Best PeopleForward Network Podcasts (2025)

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Lead the People: High-Tech Tools for High-Powered Leadership with Adam Berke 27:46

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5d ago27:46

27:46

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…

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Community Conversation: Augment Not Replace: Building People First Teams with AI 29:48

5d ago29:48

29:48

What if your AI tools were more like teammates than tech? AI isn’t coming for your job, it’s coming to take the busywork off your plate. Jason and Nikki crack open how the PeopleForward Network team is weaving AI into their daily workflows without ditching what makes them... them. F rom using ChatGPT for parenting convos to building sales proposals…

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Mark A. Mears: How to Grow From Leader to Legacy Builder 34:07

6d ago34:07

34:07

How can you challenge yourself as a leader to embrace empathy and think bigger, not just about success, but about significance? Joining me today is Mark Mears, a visionary business leader, best-selling author, keynote speaker, consultant, and visionary business leader. He has a significant track record of building stakeholder value, driving innovat…

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Haverchat Podcast: Episode 4 - Tanya Betts 50:29

6d ago50:29

50:29

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…

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Courage to Advance: CEO Evaluation Reimagined: The 360-Degree Approach Every Board Needs with Mike Humphries 32:43

11d ago32:43

32:43

Featuring guest Mike Humphries, SparkEffect CEO and former Fortune 500 Executive. Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge. Our show is launching off on its own! Come check us out for twice-monthly episodes at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com or subscribe to Courage to …

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Leading for Wellness: Work Should Support Life 27:38

12d ago27:38

27:38

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…

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Dr. Helen Riess: The Science Behind Empathy's Power on Business Results 41:05

13d ago41:05

41:05

The power of empathy for organizational success is not just proven in all the data. Neuroscience backs up our human need to connect and form relationships. But why does empathic communication lead to better business results, improved wellness, decreased burnout, and better workforce retention? We explore that today with Dr. Helen Riess. Persuaded b…

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Leading Adam with Adam Binkerd: Are You Unknowingly Hurting Your Team? 49:45

13d ago49:45

49:45

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…

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Perk Up - A Pet Benefit Podcast: We See You - The Emotional ROI of Pet Perks 5:54

19d ago5:54

5:54

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 …

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Dan Tocchini: How Leaders Can Turn Conflict into Breakthroughs with Empathy 38:36

20d ago38:36

38:36

Turns out your organization's inability to adapt and align in this era of great change may have little to do with structure, sales, or cutting costs and more to do with how you are investing in building your team's people skills: you know, old-fashioned communication, empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Sorry to break it to you, but re…

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Rai Cornell: The Psychology of a Savvy Buyer 40:52

27d ago40:52

40:52

Empathy is the key to effective marketing. You've heard that here before. But what is really going on in the brains of savvy buyers, and how can we tap into that - not to manipulate, but to connect and engage with what they need and who they want to be? Today, Rai Cornell shares her unique journey, including being a psychologist in the prison syste…

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The Power Of Us: Belonging and Connection at Work with Amy Bayer 1:01:58

27d ago1:01:58

1:01:58

In this episode of Working Forward, Amy Bayer shares her personal journey through burnout, career reinvention, and the slow, intentional process of rediscovering purpose. From leading global employer brand initiatives to stepping away in search of alignment, Amy offers a vulnerable look at what it means to listen to your body, trust your instincts,…

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Community Conversation: Impact Over Hours: Shifting the Focus from Time Spent to Results 29:59

1M ago29:59

29:59

What if your team could get more done in less time? ⏳ In this Community Conversation, Nikki and Jason flip the traditional “hours worked” mindset on its head, championing the power of results over clock-watching. They share why it’s time to ditch the outdated 9–5 mentality, how to unlearn habits that hold us back, and why role clarity + goals + KPI…

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Lead the People: Helping Managers Unlock Optimal Performance with AmberLyn Bryant 30:37

1M ago30:37

30:37

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…

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Saqib Rasool: An Engineer's Approach to 21st Century Leadership Development 42:07

1M ago42:07

42:07

The skills and sensibilities we needed in the industrial age are no longer working. But according to my guest today, Saqib Rasool, we are approaching skills development as if we were machines - just sprinkle some knowledge or insert some new information and BAM we will transform our leadership style. Instead, he offers a different way to navigate t…

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Courage to Advance: The 90% Training Waste: Why Your Leadership Development Budget Is Failing Without Coaching with Rod Bacon 37:42

1M ago37:42

37:42

Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge. Tune in to our subseries every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge! Or check us out at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com. After overwhelming listener response to our AI and coaching conversation, Kim Bohr and Rod Bacon r…

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Leading for Wellness: It's the Tone, Not the Time 27:16

1M ago27:16

27:16

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…

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Marisol Solarte-Erlacher: Prioritizing Well-Being Goes Beyond Perks 40:49

1M ago40:49

40:49

While multiple studies show that we are experiencing mental health crises, burnout, and stress at alarming levels, I don't have to tell you that you're feeling it. It impacts your ability and your team's ability to perform at the highest level. To innovate, problem solve, and focus. Some workplace stress is a given, but what about the stress we can…

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Special Livestream! The Empathy Dilemma with PeopleForward Network! 1:02:00

2M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Empathetic leadership drives engagement, performance, and innovation. It's a fact. Yet post-pandemic, leaders are struggling to balance the needs of their people with the demands of the business and their own mental health. This livestream session with empathy expert, speaker, author, and podcast host of The Empathy Edge, Maria Ross, will enable le…

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Shilpa Alva: Non-Profit Leadership Lessons to Drive For-Profit Success 40:30

2M ago40:30

40:30

How can we balance performance and purpose to sustain growth? Well, look no further than a successful non-profit for the answer to that! And while your organization may sell anything from software to shoes to services, you can indeed leverage a clear, co-created purpose to ignite performance. And you can embrace empathy for employees or customers w…

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Beyond Automation: The Human Side of AI Disruption With Greg Verdino 1:06:44

2M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

In this episode, Greg Verdino joins Jason Cochran to explore what it really means to lead through AI disruption — without losing the human heartbeat of your business. From fear to future-forward thinking, they dive into what leaders often get wrong about automation, and how to focus on what humans do best. Greg shares insights on empathy in the age…

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Steve Durbin: How Empathetic Leadership Strengthens Cybersecurity and Risk Management 43:21

2M ago43:21

43:21

My guest today, Steve Durbin, shares why empathy, agility, and resilience are vital to managing risk and keeping your organization secure. Steve shares the biggest threats to organizations right now and how empathetic leaders foster the resiliency needed to adapt. We discuss how CISO's and risk officers can create an empathetic culture where trust …

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Lead the People: Learning and Development as a Strategic Driver with Akkshada Maniyan 32:47

2M ago32:47

32:47

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…

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Community Conversation: Unlocking Strategic Success Through Monthly Sprints and OKRs 31:39

2M ago31:39

31:39

What if the secret to staying focused, aligned, and genuinely excited about your goals wasn’t a 20-page annual plan, but a simple monthly sprint? Nikki and Jason pull back the curtain on how PeopleForward Network uses OKRs and monthly sprint goals to spark team momentum. 📈 They demystify what OKRs really are, how sprint goals drive alignment and en…

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Laura Camacho: Developing Your Empathy and Executive Presence 41:38

2M ago41:38

41:38

How do some leaders show up, almost effortlessly, with a proactive point of view and clear messaging? I'd bet you money that for most, it's a matter of intention and skill-building, not just natural talent! The ability to balance warmth, confidence, and competence is not just within reach for extroverts, either, according to today's guest. Today, L…

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The Road Ahead: Owning Your Career Journey With KL Shaw 59:41

2M ago59:41

59:41

In this episode, KL Shaw joins Jason Cochran to break down what it really means to own your career journey — especially in today’s uncertain job market. From layoffs to layoffs to leaps of faith, they explore how to shift from fear into action. KL shares powerful coaching insights on getting clear about your purpose, making your impact visible, and…

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Courage to Advance: Why AI Can’t Call BS: The Irreplaceable Human Edge in Executive Coaching with Rod Bacon 38:20

2M ago38:20

38:20

Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge. Tune in to our subseries every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge! Or check us out at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com. As AI revolutionizes how we work, what makes human executive coaching irreplaceable? Kim Bohr sits…

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Leading for Wellness: No One Wants a Superhero 26:45

3M ago26:45

26:45

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…

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Robin Dreeke: Spy Lessons for Leaders: Forging Unbreakable Alliances Through Empathy 41:37

3M ago41:37

41:37

Years ago, I was introduced to a former Marine and FBI counterintelligence officer whose job was to recruit spies to help protect our country. His secret weapon? Empathy. Finding out what is important to someone so that they can then build trust and find shared goals. Robin Dreek joins us again today to talk about his latest book, Unbreakable Allia…

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July Hot Take: Empathy Under Attack: Leading with Heart in Hostile Times 11:56

3M ago11:56

11:56

Today’s episode is a little more personal. A reflection. A struggle. Because lately, I’ve been wondering: Is empathy under attack? And if so, how do we as leaders, parents, citizens—and humans—continue to lead with empathy in a world that sometimes seems to mock, punish, or politicize it? So today, I want to pull back the curtain and talk about wha…

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Asheli Mann-Lofthouse: The Nuts and Bolts of DEIB, By Stage 49:46

3M ago49:46

49:46

In today’s climate, where DEIB efforts are under attack, smart organizations know that embracing diverse perspectives leads to better decisions, stronger innovation, and thriving teams. Today, I’m thrilled to talk with Asheli Mann-Lofthouse about how to build and sustain impactful DEIB efforts—whether you’re just starting or already well along the …

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Navigating Uncertainty In Executive Search With Michael Morgan and Scott Himes 1:31:05

3M ago1:31:05

1:31:05

In this conversation, Jason Cochran engages with Michael Morgan and Scott Himes from Medallion Partners to explore the evolving landscape of executive search and talent acquisition. They discuss the significant uncertainties and changes in the industry, the critical importance of succession planning, and the impact of AI on the workforce. The conve…

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Lead the People: Inclusive Leadership Today and Every Day with Maureen "Mo" Berkner Boyt 31:52

3M ago31:52

31:52

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…

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Bridgette Boudreau: Choosing an Ethical Coach to Transform Performance from Within 49:23

3M ago49:23

49:23

Self-awareness is the first pillar of effective empathetic leadership in The Empathy Dilemma. If you don't know what's going on for you, you will never be able to make room for empathetic leadership. I highly recommend working with a leadership or executive coach to guide you in this self-discovery process. But the world of coaching is like the Wil…

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Courage to Advance: From Digital Overwhelm to Mental Clarity with Timothy Swords 41:40

3M ago41:40

41:40

Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge. Tune in to our subseries every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge! Or check us out at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com. In today's always-on business culture, how can leaders cut through digital noise to regain mental …

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Leading for Wellness: Workplace Wellness Matters 26:09

3M ago26:09

26:09

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…

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Garrett Delph: Operationalizing Happiness 41:19

3M ago41:19

41:19

Unhappiness at work causes poor performance, disengagement, mistakes, absenteeism, mental health issues, and ultimately poor customer experience and anemic sales. But defining happiness at work seems so squishy. Is the leader's job to make people happy? Garrett Delph looks at happiness the way I look at empathy - as an intentional business strategy…

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Leading for Wellness in a Burned-Out World with Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer 56:03

3M ago56:03

56:03

Live from the PeopleForward Network Community, Jason sits down with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer—aka the workplace wellbeing docs 👩‍⚕️👩‍⚕️—to talk about their new book “Leading for Wellness.” Why are employees feeling worse despite all the wellness perks? What does real support look like? And how can leaders stop burnout before it st…

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Vanya du Toit: The Listening Advantage: Embedding Empathy into Brand, Culture, and Space 40:07

4M ago40:07

40:07

As I love to say, empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a powerful tool for strategic and creative excellence. Joining me today is Vanya du Toit, the Associate Director for Wiedemann Lampe, a brand and business consultancy, who leads with empathy to drive brand transformation, team growth, and meaningful client partnerships. In this episode, Vanya s…

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Live from CultureCon: From Overhead to Impact: Changing the Narrative with Michelle Naples 17:29

4M ago17:29

17:29

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…

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Geoffrey Smith: How Compassionate Moments, Not Corporate Mandates, Spark Engagement and Customer Satisfaction 40:11

4M ago40:11

40:11

Where do empathy and compassion impact corporate profits, employee experience, and customer satisfaction? In healthcare, and yes, in your industry, no matter what it is, it starts at the local level, as my guest today shares. Today, Geoffrey Smith and I talk about his journey as an employee experience professional in healthcare, but how he didn't r…

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Rethinking Employment in the Age of AI With Josh Drean 1:22:35

4M ago1:22:35

1:22:35

In this conversation, Jason Cochran and Josh Drean explore the rapidly changing landscape of work, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence and its implications for employment. They discuss the uncertainty surrounding AI's capabilities, the importance of human connection in the workplace, and the need for a new employment model that prio…

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Lead the People: Climbing the Career Ladder with Amber Cerone 33:37

4M ago33:37

33:37

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 …

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Vivian Acquah: How DEI Manages Risks, Lowers Costs, and Opens Eyes 43:02

4M ago43:02

43:02

We have talked a lot on this show about the benefits of a diverse and inclusive culture and how it leads to outstanding business results. But did you also know how DEI helps your company manage risk and future-proof against churn, productivity loss, and potentially falling behind in the market? Today, you will hear one of the best definitions of DE…

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Live from CultureCon: Start Culture Before Day One with Melissa Sanchez 19:20

4M ago19:20

19:20

🎧 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…

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James Coan: Closing the Perception Gap that Tears Us Apart 33:05

4M ago33:05

33:05

Given the country's political divide, we often hear that conversations are the key to empathy and connection. Which is true. But that also doesn't scale very well. One way to combat this is to correct dangerous political misperceptions and help us find more overlap. In fact, a Hidden Tribes study shows that 85% of Americans are more similar than we…

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Balancing High Touch Automation in a Digital World with Nikki Lewallen Gregory 23:03

4M ago23:03

23:03

In this episode, Nikki and Jason dive into a hot topic: how do you keep that human touch while embracing the rise of automation and AI 🤖? They get real about what should be automated (hello, scheduling) and what should never lose the personal touch (like conflict resolution or celebrating your people). With practical insights, core values, and a wh…

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Courage to Advance: The Talent Advantage: Strategic Recruitment in Uncertain Times with Tim Sprangers 53:51

5M ago53:51

53:51

Welcome to Courage to Advance, hosted by Kim Bohr and brought to you by SparkEffect, in partnership with The Empathy Edge. Tune in to our subseries every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge! Or check us out at www.CourageToAdvancePodcast.com. In today's uncertain job market, what separates endless applications from landing your ideal role?…

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May 2025 Hot Take: Why Legacy Leadership is Messy 10:45

5M ago10:45

10:45

Building leadership muscles and practicing leadership is not always pretty. It’s got to get messy if you want to master it. Nothing brought this home to me more than a recent CrossFit workout where I really started to understand the power of muscle memory and why constant skills development is required to keep yourself sharp. Leadership is like thi…

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Live from CultureCon: Pausing for Empathy and Equity with Bryetta Calloway 30:23

5M ago30:23

30:23

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…