Cancer Warrior, Self-care, Leadership, Boundaries, Unlearning, Work-life Balance, Personal Growth, Mental Health
📌Episode Chapters/Timestamps
00:00 Embracing Joy in Daily Life
02:42 The Joy of Survival
07:10 Navigating Cancer Treatment and Work
12:18 Finding Balance
16:03 Prioritizing Health and Wellness
20:51 Modeling Healthy Leadership
24:44 Creating a Supportive Work Culture
31:03 The Culture of Work and Time Off
31:58 Encouraging Time Off and Team Support
34:44 Power, Control, and Leadership
36:55 Lessons on Rest and Joy from Childhood
39:01 Unlearning Productivity Myths
44:27 Work is Third: Prioritizing Life Beyond Work
💬 Quotes to hold on to:
- “You either fight or fold. And I said—I'm notfolding.”
- “Doing nothing is doing something. Rest is worthy ofmy time.”
- “We are modeling the behavior we say we support—somake sure they match.”
- “Your platform is where you get paid. But yourpurpose? That’s your gift.”
🔗 Important Links
- Website: www.leidoswel.com
- Order the Book Navigating Rough S.E.A.S: www.navigatingroughseas.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toniciaff/
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/leidoswel/
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/LEIDOSWEL
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.toniciafreeman-foster7600
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drtoniciafreemanfoster
Let’s Stay Connected
🎧 Follow the show on Spotify, YouTube, or yourfavorite podcast app
📬 Subscribe to The Better Boundaries Brief @ www.thedawnlab.com
📸 Instagram: @workisthirdlife
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