I’ve been haunted—in a good way—by a quote from comedian Jim Carrey this month. It’s from a commencement speech he gave:
“I can tell you from experience, the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is. Because everything you gain in life will rot and fall apart, and all that will be left of you is what was in your heart.”
Carrey was reflecting on his decision to pursue comedy and how he came to it by watching his father’s love and humor shape the world around him. It showed him what he wanted to do—and why the hard work was worth it.
That line made me think about leaders. The ones guiding their teams through ups and downs, influencing not just outcomes but the hearts of the people they lead.
We spend so much of our lives at work. Leaders shape our every day—our sense of belonging, safety, and motivation.
The best leaders I know weave humor and love into their daily interactions. It’s what makes people want to be around them, to take risks, to try again when things get tough.
That’s what makes them Warm Demander Leaders—leaders who balance high expectations with genuine care.
I bet you can name a few people in your life who do this well. Their positivity, humor, and love are gifts they offer freely.
And here’s the good news: these are learnable skills.
Do this:
- Decide to be a Warm Demander Leader.
- Read Get Gen Z into the Game to learn the playbook.
- Commit to demonstrating humor and love—at work and in your personal life.
One more thing…
I now have a chatbot—my digital sidekick—on my website.
I built it using my books, blogs, and change management tools. Think of it as a way to get my insights even when I’m not there in person—your 24/7 access to leadership, connection, and belonging tips.
It’s still in beta, which means I’m testing and refining as I go. If you notice any quirks, I’d love your feedback.
What can you ask the bot?
You can explore:
- Ideas from my books Get Gen Z Into the Game and Disconnected
- Insights from my blogs and newsletters
- My approach to change management
- Tools and strategies I recommend for leaders and teams
In short, if you’ve ever wondered, “What would Colleen say about this?” — the bot is here to help.
Key Points:
Warm Demander leadership helps teams feel valued and challenged—combining care with high expectations to foster trust and performance.
Humor and heart aren’t simply soft skills—they’re strategic tools for leading change, especially in a world where workplace belonging is essential.