humanscape

Welcome back to the humanscape podcast!

From administrative services to driving cultural change, Caitlin Stene has crafted a career dedicated to the advancement of local governments. As the director of administrative services for the city of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Caitlin oversees human resources, finance, and assessing departments. In this episode, hosted by Shawn Gulyas and Jason Cochran, Caitlin explains why Sun Prairie is a progressive and economically diverse community where risk-taking and growth are encouraged. She unpacks the city's transition from traditional management styles to a dynamic coaching culture tied to core values, such as "Show up and Step up" and "Collaborative Heart." Caitlin also shares insights on the innovative "shine" employee development program that embraces creativity and fun at work. Tune in to learn how Sun Prairie is setting the standard for local government leadership through a values-driven approach, balancing analytical duties with personal passions, and fostering a community where every individual can thrive. Additional Resources: Connect with Shawn Gulyas on LinkedIn Connect with Jason Cochran on LinkedIn Learn more about humanworks8 Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Guest Polina Makievsky, President and CEO of Penfield Children's Center, actively operationalized and created a nurturing environment for employees to thrive. Join Humanscape, hosts Shawn Gulyas and Jason Cochran for a deep dive into transformative leadership and organizational culture. Polina shares insightful perspectives on balancing motherhood with a demanding career, the significance of leading with love, and the power of re-teaching organizational values. Listen in as the conversation explores the critical role of change readiness, the unique core values driving Penfield's mission, and the importance of focusing on both traditional metrics and employee engagement. Polina stresses how cultivating genuine relationships and fostering a culture of psychological safety can enrich team dynamics and drive success. Key themes include the necessity of diverse talents, the use of the Colby assessment for understanding individual strengths, and a fresh outlook on leadership that emphasizes quality over quantity. Polina's emphasis on growth, impact, and operationalizing core values provides a blueprint for creating a thriving workplace. Join the discussion for actionable insights on change management, implementing core values, and the future strategic focus of Penfield's culture. Additional Resources: Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn Connect with Jason Cochran Connect with Polina Learn about Penfield Children's Center Learn more about humanworks8 Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

From origami to ballroom dance, Jen Bauer and Dave Walsh from Miron Construction highlight the significance of caring for people, building a resilient workplace culture, and using AI and new technologies to drive growth. In this episode, hosts Shawn Gulyas and Jason Cochran delve into how Miron Construction's dynamic duo shapes the company's culture and fosters employee well-being. Jen, an origami-loving introvert, and Dave, a ballroom-dancing former police officer, reveal the importance of integrating core values, promoting diversity, and embracing new technologies. They also touch on recognizing employee contributions, mentoring young project managers, and introducing diversity initiatives such as the allyship program "Build Like a Girl.” Additional Resources: Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn Connect with Jason Cochran Learn more about humanworks8 Connect with Jen on LinkedIn Connect with Dave on LinkedIn Learn more about Miron Construction Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

Steve Sorenson has carved a niche in cultivating a high-performance culture within Johnsonville, guiding over 3500 global team members. As the Senior Director of Learning and Culture, Steve shares his profound insights on integrating coaching culture, the influence of technology on communication, and the core strategies for team member autonomy and innovation. In this enlightening episode, Steve delves into the "Johnsonville way" of consistency, candid communication, and nurturing talent, alongside host Jason Cochran. Their discussion not only unpacks the challenges of remote work and the importance of an inclusive culture but also highlights Johnsonville's approach to leadership and continuous member engagement. Additional Resources: Connect with Jason Cochran Learn more about humanworks8 Connect with Steve Sorenson Learn more about Johnsonville Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Dave Kapic has strategically navigated through varied business landscapes, bringing his people-focused leadership to the forefront at Stella and Chewy's. As COO, Dave delves into the intricacies of managing a dynamic team with host Jason Cochran on this episode of humanscape. He emphasizes the critical role of embracing technology for enhanced communication, transforming leadership through accountability, and fostering a culture where employees thrive on autonomy and innovation. Join Dave and Jason as they explore practical tactics for reducing operational chaos, the implications of linguistic diversity in workplace communication, and the future of workplace efficiency. Additional Resources: Connect with Jason Cochran Learn more about humanworks8 Connect with David Kapic Learn more about Stella and Chewy's Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

In this rereleased episode, Shawn Gulyas provides insightful commentary on the essential elements of a positive workplace culture. Shawn, a thought catalyst at humanworks8, delves into the impact of leadership moments and the powerful practice of gratitude, emphasizing their importance in creating a culture of appreciation at work. He asserts that true leadership is rooted in genuine care for people and an appreciation for each individual's unique personal values. Through the exchange of experiences and the reinforcement of the concept that every moment counts, listeners are encouraged to build a stronger, more connected workplace. The humanscape podcast, from humanworks8, will launch with all new episodes soon and will share the innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. Shawn Gulyas and Jason Cochran will share actionable strategies and tangible methods to elevate your people practices and organizational culture. Additional Resources: Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn Learn more about humanworks8 Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Innovative thought leader Shawn Gulyas brings his unparalleled expertise in people and culture strategy to humanscape. In this rereleased episode, Shawn illuminates the essential elements of thriving workplace cultures: vision, action, life, and systems. It draws back the curtain on the often convoluted realm of organizational strategy, offering a streamlined approach to elevate business efficiency and momentum. The humanscape podcast, from humanworks8, launches in a few short weeks and will share the innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. Shawn Gulyas and Jason Cochran will share actionable strategies and tangible methods to elevate your people practices and organizational culture. Additional Resources: Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn Learn more about humanworks8 Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

The humanscape podcast by humanworks8 is focused on helping business leaders prepare for the future of work now. After all, change is inevitable; growth is optional. Shawn Gulyas and Jason Cochran, other members of the humanworks8 team, as well as from top thought leaders worldwide, will be sharing innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. With an abundance of experiential wisdom and an infusion of innovative thinking, you will gain a deeper understanding of what your people truly need and how to design people practices that meet those needs. Additional Resources: Connect with Jason on LinkedIn  Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn Learn more about humanworks8 Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

The humanscape podcast, from humanworks8, launches in a few short weeks and will share the innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. Shawn Gulyas and Jason Cochran will share actionable strategies and tangible methods to elevate your people practices and organizational culture. In this past episode, Shawn shares insights on talent optimization as a cultural imperative. He delves into the mind's effective, cognitive, and instinctive parts, emphasizing the importance of aligning an individual's values and cognitive strengths with their role. Throughout the episode, Shawn discusses the significance of understanding and valuing the uniqueness of every individual in an organization and provides practical questions and considerations for evaluating and optimizing talent. Additional Resources: Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn Connect with Jason Cochran Learn more about humanworks8 Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

In this episode of "humanscape," humanworks8's Jason Cochran and Shawn Gulyas, give insightful perspectives on the future of work trends. Shawn emphasizes the significance of work autonomy and freedom, the shift towards meaningful work, the focus on workplace mental health and well-being, and the need for evolving leadership practices. With a focus on providing value and aligning individual and organizational values, the discussion also delves into the role of technology, such as AI and the metaverse, in shaping the future of work. Additional Resources: Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn Connect with Jason on LinkedIn  Learn more about humanworks8 Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

The humanscape podcast, from humanworks8, launches in a few short weeks and will share the innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. Shawn Gulyas and @Jason Cochran will share actionable strategies and tangible methods to elevate your people practices and organizational culture. This past episode, Culture & Values, explores the critical role of core values in organizational culture. @Shawn Gulyas shares personal anecdotes that highlight how values-based cultures attract and retain talent while navigating market challenges while introducing the concept of the "twelve people touch points," which demonstrate how core values SHOULD influence various aspects of organizational life. Whether you're refining existing values or seeking to establish new ones, this episode provides actionable strategies for embedding core values into your organization's DNA. Additional Resources: Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn Connect with Jason Cochran Learn more about humanworks8 Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network