Back

Explore every episode of the podcast The BetterCulture Podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for The BetterCulture Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

Rows per page:

1–35 of 35

TitlePub. DateDuration
#35: Tackling Professionalism and Connection: Culture Solutions for the Modern Workplace15 sept. 202600:42:25

On this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, we sit down with Miriam Blair, Director of Inclusive Engagement at Kutak Rock, to unpack how the firm tackled its most pressing challenge: reviving professionalism, communication, and collaboration across every layer of the workplace.

Miriam candidly shares the struggles Kutak Rock faced with changing workplace norms post-pandemic, from the erosion of social niceties to the challenge of onboarding new talent into a culture fractured by isolation and evolving expectations. Discover how BetterCulture’s “20 Tenets” became their not-so-secret weapon for onboarding, leadership calibration, and even performing “surgery” on struggling teams.

Whether you’re leading a law firm or any organization where people and performance matter, you’ll want to hear how these practical, people-first habits are transforming not just companies, but lives—on and off the clock. Packed with real stories, actionable ideas, and a few surprising personal takeaways, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

#34: The Difference Between Recognition and Appreciation and How to Use Both to Build Culture01 sept. 202600:14:42

If you think employee recognition is just feel-good fluff, well, think again. In this fast-paced episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, discover why recognition isn’t just a nice-to-have—it's a powerful driver of behavior, team engagement, and business results. This episode focuses on the difference between recognition and appreciation, offering practical tips for turning cultural values into everyday actions.

Learn how specific, genuine, and timely recognition can fuel motivation, boost retention, and create a culture where people want to give their best. Brett shares the critical role leaders play in reinforcing the right behaviors—and the risks of letting great work go unnoticed. The episode also explores common pitfalls like generic or delayed recognition, and provides simple strategies to make praise truly impactful.

Tune in to walk away with actionable advice and a challenge you can put to use immediately. Transform your team’s culture—one authentic "thank you" at a time!

#33: The Anatomy of a Great Employee Engagement Survey: Dos, Don’ts, and Best Practices18 août 202600:38:07

In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, Brett and his brother, Blake Hoogeveen, have a conversation focused on the complexities of employee engagement surveys and the surprising ways organizations can either boost or damage their culture through the survey process. Their discussion explores why seemingly simple tools like engagement surveys often fail to produce actionable insights and how bad questions, poor communication, low trust, and weak follow-through can erode employee trust and morale. Listeners will learn best practices for designing effective surveys, the importance of using normative data, and how critical it is to follow up on survey results with clear communication and concrete action plans. This episode also unpacks common mistakes organizations make, the risks of DIY survey tools, and offers actionable steps for leveraging surveys to drive real cultural improvement. Whether you’re an HR leader, a culture driver or a business owner, this episode provides expert advice to ensure your next survey strengthens—not weakens—your workplace culture.

#32: Making Kindness a Workplace Advantage: Lessons for Leaders and Teams04 août 202600:14:36

In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, Brett Hoogeveen explores why kindness is among the most powerful forces for building healthy, resilient, and high-performing teams. The message focuses on breaking down common misconceptions, showing how kindness isn’t about being soft or lowering expectations—instead, it requires real strength and awareness.

Through relatable scenarios and practical advice, Brett challenges listeners to notice moments where a little humanity can transform pressure into connection, mistakes into growth, and accountability into opportunity. Learn why the best leaders know how to pair kindness with high standards, and discover easy steps to put kindness into action at work.

Ready for a fast, uplifting burst of insight? Tune in for actionable tips that will help you build a culture—and a career—where people remember how you made them feel, not just what you achieved. Don’t miss this episode about the real power at the heart of Better Culture's 20 Tenets: Kindness is not weakness—it's strength.

#31: From Startup to Scale: The Role of Clear Values and Communication (with Rick Knudtson)21 juil. 202600:39:22

Get an inside look at what it takes to build and scale a powerful workplace culture in today’s fast-moving business world. In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, Rick Knudtson, co-founder and CEO of Workshop (and previously Flywheel) joins Brett Hoogeveen to share hard-earned lessons from building high-performing teams—and the modern tools that make employee communication a true driver of engagement and results. Hear why most large organizations still struggle to connect with their people, how Workshop changes the game with smarter internal comms, and the non-negotiable role of core values, hiring standards, transparency, and meaningful rituals in shaping culture. With practical stories, leadership insights, and a peek behind the curtain of a fast-growing tech company, this episode is a must for leaders aiming to unite, inspire, and elevate their teams.

#30: The Micro Mentoring Revolution: Small Steps, Big Impact07 juil. 202600:36:04

In this dynamic episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, Brett Hoogeveen welcomes back co-founder and leadership expert Dr. Kim Hogeveen to uncover the hidden potential of both formal and informal mentoring and how it's a powerful, yet often misunderstood, engine for growth in the workplace and beyond

Discover why most mentoring programs fall flat—and how to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder the success of your people and your organization. From strategic frameworks for effective mentor-mentee pairings to the game-changing concept of "micro mentoring," you'll learn actionable tactics to supercharge professional development without heavy investment or complex processes.

Whether you're an executive shaping culture or an individual eager to accelerate your own growth, this episode will equip you with practical insights to harness the power of mentoring at every level.

#29: Stop Playing it Safe: Unmasking & Overcoming Hidden Barriers to Innovation23 juin 202600:10:25

Are you unknowingly shutting down creativity in your organization? In this episode, we get straight to the heart of why innovation often stalls—not because of budgets, but because of subtle habits and mindsets that leaders tolerate every day. Discover the three invisible behaviors that are killing new ideas faster than you realize, and learn the practical, powerful shifts you can make to bring innovation back to life. It’s a high-impact dose of insight designed to spark change—all in 10 minutes or less. Tune in to find out if you’re fueling progress or quietly putting out the spark.

#28: A Secret to Employee Loyalty: Meeting Needs Beyond the Workplace (with Chad Mares) 09 juin 202600:33:44

What if your company could support employees beyond the workplace—and see real results in engagement, retention, and well-being? In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, we dive into a revolutionary approach to workplace culture: investing in your people’s whole lives. Guest Chad Mares, Founder, President & CEO of The Work Lab, reveals how embedding work life coaches on-site is helping organizations address the personal challenges that affect performance and motivation. Explore practical ideas, surprising stories, and a new model that’s reshaping what it means to care for employees. Discover why helping your team thrive outside of work is the culture advantage you can’t afford to miss.

#27: Choosing Curiosity Over Criticism: The Superpower of Assuming Positive Intent26 mai 202600:09:43

In this BetterCulture Podcast episode, Brett explores the relationship superpower of "Assume Positive Intent"—Tenet Number Three from Better Culture's 20 Tenets of Culture. You'll learn why most conflict doesn't start with bad intent, but with bad assumptions. Listen and learn practical ways to improve your emotional intelligence, including:

  • Slowing your reaction and not responding immediately
  • Getting curious before becoming critical
  • Separating impact from intent

Discover how simply pausing and asking, "What if there's more to the story?" can protect relationships, lower stress, and help you show up with greater maturity, both at work and in life.


#26: No One is Coming To Develop You12 mai 202600:38:35

In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, host Brett Hoogeveen and his colleague Kevin Hensel tackle one of the most transformative truths in personal and professional growth: nobody is coming to develop you. Together, they share real-world stories, practical steps, and motivating insights on what it takes to take full responsibility for your own leadership development. If you’ve been waiting for a promotion, a class, or someone else to tell you it’s time to grow, this conversation is your wake-up call to stop waiting and start moving forward—one intentional action at a time.

Special Offer: Ready to accelerate your development and join a community of growth-minded leaders? As a listener of this episode, you get 50% off the brand new Better Culture Virtual Leadership Academy launching July 2026! Use coupon code POD50 at checkout to lock in your exclusive rate. Don’t miss your chance to invest in yourself, connect with peers, and access a year-long, interactive leadership journey—this offer is only available until the end of June 2026! Virtual Leadership Academy - BetterCulture

#25: Why Most Leadership Training Fails—And What You Should Do Instead28 avr. 202600:37:56

Ever left a leadership workshop energized, only to find nothing really changed? In this episode, host Brett Hoogeveen together with Dr. Kim Hoogeveen, dissect the six common pitfalls that make leadership training ineffective in most organizations. Learn what separates memorable, impactful training from “book-of-the-month” fluff—and how to get better results for yourself or your team.

You’ll learn:

  • The danger of the "Book of the Month Club" approach
  • How misalignment with company systems kills progress
  • Why applied, functional content beats TED Talk inspiration
  • The power of team-based leadership growth
  • How repetition cements real-world leadership skills
#24: Leading with Heart: How Falcon Plastics Redefines Workplace Culture (with Jenn Barlund)14 avr. 202600:27:48

Discover how third-generation leader Jenn Barlund is infusing purpose, connection, and care into Falcon Plastics, transforming it from a traditional manufacturing business into a company where relationships, well-being, and fun drive performance. Brett Hoogeveen explores Jenn’s personal journey with imposter syndrome, her commitment to values-driven decision-making, and actionable strategies for building a workplace where people love to show up. Tune in for stories of empowerment, learning from failure, and what it really means to make culture a strategic priority.

#23: Keeping Engagement Alive for Long-Term Employees31 mars 202600:36:51

In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, Brett Hoogeveen and Dr. Kim Hogeveen dive into the challenge of keeping long-term employees energized and engaged. They discuss the critical role these employees play in organizational stability, why engagement can fade over time, and share practical, actionable strategies for leaders to ensure team members remain valued and motivated. You'll gain valuable insights into:

  • The “honeymoon dip”: Why employee engagement often drops after the initial months or years, and what organizations can do to intentionally address this decline.
  • Innovative recognition: Ways to personalize appreciation, including creative real-life examples, and why regular, varied recognition is essential for long-term contributors.
  • Career ladders and involvement: How programs like internal career advancement, mentoring, and involving employees (and their families) in company events can boost satisfaction, commitment, and organizational pride.

Whether you’re an executive, manager, or just want to make your workplace better, this episode is packed with practical tips—and plenty of good-humored insights—for investing in the people who make your organization great.

#22: Real Leaders Set the Thermostat: Unlocking Contagious Positive Energy17 mars 202600:09:06

Ever walked into a meeting and instantly felt the mood tank—or soar—because of one person’s vibe? In this punchy episode we crack open the myth that your attitude is just “yours.” Turns out, your outlook leaks! Discover four killer moves to level up your energy (even on tough days), how to avoid the "emotional doom loop," and why being upbeat isn’t about fake smiles—it’s about leading with contagious optimism. If you want happier teams, bolder ideas, and better results (with zero fluffy BS), this one’s for you.

#21: Improv Tools & Marketing Tips to Transform Your Leadership Communication (with Annie Figenshu)03 mars 202600:39:35

In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, we welcome Annie Figenshu—content strategist, author, and former New York City improv performer. Drawing on 15 years of experience captivating audiences on stage, Annie reveals how lessons from improv and theater can transform the way leaders engage their teams and influence company culture.

Annie discusses practical, improv-inspired strategies that leaders can apply immediately to make their messages “stick.” Learn how to bring clarity and energy to your internal communications, avoid common messaging pitfalls, and craft messages that truly resonate—whether you’re addressing your entire organization or just your team. Annie shares memorable stories, including how she helped a Shark Tank contestant land funding by making their pitch both clear and impactful.

Discover actionable tips to increase buy-in, foster pride within teams, and use storytelling and vision to inspire those you lead. Annie also explains the power of repetition, theatricality, and audience-focused messaging in building a culture where everyone is aligned and invested.
If you’re a leader, manager, or anyone responsible for culture and engagement, this episode is filled with insights you can use to create lasting impact in your organization.

#20: Culture Impact: Who Holds the Power?17 févr. 202600:25:47

In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, Brett Hoogeveen and Kevin Hensel deliver rapid-fire insights on a question every workplace should ask: who truly shapes culture? They break it down into four critical roles—executives, HR leaders, frontline managers, and all employees—challenging popular assumptions along the way.

Their punchy "one recommendation per role" game reveals that:
1. Executives set the tone by genuinely caring about and prioritizing culture.

2. HR shouldn’t shoulder culture alone, but rather ignite and support it.

3. Managers should avoid treating everyone the same—fairness isn't sameness; spotlight and develop your stars.

4. Every employee makes a difference by being the colleague they’d love to work with.

If you want actionable advice on building better workplace culture—whether you’re in the C-suite or on the front line—this episode cuts through the noise to what really drives change.

Kickstarter Pack: https://betterculture.com/culture-kickstarter-pack/

20 Tenets For Teams: https://betterculture.mykajabi.com/offers/wpgiMpYk/checkout?coupon_code=KICKSTART

#19: Listen Up: The Secret to Making Your Words Stick02 févr. 202600:08:37

In this FastBlast edition of the BetterCulture Podcast, Brett Hoogeveen dives into one of the simplest - yet most powerful - pieces of leadership advice you’ll ever receive: oral highlighting. Discover why attention spans keep shrinking (hint: tacos vs. salad debates happen in real meetings!), and how most people miss chances to truly connect with their audiences. Learn exactly how to signal your key ideas so they not only land but stick—and get ready for practical, easy-to-copy phrases that will help you boost engagement in your next team meeting, coaching session, or family dinner.

Tune in and unlock the secret to making your words echo long after you've said them. If you want your ideas remembered, respected, and repeated, this is the episode to lean in for.

#18: 99% Engagement: The Secrets to Empowered, Thriving Teams (with Heather Tussing)20 janv. 202600:39:51

Heather Tussing, President of The Aspenwood Company, joins Brett Hoogeveen to reveal how a people-first approach turned Aspenwood into a top workplace in senior living. Discover Heather’s journey from community sales to the C-suite, her playbook for turning around struggling teams, and the real strategies behind industry-leading employee engagement. Filled with actionable leadership tips and culture wins you can use in any organization.

#17: The Audacious Goal: The #1 Way to Transform Workplace Culture06 janv. 202600:34:56

What’s the single, most impactful action your organization can take to build an amazing place to work? In this thought-provoking episode of the Better Culture podcast, Brett Hoogeveen and Kim Hoogeveen unpack the audacious goal that can revolutionize any workplace: ensuring every employee reports to an outstanding supervisor. Discover why this deceptively simple goal drives organizational engagement, retention, and success—and why so few companies pursue it seriously. Packed with practical advice on selecting, training, and supporting exceptional leaders, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for turning this goal into reality. If you care about culture, don’t miss this essential conversation for making your organization a truly great place to work.

#16: Why Investing in People Pays Dividends23 déc. 202500:09:57

In this BetterCulture Podcast Fastblast, host Brett Hoogeveen flips the script on a common business myth: the belief that focusing on people and culture is just a cost. Brett makes a compelling case that culture isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s your most powerful growth engine. Through practical advice, candid examples, and simple steps you can take today, discover how great culture fuels retention, productivity, and customer loyalty—saving and making you money every single day.

If you’ve ever wondered why team morale is low, turnover is high, or projects keep missing the mark, this episode will help you see the hidden costs (and massive opportunities) embedded in your workplace culture. With actionable tips—like asking the right questions and measuring the right metrics—you’ll leave inspired to invest in the kind of culture that compounds positive results across your business.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a leader who needs to hear the truth about culture! For more resources, visit BetterCulture.com.

#15: Why Great Culture is Nebraska Cancer Specialists' Secret Sauce (with Danielle Geiger)09 déc. 202500:31:06

In this inspiring episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, host Brett Hoogeveen and guest Danielle Geiger dive deep into what it takes to build and sustain an award-winning workplace culture—especially in a high-impact industry like healthcare. Danielle Geiger, Practice Administrator at Nebraska Cancer Specialists, shares her journey from bedside nurse to leading a 380-person, multi-site operation recognized as one of Omaha’s best places to work.

Together, they discuss how Nebraska Cancer Specialists puts patients and employees at the center of every decision, the real business impact of strong culture (including their astonishingly low 5.7% turnover rate compared to the 20-25% healthcare industry norm), and practical strategies for creating lasting engagement at every level of the organization. From embracing continuous improvement and welcoming employee feedback to integrating core values into daily practice and launching their “NC-YES” initiative, this episode is packed with real stories and actionable insights.

Whether you’re passionate about organizational development, a leader in healthcare, or simply looking to build a positive workplace, this episode offers a candid, practical look at how culture drives results—and how every leader can make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why culture is a life-or-death differentiator in healthcare—and how focusing on staff engagement translates directly to patient care and business health
  • The importance of involving employees at every stage of culture-building, from shaping core values to leading change initiatives
  • Tips for using feedback, mentorship, continuous learning, and inclusive communication to foster long-term loyalty and drive organizational success
  • How “NC-YES” encapsulates the spirit of saying yes to new ideas, employee input, and better patient outcomes

Tune in for a masterclass in culture from one of the Midwest’s leading healthcare operations—without the buzzwords or BS.

#14: How to Spot (and Grow) Truly Great Managers25 nov. 202500:36:16

What separates an average manager from a transformational one? According to Brett Hoogeveen and Dr. Kim Hoogeveen, it might be the most overlooked—and misunderstood—decision in business: choosing the right people leaders.

In this episode, the father–son founders of Better Culture unveil their brand-new—and completely free—People Leader Checklist, a practical, research-backed tool that helps organizations identify real leadership potential before someone steps into a management role.

You’ll hear why promoting top performers can backfire, the three core leadership domains that predict success, and the simple criteria any organization can use to select, grow, and coach stronger leaders. With relatable stories, real-world examples, and immediately usable insights, this episode gives CEOs, HR pros, and emerging leaders a clear roadmap for building healthier, higher-performing teams.

Want to elevate your leadership bench? Download the checklist and start developing the kind of leaders people actually want to follow.  The People Leader Checklist - BetterCulture

#13: Empowering Employees to Solve Their Own Drama11 nov. 202500:11:07

Brett Hoogeveen shares how addressing the “unspeakable” tensions between two coworkers turned quiet conflict into connection — offering simple tools every leader can use to build trust and teamwork.

In this Leadership FastBlast episode, BetterCulture co-founder and host Brett Hoogeveen tackles one of the stickiest kinds of workplace tension — the unspoken issues that feel too uncomfortable to address.

Through a relatable story about two receptionists whose silent frustrations threatened team harmony, Brett reveals how hidden conflicts quietly drain culture — and how a thoughtful, appreciation-based conversation can turn tension into teamwork.

With practical leadership insights and simple, repeatable ground rules, this episode shows how surfacing the “unspeakables” can build trust, strengthen relationships, and even spark a little laughter along the way. Perfect for leaders looking to create healthier, higher-performing teams, this FastBlast delivers actionable tools you can use right away.

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

#12: Why Young Professionals Stay-Or Walk Away (with Colin Hensel)28 oct. 202500:30:16

What makes today’s young professionals actually want to stay? In this eye-opening episode, host Brett Hoogeveen sits down with Colin Hensel, a rising star who’s lived both sides of workplace culture—the kind that drives you out in six months and the kind that makes you want to stay for years.

Colin pulls back the curtain on what truly matters to modern talent: real appreciation, meaningful relationships, room to grow, and leaders who mean it when they say they care. You’ll hear stories that challenge old-school thinking and reveal the small, authentic actions that make a big difference—from simple recognition to letting employees see how decisions get made.

If you’re serious about keeping your best people (and not just filling roles), this is the gut-check episode you can’t afford to miss. Tune in to see culture the way your employees do—and walk away inspired to build a workplace they’ll never want to leave.

f you’re ready to transform your approach to talent and leadership, this episode is packed with strategic insights and practical steps from one of the top experts in the field. Don’t miss it!

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

#11: Beyond HR: Why Building a Great Place to Work Is Everyone’s Job14 oct. 202500:25:00

Think culture is just HR’s responsibility? Think again.

In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, host Brett Hoogeveen and BetterCulture Senior Consultant Kevin Hensel stir up an honest, energetic debate about who really owns workplace culture. From where HR’s role stops to where leaders at every level must step up, they share bold insights, fresh perspectives, and real-world stories that challenge the status quo.
You’ll walk away with practical takeaways and a new mindset about what it really takes to build — and sustain — a great place to work.

🔥 If you care about culture, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

If you’re ready to transform your approach to talent and leadership, this episode is packed with strategic insights and practical steps from one of the top experts in the field. Don’t miss it!

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

#10: Bringing People "Inside the Tent" - The Power of Inclusive Leadership30 sept. 202500:06:02

In this BetterCulture Fast Blast, Brett Hoogeveen shares the motivation and impact of including team members in knowledge and decisions being made for and around them.  Brett quickly and directly shares tools, techniques and insights that build trust, pride and ways to help develop team members such as:

The "Inside the Tent" Concept: Great leaders don't hoard information; they invite team members to become insiders, making them feel like valued contributors by bringing them "inside the tent."
Information as Connection, Not Control: Unlike leaders who use information to maintain power, effective leaders democratize knowledge to foster connection and trust.
Language Matters: Pay attention to whether employees refer to the company as "they/them" or "we/us"—the latter indicates a stronger sense of connection and ownership.
Seeking Employee Input: Pulling people inside the tent also means soliciting feedback from all levels—not just the usual decision-makers—to foster belonging and inclusion.
Building Trust and Ownership: These small acts help team members feel seen, valued, and more invested in the company’s success, strengthening overall culture.

If you’re ready to transform your approach to talent and leadership, this episode is packed with strategic insights and practical steps from one of the top experts in the field. Don’t miss it!

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

#9: The Strength of TALENT (with Mike Goldman)16 sept. 202500:38:55

In this insightful episode, host Brett Hoogeveen sits down with renowned leadership team coach, best-selling author, and TEDx speaker Mike Goldman. The conversation dives deep into the limitations of traditional performance management and introduces Mike’s innovative Talent Density framework, which is designed to help organizations grow people, improve culture, and drive long-term business results.

Key Highlights:
Why Performance Management Needs Fixing:
Only 2% of leaders believe their current performance management system adds real value. Mike shares eye-opening research and explains why outdated reviews and ratings aren’t helping teams grow.
People Growth as a Profit Driver:
Mike and Brett discuss how true profit growth is tied directly to people growth—something that’s often stated but rarely acted on in measurable ways by today’s leaders.
Introduction to the Talent Density System:
Learn about the five-step process to measure and improve talent density, including setting expectations, assessing performance, taking action, accountability, and cascading changes throughout the organization.
Practical Tools for Leaders:
Mike offers actionable advice on how to set clear performance expectations and conduct effective weekly one-on-ones, emphasizing investment in high performers and removing barriers to their success.
Links Mentioned by Mike:
To pre-order or buy Mike's new book, The Strength of Talent, visit: strengthoftalent.com
(Pre-order before October 14, 2025, for over $400 in bonuses and tools. After launch, the site will continue to be a resource and book ordering hub.)
Learn more about Mike Goldman, his coaching, keynotes, workshops, and previous books:
mike-goldman.com

If you’re ready to transform your approach to talent and leadership, this episode is packed with strategic insights and practical steps from one of the top experts in the field. Don’t miss it!

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

#8: Why the Gap? How Culture Often Falls Short of Vision02 sept. 202500:33:45

Most leaders want a strong workplace culture - but reality often doesn’t match their intentions. In this conversation, Brett Hoogeveen and Dr. Kim Hoogeveen unpack why that gap exists and what leaders can do about it.

You’ll learn:

  • The four main reasons culture gaps exist in organizations.
  • Why even well-meaning leaders struggle to follow through.
  • Simple first steps you can take to start closing your own culture gap.
  • What “going all in” looks like when it comes to building a thriving culture.

This gap exists in almost every organization - but the sooner you take action, the sooner your team will feel the results.

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

#7: Work Should Be FUN19 août 202500:07:21

Welcome to the latest BetterCulture podcast "Leadership Fastblast" in which host Brett Hoogeveen tackles a specific concept in easily digestible 10-minute segments. 

In this Leadership FastBlast episode, Brett tackles common myths around fun in the workplace. From compelling statistics to quotes from credible thinkers like Dwight Eisenhower, Brett lays out the case for fun's role in making a work environment more productive and inviting.

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

#6: The Real Value of Company Culture05 août 202500:30:35

What’s the actual ROI of employee engagement and workplace culture? Is company culture just a buzzword — or is it a real business driver? Is culture just a “feel-good” initiative, or does it lead to real-world business results?

In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, host Brett Hoogeveen, CSP and senior consultant Kevin Hensel tackle the tough questions head-on. They make a compelling, data-backed case that building a stronger culture isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic advantage that directly improves profitability.

✅ What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The real business value of employee engagement
- Why culture is often misunderstood as a "soft" metric
- How better culture = better business
- Practical ideas to start improving your team’s culture today
🔔 New episodes drop every other Tuesday on all major podcast platforms.

🎯 Want to build a high-performing culture at your company?
Book a free 15-minute culture call with Brett:
👉 https://betterculture.com/freecall/

📚 Explore our free leadership tools and culture-building resources:
👉 https://betterculture.com/insights/

🔗 Connect with us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

#BetterCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #EmployeeEngagement #BusinessPerformance #organizationalculture #businessvalue

#5: Overcoming Four Types of "Problem Employees"22 juil. 202500:14:28

Welcome to the second BetterCulture podcast "Leadership Fastblast" in which host Brett Hoogeveen tackles a specific concept in easily digestible 10-minute segments. 

In this Leadership FastBlast episode, Brett breaks down four types of 'problem employees' that drag down the cultural average of a business. Through this dynamic episode, leaders can learn how to identify these behaviors, how they adversely affect their organization and how to combat those sorts of detractors in the workplace. 

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/

#4: Building a Championship Team Culture (with Trish Siedlik)08 juil. 202500:28:01

Bellevue University volleyball coach Trish Siedlik joins the show to recap the Bruins' outstanding season and discuss her implementation of BetterCulture's 20 Tenants Program to her team's daily operations. 

Join us each every other Tuesday for a new BetterCulture podcast on all of your favorite podcast platforms.

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call with Brett today here:
https://betterculture.com/freecall/
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

#3: Why Leaders Should be Coaching or Parenting23 juin 202500:09:51

Welcome to the first BetterCulture podcast "Leadership Fastblast" in which host Brett Hoogeveen tackles a specific concept in easily digestible 10-minute segments. 

In this Leadership FastBlast episode, host Brett Hoogeveen breaks down leadership to its core, suggesting that 95% of effective leadership is all about mastering two key skills: coaching and parenting. Drawing compelling parallels between coaching teams and guiding a family, Brett explores the essential qualities—like strategy, empathy, motivation, and adaptability—that top leaders share with outstanding coaches and parents. Whether you’re hiring for a supervisor role or developing your own leadership style, this FastBlast episode offers practical wisdom on what to look for and how to grow. 

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/

#2: The BetterCulture Origin Story23 juin 202500:31:00

Brett Hoogeveen is joined by his father, business partner, and 24-year CEO Kim Hoogeveen, PhD. They discuss the BetterCulture origin story and why BetterCulture is on a mission to make the world a better place to work (hint: it’s because better culture leads to better business).

Join us each every other Tuesday for a new BetterCulture podcast on all of your favorite podcast platforms.

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call with Brett today here:
https://betterculture.com/freecall/
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/

#1: Welcome to the BetterCulture Podcast23 juin 202500:17:35

In this inaugural episode, Brett Hoogeveen is joined by BetterCulture senior consultant Kevin Hensel. Brett and Kevin dive into the purpose of the BetterCulture podcast and articulate the relationship between better culture and better business.
 
Join us every other Tuesday for a new BetterCulture podcast on all your favorite podcast platforms. 

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/

© My Podcast Data · Independent project · Data from Apple & Spotify