Amazing Teams Podcast

Send us a textIn this episode of the Amazing Teams podcast, we sat down with Hannah Manizza, VP of Marketing at Forge Biologics, to explore the concept of a “wrong rock boss” and the critical role of effective leadership in team dynamics. Hannah shares her personal journey from a structured corporate environment to the fast-paced world of startups at Forge Biologics, highlighting both her professional growth and the evolution of the company.We dive into:Why effective management starts with clear guidance and expectationsHow navigating ambiguity is a critical skill in startup environmentsThe power of understanding individual motivations within a teamWhat it takes to build a strong, high-performing team from the ground upTune in for Hannah's practical insights on leadership, adaptability, and what it truly takes to build an amazing team.Resources:Connect with Hannah on LinkedInLearn more about Forge BiologicsLearn about Adam Grant 

Send us a textIn this episode of the Amazing Teams podcast, we sit down with Carl Smith, owner of the Bureau of Digital. Carl shares his journey from agency owner to community leader, reflecting on the role of people, motivation, and creativity in the workplace. He and his guests explore how to balance introversion and extroversion, lead with empathy, and create space for learning through failure. The conversation highlights the power of community, the emotional weight of leadership, and the lasting impact of our actions— “the wake” we leave behind.We dive into:Why ‘PEOPLE' are the core of what makes work betterHow allowing failure supports team growthThe role of chaos in fostering creativityHow strong communities protect themselves from negativity

Send us a textIn this bite-sized episode of Amazing Teams, Una flips the mic and interviews HeyTaco founder Doug about the seven most common "why" questions people ask about the platform. From “Why tacos?” to “Why a daily limit?”, Doug dives into the design decisions that shaped HeyTaco into the gratitude-powered, culture-building tool teams love today.Whether you're a longtime user or taco-curious newbie, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes HeyTaco so unique—and effective.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Amazing Teams podcast, we sat down with Marc Cenedella, CEO of The Ladders,  to explore the evolving landscape of work culture. We discuss the shift to remote work, the key drivers of productivity, and the power of gratitude in the workplace. Marc shares insights on standing out in a competitive job market, the impact of AI on job applications, and the importance of crafting resumes that highlight measurable achievements. The conversation also touches on the role of meetings and how they can influence creativity and efficiency.We dive into:How meetings can hinder productivity and creativity.75% of job seekers prioritize intrinsic rewards over cash. Gratitude fosters a positive work environment and strengthens team cohesion. Tune in to hear Marc's advice on navigating today's job market and building a thriving career. Resources:Paul Graham's Maker's schedule, manager's scheduleLearn more about LaddersConnect with Marc on LinkedInThe Ladders Career Cab from 2011

Send us a textIn this episode of Amazing Teams: TacoBytes, Una andDoug Dosberg tackle a spicy topic—cringe appreciation messages. You know the ones: "Thanks for all you do," "You're the best," or "Thanks for everything." We've all sent them. But are they actually meaningful?Una and Doug break down why these messages often fall flat—and how just a little more specificity can turn generic gratitude into something personal, memorable, and powerful. Learn a simple framework for writing better thank-you notes and hear real-time rewrites that hit all the right notes.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Amazing Teams podcast, we sit down with Morgan Witham, CEO of COLAB, about her journey from investment banking to leading a digital agency and how her team embraced a four-day work week. Morgan shares insights on workplace culture, employee retention, and the power of gratitude in building a thriving company.We dive into:Morgan transitioned from investment banking to CEO of COLAB to help scale the business.The four-day work week was implemented to combat burnout and attract talent.Retention is influenced by overall workplace culture, not just policies.The four-day work week was not a silver bullet for retention issues.Gratitude and recognition are key components of CoLab's culture.Tune in to hear Morgan's leadership insights and how COLAB is redefining modern work culture! Resources:Get to know COLABCOLAB's take on HeyTaco & team cultureConnect with COLAB's fearless leader, Morgan!

Send us a textIn this episode of TacoBytes, Una Japundza sits down with Doug Dosberg, founder of HeyTaco, to dive into the origin story of everyone's favorite peer recognition tool. From his early days at The Motley Fool to his unexpected leap into building a culture-shaping product, Doug shares the behind-the-scenes moments that brought HeyTaco to life.You'll hear how a frustrating experience with clunky HR software sparked a big idea, how game design principles helped fuel user engagement, and why Doug chose customer funding over investor dollars. This is a conversation about building with intention, staying close to your users, and why recognition works best when it's peer-powered and intrinsically motivated.Key TakeawaysDoug spent 11 years at The Motley Fool, where he focused on building tools to improve employee experience.HeyTaco was born out of frustration with a clunky, top-down HR tool—Doug wanted something simple, joyful, and people-first.He intentionally designed HeyTaco as a bottom-up platform, where feedback and recognition flow peer-to-peer.Game design theory played a major role in shaping the product's engagement mechanics.The very first version didn't even feature tacos—it all started with the beer emoji.

Send us a textSummary: In this episode of the Amazing Teams podcast, we sit down with Skyler Birk-Stachon, the go-to-market lead at Optemization, a Notion consultancy that helps startups and businesses organize their Notion pages. Skyler shares his insights on the importance of enjoying work, the cult following of Notion, and how he built a global team at Optimization. He emphasizes the role of fun in the workplace and discusses his unique approach to team building through community events like pickleball. Skyler also highlights the significance of gratitude and recognition in fostering a positive work culture.We dive into:The cult-like following of Notion and how startups leverage it.How Optemization keeps its remote team connected with traditions like Taco Tuesdays and a culture of sending GIFs.The importance of gratitude, recognition, and having fun at work.Skyler's background and the lessons he's brought into his career.Building a thriving pickleball community in NYC—a fun and unexpected story!Tune in for a lively discussion on workplace enjoyment, remote team culture, and the impact of community-building—both in and outside of work!Resources:Optemization WebsiteTheir StoryClient ListBook: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ckConnect with Skyler – He's super active, check him out!Chapters: 00:00 The Importance of Enjoying Work08:01 Skyler's Journey into Notion Consulting15:54 Building a Global Team22:07 The Role of Fun in Work30:07 Creating Community through Pickleball31:46 Gratitude and Recognition in Teams

In this special "Ask Me Anything" episode, Doug and Una reflect on the journey of the Amazing Teams podcast and the lessons they've learned about teams along the way. They celebrate the podcast's milestones and engage in a candid discussion about the dynamics that make teams thrive. Together, they delve into the importance of alignment, enthusiasm, and shared goals as foundational elements of successful collaboration.Doug and Una share personal stories from their leadership experiences, unpacking challenges they've faced and the values that have guided them through pivotal moments. Drawing parallels between sports teams and business teams, they highlight the universal significance of trust, authenticity, and genuine connection. This reflective conversation provides not only a recap of key insights from past episodes but also practical takeaways for leaders and team members looking to foster stronger, more cohesive teams.Key Takeaways:Celebrating milestones in podcasting is important for motivation.Learning about teams is a continuous journey.True alignment within a team fosters excitement and engagement.Enthusiasm in team members can drive collective success.Sports teams provide valuable insights into business team dynamics.Effective communication is key to bringing teams along.Navigating challenges in leadership requires adaptability and reflection.Values play a crucial role in decision-making and team culture.Trust in leadership empowers team members to take initiative.Authenticity in leadership builds strong relationships and support.Chapters:00:00 Celebrating Podcast Milestones01:32 Lessons Learned About Team Dynamics04:49 The Importance of Team Alignment06:50 Comparing Sports and Business Teams10:01 Navigating Challenges in Leadership12:52 Values and Doing the Right Thing16:11 Reflections on Great Leadership

What makes a team truly amazing?Heather Haas, CEO of ADVISA, shares her insights on leadership, culture transformation, and the unseen yet critical work that builds thriving organizations.Heather's journey from classroom educator to running a 30-person company reveals her passion for helping people discover their strengths and develop self-awareness. In this engaging conversation, Heather dives deep into creating self-aware leaders, fostering trust, and using recognition to transform workplace culture.Key Takeaways:The Key Ingredients for Amazing Teams: Self-awareness, clarity about roles and work, and trust (character, competence, and communication) are essential for building strong and effective teams.Recognition as a Leadership Superpower: Recognizing a job well done, whether through small gestures like handwritten notes or systematic acknowledgment, boosts morale and strengthens team cohesion.Harnessing AI for Leadership Development: As businesses evolve, leveraging AI can enhance customized leadership training, making programs more efficient while freeing up human creativity for high-value contributions.Key Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:03:35 - Why being a change agent matters00:05:39 - Building a culture that helps people thrive00:07:44 - Staying engaged after 20 years in leadership00:08:57 - The power of self-awareness and understanding others00:13:30 - Recognizing unseen contributions at work00:16:19 - Spotlight vs. stoplight: A game on workplace practices00:18:43 - Celebrating high performers without creating divisions00:22:06 - Why recognition is a missed opportunity for leaders00:24:02 - Addressing demographic realities and leadership gaps00:26:04 - Exploring AI's role in leadership development00:28:08 - Five tacos of gratitude: Heather's shoutoutsKey Topics Discussed:Leadership development, team culture, recognition in the workplace, trust-building, AI in HR, employee engagement, predictive index, organizational clarity, continuous learning, self-awarenessBuild Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco and edited by Lifetime Value Media.Learn more about LTV at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

In this conversation, Una Japundza and Doug Dosberg explore the concept of rewards in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic motivation over extrinsic incentives. They discuss the potential pitfalls of calculated rewards and the introduction of gift cards in Hey Taco, highlighting the need for thoughtful implementation. The conversation also touches on different types of rewards, including collaborative rewards, and personal experiences that illustrate the impact of recognition and appreciation in a team culture.Key TakeawaysCalculated rewards can diminish genuine appreciation.Rewards should enhance recognition, not replace it.Intrinsic motivation is key to sustained engagement.Gift cards can be effective if used thoughtfully.Personalized rewards foster a deeper connection.Collaborative rewards encourage teamwork and unity.Mandatory time off can be a powerful reward.Automated recognition can feel insincere.Feedback is crucial for product development.Celebrating individual milestones can strengthen team culture.Chapters00:00 The Essence of Rewards08:41 Introducing Gift Cards in Hey Taco15:29 Types of Rewards in Hey Taco

Is your team culture prepared for the challenges of modern remote work?Lav Crnobrnja, co-founder and CEO of Vacation Tracker, shares his journey from building a leave management tool to scaling a fully remote, thriving startup. Learn how Lav's team grew from a small experiment in Slack to a 19-person global operation, his hiring philosophy, and how he cultivates confidence and gratitude in his team.Key Takeaways:Delegation is about accountability, not micromanagement. Lav explains how shifting from overseeing tactics to focusing on outcomes allows teams to take ownership and deliver results.Hiring for attitude over experience. Lav emphasizes identifying “diamonds in the rough” with intelligence and the right attitude, guiding them to develop their skills and grow within the company.Customer support with a human touch. Despite advances in AI, Lav insists on maintaining excellent, human-first customer service to ensure customers feel valued and understood.Key Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:03:17 - The first $2500:06:11 - Why Vacation Tracker integrated with Slack00:09:27 - Evolving the ideal customer profile00:11:11 - Lav's hiring philosophy: diamonds in the rough00:16:56 - Balancing jack-of-all-trades vs. specialists00:19:25 - How Lav identifies talent00:22:32 - Definition of excellent customer support00:23:42 - Learning delegation during COVID00:27:12 - The importance of building confidence in teams00:29:01 - Lav's tacos of gratitudeKey Topics Discussed:remote work, Vacation Tracker, hiring strategies, customer support, employee confidence, delegation, team culture, Slack integration, bootstrapped startups, HR solutionsMentions:Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_Mind,_Beginner%27s_MindBuild Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco and edited by Lifetime Value Media.Learn more about LTV at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

In this conversation, Una & Doug discuss the significance of rituals and habits in fostering a culture of gratitude within teams. They share various creative practices that teams have implemented to enhance appreciation and connection among members, including the concept of the 'golden taco' and the annual 'TacoCon'. The discussion also highlights personal experiences with team rituals, emphasizing the importance of shared meals and fun traditions in building strong team dynamics.TakeawaysIt's about the habits and the systems you build around a tool.Creative rituals can significantly enhance team culture.The golden taco is a fun way to celebrate team members.Taco con rebrands the traditional company retreat.Daily taco shout outs can reinforce appreciation.Shared meals create a sense of community.Rituals should be meaningful and fun.Building habits takes time and consistency.Surprising new team members with fun gifts fosters connection.Team rituals can be simple yet impactful.Chapters00:00 Building a Culture of Gratitude02:55 Creative Rituals in Team Dynamics06:05 Personal Experiences with Team Rituals08:51 The Importance of Shared Meals and Fun Traditions

How will countries function in a world without borders?Join Sondre Rasch, Co-Founder and CEO of SafetyWing, as he discusses building a global social safety net for the future of remote work. Sondre explores how evolving trends in remote work reshape industries, social structures, and even the way we view countries as products.Alongside co-hosts Doug and Una, Sondre shares insights into leadership, creating company culture, and why remote work is the inevitable future.Key Takeaways:●      Countries as Products: Sondre predicts a future where nations compete like products, driven by increasing global mobility and economic trends.●      The Power of Intentional Culture: Explicitly defined company values prevent office politics and create cohesive teams, as seen in SafetyWing's flat salaries and innovative initiatives like Build Week.●      The Evolution of Remote Work: Remote work continues to grow, offering companies access to global talent pools and changing the way people choose where and how they live.Key Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:01:19 - Sondre's Journey: From SuperSide to SafetyWing00:04:23 - Countries as Products: A Radical Perspective00:09:03 - Remote Work Trends to Watch00:12:05 - Designing Future Cities for Remote Work00:15:26 - Insights into Building a Global Team00:19:16 - Flat Salaries and Defined Culture at SafetyWing00:23:25 - Remote Work Policies00:28:52 - Managing Hybrid vs. Fully Remote Teams00:29:05 - Love It or Leave It: A Quickfire Game00:33:22 - Build Week: Gamifying Productivity00:39:54 - Taco Time: Recognizing Team Members Key Topics Discussed:Remote work, global social safety net, SafetyWing, company culture, flat salaries, digital nomads, remote workforce, hybrid work, gamification Mentions:The Sovereign Individual (Book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82256.The_Sovereign_Individual Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about! Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed. The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco and edited by Lifetime Value Media.Learn more about LTV at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

KeywordsCultureCon, organizational culture, employee engagement, leadership, followership, networking, gratitude, team dynamics, company culture, motivational strategiesSummmaryIn this conversation, Una and Doug catch up on Una's experience at CultureCon, a conference focused on improving organizational culture. She highlights the importance of being a diehard fan in leadership, the ongoing challenge of employee engagement, and shares actionable insights for businesses to foster a culture of gratitude and connection among employees.TakeawaysCultureCon focuses on improving organizational culture.Being a diehard fan can inspire and motivate teams.Employee engagement is a continuous challenge for all companies.Remote work exacerbates the issue of employee engagement.It's essential to separate individuals from their performance results.Leaders should focus on followership to drive change.Encouraging gratitude can enhance team dynamics.Networking and sharing ideas are key at CultureCon.Practical tips can help foster a positive culture.Creating a culture of giving can lead to better engagement.Chapters00:00Exploring CultureCon: A Conference for Change02:47The Power of Being a Diehard Fan05:55Employee Engagement: A Universal Challenge07:44Actionable Insights from CultureCon

What does it take to build a culture of feedback that transforms teams and strengthens client relationships?Francesco Vetica, Head of Design and Employee Experience at Fifth Beat, joins the Amazing Teams podcast to share how his design and business background shape his approach to fostering growth, communication, and collaboration. From embedding feedback into daily operations to creating open, safe spaces for constructive dialogue, Francesco reveals the strategies that drive his team's success. Learn how Francesco's innovative feedback practices create value for employees, clients, and the organization alike.Key Takeaways:●      Feedback as a Growth Tool: Francesco explains how fostering a culture of open, actionable, and contextual feedback enhances team collaboration and individual career growth, emphasizing the importance of top-down, bottom-up, and peer-to-peer feedback loops.●      Client Feedback as a Two-Way Street: By asking clients open-ended questions about team performance, Fifth Beat strengthens relationships and unlocks new ways to deliver value while encouraging clients to improve their own processes.●      Leadership Through Listening: Francesco highlights how addressing anonymous feedback with transparency and thoughtful responses builds trust, empowering teams to feel heard while driving organizational improvement. Key Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:03:22 - Remote team dynamics and inclusivity00:04:23 - Transitioning from design to business leadership00:07:44 - Taking on employee experience and its challenges00:10:16 - Building an amazing team through growth and trust00:11:51 - Creating a culture of feedback at Fifth Beat00:16:58 - Engaging clients for actionable feedback00:20:34 - Tools and software for collecting feedback00:23:06 - Balancing anonymous feedback with accountability00:27:13 - Feedback practices for small versus large teams00:31:21 - Structuring a 360-degree feedback loop00:34:08 - Recognizing team contributions with gratitude Key Topics Discussed:Feedback culture, employee experience, client relationships, anonymous feedback, leadership development, team building, remote work, organizational growth, design and business integration Mentions:OfficeVibe: https://officevibe.comNotion: https://www.notion.so Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months. About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco and edited by Lifetime Value Media.Learn more about LTV at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com 

Join Una and Doug as they discuss insights from a recent webinar with Eddie Geller of SKOR, where they dive into why traditional employee engagement and pulse surveys may fall short in assessing and fostering company culture. Eddie's unique culture assessment approach goes beyond symptom-based questions to tackle root causes, allowing companies to address issues proactively instead of reacting to lagging indicators. They explore ideas around measuring everyday experiences, fostering happiness, and ensuring employees feel valued—key elements to creating a thriving culture.

How can data and technology transform education while keeping the human connection alive?Chris Hull, Co-founder and President of Otus, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from a seventh-grade social studies teacher to leading an edtech company focused on making student data accessible and actionable for educators. Chris shares how Otus centralizes diverse student data—grades, attendance, behavioral insights—to support teachers, districts, and families, creating a complete picture of each learner. Chris also opens up about the challenges of building a remote team, fostering a strong culture with former educators and engineers, and maintaining motivation and connectivity in a virtual environment.Join Chris, Doug, and Una for a conversation on the evolution of education and the heart of team dynamics.  Key Takeaways:Centralizing data for deeper learning connections: Otus aggregates student data into a single platform, enabling teachers to understand each student's unique needs, from performance metrics to personal interests.Balancing tech and human connection in education: Chris emphasizes that technology should enhance learning without overshadowing the essential teacher-student relationship.Cultivating culture in remote teams: Intentionality is key for Otus's remote team, where fostering a strong, inclusive culture is essential to uniting former educators and tech professionals. Key Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:01:28 - Chris's Background: From Teacher to CEO00:03:57 - The Genesis of Otus and Early Challenges00:06:40 - Solving Education Gaps with Data Integration00:09:30 - The Journey from Idea to Full-Time Commitment00:11:20 - Transition to a Remote Company Model00:13:15 - Building Team Culture Remotely00:15:25 - Team Dynamics: All-Stars vs. Cohesive Group00:17:43 - Balancing Diverse Team Roles at Otus00:19:32 - Adapting Tech for Individual Student Success00:23:30 - Finding Balance: Social vs. Isolated Learning00:26:01 - Will Chris Return to Teaching?00:27:25 - Leading Adults vs. Teaching Kids00:31:54 - Wrapping Up with Gratitude Key Topics Discussed:EdTech innovation, student data management, remote team culture, education technology, Otus platform, teacher insights, mission-driven leadership, fostering teamwork, gratitude in teamsBuild Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about! Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed. The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco and edited by Lifetime Value Media.Learn more about LTV at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

In this episode, Doug and Una dive into the myths and facts surrounding happiness at work. They challenge common beliefs, revealing that workplace happiness goes beyond perks like free snacks and ping pong tables. Instead, they emphasize purpose, recognition, and belonging as the true drivers of satisfaction and engagement. They discuss how productivity and happiness are connected but distinct, exploring research that shows happy employees are 20% more productive and 25% less likely to leave their jobs.Una and Doug also delve into the power of recognition, with insights on how appreciation fosters loyalty and reduces turnover. They explore the difference between fleeting happiness and lasting joy, referencing key ideas from the book Joy at Work. Finally, they highlight how workplace culture and personal joy are everyone's responsibility—not just HR's. Tune in to learn how meaningful recognition and a culture of gratitude can transform workplaces and drive success.Keywords: workplace happiness, employee engagement, recognition at work, productivity and happiness, joy at work, reducing turnover, company culture, employee satisfaction, team loyalty

How can companies inspire a culture of proactive learning?In this episode of the Amazing Teams podcast, Doug and Una welcome Lisa Lie, founder of Learna, to discuss the transformative role of proactive learning in building resilient and adaptable teams.Lisa, who has transitioned from a career in advertising and HR to founding her own company, shares her journey of blending her passions for product development, people operations, and continuous learning. She explores how reframing learning as problem-solving can help employees take initiative and contribute more meaningfully to team goals.Key Takeaways:Problem-solving over passive learning: Lisa emphasizes that learning should be an active, problem-solving experience. Shifting from “learning as a passive task” to “learning as active problem-solving” can motivate team members.Creating a “future fit” workplace: To prepare for rapid technological and economic changes, Lisa advocates for fostering adaptability, resilience, and communication—key skills that future-proof a team.Supporting founders through community: Lisa shares the importance of building a supportive network as an entrepreneur, including mentors, friends, and fellow founders, to navigate the challenges of building a business.Key Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:01:23 - What makes an amazing team00:02:12 - Advertising to HR: Lisa's career pivot00:04:14 - Building Learna: A founder's journey00:07:06 - Launching Learna with a prototype00:09:40 - Fostering initiative in teams00:11:26 - Future-fit workplace concept00:15:00 - The art of brutal focus00:18:06 - Hiring with a change management focus00:21:39 - Instilling a product mindset in HR00:24:22 - The power of pre-mortems for team planning00:28:23 - Effective feedback techniquesKey Topics Discussed:Learning culture, proactive problem-solving, employee initiative, future-fit skills, leadership coaching, change management, HR innovation, feedback strategies, founder resilience.Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco and edited by Lifetime Value Media.Learn more about LTV at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

In this conversation, Doug and Una discuss the concept of unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) and its implications in the workplace. They explore whether unlimited PTO is a trap or a beneficial policy, with Doug expressing skepticism about its effectiveness. They emphasize the importance of having structured time off to encourage employees to take the necessary breaks without guilt. The discussion also highlights the role of trust and autonomy in high-performing teams, suggesting that a culture built on these principles can lead to better employee satisfaction and productivity.TakeawaysUnlimited PTO can often lead to employees taking less time off.Structured PTO policies can create a sense of freedom for employees.Trust and autonomy are crucial in high-performing teams.Having a minimum time off can ensure employees take necessary breaks.The honor system can work well in environments built on trust.Discipline in time off can lead to greater enjoyment of breaks.Employees may feel guilty about taking time off with unlimited PTO.A clear understanding of what 'good' looks like in terms of time off is important.The culture of a workplace can be impacted by how time off is managed.Setting boundaries around PTO can lead to a healthier work environment.

Why should companies prioritize culture in growth? In this episode of the Amazing Teams podcast, Doug and Una chat with Bryan Christiansen, founder and CEO of Limble, a B2B SaaS company focused on maintenance management. Bryan discusses the pivotal role culture has played in scaling Limble from a small startup to a 250-person company over nine years. He shares insights into Limble's core values—embodied by the acronym Moth Tacos—which emphasize merit-based success, customer obsession, transparency, and a strong no-asshole policy, all of which contribute to building a cohesive, mission-driven team. The conversation highlights how establishing and maintaining a strong culture is essential for long-term success, leadership, and fostering employee satisfaction.Key Takeaways:●      The power of company culture: Bryan emphasizes that a company's culture must be rooted in authentic values, like Limble's “Moth Tacos,” which reflects its dedication to meritocracy, transparency, and customer obsession, driving team cohesion and long-term success.●      Active reinforcement of core values: Implementing systems like HeyTaco allows companies to reward employees for living the company's values, helping to keep those values front and center in daily operations and fostering engagement.●      Leadership's role in maintaining culture: Bryan discusses how CEOs must actively lead by example, from hiring to transparency initiatives like “Ask Me Anything” sessions, ensuring the culture permeates throughout the company as it scales.  Key Timestamps:00:00:00 - The policy00:01:25 - Limble's background and growth story00:02:35 - Building a culture-first company00:05:00 - Defining core values with Moth Tacos00:11:45 - The “no ahole policy” explained00:13:20 - Bryan's changing role as CEO00:16:40 - Family support and Limble's impact00:18:50 - Living values through programs like HeyTaco00:22:10 - Transparency and ask-me-anything culture00:24:26 - Challenges in hiring for the C-suite00:27:46 - Ownership of gratitude and culture at Limble00:31:49 - Encouraging early adoption of core values Key Topics Discussed:Building company culture, core values definition, merit-based employee growth, scrappy startup mindset, customer obsession, transparency in leadership, team recognition, servant leadership, employee engagement, C-suite recruitment, bootstrapping, employee gratitude, fostering teamwork, leadership challenges Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about! Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco and edited by Lifetime Value Media.Learn more about LTV at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

In this short Taco Byte, Doug and Una chat about whether software tools are the answer to reinforcing company values, the role of leadership in living the values and how HeyTaco was designed to encourage meaningful and intrinsic value recognition.

Why should companies rethink compensation strategies? In this episode of the Amazing Teams podcast, hosts Doug and Una sit down with Lola Han, founder and CEO of Kamsa, a company dedicated to helping businesses create data-driven compensation strategies.  Lola, a seasoned expert with experience at companies like Zendesk, shares her insights into how organizations can structure fair, equitable compensation that cultivates employee growth and satisfaction. The conversation dives into the nuances of compensation philosophy, pay transparency, and how to keep employees motivated and appreciated in the long term. Key Takeaways:●      The importance of pay transparency: A phased approach to sharing compensation philosophies helps avoid confusion, ensuring employees understand how pay is determined and when increases or promotions can be expected.●      Compensation as a foundation for employee satisfaction: Fair pay is the groundwork for appreciation, but recognition through small, regular gestures is key to keeping employees engaged and valued.●      Creative perks don't substitute fair compensation: Unique perks may be fun, but without fair compensation, they fall flat. Lola discusses the role of meaningful perks within an overall compensation strategy. Key Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:01:33 - How empathy drives amazing teams00:02:24 - The story behind Kamsa's founding00:05:07 - Breaking down compensation philosophies00:07:37 - Common compensation misconceptions00:08:46 - Creative perks and employee motivation00:11:10 - Cringe or binge00:14:49 - The problem with inflated titles00:18:04 - How personal titles can impact career growth00:19:34 - What makes a pay raise meaningful?00:27:03 - Why compensation is foundational for appreciation00:34:10 - Gratitudes! Key Topics Discussed:Compensation strategy, pay transparency, employee recognition, equity compensation, career growth, employee retention, Kamsa, startup compensation, perks vs pay. Mentions:Kamsa: https://www.kamsa.co Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months. About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about! Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed. The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco and edited by Lifetime Value Media.Learn more about LTV at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

In this episode of the Amazing Teams podcast, Doug and Una reflect on the journey since the podcast's inception in September 2023. Having interviewed 15 diverse guests, including entrepreneurs, founders, coaches, and team leads, Doug and Una share their insights from season one, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to building an amazing team, as each team's path is unique. Empathy emerged as a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of trust and relationships. They discuss the challenges of implementing these values consistently, especially in remote settings, and how the podcast aims to keep such critical topics top of mind for its listeners. Doug and Una also talk about the growth of their own team, the lessons learned from their guests, and the excitement for season two, which will focus more on topic-based discussions and practical strategies for team building. The episode concludes with a heartfelt exchange of gratitude and a look forward to the upcoming season.Key Takeaways:• There is no single way to build an amazing team, as each team is unique and special. This diversity makes it challenging to create a definitive recipe for team-building, but we've learned so many ways to get started - and many ways to not build an amazing team.• Empathy emerged as a central theme throughout the season, with many guests emphasizing its importance in building trust and relationships. It's not just about knowing that empathy matters, but consistently practicing it, especially in challenging situations.• Practical team-building tips from various guests included the importance of achieving small wins to build team cohesion and the value of engaging in meaningful activities together, rather than just leisure activities, to strengthen team bonds.• For season two, the podcast aims to focus on more topic-based conversations with subject matter experts, delving into areas such as compensation strategies, mentorship, and living organizational values, to provide deeper insights into effective team-building practices.Key Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(00:44) - Reflecting on Season One(02:09) - Key Takeaways from Season One(06:29) - Insights from Guests(19:10) - Sharing Tacos and Closing RemarksKey Topics Discussed:Amazing Teams, Hey Taco, HeyTaco, Doug Dosberg, Una Japundza, peer recognition, empathy, practical advice, team bonding, team engagement, compensationMentions:Website: https://www.amazingteams.com/ Doug on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dosberg/ Una on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/una-japundza/ Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

What are the 3 Cs of Culture, and how can you effectively employ them in your organization? Doug and Una dig into cohesion, clarity, and courage with Eddie Geller, founder and CEO of SKOR, a company focused on measuring and improving corporate culture. His entrepreneurial journey has taken him to founding 3 companies with 1 IPO and 2 exits. SKOR delivers clear insight into your company culture, compared internally and against industry peers, providing a playbook to making the most of your team. In this episode of the Amazing Teams Podcast, hosts Doug and Una chat with Eddie Geller to dig deep into building transparency and communication in successful teams. The discussion delves into the three Cs of corporate culture: cohesion, clarity, and courage, and how companies can use these principles to create better work environments. Eddie also touches on common misconceptions leaders have about culture and offers practical tips for improving it within organizations. If you're looking to build and sustain a positive corporate culture, this is the episode for you.Key Takeaways:• How to develop a culture where employees feel like they can communicate with the executive leadership.• What are 3 signs of a healthy corporate culture? Eddie highlights the 3 Cs: cohesion, clarity, and courage as the 3 most important aspects of building an amazing team.• Why should the executive leaders be so concerned with the people? Isn't that what HR is for? This episode highlights why CEOs and other corporate leaders need to adopt a servant style of leadership and truly connect with their employees and team members. Key Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(01:21) - Building Amazing Teams: Curiosity and Servant Leadership(02:26) - The Concept of SKOR(04:31) - Three Cs of Culture(05:48) - Leadership and Culture(07:12) - Challenges in Leadership(08:35) - The Role of HR in Culture(10:17) - Eddie's Entrepreneurial Journey(13:59) - Servant Leadership(27:45) - Spartan Endurance Racing(32:06) - Sharing the TacosKey Topics Discussed:Amazing Teams, Doug Dosberg, Una Japundza, Eddie Geller, SKOR, company culture, servant leadership, three Cs of culture, human resourcesMentions:SKOR: https://www.getskor.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiegeller/Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

Have you considered using improv techniques to improve communication within your organization? After this episode with Jordan Hirsch and Sarah Filman, you'll want to! Sarah is the Founder of Playful Perspectives, and with experience as a product manager and certified coach, she brings unique insight to team building. Jordan is the Founder and CEO of FishTree who uses his experience in consulting, improv comedy, and public speaking to create “a world where fear doesn't hold good people back.” In this episode of the Amazing Teams Podcast, Sarah and Jordan take Doug and Una through a few improv games to highlight the differences between “yes, but…” and “yes, and…”, demonstrate what a supportive team looks like, and share with us how improv games can be applied in any organization. If you're looking for ways to create a more supportive team environment, this episode will give you some great practical advice on how to get started.Key Takeaways:• How “Yes, but…” shuts people down, while “Yes, and…” can effectively build people up while improving on their ideas in a collaborative process. Jordan takes Dough and Una through a game to demonstrate how this works.• Why do people need encouragement, even when they get the answer wrong? Sarah uses a game called “Five Things” to show how good it feels when you have a team to cheer you on, even when the stakes are low and the wins are small.• How we can bring an “improv mindset” into our leadership. And how this will create more adaptable, happy, and resilient teams. Key Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome(01:27) - Building Amazing Teams: Key Ingredients(01:58) - The Power of Improv in Professional Development(03:29) - Applied Improvisation: Skills for Life and Work(07:03) - Interactive Improv Game: Five Things(11:55) - The Value of Play and Laughter in Team Building(13:02) - Practicing Spontaneity and Affirmations(16:05) - Overcoming Objections to Playfulness(17:12) - Validating Concerns and Building Trust(18:27) - The Power of Connection Through Laughter(20:11) - Improv Mindset in Leadership(23:39) - Practical Exercises for Team Building(25:41) - The Yes, And Technique(30:36) - Sharing the TacosKey Topics Discussed:Amazing Teams, Doug Dosberg, Una Japundza, Jordan Hirsch, Sarah Filman, improv games, learning development, Playful Perspectives, FishTreeMentions:Leading with an Improv Mindset: https://improvmindset.fun/Jordan's Website: https://fishtree.co/aboutSarah's Website: https://www.playfulperspectives.com/Jordan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanhirsch/ Sarah LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfilman/  Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: 

Is your organization keeping up with the company culture revolution? Aaron Schmookler is on a mission to engineer healthy company cultures through his company, YesWorks. As CEO of YesWorks, a consulting firm specializing in training and support for world class collaboration, Aaron, along with his team, work with a variety of organizations to improve their company culture. One of the ways this is done is through Teamification, building foundational structures in your business that support a healthy culture, providing experiential training for your team, and creating a culture of ongoing growth. Aaron's mission to engineer healthier work culture continues in today's episode!Key Takeaways:• Enrolling your employees in the mission, rather than forcing obedience is no simple task. No amount of traditional “leading” will get the team together and on board. Aaron has found the best way to get people enrolled is through the support of their peers.• “Yes and…” doesn't mean you agree with what someone just said. It opens up opportunities to pass through, around, and over struggle in the pursuit of the company mission. This can be implemented through “teamification”, 3 phases of growing behavior and culture.• Training ourselves to have healthy cultural behaviors in our companies is, surprisingly, a lot like training a dog. We have to learn the right behavior in a non-stressful situation, then a different situation, and eventually in the stressful environment.Key Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome(01:27) - What It Takes to Build an Amazing Team(01:42) - The Role of a Culture Engineer(04:02) - Aaron's Journey to Founding YesWorks(05:41) - Outdoor Leadership and Lessons Learned(10:51) - The Meaning Behind YesWorks(13:36) - Teamification Explained(17:13) - Common Organizational Problems and Solutions(19:19) - Innovative Methods to Shape Company Culture(25:54) - Sustaining Team Excellence(30:48) - Sharing the TacosKey Topics Discussed:Amazing Teams, Doug Dosberg, Una Japundza, Aaron Schmookler, leadership coaching, reframing, employee enrollment, employee compliance Mentions:YesWorks: https://www.theyesworks.com/about/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmookler/Mentions: Start with WhyBuild Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

Did you know that a die-hard baseball fan and CEO of a marketing agency took his team on a 24-hour marketing marathon to give back to the community? But here's the unexpected twist: this CEO's team-building strategy involves not just typical team retreats, but real-time, high-stakes client work! Jason Piasecki, the partner and CEO of Revel, brings his unique marketing expertise to his passion for team dynamics. With a love for baseball and a commitment to his company's values of humility, hunger, curiosity, and helpfulness, Jason's approach to team building is both engaging and impactful. His dedication to sharing weekly "Monday Morning Revelations" filled with baseball analogies and stories reflects his genuine and personable coaching style, making him a valuable voice in the realm of team building.Key Takeaways:Involving employees in the process of creating company values fosters a sense of ownership and alignment with the organization's mission. Employees who contribute to defining company values are more likely to embody them in their daily work and interactions. This collaborative approach promotes a unified team culture based on shared values and mutual understanding.Experiential team-building activities play a crucial role in fostering team engagement and cohesion. Through these activities, team members have the opportunity to bond, communicate effectively, and develop trust. Such experiences contribute to creating a positive and collaborative team dynamic.A strong employer brand showcases the company's values, culture, and commitment to employee growth and development. By focusing on employer branding, creative agencies can differentiate themselves in the competitive talent market.Key Timestamps:(00:00:36) - The Misconception of Accountability(00:01:11) - Introduction to Revel and its Values(00:04:34) - Coaching vs. Managing(00:09:29) - Building Company Values and Culture(00:13:06) - Scaling Values as the Team Grows(00:15:37) - Giving Back to the Community(00:22:43) - Challenges of Building a Team(00:25:54) - Future Team Goals(00:29:20) - Sharing the TacosKey Topics Discussed:Amazing Teams, Doug Dosberg, Una Japundza, Jason Piasecki, Company Values and Culture, Company Branding, EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), Experiential Team Building, Giving Back to the Community, Mentions:Website: https://revelmarketing.com/jason-piasecki/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumbertownbatcompany/Mentions: EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), Getting Things Done by David Allen, Atomic Habits by James ClearBuild Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

This week we sat down for a chat with Steve Hedrick, Chairman, President, and CEO of AVN Corporation, right in the heart of South Charleston, West Virginia. Now, Steve's not your average CEO. He's got this cool mix of petrochemical savvy and military know-how from his West Point days. And boy, does he have some stories to share! From the importance of being understanding as a leader to the magic that happens when teamwork kicks in, Steve spills the beans on how he's been steering the AVN ship through some tough times. He's all about creating a workplace where everyone feels like they belong, where growth isn't just a buzzword, but a real, tangible thing. And let me tell you, we've got him talking about everything, from how AVN went from non-profit to for-profit, and the challenges of managing a distributed team. Plus, Steve's not shy about sharing some heartfelt tales from his own journey, giving us all a peek behind the curtain of leadership, shedding light on the tough decisions leaders often face and offering advice on building resilient, empathy-driven amazing teams.Key Takeaways:What is the importance of empathy in leadership roles, and how does it contribute to overcoming challenges with resilience and adaptability while leading through change?How can leaders manage a transition and sustain motivation while cultivating a culture of continuous improvement?What role does discipline play in Steve Hedrick's motivation and leadership approach?How does Steve Hedrick cultivate unity in diversity and collaboration within a geographically dispersed team?Key Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:37) The Essence of Building Amazing Teams: Empathy and Leadership(05:53) Empathy in Leadership: A Military Perspective(09:57) The Evolution of AVN Corporation: From Nonprofit to Industry Leader(13:52) The Challenges of Managing a Distributed Team(24:06) Leading Through Hard Times(27:39) Discipline Over Motivation(29:12) Steve's Five Tacos of Appreciation(32:34) Closing ThoughtsConnect with Steve:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-hedrick-b5398313/Website: https://avncorp.com/Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams PodcastWe started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

Malia Shoji, the head volleyball coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, really dives deep into what it takes to build a successful team. She talks about how important it is to have strong connections among team members, a commitment to growth, and everyone being on the same page with their goals. Before taking on this role, Malia had a great run at Utah, where she helped lead the team to six NCAA Tournament appearances in a row. She played a big part in getting players recognized as First Team All-Americans and achieving high national rankings. In our chat, Malia shares her approach to creating a team culture that's not just about winning games, but also about having healthy relationships within the team. We get into the nitty-gritty of what it's like to start a new program, how team values evolve over time, and why things like being genuine, open, and dedicated are so crucial to a team's success. She tells some personal stories from her volleyball journey, highlighting how important it is to recognize and nurture both the skills players show on the court and the qualities they bring off the court. We also get into some coaching tactics, like how to give effective feedback and the impact that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules have on college sports. And to cap it all off, Malia shares some advice for parents who have kids in sports. Key Takeaways & Timestamps:What's the importance of deep connection, commitment to growth and a clear mission within your team?What're some practical strategies for embedding team values both on and off the court?How can you use the Development Pyramid to drive your team members through feedback and growth?Where does coaching volleyball align with building an amazing team?(00:23) Introduction(02:00) The Core Values of a Successful Team(05:57) Deep Connections: The Essence of Team Building(07:56) Commitment in Action: Beyond Individual Needs(09:43) Family Influence: Volleyball and Beyond(14:07) On-Court vs. Off-Court: Balancing Skills and Team Chemistry(16:01) Celebrating Growth: The Butterfly Moments(19:10) Navigating Feedback and Recognition in Team Dynamics(22:04) The Development Pyramid: A Framework for Growth(25:16) Advice for Parents of Young Athletes(26:47) Recruitment Philosophy and Building a Team Culture(28:06) Navigating NIL and Athlete Retention in College Sports(29:58) Personal Motivation and the Impact of Coaching(33:46) Sharing the TacosMentions:The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday, Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel RuizConnect with Malia:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malia-shoji-77228513/Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams PodcastWe started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

Hey friends! Recently, we had the pleasure of chatting with Lloyd Fobi, a senior technology leader and former soccer coach. Lloyd brings a wealth of insight on building empathy and trust within teams. We kick things off talking about Lloyd's leadership approach - caring for people while still holding them to high standards. He shares a story from his first week leading a new team, using engaging questions to break down assumptions and get to know them as human beings. The heart of our conversation explores how to practically build empathy on a daily basis. Lloyd stresses understanding each person's strengths so you can elevate them, not trying to change people to fit some predefined box. We also discuss the importance of selflessness and serving your team, whether through difficult conversations or even just taking support calls to understand people's day-to-day reality. Other gems Lloyd shares: looking for teammates based on how they treat each other rather than pure skill, the power of hope and trust emerging through shared hardship, and how to keep showing appreciation after the honeymoon phase ends. If you lead people, or simply want to lead with more empathy, don't miss this chat!“Practicing empathy does more for the person giving than the person receiving, which is a strikingly interesting feeling to go through.” - Lloyd FobiKey Takeaways:(00:00:57) - Introduction and Background to Llyod Fobi(00:01:49) - Building Amazing Teams through Empathy and Care(00:04:51) - Building Trust in a New Environment (00:09:48) - Lloyd's Transformation of His Coaching Philosophy (00:14:29) - Bringing the Intensity of the Sports World to the Business World(00:16:46) - Selflessness and Team Success (00:18:22) - Motivation and Continuous Improvement (00:22:13) - Managing Weaknesses and Leveraging Strengths (00:27:27) - The Power of Empathy and Giving (00:29:11) - Giving Tacos (00:35:13) - Conclusion and GratitudeMentions:Read the book Tribal Leadership to learn about the five stages of team development and how to build an amazing team.Check out the book Legacy by Steve Kerr to understand the principles of building a successful team, as exemplified by the All Blacks.Consider reading the book The Go-Giver for insights on the principles that make a great leader and team member.Connect with Lloyd:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-fobi/Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:Start now at https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams PodcastWe started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

Liz is the head of Wheeling Country Day School, an independent private school in Wheeling, West Virginia, established in 1929, almost 100 years ago. She's also the founder of EDGE. which is a virtual and campus based tutoring center that specializes in helping students aged 4 to 24 with language-based learning differences. She also was the coxswain for the rowing team at Princeton University.Key Takeaways:Know how to motivate your team to perform beyond their capabilitiesAwareness of your full responsibility as a leaderGood communication at all levels to help the business stay on courseHow to handle failure and the psychological effectsThe value of authenticity in building relationshipsBeing intentional about what to focus on and spend your timeCreating opportunities and taking the responsibilityWhy you should acknowledge the wins and celebrate the teamTactics to avoid burnoutHow to empower your team to be resourcefulConnect with Elizabeth Hofreuter:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethhofreuter/Website: https://www.wcdsedu.com/Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

Brad Williams is the CEO and Co-Founder of WebDevStudios, a WordPress website design and development agency. His company of over 40 people has done work for Microsoft, Campbell's Soup Company, Starbucks, and so many more. Work like this can only be done with amazing teams, so listen in as Brad shares how they've accomplished this while maintaining a remote work model from the very beginning. In the modern world of distributed work places, this episode is a must-listen!Key Takeaways:Why it's important to give back and how your team can benefit.How to build a company culture without a water cooler.How team relationships affect client relationships.What not  to overlook when identifying and mitigating team conflict.When and how to engage with and listen to your team.Why you shouldn't take yourself too seriously.What Brad implements from his time in the Marines (and what he doesn't).Mentions:S'Up: https://sup2.playplay.io/Jackbox.tv: https://jackbox.tv/Connect with Brad:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamsba/ Website: https://webdevstudios.com/ About the Amazing Teams PodcastWe started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

Chris Coffey is the Head of Engineering at CollegeVine, which is a networking platform for connecting high school students with colleges and advisors. After working as a software engineer, Chris transitioned into management where he has learned what it takes to build an amazing team. Today, we'll hear how Chris uses the ‘working with me document' to explain his values and mental models, encourages small wins to keep his team motivated, and cultivates an ownership mindset within his team.Key Takeaways:How to transition from a technical to a managerial role.Leveraging a ‘working with me' document to set expectations for how your team can work with you.Setting up and utilizing feedback loops in organizations.How to give feedback in a remote environment.Cultivating an ownership mindset is a learned skill.The wonders of quick wins in building newly formed teams.Starting an open-door quitting policy and how it works.MentionsWork with Me Document: https://www.foldl.io/posts/my_readme/Connect with ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismcoffey/ Team Canopy: https://www.teamcanopy.com/CollegeVine: https://www.collegevine.com/ About the Amazing Teams PodcastWe started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

Katie Regan is a seasoned communications professional with over 15 years of experience in business, PR, crisis management, brand, and change communication. As the founder and CEO of the Kirkpatrick Group, she leads a small but powerful team of remote communication experts, specializing in reputation and crisis management for Fortune 500 companies, higher education, and the industrial sector. With a core team of 14, all female professionals, Katie's team-centric approach is rooted in her early experiences, including playing on the women's soccer team at Robert Morris University, shaping her philosophy of achieving common goals through collaboration and mutual support. Throughout her career, she has been a part of exceptional teams, emphasizing shared vision, collaboration, and a culture of appreciation.Key TakeawaysTransition from Managing to Leading:Shift from project management to leading people for a more impactful leadership style.Focusing on creating an environment that fosters team collaboration and growth.Effective Communication in Team Decisions:Honesty is the best policy; own up to errors and communicate transparently with the team.Communicate decisions and opportunities in a way that minimizes surprises and fosters understanding.Trial Periods for New Hires:Three-month trial periods allow both the employer and employee to assess the fit and mitigate risks.Building Trust and Empowering Team Members:Trust team members with tasks traditionally handled by the leader.Provide training and empowerment to build a more independent and capable team.Expressing Gratitude:Regularly acknowledging and appreciating team members' contributions builds a positive and motivated work environment.Connect with KatieKatie Regan on LinkedInKirkpatrick GroupAbout the Amazing Teams PodcastWe started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

Diana Futrovshy is the Managing Director at CRA Admired Leadership. She advises clients on how to engage employees, generate organizational alignment, and build leadership credibility. She has expertise in designing strategic messages, developing communication strategies, and executing large-scale change initiatives. Diana also has experience in leading CRA's proprietary cascade process, a series of carefully orchestrated team conversations that foster employee understanding of business priorities and generate alignment among all levels of the organization.In this episode, Diana shares her views on what constitutes an exceptional team, emphasizing that it goes beyond having a group of skilled individuals. We delve into the concept of Player-Led Teams, which are often more successful than hierarchical teams because they promote leadership among all members and prioritize collaboration rather than top-down control. Diana shares some insights on how teams can become more player-led. Additionally, we explore the idea of Admired Leadership, which involves identifying the behaviors of successful leaders and teaching them to others. Connect with DianaDiana Futrovshy on LinkedInAbout the Amazing Teams PodcastWe started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

When it comes to your team, you've probably been told to just look for competency and hope for the best, but that approach often leaves you feeling like something is missing. It's time to stop aimlessly searching and start building a team you can rely on. Get ready to discover a game-changing interview technique that will transform your hiring process and help you find the perfect fit every time. Michael Stevens and Mary Gretz are partners at the law firm Derrevere Stevens Black & Cozad. They share insights on finding the right people for their team. Michael emphasizes the importance of competency and being a good human being, while Mary focuses on the evolving interview process, emphasizing culture and the value of asking the right questions.The conversation delves into the challenges of virtual work, maintaining trust, and building strong connections within the team. Michael and Mary talk about the firm's unique approach to hiring, including a group chat interview on the candidates' cell phones to assess their communication skills. The episode highlights the significance of personal connections and the balance between professionalism and personal engagement in a work environment.Reflecting on what makes an amazing team, Michael values the rhythm, trust, and support within the firm. Mary emphasizes a symbiotic relationship, where the company cares about its people, and individuals genuinely care about the company and their team members. The discussion concludes with insights into how Michael and Mary demonstrate care, transparency, and accountability in their roles as leaders.Key Takeaways:• Learn how to foster trust and collaboration in a remote work environment, leading to stronger team dynamics and higher productivity.• Discover the importance of effective communication during the hiring process, leading to better employee fit and improved team cohesion.• Explore strategies for cultivating a supportive and inclusive work environment, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention.• Explore the benefits of integrating personal life with work, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling professional life.• Uncover creative and effective methods for interviewing candidates, leading to better hiring decisions and a more diverse team.Key Timestamps:(00:02:51) - Finding the Right People(00:08:25) - Building Trust and Connections(00:13:53) - Establishing Credibility and Trust(00:15:42) - Building a Great Team(00:16:44) - Symbiotic Relationship(00:18:58) - Leading by Example(00:23:04) - Personal Connection in the Workplace(00:25:28) - Innovative Hiring Process(00:30:27) - Importance of Engagement in Interviews(00:31:41) - The Evolution of Text Messaging(00:34:25) - Communication Skills in the Digital Age(00:35:07) - The Rise of AI in Interviews(00:37:52) - Sharing the TacosKey Topics Discussed:Amazing Teams, Hey Taco, HeyTaco, Doug Dosberg, Una Japundza, peer recognition, interview practices, hiring, human resources, artificial intelligenceMentions:Website: https://derreverelaw.com/Build Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactic

Erin Corr Miller is a progressive Human Resources and People Development professional passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With her empathetic leadership style and keen understanding of the power of coaching, Erin has been a driving force in implementing and operationalizing successful DEI strategies within the organizations she has worked with. Additionally, she is a certified Agile Coach and is Certified in Crucial Conversations.Connect with Erinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erincorrmillerAbout the Amazing Teams PodcastWe started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.Thanks for listening! Doug & Una 

Do you want to create a work environment where your team is engaged, motivated, and happy? I have the solution to help you achieve that positive corporate culture.Daniel Todd's journey into understanding the importance of team dynamics and corporate culture began with a pivotal experience in his early entrepreneurial days. He candidly recounts the challenges of hiring salespeople with a focus solely on their skills, which resulted in a toxic work environment and almost led to the downfall of his company. This humbling experience became the catalyst for a fundamental shift in his approach to team building. Daniel's realization that working with people who embody a positive and collaborative spirit significantly enhances the work environment has since shaped his philosophy on hiring for cultural fit. “The best conversation is going to be an authentic conversation that just kind of happens.” - Daniel ToddKey Takeaways:• Unleash the power of a positive corporate culture to transform your workplace dynamics and drive success.• Elevate team morale and productivity through effective strategies for peer to peer recognition.• Gain insight into the transformative impact of transparency in business management for a more cohesive and empowered workforce.• Discover the critical importance of hiring for cultural fit to foster a harmonious and high-performing team.• Ignite engagement and camaraderie in remote work setups with creative and stimulating team activities.Key Timestamps:(00:03:00) - The Origins of Influence Mobile(00:05:42) - Understanding User Behavior(00:10:02) - Importance of Kindness in the Workplace(00:12:51) - Navigating Ups and Downs in Startups(00:14:35) - Building Trust and Transparency(00:16:17) - Measuring Cultural Efforts and Engagement(00:18:02) - Keeping Employees Engaged and Building Relationships(00:22:25) - Collaborative Culture Building(00:26:10) - The Importance of In-Person Connection(00:26:39) - Building Relationships Beyond Work(00:27:05) - Purposeful Meetings vs. Casual Conversations(00:27:41) - Sharing the TacosKey Topics Discussed:Amazing Teams, Doug Dosberg, Una Japundza, Daniel Todd, managerial transparency, positive corporate culture, peer recognition, employee engagementMentions:Website: https://www.influencemobile.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieltodd/Mentions: Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck, Ink magazine's Best Places to Work listBuild Stronger, Connected, More Engaged Teams:https://heytaco.com/Use Coupon Code: AMAZINGTEAMS for 15% off for the first 3 months.About the Amazing Teams Podcast:We started this podcast because we love teams, especially amazing ones. Michael Jordan said it best, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This is what we're all about!Our mission is to help others build amazing teams by having authentic conversations with remarkable people who are building amazing teams. We will explore the tactics, strategies, and frameworks that have helped them succeed.The Amazing Teams Podcast is produced by HeyTaco. Please share your feedback with us here: https://amazingteams.com/feedback.

Doug Dosberg and Una Japundza share their motivation for starting the Amazing Teams Podcast and what an amazing team means to them.About Doug DosbergDoug founded HeyTaco, a peer-to-peer recognition platform designed to make recognizing people more enjoyable and rewarding. The platform includes gamification features that help to connect people better and increase engagement. Doug is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in web design and development. About Una JapundzaUna has over a decade of experience building and leading sports, sales, and operations teams. From college volleyball to running a tech company's business development team, Una combines her theoretical knowledge with practical experience to build high-performing and connected teams. Connect with Doug on LinkedInConnect with Una on LinkedInAmazing Teams Podcast website