Gut + Science
Gut+Science provides leadership experiences from both an emotional and calculated lens. People-first-minded executives and thought leaders share on the topics they are most passionate about, serving as mentors for our ever-growing audience.
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Addicted to Betterment: What’s Your Lighter Fluid? with David and Nikki Gregory
12/25/2025
Addicted to Betterment: What’s Your Lighter Fluid? with David and Nikki Gregory
Ever feel like life’s flame is flickering out? Whether it’s a bad day, a tough quarter, or a rocky relationship, what’s your go-to lighter fluid to reignite your fire? 🔥 Nikki and David crack open the metaphorical bottle of lighter fluid and ask the real question: how do you keep your fire lit when everything around you says quit? From explosive fire pit confessions to real talk about parenting struggles, relationship lows, and business setbacks, this conversation pulls no punches. You’ll hear how David resets after gut-punch days, why Nikki finds power in celebrating the small wins, and how anchoring to your “why” can turn a smolder into a roaring comeback. They share actionable ways to reset, refuel, and rise, because the fire always dims, but it doesn't have to go out. Additional Resources: Follow wherever you listen to podcasts! Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Your fire will dim, expect it and prepare for it. Recenter on your “why” when motivation disappears. Intentional routines can shift your mindset quickly. Community is key, borrow belief from others. Celebrate progress, not just outcomes.
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331: Beyond Clicks and KPIs: Bringing Humanity Back to Digital Work with Andy Sitison
12/18/2025
331: Beyond Clicks and KPIs: Bringing Humanity Back to Digital Work with Andy Sitison
What if the real key to connection in the digital workplace isn't more tools, but more trust? In a world obsessed with metrics, platforms, and productivity hacks, Andy Sitison flips the script. A strategist, designer, and people-first tech mind, Andy joins Nikki to explore how we move from clicks to true connection. 💡 Andy unveils his "Three Ps" framework, Population, Prompt, Product, and shows how empathy, when paired with intentional design and thoughtful data use, can create workplaces that actually feel human again. From overcoming the “digital veil” that clouds real connection to using AI to amplify rather than replace human insight, this episode challenges the way we approach employee experience, belonging, and meaningful work. 🧠💛 Whether you're rethinking hybrid culture, onboarding, or how to really listen to your people, this one will make you pause, reflect, and take action. Additional Resources: Learn more about Learn more about Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Technology doesn’t create connection, people do. Trust unlocks honest and useful feedback. Know your people to serve them better. Data without empathy risks missing the human story. Surveys ask, stories reveal the real truth.
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Community Conversation: Leading Well Starts with Living Well
12/17/2025
Community Conversation: Leading Well Starts with Living Well
Episode Description: What if wellness wasn’t just a perk, but a leadership necessity? In this Working Forward Conversations episode, Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Jason Cochran flip the script on workplace wellness, diving deep into why wellness is a non-negotiable requirement for modern leadership. From morning meditations and mid-day workouts to setting boundaries and asking for help, they share personal rituals and team-wide practices that fuel sustained capacity and impact. Get a behind-the-scenes of how People Forward Network lives out people-first values, with wellness baked into every level: micro (individual), mezzo (team), and macro (world-changing mission). Whether you’re burned out or building a better culture, this convo offers a fresh, energizing perspective on leading well by living well. Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Define wellness clearly for yourself and your organization. Micro habits shape sustained leadership and personal energy. Team rituals protect energy and promote shared accountability. Modeling self-care encourages psychological safety and trust. Wellness supports impact beyond profit.
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In the Loop: Good Leaders are Great Listeners with Katherine Coble
12/16/2025
In the Loop: Good Leaders are Great Listeners with Katherine Coble
What if the most powerful leadership skill isn’t what you say, but what you don’t? Katherine shares a surprising truth: she struggles with listening, and she knows she’s not alone. As leaders, we often think communication is about what we say, but the real power lies in what we hear. 👂💬 Katherine explores why listening is so hard (even for well-intentioned leaders), the hidden costs of distraction, and how our brains deceive us into thinking we’re better at it than we are. Most importantly, she breaks down five practical shifts that will help you listen deeper, lead better, and connect more authentically. If you want to build credibility, foster trust, and truly hear your people, start here. Additional Resources: Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Listening is a leadership skill, not just a courtesy. Distractions kill connection. Eliminate them intentionally. Interrupting signals your words matter more than theirs. Validation shows you hear both words and emotion. Empathy builds trust. Focus on others, not yourself.
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330: Leadership Is a Choice: Building Self-Efficacy Through a Behavioral Approach with Wesley Bender
12/11/2025
330: Leadership Is a Choice: Building Self-Efficacy Through a Behavioral Approach with Wesley Bender
What if your greatest leadership move isn’t climbing the ladder, but choosing to show up differently, every single day? Nikki sits down with Wesley Bender, a leadership coach who believes the most powerful leaders aren’t defined by titles or personality types, but by their actions. Together, they unpack the bold idea that leadership is a choice, grounded in behavior and built through self-efficacy: the belief that your actions can shape outcomes. Wesley brings a refreshing challenge to traditional frameworks and dives into why admired leaders stand out: not just because they drive performance, but because people actually want to follow them. From personal stories to practical takeaways, this episode is a masterclass in what it means to model the way, at home, in the workplace, and everywhere in between. Tune in to rethink what leadership really looks like. 🌌 Additional Resources: Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Leadership is a daily behavioral choice, not a title. Self-efficacy drives lasting leadership impact and growth. Admired leaders combine results with genuine followership. Behavioral leadership builds better habits than assessments alone. Real leadership shows up through consistent, intentional action.
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329: LOVE at Work: How Leaders Transform Through Human Connection with Mark Mears
12/04/2025
329: LOVE at Work: How Leaders Transform Through Human Connection with Mark Mears
What if the most powerful tool in your leadership toolkit isn’t strategy or structure, but love? Nikki sits down with Mark Mears, bestselling author, speaker, and former C-suite executive. to explore his revolutionary new framework: LOVE (Listen, Observe, Value, Empower). After a career shake-up that sparked deep personal insight, Mark redefined what it means to lead and thrive at work. From high-stakes boardrooms to heartfelt human moments, Mark shares how love in its most actionable form can transform culture, inspire growth, and re-engage teams in a world desperate for purpose-driven leadership. This isn’t fluff, it’s the fuel that moves people and results alike. ❤️ Tune in and discover how to build not just a culture, but a true community. Additional Resources: Get Mark’s Book! Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Shift from “command & control” to “love & connection.” Lead with L.O.V.E.: Listen, Observe, Value, Empower. Create community, not just culture. Anchor work in purpose, not just performance. Practice humility and grace as a daily leadership discipline.
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Addicted to Betterment: You’re Good Enough Now. Do the Thing. with Nikki and David Gregory
11/27/2025
Addicted to Betterment: You’re Good Enough Now. Do the Thing. with Nikki and David Gregory
What if the only thing standing between you and your big dream was… just starting? Nikki and David tackle the excuses, fears, and perfection traps that keep us stuck on the sidelines. From the myth of “not being ready yet” to the fear of failing in front of others, they share real stories and reframes that prove you’re good enough to start right now. You’ll hear why momentum builds confidence, how failure is really just feedback, and why declaring your goals out loud creates unstoppable energy. Whether it’s launching a podcast, building a business, or finally chasing that thing you’ve been putting off, this conversation is your nudge to stop waiting and start doing. 🔥 Additional Resources: Follow wherever you listen to podcasts! Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Perfection is the enemy of progress, and momentum creates confidence. You don’t need more time, clarity, or credentials… you need to start. Reframe negative self-talk: “I’m not qualified” becomes “I’m called to do this.” Failure isn’t final; it’s feedback that teaches and strengthens. Declaring your commitment out loud creates accountability and accelerates action.
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Community Conversation: Purpose Over Profit - Reimagining Success
11/26/2025
Community Conversation: Purpose Over Profit - Reimagining Success
What if chasing profit is actually killing your team's potential? 🎯 Nikki and Jason unpack one of PeopleForward Network’s most powerful culture codes: Purpose Over Profit. They explore what happens when teams stop measuring success in dollars and start designing work around meaning, strengths, and alignment. From sharing candid team experiences, like skipping 4:30 AM workouts for midday movement guilt-free, to building a results-first, flexibility-driven culture, this episode challenges leaders to rethink how we define and pursue success 🧭. Whether you're climbing the ladder, leading others, or reevaluating your own path, this conversation is packed with stories and strategies to help you shift focus from hustle to heart ❤️. It's not just about how much you earn, it's about how deeply your work matters. Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Purpose fuels performance more than profit ever will. Work-life integration drives meaningful work culture. Great leaders connect roles to individual purpose. Team alignment requires clear, shared outcomes. Purpose evolves through life’s changing seasons.
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328: The Inner Work of Leadership: Rewiring Subconscious Blocks with Roya Mattis
11/20/2025
328: The Inner Work of Leadership: Rewiring Subconscious Blocks with Roya Mattis
Ever feel like you're doing everything right, but still stuck? It’s not your strategy…it’s your subconscious. Nikki chats with transformational speaker and coach Roya Mattis, creator of the Trifecta Method. Roya dives deep into the invisible forces that hold high performers back, those hidden subconscious blocks formed before we even turned seven. 😳 Through stories, science, and soul, she explains how rewiring happens not just in the mind, but also in the body and even at the DNA level. Roya also breaks down the powerful balance between masculine and feminine energy, and why the most impactful leaders master both. If you’ve ever felt stuck, exhausted, or like your potential is just out of reach despite doing all the “right” things…this one’s for you. ⚖️ Additional Resources: Learn more on Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Subconscious patterns form before age seven. Awareness alone won’t rewire limiting beliefs. True transformation involves mind, body, and DNA. Feminine energy is essential for deep leadership. Presence begins with simple daily grounding rituals.
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In the Loop: Mastering Executive Presence with Katherine Coble
11/18/2025
In the Loop: Mastering Executive Presence with Katherine Coble
What’s the real reason some leaders instantly command a room while others struggle to connect? Katherine unpacks the secret sauce behind authentic leadership: executive presence. But don’t mistake it for just charisma or a polished look. This is about substance over style, connection over performance, and leading with confidence, clarity, and calm. She explores why presence, not just words, shapes how people trust, respect, and follow you. You’ll learn how to shift from filler words to powerful pauses, how to read a room and adapt with empathy, and why showing up with grounded confidence builds psychological safety for your team. Whether you're leading a team meeting or navigating high-stakes moments, this episode offers practical, people-first strategies to grow your presence, without losing your authenticity. 💡 Additional Resources: Get the book: Get the book: Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Presence starts before you speak a single word. Trustworthiness is prioritized over competence in first impressions. Executive presence is built, not born. Vulnerability must be balanced with leadership authority. Alignment between words and actions builds trust.
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327: Leading with Emotional Empowerment with Jamelle Lindo
11/13/2025
327: Leading with Emotional Empowerment with Jamelle Lindo
What if your next-level leadership has nothing to do with spreadsheets, strategy, or AI, and everything to do with your emotions? Emotional intelligence coach and EQ-i 2.0 Master Jamelle Lindo joins Nikki to reveal why emotional empowerment is the real superpower for leaders navigating today’s fast-paced, tech-heavy world. Jamelle unpacks how to turn emotions from a liability into a leadership asset that fuels clarity, courage, and connection. From real-life transformation stories to practical frameworks, you’ll learn how to pivot from emotional avoidance to engagement and build emotional skills that actually move the needle. Additional Resources: Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Emotions are data, not distractions. Self-awareness is foundational for emotional growth. Emotional empowerment starts with mindset shifts. Suppressing emotion leads to friction and burnout. Empathy requires intentional, active listening.
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326: Rowing by Choice: Aligning High-Performing Teams with Anadel Alberti
11/06/2025
326: Rowing by Choice: Aligning High-Performing Teams with Anadel Alberti
What if the secret to high-performing teams isn’t more strategy, but more alignment? 🚣 Nikki is joined by Anadel Alberti, founder of Audaciously Authentic, to discuss what it really means to build aligned teams. Spoiler: It’s not about off-sites or one-time trainings. It’s about creating spaces where trust thrives, vision is shared, and communication is clear (not assumed). Anadel shares how leaders can foster accountability with empathy, build trust through presence, and co-create vision that actually fuels commitment. You’ll walk away rethinking how your team shows up, and how alignment might just be your biggest performance unlock. Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Alignment is rowing together by choice, not obligation. Communication requires clarity, not assumptions. Accountability equals ownership with empathy. Vision succeeds when co-created. Trust begins with presence and consistency.
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325: Beyond the Basics: Win Talent with Whole-Person Wellness Benefits with Michelle Yates & Mark Rosenthal
10/30/2025
325: Beyond the Basics: Win Talent with Whole-Person Wellness Benefits with Michelle Yates & Mark Rosenthal
What do pets, perks, and productivity have in common? Nikki teams up once again with Michelle Yates of PetPartners, bringing in the dynamic Mark Rosenthal to shake up how we think about employee benefits. They dive into why “nice-to-have” benefits are now need-to-have, and how understanding your people (and their furry family members 🐕) is the game-changer for attracting and retaining top talent. From multi-generational expectations and mental health support to surprising stats on pet parents and financial stress, this episode is packed with insights that challenge the status quo and inspire leaders to rethink, reframe, and rework their approach to benefits. You’ll leave with a fresh appreciation for just how much a pet-inclusive workplace can do for your culture. 🐾✨ Additional Resources: Learn how to create pet-friendly workspaces with the Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Benefits must support holistic employee wellbeing. Customization is key to engaging diverse workforces. Pets are essential dependents for many employees. Perks must reflect real employee priorities and stressors. Clear communication is critical to benefits impact. Works Cited: KRC Research conducted an online survey on behalf of OnePack Plan by Pet Partners among n=1,000 employed US adults 18-65. The sample included n=750 pet owners and n=250 non-pet owners. The study was fielded between August 19 - August 22, 2024. Cohen Research Group in conjunction with OnePack Plan by PetPartners and the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) conducted an online survey over a two-week period from February 22 to March 7, 2024, with 1,021 HR professionals working for medium or large companies in the United States and Canada. By design, half of the respondents work at companies currently offering pet health insurance to their employees and half did not offer it to them. For terms and conditions visit: . Products are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, (NAIC #26581), and produced by PetPartners, Inc. (NPN #7612549; CA license #0F27261 PPI Pet Insurance Agency, Inc.).
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324: The $10,000 Work Mindset: How to Build a 25-Hour Week with Dr. Sabrina Starling
10/23/2025
324: The $10,000 Work Mindset: How to Build a 25-Hour Week with Dr. Sabrina Starling
What if working less could actually make your business more successful? 💡 Nikki chats with Dr. Sabrina Starling, aka The Business Psychologist, who’s here to flip your workweek on its head. Dr. Sabrina isn’t just talking theory, she’s living proof that you can grow a wildly successful business on just 25 hours a week (and she’s now rocking a 10-hour week!). They dive into the power of radical intentionality, how to prioritize $10,000/hour tasks, and why delegating like a pro creates massive growth opportunities for your team. If you’ve ever dreamed of more margin, more impact, and way less grind... this one’s your permission slip. 📝 Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Work should support life, not the other way. Identify and protect $10,000/hour activities. Delegate low-value tasks to enable team growth. Hard stops and unplugged time fuel effectiveness. A-players thrive with clear results and strengths.
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Community Conversation: Hell Yes Energy: Making bold choices that align with your purpose
10/22/2025
Community Conversation: Hell Yes Energy: Making bold choices that align with your purpose
Ever been stuck in a “meh” moment, unsure if it’s a yes or a no? 😬 Nikki and Jason dive into a fun, fired-up convo about making bold, aligned decisions, personally and professionally. From saying no without guilt to spotting red flags in client partnerships and making hiring choices that truly light up your team, they cover it all. Nikki also shares powerful takeaways from Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” philosophy and the Why.OS framework that keeps the PFN team living and leading with radical intentionality. Tune in if you’re ready to lead, live, and love like every decision is a full-body “Hell Yes!” 💥 Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Know your why to guide clear decisions. Energy alignment outweighs obligation every time. Misaligned clients drain culture and results. Right person, right seat is essential. Intentionality drives meaningful culture and impact.
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In the Loop: What Great Leaders Actually Do with Greg Coble
10/21/2025
In the Loop: What Great Leaders Actually Do with Greg Coble
Great leadership isn’t just bold moves and big speeches. The real magic is in the quiet habits, clear communication, and meaningful connections the best leaders learn to make. Those were the themes of this year’s Global Leadership Summit, a two-day event packed with world-renowned leadership experts. Katherine Coble is joined (finally) by her husband and business coach, Greg Coble, to recap their favorite moments from this year’s Summit. From Craig Groeschel’s call for consistency over charisma, to Nick Saban’s surprising take on psychological safety, to Juliet Funt’s bold message about reducing the noise, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and fresh energy for people-first leaders. Hit play for a fun, fast-paced breakdown you won’t want to miss! Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Consistency beats charisma in leadership impact. Focus only on what leaders uniquely should do. Clear writing equals modern-day empathy. Transformational leaders prioritize learning over results. Legacy leadership builds others for lasting significance.
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323: Design Your Personal Board of Directors with Melanie Stuber
10/16/2025
323: Design Your Personal Board of Directors with Melanie Stuber
Forget the one-mentor model! What if you had a team of people championing your growth? Melanie Stuber shares how designing your personal board of directors can be a game-changer for your career and personal growth. After 25+ years in corporate leadership, Melanie stepped into entrepreneurship, and quickly realized the power of intentionally surrounding herself with people who challenge, support, and champion her. From knowing your values to identifying the roles every growth-minded person needs (mentor, coach, sponsor, expert, and more), she breaks down how to build and sustain this dynamic circle. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just getting started, you’ll walk away with real tools to build a board that grows with you, and never feel like you’re doing it alone again. 👥 Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Know your values and strengths before building your board. Be intentional in choosing who surrounds and supports you. Personal boards evolve as you grow professionally and personally. Express gratitude often, as it sustains meaningful relationships. Follow-through builds trust and deepens connections.
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322: To Know That Employee Engagement is Actually Emotional with Joshua Freedman
10/09/2025
322: To Know That Employee Engagement is Actually Emotional with Joshua Freedman
Employee engagement metrics have barely moved in over a decade, but what if we're measuring the wrong things? Nikki sits down with Joshua Freedman, CEO of Six Seconds and author of the soon-to-drop “Emotion Rules”. Together, they go deep on why engagement isn’t about snacks in the breakroom or slick surveys. It’s emotional, and it’s human. They unpack why “leave emotions at the door” might be the worst business advice ever, what true caring leadership looks like, and how love, trust, and boundaries create high-performing cultures where people actually want to show up. If you’re ready to trade performative leadership for authentic connection, this episode is your roadmap. 🤲 Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Engagement is emotional, not just a dashboard metric. Emotional intelligence globally is in serious decline. Leaders shape culture through behavior, not slogans. Genuine care includes clear, compassionate boundaries. Emotions drive people, people drive performance.
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321: Why Is It So Hard to Find Good People? The AI-Era Hiring Dilemma with Gerald Gordon
09/25/2025
321: Why Is It So Hard to Find Good People? The AI-Era Hiring Dilemma with Gerald Gordon
Why is finding great talent harder than ever… even with AI at our fingertips? Nikki sits down with Gerald Gordon, Co-Founder & CTO of Reference Me, to unpack how technology is reshaping hiring in ways that often make things messier, not easier. From flawless AI-generated resumes to overwhelming applicant pools, Gerald reveals why human discernment and cultural fit matter more than any algorithm. He also introduces a game-changing idea: professional certified references, a way to bring trust, truth, and confidence back into hiring decisions. Get ready for a candid conversation that will make you rethink how you evaluate candidates, balance AI with human judgment, and build teams that truly multiply culture. 🚀 Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: AI-polished resumes don’t equal the right fit. Time and keyword filters can cut out great candidates. Online presence now shapes first impressions. Human discernment is irreplaceable. Certified references save time and prevent hiring mistakes.
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Community Conversation: Augment Not Replace: Building People First Teams with AI
09/24/2025
Community Conversation: Augment Not Replace: Building People First Teams with AI
What if your AI tools were more like teammates than tech? AI isn’t coming for your job, it’s coming to take the busywork off your plate. Jason and Nikki crack open how the PeopleForward Network team is weaving AI into their daily workflows without ditching what makes them... them. F rom using ChatGPT for parenting convos to building sales proposals, onboarding guides, and culture content, they’re showing how AI can augment your team, not replace it. Expect lightbulb moments and a roadmap for using AI to go further faster while keeping your values and people at the center 💡 Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: AI is a co-pilot. Use it to enhance, not replace, human work. Start small. Experiment with everyday tasks before scaling. Input matters. Better prompts lead to better, more authentic outputs. Culture comes first. Align AI use with your company’s values. Free up time. Let AI handle the mundane so people can focus on meaningful work.
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320: Play Is Not the Opposite of Work with Mike Montague
09/18/2025
320: Play Is Not the Opposite of Work with Mike Montague
What if more play is the key to better work? This episode flips the script on what it means to be "professional." Nikki sits down with Mike Montague, author of Playful Humans, to explore why play isn’t just for kids or weekends. In fact, it might be your team's biggest untapped superpower. From challenging hustle culture to reimagining how we measure productivity, Mike brings humor, heart, and a whole lot of wisdom. They unpack the three types of work, dive into the magical "Five P’s" that fuel thriving workplaces, and get real about why forced fun just doesn’t cut it. If you're ready to ditch the burnout and build work cultures where people actually want to show up, hit play. 🛝 Additional Resources: Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Play enhances, not opposes, meaningful work. Physical, intellectual, and spiritual work require different approaches. The “Five P’s” (Performance, Pause, Ponder, Play, Practice) drive fulfillment. Choice and control boost engagement. Real play is voluntary… forced fun backfires.
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In the Loop: The Real Reason Your Team Isn’t Listening with Jenni Field
09/16/2025
In the Loop: The Real Reason Your Team Isn’t Listening with Jenni Field
Ever feel like no one’s really listening to you as a leader? Like your message isn’t landing, even though your intentions are solid? That’s not just frustrating. It’s a credibility problem. Katherine sits down with communications powerhouse Jenni Field, author of “Nobody Believes You: Become a Leader People Will Follow.” Together, they dive into why great leadership isn’t just about charisma or good intentions, it's about credibility, and yes, that can be learned. With 20+ years in global comms roles and now leading her consultancy, Redefining Communications, Jenni breaks down her signature 8 practices of leadership credibility. From integrity to visionary thinking, she shares real-world stories, laugh-out-loud insights, and tips leaders can implement tomorrow. If you’ve ever wondered why your team isn’t “getting it,” or felt like you’re doing all the right things but still not moving the needle, this episode’s for you. 💡 Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Good intentions aren’t enough. Leaders must be aware of their impact. Credibility is built through eight practical leadership behaviors. Vulnerability is about connection, not oversharing. Leadership gaps often cause deeper organizational issues. Visionary leadership starts with clear, short-term direction.
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319: Modern HR: The Strategic Voice Every Executive Team Needs with Raina Fryer
09/11/2025
319: Modern HR: The Strategic Voice Every Executive Team Needs with Raina Fryer
What if HR stopped being the department of “no” and became the heartbeat of transformation in your business? Nikki is joined by Raina Fryer of Titus Talent Strategies to flip the script on what HR should be. Broadcasting live from the PeopleForward Network studio at CultureCon® 2025, this episode dives into how people leaders can ditch outdated playbooks and embrace a bold, modern approach to leading humans. Raina challenges us to rethink everything, from the language we use to how we train, hire, and retain our teams. She brings fresh insights on cross-functional leadership, performance-based hiring, and how to actually treat HR as a strategic partner, not just a rule enforcer. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to building people-first cultures. Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: HR must shift from compliance to strategic partnership. Rethinking titles like "HR" can reflect a more modern role. Let go of control; embrace creativity and ambiguity. Hiring should focus on long-term performance, not just quick fills. Retention starts with great onboarding, mentorship, and purpose.
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318: Before EOS & After EOS: A Founder’s Journey with Loren Wood
09/04/2025
318: Before EOS & After EOS: A Founder’s Journey with Loren Wood
What happens when a former high school math teacher turned builder decides to stop flying by the seat of his pants, and actually runs his business on a real system? Nikki chats with Loren Wood of Loren Wood Builders, who shares the raw, before-and-after story of implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) 🛠️📊 Picture this: no org chart, no KPIs, zero predictability. Fast forward to today, Loren has a focused leadership team, strong systems, and a culture grounded in clarity and accountability. If you’ve ever felt stuck solving the same problems on repeat or crossing your fingers at year-end hoping the math works out, this one’s for you. Loren gets real about what it took to shift from chaos to calm and how EOS helped him become the leader his team, and business, deserved. Get ready to rethink what it really means to run your business, not just survive it. 💥 Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: EOS brought structure and accountability to a previously chaotic business. Level 10 meetings replaced unproductive meetings with focus and clarity. Shared leadership replaced Loren’s solo decision-making. Initial discomfort gave way to better team alignment. EOS reinforced culture, not just operations.a
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317: How Pet-Friendly Workplaces Are Boosting Mental Health with Michelle Yates & Steve Feldman
08/28/2025
317: How Pet-Friendly Workplaces Are Boosting Mental Health with Michelle Yates & Steve Feldman
What if boosting your team’s mental health and workplace happiness was as simple as adding a wagging tail to the mix? 🐾 Nikki is back with Michelle Yates from Pet Partners, this time joined by Steve Feldman, President of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), to uncover how pets are transforming workplace culture and mental health. From the science behind wagging tails and purring companions, to real-world success stories like Amazon’s “PupAmazonians,” they share creative ways leaders can make their organizations more pet-inclusive, whether in-office or remote. They bust myths (spoiler: pets aren’t the distraction you think they are), offer ideas for pet benefits that keep employees smiling, and show how a little four-legged love can spark collaboration, deepen connections, and create a happier, healthier workplace for everyone. Additional Resources: Learn more about Learn how to create pet-friendly workspaces with the Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Pets boost mental, physical, and social health. Pet perks work in-office or remotely. Leaders underestimate employee pet ownership. Pets improve morale, collaboration, and problem-solving. Pet benefits drive well-being, loyalty, and retention. Works Cited: KRC Research conducted an online survey on behalf of OnePack Plan by Pet Partners among n=1,000 employed US adults 18-65. The sample included n=750 pet owners and n=250 non-pet owners. The study was fielded between August 19 - August 22, 2024. Cohen Research Group in conjunction with OnePack Plan by PetPartners and the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) conducted an online survey over a two-week period from February 22 to March 7, 2024, with 1,021 HR professionals working for medium or large companies in the United States and Canada. By design, half of the respondents work at companies currently offering pet health insurance to their employees and half did not offer it to them. For terms and conditions visit: . Products are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, (NAIC #26581), and produced by PetPartners, Inc. (NPN #7612549; CA license #0F27261 PPI Pet Insurance Agency, Inc.).
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Community Conversation: Impact Over Hours: Shifting the Focus from Time Spent to Results
08/27/2025
Community Conversation: Impact Over Hours: Shifting the Focus from Time Spent to Results
What if your team could get more done in less time? ⏳ In this Community Conversation, Nikki and Jason flip the traditional “hours worked” mindset on its head, championing the power of results over clock-watching. They share why it’s time to ditch the outdated 9–5 mentality, how to unlearn habits that hold us back, and why role clarity + goals + KPIs are the secret trio for driving real impact. 🚀 From experimenting with a four-day work week to harnessing AI for smarter workflows, this episode is packed with practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and a few personal stories that’ll make you rethink your relationship with time. Whether you’re a leader or a team member, you’ll walk away ready to work sharper, not harder, and maybe even earn yourself that extra day off. Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Measure success by results, not hours worked. Use role clarity, goals, and KPIs to guide focus. Unlearn outdated time-based work habits. Leverage AI to boost efficiency and flexibility. Cut low-value tasks to create space for impact.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/37836375
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316: Culture Change That Sticks: Stories from the Field with BJ McKay
08/21/2025
316: Culture Change That Sticks: Stories from the Field with BJ McKay
Ever felt like your culture change efforts are just… throwing spaghetti at the wall 🍝? In this episode, Nikki sits down with BJ McKay from Advisa to swap real, in-the-trenches stories of transformation. Together they break down the ATLAS framework, reveal why discomfort is the secret ingredient to lasting change, and share how to keep leaders energized instead of burned out. From ditching the busywork to mastering the art of measurable impact, BJ’s insights will have you rethinking how you approach culture so it actually sticks. This is your backstage pass to what works (and what doesn’t) when you’re leading people-first change that lasts. 🎯 Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Real transformation is uncomfortable but necessary. Systems must show measurable impact, not just look good. Focus on fewer priorities to reduce burnout and increase impact. Leadership growth at work benefits life outside of work. Self-awareness plus consistent practice builds great leaders.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/37779335
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In the Loop: From the Bedside to the Boardroom with Lori Price
08/19/2025
In the Loop: From the Bedside to the Boardroom with Lori Price
What happens when a hospital CEO still thinks like a nurse? You get leadership that listens, leads with empathy, and actually walks the talk. Katherine sits down with Lori Price, President and CEO of Franciscan Health Central Indiana, whose journey from nurse to executive brings a rare blend of heart and strategy to the conversation. Lori unpacks how starting at the bedside shaped her “communication flywheel,” a practical, people-first system for keeping 24/7 teams aligned, engaged, and clear on the mission. From listening more than speaking to building trust through radical honesty, she shares real-life leadership lessons that make her style both approachable and effective. If you're navigating complex teams, craving more culture clarity, or just need a reminder that leadership is human work, this one’s for you. Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Trust and healthy conflict are essential for safety and team cohesion. Listening to frontline staff is core to effective leadership. Purpose-driven culture fuels resilience and engagement. Vulnerability and humor make leaders more approachable.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/37671330
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315: See Differently, Solve Better: Problem Solving Through Perception with Chris Bassett
08/14/2025
315: See Differently, Solve Better: Problem Solving Through Perception with Chris Bassett
What if your biggest leadership roadblock isn’t the problem… but how you see it? Nikki sits down with Chris Bassett—founder of Green Bean Consulting Group—to flip your problem-solving approach on its head. What does abstract art have to do with business challenges? And how does soaking a walnut help teams break through stuck thinking? Chris takes us on a journey through neuroscience, philosophy, and real-world consulting wins to show how our brains often mislead us, and how leaders can use perception as a powerful tool for change. From spotting red flags of overconfidence 🚩 to building high-functioning teams through de-familiarization and pairing structures, this episode is packed with fresh thinking and practical tools. Whether you're leading a team, solving complex issues, or just tired of running in circles, this conversation is your invitation to slow down, zoom out, and see differently. Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Certainty is a red flag—pause and dig deeper. Perception is shaped by memory as well as our senses. Familiar problems often need a fresh frame. Align teams by defamiliarizing and collaborating. Use structured methods to solve, test, and learn.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/37739200
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314: HR Professionals Crave a System for Culture Change with Heather Haas
08/07/2025
314: HR Professionals Crave a System for Culture Change with Heather Haas
Ready to break free from program fatigue and culture initiatives that fizzle out fast? Nikki sits down with Heather Haas, CEO of Advisa, as she shares why so many culture efforts flop and how HR professionals can finally make the shift from being stuck in a silo to leading true transformation. They dive into the game-changing A.T.L.A.S. framework—think executive activation, trust, leadership development, people data, and killer systems—all designed to drive results and get your team rowing in the same direction. If you’re an HR leader who’s done with the fluff and ready for a proven system that sticks, this convo is your new playbook 💡. Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: HR needs executive buy-in, culture change isn’t a solo act. Define behaviors, not buzzwords. Use data to shift from tactical to strategic. Develop leaders aligned to culture goals. Systems must support, not sabotage, change.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/37525380