JOYMAKER🎈WEEKLY
The only Joymaker newsletter on the internet.
The world needs more Joymakers—now more than ever! So forward this to a friend who loves spreading joy!
I’m at a standing desk overlooking the beach. This week has been intense. I have been socializing non-stop. Events, parties, and new humans. But I’m feeling more myself than ever!
In this edition, you’ll find…
3 actionable tools to get more personal, interpersonal, and group joy.
1 question you can ask for deeper, happier conversations.
Wisdom from dating on international women’s day, attending an entrepreneur dinner, and teaching someone how to swim.
Next event? Apply for Joymaker Bootcamp → (11 spots left)
PERSONAL JOY 🧠
• Use the negative as a cue for gratitude.
Inevitably, undeniably bad things happen. Use them as cues for gratitude. Let me give you an example. ex. 1. You drop your laptop. So be grateful for your privilege to own a laptop. 2. Someone ghosts you. So be grateful you are not someone who ghosts people.
Want to be the kind of leader everyone loves to be around?
My Joymaker Leadership Manual & Habit System teaches you 40 simple habits to unlock your natural charisma, spark joy in any room, and lead with contagious good energy. Warning: People will ask you to be friends!
RELATIONAL JOY 🫂
• Create forward focus.
Conversations are often about the past. Try this instead. Ask questions that invite people to reflect on what they’re creating in their lives. Example: “What are you focusing on creating in your life right now?”
Want to host gatherings people never want to leave?
My Joymaker Games Vault includes 130+ of my favorite connection games — tested on streets and stages in 15+ countries — to help you create laughter, warmth, and real human connection every time!
GROUP JOY ⚡
• Start with joy.
This week, I lead my opening keynote for a 400-person conference. How will I begin my session? With simple, short games that evoke joy. I do this because joy makes all proceeding social connections easier!
Ready to build a community that inspires you to be healthier and happier?
I just launched the Joymaker Community Blueprint: 10 steps to get your first 100 enthusiastic members. You’ll get the specific actions I’ve taken to create and launch an in-person, conscious, sober community of 500+ members.
ASK THIS QUESTION❓
Try this question and let me know how it’s received!
What’s the dream life you’re creating for yourself?
This question creates forward focus. You get to understand their deeper desires and motives. For me, I want to lead a Joymaker camp every month, and dance in the morning multiple times per week. I’m currently building this, day by day in Vancouver. Help me create it! I can’t wait to be back to get back to it!
LESSONS OF THE WEEK 🥼
How I created a meaningful international women’s day experience
On International Women’s Day, I took two Vietnamese women on what I’d call a group date.
We started by dancing through an aquarium—playful, unexpected, a little absurd. Then we sat down for a meaningful dinner and opened with one prompt: Who is a woman who inspires you and why? The conversation deepened instantly.
But the highlight was what came before dinner. We rehearsed a dance performance—three men, two women, and three roses. It was expressive, theatrical, and full of laughter.
That experience reminded me of something important: my favorite way to give gifts isn’t through objects, but through designed experiences. When you tailor a moment specifically for someone—with intention, creativity, and connection—it becomes priceless.
Key takeaway for group leaders:
Design experiences, not just gatherings. Thoughtful prompts, shared movement, and intentional moments create deeper emotional impact than passive activities.
What teaching showed me about celebrating small wins
We stayed in one of the women’s apartments, and one day I took her to the gym. I guided her through a few exercises, then taught her how to swim front crawl.
It brought me back to my time as a swim instructor.
I remembered the importance of demonstration—showing clearly what to do—and physical feedback, gently guiding someone’s body so they can feel the right movement.
But the biggest insight wasn’t technical. It was emotional.
I focused on being patient. I made it playful. I added high fives. I celebrated every small improvement.
Learning something new can feel intimidating. But when progress is acknowledged—even in small doses—it becomes energizing instead of discouraging.
Key takeaway for group leaders:
Celebrate small wins consistently. Recognition builds confidence, accelerates learning, and keeps people engaged through challenge.
How I transformed a simple scooter ride into something memorable
Sean and I left Hanoi and traveled to Da Nang. We were still a bit sick, but we didn’t let that stop us from exploring.
We rented scooters, rode through the rain, and eventually strapped a speaker to one of the bikes. Then we invited four friends to join us.
What started as a simple ride became a moving dance experience.
Every ten minutes, we’d stop at a scenic point, play music, and dance. Almost every time, it triggered a ripple effect—other riders stopping, watching, filming, smiling.
At the very beginning, I led a short opening ceremony. I played dramatic music, acknowledged each person individually, and gave them a small playful accessory—a cape, a prop.
It took five minutes. And it completely shifted the energy.
People felt seen. The experience felt intentional. The group bonded faster.
I did notice moments where my energy dipped—and I didn’t bring as much as I could have. It reminded me of the kind of leader I want to be: someone with a deep toolkit of games and the energy to use them when it matters.
Key takeaway for group leaders:
Start with an intentional opening. Even small rituals create belonging, set the tone, and transform ordinary activities into meaningful experiences.
Why I’m learning to ask better questions before giving advice
After the Joymakers departed, I met two entrepreneur friends at a five-star resort for a private dinner and mastermind.
We started by introducing our businesses. I shared a new, clearer way of describing mine:
I help group leaders lead activities that make their people healthier and happier.
Then we moved into a mastermind format. Each person shared a challenge they were facing.
What stood out immediately was how quickly we all jumped into advice-giving.
But advice without understanding often misses the mark.
Most of the time, we don’t fully understand someone’s situation after their first explanation. The real value comes from asking better questions—clarifying context, exploring assumptions, and going deeper before offering solutions.
It’s a simple shift, but a powerful one.
Key takeaway for group leaders:
Lead with curiosity before guidance. Asking thoughtful questions builds trust, improves understanding, and leads to more meaningful support.
Next week, I’ll share lessons from leading many experiences—my opening keynote at a conference, a Joymaker parade on the beach, and a spontaneous street party where I brought joy to 20 kitchen staff.
— Jacques
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