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.
info_outline
339: Cultures of Caring: Turning Grief into a Leadership Growth Opportunity with Ashley Jones
03/26/2026
339: Cultures of Caring: Turning Grief into a Leadership Growth Opportunity with Ashley Jones
Grief doesn’t clock out when we clock in. Nikki sits down with Ashley Jones, founder of Memento Foundation and grief and empathy consultant, to explore what happens when loss walks into the workplace. After navigating the unimaginable loss of her daughter, Ashley turned her pain into purpose, helping organizations lead through grief with courage, care, and emotional intelligence. Together, they unpack what most leaders get wrong about grief at work, why empathy is not optional in modern leadership, and how cultures of caring are built long before crisis hits. This conversation challenges outdated beliefs about productivity, exposes the real cost of emotional avoidance, and offers a new leadership standard rooted in love, trust, and psychological safety. 💛 If you want to retain top talent, strengthen trust, and lead whole humans instead of job titles, this episode will change the way you show up. Additional Resources: Get Ashley’s book: Learn more about Learn more about Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Grief has no timeline or linear stages. Empathy is leadership strength, not softness. Culture of caring must start before crisis. Unsupported grief drives turnover and disengagement. Love, not fear, builds workplace trust.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/40142885
info_outline
338: Align Humans and Technology or You’ll Be Out of Business in 10 Years with Ferry Hoes
03/19/2026
338: Align Humans and Technology or You’ll Be Out of Business in 10 Years with Ferry Hoes
If your company treats technology like the hero and people like the afterthought, it may not survive the next decade. Nikki sits down with Ferry Hoes, founder of Brand Humanizing, to challenge the way leaders think about AI, automation, and innovation. Ferry shares a bold warning: organizations that fail to align humans and technology will quietly lose their people and their customers. Through personal stories of watching a chatbot replace real connection and sink a business, he unpacks why meaningful work and human trust still drive performance. From task forces to tech integration mistakes to companies that get it right, this conversation is a masterclass for people-first leaders who want innovation that supports humans, not sidelines them. If you care about culture, customer loyalty, and long-term growth, this one will shift your lens. 💡 Additional Resources: Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Technology must support people, not replace them. Start with problems, not shiny tech solutions. Human connection drives loyalty and long-term growth. Involve frontline employees in tech decisions early. Innovation fails when leaders ignore emotional needs.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/40206080
info_outline
In the Loop: What Your Digital Body Language Communicates
03/17/2026
In the Loop: What Your Digital Body Language Communicates
Have you ever unraveled over a one word email? Or spiraled because someone “saw” your message but didn’t respond? Katherine dives into the invisible signals shaping today’s workplace: digital body language. Inspired by Erica Dhawan’s work and Katherine’s real world leadership experience, this conversation explores how response time, punctuation, brevity, silence, and even channel choice are constantly communicating on your behalf. In a world where 70% of communication is virtual, leaders are sending signals about trust, respect, urgency, and inclusion whether they mean to or not. If leadership is relational, then digital communication cannot be transactional. Katherine unpacks practical shifts people-first leaders can make immediately to reduce anxiety, build clarity, and strengthen connection. Because the impact you make through a screen is still very real and it is shaping your culture every single day. Additional Resources: Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Response time communicates priority, trust, and respect. Brevity without warmth creates digital anxiety. Channel choice signals leadership intention. Clarity in writing is modern workplace empathy. Silence always sends a message.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/40216200
info_outline
Addicted to Betterment: Planting Onions Expecting Strawberries? Lessons from the Bamboo Tree.
03/12/2026
Addicted to Betterment: Planting Onions Expecting Strawberries? Lessons from the Bamboo Tree.
The results you're seeing today are a direct reflection of seeds you planted long ago, and if that hits a nerve, this episode is for you. Nikki and David are getting real about the wild truth that what you plant is what you get. From the legendary patience it takes to grow a Chinese bamboo tree to the behind-the-scenes grind of podcasting and showing up as your best self each day, this convo hits deep. They break down how to audit your daily “seeds,” why choosing your crop before planting is the move, how AI is just like soil, and why protecting your energy is non-negotiable. Oh, and if you’ve ever doubted yourself during the slow seasons, this is your sign to keep going. The bamboo might just be about to shoot up. Betterment takes time, but with intention, patience, and a little self-awareness, your growth is coming 🎋 Additional Resources: Follow wherever you listen to podcasts! Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: You get what you plant. Your actions and habits shape your outcomes. Growth takes time. Like the bamboo tree, results often come after long unseen effort. Check your inputs. Audit your daily choices to align with your desired future. Protect your energy. Be mindful of who and what you let into your environment. Small wins matter. Acknowledge them to stay motivated.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/40151430
info_outline
337: Your Vibration Is Your Currency with Carrie Moore
03/05/2026
337: Your Vibration Is Your Currency with Carrie Moore
There’s a level of leadership most people never access, not because it’s hidden, but because it requires going inward first. Nikki sits down with transformational leadership expert Carrie Moore to explore a powerful truth: your vibration is your currency. Drawing from neuroscience, quantum mechanics, and executive leadership, Carrie explains how the energy you bring into a room directly impacts trust, culture, and results. This conversation goes beyond performance tactics. It dives into identity, influence over execution, and why transformation is the real work of leadership. Nikki and Carrie unpack subconscious rewiring, sovereignty, and the idea that the relationship you have with yourself is the only relationship you give the world. If you’re ready to evolve from high-performing doer to future-ready leader, this one will shift how you think, lead, and show up. Additional Resources: Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Your vibration shapes trust, culture, and performance. Slow down to access awareness and influence. Transformation is leadership’s true purpose. Influence scales impact more than execution. Identity work drives measurable business outcomes.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/40079015
info_outline
Addicted to Betterment: Courage Builders, Not Courage Killers
02/26/2026
Addicted to Betterment: Courage Builders, Not Courage Killers
What if courage wasn’t something you either had or didn’t, but something you could build? Nikki and David open up about the real journey of courage, not as a Hollywood moment, but as a daily practice. From David’s vulnerability in asking for help after a major injury, to Nikki’s story of taking the stage during the emotional turbulence of divorce, they strip courage down to its core. The duo introduces a four-step framework rooted in faith, values, support systems, and taking action, even when it’s scary. This episode is a call to action for anyone stuck in self-doubt or fear of failure. Whether you're facing a personal crossroads or seeking to lead others with more heart, you'll walk away inspired to become a courage builder, not a courage killer. Additional Resources: Follow wherever you listen to podcasts! Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Courage starts with knowing you’re not alone. Core values anchor brave decisions and actions. Borrowed belief powers you through tough times. Trying new things builds your courage muscle. Be a courage builder, not a courage killer.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39998545
info_outline
336: The ABCs of Leadership: Align. Believe. Choose. with JM Ryerson
02/19/2026
336: The ABCs of Leadership: Align. Believe. Choose. with JM Ryerson
What happens when clarity, belief, and intention collide? You get a leadership framework so simple it's unforgettable, literally, it’s the ABCs. Nikki is joined by JM Ryerson, coach, speaker, and founder of Let's Go Win, to unpack the “ABCs” of transformational leadership: Align, Believe, and Choose. Together, they explore how alignment creates a cultural backbone, belief fuels personal and professional breakthroughs, and conscious choices keep teams moving forward, even in tough times. From the power of simplicity and the danger of misaligned values to 4-day work weeks, this episode is full of actionable insights and real-life stories. Whether you're reworking your company values or reigniting your own leadership flame, this one will challenge you to upgrade, not change. Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Alignment begins with clarity around core values and behavior. Belief shapes outcomes more than strategy ever could. Simplicity drives consistency, especially during change. Leaders must choose how they show up daily. Upgrade mindsets before expecting performance transformation.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39993835
info_outline
In the Loop: Leadership that Listens with Ashima Kapur
02/17/2026
In the Loop: Leadership that Listens with Ashima Kapur
What if HR’s true power isn’t just policies and programs, but its position as a strategic driver of culture and communication? Katherine sits down with Ashima Kapur, Chief People Officer at Allied Solutions, to explore the leadership mindsets and behaviors that drive sustainable growth. From growing Allied from 500 to nearly 2,000 employees to building an HR function that earns a seat at the table, Ashima shares a people-first blueprint for organizational success. She reveals how HR and communication go hand-in-hand to shape culture, why transparency and authenticity aren’t optional anymore, and how leaders can empower teams by being real, clear, and consistent. Ashima’s leadership philosophy is direct, human-centered, and refreshingly honest, exactly what’s needed in today’s evolving workplaces. Whether you're building a talent strategy or redefining your leadership style, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for leaders who care about their people and want to lead with intention. Additional Resources: Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: HR must earn its seat through business understanding Culture is defined by consistent leadership behavior Communication must be authentic, transparent, and repeated Right person, right seat, right support equals success Growth demands people strategy aligned with business goals
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39980685
info_outline
335: Leading with Honesty and Care: Empowerment in Action with Steve Sorenson
02/12/2026
335: Leading with Honesty and Care: Empowerment in Action with Steve Sorenson
What if the real secret to building leaders, not followers, was simply honesty paired with care? Nikki sits down with Steve Sorenson, Senior Director Learning and Culture at Johnsonville, to explore a leadership model rooted in humble candor, empowerment, and intentional coaching. Known for replacing “managers” with “coaches” and fostering autonomy through frameworks like the ABC Decision Method and the Simon Principle, Steve walks the talk when it comes to building trust, elevating teams, and modeling people-first leadership. This conversation is packed with tangible tools, soul-shifting moments, and the kind of clarity that challenges old norms and makes culture come alive. Whether you're trying to turn the ship or sharpen your edge, this one will shift how you lead. Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Empowerment grows when autonomy and clarity align. Humble candor blends honesty with deep care. Coaches build leaders, not followers. Shared language strengthens trust and culture. Model the behavior you want repeated.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39886780
info_outline
Work Doesn’t Work (Anymore): Why Relationships Matter Most with Laurie Cozart
02/10/2026
Work Doesn’t Work (Anymore): Why Relationships Matter Most with Laurie Cozart
What if the secret to better leadership isn’t about doing more, but being more human? In this episode of Work Doesn’t Work (Anymore), Dr. Ryan Darby sits down with leadership expert and founder of Brain Squared Leadership Solutions, Laurie Cozart. With over 10,000 individuals and 500 teams coached, Laurie brings deep insights on how leaders can thrive in today’s complex and rapidly changing workplace. Together, they unpack why hero leadership is outdated, why clarity is the most underrated leadership skill, and how vulnerability and relationship-building are actually strategic advantages. Laurie shares stories from her own journey and introduces practical, neuroscience-backed tools for fostering resilient leadership, trust-filled teams, and simplified work cultures that don't burn people out. If you’re tired of the noise and looking to build magic teams that feel good and perform better, this conversation is your playbook. Additional Resources: Learn more about for continued leadership insights Learn more about Key Takeaways: Hero leadership quietly exhausts everyone Clarity is kindness and performance fuel Relationships make hard tasks feel easy Vulnerability builds trust, not weakness Emotional safety drives resilience and engagement
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39925250
info_outline
334: Lead Dads, Working Moms, and the Future of Family-Friendly Workplaces with Paul Sullivan
02/05/2026
334: Lead Dads, Working Moms, and the Future of Family-Friendly Workplaces with Paul Sullivan
What if the most overlooked group in your workplace holds the key to retention, loyalty, and a truly people-first culture? Nikki is joined by Paul Sullivan, former New York Times columnist and founder of The Company of Dads. Paul shares the deeply personal story behind his mission to elevate and support “lead dads,” the primary caregivers often overlooked in corporate benefit structures. From the eye-opening stats on caregiving to stories of companies getting it painfully wrong, Paul challenges leaders to rethink how they message and activate the benefits they already offer. This conversation is a wake-up call and a roadmap for anyone serious about creating workplaces that work for families. If your culture says “family first,” does your messaging and manager training back it up? Additional Resources: Learn more about Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Lead dads are often invisible but incredibly impactful. Messaging matters as much as your benefits package. Managers must walk the talk on flexibility. Small changes create big impacts for caregivers. Transparency attracts and retains the right people.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39817940
info_outline
Addicted to Betterment: Problems? Are We the Problem?
01/29/2026
Addicted to Betterment: Problems? Are We the Problem?
What if the biggest barrier to the outcomes we crave... is us? Nikki and David Gregory pull no punches as they unpack how we often create the very problems we're frustrated by. From a disastrous family lunch to missed health goals and tense business meetings, they share vulnerable stories that hit close to home. This episode isn’t about blame, but about the power to shift our mindset, manifest better outcomes, and pivot with purpose when things go sideways. With practical tools and honest reflection, this conversation challenges us all to stop playing checkers with our lives and start playing chess. Because betterment begins when we own our part and choose better, one move at a time. Additional Resources: Follow wherever you listen to podcasts! Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Mindset shapes every outcome we experience We often manifest the problems we complain about Clear intention + action = new results Resilience matters when things derail Celebrate small wins to fuel momentum
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39458365
info_outline
Introducing Work Doesn’t Work (Anymore): A New Series on Gut + Science
01/22/2026
Introducing Work Doesn’t Work (Anymore): A New Series on Gut + Science
What if the real reason workplace engagement hasn’t budged in 30 years is because we’ve made leadership too complicated? In this kickoff to a powerful new content partnership, Nikki introduces Dr. Ryan Darby, organizational psychologist, leadership simplifier, and founder of WorkStrong. Ryan’s not here for hype. He’s here for habits. Drawing from his deep experience with 34Strong and years of leading large-scale engagement work, Ryan shares why most leadership development fails, and how a simpler, more actionable approach can finally move the needle. You’ll hear the backstory of Work Strong’s creation, rooted in real gaps spotted inside thriving companies. You’ll also get a sneak peek into the upcoming “Work Doesn’t Work (Anymore)” series and why Ryan believes the future of leadership lies in emotional regulation, discipline, and better listening, not more content. This one’s a rally cry for people-first leaders ready to stop admiring the problem and start doing what actually works. Additional Resources: Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Leadership is a skill, not a knowledge dump. Engagement won't shift without habit-driven systems. Listening is thinking. Learn how your brain hears. Simplify leadership: action over theory. Good leadership demands emotional regulation and resilience.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39799150
info_outline
In the Loop: Rethinking Redesign: Clarity Through Communication with Rebecca Ellis
01/20/2026
In the Loop: Rethinking Redesign: Clarity Through Communication with Rebecca Ellis
What if your biggest redesign obstacle isn’t strategy, but silence? Katherine sits down with Rebecca Ellis, Principal at AlignOrg Solutions, to explore why so many organizational changes fall flat, and what great leaders do differently. With decades of experience guiding Fortune 500s through complex transformations, Rebecca shares actionable insights on what makes change stick: clarity, communication, and courage. They dive deep into why 70% of redesigns fail, how to become a “clarity crusader,” and why passive leadership erodes trust. From tackling AI’s role in restructuring to the neuroscience behind timing your message, this episode is a masterclass in navigating organizational change while honoring people and culture. Whether you're leading a full-blown redesign or shifting your team's strategy, this conversation will help you move from resistance to results with empathy at the core. Additional Resources: Watch Learn more about Key Takeaways: Clarity is kindness, especially during organizational change. Adoption matters more than just great solutions. Leaders must actively shape, not just approve, change. Communication must be consistent, intentional, and human. Celebrate progress to build momentum and trust.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39633345
info_outline
333: From Numbers to Narratives: How to Turn Data into Action Focus with Kaitlin Henze
01/15/2026
333: From Numbers to Narratives: How to Turn Data into Action Focus with Kaitlin Henze
What if the key to transforming data into real change isn’t more dashboards, but better storytelling? 📚 Nikki welcomes Kaitlin Henze, a passionate data storytelling strategist from storytelling with data. Kaitlin helps leaders simplify complexity, turning charts into conversations and numbers into narratives that inspire action. Together, they explore why traditional reports fall flat, how to visualize data so humans actually care, and how storytelling bridges the gap between information and impact. Kaitlin also shares her heart behind launching data literacy programs for kids and the mission of building the next generation of data-minded leaders through creativity and color. Whether you're overwhelmed by metrics or inspired to connect data with meaning, this episode will reframe the way you communicate your insights, and remind you that data done right moves people. Additional Resources: Learn more about Get the book Learn more about Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Data alone rarely drives action. Storytelling does. Simplicity and clarity are powerful visualization tools. Understand your audience before presenting any data. Storyboarding transforms how insights are structured. Kids need data literacy to thrive in a digital world.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39629205
info_outline
332: On Purpose: Turning Values Into Action at Work with Justin Ahrens
01/08/2026
332: On Purpose: Turning Values Into Action at Work with Justin Ahrens
What if your company’s values didn’t just live in a handbook but showed up in your daily habits? Nikki sits down with creative strategist and purpose-driven leader Justin Ahrens to unpack how organizations can bring their vision, mission, and values to life beyond buzzwords and branding. With deep experience as a B Corp founder and now as the mind behind On Purpose, Justin offers tangible insight on transforming culture from the inside out. They dig into common missteps leaders make when vision is disconnected from action and explore what it truly looks like when culture is alive and thriving. From onboarding that inspires, to meetings that actually matter, this conversation is for every people-first leader ready to turn alignment into action. Additional Resources: Get Justin’s Book - “” Learn more about Listen to Listen to ! Watch Learn more about Nikki’s Key Takeaways: Vision thrives when integrated into daily business rhythms. Leadership must model behaviors aligned with stated values. Systems are essential for values to stick. Culture isn’t created in a vacuum, engage everyone. Clarity, consistency, and vulnerability build trust.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39385075
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39226470
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39240525
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39377545
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39280105
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39129455
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39124360
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39011530
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/39013805
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/38864145
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/38956705
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/38833130
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/38756040
info_outline
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.).
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/38733410
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/gutplusscience/id/38584270