Best PeopleForward Network Podcasts (2025)

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

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5d 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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The Road Ahead: Owning Your Career Journey With KL Shaw 59:41

5h 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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Navigating Uncertainty In Executive Search With Michael Morgan and Scott Himes 1:31:05

21d 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

27d 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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Leading for Wellness: Workplace Wellness Matters 26:09

1M 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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Leading for Wellness in a Burned-Out World with Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer 56:03

1M 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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Live from CultureCon: From Overhead to Impact: Changing the Narrative with Michelle Naples 17:29

2M 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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Rethinking Employment in the Age of AI With Josh Drean 1:22:35

2M 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

2M 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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Live from CultureCon: Start Culture Before Day One with Melissa Sanchez 19:20

2M 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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Balancing High Touch Automation in a Digital World with Nikki Lewallen Gregory 23:03

2M 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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Live from CultureCon: Pausing for Empathy and Equity with Bryetta Calloway 30:23

3M 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…

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The Impact of Automation on Our Lives and Work With Kris Kluver 2:00:04

3M ago2:00:04

2:00:04

In this conversation, Jason Cochran and Chris Kluver discuss the current state of the economy, the challenges faced by business leaders, and the impact of political decisions on economic stability. They explore the role of hope in leadership, the transformative effects of AI and automation on the workforce, and the importance of life-work integrati…

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Lead the People: The Well-Traveled Leader with Chris Failla 40:32

3M ago40:32

40:32

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…

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Live from CultureCon: Uncovering the Secret Sauce of Purpose-Driven Culture with Ann Newman 26:50

3M ago26:50

26:50

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…

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Live from CultureCon: Remote Work Doesn’t Have to Be Boring with Greta Jackson 18:38

4M ago18:38

18:38

🚀 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…

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AI and the Future of Employment With Gianna Driver 1:14:09

4M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

In this conversation, Jason Cochran and Gianna Driver explore the evolving landscape of work, focusing on the challenges faced by HR leaders, the importance of work-life integration, and the rising significance of hope in leadership. They discuss the impact of AI on employment and the necessity for collaboration between humans and technology, empha…

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Lead the People: Leadership as a Lifeline with Dr. Susan Landers 29:12

4M ago29:12

29:12

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…

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Live from CultureCon: Leaders Have to Believe in It with Laura Gottfredsen Suminski 17:52

4M ago17:52

17:52

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…

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Create for No Reason: Love your work w/ Brian Carter 45:23

4M ago45:23

45:23

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, …

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Live from CultureCon: Strengths Over Stress with Vibhas Ratanjee 20:48

5M ago20:48

20:48

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…

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Lead with Culture: The Six Immutable Principles for a Dynamic Culture 33:13

5M ago33:13

33:13

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…

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Redefining Roles In An AI-Powered Economy With Vince Freeman 2:02:21

5M ago2:02:21

2:02:21

In this conversation, Jason Cochran interviews Vince Freeman, the Chief AI Implementation Officer at HardingPorman. They discuss the evolving role of AI in organizations, the challenges of implementation, and the future of work as AI becomes more integrated into various industries. Vince shares insights on the importance of education and collaborat…

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How To Do Asynchronous Meetings With Nikki Lewallen Gregory 24:02

5M ago24:02

24:02

In this episode, we dive into the power of asynchronous meetings—what they are, why they matter, and how they can revolutionize the way teams communicate. Join Jason Cochran and Nikki Lewallen Gregory as they break down the key strategies behind effective async collaboration. From reducing meeting fatigue to ensuring every team member has a voice, …

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PFN Impact Awards: Quantum Presence for Impactful Leadership with Aaron Tabacco 47:14

5M ago47:14

47:14

🏆 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…

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PFN Impact Awards: Building a Business That Gives Back with Brandon and Tammy Day 39:44

5M ago39:44

39:44

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 …

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PFN Impact Awards: Transforming Leadership Through Love with Dr. Apurv Gupta 33:12

5M ago33:12

33:12

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…

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AI's Role In Shaping Future Communication With Steve Dowling & Craig Carroll 1:03:42

5M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

In this conversation, Jason Cochran engages with futurists Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll to explore the evolving landscape of workplace communication. They discuss the profound impact of social media on communication dynamics, the rise of podcasting as a tool for corporate communication, and the implications of artificial intelligence in enhancin…

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PFN Impact Awards: From Remote Work Skeptic to Culture Champion with Amy Bayer 41:50

5M ago41:50

41:50

🏆 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…

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Lead the People: Legendary Leadership with Tommy Breedlove 25:00

5M ago25:00

25:00

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…

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The EQ Advantage: Feel, Understand, Lead, Prosper With Andrea Brummett 56:50

5M ago56:50

56:50

Workplace Revolution is back and better than ever! Andrea Brummett is joined by Jason Cochran, new host of Working Forward, to talk about the evolving role of EQ in the workplace. Andrea breaks down the five key components of EQ—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—giving real-world insights into why these skills …

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Live from CultureCon: Lacing Up Employee Experience with Jeannie Boehm & Michelle Goodhart 15:08

5M ago15:08

15:08

🚀 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…

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Navigating Job Displacement in the Age of AI With Enrique Rubio & Matt Burns 1:32:52

5M ago1:32:52

1:32:52

Joining me in this episode focused on the future of AI and HR are Enrique Rubio and Matt Burns. Enrique is an HR, Tech and Future of Work expert, keynote speaker and founder of global communities. Enrique is currently an advisor to the community he built, Hacking HR, a global learning community operating at the intersection of future of work, techn…

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Live from CultureCon: Unleashing the Power of Storytelling with Mark Cruth 20:32

6M ago20:32

20:32

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…

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Lead the People: Mattering is Leading with Angela Maiers 29:48

6M ago29:48

29:48

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…

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Bonus Episode: Building Highly Connected Remote Teams 22:45

6M ago22:45

22:45

In this bonus episode, Nikki Lewallen Gregory joins Jason Cochran to explore the foundation of successful remote teams. Nikki shares why intentionality matters, what it truly looks like (spoiler: it’s more than just flexible schedules), and how leaders can build strong, connected cultures while boosting productivity. From work-life integration to g…

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Live from CultureCon: Creating Cultures of Recognition with Debra Squyres 16:59

6M ago16:59

16:59

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…

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The Working Forward Relaunch: A Sneak Peek Into the Future of Work 2:24

7M ago2:24

2:24

🚀The future of work is here—and it’s flipping the script! Join Working Forward's new host, Jason Cochran, as he dives into the shifts reshaping everything: from ditching the 9-to-5 grind and hustle culture to embracing four-day workweeks, remote flexibility, and even learning on TikTok. Oh, and AI? It’s rewriting the rules entirely. Ready to rethin…

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Live from CultureCon: From Payroll to Purpose with Regent Cornell 13:24

7M ago13:24

13:24

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…

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Lead the People: Intentional Culture with Hema Crockett 28:47

7M ago28:47

28:47

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…

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Live from CultureCon: Rethinking Success Through Culture with Jeff Lindemann 10:18

7M ago10:18

10:18

🎙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…

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Unlocking Psychological Safety with Andrea Brummett 30:49

7M ago30:49

30:49

Workplace Revolution is back and better than ever! Andrea Brummett is joined by Jason Cochran, new host of Working Forward, to talk about the secret sauce for thriving teams: Psychological safety. Andrea breaks it down: why it matters, what it really looks like (spoiler: it’s not about avoiding conflict), and how leaders can build trust, spark crea…

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Live from CultureCon: Building Brave Spaces with Faatima Khan 30:29

8M ago30:29

30:29

🎙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, …

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Lead the People: Servant Leadership with Marcel Schwantes 25:17

8M ago25:17

25:17

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…

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Live from CultureCon: The Power of Employee-Driven Culture with Amy Bayer 15:52

8M ago15:52

15:52

Live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy chats with Amy Bayer, the HR pro who believes "Everyone Owns Culture." With over 20 years in HR, Amy shares how Duck Creek Technologies thrived when employees took the lead in shaping culture—from creating a women's Resource Group to launching a Culture Ambassador Program. Learn how these initiatives boosted co…

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Live from CultureCon: Advocating for Every Voice with Joey Williams 21:40

9M ago21:40

21:40

Live from CultureCon in Madison, Wisconsin, Nikki sits down with Joey Williams, Culture Specialist at Healthpeak Properties, aka “HR Fun Uncle,” to discuss his unique career journey and approach to building a culture where every voice is heard. From handwritten birthday notes to creating channels for open feedback, Joey reveals how he fosters inclu…

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Lead the People: Master the Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings with Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg 27:29

9M ago27:29

27:29

On this re-released episode from the Lead the People podcast Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg, an expert on organizational psychology and meetings, shares his insights on the power of 1:1 meetings. As the author of The Surprising Science of Meetings and Glad We Met, Dr. Rogelberg reveals how these interactions can boost performance, foster engagement, and i…

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Live from CultureCon: How Employee Engagement Drives Success with Gianna Driver 23:07

9M ago23:07

23:07

In this episode recorded live from CultureCon in Madison, WI, Nikki sits down with Gianna Driver, Chief People Officer at Lattice, to uncover the real magic behind thriving workplaces. Spoiler: It’s not just about retention or productivity—it’s about creating deep, human connections. Gianna takes us on a journey through her 20+ years in HR, sharing…

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CultureCon Kickoff: Making Work Matter 20:06

10M ago20:06

20:06

Live from CultureCon 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin, Nikki Lewallen Gregory, founder of PeopleForward Network, kicks off a new series that brings together the collective power of meaningful work and people-first leadership. This episode features the dynamic co-founders of CultureCon, Nick Lombardino and Zach Blumenfeld, as they share the origin story o…

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Desuckify Work Podcast: Giving Work a Much Needed Kick in the Pants with Erin Hatzikostas 1:01:38

10M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

What does it mean to be authentic at work, and why does it matter? It turns out, authenticity has a massive impact. It reduces turnover, builds trust, and inspires loyalty. Companies with authentic cultures see employees over 2x more likely to stay, 4x more likely to report high trust, and 6x more likely to follow authentic leaders. In this re-rele…