Explore every episode of the podcast Human Capital

In this final episode before pausing production of the Human Capital Podcast, host Jeff Hunt reflects on five incredible years and nearly 100 conversations with some of the most inspiring thought leaders in business. More than a recap, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of the most powerful and recurring themes that emerged—ten core leadership concepts that define what it means to lead with humanity, clarity, and purpose. From authenticity and active listening to feedback, culture, and resilience, Jeff synthesizes lessons that have not only shaped his coaching and consulting practice but transformed his understanding of leadership itself. Drawing on memorable insights from guests like Patrick Lencioni, Xavier Naville, Daniel Harkavy, and Katie Burke, Jeff offers listeners a distilled guide to becoming a better leader—and a better human. If you're a longtime listener or joining for the first time, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom and actionable reflections. Whether you're navigating change, building culture, or simply trying to show up more intentionally each day, this final message is for you. Thank you for being part of this journey. Until next time—lead with clarity, curiosity, and compassion.

In this episode of Human Capital, Jeff Hunt sits down with Jackie Dube, Chief People Officer at The Predictive Index, to explore the power of talent optimization. Jackie shares her journey into HR and how behavioral science revolutionized her approach to hiring, team building, and leadership. She explains how organizations can use behavioral data to align people strategy with business goals, fostering more engaged and high-performing teams. Jeff and Jackie discuss how leaders often underestimate the impact of their work styles on team dynamics and how self-awareness is the first step toward improvement. They also cover the dangers of hiring for skills over character, why engagement surveys must lead to action, and how AI can complement—not replace—human roles in the workforce. Jackie shares real-world insights on building resilient, adaptable teams and offers practical steps for organizations to enhance their talent strategy. Whether you're an HR leader or a CEO, this conversation provides valuable takeaways on using data-driven strategies to optimize talent and create thriving workplaces.

What makes the difference between leaders who inspire and those who simply manage? In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, leaders are expected to drive results, manage change, and keep their teams engaged—all while navigating constant uncertainty. But what if the key to effective leadership isn’t about pushing harder but about becoming more present, mindful, and self-aware? In this episode of The Human Capital Podcast, Jeff Hunt sits down with Dr. Keren Tsuk, founder and CEO of Wisdom To Lead and author of Mindfully Wise Leadership: The Secret of Today’s Leaders. With over 20 years of experience working with global organizations like Siemens and Check Point, Dr. Tsuk shares how mindfulness can transform leadership, improving decision-making, communication, and workplace culture. We explore the misconceptions of mindful leadership, practical ways to integrate mindfulness into daily routines, and why embracing presence and vulnerability leads to stronger teams and better business outcomes. Whether you’re a CEO, manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers valuable insights on how to cultivate conscious leadership and navigate the complexities of today’s workplace with confidence and clarity. Tune in to learn how mindfulness can be a game-changer for your leadership journey.

On this episode, Jeff sits down with Robert Glazer, bestselling author and thought leader on workplace culture, to challenge one of the most ingrained practices in professional life: the traditional two-week notice. Robert redefines how organizations can approach employee transitions, advocating for a collaborative, transparent, and trust-building model that he calls the “Open Transition Program.” Together, Jeff and Robert explore the impact of rethinking job departures and how it can transform workplace culture, engagement, and productivity. They delve into practical strategies for addressing employee performance issues by identifying root causes rather than treating symptoms, using a powerful analogy that redefines how leaders can approach problem-solving. The conversation also tackles the critical importance of psychological safety in leadership, explaining how vulnerability and feedback are the foundation for trust and open communication within teams. Throughout the episode, Robert shares real-world examples, actionable insights, and the four core principles that support successful employee transitions. He provides clear steps to implement these ideas while addressing common objections leaders may have. Jeff and Robert also reflect on lessons learned from crises, how leadership influences culture and the need for clarity in defining team roles.

On this replay, Jeff engages with communication expert Sam Horn to discuss strategies for navigating tough conversations with confidence and clarity. Drawing from her book "Talking on Eggshells," Sam shares powerful insights on how to transform potentially tense moments into constructive, relationship-building interactions. The conversation reveals techniques for saying the right thing at the right time, managing emotionally charged situations, and using empathy-driven language to defuse conflict. Sam provides actionable advice for leaders and teams, emphasizing the importance of mindful communication in fostering a positive, collaborative work culture.

On this inspiring replay, Jeff and Luis delve into the transformative power of resilience—not as a superhuman ability, but as a skill that anyone can nurture. They shed light on how resilience is built through everyday actions, choices, and mindsets, making it accessible to all of us. Drawing from real-life stories and research-backed insights, the episode explores how resilience helps individuals navigate setbacks, adapt to change, and find opportunities in adversity. Discover practical strategies for cultivating resilience in your own life, from developing emotional agility to fostering supportive relationships and creating routines that enhance mental and physical well-being. Jeff and Luis also emphasize the critical role resilience plays in team dynamics and leadership, offering actionable advice for fostering a resilient workplace culture.

This week, we’re replaying an insightful conversation between Jeff and Verne Harnish, renowned author and leadership expert. In this episode, Verne shares timeless wisdom on leadership, values, and navigating change. He highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in today’s fast-evolving business world. Together, Jeff and Verne explore how fostering healthy conflict and open communication within teams leads to better decisions and stronger trust. They also discuss how core values serve as essential guiding principles for leaders and employees, shaping a thriving organizational culture. Packed with actionable strategies and real-world examples, this replay offers valuable tools for driving growth and innovation in any organization.

On this replay, Jeff and Matthew Bidwell, a Wharton professor, explore key strategies for enhancing employee motivation and reducing attrition. They dive into the value of autonomy, learning opportunities, and variety in job roles, with real-world examples from companies like Costco and Trader Joe’s. They also discuss the importance of strong relationships between managers and employees, highlighting how genuine care for an employee’s well-being and career development can lead to higher engagement and retention. The conversation touches on managing stress in the workplace, offering insights on finding the balance between workload demands and employee resources. Also, Jeff and Matthew emphasize that while extrinsic benefits like pay matter, fostering an environment of trust, support, and autonomy is key to keeping employees loyal and satisfied.

On this episode Jeff welcomes Juliette Denny, Founder and Managing Director of Growth Engineering Limited. Jeff and Juliette have a spirited discussion about the transformative power of Learning and Development (L&D). With a background in psychology and marketing, Juliette has spent over 20 years developing innovative learning environments that engage employees and drive real business results. She shares her perspective on Edgar Dale's Cone of Experience and its widespread misconceptions, explaining how learning can be maximized through both abstract and concrete experiences. Juliette and Jeff also dive into the importance of curiosity in learning and how organizations often miss out on the true potential of L&D by not embedding it at the core of their strategy. Drawing on her experience working with companies like L’Oreal, HP, and Samsung, she highlights how a strong L&D approach can boost both innovation and profitability. Additionally, they offer a glimpse into her new venture, Iridescent Technology, and how AI is reshaping the way we approach personalized learning, helping to foster growth and adaptability in the workplace. Whether you're a leader, L&D professional, or lifelong learner, this episode provides valuable insights on how to build an effective learning culture that aligns with your organization's vision and goals.

In this engaging episode of the Human Capital Podcast, Jeff Hunt returns from a break with his batteries recharged and dives into a profound discussion with Sam Horn, a renowned communication strategist and author of "Talking on Eggshells." Sam shares her career journey, emphasizing the pivotal moments that shaped her expertise in effective communication and leadership. She highlights the significance of her "power three" – close family and friends, meaningful work, and daily nature walks – as the foundation of her gratitude and fulfillment. Sam recounts a critical leadership lesson where self-doubt led her to decline a major managerial role, later realizing her capability to succeed in that position. The conversation explores the vital role of language in fostering a positive workplace environment and the power of listening and situational awareness. Sam and Jeff provide practical strategies for leaders to enhance communication, reduce workplace resistance, and promote genuine collaboration. By shifting from authoritative commands to collaborative asks, they illustrate how leaders can create more dynamic and cooperative workspaces.

In this solo episode, Jeff delves into the evolving landscape of leadership as we approach the midpoint of 2024. He highlights five key trends that are reshaping how leaders can effectively guide their teams with empathy and purpose. From finding purpose beyond profits, to leveraging AI, and building trust through transparency, Jeff provides practical insights and real-world examples to help leaders navigate the complexities of today's business environment. Tune in to discover how you can lead with heart and inspire your team in the year ahead. Thank you for listening to Human Capital. We will be pausing new episodes for another 8-weeks, but please stay tuned for a great lineup of inspiring and insightful guests.

This week join Jeff in his engaging conversation with Verne Harnish, an acclaimed author and leadership expert. Verne shares invaluable insights on leadership, values, and change. Drawing from his extensive experience, he emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning and remaining open to change in today's dynamic business landscape. Jeff and Verne delve into the critical role of fostering healthy conflict and open communication within teams to facilitate better decision-making and build trust. They also discuss the significance of core values as guiding principles for both employees and leaders, highlighting their role in shaping organizational culture. This episode offers actionable strategies for driving growth and fostering a culture of innovation within any organization with practical advice and real-world examples.

In this episode, Jeff invites Donna Hamlin, PhD to delve into the transformative journey of the HR department from its origins as primarily compliance-focused to its current role as a strategic advisor within organizations. Donna is CEO of BoardWise and an expert in corporate governance and strategic human capital management. Jeff and Donna highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by HR professionals. Their conversation explores HR leaders' need to develop strategic thinking skills and foster closer collaboration with executive leadership to drive organizational change and deliver high value.

In this illuminating episode, Jeff delves into the crucial interplay between organizational culture and sales strategy with Alice Heiman, a renowned sales leader and consultant. Together, they navigate the intricate landscape of modern business, highlighting the indispensable value of a strong sales mentality that emphasizes customer relationships, strategic market growth, and clear communication. Alice and Jeff bring the need for a clear exit strategy to the vital importance of aligning team strategies with long-term goals, and dynamics of customer relationships, and stress the necessity of multiple touchpoints. Alice advocates for a structured approach where top-tier clients have direct connections not just with sales, but also with product specialists, engineers, and senior executives, ensuring enhanced customer satisfaction and retention.

Join Jeff Hunt in an engaging replay of a previous episode of the Human Capital podcast, featuring Cassandra Goodman, a distinguished figure in the world of business and leadership. Cassandra is known for her impactful roles in companies like GE, Adobe, and Mastercard, bringing a refreshing perspective to leadership with her latest book "Being True." In this conversation, Jeff and Cassandra delve into the "True Leadership" concept, encouraging us to move away from conventional leadership paradigms. Cassandra discusses the profound impact of understanding our inner nature, embracing all aspects of ourselves, and leading with empathy and effectiveness. They share insights on how cultivating self-awareness and authenticity can lead to not only personal fulfillment but also create a positive ripple effect in organizational culture.

In this episode, Jeff interviews Kelly Ann Doherty the current Executive VP and Chief Administrative Officer at the Mr. Cooper Group, overseeing a very large aspect of the company’s people and operations functions. She has nearly 20 years of experience serving some of the nation’s leading organizations in both Communications and People Ops. Jeff and Kelly Ann delve into corporate communication myths, emphasizing the dual role of both the "little C" in everyday dialogue with employees, and the "big C" of strategic messaging. They highlight the power of authenticity in fostering genuine connections and share innovative approaches like "Cooper Con," a conference with fun segments like "Hot Takes" to engage employees. They discuss how communication can be a strategic and competitive advantage, and how to assess your effectiveness at it, both individually and corporately. Their conversation also explores storytelling's impact on culture and brand equity, using personal experiences to drive employee engagement. Strategies for bridging generational gaps and practical tips for enhancing communication skills round out this dynamic discussion, as Kelly Ann shares a roadmap for personal and professional growth in corporate communication.

This week Jeff's guest is Shan Cooper. She is the Founder and CEO of Journey Forward Strategies. Shan’s impressive background includes being the first Black Woman to be VP and General Manager of a division of Lockheed Martin, overseeing 8,000 employees. She also served as the executive director for the Atlanta Committee for Progress, and is the former Chief Transformation Officer at West Rock. Shan and Jeff delve into the nuanced challenges of fostering diversity and inclusion while navigating organizational change. Shan's insights underscore the necessity of understanding long-term business cycles and addressing incidents of discrimination head-on. She shares the sobering experience of grappling with racially motivated violence within the company, highlighting the importance of creating a safe environment for dialogue and swift action against discriminatory behavior. Shan and Jeff underscore the significance of cultural competency in business interactions, emphasizing the need for leaders to invest in understanding diverse perspectives, and the pivotal role of effective leadership alignment and communication in driving organizational transformation. This insightful conversation advocates for clear communication, robust training, and modeling of desired behaviors to facilitate meaningful change within the workplace, ultimately fostering a culture of inclusion and driving organizational success.

This week Jeff returns to his engaging conversation with Gloria Mark, Chancellor’s Professor at UC Irvine. Join Jeff and Gloria as they delve into the intricate relationship between our digital and offline behaviors. They explore the impact of technology on stress, mood, and overall well-being, shedding light on the challenges posed by information overload, especially in the workplace. Listen in as Jeff and Gloria challenge the myth of multitasking and unveil the advantages of monotasking. They also dissect the four common myths surrounding technology usage in the workplace. Gloria shares valuable insights on how incorporating meditation and mindfulness practices can enhance focus, leading to improved goal achievement, communication, decision-making, efficiency, and safety.

In this replay of Human Capital's episode, Jeff explores the topic of uncertainty with guests Susannah and Nathan Furr, authors of "The Upside of Uncertainty." Nathan is a professor of strategy at NSEAD University in Paris, and Susannah formerly owned an apparel company. Together they explore the difference between risk and uncertainty, how creativity and uncertainty are interwoven, and how reframing, preparing, doing, and sustaining can lead us to the upside of uncertainty. Susannah and Nathan share with Jeff about what uncertainty balancers are, and how to better navigate the emotions that come with uncertainty to produce positive outcomes.

In this replay of a captivating podcast episode, Jeff sits down with Jim Harter, Chief Scientist of Workplace Management and Wellbeing at the Gallup Corporation. They explore the enduring impact of the pandemic on work culture and customer relationships, drawing insights from Jim's book, "Culture Shock." Together, they tackle the challenges organizations are facing post-pandemic, from strained customer relationships to declining employee engagement, offering solutions for a better world of work. Jeff and Jim discuss common challenges organizations are facing, including deteriorating customer relationships and declining employee engagement. Jim reveals the key habits of great managers and the five innate traits that predict managerial success. They dive into the importance of focusing on employee strengths rather than weaknesses, and how to build a diverse, strengths-based culture.

Revitalize your workplace culture, step into this special replay episode where Jeff invites you to rediscover the profound insights shared by Ginger Hardage, former C-Suite Executive at Southwest Airlines. Ginger is known for her expertise in culture-building. Join as Jeff and Ginger emphasize the importance of putting employees first, transparency, and storytelling to connect employees with the company's values and purpose. Ginger highlights the importance of involving employees in decision-making and measuring leaders' contributions to the culture during performance evaluations. They stress the pivotal role of culture in organizational success and the role of leaders in modeling healthy conflict behavior while creating a safe work environment for open discussions and diverse perspectives.

This week, Jeff invites you to relisten and rediscover the insights shared by best-selling author and productivity expert, Chris Bailey. In this episode, Jeff and his guest talk about something that feels counter-intuitive to many; reducing workplace stress while also achieving higher productivity. In their conversation, Chris shares with Jeff about the science behind living a deeper, more intentional life. They discuss the link between calmness and productivity, the impact of dopamine on our ability to be calm, and simple strategies that can not only reduce anxiety at home and work but lead to a greater sense of peace. Chris helps listeners understand what the six factors are that lead to burnout, how to do a dopamine fast, and how to make better decisions about dividing our time between the digital and analog worlds.

In this episode, Jeff delves into the complex but crucial topic of trust, both business and personal relationships. Trust serves as the adhesive that binds individuals, organizations, and societies together, playing a pivotal role in determining the success of a company and its relationships with its employees and customers. Jeff's guest for this insightful interview is Dr. Henry Cloud, a renowned leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and bestselling author with extensive experience in executive coaching and leadership consulting. Dr. Cloud shares his vast knowledge and insights on trust and its impact on various aspects of performance, culture, and relationships. Jeff and Henry explore the key components of trust, which break down into five essential elements: understanding, motive, ability, character, and track record. These are the essential components for fostering trust within organizations, ensuring that teams and leaders can work together effectively. This episode will help you learn how to actively cultivate and maintain trust within your organization.

On this episode, Jeff welcomes Rob Seamans, PhD, an Associate Professor at the NYU Stern School of Business. Rob is also the director of the Center for the Future of Management, and was previously the Senior Economist for technology and innovation on President Obama's Council of Economic Advisers. Rob’s research focuses on how firms use technology in their strategic interactions with each other, and the economic consequences of AI, robotics, and other advanced technologies. Rob and Jeff explore the rapid adoption of AI, its economic implications, and the challenges it poses to organizations. Rob shares key findings on AI's impact, discusses cultural aspects, and addresses productivity gains, industry benefits, and how to foster inclusive AI-driven cultures. Listen in to discover strategies for addressing AI-related job-security concerns, reskilling the workforce, and ensuring ethical AI implementation with a focus on responsible design and policymaker involvement.

Join Jeff for an eye-opening conversation with Candice Smith as she shares her incredible journey growing up in apartheid South Africa. Candice discusses challenging a system that marginalized voices based on skin color, and how she discovered the power of the thinking environment. Candice and Jeff discuss horizontal vs. vertical leadership development & the importance of developing cognitive, emotional, and ethical capacities for more inclusive and effective leadership. Candice introduces the concept of a thinking environment, emphasizing the critical role of attention, equality, ease, and appreciation in fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation. They discuss what some actionable steps are to creating a workplace where everyone's voice is valued, denial is dismantled, and courageous conversations lead to positive change.

In this episode of the Human Capital podcast, Jeff welcomes a special guest from Australia, Cassandra Goodman, who introduces her latest book titled "Being True." What makes Cassie stand out is her wealth of experience in the business world and her extensive time as a senior executive and an external consultant. She has made a significant impact on renowned companies like GE, Adobe, and Mastercard, but what really sets Cassie apart is her mission to help leaders embrace their authentic selves, quirks and all. She's not just a fountain of innovative ideas, but also a fantastic role model for genuine self-expression. During their conversation, Jeff and Cassie dive into the intriguing concept of "True Leadership." They chat about how this approach requires us to let go of the traditional norms of leadership we're accustomed to. They dig deep into the significance of getting back in touch with our inner essence, understanding the different aspects of ourselves, and how being true to who we are can profoundly enhance our leadership with empathy and effectiveness. Cassie calls upon the well known therapeudic modality of Internal Family Systems (IFS), founded by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D. and leverages this to boast healthier "internal" and "external" leadership.

In this week's episode, Jeff interviews David Salyers, a former C-Suite Marketing Executive at Chick-fil-A. David played a pivotal role in creating Chick-fil-A's exceptional culture, resulting in remarkable achievements like 10 times revenue per location of the average competitor, and a 97% employee retention rate. David shares how a focus on building a strong culture and prioritizing service over profits led to Chick-fil-A's success. Jeff and David explore the relationship between brand, culture, and customer experience, emphasizing the importance of aligning employee and customer values. David's insights shed light on how to create a thriving business and a culture that people genuinely want to be a part of.

In this exciting episode, Jeff interviews Todd Westra, a successful entrepreneur. Todd shares about his journey which began as an eight-year-old with a paper route and ultimately allowed him to scale and successfully exit from several successful companies. Todd explains that in life, you can turn almost anything you love doing into a business if you can solve a problem. He also highlights the importance of setting clear values and a company culture that aligns with your goals. Todd and Jeff discuss the power of delegation and how founders must learn to trust their team members to handle tasks by giving them the freedom to find their own solutions. They also talk about knowing your business's purpose and long-term vision. Todd advises entrepreneurs to understand what problems their business solves and to be specific about their goals and targets and the importance of having an exit strategy.

Revisit Jeff's interview with Sean Fahey. He is the Founder and CEO of VidCruiter, a company specializing in video interviewing and recruiting technology. Sean and Jeff discuss specifically how employers can find passionate people who are great at their jobs. Sean shares the challenges of having too many or not enough candidates in the pool, and the need to apply consistent structure, processes, and workflows to the recruiting methodology. Sean shares how he pulled off hiring 200 people in 30 days and how this became a catalyst for starting his company. They talk about weeding out bias in recruiting and what methods can improve diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sean shares his thoughts on the lack of readiness of artificial intelligence to be embedded into recruiting technologies and the associated pitfalls to be aware of.

This week Jeff revisits his interview with Katie Burke, Chief People Officer at HubSpot for a discussion about the HubSpot Culture Code. Katie shares how to make inclusivity part of your organization’s DNA through transparency, measurement, integrity, and authenticity. Jeff and Katie discuss ways to leverage both the head and heart to make the case for diversity improvement, and why these elements must be a business priority. Katie talks about the importance of treating employees well even when things are not going well at your organization. She shares the importance of vulnerability and how therapy can help reduce defensiveness and reactivity while leading to improved self-awareness.

In this podcast episode, we explore the lasting impact of the pandemic on work culture and customer relationships. Jeff's guest Jim Harter, is the Chief Scientist of Workplace Management and Wellbeing at the Gallup Corporation. Jim shares insights from his upcoming book "Culture Shock," offering solutions for a better world of work and life. Jeff and Jim discuss the common challenges organizations are facing coming out of the pandemic, including deteriorating customer relationships and declining employee engagement. Jim reveals the key habits of great managers and the five innate traits that predict managerial success. They dive into the importance of focusing on employee strengths rather than weaknesses, and how to build a diverse, strengths-based culture. Listen to discover how organizations can thrive in the post-pandemic era and create an engaged and productive workforce.

Explore the connection between sports and business with Jeff's guest, Randy Bennett. Randy is the renowned Saint Mary’s Men’s Basketball coach and on this episode he shares his insights and experiences in coaching his team to excellence. Randy shares about the transormation from when he inherited a 2-27 team 20-years ago to one of the top non-Power 5 programs in the US, with a 70.9% win-loss ratio. Together, Jeff and Randy discuss leadership, teamwork, strategy, and culture in both sports and business. Randy shares valuable coaching tips about the importance of adaptability, a positive attitude, and teamwork in achieving success. They discuss the difference between improving personal best personal average, and how to manage systemic turnover in sports and business.

Difficult conversations are commonplace at work, but many people avoid them. Avoiding conflict sometimes feels easier, so we might avoid that tough conversation even though not having it might come at a high cost. In this episode, Jeff speaks to an expert who helps us understand the best strategies for managing difficult conversations and conflicts. Francesca LeBaron is a faculty member at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and she "teaches the class" (literally) on healthy conflict at work. Jeff and Francesca explore why it's important to know the goal of a conversation before engaging, how visioning helps us be proactive with difficult conversations, and the impact role-playing has on our ability to resolve conflict in a healthy way. Francesca also shares practical tips for employees looking to manage conflict when trying to manage up. She also talks about the tangible financial benefits of conflict resolution, including increased engagement, reduced turnover, better productivity, and improved brand equity.

In this episode of the Human Capital podcast, host Jeff Hunt interviews Juliet Schor, Professor of Sociology at Boston University and board member of 4 Day Week Global, a research non-profit studying the concept of a four-day workweek. Juliet shares her findings on the benefits of a shorter workweek, including better work-life balance, higher employee retention, increased productivity, and decreased burnout rates. She also discusses how companies successfully made the shift to a four-day workweek and whether this change will become a competitive advantage for recruiting and retention. Juliet addresses concerns about measuring productivity and overcoming resistance from leaders who may be skeptical of this paradigm shift. Juliet's research sheds light on why this idea is gaining momentum and why it may become a significant ESG measure for companies in the future.