Podcasts about People First

Leadership is easy to talk about when everything is calm. But what about when the system feels stretched? When the team is tired. When the pressure is high. When the old ways of leading are no longer working… but the new way forward still feels unclear. That's where people-first leadership becomes more than a nice idea. It becomes a strategy. Because if leaders want to build strong teams, close skill gaps, make better decisions, and create cultures where people can actually do their best work, they have to start with the humans in the room. Including themselves. My special guest today is Christy Honeycutt and she's simplifying how to create a people-first leadership strategy. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: Where leaders should begin when they are assessing where their team is now, identifying skill gaps, and clarifying where they want the team to go next. What it means to "hold space" for C-suite leaders and founders as they elevate, especially in high-pressure seasons of transition. How self-awareness, CliftonStrengths, and meditation can help leaders understand their strengths, regulate their emotions, and make better decisions under pressure. A sneak peek inside her upcoming book, The Inner Work of Leading in a Broken System, and the core ideas leaders need right now to reclaim agency, alignment, and purpose. And there's a moment where we totally geek out about a reality TV show on Netflix called "Outlast: the Jungle" that teaches you a lot about good (and bad!) leadership styles that (totally) translate to Corporate America. Q: Are you wanting to create a people-first leadership strategy? If yes, this one is for you. It's time to #DoTheThing! ---- Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/425-how-to-create-a-people-first-leadership-strategy---with-christy-honeycutt

Send us Fan MailSuccession isn't a one-time event—it's a culture of building leaders who build leaders. In this Private Practice Survival Guide episode, host Brandon Seigel sits down with Amy Lafko to redefine succession planning as role clarity, skills development, and proactive pathways for growth. Learn why delegation without development stalls teams, how to assess and train leadership competencies like clinical skills, and what guardrails mid-level managers need to thrive. You'll hear practical tactics—from quarterly goals to micro-roles—that help you spot emerging leaders before they ask.What You'll Learn:A practical definition of succession that starts with designing the workThe biggest reasons practices fail to grow the next generation of leadersHow to differentiate delegation from development (and build real plans)Why mindset comes first—and how to align authority, accountability, and guardrailsProactive tactics to identify and grow emerging leaders (career rock wall, “AI ambassador,” resume-building prompts)Why soft skills like conflict resolution should be trained across all levels, not saved for directorsHow to structure continuing education to drive responsibility and readinessReady to turn succession from wishful thinking into a repeatable system? Build your bench now and create a practice where leaders truly build leaders. #PrivatePractice #LeadershipDevelopment #SuccessionPlanning #HealthcareLeadership #PracticeManagementAmy Lafko is a leadership and organizational design expert, mainstage speaker, author, and facilitator. Known for her “People First” method, she brings a step-by-step process to put employee engagement and empowerment into practice. Having spent 20+ years in healthcare leadership roles, her work is inspired by her personal transformation as a leader. That inspiration and her energy is multiplied every time she assists someone with their own shift in mindset and intentions.Her book, People First: A Proven Method for an Exceptional Healthcare Practice was an Amazon bestselling new release. In addition to founding Cairn Consulting Solutions, LLC and being certified in TTI Success Insights DISC, Driving Forces and Emotional Intelligence, Amy has earned her MSPT from Ithaca College, her MBA from Loyola University of MD.https://cairncs.com/https://www.facebook.com/amy.lafko1https://www.instagram.com/amy.lafko/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd9wuEYF1vSuoD57cq-I57wWelcome to Private Practice Survival Guide Podcast hosted by Brandon Seigel! Brandon Seigel, President of Wellness Works Management Partners, is an internationally known private practice consultant with over fifteen years of executive leadership experience. Seigel's book "The Private Practice Survival Guide" takes private practice entrepreneurs on a journey to unlocking key strategies for surviving―and thriving―in today's business environment. Now Brandon Seigel goes beyond the book and brings the same great tips, tricks, and anecdotes to improve your private practice in this companion podcast. Get In Touch With MePodcast Website: https://www.privatepracticesurvivalguide.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonseigel/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonseigel/https://wellnessworksmedicalbilling.com/Private Practice Survival Guide BookThis show is proudly produced at PS Studios — learn more https://www.psstudios.co

Will AI replace your job, or will someone using AI replace you? Discover how artificial intelligence is shifting from a simple productivity tool to a massive business multiplier that completely redefines the modern workforce. In this episode, Peter Guagenti reveals how AI agents are solving the biggest hiring crisis of our generation and transforming mid-market operations.   Peter Guagenti is the CEO of Everworker and a lifelong entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of digital transformation and AI development. He sits down to explain why the old methods of scaling a business are dead and how deploying custom AI agents for sales, marketing, and finance is generating millions in pipeline with unprecedented efficiency.   We dive deep into why traditional hiring processes are failing startups and why finding first-principle thinkers who are passionate about their specific functions is the only way to build a resilient team. Peter also breaks down the shift toward capability-based hiring and how AI SDRs are executing highly tailored outreach at a scale humans simply cannot match.   If you are building a startup, managing operations, or trying to navigate the rapid evolution of technology in the workplace, this conversation delivers the exact blueprint you need to stop falling behind and start leading with an AI-first mindset.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:15 Peter Guagenti's Entrepreneurial Journey 03:11 Transition from Digital to AI Focus 05:07 Market Problems and AI Opportunities 06:57 AI as a Business Transformation, Not Just Technology 08:25 Democratizing AI Creation with EverWorker 09:52 Customizable AI Agents for Business Functions 11:03 Target Customers and Market Focus 12:56 AI's Role in Addressing Hiring and Workforce Challenges 14:20 Popular Use Cases for AI Agents 16:14 Supporting Software Development and Sales 18:31 Core Operational Use Cases in Finance, HR, and Support 19:06 Impact on Business Margins and EBITDA 19:51 Differentiation from Larger Platforms and Consulting Firms 21:47 Who Buys AI Solutions: CXO Focus 23:39 AI's Impact on Jobs and Organizational Change 24:20 AI in Sales Development and Lead Generation 28:10 Success Stories and Results with AI Agents 30:28 Market Strategy and Competitive Positioning 33:30 Company Size, Hiring, and Talent Strategy 34:48 Hiring for an AI-First World 36:16 Characteristics of Successful AI Talent 38:11 Reimagining Recruitment with AI 42:25 People First in AI Adoption 44:26 Aligning Hiring and Business Goals 47:18 The Future of AI and Human Collaboration 49:19 Outcome-Based Pricing and Business Models 54:26 Opportunities for Founders and Entrepreneurs 56:15 Closing Remarks and Contact Info   Host: Jake Aaron Villarreal leads the top AI recruitment firm in Silicon Valley, www.matchrelevant.com, uncovering stories of funded startups and going behind the scenes to tell their founders' journeys. If you are growing an AI startup or have a great story to tell, email us at: jake.villarreal@matchrelevant.com

In this new episode, we explore a new way of understanding development outcomes across a lifetime: the Human Capital Index Plus (HCI+).A child born today in Sub-Saharan Africa could earn nearly 70% more over their lifetime, if health, learning, and work systems functioned differently. So what's holding that future back?Joined by Norbert Schady, Chief Economist for the People Vice Presidency at the World Bank Group and Dr. Zainab Kwaru Muhammad-Idris, President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, the conversation unpacks what the HCI+ measures, why Sub-Saharan Africa faces a deep human capital crisis, and how some countries and programs are already beating the odds.The People First podcast is available online, on Spotify, and on Apple Podcast. For more updates, follow us by subscribing, and don't forget to rate and comment on this episode.Sequences00:00 Introduction01:31 Africa's demographic turning point02:29 Building human capital beyond schools and clinics04:18 Human capital crisis and data gaps in Sub-Saharan Africa07:59 Home as the first classroom and community-based models11:39 ConclusionAbout People First PodcastPeople First Podcast provides a human angle to concrete development topics as they affect people in Western and Central Africa. It also features World Bank Group projects and initiatives. Join us for a sustainable and inclusive development!About World Bank GroupThe World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Companies are increasingly focused on employee performance, which is challenging but also gives CHROs and CFOs an opportunity to collaborate. How can these key functions work together to reinforce culture, drive organizational change, and influence the CEO and board?   Join host Diana Scott and guests Henry Artalejo, SVP of global human resources at Griffith Foods, Matt Corker, EVP and chief financial officer at Griffith Foods, and Maria Colacurcio, CEO of Syndio. Find out what defines a people-first organization in 2026, how the CHRO-CFO partnership can drive culture and compensation conversations, and why AI transformation is an opportunity for HR to rebrand itself.   This special episode was recorded on June 3 at the 2026 CHRO Summit, hosted by The Conference Board in Chicago.   For more from The Conference Board: CHRO Summit: Turning Uncertainty into Growth The Conference Board to Honor S&P Global and UL Solutions at 2026 People First People First: Elevating Talent for the Future (Event)  

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a great leader—and how introverts can harness their unique strengths to lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity? In this episode of The Quiet And Strong Podcast, host David Hall sits down with leadership coach and business owner Erin Treacy to explore the power of people-first leadership, resilient decision-making, and the gift of deep introspection that introverts bring to the table.Whether you're an introvert looking to embrace your leadership potential or a leader who wants to create a healthier, more people-focused work culture, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories. Tune in to learn how real leadership starts from within—and be strong.Episode Link: QuietandStrong.com/280Erin Treacy is a leadership coach, consultant, and business owner who works with professionals, managers, and business owners who want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and authenticity. With a background in broadcast news, entrepreneurship, and people-first leadership development, Erin understands how much pressure people can feel to be louder, faster, or more outgoing to be seen as effective. Her work centers on practical communication, self-awareness, and steady leadership rooted in who people really are.Connect with Erin: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Substack | TikTokSend us Fan MailSupport the show- - -Contact the Host of the Quiet and Strong Podcast:David HallAuthor, Speaker, Educator, Podcasterquietandstrong.comGobio.link/quietandstrongdavid [at] quietandstrong.comNOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.Take the FREE Personality Assessment: Typefinder Personality AssessmentFollow David on your favorite social platform:Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Get David's book:Minding Your Time: Time Management, Productivity, and Success, Especially for IntrovertsGet Quiet & Strong Merchandise

Wil sits down with 30-year restaurant veteran and author Lance Reynolds for a candid conversation about the realities of independent restaurant ownership. Lance shares his unlikely origin story, going from janitor to owner of the very same restaurant, and opens up about nearly losing everything when he overextended on a fourth location, plus the vulnerability it took to ask for help and turn things around. The two dig into what actually drives restaurant success: putting employees first, delivering genuine hospitality, telling your story, and embracing technology and AI to free up time for the human connection that makes local restaurants irreplaceable. With independent restaurants facing record closures, Lance offers practical, hard-won advice on reducing employee turnover, training effectively, managing your numbers, and using tools like AI and voice technology to survive and thrive in a tough economy.Top 10 Key TakeawaysYou don't have to fail to succeed. Lance learned everything the hard way through pain and near-bankruptcy. His mission now is helping operators skip the worst lessons through mentorship, books, and education.Ask for help, it's not weakness. Lance came within days of losing four restaurants and 177 jobs. The turning point was swallowing his ego, admitting he didn't know how to build a P&L, and asking for guidance.It's not about the food. Skilled farm-to-table chefs go out of business daily. Business acumen, systems, and hospitality are what separate survivors from casualties.People-first is the secret sauce. Lance runs on a three-legged stool: employee experience, guest experience, then bottom line, in that order. The financial success is a byproduct of getting the first two right.Turnover is a profit killer. Replacing a line employee costs roughly $4,500 to $6,000, and a manager runs $12,000 to $15,000. Investing in people up front changes the entire financial picture.Training drives retention. The more you train employees, the longer they stay. Well-trained teams build trust, and people don't leave environments they trust.Independent restaurants are community first responders. From hurricanes to wildfires, local restaurants show up with food, time, and money. If they vanished, local economies would collapse in weeks.AI is a game-changer most operators are ignoring. In Lance's talks, fewer than 5% of owners are intentionally using AI. He demonstrates live how it can generate specials, recipes, training, pricing, and social content in minutes.Technology should elevate hospitality, not replace it. Tools like voice AI (e.g., Virnika) and video training platforms automate behind-the-scenes work so staff can focus on guests, and they're not eliminating jobs, just reallocating talent.Tell your story. Sharing why your restaurant exists creates emotional connection with employees and guests alike. A chain's Achilles heel is local, intimate knowledge, so lean into it.

In this episode, Sam Smith, Director of Inspections Enablement, shares his leadership journey from the depths of a submarine to the heart of API Group's fastest-growing program. Sam discusses how investing in people became his North Star and why he walked away from chasing titles to find a company that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term wins.  

The University of Washington’s WWAMI medical school program just received a new $25 million endowment for scholarships and rural education support, as Alaska Public Media's Rachel Cassandra reports. The program gets its name from the five states it serves – Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho – and educates emerging physicians in those rural states. Dr. Nick Phelps, WWAMI's assistant dean at the University of Alaska Anchorage, says the gift will go to scholarships for 30 eligible students across the five-state class. “For the students who are accepted to receive this scholarship, it covers half of their tuition.” Phelps says those eligible to apply for the scholarships are students in two specific programs: one, a rural track, and the other, a tribal and traditional medicine track. Medical school tuition – and the debt students take on to pay it – can run in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Phelps says the scholarships change the financial equation. “Primary care practices and primary care physicians… are the bedrock of medicine, for lack of a better term. They’re also some of the lowest paid specialties for students to go into, so for somebody who really is strongly interested in family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, some of those other primary care specialties, they have to do a bit of an internal calculus.” Many medical students choose specialties that pay better, which has helped create a shortage of primary care practitioners, both in Alaska and across the U.S. Phelps notes that the U.S. Department of Education will soon start limiting student loan amounts that Americans can take out for higher education, including medical school. Philanthropists William and Carolyn Franke and their family gave the WWAMI program the $25 million endowment to create the Franke Medical Student Scholars Program. Phelps says he hopes that the resulting scholarships encourage more Alaska students to focus on medicine that serves rural, remote and Indigenous Alaskans. The cliffs of Black Mesa on the Navajo Nation on September 1, 2023. (Photo: Chris Clements / KNAU) An energy company is asking for preliminary approval from the feds to look into building a hydropower project on the Navajo Nation. KNAU's Chris Clements has more. The company Nature and People First is asking for a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to investigate building a pumped storage project near Chilchinbeto, Ariz. It would include two reservoirs holding a total of 20,000 acre-feet of water. Pumped storage projects generate energy by letting water flow downhill and then pumping it back up. Nature and People First tried to get federal approval for three pumped storage projects in 2021, but the Navajo Nation and the feds later said no. Critics cited concerns about overuse of aquifers and damage to the environment of nearby Black Mesa, which is considered sacred by the Navajo and Hopi tribes. If it is granted, the permit would not allow the company to disturb any land or give them permission to enter private property. Grand Exit at Celebration 2026. (Courtesy Sealaska Heritage Institute) Thousands of Alaska Natives and visitors gathered in Juneau, Alaska last week for Celebration 2026, one of the largest Indigenous cultural events in the state. The four-day gathering, organized by Sealaska Heritage Institute, brought together Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian dancers, artists, and culture bearers from across Southeast Alaska, Canada, and beyond. The event featured traditional song and dance performances, Native art, language activities, and cultural workshops. This year’s theme was “Enduring Strength”. Celebration began more than 40 years ago as a way to preserve Native cultures and pass traditional knowledge to younger generations. Organizers say the event continues to showcase the survival and persistence of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian traditions while strengthening connections among Indigenous communities throughout the region. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, June 8, 2026 — Confronting division with Pride

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Most companies say people come first, but few truly build their culture that way. In this episode of Living The Red Life, Tracy Jackson, founder of My HR Confidant and HR E-Z, shares the mindset, leadership principles, and bold decisions that helped her become one of the most respected voices in human resources. From being the first woman and person of color on an executive leadership team to launching innovative HR technology for small businesses, Tracy reveals why loving people more than rules creates stronger organizations. She discusses leadership, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, employee engagement, and the importance of building trust at every level. Through powerful stories, faith-driven values, and practical business lessons, she challenges conventional HR thinking and offers a blueprint for creating workplaces where both companies and employees thrive.Key Takeaways• Put people before policies to build stronger organizations and healthier cultures.• Great leaders learn to distinguish between mistakes and intentional defiance.• Trust, honesty, and accountability create long-term employee loyalty.• Entrepreneurship begins when you identify problems others overlook.• Faith, resilience, and mentorship can shape career-defining decisions.Notable Quotes• "I consider HR to be resources for humans."• "You have to love people more than you love rules."• "Mistakes should be opportunities to learn."• "The company is the humans who work there."• "When you don't know what to do, do the right thing even if it's not easy."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to scale a company without losing your people, your culture, or your margins?In this episode of Joey Pinz Conversations, we sit down with a CEO who made the leap from COO to leading one of the top MSP organizations in Canada—sharing real insights on leadership, growth, and what most companies get wrong.From building high-performing teams to navigating tough leadership transitions, this conversation goes beyond theory. It's about real-world execution, accountability, and making decisions that actually work.Jennifer also opens up about her personal transformation, losing over 160 pounds, and how small changes compound into massive results—both in business and life. 

You can feel the energy of a dental practice the moment you step inside. That's why a people-first approach is more important now than ever! In this episode, Anne Duffy sits down with Linda Kane, a dental operations strategist with a passion for restoring the human touch in dentistry. Drawing on her upbringing on a horse ranch and decades in the dental field, Linda shares how horses' intuitive sense of energy taught her that people (patients and teams alike) always sense a practice's emotional climate, even if no words are spoken. Linda reveals how technology can either deepen or damage those vital human connections in dental offices. She dives into the dangers of overlooking team input when adopting new systems, the hidden pitfalls that undermine patient trust, and why simple touches, like eye contact at the front desk, matter more than fancy gadgets. At the heart of her story is a moving call for servant leadership, drawn from a personal tragedy she witnessed, and her ongoing mission to rescue practices, teams, and families from avoidable pain. If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a welcoming, resilient, and truly patient-centered dental office, Linda's perspective will give you practical solutions and hope! What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why “energy” matters the moment you walk into a dental practice How patients and staff sense, absorb, and react to invisible stress The dangers of adopting technology without consulting your team Simple signs your office's systems may unintentionally push patients away How to balance innovation with a people-first approach The role of servant leadership in preventing burnout and disengagement Real-life operational gaps Linda uncovers in struggling practices How small improvements in greeting procedures can drive dramatic practice growth Insights from Linda's personal story that highlight the deeper “why” behind her work Tune in to discover how a people-first approach can transform your practice from the inside out! Learn More About Linda Kane Here! Website: https://www.dentalofficerescue.com/ Books: Dental Office Rescue: https://rescuemydentaloffice.com/ Resilient by Design: https://a.co/d/0dvE5X9j Podcast: https://www.dentalofficerescue.com/podcast/dental-office-rescue Ready to be part of a movement of women shaping the future of dentistry? Join Dental Entrepreneur Woman for masterminds, education, exclusive events, and a supportive community designed to help you grow, lead, and leave your mark on the industry. Become a member at: https://dew.life/membership/ Mentions & Links: Events: The DeW Life Retreat Tools: Gallup CliftonStrengths (2.0) People: DeVon Banks

Jacob Morgan is one of the most forward-thinking voices on leadership, employee experience, and the future of work. He is the bestselling author of six books, including Leading With Vulnerability and his latest, The 8 Laws of Employee Experience, released in February 2026. He is a TED Speaker, the host of the podcast Future Ready Leadership with Jacob Morgan, and the founder of the Future of Work Leaders community, a network of CHROs from organizations like Johnson & Johnson, Dow, LEGO, and Northrop Grumman. Jacob returned to the Elevate Podcast to talk to Robert Glazer about the future of leadership, people-first cultures, balancing high support with high standards, and much more. Thank you to the sponsors of The Elevate Podcast Shopify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Framer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠framer.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Indeed: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠indeed.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ethos Life: ⁠⁠⁠ethos.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠ Keeper Security: ⁠⁠⁠⁠keepersecurity.com/ELEVATE⁠⁠ Fora Travel: foratravel.com/elevate Northwest Registered Agent: northwestregisteredagent.com/elevate Whatnot: Search "Whatnot" in the app store to download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really mean to build a people-first culture? And how can organisations ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded into the systems, processes and leadership behaviours that shape everyday employee experiences? In this episode of The HR Room, we explore how Heineken have developed a culture where people, performance and business success work hand-in-hand. With our special guest Debra Popplewell (People Director - Heineken Ireland), we discuss the importance of employee voice, leadership accountability, psychological safety, inclusive recruitment practices and the role transparency plays in building trust. Guests Debra Popplewell — People Director, Heineken Ireland Topics Include: What a true people-first culture looks like in practice Why performance and employee experience should reinforce one another The importance of employee voice and meaningful listening Why culture is shaped through behaviours, not values posters Creating psychological safety and building trust at work How employee feedback can drive real organisational change Common mistakes organisations make when measuring engagement Leadership behaviours that sustain positive workplace cultures Investing in people manager capability and leadership development Preparing for the EU Pay Transparency Directive Why job evaluation frameworks are becoming increasingly important Practical lessons from Heineken's approach to culture and employee experience Key Takeaways A people-first culture is not about prioritising people over performance — it is recognising that performance is delivered through people. Employee listening only creates value when organisations act on the feedback they receive. Culture is shaped by everyday decisions, leadership behaviours and organisational systems rather than written values alone. Recruitment processes play a critical role in demonstrating organisational culture and attracting diverse talent. Inclusive workplaces require organisations to continually examine and remove barriers within their systems and processes. Transparency around pay, progression and decision-making is becoming increasingly important for employee trust. Leaders must be willing to challenge themselves and examine how their own behaviours may be reinforcing unwanted outcomes. Sustainable high performance comes from designing systems that help people do great work, rather than relying on individuals to succeed despite organisational obstacles. Meaningful culture change is a long-term commitment that requires consistency, intention and continuous listening. Resources & Links Learn more about Insight HR's services around workplace culture, leadership development, employee engagement and organisational effectiveness. Find out how Insight HR can support your organisation in preparing for the EU Pay Transparency Directive, including job evaluation frameworks and pay transparency readiness. Contact Insight HR

Thank you Chris Sampson, EG, Marg KJ, Evan, Sherell, and many others for tuning into my live video! * PDR Posse member Brittani Mazzone visited Politics Done Right at the Netroots Nation 2026 convention and details the plight of GenZ and GenY, even as they followed the rules of getting educated and more. They are struggling.* Congresswoman Analilia Mejia, a real progressive, won her distri… To hear more, visit egberto.substack.com

In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Ben Atkinson, VP of Auto Lending at Upstart, and Evan Driscoll, General Sales Manager at Audi Jacksonville to discuss why the credit score has become the most overrated number in auto lending and how a full-spectrum dealership running everything from $2,000 used cars to $400,000 Rolls-Royces gets first-time buyers approved at competitive rates with no money down. Evan breaks down how a slow approval costs his store at least $1,000 per car per day in aging inventory, and how a 10-second automated decision changed the math. They also get into why 24/7 automated approvals matter most during the weeks traditional lenders go dark. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Upstart. Topics: 04:30 Why Slow Approvals Kill Deals. 05:50 The $1,000 Cost Of One Extra Day. 08:00 How Soft Pulls Close More Deals. 09:50 Why Customers Love Soft Pulls. 11:20 The 10-Second Approval. 15:00 Why First-Time Buyers Get 7% Rates. 16:30 The 280 Data Points Beyond Credit Scores. 20:00 24/7 Automation Beats Banking Hours. 21:00 The Beach Chair Email That Enraged A Store. 24:30 Why Manual Credit Apps Are Dead. 26:00 One Portal Beats Five Logins. 29:00 People First, Tech Second. Upstart - Unlike traditional auto financing, Upstart uses thousands of data points – not just credit scores – to approve more buyers, structure more profitable deals, and speed up funding. Learn more at here. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cdgcircles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Industry job board ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jobs.dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dealership recruiting ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgrecruiting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fix your dealership's social media ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.trynomad.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Request to be a podcast guest ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgguest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgpartner.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Industry job board ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jobs.dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Request to be a podcast guest ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgguest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠x.com/GuyDealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@guydealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠threads.net/@cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Deona Hatley, a fitness and wellness coach rejoins the Scooty Fund - She's spent years helping students and employees at major universities build healthier and sustainable lives on campus.In this episode, we dive into the power of movement in daily life, the hidden connection between reflection and real growth, and why most organizations get employee wellness completely backwards. From Georgetown's GU Moves initiative to building healthier workplace cultures, Deona shares practical ways to create environments where people can sustainably thrive.Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfundSee more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Sales team performance in modern B2B sales is no longer about forcing people into rigid roles. It is about aligning talent, leadership, and purpose to unlock stronger performance across enterprise sales and key account management. In this episode of the B2B Sales Trends Podcast, Harry sits down with Oliver Opitz, Global Head of Key Account Management at Würth Elektronik Group, to explore what modern B2B sales leadership actually looks like in today's rapidly changing market. From strategic account management and enterprise sales to hiring, adaptability, and modern leadership, this conversation breaks down what actually drives high performing sales teams.

Laura Tomaino, Chief People Officer at Glooko, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about why “People-First” leadership feels harder in 2026 and what it actually looks like to live up to that today.----  Sponsor Links:

I'm excited to share the 46th episode of This is Ag! featuring Joseph Mallobox, Vice President of Human Resources at Ippolito International. Born and raised in Gonzales, California, Joseph grew up surrounded by agriculture, even though he originally thought his future would take him far away from the Salinas Valley. Instead, agriculture pulled him back in, leading him into a career in human resources that has now spanned more than 20 years. Throughout the conversation, Joseph shares his perspective on leadership, the realities of agriculture, and the importance of building strong relationships within the workplace. From navigating the seasonal transitions between Salinas and Yuma to managing workforce shortages, immigration concerns, and the demands of a fast-moving industry, Joseph gives an honest look into the operational and people side of agriculture that many outside the industry rarely see. Joseph also talks about the culture within agriculture and why it feels more like family than business. He shares how agriculture's unpredictability - driven daily by weather, harvest timing, and changing conditions - creates a level of teamwork, commitment, and connection that is difficult to find anywhere else. The conversation highlights the passion behind the people who work in agriculture and the responsibility leaders carry in supporting employees while helping companies and communities succeed. The episode also explores Joseph's family history, including his grandfather's journey from Pakistan to California in the early 1900s to pursue farming in the Imperial Valley. Joseph reflects on how that history shaped his connection to agriculture and his appreciation for the sacrifices and opportunities that built the communities we know today. Ippolito International: https://www.qvproduce.com Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/ Episode Contributors - Joseph Mallobox, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Mickayla Ursini The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/ SAIN Medical - https://sainmedical.com/ MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

Ce mardi 19 mai, Raphaël Legendre a reçu Eudoxe Denis, vice-président du think tank Propriété et Libertés, Denis Payre, président de Nature & People First, et Roland Gillet, professeur d'économie financière à l'Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, dans l'émission Les Experts sur BFM Business. Retrouvez l'émission du lundi au vendredi et réécoutez la en podcast.

Ce mardi 19 mai, l'état global de l'économie française face à la guerre au Moyen-Orient a été décrypté par Eudoxe Denis, vice-président du think tank Propriété et Libertés, Denis Payre, président de Nature & People First, et Roland Gillet, professeur d'économie financière à l'Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, dans l'émission Les Experts, présentée par Raphaël Legendre sur BFM Business. Retrouvez l'émission du lundi au vendredi et réécoutez la en podcast.

Ce mardi 19 mai, la taxe sur les petits colis dont les recettes sont 13 fois inférieures aux prévisions, ainsi que les défis auxquels sont confrontés le G7 Finances, ont été abordés par Eudoxe Denis, vice-président du think tank Propriété et Libertés, Denis Payre, président de Nature & People First, et Roland Gillet, professeur d'économie financière à l'Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, dans l'émission Les Experts, présentée par Raphaël Legendre sur BFM Business. Retrouvez l'émission du lundi au vendredi et réécoutez la en podcast.

As sustainability conversations increasingly center on regulation, compliance deadlines and investment in new data systems, something risks getting lost: the need to invest in people who drive the change. Todd Corley's perspective emphasizes the importance of inspiring and developing individuals across all levels of an organization. Rooted in a career shaping social, philanthropic, sustainability and belonging initiatives in corporate workplaces, he now holds one of the most distinctive roles in the industry as Chief People and Impact Officer at Carhartt. From that vantage point, he builds strategy bottom-up, and asks a different question: What happens when you treat people and culture not as a support function to your people and impact strategy, but as its foundation?   Integrating this strategic framework within global organizations requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to accept that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to building a purpose-driven culture. In this webinar, we explored: - How Todd's journey to Chief People and Impact Officer shapes his approach to sustainability - What it looks like to structure teams and governance for real impact, and why capacity building is a strategic investment - Carhartt's people-first approach in practice: examples of community connection, skilled trade development and accessible circularity - Making the internal business case: navigating pushback and keeping purpose at the core - Reasons for optimism, and what the industry needs to do next to act on them

End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode of Business of Architecture, Enoch Sears talks with John Arnold, partner at KFA. John shares how rising from junior staff to firm leader shaped his focus on people, culture, and stability. The stories show life inside a firm that works hard not to treat staff as disposable. You'll hear how John and his partners think about staffing, money, and growth so they can protect their team when the market shifts. He also hints at a mindset that shapes how they choose clients, write proposals, and handle scope changes. And he explains why he sees his role as helping people leave the firm as "whole" humans. The routine that helps KFA spot trouble months before others feel it. The way they handle first client calls that often leads to more work. One mindset shift that changes how you lead, mentor, and profit in your firm. To learn more about John, visit his website: https://kfalosangeles.com/

The mortgage industry has been talking about AI and automation for years — but where is it actually delivering results today? In this episode of Connect, California MBA CEO Paul Gigliotti sits down with Neil Armstrong, newly appointed Chief Revenue Officer of Indecomm, to dig into the real-world mechanics of operational automation in mortgage lending. Neil brings a rare perspective — 20+ years in the industry, including time on the lender side at PHH and Citi Mortgage — and he's not here to sell buzzwords. He's here to talk process, ROI, and what it actually takes to build a scalable lending operation. From machine learning-based document classification to automated underwriting, from breaking down operational silos to the critical role of change management, Neil lays out exactly what's working, where lenders get stuck, and what the next wave of agentic AI looks like inside the mortgage lifecycle. In this episode: • Why cost-per-function analysis is replacing headcount as the efficiency benchmark • How Indecomm's IDX system is cutting title review from 38 minutes to 3 and appraisal review from 40 minutes to 6 • The 60% lift in underwriter productivity — and how automated underwriting is getting there • Why you can't automate a bad process (and what to fix first) • Change management as the #1 deployment killer — and how to get buy-in from the top down • The difference between deterministic rules, machine learning, and true generative AI (and why it matters) • What's coming next: agentic AI as a digital assistant for auditors and underwriters • The human-technology balance — why borrower-facing automation isn't the goal Connect is the California MBA's podcast where strategy, innovation, and leadership come together to shape the future of mortgage finance. Subscribe for new episodes featuring the voices driving the industry forward.

Dans cet épisode, nous donnons la parole à des voix qui font de l'eau bien plus qu'une ressource : un levier de prospérité, d'égalité et de transformation. De Conakry à Washington, en passant par les champs irrigués du Sahel, nous explorons comment une meilleure gestion de l'eau peut nourrir des milliards de personnes, créer des centaines de millions d'emplois et ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives pour les femmes et les jeunes d'Afrique de l'Ouest et du Centre.Ces témoignages illustrent l'ambition du Groupe de la Banque mondiale, qui place l'eau au cœur de sa stratégie de développement, comme en témoigne le lancement de l'initiative « Water Forward — Place à l'eau » lors des dernières Réunions de printemps.Le podcast People First est disponible en ligne, sur Spotify et sur Apple Podcasts. Pour ne rien manquer, abonnez‑vous et n'oubliez pas de noter et de commenter cet épisode.Séquences00:00 Introduction02:06 Rééquilibrer l'usage de l'eau dans le système alimentaire mondial04:15 245 millions d'emplois à portée de main06:21 Quand l'eau change une vie - témoignage de Guinée07:38 L'eau comme opportunité pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest et du Centre09:49 Transformer l'engagement des parties prenantes en résultats concrets11:41 ConclusionÀ propos du People First Podcast:People First Podcast vient apporter un éclairage humain et concret sur les thématiques de développement spécifiques aux habitants d'Afrique de l'Ouest et du centre, et sur la contribution du Groupe de la Banque mondiale. People First Podcast, pour un développement durable et inclusif !À propos du Groupe de la Banque mondiale:Le Groupe de la Banque mondiale est l'une des plus importantes sources de financement et de connaissances au monde pour les pays à faible revenu. Ses cinq institutions partagent l'engagement de réduire la pauvreté, d'accroître la prospérité partagée et de promouvoir le développement durable.

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Sascha Lock, Executive Director (SVP), Integrated Investment at Hearts & Science.They discuss how people-first leadership is shaping the future of media in an AI-driven world, from navigating constant change and managing client expectations to building stronger partnerships through transparency, accountability, and human connection. Interested in being a guest? Contact us: adtechheroespodcast.com/contact

AI is everywhere — but are we actually using it well? In this episode, Cristina and Alex welcome back return guest Joe Messina, an enterprise technology leader with 20+ years of experience navigating complex transformations. Together, they unpack why so many organizations are rushing into AI adoption without asking the most important questions first: What problem are we actually solving? And are we making things better for our people, or just moving faster toward a cliff? Drawing sharp parallels to the cloud migration era and the dot-com boom, Joe and the team make the case that history is repeating itself — and that the real risk isn't AI itself, but the absence of strategy behind it.The conversation goes deep on what authentic, courageous leadership looks like in the middle of an AI transformation — from setting up meaningful gates and guardrails, to listening to your people before rolling anything out, to measuring what actually matters instead of just tracking adoption. Joe offers a refreshingly grounded perspective: AI should be in service of humans, not the other way around. If you're a leader trying to figure out how to cut through the hype, bring your team along, and actually do this right, this episode is your roadmap.

Susie Silver, CDE, joins Donald Thompson to make the ROI case for psychological safety, belonging, and people-first culture at scale." — used by Google Podcasts and podcast SEO toolsSummaryPsychological safety is not a perk — it is a performance strategy that drives measurable business results.In this episode, Donald Thompson sits down with his colleague and workplace consultant Susie Silver, a Certified Diversity Executive and Senior Consultant at the Workplace Options Center for Organizational Effectiveness. Drawing from her background in fine arts, education, and nearly two decades of consulting, Susie breaks down how the most successful organizations are the ones that treat human insight as a business asset, not an afterthought.Episode Long DescriptionIn this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson and his colleague Susie Silver answer what people-first leadership actually means for executives who are accountable to both a culture scorecard and a financial one.In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald and Susie pull back the curtain on what it looks like to build a culture of psychological safety from the inside out, including including the specific story of how Susie's team pitched a microlearning program, earned Donald's buy-in at The Diversity Movement, and scaled it into a seven-figure opportunity. That is not a feel-good story. That is what happens when a leader creates the conditions for people to bring their best thinking.They also dig into what leaders get wrong about "bring your authentic self," why women leaders are often set up to fail by the very phrases meant to empower them, and how to balance the culture conversation with the financial conversation without sacrificing either one.This episode is built for HR executives, CHROs, and senior leaders who need the business case for culture — not just the philosophy.Key Talking Points:Human Insight as Strategy: How do you measure belonging the same way you measure revenue, and what are leaders who skip this step consistently getting wrong? The Micro-Training Revolution: What happened when one team replaced all-day workshops with 30-minute Monday sessions — and why 70% of an entire workforce, including the CEO, showed up every time?Psychological Safety in Practice: What does psychological safety actually require from a manager on a Tuesday morning, when the stakes are real and the buzzwords are useless?The "Be Bold" Lie: Why telling underrepresented leaders to bring their authentic selves — without redesigning the environment they are walking into — is one of the most damaging things a well-meaning organization can do?Empathy and Economics: What do organizations that treat culture and performance as competing priorities consistently get wrong — and what are the leaders winning right now doing instead?Chapter Markers0:00 - Intro: Susie Silver02:15 - From Fine Arts to the Boardroom: Susie's Journey05:00 - Translating Human Insight Into Business Strategy07:30 - What Psychological Safety Actually Looks Like in Practice10:00 - Teaching Employees to Speak the Language of Leadership13:00 - The Micro-Training Pilot: From Idea to Seven Figures18:00 - Stop Debating. Start Testing. Let the Data Lead.20:00 - Parenting in Unprecedented Times and What Leaders Can Learn From It24:00 - Flexibility Is Not a Weakness. It Is a Leadership Tool.27:00 - How Susie Consumes Information and Stays Current30:00 - The "Be Bold" Lie: What Women Leaders Are Really Up Against34:00 - How to Interrupt Bias in the Room in Real Time37:00 - You Do Not Have to Choose Between Empathy and EconomicsAbout the GuestSusie Silver is the rare workplace strategist whose frameworks were not built in a business school, they were built in fine arts studios, public school classrooms, and the kind of organizations where belonging was treated as a luxury until she made it a line item. Susie spent 18 years in fine arts education before realizing the most broken learning environments were inside corporations — and that career pivot became the foundation of her work as a Certified Diversity Executive and Senior Consultant at the Workplace Options Center for Organizational Effectiveness. With a background in fine arts, education, and nearly 18 years in the classroom, Susie pivoted into organizational consulting focused on psychological safety, inclusive culture, and LGBTQ plus inclusion. A serial entrepreneur and passionate advocate for building workplaces where people and performance thrive together, Susie brings a rare combination of creative thinking, business acumen, and real-world data to every engagement.Resources:Donald Thompson LinkedInDonald's Books: https://donaldthompson.com/books-resources/The Center for Organizational Effectiveness by Workplace Options Website Susie Silver LinkedInWorkplace Options 2026 Psychological Safety Study: https://psychsafety.workplaceoptions.com/resource/the-coe-2026-psychological-safety-study/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=psych_safety Stay connected with Donald: Get Donald's newsletter that is packed with actionable insights, and the kind of straight-talk leadership intelligence that helps build authority, drive performance, and stay ahead of what is coming next: donaldthompson.com.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldthompsonjrSubscribe on SubStack: https://substack.com/@donaldthompsonjr High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

In this episode, Janel Allen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Children's Nebraska, shares how a people first promise and retention focused strategy have strengthened culture, reduced turnover, and improved patient experience. She also discusses workforce development, leadership evolution, and the role of AI in creating a more human centered healthcare environment.

In this episode, Janel Allen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Children's Nebraska, shares how a people first promise and retention focused strategy have strengthened culture, reduced turnover, and improved patient experience. She also discusses workforce development, leadership evolution, and the role of AI in creating a more human centered healthcare environment.

In this episode, Janel Allen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Children's Nebraska, shares how a people first promise and retention focused strategy have strengthened culture, reduced turnover, and improved patient experience. She also discusses workforce development, leadership evolution, and the role of AI in creating a more human centered healthcare environment.

In this episode of the HR Mixtape, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer at Wolverine Power Cooperative. They discuss the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach in the workplace, especially in the context of conflict and the rise of AI. Listeners will learn practical strategies for managing workplace conflict, the significance of validating emotions, and how to balance data-driven decision-making with empathy. • Understand the role of inner dialogue in conflict resolution. • Learn techniques for validating employee feelings without agreeing with inaccurate information. • Discover how to approach difficult conversations with empathy and clarity. • Explore the importance of building trust in union environments. Recognize the value of employee engagement data in decision-making. 00:00 -- Introduction to the episode and guest. 00:16 -- Kacy's journey in HR and passion for people. 00:57 -- The impact of AI on workplace credibility. 02:14 -- Best practices for double-checking AI information. 03:38 -- The importance of critical thinking in AI use. 05:04 -- Skills for leaders to navigate workplace conflict. 06:53 -- Managing inner chatter before conflict resolution. 07:45 -- The power of acknowledging and validating feelings. 09:26 -- Developing empathy in HR roles. 12:10 -- The importance of not solving others' problems. 15:33 -- Using data to support tough organizational decisions. 20:17 -- Building trust in union environments. 22:03 -- Final advice for HR practitioners. Guest(s): Kacy Wickenhauser, Chief HR Officer at Wolverine Power Cooperative. She leads HR strategy in complex environments, focusing on trust and operational clarity. Kacy has over 20 years of experience in HR and has developed skills in conflict resolution and employee engagement. Keywords: workplace conflict resolution, validating employee feelings, HR strategies, AI in the workplace, trust in unions, employee engagement data, critical thinking skills, managing difficult conversations, HR leadership, human-centered workplace

Send us Fan MailIn this compelling episode, we dissect the revolutionary 'People First' approach with the incredible Amy Lafko. Often, the traditional 'patient-centered care' model, while well-intentioned, can inadvertently lead to team burnout and a struggling practice. Amy shares her transformative journey, revealing how she learned that by prioritizing her team, she ultimately fostered a more successful and compassionate environment for both staff and patients. This discussion is vital for any leader questioning the status quo and seeking a more sustainable and human-centered way to run their practice. Dive in to learn how a shift in focus can create thriving teams and unparalleled patient care.What You'll Learn:Why a strict 'patient-first' mindset can be detrimental to your team.The importance of prioritizing your team's well-being for overall practice success.How to redefine hiring practices to focus on team alignment and cultural fit.Strategies for constructively addressing staff mistakes while maintaining support.A renewed perspective on what 'the customer is always right' truly means in practice.The impact of a 'People First' culture on attracting and retaining top talent.How to manage difficult decisions, like employee terminations, with empathy and transparency.Join us as Amy Lafko inspires a paradigm shift that will empower your team and elevate your practice to new heights.#PeopleFirstRevolution #HealthcareLeadership #TeamEmpowerment #AmyLafko #PrivatePracticeSurvivalGuideAmy Lafko is a leadership and organizational design expert, mainstage speaker, author, and facilitator. Known for her “People First” method, she brings a step-by-step process to put employee engagement and empowerment into practice. Having spent 20+ years in healthcare leadership roles, her work is inspired by her personal transformation as a leader. That inspiration and her energy is multiplied every time she assists someone with their own shift in mindset and intentions.Her book, People First: A Proven Method for an Exceptional Healthcare Practice was an Amazon bestselling new release. In addition to founding Cairn Consulting Solutions, LLC and being certified in TTI Success Insights DISC, Driving Forces and Emotional Intelligence, Amy has earned her MSPT from Ithaca College, her MBA from Loyola University of MD.https://cairncs.com/Welcome to Private Practice Survival Guide Podcast hosted by Brandon Seigel! Brandon Seigel, President of Wellness Works Management Partners, is an internationally known private practice consultant with over fifteen years of executive leadership experience. Seigel's book "The Private Practice Survival Guide" takes private practice entrepreneurs on a journey to unlocking key strategies for surviving―and thriving―in today's business environment. Now Brandon Seigel goes beyond the book and brings the same great tips, tricks, and anecdotes to improve your private practice in this companion podcast. Get In Touch With MePodcast Website: https://www.privatepracticesurvivalguide.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonseigel/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonseigel/https://wellnessworksmedicalbilling.com/Private Practice Survival Guide BookThis show is proudly produced at PS Studios — learn more https://www.psstudios.co

In this special ENCORE episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Mat Povse, President of Best Buy Canada, live on the stage in Vancouver at Retail Council of Canada's 2025 Retail West stage for a wide-ranging and candid conversation on leadership, innovation, omnichannel retail, and the future of consumer technology in Canada. Povse begins by unpacking what is currently working at Best Buy Canada, pointing to strong financial momentum driven by a clear sense of purpose: understanding why the retailer exists and how it adds value in a crowded technology marketplace. He emphasizes that Best Buy is not simply a retailer, but a people-first organization built on adaptability, humility, and a culture that embraces constant change. That mindset has enabled the company to modernize approximately 85% of its Canadian store fleet, with plans to reach full modernization across all 320 locations—an achievement Povse notes is rare by global retail standards. The conversation explores the evolving role of physical stores in an attention-scarce world. Povse explains how Best Buy balances frictionless transactions for efficiency-driven shoppers with high-touch, consultative experiences for customers overwhelmed by complex technology decisions. This dual mandate—serving both mass market and specialty retail needs—defines Best Buy's in-store strategy and underpins its omnichannel ecosystem. LeBlanc and Povse also examine post-pandemic tailwinds, including technology refresh cycles following the COVID “buy-forward” period. Povse outlines how innovation from major vendors, operating system upgrades, gaming launches, and AI-enabled devices are fueling renewed demand. He positions Best Buy as a critical platform for brands bringing new technology to market, reinforcing its role as both retailer and technology authority. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Best Buy Express, the partnership with Bell that rapidly expanded the retailer's physical footprint by opening 167 stores in just five months. Povse describes the initiative as “fiercely successful,” highlighting how Express locations are driving both in-store traffic and incremental online sales in previously underserved markets. The episode also dives into Best Buy's early leadership in retail media and marketplace strategy. Povse frames Best Buy as a platform connecting first- and third-party sellers with consumers across stores, digital channels, and media assets—while stressing the importance of protecting the customer experience. He underscores that retail media must enhance relevance, not create friction. Finally, Povse reflects on leadership philosophy, advocating for collaborative decision-making, discretionary effort, and values-driven culture. He closes with practical advice for retailers and vendors alike: build the right team, listen more than you speak, understand your business at both micro and macro levels, and lead with honesty and humility. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

These episodes of #thePOZcast, live from Transform 2026 in Las Vegas, are proudly brought to you by our friends at Overalls What if your employees had one central hub to handle real life? Meet Overalls. A smarter way to support your team, combining expert human LifeConcierges™ with AI to solve everyday challenges across healthcare, caregiving, benefits, insurance, finances, life admin, and more. From start to finish, Overalls handles the details — using existing benefits where they fit, and filling in the gaps where they don't. So employees save time, reduce stress, and stay focused at work, while employers boost engagement and get more value from their benefits. Overalls is redefining how work supports life, helping employee teams from Reddit, Patreon, BeatBox, and more cross pesky to-dos off their lists every day. Learn more at https://getoveralls.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pozcast Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Katya Laviolette, Chief People Officer at 1Password  Katya Laviolette is the Chief People Officer at 1Password, where she's grown a fully remote team to 1,400+ across five countries and achieved a 93% offer-to-acceptance rate. A strategic, globally-minded HR leader, Katya drives business innovation through talent and organizational development. Previously, Katya held executive roles at SSENSE, TC Transcontinental, CBC/Radio-Canada, Rio Tinto, Bombardier Aerospace, and Canadian National Railway. Katya is a Board Director at Sanimax and Solotech, and a founding member of Transform Montreal. She's also an ORHRI member, certified Integral Coaching Canada coach, and actively involved in Pour 3 Points, Governance au Féminin, and Monday Girl. 00:00 – Introduction Adam Poser welcomes Katya Laviolette live from Transform 2026 and sets the stage for the conversation. 01:15 – Meet 1Password & Katya Katya introduces herself and 1Password — an identity security company, fully remote for 20 years, now protecting both humans and AI agents. 03:30 – Evaluating Total Comp as a Candidate Breaking down what candidates should actually consider beyond base salary: bonus, equity, and especially benefits — including what employers contribute to healthcare. 06:45 – Table Stakes vs. Standout Benefits What every company must offer vs. what sets 1Password apart: pet telemedicine, 25 days PTO, 4 company-wide wellness days, and robust family planning benefits. 10:30 – Wellness Days Explained Katya unpacks what a "wellness day" actually looks like at 1Password — full company shutdowns so employees can recharge without guilt. 12:00 – Benefits ROI & Utilization How 1Password justifies the cost of premium benefits through utilization data, focus groups, and productivity metrics — and why cutting benefits should be the last resort. 15:00 – The Onboarding Edge: Starting on Wednesday 1Password's unconventional onboarding approach: all new hires start on Wednesdays so managers are ready, systems are prepped, and new employees get 3 days of company-led onboarding before meeting their team. 18:30 – Staying Connected in a Remote Company How 1Password keeps culture alive across 6 countries: city-by-city executive meetups, all-hands sessions, employee resource groups, and intentional cross-functional collaboration. 22:00 – Being Honest in the Interview Process Katya's approach to radical transparency — telling candidates "1Password might not be the place for you" — and why managing expectations is a competitive advantage. 25:30 – Remote Work Isn't for Everyone A candid conversation about the real challenges of remote work, what it takes to thrive in it, and how 1Password supports employees who may be struggling. 28:00 – AI, Fraud & the Future of Recruiting How 1Password is navigating AI-generated applications, over-embellished resumes, and fraudulent candidates — including mandatory in-person finalist interviews for senior roles. 31:00 – What's Exciting Katya Right Now Katya shares what energizes her most: the curiosity of 1Password's workforce and the chance to be part of a genuinely game-changing mission in AI and identity security.   Key Takeaways 1. Benefits Are a Recruiting and Retention Weapon Katya emphasizes that benefits extend far beyond table stakes like dental and disability. Standout offerings — family planning, pet telemedicine, wellness days, and generous PTO — are central to 1Password's employer brand and a real differentiator in a competitive talent market. 2. Employer Healthcare Contributions Matter More Than Most Candidates Realize The portion a company pays toward employee healthcare can represent thousands of dollars in annual value. Katya urges candidates to factor this into their true compensation comparison — not just base salary. 3. Benefits Only Work If Employees Know About Them and Use Them 1Password achieves high utilization through proactive education, easy administration, annual focus groups by country, and renewal-time communications that show employees the dollar value of their benefits package. 4. Start New Hires on a Wednesday — Not a Monday By onboarding all new employees on Wednesdays, 1Password ensures managers are focused and ready, systems are set up, and new hires get 3 days of company-led orientation before their team ramps up. It's a simple change with an outsized impact on first impressions. 5. Radical Transparency Reduces Mis-Hires Rather than selling every candidate on the company, Katya actively explains the challenges of remote work and the intensity of 1Password's mission. The company even includes language in offer materials saying "1Password might not be the place for you." This honest framing reduces early attrition. 6. Remote Culture Requires Intentional Design Staying connected across time zones doesn't happen by accident. 1Password invests in city-by- city in-person gatherings, structured all-hands, manager training on relationship-building over Zoom, and employee resource groups to keep culture alive. 7. AI Is Reshaping Recruiting — And Security-First Companies Are Ahead of the Curve 1Password has implemented fraud detection tools at the top of the application funnel, trained interviewers to identify AI-generated content, and instituted multi-stage interview loops with mandatory in-person finalists for senior hires. 8. Don't Cut Benefits When Things Get Tight Benefits are foundational to culture and trust. Katya argues that benefits should be among the last things cut in a cost-reduction scenario — the ROI from retention, productivity, and employer brand far outweighs the savings. 9. Time Is Currency for Employees Whether it's concierge benefits that handle personal logistics, flexible scheduling for a remote lifestyle, or wellness days that give genuine mental recharge time — giving employees their time back is one of the highest-ROI investments a company can make.  

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/lfxkiGyCeqU  In this spotlight from episode 354 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Brian Fuller to explore what it takes to build a reputation for leadership and consistent success. Known as a go-to resource for peers across the business, Brian shares why so many sales managers and HFCs seek his guidance—and what truly makes the difference. The conversation highlights the importance of creating an environment where Memory Makers feel confident, supported, and passionate about their work. Brian emphasizes that when people genuinely love what they do, it naturally carries over to both guests and teammates. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

In this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Patty Arvielo to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the role mortgage executives play in shaping the future of the industry. Arvielo shares how she leads at scale by humanizing leadership — meeting people where they are, understanding different perspectives across teams, and taking full accountability when things break down. She explains how the culture at New American Funding was intentionally built over time, drawing inspiration from customer-first organizations like Zappos. The conversation also covers her advocacy work in Washington and why mortgage professionals need a stronger voice in regulatory decisions that directly impact borrowers. Arvielo highlights her Thrive and Lead mentorship program and her commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, particularly women in mortgage. From navigating market cycles to building durable teams, this episode offers practical insight for professionals focused on long-term impact and leadership. Related to this episode: Zeb Lowe's LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Patty Arvielo's LinkedIn PattyArvielo.com New American Funding The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire's Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

What if the key to higher profits isn't better marketing or more sales tactics but how you treat your people? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Sandra Coker, CEO of Human Power Solutions and author of People Profit. Sandra shares her powerful journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, sparked by life-changing personal experiences that forced her to rethink everything. Sandra breaks down how investing in employee development directly impacts customer experience, retention, and long-term profitability. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and women navigating what's next, offering both inspiration and actionable strategies to build stronger teams and more sustainable businesses.   What You Will Learn: How early life challenges can shape leadership style and drive independence. Why investing in employee development leads directly to increased profitability. The connection between internal team experience and external customer satisfaction. How to transition from corporate life into entrepreneurship with intention. What it takes to grow and scale a seven-figure consulting business. Why asking for help and leveraging mentors accelerates success. How to identify and fix internal organizational gaps that impact performance. Connect with Sandra Coker HP Solutions Book: People Profit: How to Improve Your Bottom Line by Investing in Those Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

A People-First, Tech-Enhanced Approach to Customer Care  Shep interviews Jenni Hawkins, Vice President of Customer Care for Gas South. She discusses human-led customer service, employee engagement, and community involvement to deliver exceptional customer experiences.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can balancing technology and personal interaction improve customer loyalty?  How does a strong internal culture impact the overall customer experience?  Why is it important to offer customers a choice between AI tools and human interaction?  How can handwritten notes or personalized follow-ups boost brand loyalty?  How are emerging technologies like AI used to support, not replace, employees?  Top Takeaways:    Human-led customer service creates stronger connections with customers. Even as AI and technology advance, many customers still want the option to speak to a real person, especially for sensitive or complex issues.   While investing in AI enhances the customer experience, providing easy access to human support helps build trust, resolve issues efficiently, and build customer loyalty.  While many companies are turning to AI and self-service channels to cut costs, the most effective approach is to use technology to assist, not replace, customer support teams. AI tools and chatbots can handle routine inquiries and streamline processes, allowing agents to focus on building relationships, offering empathy, and solving complex problems.  When it's possible, employing customer care staff within the same communities they serve provides a significant advantage to both the company and its customers. Local teams have firsthand knowledge of regional regulations, weather patterns, and community-specific concerns. They can relate to customers on a more personal level, anticipate needs, and respond to unique local situations with empathy.   An organization's internal culture directly impacts the customer experience. When companies invest in their teams, employees become more engaged and committed to the company's mission.   Low employee attrition and high job satisfaction translate into more engaged agents who use their experience and empathy to better serve customers and contribute to a strong, positive brand reputation.  Personal touches like sending handwritten or personalized cards after customer interactions make a lasting impression. Even when automation is used to scale these efforts, cards that reference specific details from the customer's experience strengthen the sense of genuine care and appreciation that employees and companies have for them.  The State of Customer Service and CX study shows that most customers prefer to use the phone to resolve issues, especially when something goes wrong. This preference cuts across generational lines and is even more needed for emotional or complicated customer concerns. Even though self-service solutions boost efficiency, providing an easy way to speak with a real person when automation is not enough prevents frustration with impersonal digital-only solutions.  Customers love to do business with companies that contribute to their communities and support local causes. When companies are transparent about their community engagement, whether it's through financial contributions or volunteering, it not only makes employees proud to work there but also builds trust within the community.  When leaders consistently embody the business's values and mission and actively support both customers and employees, the effects are felt throughout the organization. Employees become brand ambassadors, invested not only in day-to-day tasks but also in the company's larger purpose. It creates a workplace where employees want to stay, and customers want to do business. Plus, Jenni shares how Gas South has earned thousands of outstanding 5-star Google reviews. Tune in!  Quote:   "Embracing technology is important, but customers should always have the choice to speak to a human when they need to."  About:     Jenni Hawkins is Vice President of Customer Care at Gas South and has previously held leadership roles at Delta Air Lines, CBORD/Roper Technologies, and Delta Community Credit Union. Since 2021, Jenni Hawkins has helped Gas South achieve record customer satisfaction and thousands of 5-star Google reviews.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have heard it said from just about every Kingdom company we have interviewed that it is all about relationship. That putting people first makes all the difference in the health of their business. This concept is contrary to how the world has taught us to do it.  But we have heard and seen in these Kingdom companies, that when you put people first before profits, the profits will follow. That is a heavenly model of doing business, vs. a worldly one. This proves out the words of Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  What will you do today, to implement this Kingdom model of doing business? 

In this episode, Andrew Dabalen, Chief Economist for the World Bank Africa Region, is back on People First Podcast to answer the big question left hanging from his previous appearance: what kind of policies can actually drive job creation across the continent?The focus this time turns to industrial policy, the strategies, tools, and trade-offs that African governments are using to transform their economies and create jobs at scale. From tariffs to special economic zones, from natural resources to the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the discussion gets into what works, what doesn't, and why discipline matters as much as ambition.The People First podcast is available online, on Spotify, and on Apple Podcast. For more updates, follow us by subscribing, and don't forget to rate and comment on this episode.Sequences00:00 Introduction00:34 Global revival of industrial policy02:42 Go-to tools and invisible ingredients05:50 Conditions to leverage Africa's natural resources07:08 Governments and the African Continental Free Trade Area09:26 Building an ecosystem for productivity and jobs11:12 ConclusionAbout People First PodcastPeople First Podcast provides a human angle to concrete development topics as they affect people in Western and Central Africa. It also features World Bank project and initiatives. Join us for a sustainable and inclusive development!About World Bank GroupThe World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Send us Fan MailYour next level of growth might not require more marketing - it might require a better customer experience.In this episode, I'm joined by Customer Experience and Messaging Strategist Dani Whitestone to talk about a growth strategy most entrepreneurs overlook: how people actually feel every step of the way when working with you.Because referrals, renewals, and repeat sales don't happen by accident. They happen by design.We break down what the “customer journey” really is (in normal human language), where trust quietly erodes in your process, and how small, intentional upgrades can increase revenue without adding more work.We also discuss: • The four R's of business growth: Revenue, Retention, Referrals, and Relationships • How to create meaningful connection points in your customer experience (and why even the little things matter!) • How to balance automation with real human touch • Simple first steps to audit and improve your client journeyIf you want clients who stay longer, refer you more often, and genuinely enjoy working with you, this conversation will shift how you think about growth.Links & References:Come network with us! CLICK HERE to attend your first PWR Connection Network virtual speed networking event at no cost!Get Dani's free "People First, Profits Follow" guide:  https://www.daniwhitestone.com/peopleWatch the Unreasonable Hospitality TED Talk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwcyXcOpWVs&t=362s Join one of Dani's 1-1 Virtual Networking Events:    https://www.daniwhitestone.com/networking Connect with Dani on LinkedIn or InstagramSupport the showConnect with Your Host!Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Jason Glime joined Spartan Wealth Management as President of Employee Benefits in November 2022 with the goal of leading the company's next phase of expansion. As president, Jason has ultimate responsibility to drive business-development, set up the processes to deliver exceptional customer service and grow the employee benefits clientele and internal team. With more than 25 years of sales and business development experience, Jason specializes in building strong relationships and creating solutions that help companies protect their most valuable assets – their people, reputation and bottom-line. Jason earned a Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University. He resides in Birmingham, Michigan with his wife Tiffany and their 2 sons Nathan & Ryan. Jason loves to golf, travel and participating in endurance events. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Jason Glime:Website: https://spartanwealth.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpartanWealthManagement LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spartan-wealth-management/                                                                                       *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

In this episode, Dr. KK Owen, a leader coach at Studer Education, shares that “our best chance of success is through our people.” As she explains, it's for this reason that people need to understand that they are valued and that they bring value to an organization. Building a people-first mindset allows for this kind of focus through recognition, intentional communication, and shining lights on bright spots.What is a people-first mindset? What does it look like? Why is it important, and how can it be built? Listen as Dr. Janet Pilcher and Dr. Owen discuss these questions and explain why leaders must "just start" intentionally recognizing good work, shining lights on bright spots, upholding the good work and value of others, and maintaining a “people-first” mindset. Recommended Resources:  9 Pillars of Leadership Excellence: A New Operating System for Education, Transform District Culture with People-First Strategies, People-First Leadership in Classrooms and CommunitiesFollow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/ 

Fifteen years ago, Jeffrey Fermin co-founded OfficeVibe, one of the world's first employee pulse survey platforms. Since then, the HR tech market has exploded with over 200 similar tools, yet global employee disengagement remains stubbornly high. In this very honest episode, Jeffrey joins Al and Leanne to explain why the industry he helped create hasn't solved the problem it promised to fix. We dive into the "subscription economy" traps of HR Tech, the rise of "job hugging" in 2025/26, and why your fancy engagement dashboard might actually be making things worse.

This episode felt like such a full-circle moment for me. I'm talking with my former photography mentee, Cortnie Davis, who has grown from an 18-year-old wedding photographer into a thoughtful consultant helping creative entrepreneurs build calmer, more sustainable businesses.Cortnie began her career behind the camera and later added floristry to her creative life. Today she works at the intersection of creativity, systems, and sales, helping wedding professionals and other service-based creatives turn all that invisible behind-the-scenes work into intentional systems that actually support their businesses.With a background in hospitality and years of client-facing experience, Cortnie believes strong processes should feel human and supportive — not rigid or overwhelming. She's equal parts people-obsessed and spreadsheet-loving, and her work focuses on helping creatives build workflows that allow their artistry to thrive.In our conversation, we also reminisce about her early photography days and the moment at a conference when a little encouragement helped her keep going. Hearing how that stayed with her all these years truly touched my heart.We also talk about the powerful mindset shift from scarcity to service, and why documenting your workflows and using tools like HoneyBook and ShootProof can make running a photography business so much easier.In this episode• The moment of encouragement that helped Cortnie stay in photography• Why a service mindset can calm anxiety and make selling feel natural• How documenting your workflows can completely change your business• The importance of personal touches in client communication• Systems and tools that free creatives to focus on what they loveA thoughtful, honest conversation about creativity, burnout, service, and building a photography business that feels calmer, clearer, and more profitable — without losing the human touch.To connect with Cortnie hello@cortniedee.comcortniedee.comConnect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.

In this episode, listeners will learn about the importance of people-first leadership and how it can transform workplace culture. Jeremy York discusses practical strategies for leaders to enhance communication, build trust, and prioritize employee well-being, ultimately leading to improved team performance and reduced turnover. Listener Takeaways Understand the critical role of people-first leadership in retaining talent. Learn how to shift focus from tasks to employee development. Discover practical strategies for fostering open communication and trust. Explore the impact of automation on human interactions in the workplace. Recognize the importance of setting boundaries to promote work-life balance. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to people-first leadership 00:36 – Importance of treating employees as individuals 01:08 – Data supporting people-first leadership 02:42 – Shifting focus from tasks to people 04:45 – Tactical advice for leaders 06:30 – The role of automation in communication 11:01 – Creating a joy-powered workplace 15:06 – Differences in leadership for frontline vs. desk employees 17:24 – Common leadership behaviors that harm culture 20:15 – Setting boundaries for work-life balance 22:06 – Final thoughts on authentic leadership Guest(s): Jeremy York is the lead consultant and president at Invigorate HR, specializing in helping leaders strengthen communication and trust within their teams. He is also a co-author of "Work on Joy." Keywords: people-first leadership, employee retention, communication strategies, trust building, work-life balance, automation in the workplace, joy-powered workplace, leadership behaviors, employee development, organizational culture