Anthony Vaughan

In this freestyle riff from the Culture Over Quota series, AJ gets deep on two overlooked truths in modern sales orgs: span of control and change readiness. How many AEs can a leader actually lead well? And when new markets, products, or pivots hit the roadmap—are your people built to bend or break? AJ explores the hidden impact of ego, strategy fatigue, and team misdesign. Drawing from real-world scars, he shares how to spot when your team was built for phase two, not from the mud, and why org design and leadership development must move in lockstep with go-to-market ambition.If you lead with heart, data, and the nerve to challenge the norm—this one's for you.

In this top-tier episode of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, AJ Vaughan sits down with Alex Cawthon a Director of Learning and Development - for a deeply reflective and practical conversation that shatters traditional silos between L&D and sales.This isn't your standard HR chat. Together, they unpack the often-overlooked relationship between psychological safety, adult learning theory, parenting parallels, and performance gaps within sales teams. From talent pipelines and onboarding playbooks to emotional intelligence in hiring and high-performer replication, this conversation flips the script on what it means to truly enable a sales org.Alex doesn't just share frameworks—she offers a masterclass in practical empathy, performance diagnosis, and how to operationalize human-first sales enablement in high-growth, high-pressure environments.Whether you're a CHRO, Head of Sales, L&D leader, or startup founder scaling a sales team from six to sixty, this episode is a blueprint for building human-centered sales orgs that win.Tap in for stories, frameworks, bold truths—and one of the most powerful episodes in E1B2 history.

In this episode of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, AJ Vaughan unpacks a provocative insight sparked by a recent listen to The Ready Podcast: why do we expect the same average teams—who've struggled to innovate for years—to suddenly spark change just by “collaborating more”? He explores the seductive myth of internal DIY transformation, the overlooked power of psychological safety, and the real reason your team might be stuck in the mud.AJ challenges HR leaders and executives to rethink how they budget for capability-building—not just execution. He dives deep into the ROI of bringing in external experts, not to replace internal teams, but to level them up, build muscle, and transfer mindsets that actually stick. This one's for the CHROs, L&D leads, and People Ops innovators tired of spinning in circles with “collaborative mediocrity.”Stop doing more of the same and expecting better. Let's talk about what real change takes.

In this raw, unscripted drive-home monologue, Anthony Vaughan pulls no punches. He dives headfirst into the recent noise around DEI layoffs, SHRM headlines, and the hollow punditry flooding the space—then flips the script. This episode makes one thing brutally clear: DEI was never meant to be a siloed initiative. It's not a program. It's not a campaign. It's a capability—one that should be embedded across every revenue-driving, decision-making, culture-defining system in your org.From Fortune 50 boardrooms to the language in your job descriptions, Anthony makes the business case for integrating DEI the same way we talk about learning, change management, and leadership development. He calls out the structural mistake organizations made over the last 20 years—and what needs to shift if we want lasting impact.If you're a leader asking, “What now?” this is your wake-up call. This is not about optics. It's about operational power.Listen. Reflect. And rebuild with intention.

In this soul-stirring episode of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, we sit down with Dominique Lelonek—a rare kind of leader who doesn't just manage immigration… she humanizes it.Dominique, named one of the Top 250 Women in Global Mobility, brings a profound mix of operational brilliance and deep empathy to every conversation. She sees what most miss: the emotions beneath the paperwork, the humans behind the process, and the opportunity to design not just compliance—but belonging.Together, we explore:– What it truly means to put the human back in immigration– How immigration, when done right, becomes a trust-building ritual– The unspoken milestones in every foreign national's journey– Why empathy isn't just a soft skill—it's a strategic advantage– And how HR, legal, and leadership must reimagine their roles in that journeyDominique challenges us to replace checklists with connection. To view immigration not as a task to complete, but as a moment to honor. Her wisdom will shift how you think, lead, and show up for the people behind the visas.This isn't just a podcast episode—it's a call to rebuild our systems with soul.Because where paper ends... people begin.

AJ hits record midstream in a passionate convo about what it really takes to activate culture—not just talk about it. He challenges the empty rituals of readout meetings and culture decks by laying down a blueprint for behavior change: empathetic breakout rooms, team-led problem solving, skill-sharing, and deliverables that actually mean something. Drawing inspiration from Remember the Titans and the frameworks of Keith Ferrazzi, this episode explores how to mandate collaboration in a way that doesn't stifle spirit, but creates it.This isn't feel-good fluff—it's how to make culture operational, measurable, and lived.

What if your next hire wasn't just a marketer or a PM, but a force multiplier—a Swiss Army knife of capability that moves across product, brand, partnerships, and people ops with fluidity and impact?In this episode, AJ introduces the concept of the Superworker: a cross-functional operator who thrives in 6–12 month sprints across multiple departments, injecting momentum where it matters most. Drawing inspiration from startup sprints and the versatility of leaders like Hendrik, he unpacks what it looks like when talent transcends job titles—and how companies can intentionally recruit and deploy these dynamic difference-makers.This one's for execs, founders, and hiring managers ready to rethink role design, scale smart, and inject high-leverage talent into every corner of their org.

In this episode of The E1B2 Collective, I confront a quiet fear that's been growing louder—what happens when the middle tier of management stalls out? I'm talking about that critical layer between individual contributors and senior leadership—managers to directors—the ones tasked with execution, but rarely trained for transformation.We explore what it means to not just get the work done, but to understand how it gets done—and more importantly, how it feels to get it done. It's one thing to hit deliverables; it's another to read the room, decode team dynamics, and lead with emotional fluency. This isn't about soft skills—it's about strategic humanity.If your org is scaling, shifting, or struggling with culture drift… chances are, the bottleneck isn't at the top. It's in the middle. Let's unpack it.

In this unscripted firestorm of a rant, AJ Vaughan channels the spirit of Gary Vee to challenge the fractured foundation of HR Tech sales. Inspired by Gary's unapologetic views on undervalued channels and outdated structures, AJ draws a bold parallel to the misalignment running rampant between sales, marketing, finance, product, and leadership teams in the HR tech world.He unpacks the disconnect between headcount and revenue goals, comp plans and psychological safety, expectations and enablement. It's not about tearing down the system—it's about rebuilding it with alignment, data, empathy, and a little bit of common sense.This is for the CRO who's tired of spinning wheels. For the CEO who keeps hiring and firing AEs like chess pieces. For the HR Tech vendor who wants to win without selling their soul. It's Culture Over Quota, every damn time.Key themes:Sales compensation vs. human psychologyThe hidden costs of misalignmentWhat leadership actually owes AEsHumanizing the vendor-HR relationshipReimagining GTM through the lens of empathy and data

In today's episode we are getting into the real leadership meta. Because here's the truth: the best sales, product, and marketing leaders aren't just experts—they're curious, self-aware, and decisive as hell.We break down the trifecta:Why curiosity fuels customer obsession and uncovers game-changing insightsHow self-awareness prevents ego-driven decisions that derail teamsAnd why speed in decision-making separates the winners from the wasted budgetThis is about the culture behind the quota. No buzzwords. No fluff. Just a raw look at what it actually takes to lead high-growth teams in real-time—with stakes, ambiguity, and pressure in the mix.If you're leading a go-to-market team and you're still stuck in the “what should we do?” loop—you need this episode in your bloodstream. Yesterday.

This one's a rant with receipts.We're breaking down why putting employees first isn't some soft HR pipedream—it's a hard business advantage. From retention and innovation to resilience and revenue, this episode unpacks the brutal truth: if you treat your people like widgets, they'll give you just enough to not get fired. But if you lead with empathy, context, and purpose—they'll build a damn empire with you.I'll break down real ROI:Why psychological safety beats ping pong tablesHow trust outpaces micromanagement in performance metricsWhat happens to revenue when your team stops quiet quitting and starts giving a damnAnd I'm coming for every exec who still thinks culture is a “nice-to-have.”This is E1B2—Employees First, Business Second—and this episode is your wake-up call. You want performance? You want profit? You better start by earning your people's belief.

In this episode, we explore how to strategically use ChatGPT—not just as a productivity hack, but as a thinking partner that helps you think faster, bigger, and wider. Whether you're leading a team or building within one, we'll unpack how this tool can expand your problem-solving lens, elevate your collaborative spirit, and make you a more helpful, aligned teammate.We also zoom out to reflect on something deeper: the power of self-awareness, team alignment, and the quiet discipline of pursuing progress every week. Because when growth becomes a habit—not a headline—only good can come of it.Big gratitude to our listeners for riding alongside us in this journey. This one's for the thinkers, builders, helpers, and leaders leaning into the future with curiosity and courage.

In this episode, AJ breaks down a quietly seismic shift: tech professionals using ChatGPT more than Google. What does that mean for how we find information, make decisions, and structure workflows? AJ shares why the implications go far beyond ad revenue — this is about trust, utility, and attention.He then pivots to a bigger theme: alignment. Not in the fluffy, buzzword sense — but in the real, operational sense. Too many teams are building systems, content, and playbooks around segmented, disconnected trends. AJ calls out the risk of chasing shiny objects without a foundation rooted in core truths: current industry behaviors, buyer patterns, and shared language.This is your reminder: don't just optimize for today. Align for what's actually happening, and what's coming.

Early attrition. Missed quotas. Pipeline black holes. In this episode, we expose the hidden revenue killers lurking in your sales org—starting with bad onboarding. Anthony Vaughan breaks down why onboarding isn't an HR function—it's a frontline revenue strategy. Learn how to reframe ramp time, quantify opportunity cost, and make the case for treating employee experience as your next growth lever. If you're still calling onboarding a “nice to have,” this episode will change your tune—or your top line.

You're scaling fast- 40% headcount growth year over year, systems flying in from every direction.But inside?Sales is misfiring.Product is bogged down.Marketing is out ahead of a culture that hasn't caught up.That's not just a growing pain.That's what happens when you scale without someone architecting the experience of execution.In this episode, I introduce the Chief Performance Culture Officer—a C-suite role built for companies in the messy middle of scale.Not HR. Not enablement.This is the person who owns the connective tissue between trust, clarity, and commercial performance—across Sales, Product, and Marketing.If you're feeling the drag of headcount outpacing alignment, this is the blueprint to scale without losing your core.

In this episode of Culture & Quota, we get brutally honest about what happens when psychological safety issues fester inside your sales and product orgs. We walk you through a practical, no-BS process: how to first admit the problem, measure the financial and productivity drag it causes, and finally—how to decide when and how leadership will address it.We'll break down:Early warning signs from your AE floor and product sprintsHow to quantify the hidden cost of fear-based silenceInternal audit strategies to surface what's not being saidTiming and frameworks for executive interventionProven tactics to rebuild safety without fluff—think trust contracts, fail-forward systems, and leadership modeling vulnerabilityThis one's for CROs, CPOs, Heads of People, and founders who know culture isn't just vibes—it's velocity.

In this episode of E1B2 , we dismantle the outdated, spreadsheet-driven approach to workforce planning and rebuild it around what really matters: the humans doing the work. We explore how great companies don't just forecast headcount — they forecast humanity. You'll hear why workforce planning should be rooted in life stages, skill evolutions, and emotional truths — not just business cycles and budgets. We'll unpack how shifting this lens creates more resilient teams, more trust-filled cultures, and ultimately, better business results. This is for the CHROs, Heads of People, and operators ready to plan for people, not just positions.If you believe long-term success starts with understanding the humans who build it, this one's for you.

In this episode, we expose the messy, human side of HR tech buying—from emotional triggers and budget showdowns to timing misfires and turf wars. If you've ever pitched a “game-changing” tool and hit a wall, this one's for you. We unpack the friction, the fear, and what it really takes to get buy-in.

In a world spinning faster than ever—burnout rising, trust fraying, attention splintered—the way humans behave at work is shifting... and HR leaders are feeling it in their budgets, buying cycles, and belief systems. This episode dives into the critical need for a reset: not just in tools or tech stacks, but in how we think about value, urgency, and what people actually need. From vendor fatigue to decision paralysis, we explore how emotional turbulence and behavioral chaos are quietly rewriting the rules of HR tech sales—and what both buyers and sellers must do to adapt. If you're in the business of building, selling, or buying HR tech, this one's your compass in the storm.

In a world chasing volume, Ronnie Fieg chose impact. On this episode of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, I break down the creative philosophy and business blueprint behind Kith—a brand that sits at the intersection of fashion, lifestyle, and legacy.This isn't a story about selling more hoodies or dropping the next hyped collab. It's a lesson in restraint, taste, and the art of building something worthy of obsession. From Ronnie's unapologetic focus on product perfection to his masterful approach to partnership—think BMW, Versace, Coca-Cola, Nike—we explore how Kith doesn't move fast, it moves right.Inspired by the same energy you feel when you walk into Apple's flagship, see Fear of God's eternal collection, or watch Nike turn a shoe into a symbol—this episode is a call to reimagine what workplace culture, leadership, and product output can really be when you build with legacy in mind.Kith didn't just build a brand. Ronnie built a standard. One we all should be chasing.

In this episode of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, host AJ Vaughan challenges sales leaders to confront their biggest barrier to growth—it's not the market, it's their mindset.What worked yesterday is killing deals today. Hero-selling, static playbooks, vanity metrics, fear-based cultures—these habits are deeply ingrained, but dangerously outdated.AJ unpacks how today's most progressive sales leaders are rewiring their leadership to thrive in 2025 and beyond—ditching assumptions, leaning into real buyer data, building systems that scale beyond themselves, and creating teams fueled by curiosity, safety, and relevance.If you're tired of burning cycles on strategies that no longer land, this episode is your wake-up call. It's time to unlearn to grow.

Revenue is the result—but what drives it? That's the question Aj Vaughan, host of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, dares to explore in this powerful new series built specifically for sales leaders, sales teams, and the people who enable them.Culture Over Quota goes beyond the tactics of prospecting, closing, and pipeline management. It's a deep dive into the human systems that make sales organizations sustainable, resilient, and built to scale. Aj brings his workforce strategy roots to the high-stakes world of sales, unpacking what most ignore: the leadership gaps, cultural blind spots, and team dynamics that quietly shape performance.Through unscripted conversations with CROs, enablement leaders, sales managers, and people-first operators, this series explores:How to recruit and onboard in ways that build belonging, not burnoutHow team dynamics and internal communication shape execution more than any scriptHow trust, feedback, and psychological safety become true competitive advantagesHow leaders can build cultures that hold both people and performance accountableWhy the best sales orgs treat enablement, coaching, and leadership development as revenue drivers—not HR's side projectIf you believe sales is more than numbers on a dashboard—if you believe real success is built in the conversations inside your team long before they ever reach a prospect—this series is for you.Welcome to Culture Over Quota. Where human-centered leadership meets high-performance sales.

Innovation shouldn't crawl—so let's strap a jetpack on it. Aj Vaughan sits down to fuse three heavy‑hitters into one explosive playbook: Keith Ferrazzi's Co‑Elevation trust pact, David Rock's brain‑savvy SCARF model, and Gary Vee's zero‑BS culture game. In sixty high‑octane minutes we'll torch dusty “innovation committees” and replace them with:Five‑person Co‑Elevation Pods—micro‑teams sworn to ruthless candor and shared upside.Neuro‑Driven OKR Sprints—30‑day loops that turn dopamine jolts into shippable revenue.A Culture Content Flywheel—mini‑stories that keep product relevance locked on the customer's pulse.Boundaryless Jam Sessions—four‑hour collisions with partners and power users that spark wildcard revenue streams.A Radical Open Talent Marketplace—internal gigs where feedback is public, skills flow freely, and innovation outruns headcount.Expect hard truths, quick laughs, and a blueprint your CFO can love. If your org's revenue and product mojo feel stale, press play—Aj's about to rewire the way you work, one brain‑friendly, culture‑first experiment at a time.

Most hiring conversations fixate on what skills an organization needs. But high‑performing companies increasingly prove that when those skills arrive—and how tightly they align to business inflection points—determines whether talent turns into measurable value. In this episode we unpack the three‑dimensional equation of capability × timing × strategic fit.

From immigrating to the U.S. at 15 to scaling operations in 40+ countries, Masha Sutherlin has lived the complexities of global work—and now she's solving them. In this episode, Masha joins us to unpack what it really takes to build people-first systems that scale across borders, currencies, and cultures.We open with Masha's personal story and the operational lessons forged through her leadership at Deel and now the Global Director of Business Operations & People @ RemoFirst—a fast-growing HR tech company enabling global hiring in 185+ countries. She shares what "Freedom of Work" actually means in practice, and why understanding the why behind operations is the ultimate growth unlock.From there, we go macro:How do you balance legal compliance with cohesive culture?What makes a remote leader great in 2025—and what habits hold them back?Why are companies abandoning gig work for full-time global talent?What defines equity when benefits span 10+ countries?What mistakes cost companies millions when hiring abroad—and how to avoid them?Finally, we look ahead:What does the global workforce look like in 2030? And how is RemoFirst betting on that future right now?Whether you're scaling a startup, rethinking remote operations, or guiding global people strategy—this episode will leave you with fresh questions, bold insights, and a clearer path forward.Lear more about RemoFirst here - https://www.remofirst.com/

In this episode, I dig deep into the neuroscience of bias—pulling from the groundbreaking work of Dr. David Rock—to unpack why bias isn't just a personal flaw, it's a structural feature. We explore how unchecked systems, misaligned incentives, and a lack of accountability create the perfect storm for exclusion, underperformance, and cultural decay. But this isn't just a critique—it's a call to rewire. I share why building a better business means interrogating the defaults, measuring what matters, and designing for fairness at scale. Bias thrives in silence; progress starts when we make it visible.

In this episode of The E1B2 Collective, I unpack the biggest signals from the 2025 Great Place to Work Summit—from trust as a business strategy to the rise of human-first AI—and connect them to a bold conversation about the boomerang employee. What if 15% of your best alumni came back stronger, sharper, and more aligned? We explore how forward-thinking companies are re-engaging former employees through authentic storytelling, high-frequency employer branding, and re-onboarding strategies built for growth—not nostalgia. If you believe in trust as a talent magnet and culture as a comeback story, this one's for you.

What's up, E1B2 famToday's episode is personal. I'm introducing a brand-new series we're launching called Next-Gen Disruptors —and this one's for the bold HR leaders out there who are tired of checking boxes and ready to challenge the way we actually build for people.This series is about those of us who are rethinking what HR can be—leaders who are innovating around talent, culture, L&D, and recruiting in ways that actually drive business and human outcomes. These aren't theoretical frameworks. These are real operators doing real work, grounded in empathy, experimentation, and execution.So if you've ever felt like the traditional playbook doesn't fit who you are or how you lead—this series is for you. We're shining light on the next-gen disruptors who are building the future of work from the inside out.Let's dig in. Let's get honest. Let's build better.

Strap in—fresh-minted CHRO Andrea Herron is flipping the “people” script and inviting every listener along for the ride. In this turbo-charged chat we paint the bigger picture:Change Without the Chaos – Practical ways to guide reinvention so teams feel energized, not dizzy.Mental Health Front and Center – Why well-being is now an HR KPI and how leaders can weave care into the daily flow.Neuroscience Meets HR – Simple brain-based hacks that unlock wiser hiring, learning, and leadership moves.Grass-Roots Momentum – How bottom-up ideas spark culture shifts faster than any top-down memo.The CHRO, Reimagined – From compliance gatekeeper to growth architect, mapping HR's new mandate.Tech × HR, Perfectly Synced – Tools that automate the noise and amplify the human moments that matter.If you're hungry for hope, practical inspiration, and a clear view of where work is headed, hit play. Andrea's blueprint proves the future of HR isn't just bright—it's brilliantly human.

In a world where every dollar in learning must prove its worth to a watchful CFO, today's Head of L&D needs to become a true alchemist—transforming digital disruption and yawning skill gaps into engines of growth. Join us as we unpack why 75% of managers feel overwhelmed and 73% of employees suffer “change fatigue,” according to Gartner, then step through:Continuous Skill Development: Building a culture of microlearning and peer-to-peer sharing to keep pace with AI, data, and beyondPersonalized Journeys: Leveraging AI platforms to tailor learning paths—and spotlight ROI by linking courses to real competency gainsRevamped Leadership Pipelines: Equipping overwhelmed managers with coaching, rotations, and measurable impactFinance as Co-Author: Partnering with your CFO to apply rigorous metrics—performance lift, retention, internal mobility—to every programTune in for hard-won insights, poetic inspiration, and actionable strategies to embed learning in the flow of work—and prove that L&D is your organization's greatest growth catalyst.

In this episode of The E1B2 Podcast, we break down why every team—sales, ops, product, you name it—needs clarity on their three core behaviors. These aren't just feel-good values; they're the daily actions that shape culture, fuel alignment, and drive revenue growth. Inspired by Ferrazzi's philosophy, we explore how identifying and reinforcing these behaviors helps teams move faster, trust deeper, and scale smarter. If you're serious about building a culture that performs, this episode is your blueprint.

Every organization lives by the tick‑tock of two very different clocks. One chimes for high‑stakes combat—markets shift, cash burns, competitors flank, and you need a battlefield general with nerves of graphene. The other hums softly during seasons of scale—culture building, process refinement, margin polishing—where a master gardener coaxes growth instead of charging hills.In this episode of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, we slice through the platitudes and timestamp the moments that matter:Dawn Patrol vs. Dusk Patrol – How to read leading indicators (burn rate, churn spikes, regulatory headwinds) that signal it's time to swap diplomacy for trench warfare—or vice versa.The 90‑Day Switchboard – A pragmatic framework for CEOs and boards to audit leadership fit every quarter, so you're never caught with a peacekeeper holding a bayonet or a field marshal pruning roses.Temperament & Toolkit – We map the mindsets, decision cadences, and communication styles that separate wartime titans from peacetime architects—and why forcing one to play the other is a morale grenade.The Human Cost of Mistiming – Case‑study flashbacks where staying too long in either mode gutted culture, torched innovation, or vaporized cash (names masked to protect the guilty).Bridge Commanders – Strategies for grooming “switch‑hitters” who can storm the beach at dawn and host the peace summit by dusk—plus why they're rarer than unicorns riding comets.Expect blunt truths, clever quips, and just enough lyrical swagger to keep your earbuds smiling. Whether you're staring down a market blitz or basking in steady‑state profitability, tune in to master the art—and timing—of putting the right leader in the right seat before the bell tolls.

In this solo drop, I'm pulling back the curtain and giving you a sneak peek into a powerful upcoming conversation with —one of the sharpest HR minds in healthcare today. We're diving into the gritty, high-stakes space where HR strategy meets financial reality.I'll walk you through the 10 questions I'll be asking her—from how she builds trust with the CFO, to how she's leveraging AI to power up her talent engine, to what succession planning actually looks like when lives (and leadership) are on the line.We'll also dig into the evolution of employee benefits—why personalization isn't a luxury anymore—and explore a bold idea I've been workshopping: emergency financial support programs for employees. Think rent relief meets real-time impact, and yes… we'll unpack the legal and fiscal wrinkles too.If you care about the future of work, strategic HR leadership, and building bridges between people, tech, and profit—this episode's for you. Let's get into it.

This morning, we're diving into something real. AI is moving fast—faster than most organizations can hire, train, or even understand. But instead of panicking, let's pause. What does it mean when AI starts filling skill gaps before L&D teams can? What happens when the global workforce isn't just remote—but borderless, fluid, and led by behavior, not location? And how do we keep the soul in work when algorithms are sharpening the edges?This episode is a blend of foresight and reflection. It's about preparing for what's next—while staying rooted in what makes us human.Tune in. Take notes. Take action.

In this raw and rhythmically strategic episode, we break down the walls between L&D, Change Management, CHROs, and Revenue leaders. The truth? Sales performance isn't just about scripts and quotas—it's about how well people systems align with growth strategies.We explore how cross-functional synergy—when built intentionally—can accelerate team performance, shorten ramp times, and turn talent into revenue in under six months. From onboarding like a product launch to turning enablement into a sales engine, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable insights.If you're a people leader who wants a seat at the revenue table—or a sales leader tired of going it alone—this one's for you.

This one's raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart—recorded on the move, gym-bound with no script in sight. In this episode, I dive into why Learning & Development leaders are some of the most underrated operators in the game. These folks don't just design training—they architect culture, shape capability, and carry the weight of organizational evolution on their backs. And yet… they're rarely in the spotlight.Let's call it out. Let's celebrate them. Let's really talk about the value they bring and why the future of work can't be built without them.If you're an L&D pro, this one's for you. If you've never given them their due? Time to listen up.

In this special episode, we unpack a curated listening and learning roadmap designed specifically for CHROs and senior HR leaders navigating growth, leadership gaps, and organizational change in 2025. Using 10 essential episodes from The E1B2 Collective, we break down how to elevate mid-level management, drive business impact through EX, and align people strategy with revenue. This is your blueprint for people-powered transformation.

In this episode, Anthony Vaughan breaks down a powerful truth: you can't scale revenue if you lose trust, clarity, and culture along the way. Drawing from over 800 conversations on The E1B2 Collective Podcast, he unpacks the hard realities and human-centered strategies behind sustainable growth, effective change management, and real leadership alignment.You'll learn:Why fast growth often hides deeper internal problemsHow to build a culture where change is understood, not fearedWhat it takes for leadership teams to stay aligned in high-pressure momentsWhy your sales strategy is only as strong as the people culture behind itTactical tools like Change Briefs, Listening Labs, Sales Culture Reviews, and Leadership Narrative SyncsWhether you're a founder, CRO, CHRO, or team lead — this episode will help you rethink how you scale, and why your people are the key to making it last.

In this episode we're joined by Lora Kyle, Global Vice President of Organizational Management & Development at Chegg, to explore how leadership development can drive tangible business outcomes.Lora brings a global perspective and decades of experience helping organizations evolve their leadership capabilities to meet rapidly shifting business priorities. Together, we dive into:How to identify and align key leadership competencies with core business goalsThe role of data and analytics in designing smarter development programsPractical ways to embed leadership growth into everyday workFostering a culture of continuous learning, curiosity, and adaptabilityMeasuring the impact of leadership development—and adjusting when it matters mostLooking toward 2030, Lora also shares her predictions on how leadership development must evolve to remain a strategic driver of success. Whether you're an HR leader, business executive, or L&D professional, this episode offers valuable insights you can apply right away.

In this episode of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, we explore why effective delegation isn't just about offloading tasks—it's about understanding your team's utilization, mental bandwidth, and real-time skill capacity. We dive into how leaders can make smarter, more strategic decisions by assessing capability and context before assigning critical work. Delegation done right isn't about giving away work—it's about setting up your people to win.

In this candid conversation, we peel back the layers of politics often entangled in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) to expose its pure business value—free from polarization and personal frustration. We start by examining how anger and political grandstanding can obscure DEI's real purpose: driving measurable impact and innovation. Then, we zero in on one core business objective—improving customer satisfaction, accelerating product development, or ensuring team retention—and demonstrate how effective DEI strategies can directly support that goal. By focusing on a single, critical metric, we cut through the noise and set a clear, actionable plan, showing that when DEI is aligned with business essentials, everyone wins.

Welcome to The Middle Ground, this podcast is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the crucial—but often overlooked—role of middle management. Each episode dives deep into why middle managers and team leaders should be empowered and held accountable for critical functions like team alignment, consistent communication, strategic scoping, and implementation. We explore how involving middle management directly in decisions about purchasing tools or hiring consultants—rather than leaving it solely to HR or CFOs—leads to better outcomes, stronger teams, and lasting organizational growth. Join us as we bring practical insights, expert perspectives, and actionable strategies to elevate the voice and impact of middle managers in every organization.

Building a Workplace For ALL – A Conversation with Julian Lite, Great Place to WorkHR leaders play a critical role in shaping workplaces that drive business success through trust, culture, and high performance. In this episode of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, Julian Lite from Great Place to Work joins us to discuss the strategies that set top-performing organizations apart and how the For ALL approach is redefining workplace excellence.With The For ALL Summit Las Vegas 2025 on the horizon, this conversation offers a deep dive into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of work. Julian shares actionable insights into how organizations can build inclusive, high-trust cultures that enhance engagement, innovation, and business outcomes.Key Discussion Points:The For ALL framework and its impact on long-term organizational successThe role of trust and inclusion in driving performance and retentionKey workplace trends HR leaders must prepare for in 2025 and beyondWhat to expect at The For ALL Summit and why it's a must-attend event for HR and business leadersStrategic Insights for HR Decision-MakersThis conversation is designed for HR executives looking to enhance their organization's ability to attract, retain, and engage top talent. If you are focused on building a high-performing, people-centric workplace, this episode provides the insights you need to stay ahead.Learn more and register for The For ALL Summit Las Vegas 2025 - Don't miss the company culture event of the year! Enter the code "Better" and get $200 off the Great Place To Work For All Summit: For All Summit 2025 | Great Place To Work®The Great Place To Work® For All Summit™ 2025 is the definitive company culture and leadership event of 1,600+ leaders from over 500 companies on their journey to create great workplaces for all.

In this episode, we're breaking down one of the biggest myths in business: that leadership alone is responsible for driving accountability and growth. The truth? The most successful teams don't wait for top-down direction—they hold each other accountable, create moments of radical candor, and challenge one another to be better every single day.Inspired by the work of Keith Ferrazzi, we'll explore how peer-to-peer accountability fuels performance, why candor isn't about being harsh but about pushing each other toward excellence, and how teams that embrace this mindset move faster, innovate more, and create cultures where people thrive.If you're tired of waiting on leadership to step in, this episode will show you how to build a team that holds itself to the highest standard—no permission required.

HR leaders play a critical role in shaping workplaces that drive business success through trust, culture, and high performance. In this episode of The E1B2 Collective Podcast, Julian Lite from Great Place to Work joins us to discuss the strategies that set top-performing organizations apart and how the For ALL approach is redefining workplace excellence.With The For ALL Summit Las Vegas 2025 on the horizon, this conversation offers a deep dive into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of work. Julian shares actionable insights into how organizations can build inclusive, high-trust cultures that enhance engagement, innovation, and business outcomes.Key Discussion Points:The For ALL framework and its impact on long-term organizational successThe role of trust and inclusion in driving performance and retentionKey workplace trends HR leaders must prepare for in 2025 and beyondWhat to expect at The For ALL Summit and why it's a must-attend event for HR and business leadersStrategic Insights for HR Decision-MakersThis conversation is designed for HR executives looking to enhance their organization's ability to attract, retain, and engage top talent. If you are focused on building a high-performing, people-centric workplace, this episode provides the insights you need to stay ahead.Learn more and register for The For ALL Summit Las Vegas 2025 Don't miss the company culture event of the year! Enter the code "Better" and get $200 off the Great Place To Work For All Summit: For All Summit 2025 | Great Place To Work®The Great Place To Work® For All Summit™ 2025 is the definitive company culture and leadership event of 1,600+ leaders from over 500 companies on their journey to create great workplaces for all.

In this episode of the E1B2 Collective Podcast, we challenge the traditional view of HR as a support function and highlight its role as a critical driver of business success. Every major Head of HR—Internal Communications, Talent Acquisition, Change Management, CHRO, DEI, Organizational Development, and HR Tech—must have full strategic ownership to create real impact.When these leaders take charge of strategy and empower managers overseeing pods of 10-100 employees, organizations move beyond disconnected HR initiatives and build a cohesive, employee-first culture that fuels performance, retention, and bottom-line growth.We'll discuss:Why HR silos hold companies back—and how cross-functional alignment accelerates successHow top HR leaders can equip managers with the right tools and frameworks to apply best practices effectivelyThe intersection of strategy and empathy—how HR leadership fosters a culture of trust, innovation, and sustainable business outcomesThis episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, team managers, and executives looking to build high-performing teams and drive meaningful change. Tune in now.

In today's workforce, one-size-fits-all benefits just don't cut it. Today's podcast dives deep into the art and science of designing benefits that truly resonate with diverse employee populations. Join us as we explore how companies can craft inclusive, personalized, and high-impact benefits strategies that support employees at every stage of life. From understanding workforce demographics to leveraging data for smarter benefits design, we bring in industry leaders, HR experts, and real employee voices to uncover what makes a benefits package truly meaningful. Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or just passionate about workplace equity, this podcast is your go-to guide for creating benefits that drive engagement, retention, and well-being.

In this episode, we explore how CHROs can strategically reduce turnover costs and drive bottom-line growth by retaining top talent. With workforce churn at an all-time high and the cost of replacing employees continuing to rise, HR leaders must take a data-driven approach to employee engagement and retention.We discuss the key financial impacts of attrition, how to use people analytics to predict and prevent turnover, and the strategies that leading organizations are implementing to keep high-performing employees engaged. From stay interviews to compensation adjustments and continuous feedback loops, this conversation provides actionable insights for HR and finance leaders looking to align retention strategies with business profitability.

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of scaling operations and fostering a culture of positive vulnerability and honesty within teams. Join us as we break down the insights and leadership philosophy of Claire Hughes, former COO, known for her transformative approach to operational excellence and team dynamics. From streamlining processes to building trust-driven workplaces, this conversation unpacks the frameworks, challenges, and strategies that drive sustainable growth and high-performing teams. Don't miss this masterclass in leadership and operational brilliance!

This is a rapid-fire, real-time episode designed for Heads of Internal Communications & Change Management who are facing massive shifts in how organizations engage, inform, and align employees. Inspired by Marketing for the Now, we'll tackle what's changing this very moment and how leaders must adapt—fast."Quiet Cutting" & Employee Distrust – The impact of workforce changes on internal brand perception.Real-Time Leadership Visibility – Why employees expect CEOs to communicate like influencers.The Evolution of Town Halls – Why static, one-way comms are dead & what's replacing them.Crisis Comms in the Viral Era – How to manage internal narratives before they go external.

In this episode, we explore why it's essential for CHROs to meet with department heads every month to align on best practices around teamship, employee feedback, productivity, and overall workplace culture.HR isn't just a support function—it's a strategic driver of business success. Regular check-ins between the CHRO and department leaders ensure that employee feedback loops are effective and actioned, productivity roadblocks are identified and addressed, best practices for team collaboration and engagement are shared, and HR policies align with real-time business needs.Join us as we discuss how these meetings bridge the gap between leadership and employees, foster accountability, and drive better business outcomes. Whether you're a CHRO, department leader, or aspiring HR strategist, this conversation will provide actionable insights you can implement right away.