Best PeopleForward Network Podcasts (2025)

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

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9d 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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Special Livestream! The Empathy Dilemma with PeopleForward Network! 1:02:58

24d ago1:02:58

1:02:58

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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Rai Cornell: The Psychology of a Savvy Buyer 41:51

3d ago41:51

41:51

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

3d 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

9d 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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Saqib Rasool: An Engineer's Approach to 21st Century Leadership Development 43:05

10d ago43:05

43:05

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 38:41

15d ago38:41

38:41

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

16d 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 41:48

17d ago41:48

41:48

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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Shilpa Alva: Non-Profit Leadership Lessons to Drive For-Profit Success 41:47

1M ago41:47

41:47

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

1M 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 44:38

1M ago44:38

44:38

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 42:54

2M ago42:54

42:54

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 39:37

2M ago39:37

39:37

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

2M 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 42:53

2M ago42:53

42:53

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 13:12

2M ago13:12

13:12

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 51:03

2M ago51:03

51:03

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

2M 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

2M 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 50:40

2M ago50:40

50:40

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 42:57

3M ago42:57

42:57

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 42:36

3M ago42:36

42:36

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 41:24

3M ago41:24

41:24

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

3M 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 41:28

3M ago41:28

41:28

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

3M 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

3M 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 44:18

3M ago44:18

44:18

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 34:22

4M ago34:22

34:22

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 55:07

4M ago55:07

55:07

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 12:02

4M ago12:02

12:02

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

4M 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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Lauree Ostrofsky: Hey Rockstar Leader, Don't Forget About YOU 43:37

4M ago43:37

43:37

Most high achievers never look back and see how far they've come. They tend to focus on perfection and not wanting to let anyone down. Because of their outward focus on others - colleagues, customers, or employees - They often don't know how to be empathetic and tender with themselves. Empathy starts with self-awareness and self-care so leaders who…

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

4M 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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Shermin Kruse: Why Stoic Empathy is the Balance Leaders Need 50:09

4M ago50:09

50:09

What can stoicism teach us about empathy in modern life? This centuries-old philosophy can be directly applied to what we face now in our workplaces and our world. Shermin Kruse is here to talk to us about her latest book, Stoic Empathy. She shares what stoic empathy means and how the fusion of these seemingly opposing forces is particularly releva…

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

5M 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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Moe Carrick: Redefining Leadership Beyond Gender B.S. 54:56

5M ago54:56

54:56

Masculine traits. Feminine traits. Can we please stop gendering leadership skills and focus instead on the human traits that will enable us to thrive? Today, I speak with culture and leadership expert Moe Carrick about gender traits in leadership. We discuss the traditional leadership narratives and the negative impact that has on both men and wome…

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Courage to Advance: From HR Leader to Job Seeker: Mastering Authentic Career Transition with Karen Hague 44:46

5M ago44:46

44:46

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. What happens when the HR executive who once handled outplacement for others suddenly finds herself…

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

5M 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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April Hot Take: What’s Next for Empathy and Inclusion in the Workplace? 10:44

5M ago10:44

10:44

Here are some reflections and key takeaways from a recent webinar I co-hosted with my brilliant colleague and friend, Minette Norman. It was called “What’s Next: “What’s Next: The Future of Empathy and Inclusion in the Workplace.” MInette is the co-author of The Psychological Safety Handbook and author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader. And together, …

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Misha Safran: Joy + Empathy + Inclusion = A Winning Team 38:13

5M ago38:13

38:13

When you think of workplace wellness, you may picture gym memberships and yoga mats. But joy, empathy, and inclusion also create a healthy and high-performing workplace culture! We need to reimagine what wellness means! Today, Misha Safran, shares how empathy intersects with inclusion to foster innovation and equity. We also discuss how to reframe …

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

5M 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…