Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Culture Leaders with Dr. Jessica Kriegel

This week, Jessica speaks with Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan Publishers and longtime publishing executive, to explore how books, reading habits, and consumer expectations are evolving in a rapidly changing world. With experience leading major book organizations through growth and transformation, Jon shares a grounded perspective on what it takes to keep reading relevant in an era defined by constant distraction and shifting attention. Jon explains how successful book companies think beyond individual titles and instead focus on building lasting relationships with readers. He walks through the realities of scaling a modern publishing business, from understanding changing consumption patterns to creating experiences that meet readers where they are. He also reflects on the role of leadership in balancing commercial performance with the deeper mission of fostering curiosity, learning, and long term engagement. The conversation also explores how technology, distribution, and audience behavior are reshaping the industry, and why adaptability has become a core requirement for publishers and leaders alike. Jon shares insights on building teams that can operate through uncertainty, staying focused on the customer, and continuing to invest in books as a meaningful and enduring medium. About Jon Yaged Jon Yaged is Chief Executive Officer of Macmillan Publishers. Jon previously served as President, Macmillan Publishers, and President & Publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. During his tenure as CEO and President, the company recorded the highest revenue and operating income in its history. Over the course of his 20-year career in children’s publishing, Jon oversaw the publication of many bestselling books while working with critically acclaimed, award-winning authors and illustrators, including Katherine Applegate, Leigh Bardugo, Angeline Boulley, Eoin Colfer, Taye Diggs, Shane W. Evans, Jimmy Fallon, Jules Feiffer, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Marissa Meyer, Rick Riordan, Mo Willems, and Gene Luen Yang.  Jon is passionate about fostering publishing programs that reflect the communities in which we live. He is committed to leading a company that invests in its employees by creating a culture of collaboration, mentorship, inclusion, and innovation. Jon began his publishing career at The Walt Disney Company, reaching the level of Vice President, US Publisher, Disney Book Group. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of a social media marketing company and, before joining Disney, he practiced entertainment and technology law.  Jon currently serves on the Boards of the Association of American Publishers, National Book Foundation, and National Coalition Against Censorship. He has a JD from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the George Washington University. Jon lives with his family in New York City. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonyaged/              Website: https://us.macmillan.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sits down with Lothar Schupet, Acting CEO of Zeekr EU, to explore what it really takes to build a premium brand from the ground up in one of the most competitive and complex industries in the world. With more than 25 years in automotive, Lothar brings a rare perspective on the shift from legacy organizations to high-speed, startup-like environments. Lothar shares the realities of launching a new brand in Europe, from designing products without historical customer feedback to building distribution, infrastructure, and operations simultaneously across multiple markets. He explains why early success depended on hiring “doers” who could operate without structure, and how the next phase required layering in deep industry expertise to stabilize and scale the business. The conversation also dives into culture as a performance driver. Lothar reflects on the challenge of aligning teams across dozens of nationalities, backgrounds, and legacy mindsets, and how clear cultural beliefs, like trust paired with accountability, enabled faster decision making, decentralized ownership, and sustained growth. He offers practical insight into embedding culture through repetition, leadership modeling, and systems that reinforce behavior over time. About Lothar Schupet Lothar Schupet is the Acting CEO of Zeekr Europe, a role he assumed in January 2025. Prior to this, he served as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Head of Commercial Operations at Zeekr from January 2023 to December 2024, overseeing sales, network development, financial services, logistics, training, and retail operations. Lothar's extensive experience in the automotive industry and his leadership roles across various European markets position him to drive Zeekr Europe's growth and expansion in the electric vehicle sector. Lothar holds a Master's in International Business from Grenoble Graduate School of Business. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lothar-schupet-a354a21/ Website: https://www.zeekr.eu/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sits down with Jerry Golden, Chief Policy Officer at Lyft, for a wide-ranging conversation about how great leaders scale their influence by building teams that multiply results rather than simply adding to them. Drawing on his experience operating at the intersection of government, technology, and community stakeholders, Jerry shares why the most valuable leadership skill is not being the smartest person in the room, but connecting the right people, ideas, and priorities to move complex work forward. Jerry explains the reality of serving as a translator between fundamentally different worlds, fast-moving tech organizations and slow-moving policy environments, and why credibility, active listening, and shared purpose are the only path to lasting alignment. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how rideshare policy is shaped, how Lyft approaches expansion into new global markets, and why the future of mobility will be a hybrid of human drivers, autonomous technology, and new access models designed for underserved populations. The conversation also explores the human side of leadership: gratitude as a daily practice, generosity as a performance advantage, and the responsibility leaders have to create environments where candor and mutual growth are possible. Jerry reflects on social impact initiatives like Lyft Up, the role of transportation in unlocking economic opportunity, and why maintaining independence and flexibility is essential for both drivers and riders in a changing economy. About Jerry Golden Jerry Golden is Lyft’s Chief Policy Officer, leading Lyft’s global policy development, government and public‬ affairs, social impact, and driver and rider advocacy. His team works at the intersection of advanced‬ technology and transportation innovation, shaping the future of mobility with policymakers and‬ stakeholders at the local, state, national, and international levels.‬  Jerry is an accomplished policy leader with a history of using technology to bring people together. Before‬ joining Lyft, he led public policy and government affairs teams at Eventbrite, the Internet Association,‬ Vanguard, and Nationwide, building trusted relationships with policymakers and stakeholders to elevate‬ each organization’s impact. Earlier in his career, he also represented the American Council of Life Insurers‬ and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.‬ Jerry has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond and a Master's degree in International‬ Commerce and Policy from George Mason University. He and his husband live in Washington, DC and have‬ two sons, Boston Terriers named Bertie and Alfie.‬ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrygolden1/ Website: https://www.lyft.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sits down with Robby Starbuck, filmmaker, activist, and corporate accountability advocate, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about culture, power, and the cost of speaking out. Known for challenging DEI programs and calling out corporations he believes have drifted away from their customers and values, Robby brings a perspective shaped by media, politics, and personal conviction. Robby explains how his advocacy is rooted not in headlines or outrage, but in a belief that fairness, merit, and corporate neutrality are essential to trust. He walks through why he believes modern DEI efforts became politicized, how media incentives distort public perception, and why judging individuals by immutable characteristics ultimately harms both people and organizations. The conversation also explores Robby’s personal journey, from building a successful career in Hollywood to walking away from it entirely, and how fatherhood reshaped his sense of responsibility and purpose. Jessica challenges Robby directly on issues of privilege, race, gender, and systemic inequality, creating a thoughtful and at times tense dialogue that models how disagreement can still be grounded in respect and accountability. At its core, this episode is not about agreement. It is about engaging hard truths, questioning assumptions, and wrestling openly with the cultural forces shaping leadership, work, and society today. About Robby Starbuck Robby Starbuck is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and political activist known for his work at the intersection of culture, media, and corporate accountability. He began his career in the entertainment industry, directing music videos and commercials for major artists and global brands before transitioning into long-form storytelling and documentary filmmaking. In recent years, Robby has become a prominent voice in public discourse around corporate governance, workplace culture, and diversity initiatives. He is widely recognized for leading high-profile campaigns urging companies to reconsider DEI policies he believes have become politicized or disconnected from core business objectives. His work has influenced policy changes at several Fortune 500 companies and sparked national debate on merit, neutrality, and trust in corporate leadership. He lives in Tennessee with his wife and children. Much of his work is driven by a belief in fairness, open dialogue, and the responsibility leaders have to the people they serve. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbystarbuck/ Website: https://robbystarbuck.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sits down with Naren Aryal, CEO of Amplify Publishing Group, to discuss what it really takes to publish a meaningful book—and the leadership mindset required to let ideas reach their full potential. Naren shares his journey from law to publishing, sparked by self-publishing a children’s book for his daughter and evolving into a career helping thought leaders find the right audience for their work. Naren explains what excites him most about publishing: working with authors who have strong ideas but need guidance on positioning, clarity, and impact. He talks candidly about the creative tension inherent in publishing, the balance between author voice and editorial discipline, and why successful books require both surrender and ownership from the author. The conversation also centers on the publishing journey of Jessica’s new book, Surrender to Lead. Together, Jessica and Naren reflect on the process of shaping the title, refining the message, co-authoring across different perspectives, and deciding when the author must step fully into their own voice. Through this real-time case study, they explore vulnerability, leadership, culture as lived experience, and why letting go of control often produces the strongest results. At its core, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the partnership between author and publisher—and how trust, clarity, and purpose turn ideas into books that matter. As CEO of Amplify Publishing Group, Naren advises industry experts and thought leaders on the opportunities and challenges that exist in the ever-evolving world of publishing. Naren’s visionary leadership has spearheaded a critical disruption of the publishing industry and has legitimized the fastest-growing sector of the market to date. At each turn, he has created more opportunities for deserving authors across genres to not only publish their work, but to publish their work well. He launched Amplify with a single title in 2003 and guided it to what it is today—one of the fastest growing and most respected hybrid publishing companies in the world. At the core of Amplify’s ethos is Naren’s prioritization of innovation. Over the past two decades he has brought new and exciting ways to publish to the fore. Prior to entering the world of books, Naren worked as a lawyer, advising technology companies in the Washington, DC, area. He is a frequent speaker on the publishing landscape, content development and positioning, book production and marketing, and author branding. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/narenaryal/              Website: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Naren Aryal

This week, Jessica sits down with Sarah Langley, Chief People, Culture, and Communications Officer at Suntory Global Spirits, to explore how leaders can intentionally shape culture in complex, global organizations—without losing humanity or purpose. Drawing on her background in psychology and her experience across regions and industries, Sarah shares how beliefs drive behavior, and behavior ultimately defines culture. Sarah explains why Suntory shifted its focus from how work gets done to why it gets done, and how simplicity and empowerment emerged as core cultural priorities following the company’s global rebrand. She offers practical insight into embedding values into everyday leadership behaviors—from work-life balance norms to decision-making at scale. The conversation also explores leading culture across geographies, balancing global consistency with local expression, and why listening—especially across differences—is essential to unlocking human potential. Sarah closes with reflections on the evolving role of HR as a strategic partner, the impact of technology on people leadership, and why lasting success always comes back to one thing: people. About Sarah Langley Sarah Langley is the Senior Vice President, Chief People, Culture & Communications Officer at Suntory Global Spirits, where she leads the company’s global talent strategy, culture programs, employee engagement, diversity & inclusion, organizational development, and corporate communications. She has a long-standing career with the Suntory Group, beginning in 2004 with Frucor Suntory in Oceania. There she served as Chief People and Communications Officer before taking on broader global roles, including Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Global HR at Suntory Holdings, based in Tokyo. In 2020, Langley was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Global People & Culture for Suntory Holdings, where she helped steer the company’s global talent agenda across its businesses. In 2021 she expanded her responsibilities further to include a hybrid role that also covered Vice President of HR for Asia Pacific at Suntory Global Spirits. Originally from New Zealand, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Psychology and a Master of Arts in Industrial Psychology from Massey University in Auckland. Before joining Suntory, she worked in consulting with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and Sheffield Limited. Langley is based in New York with her family.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-langley-3a180519/ Website: https://www.suntoryglobalspirits.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco, to explore one of the most consequential leadership challenges of our time: how to advance artificial intelligence at global scale while remaining deeply responsible to humanity. In this wide-ranging conversation, Jeetu shares his belief that AI represents the largest technological shift in human history—surpassing even the Industrial Revolution—while also acknowledging the very real risks around misuse, job displacement, security, and trust. He explains why slowing down innovation isn’t the answer, and why safety, ethics, and security must advance at the same pace as the technology itself. Jeetu also dives into the cultural side of AI adoption, offering a powerful framework for how individuals and organizations move from fear, to awareness, to full integration. He challenges leaders to stop viewing AI purely as a productivity tool and instead see it as a capacity multiplier—one that enables teams to pursue bigger ideas rather than simply cut costs. Beyond technology, the conversation turns deeply human. Jeetu reflects on curiosity, hunger, learning to learn, and the formative experiences that shaped his leadership—from immigrating to the U.S. and waiting tables, to holding his mother as she passed. He shares why legacy is overrated, why improving the lives of people living now matters more, and why adaptability, humility, and presence will remain uniquely human strengths in an AI-driven world. Jeetu Patel is Cisco’s President and Chief Product Officer. He combines a bold vision, steeped in product design and development expertise, operational rigor, and innate market understanding to create high growth businesses. He is relentlessly focused on building world class products that solve Cisco customers’ biggest problems—bringing the power of the Cisco portfolio together to connect and protect every aspect of their organization in the era of AI. Previously he was Cisco’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Security and Collaboration where he led the strategy and development for these businesses and held P&L responsibility for the multibillion-dollar portfolio. In this role, Jeetu led with his creative vision and intense focus on innovation and swift execution. Together with his team, he transformed and positioned our Security and Collaboration portfolios for success and growth. In both areas, he reinvigorated organic innovation, championed key inorganic investments, and drove simplification across these portfolios with a fanatical focus on design and user experience. Jeetu holds a B.S. in Information Decision Sciences from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his family. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeetupatel/ Website: https://www.cisco.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Jeetu Patel

This week, Jessica sat down with Bill Cheney, CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, to explore what it really means to lead in a member-owned, mission-driven financial institution—and why the cooperative model creates a fundamentally different kind of culture. In this conversation, Bill shares how he discovered the power of credit unions early in his career and why the “people helping people” philosophy has kept him in the movement for nearly 40 years. He breaks down the unique freedom of serving members rather than shareholders, how SchoolsFirst maintains exceptional engagement across 3,000 employees, and why growth is an outcome—not the goal. Bill also opens up about the challenges of leading through economic cycles, how SchoolsFirst maintains 100% healthcare coverage for team members, and the thoughtful way they’re approaching AI to enhance—not replace—human judgment. From financial well-being to ethical decision-making, Bill offers a compelling look at leadership in a sector built on service, trust, and long-term impact. About Bill Cheney Bill Cheney is the Chief Executive Officer of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. A small group of educators from Santa Ana College and Santa Ana High School founded the federally chartered, not-for-profit financial cooperative in Santa Ana, California in 1934. Today, the credit union has expanded to serve school employees and their families throughout California and is the largest credit union in the state and the third largest in the nation, with over 1.5 million Members and over $34 billion in assets.  SchoolsFirst FCU has been recognized by J.D. Power as the #1 Credit Union for Member Banking Satisfaction, Consumer Reports as the number one credit union in the nation for Customer (Member) Service, was named Best Credit Union in California by Forbes in 2024 and as Best Credit Union in Orange County by the readers of the OC Register for many years running. Bill credits this success to the credit union's Board of Directors and other volunteers, as well as the dedication of more than 3,000 teammembers who focus on SchoolsFirst's mission to deliver World-Class Personal Service and Financial Security to the Credit Union's Members.  Bill has worked in the credit union movement for more than 35 years. He joined SchoolsFirst FCU in 2014 after working in credit unions in Texas and California as well as being the CEO of credit union trade associations at the state and national level. He is a recognized leader in the cooperative movement and serves on the boards of the Consumer Federation of America, Worldwide Credit Union Foundation, the Filene Research Institute, Origence and the Western CUNA Management School Board of Trustees. In addition to his work with cooperatives, Bill serves on the Board of Trustees of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and the UCI Chief Executive Roundtable.  Bill is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and also completed the CUES Directors' Leadership Institute at the London Business School and the Advanced Leadership Institute at Harvard Business School.  Bill and his wife, Crissy, live in Orange County, California. They have two adult children and five grandchildren. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-cheney-95b7304/ Website: https://www.schoolsfirstfcu.org/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Greg Schaefer, founder of Schaefer Enterprises and a committed endurance athlete, to talk about what it really takes to push beyond limits—on the trail and in business. In this conversation, Greg shares how the discipline and mindset forged through endurance sports have shaped his entrepreneurial path. From leaving corporate life to bet on himself, to building a company that reflects his values, Greg opens up about the highs and lows of founder life—and the mental frameworks that help him keep moving forward. He also explores the emotional journey of leadership, how he’s learning to enjoy the climb, and what long-distance racing taught him about business pacing, resilience, and letting go of ego. From start lines to strategy calls, Greg’s story is one of inner drive, calculated risk, and the belief that you can go further than you think. About Greg Schaefer Greg Schaefer has built a life where business, athletics, family, and resilience converge. As founder and president of Schaefer Enterprises, Inc., he grew a boutique Manhattan insurance agency into a nationally respected firm serving industries from healthcare to construction. In 2019, he sold the company to private equity, a milestone reflecting his vision, leadership, and client-first values. As a husband to Dr. Maryann Mikhail and father to sons James and Jax—both elite athletes in soccer and tennis—Greg’s deepest drive comes from setting an example of discipline and heart for his family, whom he calls his “why.” Outside the boardroom, Greg has tested his limits as a 18-time Ironman competitor, including six full-distance races and two coveted starts at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. A former Division I basketball player, he carries lessons of endurance and mental toughness from the court to the marathon finish line, racing not just for himself but to inspire his boys and honor his wife’s unwavering support. Each race reinforces his belief that grit—not circumstance—defines success. In 2023, Greg faced his toughest challenge: a diagnosis of Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Instead of retreating, he leaned into his “dog in the fight” mentality, bolstered by his family’s love—Maryann’s relentless pursuit of the best care and his sons’ reassuring hugs. Today, as a motivational speaker, he shares raw, optimistic stories of resilience, family, and facing adversity head-on. Whether in business, sport, or health, Greg’s message is clear: the race never ends, and we are stronger when we run it together. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-schaefer-cic-cpia-aci-4892027/ Website: https://gregoryschaefer.com/    Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Calvin Crosslin, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Lenovo, a global technology company known for its innovation in PCs, devices, and smart infrastructure. In this conversation, Calvin reflects on his path from HR leadership to driving global diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. He shares how listening—at scale and with intention—became central to Lenovo’s culture-building efforts, and how the company’s commitment to people-first values has shaped everything from employee resource groups to executive accountability. Calvin also unpacks Lenovo’s approach to authenticity in leadership, the evolution of its DEI framework, and why real progress requires both top-down support and grassroots energy. He speaks candidly about navigating difficult conversations, bridging cultural gaps across regions, and measuring what truly matters in culture change. From workforce strategy to community engagement, Calvin’s story is one of empathy in action, strategic listening, and a belief that inclusion drives innovation. About Calvin Crosslin Calvin J. Crosslin, Vice President of Human Resources at Lenovo, is also President of the Lenovo Foundation and Lenovo’s Chief Diversity Officer. Lenovo is a $57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 on the Fortune 500 and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. As President of Lenovo Foundation, Lenovo’s charitable and philanthropic arm, he leads a global team in Lenovo’s philanthropic mission to empower under-represented populations with access to science, technology, engineering & math education, as well as employee volunteerism and crisis response. As Chief Diversity Officer, Crosslin drives corporate vision, goals, strategies, and performance metrics for Lenovo’s Diversity & Inclusion Office, supporting Lenovo’s global workforce, executives and HR leaders to create an inclusive and innovative workplace. As Vice President of Human Resources, Crosslin is the HR Business Leader for Lenovo’s Chief Legal Officer and Chief Security Officer, serving as the HR liaison for Human Rights and Labor Standards under Lenovo’s corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance framework.  Crosslin is a member of the Executive Leadership Council and serves in numerous committee and board leadership roles in the non-profit sector at the national, state and local RTP levels. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-crosslin/ Lenovo: https://www.lenovo.com   Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Stacy Martinet, Chief Communications Officer at Adobe, a global leader in digital experiences and creativity tools. In this conversation, Stacy reflects on her career journey from journalism to marketing leadership at some of the world’s most influential companies. She shares how her early newsroom experiences shaped her communication style and why trust, transparency, and empathy are essential for modern leaders. Stacy also unpacks how Adobe has maintained brand relevance through constant reinvention, the evolving role of marketers in building community, and what it means to lead through uncertainty—from global crises to organizational change. She offers candid insights on imposter syndrome, work-life integration, and why showing up as your full self isn’t just encouraged—it’s necessary.

This week, Jessica sat down with Julia Hartz, Co-Founder and CEO of Eventbrite, a global self-service ticketing and event technology platform. In this conversation, Julia opens up about her leadership journey over two decades of building Eventbrite through economic downturns, digital transformation, and the existential crisis of COVID-19. She reflects on her personal “why,” rooted in the belief that shared, real-life experiences are essential to the human spirit, and describes how that purpose has shaped both the company’s evolution and her own as a leader. Julia discusses the company’s near-collapse during the pandemic, the radical adaptations that followed, and how Eventbrite emerged with a renewed mission to empower community globally. She shares her perspective on sustainable culture, the power of boomerang employees, gender equity in parental leave, and how empathy, once seen as a liability, is now a core leadership strength. About Julia Hartz Julia is co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, responsible for vision, strategy and growth of the company. Under her leadership, Eventbrite has become a global self-service ticketing and experience technology platform that serves a community of nearly one million event creators around the world. Julia co-founded Eventbrite with a vision to build a self-service platform that would make it possible for anyone to create and sell tickets to live experiences. Today, with more than fifteen years of innovation, Eventbrite is well-placed to empower the next generation of live and online experiences. In addition to her passion for event creators, Julia is focused on cultivating a culture centered around the company’s mission to bring the world together through live experiences. Eventbrite has received multiple awards for its workplace culture, and Julia has been honored as one of Inc.'s Female Founders 100, Fortune's 40 Under 40 business leaders, Inc.'s 35 Under 35 and Fortune's Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliahartz/  Eventbrite: http://www.eventbrite.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Max Schwendner and Mike Clifton, co-CEOs of Alorica, a global customer-experience company with 100,000+ employees. In this conversation, they unpack their shared “why”—helping people get better every day—and how a single “one CEO box” model drives decisiveness, accountability, and speed. They break down the operating cadence (small S-curves and quarterly goals) and the three firmwide priorities: lead with digital/AI, invest in talent so everyone improves daily, and perform at the top tier for every client. The duo also makes the case that employee experience and customer experience aren’t either/or, spotlighting concierge-style internal services, a hands-on world tour to align 105k “Aloricans,” and a culture they describe as passionate and strong. Along the way: co-CEO myths, sold-out capacity, growth vs. evolution in the age of AI, and a few dance-and-karaoke admissions that prove culture can be both disciplined and fun. About Max Schwendner Max Schwendner is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and leads Global Finance, Accounting, Tax, Payroll, Billing, and Planning functions for Alorica. Max has been involved with Alorica since shortly after its merger with EGS in 2016, previously serving on the Company’s Board of Directors as a representative of J.P. Morgan. More recently, Max has also served as a senior advisor to Alorica. Prior to joining Alorica, Max spent over a decade on Wall Street, primarily at J.P. Morgan. During this time, he held leadership roles in the Investment Bank and Private Equity divisions of the company serving as Portfolio Manager, Vice President in Corporate Finance/M&A, Chief of Staff to the CEO of Investment Banking, and various other positions. Additionally, he has served in leadership positions on several portfolio company Board of Directors, Chairman of several Limited Partnership Committees, and has co-founded a small film production company. Max graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting and a minor in History. About Mike Clifton Mike is responsible for Alorica’s global IT organization and initiatives, overseeing the design and delivery of Alorica’s digital technologies and strategies. As a proven leader across IT, operations and sales, Mike plays a key role in creating innovative solutions that drive proven results for both clients and employees. Mike offers 30 years of experience in software, technology, operations and sales, having held CIO and CISO titles at numerous companies. He most recently served as Chief Information Officer and as Chief Innovation Technology Officer at Cognizant, one of the world’s leading professional services companies. At Cognizant, Mike led global IT and oversaw the design and implementation of digitization strategies, IT organizational models, new market growth, and service-level management. Before joining Cognizant, he held C-level positions at Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, Hanover Insurance Group, Nobilis Software as well as other organizations. Mike graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts. He also earned an Advanced Certificate for Executives (ACE) in Management, Innovation and Technology from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Max Schendner  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-schwendner-3ab15960/ Mike Clifton  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-clifton/ Alorica: https://www.alorica.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Matthew Owenby, Chief Strategy Officer at Aflac, an American insurance company and the largest provider of supplemental insurance in the United States. In this conversation, Matthew shares his insights on leadership, family, and the mission of Aflac. He emphasizes the importance of having a purpose beyond oneself, the commitment to customer care, and the philosophy of hiring for life.  Matthew discusses the challenges faced during the COVID pandemic and how Aflac navigated these challenges while maintaining a focus on empathy and support for employees and customers alike. He also addresses misconceptions about Aflac and shares his personal aspirations in leadership. Matthew Owenby joined Aflac in 2012 as vice president of HR Business Partners, bringing with him more than a decade of human resources leadership experience at Bank of America and General Electric. He assumed his current position in May 2015, where he leads the effort to apply Aflac's global initiatives while providing strategic direction for the Human Resources and Leadership, Learning and Development teams.  In 2016, he was ranked No. 1 in the Top Corporate Leader Award - Over 35 category, a Gold winner in the HR Executive of the Year category and a Silver Stevie honoree in the HR Executive of the Year category. Matthew earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Georgia State University and a Master of Business Administration from Mercer University. He is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management. https://www.aflac.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewowenby/⁠ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn:⁠ linkedin.com/company/culturepartners⁠

This week, Jessica sat down with Mike Dolen, the founder and CEO of Humancore, an AI powered platform designed to help managers lead better in real time.  Having spent his career at the intersection of people, science, and performance, Mike has seen a common pattern: we know what makes great leadership, but rarely embed it into the day-to-day workplace. He explains how Humancore uses generative AI and organizational psychology to offer in-the-moment leadership support that’s contextual and personalized for an organization–and why he thinks the process is more practical and effective than the current model of coaching and training. Plus, big questions around AI's role in the future of work, emotional authenticity, and whether people might actually prefer reporting to a chatbot; it’s a conversation full of tough questions and new perspectives on the intersection of humanity and technology. Mike Dolen is co-founder and CEO of Humancore. He brings a wealth of experience in HR Tech, leveraging his expertise to implement hyper-growth sales strategies, scaling business operations, and cultivating high-performance cultures for businesses across the globe. Prior to Humancore, Mike held key leadership positions at notable companies such as LinkedIn, Glint, CEB, and Kenexa, roles in which he had P&L responsibility and broad functional responsibilities. About Mike Dolen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedolen/ https://humancore.ai/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Bart Fanelli, founder of Skillibrium and a longtime operator with deep experience leading revenue teams inside high-growth companies. Bart is on a mission to bring skill back into the conversation—especially in leadership. In this episode, he shares how clarity, consistency, and accountability became the foundation of his approach to building high-performing teams. They talk about the danger of over-indexing on tools and dashboards, and why real performance still comes down to people having hard conversations, setting expectations, and holding each other to them. Bart also opens up about the lessons he learned scaling organizations quickly, and the personal stories that shaped his leadership style along the way. About Bart Fanelli An experienced sales executive, field operator and executive advisor with a proven track record of building successful GTM organizations, Bart has served in leadership roles with OutSystems, Splunk and BMC Software, leading teams of more than 275 employees within businesses with more than $1.5 billion in revenue. Bart was featured in a 2017 Harvard Business Review article and is an accomplished co-author of “The Success Cadence.” His latest venture is Skillibrium, a platform designed to help go-to-market organizations grow together – individually, as teams and as an organization. In addition, Bart was recently featured in Authority Magazine and HR Daily Advisor. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartfanelli/ https://skillibrium.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Victoria Pelletier, a bold and boundary-breaking executive who became a Fortune 500 COO at just 24 and has been unstoppable ever since. Victoria leads transformation, change, and culture at scale. In this conversation, she shares how she balances clarity and conviction in complex matrixed organizations, how she helps clients embrace AI without abandoning their people, and why emotional intelligence is essential for influencing in today’s workplace. They discuss the shelf life of skills, the rising fear around automation, and how leaders can build buy-in when the future feels uncertain. Victoria also opens up about her personal story. She turned early adversity into her superpower, what it really means to be vulnerable as a leader, and why confidence is her exception to “fake it till you make it.” Victoria Pelletier is no stranger to the corporate board room. By the time she was 24 years old, she was COO of a multinational corporation. Now with 20+ years in corporate leadership, Victoria has held senior roles in companies such as Accenture, IBM, and American Express. Victoria’s message is that we can have it all, as long as we live a life of #NoExcuses. Victoria proves that it IS possible to have a life in which women can succeed as a mom, as a corporate executive, as a spouse, and much more. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/ https://www.kyndryl.com/us/en Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Victoria Pelletier

This week, Jessica sat down with Greg Brown, former CEO of Udemy. Greg is a lifelong advocate for growth through learning, with a leadership journey shaped by a childhood surrounded by educators, a growth mindset rooted in family, and a belief that learning creates economic opportunity. Greg shares how that philosophy guided his decision to join Udemy, where he helped transform the company from a consumer marketplace into a $500 million enterprise learning platform used by global brands. They discuss  AI’s impact on learning, the future of higher education, and why Greg believes corporations have a growing responsibility to educate the next generation of workers. Plus, the power of embracing change, whether it’s stepping away from the CEO seat or learning to surrender what you can’t control. About Greg Brown Greg Brown is a senior software executive with over 20 years of experience in enterprise software and technology companies. He served for four years as the CEO of Udemy, a leading global platform for online learning and skills development, where he was instrumental in reshaping the company’s strategic direction, expanding its enterprise learning solutions and integrating advanced AI-driven learning technologies. Before joining Udemy, Greg served as CEO of Reflektive and has held roles at companies including Blackhawk Network, Achievers, Mindjet, PivotLink, and WebEx.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsbrown/ https://www.udemy.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Tendü Yogurtçu, the Chief Technology Officer of Precisely, which powers data integrity for more than 90 of the Fortune 100. They discuss Tendü's non-traditional perspective as a CTO: her leadership blends deep technical knowledge with a human-first mindset, and her approach to innovation is rooted in clarity, connection, and culture. Tendü also explains how to align technical transformation with business goals, how to create momentum in remote environments, and why innovation is only sustainable when it's grounded in empathy. She also shares her views on AI governance, inclusion in data design, and what it takes to move fast without breaking trust. Plus, how she's building software - and also mentoring rising talent, closing equity gaps, and creating cultures where teams thrive. Tendü Yoğurtçu, Ph.D., is Precisely's Chief Technology Officer (CTO). She has 25+ years of software industry experience, including extensive Big Data and Cloud knowledge. As CTO, Tendu directs the company’s technology strategy and innovation, leading all product research and development programs. Tendü is a member of the Forbes Technology Council. She is also an advocate for STEM education for women and diversity, who was recognized as CTO of the Year at the prestigious 2019 Women in IT Awards, and recognized as an Outstanding Executive in Technology for 2018 by Advancing Women in Technology (AWT). LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenduyogurtcu https://www.precisely.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Tendü Yogurtçu

This week, Jessica is joined by Megan Hansen, the Chief People Officer at Ontra - a legal tech company navigating the world of AI and private equity. Megan opens up about the paradoxes that define her role: balancing empathy with performance, innovation with ethics, and purpose with profit. Her perspective is rooted in what she calls the power of "and":  the belief that polarities can be managed, not solved, and that great leadership lives in the in-between. They discuss AI, education, corporate responsibility, and how trust and transparency are the foundation of real change. Megan also shares why being a Chief People Officer is one of the hardest roles in the C-suite, and how she keeps showing up with conviction, clarity, and care. Megan Hansen is the Chief People Officer of Ontra and the executive sponsor of Ontra’s DEI Council. She is responsible for unlocking Ontra’s growth by creating an ecosystem where talented people can do their best work. Prior to Ontra, Megan was the Chief People and Culture Officer at Smartsheet and also served in leadership roles at MOD Pizza, Outerwall, and Frog Design. About Megan Hansen LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-hansen-04583a341/ https://www.ontra.ai/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica is joined by Nikesh Arora, the chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks. When he joined the company in 2018, Nikesh had no cybersecurity experience, but he explains how he brought a bold vision, nonlinear thinking, and a relentless belief in culture as the foundation for growth. In this conversation, they discuss how Nikesh inspires people, what makes culture stick, and how trust, fairness, and curiosity have shaped his leadership style. He shares his approach to listening — including the surprising habit of hosting Zoom calls with 50 randomly selected employees every week — and how that access to unfiltered feedback has helped him lead with more clarity and empathy. They also talk about cybersecurity as a culture issue, how to manage acquisitions without diluting your values, and what it means to be a leader who constantly challenges others to become better versions of themselves. Nikesh Arora joined as chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks in June 2018. Before joining Palo Alto Networks, Nikesh served as president and chief operating officer of SoftBank Group Corp. Prior to that, he held a number of positions at Google, Inc. during a 10-year span, including senior vice president and chief business officer, president of global sales operations and business development, and president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Prior to joining Google, Nikesh held the role of chief marketing officer for the T-Mobile International Division of Deutsche Telekom AG. He was chief executive officer and founder of T-Motion PLC, which merged with T-Mobile International in 2002. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikesh-arora-02894670/ https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Nikesh Arora

This week, Jessica is joined by Ron Alvesteffer, the President and CEO of Service Express.  Ron doesn’t just talk about people-first culture, he operationalizes it. He’s built an entire growth engine around employee goals, clarity, and care, with a “why” that’s fundamentally based in service and support. He shares how to scale culture through intentional leadership, why accountability is a form of love, and how he balances relentless growth with human connection. Ron also opens up about his own transformation as a leader, from over-indexing on performance to realizing that investing in people was the key to unlocking results. And the hard stuff, too: turnover, remote work, and how to lead through moments when things break. During his 25+ years of ongoing leadership at Service Express, Ron has helped the company leverage double-digit annual revenue growth, expand its international footprint, create a unique performance-driven culture, and more. He is most proud of the strong company culture Service Express fosters through its Core Value to cultivate a culture of growth that empowers our people to achieve their personal, professional and financial goals. This shared goal has helped create opportunities for employee achievement and led to outstanding individual and company success.    Ron is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and World 50, a private community for CEOs and C-level executives at globally respected organizations to discover better ideas, share valuable experiences and build relationships that make a lasting impact. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalvesteffer/ https://serviceexpress.com/about-us/leadership/ron-alvesteffer/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Ron Alvesteffer

This week, Jessica is joined by Raúl Valentin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at ABM Industries. Raúl explains how his belief in fairness drives his leadership–everything from recruiting policies to acquisition strategy to the way ABM integrates AI into HR operations. He opens up about his early life as the son of a single mother, why he almost went to law school, and how that background fuels his commitment to give every employee a fair shot — even if that doesn’t always mean treating everyone the same. They also discuss what it really takes to scale culture across a workforce of more than 100,000 hourly team members across the world, why humility and collaboration are at the heart of ABM’s identity, and how Raúl is navigating the evolving conversation around DEI without getting lost in political labels. Plus, the tactics of leadership — like what makes an acquisition succeed, how physical workspaces shape behavior, and why AI can’t replace the human side of HR, even if it’s helping us do our jobs better and faster. About Raúl Valentin Raúl joined ABM in 2019 and serves as the people leader and advocate for more than 100,000 dedicated team members across the US and the UK. Raúl is dedicated to cultivating a stronger community by growing and developing our people and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. Raúl has held key HR leadership roles at Coty, Comcast, and Frito-Lay, with more than 30 years of human resources and management experience. He serves on the board of Quanta Services, Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the electric and gas utility, renewable energy, communications, pipeline and energy industries in the United States. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rauljvalentin https://investor.abm.com/management/raul-valentin Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

Denny’s’ Kelli Valade on Feeding the Soul and Making People Feel Seen This week, Jessica is joined by Kelli Valade, CEO of Denny’s. They discuss how Kelli’s career in restaurants–which started when she was 16 years old–was shaped by leaders who cared for her, how it continues to be shaped by colleagues and employees, and the responsibility  she feels as a leader to see, care for, and understand the people around her. Kelli also discusses culture as a business strategy and maintaining the relevance of a legacy brand without losing its heart. She opens up about mental health and Generation Z, scaling culture across thousands of restaurants, and how leadership rooted in service builds brands that last.  About Kelli Valade Kelli Valade is chief executive officer of Denny's Corporation. She joined Denny's in June 2022 and has spent more than 30 years in the restaurant industry as a purpose-driven leader with an uncompromising dedication to serving guests and her teams. Prior to joining Denny's, Kelli served as CEO of Red Lobster and CEO of Black Box Intelligence. She also spent several years at Brinker International where she held various management positions at Chili’s including brand president, chief operating officer and senior vice president of human resources. Kelli currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) based in Greenville, SC and has served on past boards of the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) and Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF). LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-valade/ https://www.dennys.com/kelli-valade Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica is joined by Dr. Don Wood, CEO of the Inspired Performance Institute and creator of a program to help people reset and reprocess trauma–which he understands as a neurological glitch that impacts health and decision-making, and therefore performance and leadership. Don explains why anxiety, addiction and even autoimmune diseases are often symptoms of unresolved trauma, and how his e-learning program helps people unlock new levels of peace and potential. They also talk about how this applies to the workplace, especially for leaders trying to support younger teams and create cultures where people feel safe, focused, and resilient. About Dr. Don Wood Don Wood is a PhD in clinical counseling, author of "Emotional Concussions" and "You Must Be Out of Your Mind,” and the founder of Inspired Performance Institute, which helps people reframe their trauma and get their lives to a place of high performance. After spending years researching how trauma affects minds and lives, Dr. Wood found that early life experiences continue to play a role in how we experience life in the present. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdonwoodphd/ https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica is joined by Monique Robertson-Gunter, Chief Experience Officer at Wellby Financial Monique explains how Wellby reshaped its culture to hit ambitious goals–starting with the key results, and developing a culture of feedback, listening and continuous improvement to achieve them. She also talks about her role as Chief Experience Officer–combining culture and brand to create experiences for employees and members, which ultimately drives results. Plus the importance of purpose fit over the myth of culture, fit the value of humility in leadership and Monique's advocacy for women in leadership. About Monique Robertson-Gunter Monique Robertson-Gunter is the Chief Experience Officer at Wellby Financial, where she oversees delivery channels, investments, and membership development. She has more than two decades of experience at financial institutions, and serves as the co-chair of the Global Woman’s Leadership Network. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-robertson-gunter-6885871a/ https://www.wellbyfinancial.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week Jessica is joined by Frank Vella, the CEO of Constant Contact. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss Frank’s philosophy of being in the people business, from emphasizing the role of first-line managers to keeping the employee experience in mind while talking with investors. They discuss scaling culture across a company, aligning AI innovation with people-first values, and why it's worth slowing down the spreadsheet to preserve the soul of the company.  Plus, building trust and accountability, leadership styles in private and public companies, and the balancing act of remote work and culture-building. About Frank Vella Frank Vella is CEO of Constant Contact, a comprehensive digital and ecommerce marketing platform that makes it simple and effective for a business to market or sell their idea in today’s complex online marketing world.  Prior to joining Constant Contact, he built best-in-class operations at various sized tech firms across the globe, including top-tier companies like Microsoft, GE Capital, HP Enterprise and Xerox. He led companies through growth, transformation and successful exits while remaining focused on building a terrific culture and keeping a company's product and presence ahead of the crowd.  Frank Vella on LinkedIn Website: Constant Contact Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

In today's episode, John Frehse, Global Head of Labor Strategies at Ankura, joins Jessica to talk about leadership in uncertain times, the importance of avoiding the 'action trap' that can stifle innovation, and the keys to finding real alignment across the corporate chain: empathy, accountability, and an understanding of the Culture Equation. John Frehse: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfrehse/ Bio at Ankura: https://ankura.com/experts-and-advisors/john-frehse Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

Pete Stavros, Co-Head of Global Private Equity at KKR, joins Jessica to talk about his work fostering shared employee ownership: reshaping companies so employees have a direct stake in the business itself. They dive deep on what is required to change the beliefs about leaders around shared ownership, the importance of empathy in leadership, and how employee ownership cuts through the thorniest problems of capitalism by creating a culture of accountability, which drives results to allow both employees and business to prosper. About Pete Stavros Pete Stavros joined KKR in 2005 and is Co-Head of Global Private Equity. This includes oversight of assets across Europe, Asia and the Americas and traditional large and mid-cap private equity, core and growth equity. Prior to this role, he served as Co-Head of the Americas Private Equity platform. He is a member of several investment committees at KKR and has also served as Co-Chair of the firm’s global Inclusion and Diversity Council. Prior to becoming Co-Head of Americas Private Equity, Stavros led the Industrials industry team where he pioneered an innovative employee engagement and ownership model. This approach has been successfully implemented at more than 50 KKR companies and has positively impacted more than a hundred thousand employees. Stavros is the Founder and Chairman of Ownership Works, a non-profit focused on building a worker ownership movement globally and enhancing the financial resiliency of the workforce. The goal of Ownership Works is to create more than $20 billion of wealth for working families over the next decade.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stavros-1b3a633/ https://www.kkr.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

Karalee Close, Accenture’s Global Lead for the Talent & Organization practice joins Jessica to talk about all things artificial intelligence; starting with her belief that AI, like all technology, can be harnessed for human flourishing. They discuss the web of relationships between AI, employees, and corporate structures, the evolution of change management practices, and the growing need for human skills like empathy and creative problem-solving in an AI-driven workforce. Technology is the Human Advantage Karalee describes her view that technology can be harnessed to create human potential, amplify human intelligence, and encourage more human interactions rather than replace them. Co-Learning With AI Karalee explains a model of co-learning in which humans and AI influence and improve one another as they work together to solve problems, resulting in more comfort with AI within a company culture. Innovation and Adaptation Karalee and Jessica discuss the importance of innovation and continuous learning, as well as the changing incentives for middle-management workers in the age of AI, focusing more on collaboration and innovation rather than distinct domains of expertise. About Karalee Close Karalee Close is Accenture’s Global Lead for the Talent & Organization practice and a member of the company’s Global Management Committee. She is a leader whose career spans more than two decades of senior regional and global leadership roles while based in Toronto, Calgary, Paris and London. She has had a passion for working at the intersection of strategy, technology and people for her entire career and has deep expertise in organizational change and digital & AI transformation services, coupled with a highly successful track record of CxO advisory. In recent years, Karalee worked for a top-tier consulting firm where she held a variety of regional and global industry-based leadership roles in addition to her client work. With clients, her focus is large-scale digital, AI and technology transformation and innovative approaches to accelerating value and speed through integrated approaches to technology, people and ways of working. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karalee-close-3b706232/?originalSubdomain=ca https://www.accenture.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

Doug Merritt, Chairman, CEO, and President of Aviatrix, joins Jessica to discuss his process-centered philosophy in life and business, which focuses on daily learning and consistent feedback to achieve long-term results. Plus, how he developed his company’s culture to survive a digital transformation from on-site to cloud-based software service, and how lessons from his upbringing shaped an approach to leadership that reaches big goals while honoring the humanity of the people who achieve them. There Is No Failure Doug outlines his philosophy of life and business: that a person’s purpose is to learn and grow. In that light, “failure” is just feedback that allows us to improve and connect with others. Process Over Outcome Doug explains how he prioritizes daily, consistent habits in the pursuit of success, and how long-term efforts can be refined through the process of feedback and improvement. Transitioning to the Cloud Doug recounts how he transitioned Splunk to a cloud-based service and earned buy-in from both the leadership and employees as the culture adapted. About Doug Merritt Doug Merritt is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Aviatrix. Most recently, Doug served as Splunk President and CEO from 2015 to 2021. During his tenure as CEO, Doug led the transformation of Splunk from an on premise, perpetual license software company with the equivalent of $220 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), to a cloud-based SaaS company with ARR of $3.12 billion. In his first year at Splunk, Doug served as the Senior Vice President of Splunk’s go-to-market functions including sales, marketing, support, business development, partners, and other customer-facing functions. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-m-33169/ https://aviatrix.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

Jim McCann, Founder and CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS, shares his story as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and thought leader who turned a single flower shop into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. In this conversation, Jim discusses the importance of community connections in business, and his efforts to adapt his business to the age of AI, and the lessons he learned while writing his self-help book, Lodestar. What is Your Why? Jim explains how his ever-changing why has now become multi-generational; looking forward to the future of his business in a changing work landscape. Investing in Employees Jim talks about the benefits of investing in employees personally and professionally, whether to help them in their current jobs or equipping them for another. Adapting to AI Jim shares some of the lessons he learned from working with Microsoft about helping businesses and workers thrive in the coming age of artificial intelligence. Relationships and Self-Help Jim discusses how writing the Celebrations Pulse newsletter built a community during the pandemic, and how it led to writing his self-help book, Lodestar. Adapting to AI Jim shares some of the lessons he learned from working with Microsoft about helping businesses and workers thrive in the coming age of artificial intelligence. About Jim McCann Jim McCann is an entrepreneur, public speaker and author whose passion is helping people deliver smiles. McCann's belief in the universal need for social connections and interaction led to his founding of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, which he has grown into the world's leading florist and gift shop and Celebrations.com, the leading website for expert party planning content and advice. McCann's willingness to embrace new technologies that help people connect and express themselves, such as 800 phone numbers, the Internet, mobile commerce and social networking, often long before others, has enabled him to stay at the forefront of consumer and social trends. In addition to his roles as Founder and CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Chairman of Smile Farms, Jim also serves as Chairman of Worth Media Group, which celebrates organizations and leaders who are using their influence and success to have a positive impact on society.  Jim also serves on a variety of other private and not-for-profit boards and is Vice-Chairman, Lead Independent Director for International Game Technology PLC. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim1800flowers/ https://www.1800flowers.com/  Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

Nick Green, Co-Founder and CEO of Thrive Market, shares how the drive to make healthier eating more accessible has shaped the company from the very beginning; from operationalizing its core values to hiring talent whose purpose aligns with the mission. He explains how mission-driven thinking includes setting long-term sustainability goals, finding “non-zero-sum” ways to make an impact, and sharing stories to build loyalty in customers who share Thrive Market’s core values. What is Your Why? Nick explains how Thrive Market’s mission is deeply personal, rooted to a lack of affordable, healthy food options in the area where he grew up. Hiring for Purpose Fit Nick discusses the importance of purpose-fit when hiring for a fast-paced, mission-driven company, and how he looks for talent that match Thrive Market’s vision. Co-Founding Thrive Market Nick shares the origins of Thrive Market, including how a shared passion for health helped him and his co-founders to weather earlier failures. Profits, Sustainability, and Long-Term Thinking Nick explains how the mission has guided Thrive Market over ten years, including long-term goals that have ended up increasing both sustainability and profits. Generational Shifts and Operationalizing Values Nick discusses how Thrive Market keeps its values at the forefront of the company’s culture, and how younger workers seem to place more emphasis on meaningful work that matches their values. About Nick Green Nick Green is Co-Founder & CEO of Thrive Market, a membership-based online market that makes healthy, sustainable living easy and accessible for everyone. Since launching in 2014, Thrive Market has grown to more than 1 million paying members and become a touchstone example of a mission-driven company at scale. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasgreen/ Thrive Market: https://thrivemarket.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

Dr. Guy Diedrich, Senior Vice President and the Global Innovation Officer at Cisco, shares his story as a key player in global digitization and the future of technology education. He discusses the power of shared vulnerability to build trust across organizations and cultures, the importance of core values in business, and Cisco’s role in bringing people across the globe into the digital age. What is Your Why? Guy explains how his 'why' is aligned with Cisco's mission to power an inclusive future; it’s a job that doesn’t keep him up at night, but instead gets him up in the morning.  The Role of Culture in Global Digital Transformation Guy describes how he navigates culture–how people see the world–when working with industries, governments, academics, and countries across the globe. The Power of Shared Vulnerability in Leadership Guy discusses how trust is built through consistent, reliable interactions over time. Cisco builds inclusive ecosystems through partnerships. Core Values in Business Guy explains how Cisco’s core values make it a predictable entity in the face of unexpected events, including geopolitical turmoil.  The Future of Work Guy posits the world of work will continue to change rapidly, with the introduction of AI, quantum computing, and other technologies, and how Cisco’s Networking Academy fits into the picture of education in the new era. About Guy Diedrich Dr. Guy Diedrich is a Senior Vice President and the Global Innovation Officer at Cisco, where he is responsible for its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) and Networking Academy programs. In this role, Dr. Diedrich collaborates closely with government and industry leadership around the world to drive mass-scale digitization initiatives that help increase GDP, create millions of next-generation jobs, and develop sustainable innovation ecosystems. CDA operates in 50 countries and has more than 1500 active or completed digitization projects since its inception in 2015. Cisco’s Networking Academy operates in 190 countries and has trained more than 20.5 million students in networking and cybersecurity skills over the past 26 years. Dr. Diedrich continues to grow and evolve the programs into new markets, and build trust with government, industry and academic stakeholders. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-diedrich-4b4a3041/ Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

Carmen Amara, Chief People Officer at Yelp, shares her journey into HR, emphasizing the importance of finding purpose in work and creating a people-first culture. She discusses the power of storytelling, Yelp's shift to remote work, and the role of empathy in leadership, and she debunks myths about HR--particularly the misconception that one must choose between profit and people. What is Your Why? Carmen discusses her desire to make an impact, and how she found a purpose in HR: helping businesses solve complex problems using people, while helping people broaden their skills and develop careers. Yelp's Culture of Belonging Carmen talks about the importance of people-first company culture, and how she was drawn to Yelp's mission, values, and culture of inclusion. Embracing Remote Work Culture Carmen explains Yelp's data-driven decision to stay remote-first after the pandemic, and how listening to employees has been foundational to the company's decision-making. Empathy in Leadership Carmen discusses how empathy in leadership is now more important than ever as the lines between work and life can sometimes blur. Navigating AI in the Workplace Carmen explains how AI can enhance human work rather than replace it, as well as how Yelp is maintaining the integrity of first-party reviews. About Carmen Amara Carmen joined Yelp in 2022 to lead People Operations. She is an accomplished human resources executive with over 20 years experience helping employees and global organizations succeed. Prior to Yelp, Carmen served as Vice President of Global People Operations & Development at eBay. She was also a Human Resources Director at Home Depot where she provided strategic direction for a variety of operational and corporate functions. Carmen holds a B.A. in Spanish and International Relations from Colby College, an MBA in International Business from Bentley University, and is certified in Executive Coaching through Columbia University. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenamara/ Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

Steve Pruett, Executive Chairman of Cox Media Group, shares his remarkable journey from a humble upbringing to leading one of the largest media organizations in the United States. With insights drawn from his book The Gain Principle, Steve reflects on personal and professional growth, the power of radical inclusion, and the hard-won lessons from navigating corporate culture. He also opens up about the profound impact of losing his two sons and how their legacy continues to inspire his work and life. This conversation delves into the moments that shaped Steve's leadership style, his perspective on authenticity in corporate America, and his drive to "make things happen." What Is Your Why? Steve shares how his purpose evolved from a relentless drive to "make things happen" into a mission to lift the veil for others, offering insight into leadership dynamics and decision-making processes. Radical Inclusion and Corporate Transparency Steve discusses his early belief in radical inclusion, its successes, and challenges, particularly within the confines of corporate America. The Gain Principle: A Framework for Growth Steve explains his four-part growth cycle—Go, Assess, Identify, and Next—and how this structured approach has guided his personal and professional life. Leadership Lessons from Life and Loss Steve reflects on the life lessons his late sons taught him, his journey through grief, and how their influence continues to shape his leadership and legacy. Navigating Corporate Culture and Transparency From his experience leading through economic downturns and mergers, Steve emphasizes the importance of including employees in decision-making processes and maintaining transparency. Building Purpose and Resilience Steve shares actionable strategies for personal and organizational growth, from leveraging AI and technology to making bold, purpose-driven decisions in life and work. Acknowledging the Past to Build the Future Steve shares how his upbringing with entrepreneurial grandparents and union-worker parents shaped his work ethic and leadership philosophy. The Future of Work and Leadership From navigating industry headwinds to empowering employees, Steve discusses his vision for creating sustainable and inclusive workplaces. About Steve Pruett Steve Pruett is the Executive Chairman of Cox Media Group, leading a portfolio of radio and television stations across the United States. With decades of experience in media and corporate leadership, Steve is known for his forward-thinking approach and people-first leadership style. His book The Gain Principle outlines his framework for personal and professional growth, offering insights for individuals at every stage of their careers. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenjpruett/ Cox Media Group: www.coxmediagroup.com Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

Josh Bersin, industry analyst and founder of The Josh Bersin Company, joins Dr. Jessica Kriegel to dive into the evolving role of HR and its influence on business performance. With 25 years of expertise, Josh shares why HR professionals are essential to organizational success and how companies can transition HR from a cost center to a strategic partner. This insightful conversation covers the changing workforce dynamics, the gig economy, and the impact of AI on future business models. Tune in to hear Josh’s thoughts on building inclusive cultures, fostering leadership, and the importance of thoughtful growth. Josh’s Why: Josh explains how he stumbled into the HR industry, discovering a passion for supporting HR professionals and helping them thrive within organizations. HR as a Strategic Partner: Josh emphasizes the evolution of HR's role from recruitment-focused to becoming a central driver of business outcomes, particularly in larger organizations. The Value of Trust in Leadership: Jessica and Josh discuss how CEOs often assume they understand HR, but the most successful leaders trust and learn from their HR partners. Workplace Dynamics and the Gig Economy: Josh reflects on the shift in employee expectations, the rise of gig work, and how companies must rethink value propositions to attract and retain talent. Remote Work and Reimagining Office Culture: Josh offers insights into the remote work debate, noting that collaboration and creativity often thrive best in person, while flexible work remains key for employee well-being. Leadership and Personal Growth: Drawing from his own experiences, Josh underscores the importance of understanding business challenges firsthand to become a more effective leader and consultant. The Evolution of Company Culture: Josh describes culture as the unwritten rules that shape behaviors and performance, highlighting that clear cultural values attract the right employees and sustain high performance. Growth vs. Profit Focus: Josh critiques the pressures on companies to prioritize growth over profitability, exploring the impact on employees, customers, and long-term sustainability. Galileo: A New Learning Platform Josh introduces Galileo, a revolutionary platform built with 25 years of research, designed to empower consultants, vendors, and businesses through generative AI-powered insights. Josh Bersin Website: joshbersin.com/ Podcast: The Josh Bersin Company Podcast – Featuring Josh's thoughts and real-world case studies on HR, leadership, and business. Dr. Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: Jessica Kriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners: culturepartners.com

Dr. Jessica Kriegel interviews Scott Wine, former CEO of Polaris and CNH Industrial, as they explore his leadership journey, rooted in faith, discipline, and a commitment to integrity. Scott shares his insights on building adaptable, customer-focused cultures, lessons learned from his Naval service, and the importance of critical thinking in leadership. With anecdotes from his time leading Polaris into the Fortune 500 and transforming the culture of 42,000 employees at CNH, Scott’s leadership advice is invaluable for anyone aiming to lead with purpose and accountability. Tune in to hear how Scott’s disciplined approach and faith-based values have guided his remarkable career. What Is Your Why: Scott Wine shares how his core values of faith, integrity, and family have driven him throughout his career, citing a guiding principle from his time at the Naval Academy. Faith and Leadership: Scott discusses the role faith plays in his leadership style and how religious values can inform ethical business practices, even when discussing topics that may seem uncomfortable in today's workplace. Integrity in Decision-Making: Scott emphasizes the importance of integrity, recounting how it has led him to leave two jobs rather than compromise his values. He discusses how leaders must set the tone for integrity in their organizations. Customer-Centric Cultures: Scott highlights his experience transforming CNH Industrial's culture from inward-focused to customer-driven, reducing bureaucracy, and empowering employees to make impactful decisions. The Role of Discipline: Scott credits discipline, both personally and professionally, as essential to his success. He shares how his rigorous routine helps him balance work demands and personal commitments, including coaching youth football while leading Polaris. Critical Thinking and Leadership: Scott explains how critical thinking and the ability to anticipate challenges have been key to his success, particularly in managing rapid changes like the rise of AI and the evolving demands of leadership in today's fast-paced business world. Challenges in Leadership: Scott discusses the unique pressures faced by CEOs in publicly traded companies, balancing quarterly results with long-term strategy. He reflects on how focusing on the customer above all else drives sustainable success. Private Equity and the Future: Looking ahead, Scott discusses his interest in private equity, where longer investment cycles and a focus on ownership culture can drive meaningful and lasting business transformations. Personal Reflections and Legacy: Scott shares personal stories about his family life and the critical role his wife, Jill, has played in his success, as well as how they’ve supported each other through the ups and downs of his career. About Scott Wine: Scott Wine is the former CEO of Polaris, where he led the company into the Fortune 500, and CNH Industrial, where he oversaw a cultural transformation. A Naval Academy graduate, Scott has been a driving force in both manufacturing and customer-centric leadership. He continues to shape industries with his strategic insights and leadership expertise. LinkedIn: Scott Wine Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

Scott Syphax joins Dr. Jessica Kriegel to reflect on his dynamic career as the former CEO of the Nehemiah Corporation and current strategic advisor to Fortune 500 executives. Scott shares his unique blend of strategy and emotional intelligence, often serving as an "unlicensed therapist" to some of the most powerful leaders across industries. In this conversation, Scott opens up about his purpose in helping others rediscover their own magic, the challenges of leadership in sectors like healthcare and financial services, and how he aligns the personal with the professional for maximum impact. Dive in to learn how Scott crafts strategies that transcend business and touch the human spirit. Finding Your Why: Scott Syphax explains his purpose of helping people rediscover what’s special about them and use it as a foundation to pursue their dreams. Leadership as Therapy: Dr. Jessica Kriegel explores Scott’s reputation as an advisor who not only builds strategies but helps CEOs and senior leaders align their personal and professional lives. Blurring the Lines: Scott discusses the inseparability of personal and professional strategies, especially when advising older generations in legacy industries like healthcare and financial services. The Boardroom Disconnect: Scott shares how he helps corporate boards understand their roles and overcome cultural disconnects with management, especially in high-pressure industries. Healthcare and Financial Services: Scott identifies these as key sectors where he spends most of his time advising leaders on both organizational and personal strategies. Building Inclusive Leadership Pipelines: Scott reflects on founding the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program and the importance of creating pathways for diverse, high-potential leaders to enter the C-suite. CEO Therapy: Scott elaborates on how he serves as a safe space for high-level executives to unburden themselves and navigate imposter syndrome, while helping them develop robust strategies for leading their companies. Empowering (and Powering) Leaders: Scott emphasizes the importance of vulnerability for CEOs, reframing it not as a weakness but as a way to gain more power and make impactful decisions. Personal and Professional Alignment: Scott shares a personal story about how his mentorship helped Jessica Kriegel make a life-changing decision that aligned her career with her personal values. The Secret to Success: Scott reveals the most important lesson that has driven his success: balancing theoretical knowledge with real-life experience, a skill he first honed in the nightlife industry before entering the corporate world. Scott Syphax is a dynamic strategist and the founder of Syphax Strategic, where he advises boards, CEOs, and senior management teams across sectors. He also founded the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program, which has helped hundreds of high-potential leaders reach the C-suite. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-syphax Website: Syphax Strategic: https://syphaxstrategic.com Website: Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program: https://nelpleaders.com Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

Dan Streetman joins Dr. Jessica Kriegel to dive deep into leadership, service, and resilience. From his military background to leading one of the top cybersecurity firms, Dan shares his approach to leadership, emphasizing integrity, teamwork, and the importance of a service mindset. He reveals how personal challenges, like guiding visually impaired athletes through marathons and Ironman races, have shaped his philosophy on perseverance and leadership. Tune in to learn how he’s creating a culture of trust and collaboration while navigating the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity. What Is Your Why: Dan shares how his purpose is driven by helping others be their best, inspired by values instilled by his parents and reinforced by his time at West Point. Leadership and Integrity: Dr. Jessica Kriegel highlights Dan’s impressive credentials, from West Point to Ironman races, and his commitment to a service-first leadership approach. Origins of Leadership: Dan discusses his formative experiences in the military, emphasizing the importance of leading by example and developing others. Trust and Teamwork: Dan explains how Tanium fosters a culture where integrity and teamwork are central, and why creating a sense of shared consciousness among leadership teams is crucial. Strategies for Organizational Alignment: Dan talks about maintaining alignment within a 2,000-person company through clear communication, weekly leadership meetings, and fostering a shared mission. Navigating Challenges: Dan shares how he guided Tanium through crises like the CrowdStrike incident and explains how real-time data and Tanium’s unique architecture set them apart in the cybersecurity space. Military Leadership Lessons: Dan reflects on how military leadership principles apply in business, including the importance of leading from the middle and setting the right example for others. Future of Cybersecurity: Dan and Jessica explore the future of cybersecurity and Tanium’s mission to provide the "power of certainty" to some of the world’s most security-conscious organizations. Personal Reflections and Resilience: Dan shares personal stories about his experiences running marathons and Ironman races with visually impaired athletes and how these challenges mirror his approach to leadership in business. Dan Streetman is the CEO of Tanium, a leader in endpoint management and security, with a mission to provide organizations the power of certainty in a digital world. With a military background and extensive experience leading large organizations, Dan brings a unique perspective to leadership, culture, and strategy. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danstreetman Tanium Website: tanium.com Jessica Kriegel: Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: instagram.com/jess_kriegel Culture Partners: Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

Dr. Jessica Kriegel has an insightful conversation with Paulo Pisano, Chief Human Resources Officer of Booking Holdings. The discuss his journey as a leader and his perspective on people-centric leadership. Paulo shares his thoughts on the importance of cultural diversity, the balance between people and profit, and the evolving role of HR in modern business. Paulo’s life experiences have shaped his leadership approach and he shares the strategies he employs to foster a resilient and inclusive workplace. The Importance of Cultural Diversity: Paulo discusses his personal background and how being raised in a multicultural environment has influenced his commitment to helping people experience the world and grow from these experiences. Balancing People and Profit: Dr. Jessica Kriegel and Paulo explore the perceived tension between investing in people and driving profit, and how Paulo navigates this balance in his role. Evolving Role of HR: Paulo shares insights into his journey from management consulting to HR leadership, emphasizing the strategic role HR plays in enabling business success through people and culture. The Impact of COVID-19 on Corporate Culture: Paulo reflects on how the pandemic influenced the culture at Booking Holdings, highlighting increased connectivity, resilience, and a renewed focus on leadership visibility. Data-Driven HR: Paulo emphasizes the importance of using analytics to drive HR decisions, balancing data with intuition, and focusing on the questions that matter most to the business. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives: Paulo discusses the challenges and successes of DEI initiatives, emphasizing a pragmatic, values-driven approach that aligns with the company’s broader strategy. Mental Health in the Workplace: Paulo touches on the company's efforts in supporting employee well-being and how management development plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy and engaged workforce. Paulo is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Booking Holdings, overseeing HR strategies for a portfolio of leading travel brands. With a background in management consulting and a passion for people development, Paulo has played a pivotal role in shaping the culture and leadership practices at Booking Holdings. Connect with Paulo: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paulo Dr. Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

Dr. Jessica Kriegel speaks with Tara Ataya, Chief People and Diversity Officer at Hootsuite, to explore the innovative and people-first strategies that Tara has implemented at Hootsuite to foster a culture of belonging, engagement, and empowerment. Tara shares her approach to navigating the balance between business goals and people-focused leadership, offering insights into the importance of listening, the power of servant leadership, and how Hootsuite has scaled a strong, inclusive culture across a global workforce. This conversation dives deep into the tactics that have made Hootsuite a leader in employee experience and how these strategies can be applied to other organizations. What Is Your Why: Tara Ataya reveals her professional and personal "why," which revolves around leaving every company and the world better than she found it, emphasizing the ripple effect of positive impact through strong human relationships. Balancing Business and People: Tara discusses the tension between achieving business objectives and fostering a culture of belonging and wellness. She highlights the importance of ensuring that employees feel valued, safe, and engaged to drive business success. Scaling Culture Globally: Jessica and Tara explore the challenges and strategies involved in scaling a company culture across a global workforce of 1,500 employees, emphasizing the importance of listening and adapting to regional needs. Listening as Leadership: Tara emphasizes the significance of listening in leadership, sharing how Hootsuite employs surveys, focus groups, and culturally appropriate listening sessions to understand and meet the needs of their diverse workforce. Innovative Culture Strategies: Tara details some of the unique strategies at Hootsuite, such as Perch Days and Hoot Pulse surveys, which foster collaboration, belonging, and continuous engagement among employees. Overcoming Resistance and Building Leadership: Tara talks about the initial resistance to people-focused leadership at Hootsuite and how the leadership team overcame it by hiring and developing leaders aligned with a servant leadership model. Walking the Walk: Jessica highlights the diversity and inclusiveness of Hootsuite’s leadership team and board, discussing how this reflects the company's genuine commitment to DEI. Mental Health and Employee Well-being: Tara shares the comprehensive mental health and wellness initiatives at Hootsuite, including increased mental health benefits, company-wide wellness weeks, and leadership training focused on empathy and support. Future of People and Culture Leadership: Tara reflects on the future of people and culture leadership, considering how these roles can evolve beyond traditional HR and DEI functions to become integral to business strategy. Personal Reflections: Tara offers her thoughts on what’s next for people and culture leaders, encouraging a shift towards more business-focused roles that lead from a people-centric perspective. Tara Ataya is the Chief People and Diversity Officer at Hootsuite, known for her servant leadership style and dedication to creating inclusive, employee-centered workplaces. Tara has been instrumental in developing Hootsuite's innovative culture strategies, making the company a leader in employee experience. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/taraataya Jessica Kriegel: Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: instagram.com/jess_kriegel Culture Partners: Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

Dr. Jessica Kriegel talks with Jolen Anderson, BetterUp's Chief People & Community Officer, to delve into her inspiring journey from law school to leading people-centric HR strategies at various large organizations. Jolen shares her evolving purpose, the significance of trust and respect in leadership, and the crucial role of mental health in the workplace. Tune in to discover how Jolen navigates complex organizational dynamics, fosters inclusive cultures, and envisions the future of work in a rapidly changing world. What Is Your Why: Jolen Anderson discusses how her purpose has evolved over the years, focusing on making an impact in her community, family, and friends. Career Journey and Transitions: From law school to becoming a CHRO, Jolen reflects on her career transitions, driven by a desire to solve complex problems and make workplaces better. Trust and Respect in Leadership: The importance of starting relationships with trust, over-communicating, and treating people with respect and dignity. Navigating Organizational Dynamics: Insights into managing people-related problems, the significance of employment law, and the journey from antitrust litigation to HR leadership. Creating a Positive Work Culture: Practical strategies for fostering a great workplace, including open communication, psychological safety, and the role of coaching in employee development. Mental Health and Workplace Dynamics: Addressing mental health challenges, building psychological safety, and the importance of personalized support for employees. Challenges and Insights as a CHRO: The unique challenges faced by CHROs, the loneliness of the role, and the importance of courageous leadership. Future of Work and AI: The evolving nature of work, the impact of AI on leadership skills, and the importance of human connection in a technology-driven world. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Addressing the current landscape of DEI, managing challenges, and the importance of systemic interventions for building inclusive organizations. Jolen Anderson CHRO at BetterUp, known for her impactful HR leadership across various large organizations. Jolen's journey from law school to HR leadership highlights her commitment to solving complex problems and fostering inclusive cultures. She is passionate about democratizing coaching and leveraging technology for personalized employee support. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jolenanderson Website: betterup.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/betterup/ Dr. Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: instagram.com/jess_kriegel

In today's episode: HR's focus on both people and profit. SHRM's role as a leader and unifier in the HR profession. Widespread confusion around the "E" in DEI . Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Listen to the full conversation with Johnny Taylor on Spotify and on Apple. Johnny C. Taylor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnyctaylorjr Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In this exclusive conversation, Dr. Jessica Kriegel sits down with Johnny C. Taylor, CEO of SHRM, to delve into the complexities of leadership, the evolving landscape of HR, and the bold shifts SHRM is making in the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Taylor shares his insights on the intersection of people and profit, the strategic move from DEI to Inclusion and Diversity (I&D), and his personal journey from a lawyer to a prominent HR leader. Johnny's personal and professional "why" SHRM's mission to elevate HR The strategic shift from DEI to Inclusion and Diversity The challenges and opportunities in merging people and profit Johnny’s unique perspective as both a CEO and former CHRO The importance of adaptability in leadership and HR practices “I want people to live their best lives... trying to figure out how to help people figure out their why and then essentially remove barriers, enable, uplift, do whatever we need to do to ensure that people live their best lives.” “SHRM's purpose is to elevate HR... elevating the HR profession so that the best and brightest people want to be a part of this profession, and elevating people in business so that businesses truly understand the value of their talent.” “If the E was dividing us but there was general agreement around the I being inclusion and the D being diversity, then let’s focus on what we agree on.” “Sometimes you have to be willing to take the hit for the progress... It’s about doing the right thing and the right thing yielding great business results and great people results.” “Human beings don't like that they talk about change, but change is more than a word... Society is incremental progress.” Johnny C. Taylor: Website: SHRM.org Twitter: @SHRM LinkedIn: Johnny C. Taylor Jr. Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

Dr. Jessica Kriegel talks with Aron Ain, former CEO of Kronos and UKG, to discuss his journey as a leader who has inspired countless individuals through his approach to trust, respect, and people-centric leadership. Aron shares insights on the evolution of his purpose, the importance of over-communicating, and how trust can be the magic glue in both personal and professional relationships. Tune in to learn about the impactful strategies Aron used to foster a culture where people love to work and his thoughts on the future of work in the age of AI. What Is Your Why: Aron Ain discusses how his purpose has evolved over the years, focusing on making a difference in his community, family, and friends. Leadership and Inspiration: Dr. Jessica Kriegel highlights Aron Ain's reputation as an inspiring CEO, referencing his book Work Inspired and his genuine approach to people-first leadership. Origins of Leadership: Aron shares his belief in treating people with respect and dignity, and how his leadership style developed from observing the impact of his actions. Trust as the Foundation: Aron elaborates on the significance of trust in leadership, how he starts relationships with trust, and the benefits of over-communicating. Strategies for a Positive Work Culture: Aron outlines practical strategies to create a great workplace, including open communication, walking the halls, and recognizing the privilege of managing people. Impactful Policies: The implementation and success of an open vacation policy at Kronos, demonstrating trust and flexibility in the workplace. Challenges and Successes in Mergers: Aron reflects on the merger between Kronos and Ultimate, the cultural differences, and lessons learned from integrating two great organizations during COVID-19. Future of Work and AI: Aron and Jessica discuss the evolving nature of work, the impact of AI, and the uncertainty surrounding future workforce dynamics. Personal Reflections and Legacy: Aron shares personal stories about his leadership journey, the importance of gratitude, and how he wants to be remembered not just as a CEO but as a great dad, husband, and friend. Aron Ain is the former CEO of Kronos and UKG, known for his people-centric leadership approach. Under his guidance, Kronos and Ultimate Software merged to form UKG, one of the most successful mergers in software history. Aron is also the author of Work Inspired: How to Build an Organization Where Everyone Loves to Work. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aronain Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

Daniel Lamarre, the visionary leader behind Cirque du Soleil's global success, shares his journey of nurturing one of the most innovative entertainment companies in the world. As President and CEO, Lamarre explores how his blend of creative leadership and business acumen has fostered innovation and led to the creation of some of the most mesmerizing performances seen around the world.   In this episode of the Culture Leaders Podcast, Daniel delves into the ethos of Cirque du Soleil, revealing the core principles that drive the company’s culture of creativity and excellence. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of leading a global creative powerhouse and the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach in business.   Join us for this inspiring episode as Daniel Lamarre shares his unique perspective on leadership, the dynamics of creativity and innovation, and his dedication to transforming Cirque du Soleil into a beacon of artistic and entrepreneurial excellence.   Segmented Timestamps     Notable Quotes "My purpose is definitely to create jobs for artists. I have the luxury of offering jobs to more than 2,000 artists, and I'm so proud of it." - Daniel Lamarre   "You cannot come while there is a rehearsal and dictate... Your job is much more to mobilize people." - Daniel Lamarre   "We like to say at Cirque du Soleil that the star is the show, which means we should all keep our ego at the door... and convince everybody else that you are there to serve the ultimate artistic content, which is the show." - Daniel Lamarre   "If you're not able to be agile as an organization and if you're not able to be cohesive as an organization, you will just not survive." - Daniel Lamarre   USEFUL LINKS   Reach Daniel at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lamarre-b84ab5150/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellamarreflash/?next=%2F    GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Jessica’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/    Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.

Colette Moore, a dedicated advocate for small business development, shares her impactful journey of empowering entrepreneurs and fostering community growth. As a leader in small business advocacy, Moore brings to light the critical role small businesses play in local economies and the broader societal impact of supporting entrepreneurial endeavors. In this episode of the Culture Leaders Podcast, join us as Colette Moore delves into her mission to use her talents in administration, collaboration, and community engagement to help small businesses thrive. She discusses the importance of providing small business owners with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed, emphasizing the significance of legacy and community support.   Segmented Timestamps [00:00] Introduction to Colette Moore and her advocacy for small businesses. [01:28] Colette discusses her motivation and the importance of legacy in her work. [03:03] Comparing leadership in small businesses to tech giants. [04:33] Importance of establishing a supportive culture before hiring. [06:47] Hiring challenges in small businesses and the importance of flexibility. [09:03] Utilizing storytelling to foster cultural beliefs and drive business goals. [11:39] Colette emphasizes the role of transparency and sharing in team meetings. [13:57] Transition from corporate to entrepreneurship and its challenges. [16:09] Colette reflects on the cultural changes within organizations post-pandemic. [19:05] Discussing financial fitness and preparedness in small businesses. [21:21] Utilization of AI and other technologies to streamline small business operations. [26:30] Advice for entrepreneurs: Know your numbers and the importance of a solid support network.   Notable Quotes "My why is to use my God-given talents to help our small businesses meet their goals." - Colette Moore   "It's really important to me that they have a better understanding of how they can be successful." - Colette Moore   "Helping small businesses is about leaving a legacy that impacts their homes and communities." - Colette Moore   "You shouldn't hire until you understand what kind of culture you want... what kind of personality who's going to be a fit with me and my style who's going to help advance." - Colette Moore   "Storytelling in doing that, you get to hear the tough stuff... and I think that that storytelling had a huge component in making people care." - Colette Moore on the power of storytelling.   "Let's let them tell us. And we spend quite a bit of time talking about some of those clients." - Colette Moore on engaging with business stories to understand challenges.   "We want our businesses to think bigger because they have capacity, they have capability, they can do it." - Colette Moore encouraging small businesses to set ambitious goals.   "Know your numbers. Gotta know where you stand... Times will get tough and things will get hard and unexpected things happen." - Colette Moore   USEFUL LINKS   Reach Colette at: Websites:  https://pcrcorp.org/ https://pcrsbdc.org/   GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Jessica’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/    Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.

Jean Gomes, a luminary in the fields of leadership, organizational change, and personal development, shares his enlightening journey towards influencing human evolution in this profound interview. With a career dedicated to understanding and facilitating human growth, Jean offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of personal purpose and organizational missions. Jean’s expertise lies in guiding individuals and organizations towards a deeper understanding of their purpose and potential. By sharing his personal experiences and the challenges he faced, he provides valuable insights into the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals. Through his work, Jean aims to foster environments where creativity and human evolution are at the forefront, driving positive change and innovation. This interview serves as an inspiring exploration of the power of purpose and creativity in shaping our lives and work. By sharing his unique perspectives and experiences, he inspires individuals and leaders to embrace their purpose, unleash their creativity, and contribute to a more evolved and fulfilling future.   Segmented Timestamps [00:02] Jean's personal and organizational purpose. [01:27] The changing assumptions about the world and the need for a new leadership approach. [04:08] The redefinition of mindset and its impact on change and transformation. [07:20] The significance of emotions in shaping our understanding of the world. [10:03] The practical application of mindset in addressing organizational challenges. [18:12] Jean's future-back exercise for envisioning and achieving organizational goals. [22:08] The importance of challenging underlying assumptions to drive innovation. [27:15] The concept of a collective mindset and its role in creating a positive culture. [31:07] The value of acknowledging vulnerability in building inclusive and effective teams. [35:15] Jean's aspirations for sharing his knowledge and impacting millions of people.   Notable Quotes "As a leader, I wanted to be a driving force of human evolution." - Jean Gomes "We now have a much better understanding of what [culture] is. And therefore we can engage people in a conversation that unites the logic and the emotions and the sense of purpose." - Jean Gomes   “Redefinition of mindset is how you feel, think, and see, and how that informs what you know, what you doubt, what you ignore in any given moment. Once we start working with that, then you build up a joined-up system to help people build mindsets for their future.”-Jean Gomes   "The costs to CEO tenure, the investments that are thrown away on major change programs are getting so clearly identifiable that something else needs to happen." - Jean Gomes "What we're trying to understand here is what is the cost when you don't address [well-being]?" - Jean Gomes "Negative emotions are a really powerful way of getting to the primary problems that we face in our relationships and teams and at an organizational level." - Jean Gomes USEFUL LINKS   Reach Jean at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-gomes-7a2244/  Newsletter: Mindset Monthly  https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7001265313933619201 Podcast: The Evolving Leader https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-evolving-leader/id1529641273 Further reading:  https://www.weareoutside.com/articles-and-podcasts   GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Jessica’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/    Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.

Kyle Scheele, a renowned speaker and viral sensation, shares his unique insights on creativity, innovation, and the power of thinking differently. Known for his humorous yet insightful talks that challenge conventional wisdom, Scheele dives into the philosophy of purpose, creativity, and the malleability of life. In this episode of the Culture Leaders Podcast, join us as Kyle discusses the intricacies of living a life without predefined purpose and how such a perspective can lead to greater innovation and flexibility in both personal and professional realms. He explores the misconceptions surrounding creativity and offers a fresh view on how individuals and organizations can foster a more creative and adaptable environment.   Segmented Timestamps [01:23] Kyle challenges the traditional concept of having a single life purpose. [03:09] Discussion on the potential constraints of organizational purpose statements. [05:12] Kyle's take on 'out of the box' thinking and its misinterpretations. [06:24] The interplay between purpose, creativity, and organizational constraints. [09:02] Debunking myths about creativity being limited to certain professions. [14:06] Kyle's vision on the impact he hopes to leave behind through his messages. [16:05] Discussion on the complexity of social behaviors and personality labels. [21:18] From high school speaking to viral TikTok success. [24:54] Memorable projects and their impact on his life.   Notable Quotes "The simpler an object is, the fewer purposes it has... the more complex you get with the item and the person using the item, the more purposes there are." - Kyle Scheele    "Creativity is about thriving within constraints... It's about working with what you have when you don't have the resources you'd like." - Kyle Scheele   "If you look at the world and you're not happy with it, then that's on you to go, 'How do we change this? How do we build the world that we want to live in?'" - Kyle Scheele   "I don't believe in a single purpose. I think if a person has one, they are vastly underutilizing themselves and their potential." - Kyle Scheele   "Organizations like to make purpose statements... but if the purpose is not embedded into the day-to-day functions of the company, it's just something we talked about one time and put up on a wall." - Kyle Scheele   "Creativity is not something that a specific group of people do. Being a human being is about creativity." - Kyle Scheele   USEFUL LINKS   Reach Kyle at: Website: http://www.KyleScheele.com    GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Jessica’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/    Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.