125. Laura Whitaker: Why Your Best Teachers Might Surprise You, The Joy Exchange
Tue Dec 02 2025
In this special episode, I sit down with my dear friend Laura Whitaker, CEO of ESP (Extra Special People) and author of the upcoming book, The Joy Exchange. Laura has spent 20 years creating inclusive communities and learning unconventional leadership principles from the very people her organization serves—individuals with disabilities and their families.
Laura Whitaker is the visionary leader behind ESP, a nonprofit that creates transformative experiences for people with disabilities across multiple communities. After two decades in leadership, she's distilled her most powerful insights into a book that challenges us all to exchange awkwardness for awe and hesitation for hospitality.
This conversation goes far beyond traditional leadership advice. Laura shares raw, honest stories about her biggest mistakes, most humiliating moments, and the breakthrough realizations that changed everything. From skydiving fundraisers to coffee shop hugs, she reveals how authentic human connection creates the kind of joy we're all searching for.
Here are 5 key insights you can expect from this conversation:
Exchange awkwardness for awe by leaning into uncomfortable situations instead of pulling back. Practice radical hospitality that extends warmth and welcome to everyone, regardless of ability. Find courage in vulnerability by sharing your leadership struggles and learning from failure. Create inclusive environments where children naturally learn to value differences and celebrate uniqueness. Experience the joy exchange by delighting in others and discovering how giving actually becomes receiving.
Whether you're leading a team, raising children, or simply wanting to connect more authentically with those around you, Laura's insights will challenge you to see leadership—and life—through fresh eyes.
The Joy Exchange is available for pre-order now through February 17th, with all proceeds supporting ESP's mission to serve families at no cost.
PreOrder The Joy Exchange on here:
https://www.laurahopewhitaker.com/thejoyexchange
Follow Laura here: https://www.instagram.com/laurahopewhitaker/#
Listen to my previous episode with Laura here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3htMp2zo5pATiNYvQBDPwC
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In this special episode, I sit down with my dear friend Laura Whitaker, CEO of ESP (Extra Special People) and author of the upcoming book, The Joy Exchange. Laura has spent 20 years creating inclusive communities and learning unconventional leadership principles from the very people her organization serves—individuals with disabilities and their families. Laura Whitaker is the visionary leader behind ESP, a nonprofit that creates transformative experiences for people with disabilities across multiple communities. After two decades in leadership, she's distilled her most powerful insights into a book that challenges us all to exchange awkwardness for awe and hesitation for hospitality. This conversation goes far beyond traditional leadership advice. Laura shares raw, honest stories about her biggest mistakes, most humiliating moments, and the breakthrough realizations that changed everything. From skydiving fundraisers to coffee shop hugs, she reveals how authentic human connection creates the kind of joy we're all searching for. Here are 5 key insights you can expect from this conversation: Exchange awkwardness for awe by leaning into uncomfortable situations instead of pulling back. Practice radical hospitality that extends warmth and welcome to everyone, regardless of ability. Find courage in vulnerability by sharing your leadership struggles and learning from failure. Create inclusive environments where children naturally learn to value differences and celebrate uniqueness. Experience the joy exchange by delighting in others and discovering how giving actually becomes receiving. Whether you're leading a team, raising children, or simply wanting to connect more authentically with those around you, Laura's insights will challenge you to see leadership—and life—through fresh eyes. The Joy Exchange is available for pre-order now through February 17th, with all proceeds supporting ESP's mission to serve families at no cost. PreOrder The Joy Exchange on here: https://www.laurahopewhitaker.com/thejoyexchange Follow Laura here: https://www.instagram.com/laurahopewhitaker/# Listen to my previous episode with Laura here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3htMp2zo5pATiNYvQBDPwC