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Explore every episode of the podcast The CultureCon Podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for The CultureCon 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.

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1–50 of 51

TitlePub. DateDuration
Live from CultureCon: The Leadership Power of Dignity with Dr. Isa Karabed15 Sep 202600:17:42

Leadership gets real when dignity becomes more than a value on the wall. It becomes something people can actually feel.

Live from CultureCon 2026, Dr. Rod Berger sits down with Dr. Isa Karabed, Founder and CEO of Karabed Leadership Group and recipient of the Culture Impact Award, for a deeply human conversation about recovery, homelessness, technology, and the moments that shape how we lead. Isa shares how her own recovery journey taught her the power of being seen, why every interaction can restore someone's sense of dignity, and how leaders can create spaces where people feel welcomed instead of judged.

They also explore the changing role of AI in the workplace and why technology should give us more capacity for presence, curiosity, and genuine human connection, not less. From navigating fear and uncertainty to leading with transparency and lifting up unheard voices, this conversation is a reminder that the smallest moments can carry enormous impact.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Isa on LinkedIn

Learn more about Karabed Leadership Group

Connect with Rod on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Dignity can transform someone's entire experience of seeking help.
  • Human connection remains essential as technology reshapes the workplace.
  • AI should create more time for meaningful human interaction.
  • Transparency helps leaders navigate fear and uncertainty around change.
  • Every interaction is an opportunity to make someone feel seen.

Ā 

Live from CultureCon: Change the Song in Your Head with Claude Silver01 Sep 202600:22:50

Sometimes the most important leadership shift starts with changing the song in your own head.

Live from CultureCon 2026, Dr. Rod Berger sits down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, USA Today bestselling author of "Be Yourself at Work", and a pioneer of people-first leadership. Claude shares how a 93-day Outward Bound experience helped her find her voice, challenge the limiting beliefs she carried for years, and ultimately recognize the kind of leader she was meant to become.

From building a culture rooted in empathy to taking accountability for how we show up, Claude explores why great leadership requires both heart and ownership. She also opens up about the trust that changed her career, the importance of knowing when you are not at your best, and why people should never have to shrink themselves to succeed at work.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Claude on LinkedIn

Get Claude's book "Be Yourself at Work"

Learn more about Claude's work

Connect with Rod on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Change the story playing inside your own head.
  • Empathy and accountability can exist at the same time.
  • Great leaders coach people instead of rescuing them.
  • Stop shrinking yourself to fit the workplace.
  • Trust gives people permission to stand in their strengths.

Ā 

CultureCon 2026: Connection, Karaoke and What Comes Next18 Aug 202600:26:22

CultureCon 2026 is officially in the books, and somehow the smoothest conference Nick and Zach have ever hosted also delivered some of the most unexpected moments. From keynote karaoke and Red Ball Tennis to unforgettable connections across 21 countries, this one was about much more than what happened on stage. šŸŽ¤

Nick and Zach recap the moments that made CultureCon feel uniquely human, including the Impact Awards, the Longer Table experience, a virtual audience that felt fully part of the room, and a remarkable full-circle connection decades in the making. They also reflect on what happens when you intentionally create spaces where people can drop the professional armor, have fun, and actually connect.

Plus, they share an early look at the next chapter: CultureCon will become WorkPossible in 2027. The name is changing, but the mission to build better, more human workplaces is only getting bigger. ✨

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Learn more about WorkPossible, coming soon!

Watch the CultureCon 2026 Welcome Video!

Check out the CultureCon 2026 Recap Blog

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Connection is the experience people remember most.
  • Great culture creates room for joy and play.
  • Inclusion means designing equally for every attendee.
  • Rewarding mistakes can dismantle fear-based workplace cultures.
The Hidden Cost of Slow Employee Recognition with Tray Ross04 Aug 202600:26:29

Recognition is not about the gift. It is about the moment someone realizes, "They truly see me."

Nick and Zach sit down with Tray Ross of Corporate Traditions to explore how meaningful appreciation builds stronger relationships, deeper loyalty, and cultures people want to stay in. Tray shares why personalization matters, how freedom of choice makes recognition scalable, and why unexpected gestures often leave the greatest impact.

From a manager bending the rules to support an employee during a crisis to the surprising retention cost of a delayed gift card, this conversation reveals why speed, thoughtfulness, and human connection matter more than expensive programs. For people-first leaders, the message is simple: see your people, recognize them quickly, and never underestimate the power of a small moment.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Tray on LinkedIn

Learn more about Corporate Traditions

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Recognition begins by genuinely seeing people as individuals.
  • Employee choice makes personalized appreciation easier to scale.
  • Unexpected recognition creates memorable moments and stronger loyalty.
  • Delayed rewards can undermine trust and employee retention.
  • Great leaders recognize potential, not only current performance.
The People-First Future of AI with Emily Mabie21 Jul 202600:42:48

AI is moving fast, but the real opportunity is not doing more work faster. It is making more room for the human work that matters most.

Nick and Zach sit down with Emily Mabie, Senior AI Automation Engineer for HR and People at Zapier, to explore how leaders can use AI with more intention, less anxiety, and a stronger people-first lens.

Emily shares why AI should not simply be bolted onto old processes, how leaders can decide what to automate, delegate, or keep human, and why the future of work may look more like vinyl records than endless digital acceleration. From ethical AI use to burnout, human connection, and building solutions from the seat closest to the problem, this conversation is a hopeful, practical guide for leaders navigating the AI reset. 🧠

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

Learn more about Zapier

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • AI should redesign work, not just speed it up.
  • Saved time must be reinvested in human connection.
  • Ethical AI starts with intentional human decision-making.
  • Automation works best when built closest to the pain.
  • The future needs both AI and analog humanity.

Ā 

Recognition That Actually Sticks with Nick Phillips07 Jul 202600:23:42

Sometimes the most meaningful recognition starts as a mug, a T-shirt, or a pin, then becomes a symbol of belonging over time.

Nick and Zach sit down with Nick Phillips, Senior Director of Sales at Brilliant, to explore why appreciation only sticks when it is rooted in real care. Nick shares how leaders can move beyond transactional recognition and create moments that prove people are truly seen. From intentional gifting and ERG-aligned recognition to the rising value of human gestures in an AI-driven world, this conversation is a reminder that connection is not something you automate, it is something you earn.

For people-first leaders, this episode offers a practical lens on building trust, loyalty, and culture through specificity, presence, and meaningful human effort.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about Brilliant

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Recognition sticks when it proves people are truly seen.
  • Generic praise feels transactional, not meaningful.
  • Trust grows when leaders stay close to the work.
  • AI makes human connection even more valuable.
  • Thoughtful gifting can reinforce belonging and culture.
Culture Starts Here: Leaders Need To Be Led with John D'Addario III23 Jun 202600:33:26

The higher you go in leadership, the harder it can be to get honest perspective. And when you're leading through transition, growth, or culture change, going it alone can limit what you're able to see.

In this episode, CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay are joined by John D'Addario III, CEO of D'Addario, for a conversation about leadership transition, culture clarity, and the value of outside perspective.

What does it take to honor a company's legacy while leading it into the future? Heather and BJ talk with John about stepping into the CEO role after a founder-led era, revisiting values, and partnering with ADVISA to build alignment across the organization.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with John on LinkedIn

Learn more about D'Addario and their products at https://www.daddario.com/

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about Advisa

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Leaders grow faster when they seek outside perspective.
  • Culture can become a lasting competitive advantage.
  • Succession requires preparation, responsibility, and earned trust.
  • Values matter most when reinforced through behavior.
  • Candid conversations protect families and businesses from conflict.
Live from CultureCon: Pausing for Empathy and Equity with Bryetta Calloway16 Jun 202600:30:42

Some workplace "rules" are written in handbooks. The most powerful ones often aren't written anywhere.

Live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy sits down with Bryetta Calloway for a powerful conversation about meritocracy, marginalization, and the invisible barriers that keep people on the fringes at work. Bryetta unpacks how leaders can confuse sameness with safety, why inclusion has to come before diversity and equity efforts can truly work, and how workplace harm does not stay neatly contained inside the office.

This episode is a call for people-first leaders to pause, get curious, and stop asking marginalized employees to carry the emotional labor of fixing cultures they did not break. From mirror-tocracy to repair, allyship, trauma, and the real cost of bad managers, Bryetta offers language for what so many people have felt but could not name.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Bryetta on LinkedIn

Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Unspoken rules often shape workplace advancement.
  • Inclusion must come before true equity.
  • Workplace trauma is still real trauma.
  • Allyship requires emotional investment and action.
  • People-first leaders pause before reacting.

Ā 

Aligning Teams Through Clarity, Courage, and Commitment with Kate Zappitelli09 Jun 202600:24:03

Alignment sounds simple until Monday happens.

Nick and Zach sit down with Kate Zappitelli, Principal Consultant at Karrikins Group and Chair of the Alignment Institute, to unpack why agreement is not enough for people-first leaders.

Kate shares how real alignment requires clarity, connection, commitment, and courage, especially when teams are stuck in side conversations, unclear expectations, or old habits. From AI adoption to intentional optimism, she challenges leaders to model the behaviors they want to see, name what is getting in the way, and build the muscle of alignment every day.

If you have ever left a strategy session energized only to watch the work fade by Monday, this conversation will help you turn good intentions into consistent leadership action.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn

Get the book: "Make HOW Matter"

Learn more about Karrikins Group

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Agreement is not the same as alignment.
  • Side conversations weaken trust and team alignment.
  • Leadership requires consistent communication and intentional energy.
  • AI adoption starts with leaders experimenting personally.
  • Sustainable alignment depends on clear team commitments.
Live from CultureCon West 2025: Why Belonging Belongs in the Business Strategy with Latesha Byrd02 Jun 202600:16:10

Belonging isn't a soft skill, it's a performance strategy. šŸ’”

Live from CultureCon West, Nikki sits down with Latesha Byrd to explore why people can't reach their highest potential when they're masking, code switching, or questioning whether they're truly valued at work. Latesha breaks down how belonging connects directly to innovation, engagement, wellbeing, and business results, especially in a world shaped by burnout, restructuring, AI, and constant change.

Together, Nikki and Latesha challenge HR leaders to think beyond "human resources" and step into "human potential." From onboarding and ERGs to strengths-based leadership and C-suite alignment, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the future of performance starts with helping people feel safe, seen, and supported.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Latesha on LinkedIn

Learn more about Perfeqta

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Belonging fuels stronger team performance.
  • Inclusion creates the conditions for belonging.
  • HR must prioritize human potential.
  • AI can support more human leadership.
  • ERGs reveal real employee sentiment.
Culture Starts Here: What If Culture Didn't Eat Strategy? with Joey Williams26 May 202600:34:37

Culture only eats strategy for breakfast when the culture isn't aligned with the strategic aims of the business.Ā 

In this episode, ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay discuss with special guest Joey Williams, Engagement & Development Specialist at Healthpeak Properties (NYSE: DOC), how organizations can achieve competitive advantage when their leaders are able to consistently activate the intentional culture that will fuel business growth. Ā 

This is what organizational resiliency and agility is today, leaders continual monitoring and aligning of culture with strategy by celebrating and coaching the right things and not tolerating the wrong things.Ā Ā  Ā 

A healthy culture that's in service of the goals of the business acts as shock absorber for employees as uncertainty and tumult abounds.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Joey on LinkedIn

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about Advisa

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Culture feeds strategy when both are aligned
  • Values need behaviors, not just wall posters
  • Stay interviews uncover what people really need
  • Leadership buy-in makes culture work sustainable
  • Trust matters most during messy business moments

Ā 

Live from CultureCon West 2025: Helping the Helpers with Sam Simmons19 May 202600:16:42

Helping others is noble work, but who helps the people everyone turns to when things get hard?

Live from CultureCon West in Las Vegas, Nikki sits down with Sam Simmons to unpack what it really means to "help the helpers." Inspired by the wisdom of Mr. Rogers, Sam brings a fresh and deeply human lens to HR leadership, reminding people-first leaders that their behavior gives others permission to stay calm, take action, and care for themselves too. šŸ’›

Together, Nikki and Sam explore boundaries, balance, burnout, blank checks, and the micro-moments that protect wellbeing in a constantly changing world. This conversation is a powerful invitation for HR and culture leaders to stop normalizing overextension and start building systems of care that include themselves.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Helping others starts with caring for yourself.
  • Boundaries protect your clarity, energy, and leadership.
  • Avoid giving blank checks on your time.
  • Balance shifts with every season of work.
  • Micro-wellness moments create meaningful leadership ripple effects.
Why AI Is a Culture Conversation | The AI Summit 2026 Recap12 May 202600:28:10

The AI conversation just got real, and Nick and Zach are taking us inside the inaugural CultureCon AI Summit to unpack what actually happened in the room. From hope and hesitation to leadership buy-in, ethical responsibility, and the very human need for connection, this episode explores why AI is not just a tech topic, it is a culture topic. šŸ¤–

Nick and Zach reflect on what surprised them most, including the wide range of AI maturity across organizations, the tension between experimentation and regulation, and the big questions leaders cannot afford to ignore. They also get honest about their own relationship with AI, from productivity breakthroughs to the anxious pull of immediacy.

At the heart of it all is a reminder people-first leaders need right now: AI may change how we work, but creativity, connection, and human judgment are becoming more valuable than ever. This is a grounded, timely conversation for anyone trying to lead with both curiosity and responsibility in the age of AI.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • AI is now a workplace culture conversation.
  • Leaders must balance innovation with ethical responsibility.
  • AI maturity varies widely across organizations.
  • Human connection remains the heart of work.
  • Creativity and people skills are increasingly valuable.

Ā 

Live from CultureCon West 2025: Generous Listening in a Distracted World with Scott Floyd05 May 202600:13:31

What pulls people in more than polished leadership? Presence that feels real.

Live from CultureCon West in Las Vegas, Nikki sits down with Scott Floyd for a conversation that gets beneath the surface of leadership and into what actually makes people feel seen, heard, and moved. Scott shares how his own journey helped him stop performing leadership and start embracing authenticity, generous listening, and deeper human connection.

Together, they unpack why small talk can leave us empty, how presence changes the way teams experience trust, and why AI should never replace the human heartbeat of leadership. This episode is a powerful reminder that when leaders listen generously and show up authentically, they do more than communicate. They create connection that moves people forward.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Scott on Linkedin

Learn more with Cisco

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Authentic leadership starts by shedding performative habits.
  • Generous listening builds trust, care, and connection.
  • Presence means giving people your full attention.
  • Connection before content strengthens teams and culture.
  • AI should enhance, not replace, human leadership.
Culture Starts Here: To Lead is Human with Jason Cochran28 Apr 202600:54:01

AI is changing how work gets done, but it's also raising the bar for leadership.

In this special live episode, hosted by Jason Cochran of People Forward Network, Heather Haas and BJ McKay explore what it means to lead when AI is reshaping the workplace.

While much of the work people are paid to do can now be automated, leadership is not one of those things. Together, they unpack what they're seeing across organizations today, from the growing gap between high-performing leaders and everyone else, to the lack of clarity many teams face around how AI should be used.

The conversation centers on a simple idea: Leadership isn't being replaced. It's being revealed. And the leaders who bring human connection, empathy, creativity, and critical thinking to their work will shape what comes next.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Learn more about ADVISA's new Leading with AI training experience!

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about Advisa

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership remains deeply human despite AI advancement
  • AI raises expectations, not reduces leadership responsibility
  • Human connection drives meaning, trust, and performance
  • Slowing down improves long-term strategic decision making
  • Self-awareness separates thriving leaders from struggling ones

Ā 

Live from CultureCon West 2025: The Power of Company Swag with Crissy Manwaring21 Apr 202600:17:11

A water bottle might look like swag, but it could actually be shaping your company culture.

Live from CultureCon in Las Vegas, Nikki sits down with branded merchandise expert Crissy Manwaring, who has spent more than 25 years helping organizations turn everyday items into powerful cultural symbols. From new hire kits that create belonging before day one to simple artifacts that inspire behavior change across massive organizations, Crissy reveals why physical objects carry emotional weight far beyond their price tag. ✨

Together they unpack the psychology behind why humans attach meaning to objects, how great companies design merchandise people actually value, and why the right piece of swag can turn employees into proud brand ambassadors. If you care about culture, connection, and creating moments that stick, this conversation will change the way you think about company merch.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Crissy on LinkedIn

Learn more about Robertson Marketing

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Humans anchor meaningful memories to physical objects
  • Branded merchandise can reinforce identity and belonging
  • New hire kits reduce uncertainty before day one
  • Quality swag strengthens culture; cheap swag damages trust
  • Choice and personalization increase employee connection to brand
Setting the Table for Belonging with Tim Jones14 Apr 202600:32:26

In a world starving for real connection, what if the answer is as simple and as radical as pulling up more chairs? šŸ½ļø

Nick and Zach sit down with Tim Jones, Founder and Executive Director of Longer Tables, to explore how shared meals can break down barriers, spark belonging, and remind us what it means to truly see one another.

Tim shares the heart behind Longer Tables and why the table has become such a powerful symbol in his work. From creating spaces where job titles are left behind to helping leaders model vulnerability first, this conversation is a masterclass in building cultures where people feel safe, valued, and fully human. Along the way, Nick, Zach, and Tim reflect on memorable meals, meaningful leadership, and the moments that stay with us long after the table is cleared.

If you care about connection, belonging, and leading people in a more human way, this episode will leave you challenged, encouraged, and ready to set a longer table.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Tim on LinkedIn

Learn more about Longer Tables

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Belonging begins when leaders model vulnerability first.
  • Shared meals create space for deeper human connection.
  • Job titles often block authentic relationships at work.
  • Presence and storytelling help people feel truly seen.
  • Great leaders set tables, not just agendas.

Ā 

From Raw Footage to Real Workplace Connection with Curtis Gilbert07 Apr 202600:27:28

What happens when storytelling stops being scripted and starts being deeply human šŸŽ„

Nick and Zach sit down with Curtis Gilbert, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of p3 mediaworks and a creative force behind some of the most authentic culture storytelling happening today. From launching a video agency with one camera and zero investors to shaping how organizations emotionally connect with talent and customers, Curtis shares the journey that turned purpose into powerful visual impact.

Together they explore why culture is every company's true superpower, how short form video is changing employer branding, and what leaders often misunderstand about storytelling. Curtis also offers a refreshingly grounded perspective on AI, reminding us that while tools evolve, meaningful stories will always start with human vision, passion, and connection.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Curtis on LinkedIn

Learn more about p3 mediaworks

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Human stories drive emotional connection more than polished messaging
  • Culture storytelling builds trust with talent and customers
  • AI enhances creativity but never replaces human vision
  • Short form video maximizes storytelling investment and reach
  • Validation from mentors can launch lifelong purpose

Ā 

Culture Starts Here: Rapid-Fire Consulting: Common Workplace Problems, And What You Can Do About Them24 Mar 202600:46:53

BJ McKay hosts a roundtable of ADVISA Leadership Consultants, who discuss the biggest problems they're hearing in the workplace today, and actions companies can take to help solve them.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mandy on LinkedIn

Connect with Kye on LinkedIn

Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn

Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about Advisa

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Culture equals repeated behaviors and shared language
  • Activation from above drives sustainable transformation
  • Data cuts through assumption and subjective storytelling
  • Leadership is a job requiring defined skills
  • Training alone rarely produces lasting behavior change

Ā 

Live from CultureCon West 2025: Eliminating Ratings, Elevating Performance with Linda Bukata Aiello17 Mar 202600:18:41

What if culture wasn't something you fixed after it broke, but something you strengthened before it ever cracked?

Live from CultureCon West in Las Vegas, Nikki sits down with DraftKings Chief People Officer Linda Bukata Aiello for an honest, energizing conversation about culture transformation done right. From eliminating performance ratings to rolling out radical candor, Linda shares how DraftKings chose to get ahead of potential culture drift instead of reacting to crisis. The result? Stronger executive alignment, empowered remote employees, and surprising data that revealed culturally aligned women were among the company's top performers.

This isn't about fluffy values on a wall. It's about human connection, courageous transparency, and building a high-accountability culture rooted in trust. If you're a people-first leader wondering how to create meaningful change at scale, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with both clarity and heart.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Linda on LinkedIn

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership evolves from hierarchy to humanity
  • Transparency builds trust during uncertainty
  • Culture should be proactive, not reactive
  • Remote employees can be deeply culturally aligned
  • Radical candor strengthens performance and connection

Ā 

Live from CultureCon: Rethinking Success Through Culture with Jeff Lindemann10 Mar 202600:10:42

Culture is happening whether you design it or not. The real question is, is it accelerating your strategy or quietly sabotaging it?

Live from CultureCon 2024, Jasmine Bellamy sits down with Jeff Lindemann of WD-40 Company to unpack what it truly means to create the culture you want. Jeff shares why culture is not an HR initiative but a CEO responsibility, how belonging became the foundation of their global organization, and why they run the business from the strategy down instead of the spreadsheet up. šŸŒŽ

From a 9x return on value creation to a market cap growth from 350 million to 3.5 billion, Jeff makes a compelling case that employee engagement is not a soft metric. It is a competitive advantage. If you are a people-first leader who wants culture to fuel long term value, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead with intention.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn

Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

  • Intentional culture accelerates business strategy execution
  • Belonging drives engagement and long term value
  • Culture is a CEO responsibility, not HR task
  • Strategy down beats spreadsheet up leadership
  • Engagement directly correlates with financial performance

Ā 

Fearless in the Face of Uncertainty with Rachel Breitbach03 Mar 202600:38:50

From NFL locker rooms to global change room, Rachel Breitbach has mastered the art of leading through chaos with heart.

Rachel joins Nick and Zach to unpack what fearless leadership really looks like, not as bravado, but as a willingness to step into the unknown and bring others with you. From her early career in sports broadcasting to guiding massive organizational transformations, Rachel shares powerful lessons on staying grounded, earning trust, and creating the kind of culture where people actually want to grow.

She introduces her TIE model (Transparency, Inclusion, and Empathy) a simple but game-changing framework for leaders navigating uncertainty. You'll hear how curiosity can trump control, why community accelerates learning, and why in a tech-saturated world, human connection is the real differentiator.

If you're leading change (or change is leading you), this conversation is your anchor.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn

Learn more about FarWell

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Fearlessness means action, not absence of fear
  • Calm leadership creates clarity during uncertainty
  • Change thrives with transparency, inclusion, empathy
  • Community builds trust, then shared accountability
  • Technology rises, human connection must rise higher

Ā 

Culture Starts Here: A CEO and a Leadership Consultant's Top Takeaways From CultureCon 202524 Feb 202600:35:25

ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay share favorite highlights and key takeaways from the conference every leader should know.

Plus, they explain how each topic relates to the ATLAS framework for achieving cultural competitive advantage.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about Advisa

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Culture is a feeling, backed by strategy and spine.
  • Coaching access reduces emotional burdens on managers.
  • Listening isn't agreement; it's creating connection.
  • Mindset drives leadership, resilience, and adaptability.
  • Culture lives in daily conversations, not corporate posters.

Ā 

Live from CultureCon West 2025: Rethinking Return to Office with Dennis Richter17 Feb 202600:18:02

What if the real conversation around returning to the office isn't about space, but about trust, clarity, and courageous leadership?

In this live episode from CultureCon West, Nikki sits down with Dennis Richter for a powerful, no-fluff conversation that challenges the "Return to Office" status quo. Dennis brings his signature skeptical curiosity to unpack why many leaders default to blanket mandates without truly thinking them through. Together, they explore what it means to lead with transparency, define success through role clarity and KPIs, and make decisions that reflect purpose, not pressure.

This episode is a must-listen for people-first leaders ready to reflect deeply, act intentionally, and create workplaces built on trust, respect, and real impact.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Rethink RTO: Start with transparency, not tradition
  • Leadership begins with honest self-reflection
  • Trust and clarity drive remote success
  • Impact matters more than presence
  • Role clarity empowers, mandates erode trust

Ā 

WorkPossible: You Can't Lead What You Don't Understand with Karen Richards10 Feb 202600:37:30

What if the reason culture isn't working is because leaders think they've already figured it out?

Elaine and Hattie sit down with Karen Richards, founder of Uniquely Global and executive coach to top global leaders, to expose what's really going on in boardrooms when it comes to culture, and what's not.

Karen brings decades of experience across industries, from elite sports to global brands, to reveal the truth about leadership blind spots, emotional intelligence, and the quiet gap between performance and people. Through real stories and hard-won insight, she shows why coaching isn't just about behavior change, it's about identity, instinct, and owning your shadow.

This isn't a conversation about soft skills. It's about the hard work of leadership. Karen challenges every leader to stop outsourcing culture and start doing the internal work that changes everything, from how you show up in a room to how people show up for you.

No scripts. No safe answers. Just honest conversations about what's possible when we stop doing things by default and start doing them by design.

Tune in for fresh perspectives, future-focused thinking, and ideas bold enough to actually change things.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn

Connect with Hattie on LinkedIn

Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn

Learn more about Fauna

Follow Fauna on LinkedIn

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Culture is the fuel behind sustainable performance.
  • Leaders must embrace emotional intelligence to grow.
  • Self-awareness unlocks team and business potential.
  • Coaching reveals the gap between knowing and leading.
  • Ask: "What am I missing?" regularly.

Ā 

Storytelling as Leadership Currency with Dr. Rod Berger03 Feb 202600:42:19

What if the most untapped leadership skill isn't found in a boardroom, but in the power of a well-told story?

Nick and Zach officially welcome Dr. Rod Berger as CultureCon's newest storyteller-in-residence. With a doctorate in psychology and thousands of interviews with global leaders under his belt, Rod brings a rare lens to leadership, one rooted in the belief that storytelling isn't fluff, it's fuel.

From his book "The Narrative Edge" to his conversations with executives and veterans, Rod shares how narrative shapes identity, unlocks empathy, and fosters true connection inside our organizations. The trio dives deep into how story helps us meet the moment, why leaders must understand their own role in the plotline, and how authentic storytelling builds stronger cultures, especially in a digital-first world.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just discovering your voice, this episode invites you to see yourself as a character in a story worth telling.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Rod on LinkedIn

Buy the book: "The Narrative Edge"

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Storytelling is a strategic leadership skill.
  • Your story influences how others experience you.
  • Authenticity builds trust within workplace culture.
  • Empathy grows when stories are shared.
  • Leaders must define their role in the narrative.

Ā 

Culture Starts Here: Leaders Are Only as Effective as the Systems That Support Them27 Jan 202600:42:54

W. Edwards Deming was famously quoted as saying, "A bad system will beat a good person every time."

After decades of training, coaching, and consulting with leaders, ADVISA has seen thatĀ five driversĀ create cultural competitive advantage for organizations. The final driver is one of the most important: Systems That Support Leaders.

In this episode, Steve Edwards, President & General Manager of City Wide Facility Solutions, joins ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay to dig into why systems matter – and how you can put systems to work for you.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

Learn more about City Wide

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about Advisa

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Culture killers must be addressed quickly and directly.
  • Systems should support, not stifle, your people.
  • Leadership consistency builds team trust and performance.
  • Frontline ideas often spark business growth.
  • Complaints reveal quality opportunities and loyalty potential.

Ā 

Live from CultureCon 2025: Making Multigenerational Teams Work with Megan Berki20 Jan 202600:24:44

What happens when Gen Zs and Boomers team up at work?

Live from CultureCon 2025, Nikki Lewallen Gregory sits down with Megan Berki of Rocket Lawyer for a powerful conversation on bridging generational gaps in the workplace. With five generations now working side-by-side, Megan shares how leaders can turn differences into strengths, from Gen Z's TikTok-fueled learning to Boomers' process-driven mindset.

Packed with real examples from Rocket Lawyer, this episode explores communication strategies, culture wins (and flops), and how to build a people-first workplace where everyone feels seen and supported.

Whether you're leading, managing, or just navigating the mix, this one's for you. šŸš€

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Megan on LinkedIn

Learn more about Rocket Lawyer

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Five generations coexist, each with distinct needs and preferences.
  • Tech-native Gen Z differs significantly from tech-savvy Millennials.
  • Communication must be multi-channel and predictably consistent.
  • Aligning tech tools to user habits drives adoption.
  • Culture thrives when values are actionable and inclusive.

Ā 

Live from CultureCon: Strengths Over Stress with Vibhas Ratanjee13 Jan 202600:21:12

What if the real unlock to thriving workplace cultures isn't fixing what's broken, but amplifying what's already strong?

Jasmine Bellamy sits down with Vibhas Ratanjee, Senior Practice Expert at Gallup, to explore how organizations can build strengths-based cultures rooted in affirmation, not audit. Drawing from over two decades of research and consulting at Gallup, Vibhas reveals how focusing on what's right with people, not what's wrong, can radically shift culture, engagement, and performance.

From the origin of CliftonStrengths to insights on Gen Z's workplace disconnect, this episode is packed with data, stories, and deeply human takeaways. If you're a people leader ready to ditch the deficit mindset and unlock the full potential of your team, this conversation will change how you think about strengths, feedback, and the real work of culture.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Vibhas on LinkedIn

Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Strengths-based leadership begins with knowing your own gifts
  • Most organizations undervalue what's working well
  • Feedback should amplify strengths, not fix weaknesses
  • Only 1 in 3 use strengths daily at work
  • Connection to culture is alarmingly low, especially in Gen Z

Ā 

De-Risking Culture Work with Pete Savage & Greg Livings06 Jan 202600:21:51

You've built your culture plan… now what?

Pete Savage and Greg Livings pull back the curtain on a powerful but often overlooked concept: de-risking your culture program. From eliminating weak signals to building visual tools like the Culture Wheel Playbook, they unpack actionable strategies to ensure your culture efforts don't fall flat.

Whether you're planning for the year ahead or trying to get your CEO on board, this episode is packed with real-world, low-cost, high-impact tactics to build executive confidence and boost internal alignment.

It's a masterclass in making your culture work work smarter, not harder. šŸ’”

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Listen to Fixing Broken Culture Signals

Get "The Culture Wheel Playbook"

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn

Connect with Pete on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Eliminate weak signals draining time and resources.
  • Use the Culture Wheel Playbook to visualize and communicate plans.
  • Add low-cost signals that reinforce strong initiatives.
  • Secure executive visibility with authentic culture messaging.
  • Gather ongoing feedback to optimize and adapt programs.

Ā 

Culture Starts Here: For Leaders, This Can Make the Difference Between a Guess or a Smart Decision30 Dec 202500:36:38

Want great insights to help you lead your people? You need data.

"Actionable People Data" is the fourth driver of cultural competitive advantage in the acronym ATLAS.

Data helps you increase employee engagement. Plus, by informing decisions, data reduces the burden on you to know the right thing to do.

ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay discuss the critical importance of understanding employees' motivations, needs, and experiences in qualitative and quantitative ways.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about Advisa

Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Data is only powerful when applied consistently.
  • Cultural fluency requires ongoing training and reinforcement.
  • People data reveals how to meet employee needs.
  • Manager access to data enables real-time action.
  • Culture becomes tangible with the right analytics.

Ā 

Live from CultureCon 2025: Wrestling with Leadership Chaos with Coleman Williams16 Dec 202500:24:42

What happens when every leader in your company defines "leadership" their own way? Spoiler alert: chaos.

Live from the CultureCon 2025 studio in Madison, Wisconsin, Nikki Lewallen Gregory teams up with Coleman Williams, co-founder of Wrestling With Talent, to get real about the chaos that comes from undefined leadership.

From inconsistent one-on-ones to unclear goal-setting, they explore how structure creates fairness without crossing into micromanagement.

They also unpack how companies can onboard leaders with clarity, integrate AI for more effective training, and give employees a consistent, people-first experience, especially during change.

This is your blueprint for leadership done right.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Coleman on LinkedIn

Learn more about Wrestling with Talent

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Clear leadership expectations reduce workplace inconsistency.
  • Guardrails are not micromanagement, they offer direction.
  • Start small to avoid overwhelming leaders with change.
  • AI can enhance, not replace, leadership onboarding.
  • Consistency supports fairness in the employee experience.

Ā 

Live from CultureCon: How Employee Engagement Drives Success with Gianna Driver09 Dec 202500:23:32

What if the key to thriving teams isn't just better benefits or ping pong tables, but bold conversations, deep listening, and shared ownership of culture?

Live from CultureCon2024, Nikki Llewellyn Gregory sits down with Gianna Driver to unpack the real meaning of employee engagement. From Silicon Valley boardrooms to culture-shifting conference stages, Gianna shares her personal journey through pivotal career moments, the evolution of engagement post-pandemic, and how both leaders and employees must co-own the energy of their workplace.

You'll hear why listening is the most underrated leadership skill, how to respond when the vibe of your company shifts, and why chasing alignment, not just paychecks, leads to true career fulfillment.

Whether you're leading a team or navigating your own fork-in-the-road moment, this episode delivers fresh perspective, heartfelt stories, and one powerful challenge that could change your workplace forever.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Listen to more episodes Live from CultureCon on Fringe

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Engagement evolved dramatically during the pandemic.
  • Listening is foundational to effective leadership.
  • Employees share responsibility for workplace culture.
  • Curiosity bridges conflicting perspectives at work.
  • Joy and alignment outweigh financial incentives.

Ā 

What Happens in Vegas Builds Culture | CultureCon West 2025 Recap02 Dec 202500:37:59

The best moments at CultureCon West 2025 didn't happen on stage. They happened in the spaces in between. This episode unpacks why that matters.

Nick and Zach reflect on what made CultureCon West 2025 truly stand out, and it wasn't just the speaker lineup. From an unforgettable dinner where no one talked about work to a surprise "Hamilton" performance that brought the room to its feet, they explore the human-centered experiences that made this year's conference feel different.

They share behind-the-scenes wins in sustainability, unexpected on-stage moments, and why the real value came from the connections formed between sessions.

Whether it was tapping badges, sharing stories, or singing Disney ballads, this conversation is a reminder: culture isn't built in keynotes.

It's built in community.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Read their blog post!

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:

  • Sustainability isn't overwhelming with the right partner.
  • Connection deepens when work talk disappears.
  • Surprise performances create unforgettable shared moments.
  • Culture thrives outside formal programming structure.
  • Impactful conferences start with intentional community experiences.

Ā 

Culture Starts Here: Do Your Leaders Know What To Say and Do To Be Effective? with Todd Wuestenberg25 Nov 202500:40:12

Your leaders are your culture carriers. And if your organization wants to achieve and sustain cultural competitive advantage, your leaders must be crystal clear on a few critical behaviors.

In this episode, CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay of the consultancy ADVISA have a lively and insightful conversation with Todd Wuestenberg, Chief Culture OfficerĀ ofĀ Haverkamp Properties, about the importance of the third of five driversĀ of cultural competitive advantage:Ā Leader Effectiveness.

What does Leader Effectiveness look like, and how do you go about fostering it?

Heather and BJ tee up what they've learned as part of a leadership and culture consultancyĀ that's been helping organizationsĀ thrive for decades. And Todd shares his invaluable perspective of what this driver looks like in action.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Todd on LinkedIn

Learn more about Havercamp Properties

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about Advisa

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Culture means to care for. Intentionality matters deeply.
  • Leadership buy-in is essential for cultural transformation.
  • Effective leaders grow future leaders intentionally.
  • Feedback and iteration strengthen leadership development programs.
  • Culture must be measured and continuously cultivated.

Ā 

Live from CultureCon 2025: Hiring for Heart, Not Just Skill with Eliza Jackson18 Nov 202500:27:14

What if your company values weren't just words on a wall, but a lived, breathing part of your culture that drives every hire, fire, and daily decision?

Live from CultureCon 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin, Nikki Lewallen Gregory sits down with Eliza Jackson of ButcherBox for a conversation that flips traditional HR playbooks on their head.

With a colorful background that spans finance, kindergarten classrooms, and hypergrowth startups, Eliza brings a refreshingly real perspective on what it takes to build values-driven organizations that actually walk the talk.

From rejecting high-performing candidates who don't align with company values to ensuring every employee has access to a personal coach, Eliza breaks down ButcherBox's radical approach to "baking in" culture at every level. You'll hear how they future-proof their workforce through mindset over skillset, maintain startup agility at scale, and foster a culture of relentless improvement, all while staying human at the core.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Eliza on LinkedIn

Learn more about ButcherBox

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Values must be embedded across all touchpoints.
  • Coaching unlocks personal and organizational growth.
  • Hire for mindset, not just experience.
  • Startup culture can scale if you're intentional.
  • Inner work fuels external culture strength.

Ā 

WorkPossible: Building exceptional patient and employee experience with Sven Gierlinger11 Nov 202500:46:03

What if the best patient experience starts with taking care of your people first?

In this episode of "WorkPossible," Elaine and Hattie get into conversation with Sven Gierlinger, Chief Experience Officer at Northwell Health, one of the largest and most progressive health systems in the United States. But Sven's impact goes far beyond patient experience. He's a powerful advocate for something many leaders talk about but rarely act on: the unbreakable connection between exceptional employee experience and exceptional customer, or in this case patient, experience.

Drawing from three decades across hospitality, the Ritz-Carlton, and 17 years in healthcare, Sven brings a unique perspective shaped by a profound personal experience. When he was paralyzed by Guillain-BarrƩ Syndrome, he learned firsthand what truly matters in healthcare - the human connection. Now, he channels that lived experience into transforming how organisations think about care, culture, and what's possible when leaders prioritise their people.

This conversation reveals how Northwell went from foundational culture work to creating award-winning innovations like Buddy Curtain, a brilliant idea from a housekeeper that saved Northwell millions of dollars and became a business, and a Shark Tank-style competition that unlocks ideas from every corner of the organisation – two winners are picked and each of them get awarded with $500,000 to develop their idea. But more importantly, it's about reimagining leadership itself: getting off the executive floor, observing what's happening from a patient perspective, listening at the front lines, and building psychological safety where authenticity thrives over scripts.

Discover what happens when you stop treating patient and employee experience as separate priorities and start seeing them as inseparable forces. When your frontline people feel supported, valued, and heard, they show up differently. And that changes everything.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Sven on LinkedIn

Connect with Hattie on LinkedIn

Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn

Learn more about Fauna

Follow Fauna on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • You can't script empathy into burned-out teams.
  • Great patient care starts with supported staff.
  • Frontline ideas can spark system-wide innovation.
  • Authenticity beats perfection in leadership.
  • Culture change begins with proximity, not hierarchy.

Ā 

Fixing Broken Culture Signals with Pete Savage & Greg Livings04 Nov 202500:42:07

If you're investing in culture but not seeing impact, the problem might not be the budget… it might be the signals you're sending. 🚨

Pete Savage and Greg Livings are back to decode one of the most overlooked drivers of company culture: culture signals. From a restaurant that turned things around by upgrading its patio decor to a company that fumbled a milestone moment for 7,000 employees, this episode is full of sharp insights and real-world lessons.

They break down how to spot what's truly resonating, drop the weak stuff, and create moments that stick. With practical tips and tools, you'll learn how to plan and communicate your culture strategy with clarity and purpose.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Get "The Culture Wheel Playbook"

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn

Connect with Pete on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Strong culture signals amplify employee connection and engagement.
  • Evaluate programs by cultural impact, not popularity.
  • Personalization makes a lasting impression on employees.
  • Weak signals waste money and dilute cultural strategy.

Ā 

Culture Starts Here: Do Mission, Vision, and Values Really Matter?28 Oct 202500:37:10

ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay spill the T in ATLAS, delving into the second ofĀ five essential driversĀ for creating cultural competitive advantage: Trust and Shared Purpose.

Heather and BJ define what this driver really means and provide practical tactics any organization can use to promote it.

This episode decodes the importance of mission, vision, and values, and what makes the difference between wall art and valuable tools for alignment.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about ADVISA

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Trust builds speed and lowers cost in business operations.
  • Leaders must align behavior with stated mission and values.
  • Culture needs clarity: mission, vision, and values defined.
  • Communication trust forms when leadership consistently shares strategic direction.
  • Rituals and accountability bring values to life organization-wide.

Ā 

Live from CultureCon 2025: Who Are You? Not What You've Done with Natasha Nuytten21 Oct 202500:29:39

Why are we still using resumes like it's 1995?! šŸ“„

Live from CultureCon 2025, Nikki Lewallen Gregory is joined by Natasha Nuytten, CEO of CLARA, for a rapid-fire convo on shaking up everything we thought we knew about HR.

From blowing up the resume to embracing AI in ethical and human-first ways, Natasha dishes on how leaders can stop playing it safe and start rethinking talent. They explore the magic of unlearning, why potential matters more than pedigree, and how to build hiring processes that actually reflect the world we live in today.

If you're tired of rinse-and-repeat recruiting and ready to reimagine the future of work, this episode is your permission slip to challenge the status quo and lead with heart and strategy.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn

Learn more about Clara

Listen to "Human Side Up"

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

CultureCon 2025

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Unlearning outdated HR practices creates room for innovation.
  • Skills-based hiring outperforms resume-based filtering.
  • Culture fit should evolve into culture value-add.
  • AI must be ethical, transparent, and human-first.
  • Potential matters more than traditional career paths.

Ā 

Live from CultureCon: Building Brave Spaces with Faatima Khan14 Oct 202500:30:52

What does it really mean to show up authentically at work?

In this special live episode from CultureCon 2024, Nikki Lewallen Gregory sits down with Faatima Khan, former Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at WPS Health Solutions, to unpack how leaders can create trust-filled, brave spaces where people feel safe enough to be real. šŸ’¬

From mood elevators to hilarious office pranks that turned into powerful moments of connection, Faatima reminds us that authenticity takes intention, grace, and vulnerability.

This conversation is filled with stories and strategies that will challenge you to slow down, ask better questions, and rethink what true culture-building looks like. 🌱

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Listen to more episodes Live from CultureCon 2024 on Fringe

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Authenticity requires leaders to first create trust-filled spaces.
  • Brave spaces go beyond psychological safety for deeper inclusion.
  • Vulnerability from leaders fosters openness across teams.
  • Grace in the workplace strengthens trust and belonging.
  • Equity means slowing down to ask better questions.

Ā 

Why Culture Needs a Plan with Greg Livings and Pete Savage07 Oct 202500:43:19

What if shaping culture felt less like guesswork and more like strategy? šŸŽÆ

Nick and Zach sit down with Greg and Pete from CultureShape to dive into the tools and insights that are helping leaders make culture intentional, measurable, and lasting. From the "Culture Wheel Playbook" to lessons learned from hundreds of conversations with leaders, this episode explores how to move culture from a buzzword to a business driver, and why intentional planning makes all the difference.

Whether you're a culture team of one or twenty-one, you'll leave inspired to plan smarter, gain executive support, and turn big ideas into sustainable impact.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Get "The Culture Wheel Playbook"

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn

Connect with Pete on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Culture needs planning, not just good intentions.
  • Executive support is critical for sustainable culture growth.
  • Simple tools create clarity and alignment across teams.
  • Culture parallels marketing's rise to strategic importance.
  • Everyone on the culture team owns the business case.

Ā 

Culture Starts Here: One Thing Your C-Suite Absolutely Can't Delegate23 Sep 202500:32:31

In this episode, ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay discuss the concept of Cultural Competitive Advantage, focusing on the ATLAS framework – five drivers that organizations can leverage to align their culture with the goals of the business.

Heather and BJ delve into the importance of the first driver, 'Activation from Above' – emphasizing the role of leadership in shaping and maintaining a healthy organizational culture.

The conversation highlights the necessity of data in understanding cultural dynamics, the time it takes to effect meaningful change, and practical steps to jump-start cultural transformation.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about Advisa

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Lead by Example – Culture starts with leadership behavior.
  • Own the Culture – Leaders must actively shape it.
  • Let Data Guide You – Use insights to target improvements.
  • Invest to Grow – Time, attention, and budget are essential.
  • Culture Drives Results – It's a business strategy, not fluff.

Ā 

When Growth Breaks Culture with Dr. Julia Wiener16 Sep 202500:34:36

What does it really take to grow a business from your garage into an international company with 300+ employees… and then turn that experience into a career helping leaders build thriving cultures? šŸš€

Dr. Julia Wiener takes Nick and Zach inside her journey from corporate life to co-founding one of Inc. Magazine's fastest-growing companies, and now leading JW Strategies. She shares how agility and quick pivots kept her business alive, why creating space to "fail fast" sparks innovation, and how subtle leadership behaviors can shape culture more than any words on a wall.

From navigating messy team mergers to scaling culture in high-growth environments, Julia brings stories, lessons, and a refreshing dose of honesty. Plus, she looks ahead at how AI is transforming the way we work and what leaders need to do to keep the human side of business strong. 🌟

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn

CultureCon 2025

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Agility and quick pivots fuel growth.
  • Failing fast only works if you also learn fast.
  • Leadership is about influence, not titles.
  • Scaling requires structure and clear communication.
  • Small leader behaviors can outweigh stated values.

Ā 

WorkPossible: Authentic communication beats corporate spin with Martin Fitzpatrick09 Sep 202500:39:15

What if the way we've always done things at work is exactly what's holding us back?

In this episode of "WorkPossible," Elaine and Hattie sit down with Martin Fitzpatrick, Global Employee Communications and Engagement Director at Ericsson, to challenge some of the most outdated practices in the workplace.

From the uninspiring employee handbook that kills excitement on day one, to why we expect frontline managers to become brilliant communicators overnight without any support, to leaders hiding behind polished spin instead of saying, "I don't know," Martin pushes for a more human approach to communication and leadership.

This is a conversation about ditching the rulebook, designing experiences that work for humans, and reimagining how leaders and employees engage with one another. Because work should feel possible, not prescribed.

Martin brings lived experience from the shop floor to the boardroom - from his days as a Vodafone retail advisor watching corporate decisions fail in real time, to creating award-winning campaigns that connect with people. Listen as he reveals why the best communicators listen first, why proximity matters more than seniority, and how small authentic moments can transform cultures.

No scripts. No safe answers. Just honest conversations about what's possible when we stop doing things by default and start doing them by design.

Tune in for fresh perspectives, future-focused thinking, and ideas bold enough to change things.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Martin on LinkedIn

Connect with Hattie on LinkedIn

Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn

Learn more about Fauna

Follow Fauna on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Onboarding should spark belonging, not bury new hires in rules.
  • Trust grows when leaders admit, "I don't know."
  • Communication works best as two-way listening, not one-way spin.
  • Frontline leaders need support, not more tasks.
  • Authentic moments drive engagement more than polished messaging.

The Fun, the Fumbles, and the Future of CultureCon02 Sep 202500:21:53

What happens when two self-proclaimed non-event planners accidentally create one of the most meaningful culture conferences around?

In this recap of CultureCon 2025, Nick and Zach pull back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes chaos, lessons learned, and the magic that made this year's event unforgettable. From 3,200+ connections and Madison, WI's food trucks to silly puppet shows and the not-so-sexy "Boxed Lunch Experience," they share the highs, the hiccups, and the hilarity of building a community-driven conference.

Stick around for a sneak peek at what's next šŸŽ² and their first-ever topic-specific conference on AI šŸ¤–.

Ā 

Additional Resources:

CultureCon West 2025

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • Connections matter more than content.
  • Smaller scale fosters deeper conversations.
  • Built-in breaks boost authentic connection.
  • Authenticity beats perfection on stage.

Introducing Culture Starts Here with Heather Haas and BJ McKay26 Aug 202500:38:54

Welcome to the kickoff of "Culture Starts Here," a fresh new series from The CultureCon Podcast in partnership with Advisa! šŸŽ‰

Meet Heather Haas, CEO of Advisa and former elementary school principal, and BJ McKay, a track coach-turned-leadership guru. Together, they break down how culture isn't just a feel-good HR project, it's a strategic lever for growth, alignment, and performance.

Heather and BJ introduce ATLAS, a five-part framework designed to help leaders build cultures that actually work, where systems support people, data drives clarity, and leadership is intentional from the top down.

With powerful client stories and no-BS insights, this episode shows you how to move from culture confusion to culture advantage. šŸŽÆ

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Additional Resources:

Get Your Culture Check!

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Connect with BJ on LinkedIn

Learn more about Advisa

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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Key Takeaways:
  • Culture can drive or derail business success… alignment matters.
  • Leaders set the tone; they carry and shape culture daily.
  • The ATLAS framework offers five clear culture drivers: Activation from Above, Trust and Shared Purpose, Leader Effectiveness, Actionable People Data, and Systems.
  • Systems and processes must support the culture you want.
  • Start with data and link culture directly to business outcomes.

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Doing Good Is Good Business | B Corps 101 with Nathan Stuck19 Aug 202500:41:55

Ever wondered if doing good can actually grow your business? Nathan Stuck proves it's not only possible—it's the future of work.

In this kickoff to the CultureCon Podcast, Nick and Zach welcome their first-ever guest: Nathan Stuck. purpose-driven leader, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of Profitable Purpose Consulting. He breaks down what B Corp certification really means (hint: it's more than a sticker on your packaging šŸ·ļø), why employee volunteer hours matter, and how brands can walk the tightrope between impact and authenticity.

Whether you're B-curious or already in the community, Nathan brings the insight, laughs, and straight-up strategy to help you rethink what success really looks like. šŸŽÆ

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Additional Resources:

Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn

Learn more about Profitable Purpose Consulting

CultureCon 2025

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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Key Takeaways:
  • B Corp certification boosts brand, talent, and impact.
  • Align purpose with business strengths for real change.
  • True transformation takes long-term commitment.
  • Impact storytelling should highlight others, not hype.

Introducing WorkPossible with Hattie Roche and Elaine Page12 Aug 202500:41:35

What would the employee experience be like if we binned the playbook? In a world where the workplace is being redefined daily, we're ditching the checklists and reimagining what leadership, culture, and employee experience. Welcome to WorkPossible.

In this kick-off episode, hosts Hattie Roche, Co-Founder and Strategy Chief at Fauna, and seasoned Chief People Officer, Elaine Page team up with CultureCon co-founders Nick Lombardino and Zach Blumenfeld to flip the traditional employee experience conversation on its head.

They dive into how a casual chat turned into a bold research initiative, why we're long overdue for unlearning how we "do" work, and what happens when we let the people create the questions.

This episode sets us up for an exciting series of conversations with people who are thinking differently about the employee experience.

Tune in for fresh perspectives, future-focused thinking, and ideas bold enough to actually change things.

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Additional Resources:

Connect with Hattie on LinkedIn

Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn

Learn more about Fauna

Follow Fauna on LinkedIn

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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Key Takeaways:
  • Start by asking what's possible, not just what's broken.
  • Vulnerability in leadership builds stronger teams.
  • Culture is everyone's responsibility, not just HR's.
  • Co-creating with employees drives better outcomes.
  • Mid-level leaders need more support and clarity.

Making Work Suck Less: The Birth of CultureCon04 Aug 202500:26:47

Welcome to the very first episode of The CultureCon Podcast šŸŽ‰

Nick and Zach kick things off with the wild and wonderful origin story of CultureCon: from blizzard-filled roundtables and zero event planning experience, to surprise Vegas marquees and full-on imposter syndrome.

Along the way, they share the heart behind why CultureCon exists: to make work suck less and to build authentic connections that go far beyond job titles. You'll laugh, you'll learn, and you'll get a sneak peek at the incredible stories and topics coming your way — think AI, DEI, and social entrepreneurship.

This is the start of something big, and a whole lot of fun.

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Additional Resources:

CultureCon 2025

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ā 

Key Takeaways:
  • CultureCon began with roundtable discussions focused on real workplace challenges.
  • Intimate, cross-industry connections fueled the event's success.
  • Culture isn't just HR's job—it's everyone's.
  • The podcast extends CultureCon's mission year-round.
  • Upcoming topics include AI, DEI, employer brand, and social impact.

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