Employees crave feedback, and 96% say they want it! But let's be honest… giving and receiving feedback can be awkward. 😬 In this episode of "In the Loop", Katherine Coble is tackling the art of feedback: how to do it well, when to give it, and why it matters. Inspired by Radical Candor by Kim Scott, Katherine explores how to balance caring personal…

Ever felt like your culture change efforts are just… throwing spaghetti at the wall 🍝? In this episode, Nikki sits down with BJ McKay from ADVISA to swap real, in-the-trenches stories of transformation. Together they break down the ATLAS framework, reveal why discomfort is the secret ingredient to lasting change, and share how to keep leaders energ…

Ready to break free from program fatigue and culture initiatives that fizzle out fast? Nikki sits down with Heather Haas, CEO of Advisa, as she shares why so many culture efforts flop and how HR professionals can finally make the shift from being stuck in a silo to leading true transformation. They dive into the game-changing A.T.L.A.S. framework. …

What if the hardest part of leading well... was everything around you trying to stop you? Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer pull back the curtain on what it really takes to lead with empathy and integrity when the system around you isn't built to support it. From personal stories of burnout and toxic workplaces to actionable strategies fo…

What if the key to business success wasn't just hitting KPIs, but creating a legacy where people feel seen, heard, and inspired to grow? This episode of "Boundary Breakers" is a masterclass in leading with purpose from Mark Mears, former exec at McDonald's, PepsiCo, and The Cheesecake Factory, and now the visionary behind LEAF Growth Ventures. 🌱 Fr…

Nick and Zach kick off their podcast series with the wild and wonderful origin story of CultureCon®️: from blizzard-filled roundtables and zero event planning experience, to surprise Vegas marquees and full-on imposter syndrome. Along the way, they share the heart behind why CultureCon exists: to make work suck less and to build authentic connectio…

What if your next "perfect" hire is just a well-programmed bot? AI fraud is here, and it's quietly hijacking your hiring pipeline. 🤖 Gerald Gordon sits down with Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa's Inc., to tackle a hiring crisis no one's prepared for: AI-generated candidates and digital twins fooling their way into your organization. Fr…

What if the biggest workplace challenge isn't strategy, skills, or systems, but simply understanding each other? 👀 Amy sits down with Lindsay Boccardo, speaker, coach, and generational expert who makes the complex topic of age gaps feel surprisingly fun. Together they explore why we label each other, how parenting trends shape the leaders we become…

What if the secret to a thriving workplace culture came down to just five simple leadership behaviors? Geoffrey sits down with the brilliant Paula Allen, global mental health researcher and champion for workplace wellbeing. Together, they geek out over the five leadership behaviors that shape thriving, resilient teams. From psychological safety to …

Think all great salespeople are born talkers with years of experience? Think again. Matt Poepsel chats with Jim Speredelozzi, who flips the traditional sales script on its head. Jim shares how he went from 90-day quitters to building a thriving 150-person sales team, all by focusing on mindset, process, and hiring based on who people are, not just …

Think one wellness strategy works for everyone? Think again. Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer unpack why "one size doesn't fit all" when it comes to supporting your people. From co-creating personalized plans to avoiding quick-fix blanket solutions, they share how leaders can better meet employees where they are, without judgment or assu…

🎙️ What if your podcast did more than talk… what if it built a movement? Nikki and Eric spill the tea on how podcasting can be way more than a mic and a message. It can be the heartbeat of a thriving community. 💓 They dive into how turning listeners into collaborators flips the script from one-way content to two-way connection. From building online…

What if your podcast could be more than just content, and actually become your best sales and marketing engine? In this live episode from CultureCon® 2025, Nikki and Eric share their secret playbook for turning podcasts into powerful business growth tools. From claiming your niche and attracting the right guests, to creating inbound momentum and un…

What happens when a startup founder discovers that leading people is a completely different job than building products? 🚀 Matt sits down with Adam Burke, former Chief Strategy Officer at The Predictive Index and former co-founder of Charma, to unpack the messy, exciting journey of scaling from a handful of teammates to hundreds. From the awkward le…

What happens when a farm girl from small-town Iowa becomes the CFO of a fast-growing real estate company? That's the journey of Tanya Betts, and in this episode of the Haverchat Podcast, she opens up about the twists, turns, and lessons learned along the way. From nearly 25 years at American Athletic to making the leap to Haverkamp, Tanya shares wh…

What if your job respected your life as much as you respect your job? Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer dive into a radical (but necessary) idea: work should support your life… not consume it. 💡 They unpack what it means to be a "boundary bouncer":leaders who fiercely protect their team's time, values, and wellbeing like VIPs behind a vel…

What if the very things you believe make you a good leader are actually holding you back? In this episode of "Leading Adam with Adam Binkerd," things get real… and personal. With no guest in the studio, Adam Binkerd and Erica Crabtree take the mic to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of leadership: the subconscious norms we've inherited fr…

What if the best workplace recognition strategy has been wagging its tail or purring at your feet this whole time? 🐾 David Martin uncovers the surprising power of pet perks and what our furry friends can teach us about recognition. While most workplace programs focus on achievements, pets remind us of something deeper: unconditional acknowledgment …

In this episode of "Lead the People," host Matt Poepsel welcomes AmberLyn Bryant, People & Culture Director at Keyrenter Denver, to explore how behavioral insights and intentional culture-building elevate employee experiences. Drawing from her own evolution through toxic to thriving workplaces, AmberLyn shares how data-driven tools like the Predict…

What if the secret to high-performing, happy teams had nothing to do with working harder, and everything to do with how it feels to work with you? In this episode of "Leading for Wellness," Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer dive into the underrated superpower of leadership: setting the right tone. From stories of care packages on the fron…

What happens when one person with a big vision is tasked with building a global learning function from scratch? In this episode, Matt sits down with Akkshada Maniyan, who's turned learning into a strategic superpower at Innova Solutions. From building a global team to creating 88+ in-house courses and 100+ personalized learning paths, she's all abo…

Ready to bust the myth of the superhero leader? 🦸‍♂️❌ In this episode of "Leading for Wellness", Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer dive into why trying to be the flawless, all-knowing boss is actually hurting your leadership game. From awkward eggshell-walking teams to trust-eroding perfectionism, they unpack the messy (and all-too-relata…

What if thriving at work wasn't a nice-to-have, but a human right? 💡 Mauren "Mo" Berkner Boyt, founder of The Moxie Exchange, joins Matt Poepsel to unpack the power of inclusion—backed by neuroscience, real data, and lots of heart. From "amygdala hijacks" to why your phone habits can actually help build belonging 📱, this episode is packed with insi…

We're introducing a NEW series here on Fringe: Leading for Wellness with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer! 🎙️ Patricia and Katina kick things off by digging into why workplace wellness really matters—and why most companies are doing it wrong. From "Generators" who light up teams to "Extinguishers" who drain the energy, they share researc…

Live from CultureCon 2024 🎙️ Nikki chats with Michelle Naples, Chief Integration Officer at Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. They dive into what servant leadership really looks like in practice—from trauma-informed care for everyone to creating cultures of co-creation and courageous conversations. Michelle also challenges h…

Goats, graduate degrees, and Glassdoor—yep, they're all part of Amber Cerone's leadership journey! From project manager to Senior Director of Talent and Doctor of Psychology, Amber's path is proof that "searching" is part of the process. In this episode, Amber joins Matt Poepsel to talk about the power of career exploration, why leadership is more …

🎧 In another episode live from CultureCon, Nikki chats with Melissa Sanchez from Duck Creek Technologies—and trust us, this one's packed with 💡 aha moments! Melissa breaks down how they're flipping the script on employee engagement by starting before day one, treating team members like VIP clients, and building a culture that people don't just join…

Live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy chats with the powerhouse Bryetta Calloway about meritocracy, marginalization, and why inclusion isn't just a checkbox. Bryetta shares her personal journey, spicy truths about workplace culture, and why the "just work hard" narrative doesn't cut it anymore. From unspoken rules to emotional labor and allyship th…

Get ready to travel the world—without leaving your headphones! 🌍✈️ In this episode of "Lead the People," Matt Pepssel chats with Chris Failla, a leadership coach who's been to 50+ countries and is on a mission to create healing, human-centered workplaces. They unpack why being seen, known, and loved at work isn't just nice—it's necessary. Add in so…

Live from CultureCon, Nikki sits down with Ann Newman, Director of Learning at Goodwill Greater Milwaukee and Chicago, to talk about all things purpose, people, and the magic that happens when those two align 💫. Ann shares her take on the "secret sauce" that makes work feel meaningful, how to interview with purpose in mind, and her go-to tools like…

🚀 Remote work doesn't mean disconnected work! Live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy is joined by Greta Jackson, who shares how simple, structured fun—like Fun Fact Fridays and Photography Bingo—can transform remote engagement. Her golden rule? Hope is NOT a plan. Connection takes strategy, consistency, and creativity. And the proof? A 150% increase…

What can leaders learn from the high-pressure world of neonatal intensive care? Dr. Susan Landers, a seasoned neonatologist, joins Matt Poepsel to share insights on handling stress, building resilient teams, and navigating work-life balance. From life-or-death decisions in the NICU to balancing a demanding career and family, Susan's lessons apply t…

Leaders, listen up! 🎙️ If you don't believe in what you're leading, your team won't either. In another episode live from CultureCon, Nikki sits down with Laura Gottfredsen Suminski, VP of Talent at UW Credit Union, to unpack why alignment between personal values and workplace culture is a game-changer. They tackle what happens when leaders don't wa…

We're featuring another great episode from Kate Volman, this time from her show Create for No Reason 🎨🎤📖! Entrepreneur, comedian, keynote speaker, and all-around creative powerhouse Brian Carter joins Kate Volman for a conversation packed with humor, wisdom, and no-nonsense advice on getting out of your own way. They dive into the messy, exciting, …

What if we stopped obsessing over weaknesses and amplified strengths instead? 💡 In another episode live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy is joined by Vibhas Ratanjee from Gallup to break down the power of strengths-based leadership—why most workplaces get it wrong, how CliftonStrengths changes the game, and the four must-know strategies for buildin…

What is culture, really? (Hint: It's not free snacks or a dog-friendly office. 🐶) Today, we're featuring an episode hosted by Kate Volman — Lead with Culture! Kate is joined by executive coach Tony Ferraro to break down the six must-have principles of a thriving workplace. From hiring the right people to making mission the boss, they'll help you cu…

🏆 What if the secret to great leadership isn't in doing more, but in being more?✨🚀 In this final installment of the PFN Impact Awards, Amy Lynn Durham sits down with her nomination, Aaron Tabacco, to talk about Quantum Presence—the next-level leadership skill that helps you show up fully, authentically, and impactfully. Aaron shares why presence be…

What happens when a business goes beyond profit and puts people at the center of everything they do? You get Daycos —a company where employees don't just work; they lead the charge in giving back. 💙 Lead the People's Matt Poepsel sits down with his PFN Impact Award nominations: Brandon and Tammy Day, the dynamic duo behind Daycos. They discuss how …

Get ready for another great episode highlighting this nominee for the PeopleForward Network Impact Awards series! Host of Mo-ments of Experience Geoffrey Smith sits down with Dr. Apurv Gupta—a true champion of leading with love.❤️ From his early days in medicine to becoming a transformational force in healthcare, Dr. Gupta shares the aha! moments t…

🏆 The PFN Impact Awards are back in this kickoff episode for 2024's winners! Nikki Lewallen Gregory sits down with her nomination: Amy Bayer — Global Director of DEI, Culture, and Engagement at Duck Creek Technologies — as she shares how she helped build a flexible-first, employee-led culture where 93% of employees engage in shaping their workplace…

From corporate hotshot to living legendary! 🌟 Tommy Breedlove joins Matt Poepsel to share how hitting rock bottom sparked a journey to authentic leadership, true success, and joy. Discover how self-awareness, owning your brilliance, and living with purpose can transform your life. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning tale…

🚀 Live from CultureCon in Madison, Wisconsin, Nikki chats with Jeannie Boehm of Zappos at Work and Michelle Goodhart, a leader in employee experience. From surprise shoe gifting to creating meaningful connections, this episode dives into how intentional recognition can WOW your team and transform workplace culture. Lace up for this inspiring conver…

We're back with another episode live from CultureCon 2024! Join host Jasmine Bellamy as she chats with Mark Cruth, Modern Work Coach at Atlassian. With only 13% of teams thriving, Mark shares how storytelling can reconnect teams to their purpose. From "Postcards from the Future" to "Future Press Releases," discover simple, practical ways to energiz…

What if "you matter" wasn't just a feel-good phrase but a leadership superpower? In today's Predictive Index special episode, Angela Maiers, renowned educator and change-maker, joins Matt Poepsel to explore how leaders can ignite purpose and performance by meeting the most basic human need. Packed with stories, insights, and actionable tips, this e…

Live from CultureCon, we're talking workplace magic with Debra Squyres, Chief Customer Officer at Bonusly! 🎉 From Bonusly's origin story to game-changing tips on recognition and leadership, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and actionable advice for building thriving, people-first workplaces. Tune in to discover how small moments of rec…

Happy New Year from People Forward Network! 🎇 We're kicking off 2025 with a new episode live from CultureCon! Nikki chats with Regent Cornell from UKG about all things workplace culture! From simplifying HR systems to creating people-first environments, Regent shares stories, tips, and laughs (including how UKG keeps things "United, Kind, and Growi…

Culture isn't just a vibe—it's a choice! In today's Predictive Index replay, Hema Crockett, co-founder of Gig Talent, joins Matt Poepsel to break down what it really takes to build a culture that works. Spoiler alert: it's about values, not perks. Hema shares her secrets on getting everyone involved in shaping culture, why high performance goes way…

🎙It's another episode live from CultureCon! Jasmine Bellamy and Jeff Lindemann are here to spill the secrets of building a culture that actually fuels business success! Jeff shares his journey of shaping a people-first culture where belonging, engagement, and purpose aren't just buzzwords—they're the game plan. Tune in to learn why Jeff says, "Cult…

🎙Live from CultureCon! Nikki chats with the inspiring Faatima Khan about creating workplaces where people can be their true selves. Faatima shares stories from her career, emphasizes the importance of "brave spaces," and offers actionable ways leaders can build trust and celebrate individual strengths. Tune in for fresh insights on trust, empathy, …

On this re-released episode of Lead the People podcast, Marcel Schwantes, founder of Leadership from the Core, shares how his experience in a toxic workplace led him to embrace servant leadership. Now a renowned coach and speaker, Marcel discusses how prioritizing people-first principles transforms both leadership and organizational success. He sha…