Best PeopleForward Network Podcasts (2025)

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Leading for Wellness: Bonus Episode: Get to Know Patricia & Katina 19:58

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8d ago19:58

19:58

Ever wonder what your action figure accessories would be? Or whether you'd rather be launched to Mars or dive into the depths of the ocean? 🌊 🚀 In this offbeat bonus episode of Leading for Wellness, Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer ditch the serious talk and take each other on a wild ride through quirky, laugh-out-loud hypotheticals, all…

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Community Conversation: Leading Well Starts with Living Well 24:11

8d ago24:11

24:11

Episode Description: What if wellness wasn't just a perk, but a leadership necessity? In this Working Forward Conversations episode, Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Jason Cochran flip the script on workplace wellness, diving deep into why wellness is a non-negotiable requirement for modern leadership. From morning meditations and mid-day workouts to set…

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Community Conversation: Not Just A Job: Helping People Find Purpose In Their Work 28:32

16d ago28:32

28:32

Episode Description: How do we move from "just a job" to truly purposeful work in the middle of massive AI-driven disruption? Nikki and Jason tackle this question and unpack sobering data on disengagement, talk candidly about seasons of life and changing priorities, and introduce two practical tools that help people assess where they are and what n…

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In the Loop on Gut + Science: How to Give and Get the Best Feedback with Katherine Coble 18:36

15d ago18:36

18:36

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…

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Gut + Science: Culture Change That Sticks: Stories from the Field with BJ McKay 51:38

22d ago51:38

51:38

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…

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Panel Event: AI Strategy with a Purpose with Beth White & Vince Freeman 1:23:07

24d ago1:23:07

1:23:07

In this conversation, AI leaders Beth White and Vince Freeman break down what is actually happening inside companies as they attempt to adopt AI. They explore why so many pilots fall short, how individual employees are often ahead of organizational strategies, and why success depends less on tools and more on mindset, literacy, and culture. They sh…

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Community Conversation: Purpose Over Profit - Reimagining Success 29:07

1M ago29:07

29:07

What if chasing profit is actually killing your team's potential? 🎯 Nikki and Jason unpack one of PeopleForward Network's most powerful culture codes: Purpose Over Profit. They explore what happens when teams stop measuring success in dollars and start designing work around meaning, strengths, and alignment. From sharing candid team experiences, li…

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Gut + Science: HR Professionals Crave a System for Culture Change with Heather Haas 49:52

1M ago49:52

49:52

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. …

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Leading for Wellness: Challenges & Backlash 27:10

1M ago27:10

27:10

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…

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Boundary Breakers Podcast: Why People Quit Their Jobs with Mark Mears 1:25:35

1M ago1:25:35

1:25:35

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…

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The CultureCon® Podcast: Making Work Suck Less: The Birth of CultureCon®️ 27:49

2M ago27:49

27:49

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…

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Winning the Talent Acquisition War Against AI Fraud with Gerald Gordon & Steve Browne 43:01

2M ago43:01

43:01

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…

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Conscious Habit: Bridging Generational Gaps with Lindsay Boccardo 51:26

2M ago51:26

51:26

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…

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Real Change, Real Results: Scaling Businesses and People with AI featuring Micah Remley 1:17:25

2M ago1:17:25

1:17:25

this conversation, Micah Remley, CEO of Robin, shares insights on the importance of unplugging from technology, the art and science of building great teams, and the impact of AI on the workplace. He discusses the challenges of remote work, the necessity of embracing adversity, and the role of HR in shaping AI strategies. The conversation emphasizes…

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Mo-Ments of Experience: 5 Leadership Behaviors that Drive Workplace Culture With Paula Allen 47:03

2M ago47:03

47:03

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 …

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Lead the People: Sales as Business Therapy with Jim Speredelozzi 35:53

2M ago35:53

35:53

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 …

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Community Conversation: Hell Yes Energy: Making bold choices that align with your purpose 29:35

2M ago29:35

29:35

Ever been stuck in a "meh" moment, unsure if it's a yes or a no? 😬 Nikki and Jason dive into a fun, fired-up convo about making bold, aligned decisions, personally and professionally. From saying no without guilt to spotting red flags in client partnerships and making hiring choices that truly light up your team, they cover it all. Nikki also share…

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Leading for Wellness: One Size Doesn't Fit All 28:12

3M ago28:12

28:12

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…

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Building Community Around Your Podcast with Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Eric Bransteter 12:14

3M ago12:14

12:14

🎙️ 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…

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Real vs Artificial: The Future of Human Connection With Bob Dalton 52:41

3M ago52:41

52:41

In this episode, Jason Cochran interviews Bob Dalton, a tech founder and community expert, discussing the intersection of technology and community. Bob shares his journey from starting a blanket company to addressing homelessness and emphasizes the importance of localism and community in a tech-driven world. They explore the impact of technology on…

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Our Secret Sauce for Strategic Podcasting with Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Eric Bransteter 23:15

3M ago23:15

23:15

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…

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

3M 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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Lead the People: High-Tech Tools for High-Powered Leadership with Adam Berke 27:46

3M 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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Haverchat Podcast: Episode 4 - Tanya Betts 50:29

3M 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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Leading for Wellness: Work Should Support Life 27:38

3M 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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Leading Adam with Adam Binkerd: Are You Unknowingly Hurting Your Team? 49:45

4M 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

4M 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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The Power Of Us: Belonging and Connection at Work with Amy Bayer 1:01:58

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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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Leading for Wellness: It's the Tone, Not the Time 27:16

4M 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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Beyond Automation: The Human Side of AI Disruption With Greg Verdino 1:06:44

5M 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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Lead the People: Learning and Development as a Strategic Driver with Akkshada Maniyan 32:47

5M 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

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

5M 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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Leading for Wellness: No One Wants a Superhero 26:45

6M 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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Navigating Uncertainty In Executive Search With Michael Morgan and Scott Himes 1:31:05

6M 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

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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…