In the final episode of Season 2, Bennett and Jordyn close out the year with a powerful reflection on gratitude — not just as a feel-good emotion, but as a transformative tool for career growth and wellbeing.

Joined by voice note contributions from listeners, previous guests, and industry professionals, this episode explores how gratitude shapes resilience, leadership, motivation, and personal development.

Whether 2025 was your year of breakthrough, rebuilding, or steady progress, this conversation invites you to pause, look back, and honour the journey.

• ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode1. The neuroscience behind gratitudeHow expressing thankfulness activates the brain’s reward system
• Why gratitude increases dopamine & serotonin
• Link between gratitude and reduced cortisol, better sleep, improved overall wellbeing
• 2. How gratitude impacts your careerA mindset shift from perfection → progress
• How appreciation shapes better teams and workplace culture
• Evidence from Harvard, UC Berkeley & HBR on productivity, performance, and morale
• Why grateful people are more motivated, hopeful, and resilient

3. Listeners share their storiesThroughout the episode, you’ll hear 30–60 second voice notes responding to prompts like:

• “What are you grateful for in your career this year?”
• “Who had the biggest impact on your professional journey?”
• “What challenge shaped your growth?”
• “What message of gratitude would you share with your team or community?”

These authentic, heartfelt reflections help paint a beautiful picture of what gratitude looks like in real careers across South Africa and beyond.

• 🎧 Featuring Voice Notes From:Wesley Pillay
• Eden Toohey-Ogle
• Mario Ogle
• Chad Whitby
• Myisha Fredericks
• Nina Toohey
• Nicolette Van Wyk
• Shana

💡 Key Quotes From the Episode”Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful.” — Bennett

“When we pause long enough to look back with thankfulness, we start to see how even the tough moments shaped who we’re becoming.” — Jordyn

“Gratitude isn’t just a mindset — it’s a wellness tool.” — Jordyn

“Workplaces where gratitude is practiced don’t just operate — they flourish.” — Bennett

• 🧠 Research MentionedUC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center — studies on gratitude & mental health
• Harvard Health — links between gratitude and physical wellbeing
• Harvard Business Review — appreciation increases productivity by 50%

🌻 Episode Prompts (Used for Listener Voice Notes)Use these to journal, reflect, or share your own story:

1. What are you grateful for in your career this year?
2. Who has been a meaningful part of your professional journey?
3. What lesson or challenge helped shape your growth?
4. If you could express gratitude to your workplace or community, what would you say?