humanscape
The humanscape podcast by humanworks8 helps leaders bring work to life and life to work—sharing bold ideas, real wisdom, and people-first practices to shape the future of work.
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When Unique Unites: Building Inclusive Teams with Peggy Williams-Smith & Christina Cooper
06/17/2025
When Unique Unites: Building Inclusive Teams with Peggy Williams-Smith & Christina Cooper
Shawn and Sarah are talking all things culture, care, and community with Peggy Williams-Smith and Christina Cooper from Visit Milwaukee🧀 From handwritten birthday cards to breaking down silos, they’re leading a workplace where uniqueness isn’t just welcomed—it’s celebrated! Tune in for laughs, heart, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Milwaukee’s people-first pros do it all with purpose ✨ Additional Resources: Learn more about Learn more about Key Takeaways: A welcoming culture begins with intentional leadership and personal connection Peer-to-peer recognition and public celebration are central to employee engagement Ongoing feedback and employee surveys drive continuous cultural improvement Mental health, wellbeing, and even pet care are priorities for a holistic employee experience Leaders must create safe space for conversations around identity, politics, and personal beliefs
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Serving Culture by the Slice with Wendy Bushell
05/16/2025
Serving Culture by the Slice with Wendy Bushell
Ever wonder how a company makes 3 million pizzas a week and stays a three-time Great Place to Work?🍕 In this episode, Shawn and Sarah chat with Wendy Bushell, Chief People Officer at Palermo’s, about the secret sauce behind their people-first culture. From visual training for a workforce speaking 8 languages to personalized learning paths and daily free pizza, Wendy shares how passion, innovation, and purpose fuel Palermo’s. Get ready for a flavorful convo on leadership, culture, and making work feel like family. 🎧✨ Additional Resources: Learn more about Learn more about Key Takeaways: Values like passion and opportunity are lived daily through recognition and coaching. Simple, low-tech tools make values and feedback accessible to everyone. Visual training bridges language barriers and enhances understanding. Personalized learning paths support career growth at every level. A holistic approach to culture includes meaningful benefits, development, and inclusion.
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Making Mental Health Everyone’s Business with Julie Preder
05/01/2025
Making Mental Health Everyone’s Business with Julie Preder
What if we treated mental health like a broken arm—something real, urgent, and worth taking care of? 🧠✨ In this episode, Shawn chats with Julie Preder from Mental Health America Lakeshore about why mental health is health. They dive into why real conversations matter more than surveys, how workplaces can be way better at supporting people (spoiler: it starts with listening👂), and why connection is the real secret sauce for thriving teams. Tune in for a fresh take on culture, compassion, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Mental health is ongoing and must be treated as essential health. Psychological safety is a prerequisite for honest conversations and sustainable cultural change. Employee voices are more valuable than surveys—listen actively and take action. Grief and caregiving are often hidden, but critical to support in the workplace. Small seeds of trust, dialogue, and values alignment are what grow lasting culture.
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Building Culture Through Connection with Lynell Meeth
04/15/2025
Building Culture Through Connection with Lynell Meeth
Tap shoes, chocolate, and servant leadership? Yes, please! 💃🍫 In this episode, Lynell Meeth from Bank Five Nine joins Shawn and AJ for a vibrant convo about how real culture is built—in the little moments, the shared values, and yes, even in joyful things like tap dancing. Lynell shares how her team brings values like passion and humility to life, creates flexible learning paths that actually stick, and keeps connection strong across branches. It’s a refreshingly human take on leadership, learning, and belonging you won’t want to miss 💡💬 For leaders focused on culture and people: Take the time to reflect on how you enhance your company culture. Get out of your office and interact with employees to see how they are doing. Don’t have an agenda, just listen. SMILE! And find something to laugh about. Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Joy Drives Energy: Rediscovering personal passions like tap dancing can fuel workplace energy and engagement. Values in Action: Passion, integrity, respect, and humility are lived daily, not just listed on a wall. Tailored Learning: Leadership development isn’t one-size-fits-all—custom paths and microlearning win. Servant Leadership: Culture is shaped by leaders who prioritize support and service. Wellbeing with Choice: A flexible, “choose your own path” approach makes wellness meaningful for all.
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Living Your Values to Shape the Future with Tiffany Tardy
03/18/2025
Living Your Values to Shape the Future with Tiffany Tardy
How do you build an organization where values aren’t just words on a wall but a lived experience? ✨ Shawn and Sarah are joined by Tiffany Tardy, President and CEO of PEARLS for Teen Girls, as she shares how PEARLS’ values create a culture of empowerment and impact. Tiffany reflects on the power of personal responsibility, how grace fuels empathy, and why redefining professionalism is crucial for today’s workforce. She also dives into the intergenerational leadership model at PEARLS, the importance of collaboration, and how organizations can create spaces where people show up as their authentic selves.💕 Plus, hear about her journey as a first-time pet parent and her passion for travel that fuels her leadership perspective.🌎 Additional Resources: Learn more about Learn more about the 🦋 Learn more about Key Takeaways: Personal Responsibility starts with self-awareness. Leaders must first focus on their inner growth before expecting change in others. Empathy requires grace. Leaders must extend the same understanding and flexibility they expect from others. Redefining professionalism is necessary. Younger professionals are challenging outdated norms, and organizations need to listen and evolve. Values must be actionable. At PEARLS, values are embedded in meetings, performance reviews, and daily operations—not just on a poster. Culture thrives on consistency. Building a strong team means reinforcing values in every people touchpoint—onboarding, recognition, and leadership development.
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Reclaiming Work, Energy, and Well-Being with Jenny Shufelt
02/18/2025
Reclaiming Work, Energy, and Well-Being with Jenny Shufelt
💭 Engaged and energized? Or engaged and exhausted? Too often, work feels like a never-ending sprint—but what if you could sustain your energy and success? Today, Shawn and Sarah are joined by Jenny Shufelt — Director of Well-Being Programming at Hoffmaster— as she shares how tiny but mighty shifts (like resilience calls and intentional breaks) can transform workplace culture. Tune in for fresh insights on: The secret to staying engaged without burnout Why psychological safety starts with role clarity How to reclaim work as a source of purpose and fulfillment 🎧 Listen now + —your guide to staying productive, motivated, and fulfilled! Link below! 🚀 Additional Resources: Get the Learn more about Learn more about Key Takeaways: Engagement isn’t a steady state; it ebbs and flows. Leaders should focus on sustaining energy, not just pushing for engagement. Tiny but mighty changes—like resilience calls, intentional breaks, and rethinking customer service training—can have a huge impact on workplace culture. Psychological safety is foundational. Employees need role clarity, autonomy, and trust to thrive. Work should be reclaimed. When done right, it’s a source of purpose, connection, and fulfillment—not just a to-do list.
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Navigating Growth and Staying Real with Tom Parks
01/21/2025
Navigating Growth and Staying Real with Tom Parks
In this episode, Shawn is joined by his teammate AJ Kruse, and they chat with Tom Parks — Director of Retirement Plan Services at Annex Wealth Management — to talk about scaling a people-first culture, leading with courage, and why care is never corny. With laughs, insights, and a focus on real leadership, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating growth or looking to inspire their team! 🚀 PLUS, Annex offers a diverse selection of educational resources, both in terms of topics as well as the manner of delivery (radio, YouTube, webinar, in-person, etc.) to empower workers of all socioeconomic levels. . Additional Resources: Learn more about Learn more about Key Takeaways: People First: Growth is about relationships, not just revenue. Annex’s success lies in its focus on individuals—both employees and clients. Core Values: Courage and integrity are foundational, guiding decisions and maintaining authenticity in leadership. Balancing Broad and Narrow Focus: Leadership requires expanding vision while also bringing focus to priorities. Open Communication: Radical candor is crucial, but it must rest on a foundation of mutual respect and care.
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Wellness Meets Tech with Sarah Troup
11/19/2024
Wellness Meets Tech with Sarah Troup
Welcome back to the humanscape podcast! 🎙 Shawn is joined by not one, but two Sarahs—Sarah Marshall from humanworks8 and guest Sarah Troup from Motion Connected! Dive into a conversation that blends wellness and technology, revealing how innovative tech can supercharge employee engagement and well-being. Sarah Troup shares inspiring stories and practical tips for creating healthier, more empowered workplaces. Tune in for laughs, leadership insights, and actionable takeaways! Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Leadership Engagement Matters: Success in wellness programs hinges on active leader participation and recognition of employees' efforts. Collaborative ROI Approach: Achieving a meaningful return on investment in wellness requires a partnership between tech providers and employers, focused on integrated metrics. Simplicity in Action: Proven, straightforward strategies like encouraging physical activity (e.g., achieving 6,000 steps a day) can decrease healthcare costs and improve well-being. Fun and Culture: Integrating creative, fun activities (e.g., workplace ‘Amazing Race’ challenges) can enhance team culture and morale.
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Innovating Local Government with Caitlin Stene
07/09/2024
Innovating Local Government with Caitlin Stene
From administrative services to driving cultural change, Caitlin Stene has crafted a career dedicated to the advancement of local governments. As the director of administrative services for the city of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Caitlin oversees human resources, finance, and assessing departments. In this episode, hosted by and , Caitlin explains why Sun Prairie is a progressive and economically diverse community where risk-taking and growth are encouraged. She unpacks the city's transition from traditional management styles to a dynamic coaching culture tied to core values, such as "Show up and Step up" and "Collaborative Heart." Caitlin also shares insights on the innovative "shine" employee development program that embraces creativity and fun at work. Tune in to learn how Sun Prairie is setting the standard for local government leadership through a values-driven approach, balancing analytical duties with personal passions, and fostering a community where every individual can thrive. Additional Resources: Learn more about
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Change, Growth, and Love-Driven Leadership with Polina Makievsky
06/18/2024
Change, Growth, and Love-Driven Leadership with Polina Makievsky
Guest , President and CEO of Penfield Children’s Center, actively operationalized and created a nurturing environment for employees to thrive. Join Humanscape, hosts and for a deep dive into transformative leadership and organizational culture. Polina shares insightful perspectives on balancing motherhood with a demanding career, the significance of leading with love, and the power of re-teaching organizational values. Listen in as the conversation explores the critical role of change readiness, the unique core values driving Penfield's mission, and the importance of focusing on both traditional metrics and employee engagement. Polina stresses how cultivating genuine relationships and fostering a culture of psychological safety can enrich team dynamics and drive success. Key themes include the necessity of diverse talents, the use of the Colby assessment for understanding individual strengths, and a fresh outlook on leadership that emphasizes quality over quantity. Polina’s emphasis on growth, impact, and operationalizing core values provides a blueprint for creating a thriving workplace. Join the discussion for actionable insights on change management, implementing core values, and the future strategic focus of Penfield's culture. Additional Resources: Learn more about
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Nurturing Culture in Construction with Dave Walsh and Jen Bauer
06/04/2024
Nurturing Culture in Construction with Dave Walsh and Jen Bauer
From origami to ballroom dance, and from highlight the significance of caring for people, building a resilient workplace culture, and using AI and new technologies to drive growth. In this episode, hosts Shawn Gulyas and Jason Cochran delve into how Miron Construction's dynamic duo shapes the company's culture and fosters employee well-being. Jen, an origami-loving introvert, and Dave, a ballroom-dancing former police officer, reveal the importance of integrating core values, promoting diversity, and embracing new technologies. They also touch on recognizing employee contributions, mentoring young project managers, and introducing diversity initiatives such as the allyship program "Build Like a Girl.” Additional Resources: Learn more about
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Creating a High-Performance Culture with Steve Sorenson
05/21/2024
Creating a High-Performance Culture with Steve Sorenson
has carved a niche in cultivating a high-performance culture within , guiding over 3500 global team members. As the Senior Director of Learning and Culture, Steve shares his profound insights on integrating coaching culture, the influence of technology on communication, and the core strategies for team member autonomy and innovation. In this enlightening episode, Steve delves into the "Johnsonville way" of consistency, candid communication, and nurturing talent, alongside host . Their discussion not only unpacks the challenges of remote work and the importance of an inclusive culture but also highlights Johnsonville's approach to leadership and continuous member engagement. Additional Resources: Learn more about
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The Future of Workplace Efficiency with Dave Kapic
05/07/2024
The Future of Workplace Efficiency with Dave Kapic
has strategically navigated through varied business landscapes, bringing his people-focused leadership to the forefront at . As COO, Dave delves into the intricacies of managing a dynamic team with host on this episode of humanscape. He emphasizes the critical role of embracing technology for enhanced communication, transforming leadership through accountability, and fostering a culture where employees thrive on autonomy and innovation. Join Dave and Jason as they explore practical tactics for reducing operational chaos, the implications of linguistic diversity in workplace communication, and the future of workplace efficiency. Additional Resources: Learn more about
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Rerelease: Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation with humanworks8
04/23/2024
Rerelease: Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation with humanworks8
In this rereleased episode, provides insightful commentary on the essential elements of a positive workplace culture. Shawn, a thought catalyst at , delves into the impact of leadership moments and the powerful practice of gratitude, emphasizing their importance in creating a culture of appreciation at work. He asserts that true leadership is rooted in genuine care for people and an appreciation for each individual's unique personal values. Through the exchange of experiences and the reinforcement of the concept that every moment counts, listeners are encouraged to build a stronger, more connected workplace. The humanscape podcast, from , will launch with all new episodes soon and will share the innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. and will share actionable strategies and tangible methods to elevate your people practices and organizational culture. Additional Resources: Learn more about
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Rerelease: Unleash the Secrets of Thriving Workplace Cultures with Shawn Gulyas
04/16/2024
Rerelease: Unleash the Secrets of Thriving Workplace Cultures with Shawn Gulyas
Innovative thought leader brings his unparalleled expertise in people and culture strategy to humanscape. In this rereleased episode, Shawn illuminates the essential elements of thriving workplace cultures: vision, action, life, and systems. It draws back the curtain on the often convoluted realm of organizational strategy, offering a streamlined approach to elevate business efficiency and momentum. The humanscape podcast, from , launches in a few short weeks and will share the innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. and will share actionable strategies and tangible methods to elevate your people practices and organizational culture. Additional Resources: Learn more about
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Introducing humanscape by humanworks8
04/09/2024
Introducing humanscape by humanworks8
The humanscape podcast by is focused on helping business leaders prepare for the future of work now. After all, change is inevitable; growth is optional. and , other members of the humanworks8 team, as well as from top thought leaders worldwide, will be sharing innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. With an abundance of experiential wisdom and an infusion of innovative thinking, you will gain a deeper understanding of what your people truly need and how to design people practices that meet those needs. Additional Resources: Learn more about
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Rerelease: Culture & Talent Optimization with humanworks8
04/02/2024
Rerelease: Culture & Talent Optimization with humanworks8
The humanscape podcast, from , launches in a few short weeks and will share the innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. and will share actionable strategies and tangible methods to elevate your people practices and organizational culture. In this past episode, Shawn shares insights on talent optimization as a cultural imperative. He delves into the mind's effective, cognitive, and instinctive parts, emphasizing the importance of aligning an individual's values and cognitive strengths with their role. Throughout the episode, Shawn discusses the significance of understanding and valuing the uniqueness of every individual in an organization and provides practical questions and considerations for evaluating and optimizing talent. Additional Resources: Learn more about
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Rerelease: Workplace Culture Unveiled: The Top 5 Trends You Need to Know with humanworks8
03/20/2024
Rerelease: Workplace Culture Unveiled: The Top 5 Trends You Need to Know with humanworks8
In this episode of "humanscape," ’s and , give insightful perspectives on the future of work trends. Shawn emphasizes the significance of work autonomy and freedom, the shift towards meaningful work, the focus on workplace mental health and well-being, and the need for evolving leadership practices. With a focus on providing value and aligning individual and organizational values, the discussion also delves into the role of technology, such as AI and the metaverse, in shaping the future of work. Additional Resources: Follow Learn more about
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Rerelease: Culture & Values
03/19/2024
Rerelease: Culture & Values
The humanscape podcast, from , launches in a few short weeks and will share the innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. and @Jason Cochran will share actionable strategies and tangible methods to elevate your people practices and organizational culture. This past episode, Culture & Values, explores the critical role of core values in organizational culture. @Shawn Gulyas shares personal anecdotes that highlight how values-based cultures attract and retain talent while navigating market challenges while introducing the concept of the "twelve people touch points," which demonstrate how core values SHOULD influence various aspects of organizational life. Whether you're refining existing values or seeking to establish new ones, this episode provides actionable strategies for embedding core values into your organization's DNA. Additional Resources: Learn more about
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