Fringe by PeopleForward Network

Nick and Zach kick off their podcast series with the wild and wonderful origin story of CultureCon®️: from blizzard-filled roundtables and zero event planning experience, to surprise Vegas marquees and full-on imposter syndrome. Along the way, they share the heart behind why CultureCon exists: to make work suck less and to build authentic connections that go far beyond job titles. You'll laugh, you'll learn, and you'll get a sneak peek at the incredible stories and topics coming your way. Think AI, DEI, and social entrepreneurship. This is the start of something big, and a whole lot of fun.   Additional Resources: Listen to The CultureCon® Podcast! Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon®️ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: CultureCon®️ began with roundtable discussions focused on real workplace challenges. Intimate, cross-industry connections fueled the event's success. Culture isn't just HR's job. It's everyone's. The podcast extends CultureCon®️'s mission year-round. Upcoming topics include AI, DEI, employer brand, and social impact.  

What if your next "perfect" hire is just a well-programmed bot? AI fraud is here, and it's quietly hijacking your hiring pipeline.

What if the biggest workplace challenge isn't strategy, skills, or systems, but simply understanding each other?

What if the secret to a thriving workplace culture came down to just five simple leadership behaviors? Geoffrey sits down with the brilliant Paula Allen, global mental health researcher and champion for workplace wellbeing. Together, they geek out over the five leadership behaviors that shape thriving, resilient teams. From psychological safety to the magic of gratitude, this episode is packed with actionable insights that are just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you're leading a team or hoping to inspire change in your workplace, this one's a must-listen. Let's explore the science of being more human, because culture starts with how we lead

Think all great salespeople are born talkers with years of experience? Think again. Matt Poepsel chats with Jim Speredelozzi, who flips the traditional sales script on its head. Jim shares how he went from 90-day quitters to building a thriving 150-person sales team, all by focusing on mindset, process, and hiring based on who people are, not just what they've done. You'll hear how he uses science to build strong sales teams, why being a "business therapist" might be your ultimate sales superpower, and what every new sales manager needs to know before stepping into leadership. Whether you're scaling a team or rethinking how you coach your people, Jim's practical, people-first wisdom is guaranteed to leave a mark. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.   Additional Resources: Listen to the original episode on Lead the People Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Sales is a teachable skill, not innate talent. Hire for behavior and mindset, not experience. Mindset determines long-term sales success. Great sellers often become great leaders. One-on-ones are sacred for employee development.  

Think one wellness strategy works for everyone? Think again. Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer unpack why “one size doesn't fit all” when it comes to supporting your people. From co-creating personalized plans to avoiding quick-fix blanket solutions, they share how leaders can better meet employees where they are, without judgment or assumptions. Through real stories and research-backed insights, Patricia and Katina show that when leaders invest in truly understanding their people, they unlock loyalty, performance, and lasting wellbeing

What if your podcast could be more than just content, and actually become your best sales and marketing engine? In this live episode from CultureCon® 2025, Nikki and Eric share their secret playbook for turning podcasts into powerful business growth tools. From claiming your niche and attracting the right guests, to creating inbound momentum and unlocking sponsorship opportunities, they reveal how podcasting, done with intention, can drive brand awareness, new relationships, and even revenue. Whether you're podcast-curious or looking to maximize your current show, this conversation proves that podcasting isn't just about downloads… it's about results.

What happens when a startup founder discovers that leading people is a completely different job than building products?

What happens when a farm girl from small-town Iowa becomes the CFO of a fast-growing real estate company? That's the journey of Tanya Betts, and in this episode of the Haverchat Podcast, she opens up about the twists, turns, and lessons learned along the way. From nearly 25 years at American Athletic to making the leap to Haverkamp, Tanya shares what it really feels like to start over after decades in one place, why mentorship shaped her leadership style, and how she's learned that true leadership is about lifting others up. This episode is a reminder that career growth, like life, is less about speed and more about staying true to what matters most.   Additional Resources: Listen to Haverchat Podcast! Connect with Todd on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Leadership is about helping others grow. Career changes can be challenging but rewarding. Mentors leave lasting professional and personal impact. Culture depends on both people and processes. Stewardship and integrity guide lasting success.  

What if your job respected your life as much as you respect your job? Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer dive into a radical (but necessary) idea: work should support your life… not consume it.

What if the very things you believe make you a good leader are actually holding you back? In this episode of “Leading Adam with Adam Binkerd,” things get real… and personal. With no guest in the studio, Adam Binkerd and Erica Crabtree take the mic to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of leadership: the subconscious norms we've inherited from society, our upbringing, and past experiences. From the belief that “leaders should always have the answers” to the classic “if you want it done right, do it yourself,” they unpack how these hidden scripts quietly shape the way we lead, and often sabotage the human experience at work. Adam shares powerful insights drawn from hundreds of coaching sessions and his own journey through addiction and recovery, giving this episode a raw, refreshing honesty you don't always get in leadership conversations. If you're a people-first leader who wants to grow beyond the surface level, this episode is your permission slip to dig deeper.   Additional Resources: Connect with Adam on LinkedIn Listen to Leading Adam with Adam Binkerd Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Most leadership missteps are unintentional and driven by subconscious norms. Common beliefs like “leaders must have the answers” often backfire. Blanket team corrections can harm morale more than help. Self-awareness is more powerful than immediate action. Our past experiences quietly shape how we lead today.

What if the best workplace recognition strategy has been wagging its tail or purring at your feet this whole time?

In this episode of “Lead the People,” host Matt Poepsel welcomes AmberLyn Bryant, People & Culture Director at Keyrenter Denver, to explore how behavioral insights and intentional culture-building elevate employee experiences. Drawing from her own evolution through toxic to thriving workplaces, AmberLyn shares how data-driven tools like the Predictive Index are transforming how teams communicate, onboard, and grow. Learn how a personalized approach to leadership and employee reviews is not just a “nice to have,” but a strategic advantage for scaling organizations. This episode is a roadmap for HR professionals and people-first leaders who want to turn culture into a catalyst for performance.   From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.   Additional Resources: Listen to the original episode on Lead the People Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Self-awareness tools accelerate personal and team growth. Scalable culture needs personalized, structured systems. Quarterly reviews drive alignment and reduce bias. Behavioral data enables tailored leadership. Strong HR-business partnerships fuel better outcomes.

What if the secret to high-performing, happy teams had nothing to do with working harder, and everything to do with how it feels to work with you? In this episode of “Leading for Wellness,” Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer dive into the underrated superpower of leadership: setting the right tone. From stories of care packages on the front lawn during COVID to coworkers driving each other to urgent care, Patricia and Katina reveal how small, consistent acts of kindness spark cultures where everyone steps up, not just the leader. And guess what? The better your team vibes, the less you have to carry alone.

What happens when one person with a big vision is tasked with building a global learning function from scratch? In this episode, Matt sits down with Akkshada Maniyan, who's turned learning into a strategic superpower at Innova Solutions. From building a global team to creating 88+ in-house courses and 100+ personalized learning paths, she's all about scaling with heart and hustle.

Ready to bust the myth of the superhero leader?

What if thriving at work wasn't a nice-to-have, but a human right?

We're introducing a NEW series here on Fringe: Leading for Wellness with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer!

Live from CultureCon 2024

Goats, graduate degrees, and Glassdoor—yep, they're all part of Amber Cerone's leadership journey! From project manager to Senior Director of Talent and Doctor of Psychology, Amber's path is proof that “searching” is part of the process. In this episode, Amber joins Matt Poepsel to talk about the power of career exploration, why leadership is more about influence than titles, and how trust—not office time—drives engagement in a virtual world

Live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy chats with the powerhouse Bryetta Calloway about meritocracy, marginalization, and why inclusion isn't just a checkbox. Bryetta shares her personal journey, spicy truths about workplace culture, and why the “just work hard” narrative doesn't cut it anymore. From unspoken rules to emotional labor and allyship that actually means something, this convo is full of “wait... wow” moments. Tune in for real talk, laughs, and the kind of insights that make you rethink your 9–5. ✨

Get ready to travel the world—without leaving your headphones!

Live from CultureCon, Nikki sits down with Ann Newman, Director of Learning at Goodwill Greater Milwaukee and Chicago, to talk about all things purpose, people, and the magic that happens when those two align

What can leaders learn from the high-pressure world of neonatal intensive care? Dr. Susan Landers, a seasoned neonatologist, joins Matt Poepsel to share insights on handling stress, building resilient teams, and navigating work-life balance. From life-or-death decisions in the NICU to balancing a demanding career and family, Susan's lessons apply to leaders in any field. Tune in for powerful takeaways on teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.   From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.   Additional Resources: Listen to the original episode on Lead the People Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Leadership in Crisis: The NICU is an intense, high-stakes environment where quick decisions and teamwork save lives—similar to leadership in any fast-paced industry. The Power of Teamwork: A well-functioning team includes diverse roles, from doctors to respiratory therapists to lactation consultants. Everyone plays a critical part. Emotional Intelligence is Key: Parents handle stress differently—some shut down, others demand miracles. Leaders must recognize different coping mechanisms and adapt. Work-Life Balance is a Moving Target: Balancing a medical career with motherhood required constant adjustments, clear communication, and strong support systems. The Evolving Workplace: Remote work has changed how professionals connect, making it even more important to foster relationships and support networks.

Leaders, listen up!

We're featuring another great episode from Kate Volman, this time from her show Create for No Reason

What if we stopped obsessing over weaknesses and amplified strengths instead?

What is culture, really? (Hint: It's not free snacks or a dog-friendly office.

What happens when a business goes beyond profit and puts people at the center of everything they do? You get Daycos —a company where employees don't just work; they lead the charge in giving back.

Get ready for another great episode highlighting this nominee for the PeopleForward Network Impact Awards series! Host of Mo-ments of Experience Geoffrey Smith sits down with Dr. Apurv Gupta—a true champion of leading with love.❤️ From his early days in medicine to becoming a transformational force in healthcare, Dr. Gupta shares the aha! moments that shaped his leadership journey. He talks about flipping the leadership pyramid, igniting engagement, and why love is more than just a feel-good concept—it's a powerful strategy for creating high-performing, people-first teams. If you're a leader looking to make a lasting impact, this episode is packed with wisdom, energy, and a fresh perspective on what it truly means to lead with heart. ✨   Additional Resources: Connect with Dr. Apurv Gupta on LinkedIn Learn more about A Loving Organization Connect with Geoffrey on LinkedIn Hear more stories like this on Mo-Ments of Experience Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Leadership is about shifting from "me" to "we" – The most impactful leaders are those who invest in others' growth. Inverting the pyramid creates high-performing teams – Leaders should serve their teams, not sit atop a hierarchy. Love is an organizational strategy – When embedded in policies and workflows, love enhances engagement, retention, and performance. Collaboration across disciplines is key in healthcare – True patient-centered care happens when all roles work in harmony. The best leaders cultivate trust, vulnerability, and presence – Leadership isn't about knowing all the answers but creating environments where people thrive.

From corporate hotshot to living legendary!

We're back with another episode live from CultureCon 2024! Join host Jasmine Bellamy as she chats with Mark Cruth, Modern Work Coach at Atlassian. With only 13% of teams thriving, Mark shares how storytelling can reconnect teams to their purpose. From "Postcards from the Future" to "Future Press Releases," discover simple, practical ways to energize your team and bring the magic back to work. Ready to transform your leadership? Let's get storytelling!

What if “you matter” wasn't just a feel-good phrase but a leadership superpower? In today's Predictive Index special episode, Angela Maiers, renowned educator and change-maker, joins Matt Poepsel to explore how leaders can ignite purpose and performance by meeting the most basic human need. Packed with stories, insights, and actionable tips, this episode will change the way you lead. Tune in—you matter too!   From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.   Additional Resources: Listen to the original episode on Lead the People Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Mattering is Fundamental: Mattering is a core human need, as vital as food or water, and leaders must intentionally nurture it. Crisis of Meaning: The pandemic has exposed a “crisis of meaning,” where workers are prioritizing purpose over routine. Actionable Leadership: Small acts like acknowledging someone's name or work can create profound impacts on engagement and culture. Business Impact: Cultures of mattering lead to increased productivity, better performance, and ultimately, higher profitability.

Live from CultureCon, we're talking workplace magic with Debra Squyres, Chief Customer Officer at Bonusly!

Happy New Year from People Forward Network!

Culture isn't just a vibe—it's a choice! In today's Predictive Index replay, Hema Crockett, co-founder of Gig Talent, joins Matt Poepsel to break down what it really takes to build a culture that works. Spoiler alert: it's about values, not perks. Hema shares her secrets on getting everyone involved in shaping culture, why high performance goes way beyond numbers, and how leaders can make or break a team's vibe. Tune in for fresh insights and real talk on creating a workplace people actually want to be a part of!

On this re-released episode of Lead the People podcast, Marcel Schwantes, founder of Leadership from the Core, shares how his experience in a toxic workplace led him to embrace servant leadership. Now a renowned coach and speaker, Marcel discusses how prioritizing people-first principles transforms both leadership and organizational success. He shares practical tools for creating safe, empowering environments where employees can thrive.   Key Takeaways: Leadership requires responsibility—prioritize people-first values to create positive work environments. Humility is essential—stay open to learning and personal growth, no matter how experienced you are. Psychological safety matters—fostering autonomy and accountability empowers teams to deliver their best work.   From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.   Additional Resources: Listen to the original episode on Lead the People                                                                       Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn                                                                                  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy chats with Amy Bayer, the HR pro who believes "Everyone Owns Culture." With over 20 years in HR, Amy shares how Duck Creek Technologies thrived when employees took the lead in shaping culture—from creating a women's Resource Group to launching a Culture Ambassador Program. Learn how these initiatives boosted connection, leadership skills, and excitement, even in a virtual world! Additional Resources: Follow The LOVING Leader on LinkedIn CultureCon 2025 CultureCon on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Shared Responsibility: Culture should not rest solely on HR; it requires engagement from all organizational levels. Grassroots Movements Work: Employee-led initiatives, such as the Women's Resource Group, can lead to deeper engagement and new career paths. Virtual Work Adaptation: Duck Creek's pivot to virtual work demonstrated that strong culture doesn't need an office to thrive. Leadership Development: Initiatives like the Culture Ambassador Program create spaces for employees to develop leadership skills and foster belonging.

Live from CultureCon in Madison, Wisconsin, Nikki sits down with Joey Williams, Culture Specialist at Healthpeak Properties, aka “HR Fun Uncle,” to discuss his unique career journey and approach to building a culture where every voice is heard. From handwritten birthday notes to creating channels for open feedback, Joey reveals how he fosters inclusivity and trust across the organization. He shares actionable strategies for breaking down communication silos, encouraging self-advocacy, and engaging leadership support for a truly collaborative culture. Tune in to learn how small actions and intentional listening can have a big impact on employee engagement and connection.   Additional Resources: CultureCon 2025 CultureCon on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Advocate for Your Ideal Role: Joey's career shift from accounting to HR was driven by self-advocacy. By clearly defining his dream role, he worked with supportive leadership to create a position aligned with his strengths and passions. Break Down Barriers to Inclusivity: Joey emphasizes the importance of opening multiple feedback channels—such as town halls, focus groups, and one-on-one check-ins—to ensure that every voice is heard and valued. Follow Up on Feedback: To build trust, it's essential to close the loop on employee feedback. Acknowledging input and explaining decisions shows team members that their voices truly matter.

On this re-released episode from the Lead the People podcast Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg, an expert on organizational psychology and meetings, shares his insights on the power of 1:1 meetings. As the author of The Surprising Science of Meetings and Glad We Met, Dr. Rogelberg reveals how these interactions can boost performance, foster engagement, and improve leadership. Key Takeaways: Prioritize 1:1 meetings to enhance employee performance and commitment. Let employees own the meeting agenda to address their needs. Document meetings to show you value their perspective and well-being. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Listen to the original episode on Lead the People

In this episode recorded live from CultureCon in Madison, WI, Nikki sits down with Gianna Driver, Chief People Officer at Lattice, to uncover the real magic behind thriving workplaces. Spoiler: It's not just about retention or productivity—it's about creating deep, human connections. Gianna takes us on a journey through her 20+ years in HR, sharing how the pandemic brought engagement into crystal-clear focus. Additional Resources: CultureCon 2025 CultureCon on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways:  Engagement as Lifeblood: Employee engagement is essential for both retention and thriving, especially during difficult times like the pandemic. Human-Centered Leadership: The most effective leaders prioritize transparency and vulnerability, allowing for authentic human connections in the workplace. Symbiotic Relationship: Engagement benefits both the individual and the business—engaged employees are more productive, creative, and loyal.

Live from CultureCon 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin, Nikki Lewallen Gregory, founder of PeopleForward Network, kicks off a new series that brings together the collective power of meaningful work and people-first leadership. This episode features the dynamic co-founders of CultureCon, Nick Lombardino and Zach Blumenfeld, as they share the origin story of CultureCon and their vision for expanding its impact beyond conferences. Joined by co-host Jasmine Bellamy, you'll hear how authentic connections and mentorship fuel the real magic at CultureCon.. This is the first of many episodes that will take you inside the CultureCon community – where leaders and organizations come together to change the world, one meaningful conversation at a time. Additional Resources: CultureCon 2025 CultureCon on LinkedIn More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Key Takeaways:  CultureCon's Origin: The event grew from small executive roundtables focused on workplace culture into a movement that now influences thousands of leaders. Partnership with PeopleForward Network: Both organizations are deeply aligned in their missions, combining forces to expand the reach of people-first leadership.

What does it mean to be authentic at work, and why does it matter? It turns out, authenticity has a massive impact. It reduces turnover, builds trust, and inspires loyalty. Companies with authentic cultures see employees over 2x more likely to stay, 4x more likely to report high trust, and 6x more likely to follow authentic leaders. In this re-released episode of the Desuckify Work podcast, guest Erin Hatzikostas, Founder of b Authentic Inc., and host TJ Bennett, talk about why authenticity matters when it's in service to others. Authenticity is powerful, contagious, and can transform cultures. Let's dive in! Additional Resources: Free 30-minute Coaching Session with TJ Bennett Original episode on the Desuckify Work podcast More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn