Vibecast
The vibe we feel at work has a significant impact on culture. Vibecast shares real stories from exceptional leaders and host Kristi Skutvik, offering key takeaways to improve engagement and elevate the vibe at work.
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From Litigator to Chief Vibe Officer | Sana Manjeshwar
04/01/2026
From Litigator to Chief Vibe Officer | Sana Manjeshwar
What if the most honest signal about your organization's vibe wasn't in any survey, HR report, or AI dashboard, but in the private conversations people were too afraid to have anywhere else? šļø In this episode, Kristi Skutvik sits down with Sana Manjeshwar, founder of OmbudSana and a 15-year organizational ombudsman veteran, to explore one of the most powerful yet underutilized roles in business. Sana shares her unlikely journey from employment litigator to ombuds, what the role actually does (and how it differs from HR, EAP, and therapy), and why she believes every organization needs this kind of confidential, off-the-record safety valve. They dig into how ombuds serve as the ultimate "canary in the coal mine," surfacing real-time cultural trends that no survey or technology can capture, why leaders themselves are among the most frequent visitors to ombuds offices, and how tools like conflict style awareness can transform the way teams navigate hard conversations. Sana's closing advice is simple and urgent: in an increasingly polarized world, leading with intentionality and kindness isn't soft, it's the highest-leverage investment you can make in your people. Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: An organizational ombudsman is a confidential, off-the-record, impartial resource that gives employees a safe space to surface concerns before they become systemic problems. Ombuds surface real-time cultural intelligence that surveys, HR data, and AI simply cannot capture, making them the ultimate "canary in the coal mine" for organizational health. Leaders are often the top visitors to an ombuds office because navigating unprecedented pressure requires a safe space to think out loud, too. AI cannot replace the ombuds role; the soul of this work lies in human presence, empathy, and the ability to read what someone isn't saying. Understanding your conflict style and those of your team members is one of the most practical tools for leading with intentionality and reducing unnecessary friction. Grounding yourself before walking into work, and choosing to respond rather than react, is a daily practice that shapes the entire vibe of your organization.
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Leadership, Power, and the Signals That Shape Workplace Culture | Kit Krugman
03/18/2026
Leadership, Power, and the Signals That Shape Workplace Culture | Kit Krugman
What truly defines the vibe of a workplace, and how do leaders intentionally shape the emotional tone of an organization? āØ In this episode, Kristi Skutvik sits down with Kit Krugman to explore how leadership, self-awareness, and intentional design influence the culture and energy within teams. Kit shares how her career journey, early exposure to leadership, and experiences working alongside executive teams shaped her perspective on power, responsibility, and the signals leaders send through everyday actions. They discuss why leaders must be deeply aware of the tone they set, how hiring complementary strengths creates stronger teams, and how thoughtful design of hybrid work and collaboration can transform the way organizations function. This conversation offers practical insight into how leaders can build cultures rooted in clarity, trust, and intentional growth while creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute and thrive. Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Defining workplace vibe and emotional tone The role of signaling and body language in leadership Self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership Strategies for building trust and diversity in teams Designing organizational culture through behaviors and communication
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From Lifeguard to Business Leader | Katherine von Jan
03/04/2026
From Lifeguard to Business Leader | Katherine von Jan
What truly shapes the vibe of a workplace, and how do personal experiences influence the way we lead, connect, and grow? āØ In this episode, Kristi Skutvik sits down with Katherine von Jan to explore how workplace vibes are formed through leadership, energy, and everyday interactions. Katherine reflects on her unexpected path from lifeguarding to leading in the tech world, sharing how purpose, curiosity, and supportive environments shaped her confidence and career. They discuss how small gestures from leaders can have a lasting impact, why emotional intelligence plays a critical role in modern management, and how AI is beginning to influence workplace dynamics. This conversation offers a thoughtful look at how leaders can intentionally create environments where people feel valued, motivated, and inspired to thrive. Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Vibes in the workplace are a shared experience of connection and energy. Not every vibe is for everyone; it's okay to seek a better fit. Katherine's journey illustrates the importance of resilience and proving oneself. Cultural experiences can significantly shape career paths and values. Purpose-driven work leads to greater fulfillment and impact.
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The Art of Storytelling in Leadership | Danielle Krischik
02/18/2026
The Art of Storytelling in Leadership | Danielle Krischik
What if the most powerful leadership tool isnāt strategy or skill, but a story that connects hearts before it drives results? š„ In this episode, Kristi sits down with Danielle Krischik to unpack how storytelling shapes leadership, culture, and connection. They explore what it really means to define a āvibeā inside an organization and how internal storytelling can bridge gaps between teams, vision, and values. Danielle shares how personal stories, especially the vulnerable ones, builds trust and allows leaders to show up authentically. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of AI in the workplace and how it can actually enhance human relationships when used with intention. From team alignment to emotional resonance, this episode gives leaders a roadmap for cultivating a culture of connection through story. Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: A vibe is the emotional truth of a story. Storytelling can change perceptions and drive action. Connection is essential for employee engagement. Leaders must share personal stories to build trust. Storytelling is an ecosystem involving multiple narratives.
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Replay: Fostering a Lifelong Learning Culture with Karen Alter
02/04/2026
Replay: Fostering a Lifelong Learning Culture with Karen Alter
What happens when vulnerability becomes your leadership superpower? Kristi sits down with Karen Alter to unpack what it means to lead from the heart in an industry often driven by metrics and deadlines. From stepping into leadership in a post-founder era to fostering a culture where creativity and connection thrive, Karen shares how relational leadership has shaped every corner of her organization. She opens up about her journey, from receiving the vibe to becoming the one who creates it, including the powerful personal story of how a colleague became a surrogate and lifelong friend. Karen gets real about hiring for culture fit, designing intentional hybrid spaces, having hard conversations with clients, and why sheāll never lead with fear. This episode is a masterclass in showing up as your full self, and how that choice impacts everything from morale to results. If youāre ready to build a culture where trust, transparency, and real human connection fuel your team, this oneās for you. Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Vulnerability builds trust and deepens team connection Culture thrives on intentional relationships and shared values Physical space impacts creative energy and collaboration Hire for diversity, align on core values Great leadership starts with listening, not talking
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The Energy Behind Culture and Hiring Right | Tony Ferraro
01/21/2026
The Energy Behind Culture and Hiring Right | Tony Ferraro
What if the āvibeā of your workplace isnāt created by perks or policies, but by the people you allow into the room and the energy they bring with them? ā”ļø In this episode, Kristi sits down with executive coach Tony Ferraro to unpack what vibe really means inside an organization and why culture is something you protect, not manufacture. Tony draws a powerful connection between vibe and culture, explaining how great teams feel different because they are free from āenergy drainsā like misalignment, drama, and unclear purpose. Tony shares his winding journey from teaching physics to leading a growing school, and eventually into executive coaching, revealing how moments of failure, tension, and unexpected endings shaped his philosophy on leadership. Through personal stories, he shows how even one misaligned hire can quietly crack an otherwise healthy culture. Additional Resources: Tony Ferraro, Senior Executive Coach/Director of Training Services at Floyd Consulting: Floyd Consulting - Key Takeaways: A strong vibe is closely tied to having A players who energize the people around them. Culture weakens when energy is spent on drama instead of the mission. There are no neutral hires. Every person either adds to or detracts from the culture. Great hiring starts with clarity around role, outcomes, and core values. Leaders often sabotage interviews by falling in love too early.
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The Power of Vibes in the Workplace | Shelby Miller
01/07/2026
The Power of Vibes in the Workplace | Shelby Miller
What if the real strength of a team isnāt found in productivity tools or meeting rhythms, but in how seen and supported people feel while doing the work together? šæ In this thoughtful episode, we sit down with Shelby Miller to explore the deeper heartbeat of workplace culture, the human connections, shared values, and subtle āvibesā that shape how people show up, especially in remote environments. Shelby takes us through her unexpected career path from health education into project management, revealing how each step strengthened her belief that great cultures are built through intention, care, and hiring for genuine team fit rather than just skill alone. She reflects on the power of human-centered leadership from meaningful parental leave and honest communication to the magic that happens when remote teams finally meet face-to-face at in-person retreats. Additional Resources: " Key Takeaways: A vibe is intangible and open to individual interpretation. It's important for organizations to bridge the gap between aspirations and individual perceptions of vibe. Creating a human-centered workplace enhances employee satisfaction. Parental leave policies should be prioritized, regardless of company size. In-person retreats foster connection and strengthen team dynamics.
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Building Energy People Want to Follow | Eliza Jackson
12/17/2025
Building Energy People Want to Follow | Eliza Jackson
What if the secret to a thriving workplace isnāt perks or policies, but the energy people feel the moment they walk in? š In this eye-opening episode, Kristi sits down with Eliza Jackson, Chief People & Operations leader at ButcherBox, to explore what she calls āthe vibeā that powerful blend of energy, emotional connection, and environment that determines whether people feel like they belong or want to run for the door. Eliza takes us through her non-linear journey: from high-pay finance roles to a drastic pivot into education after one life-changing moment inside a community school circle in Brooklyn. That experience taught her how culture can ignite purpose even when it comes with a 75 percent pay cut and 4 a.m. alarm clocks. This episode challenges leaders, builders, and teammates everywhere to rethink what culture really is: not a program or a policy, but the everyday energy we bring to each other, one collision, one conversation, one human moment at a time. Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Culture is an energy people instantly feel through belonging and connection. In-person collisions create the strongest relationships and team momentum. Core values must be practiced daily in hiring, feedback, and recognition. Coaching and continuous learning help people lead with confidence and resilience. Great culture requires trust, autonomy, and tough calls when the fit isnāt right.
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The Strengths-Based Shift Every Leader Needs with Brandon Miller
12/03/2025
The Strengths-Based Shift Every Leader Needs with Brandon Miller
What if the key to better leadership isnāt fixing people, but finally seeing them? š In this eye opening episode, Kristi sits down with Brandon Miller, CEO and founding partner of 34 Strong, to explore how a strengths-based approach can transform workplaces, families, and the leaders at the center of them. From surviving a damaging work culture early in his career to building one of the largest strengths-focused coaching firms in the world, Brandon shares raw, powerful stories of how pain shaped his purpose. He opens up about confronting a toxic leader, rebuilding his life after the 2008 financial crash, and discovering the strengths philosophy that not only changed his career trajectory but completely reshaped his relationship with his kids. Brandon explains why public humiliation is the most destructive leadership tactic, why culture change requires deep work at the supervisor level, and how strengths create grace, clarity, and sustainable high performance. This episode gives leaders, parents, and humans a new lens on what it really means to help people thrive, not by forcing them into who we want them to be, but by honoring who they actually are. Additional Resources: Brandon Miller - Founding CEO and Chairman of the Board 34 Strong š () š () š () š () š Subscribe to Kristiās YouTube for more Vibecast content! () š Learn more about Skutvik Consulting () š Learn more about workvibes () š Learn more about PeopleForward Network () Key Takeaways: Toxic leadership creates deep trauma and long term dysfunction. Strengths reveal a personās tendencies, not guaranteed superpowers. Parenting and leadership dramatically improve when you honor how people are wired. Culture change starts with people leaders, not perks or programs. Sustainable excellence comes from blending accountability with genuine care.
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The Creative Spark Culture Needs with David Mizne
11/19/2025
The Creative Spark Culture Needs with David Mizne
What if a puppet could say what your team is afraid to? š In this unexpected and wildly creative episode, Kristi sits down with David Mizne, creator of Culture Puppets, to explore how humor, vulnerability, and a little felt can transform workplace vibes. From early days at a remote-first startup to launching a full-blown puppet-powered cultural movement, David reveals how bringing his full, quirky self to work didnāt just entertain, it created space for honesty, trust, and human connection. He shares the story behind Little Ginger (the blue puppet with main-character energy), how 15Five made breathwork part of team meetings, and why creativity isnāt a luxury, itās a culture-shaping necessity. This episode is a masterclass in ditching the corporate mask and embracing the weird, the real, and the resonant. Whether you're leading a team or just trying to survive another Zoom meeting, you'll walk away inspired to rethink how culture really scales. Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Vibes are energetic signals shaping workplace culture. Creativity at work reduces stress and boosts morale. Psychological safety enables authentic team connection. Shared experiences deepen trust and team engagement. Puppetry can surface unspoken truths safely and humorously.
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The Neuroscience of Respect with Gregg Ward
11/05/2025
The Neuroscience of Respect with Gregg Ward
What if the real reason your workplace is struggling isnāt performance, but a lack of respect? Kristi sits down with Gregg Ward, bestselling author of āThe Respectful Leaderā and founder of the Center for Respectful Leadership, for a conversation that starts with tragedy and ends with transformation. From losing his high school sweetheart in a devastating accident to creating breakthrough leadership trainings using improv and storytelling, Greggās path is anything but linear. He shares how understanding moral injury reshaped his mission, why Gen Z refuses to tolerate toxic leaders, and how a simple mindset shift can change your workplace vibe forever. This isn't just another leadership chat. Itās a masterclass in empathy, science, and the soul-deep need we all have to feel respected. If you're leading people and want to keep them, this episode is a must. Additional Resources: Learn more about Get your copy of Key Takeaways: Respect is a feeling, not just a concept. Practice the āplatinum rule,ā not the golden one. Moral injury impacts leadership behavior and empathy. Neuroscience proves respect influences brain chemistry. Listen first! Respect begins with understanding othersā perspectives.
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Stop Overcomplicating Work! Fresh Ways to Lead with Mark Cruth
10/15/2025
Stop Overcomplicating Work! Fresh Ways to Lead with Mark Cruth
What if the secret to better teamwork wasnāt another system or software, but simply keeping it super simple? š” Kristi vibes with Mark Cruth, Modern Work Coach at Atlassian, to uncover how simplicity and intentionality can completely reshape how teams work together. From his early days coding in cubicle farms to leading global transformation at one of the worldās most collaborative companies, Mark shares how overcomplicating work kills momentum, and why the magic happens when teams align on just a few core habits. They dive into how tools should support people, why one hour of intentional reflection can change everything, and how creating cadence and rituals keeps culture alive in both remote and in-person teams. š¬ Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Start simple; over-engineering kills progress. Intentional communication drives true collaboration. Tools should serve people, not processes. Cadence and rituals sustain team alignment. Connection is the foundation of great teamwork.
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Creating a Culture with No Bad Hair Days with Laura Foster
10/01/2025
Creating a Culture with No Bad Hair Days with Laura Foster
What happens when a broken ankle, a breakup, and a business plan collide? Kristi sits down with her longtime friend and stylist-turned-salon-owner Laura Foster to talk all things energy, leadership, and big leaps. From sitting in a recliner post-injury to building two booming Vici Salons in just seven months (yes, 39 chairs and 200+ daily clients), Laura shares how trusting her gut and leading with heart turned a vision into a reality. They go deep into why your workplace vibe is everything, how to create a space people never want to leave, and what happens when you care more about people than profit. āØ Whether you're leading a team or building something from scratch, this episode will light a fire in your soul. šāāļø Additional Resources: Learn more about Follow Vici Salon on Instagram @vicisalon Key Takeaways: People feel vibes instantly. Valued employees create strong culture. Low points can launch big transformations. Hire for fit, not just skill. Presence and intuition guide great leadership.
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Replay: Changing Perspectives to Cultivate Growth and Satisfaction with Sam Dailey
09/17/2025
Replay: Changing Perspectives to Cultivate Growth and Satisfaction with Sam Dailey
āØ What if the job you have right now is already the perfect job for you? In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Kristi is joined by leadership coach Sam Dailey to challenge us to rethink how we view work, leadership, and even ourselves. From real stories of burnout and missed opportunities to the surprising power of vulnerability, feedback, and genuine appreciation, Sam shows how a simple shift in mindset can change everything. This episode is packed with insights on pausing before reacting, opening up instead of closing off, and leading with authenticity. Whether youāre chasing growth or just craving better vibes at work, this one will leave you rethinking your everyday approach. š Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Shifting from blame to ownership fosters growth. Honest, direct conversations build trust. Appreciation motivates more than money. Vulnerability strengthens respect and connection. Pausing before reacting improves leadership clarity.
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Disrupting Recruiting with Transparency and Trust with Jen McCasland
09/03/2025
Disrupting Recruiting with Transparency and Trust with Jen McCasland
What happens when you stop grinding through corporate life and finally build the work vibe you want? āØ Kristi sits down with longtime friend and disruptor in the accounting and finance recruiting space, Jen McCasland, founder of DisruptiX Talent Solutions. With 25+ years of experience and a CPA designation, Jen has worked with startups and Fortune 500s, but what sets her apart is her commitment to transparency, authenticity, and building real relationships. Jen opens up about her journey from struggling through the traditional CPA path to finding her true calling in staffing and talent solutions, where she thrives on helping people and organizations align with their authentic vibe. She shares the challenges of corporate structures, the freedom of entrepreneurship, and how small mindset shifts can create big impact. This conversation is a reminder that success isnāt about titles or rigid career paths, itās about showing up as your true self, fostering trust, and cultivating relationships that last. š Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Your vibe is your authentic self; alignment builds trust. Transparency makes recruiting faster and stronger. Startups thrive by keeping things simple and flexible. Relationships are long-term assets worth cultivating. Small mindset shifts can transform your energy and impact.
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Unlock Better Workdays with Scents and Space with Christian Markow
08/20/2025
Unlock Better Workdays with Scents and Space with Christian Markow
What if the secret to better meetings, more creativity, and deeper team connection wasnāt in your calendar or techābut in your lighting, scent, and the posture of your chair? Get ready to rethink your workspace š§ āØ Kristi sits down with Christian Markow, an advisor and experience designer whoās transforming how we think about work. With a mix of neuroscience, brand strategy, and personal journey, Christian breaks down how the vibe of a space impacts everything from productivity to team trust. They dive into why a circle of couches beats a boardroom, how scent can spark new ideas, and why your office needs more plants (like, a lot more šæ). Whether you're leading a team or just trying to make your home office more brain-friendly, you'll walk away with practical tips and deep āahaā moments. This oneās all about designing with intentionābecause when your space vibes right, your people thrive. Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Your surroundings directly affect how you think, feel, and collaborate. Posture sends powerful cues that shape team dynamics. Scents like Hinoki Cypress can boost creativity and lower stress. Intentional design creates safer, more connected workspaces. Simple shiftsālike adding plantsācan unlock big results.
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Radical Accountability and Real Leadership with Zoe Walters
08/06/2025
Radical Accountability and Real Leadership with Zoe Walters
What if the secret to better leadership isnāt in a strategy docābut in your vibe? ā”ļø Kristi sits down with Zoe Waltersāglobal HR exec, business psychologist, and transformation guruāto talk about the power of energy, intention, and being radically real in your leadership. Zoe opens up about walking away from her ādream job,ā navigating burnout, and why knowing your vibe (and managing it) is everything. She shares what it means to take radical accountability, how to harmonize your full self, and why AI is only as soulful as the human using it š¤š” Packed with wisdom, heart, and real-world tools, this convo will leave you rethinking how you show up. Because leadership isnāt just what you do, itās the energy you bring ā¤ļø Additional Resources: Learn more about Follow Key Takeaways: Your vibe is your energyāmanage it with intention. Own your growth through radical accountability. Balance all dimensions of self for lasting transformation. Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement. Daily breathwork and gratitude can shift your mindset fast.
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Measuring What Really Moves the Needle with Eddie Geller
07/02/2025
Measuring What Really Moves the Needle with Eddie Geller
What if the āvibeā at work wasnāt just a feelingābut your biggest untapped business metric?š Kristi sits down with Eddie Gellerāvisionary CEO of SKOR and self-proclaimed culture nerdāto break down how āvibeā isnāt just a feeling, itās a strategy. From near-bankruptcy to scaling successful startups, Eddie shares how a single book reshaped his entire approach to leadership. Think karaoke confessions, sports metaphors, and surprising truths about what really drives CEO decision-making (spoiler: itās not always profit š°). If youāve ever wondered how to turn team energy into measurable growthāor just want some seriously inspiring leadership wisdomāthis convo is your jam. Additional Resources: Get the book - Key Takeaways: Workplace āvibeā is about how people feel, behave, and connectāEddie calls it ācohesion.ā SKOR provides a universal metric (like NPS) to quantify team performance and its link to profitability. Effective culture work must focus on inputs (behaviors, clarity, team dynamics), not just outputs. Leaders should ask more questions, not give more answersācuriosity is the cornerstone of trust and growth.
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Custodian vs. Architect: What Kind of Leader Are You? with Holly McIlwain
06/18/2025
Custodian vs. Architect: What Kind of Leader Are You? with Holly McIlwain
Whatās the vibe at your workplaceāan irresistible aroma or a stink you canāt shake? š Holly McIlwain, Chief Navigator at Narrow Spaces and Founder of The Brave Women Project, joins Kristi to unpack how presence, discipline, and values shape our work environments. From scrubbing toilets on service trips to coaching execs through tough truths, Holly drops wisdom on becoming a āvibe custodianā and leveling up to a āvibe architect.ā Whether you're new to leadership or seasoned at the top, this episode will challenge you to ask: What kind of vibe are you leaving behind? š Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Vibe = Culture: Itās the āaromaā people take with them after leaving work. Discipline Builds Culture: Presence, punctuality, and consistency are non-negotiable for leaders. Custodian vs. Architect: Culture work starts with service and matures into intentional design. Harmony Over Balance: Integrated living beats the illusion of perfect balance. Early Lessons Matter: Life experiences in adolescence shape future leadership behaviors.
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Why Core Values Must Be Lived, Not Laminated with Todd Wuestenberg
06/04/2025
Why Core Values Must Be Lived, Not Laminated with Todd Wuestenberg
In this episode, Todd Wuestenberg, Chief Culture Officer at Haverkamp Properties, shares how he went from ops to owning the vibe of the workplace š„. He reveals how āSherryā (yes, their core values have a persona!) helps keep culture real and relatable. From micro-mentoring magic to protecting culture during massive growth, Todd shows us how to lead with heart, not just strategy š” If youāre into people-first leadership, this oneās a must-listen š§. Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Culture must be intentional, not left to chance. Values work better when personified. Leadership development should begin with leading oneself. Micro-mentorship fosters deep connection and learning across the org. Protecting culture means saying no to initiatives that donāt align with values. There is no neutral in cultureāitās either improving or declining.
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Be Human: Simple Shifts That Transform Culture with Tim McCleary
05/21/2025
Be Human: Simple Shifts That Transform Culture with Tim McCleary
Whatās the vibe where you workāand how do you shift it for the better? Culture expert Tim McCleary joins Kristi to unpack how trust, involvement, and a little bit of neuroscience can totally transform your team. From his days at NBC and GE to launching his movement Be Human, Tim brings stories, insights, and simple actions that help people-first leaders create workplaces that feel good and perform. Letās build better vibesāone human moment at a time. āØ Additional Resources: Learn more about Key Takeaways: Culture forms with or without intentionāleaders must be proactive in shaping the environment they want. Trust is the foundation of high-performing teams and is deeply tied to psychological safety and openness. Involving employees in change fosters ownership, localization, and long-term success. Small, human gestures like smiling, listening, and being candid create ripple effects in team culture.
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Superhero Leadership: Turning Cultures Around with Peter Cuneo
05/07/2025
Superhero Leadership: Turning Cultures Around with Peter Cuneo
What do Marvel, Remington, and Black & Decker all have in common? āØ One legendary leaderāPeter Cuneo. In this episode, Kristi sits down with the mastermind of some of the most iconic business turnarounds to talk real-deal leadership, fixing broken cultures, and why values matter way more than flashy mission statements. From firing fast to hosting pizza parties to building billion-dollar brands, Peterās stories will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about company culture. This oneās packed with goldādonāt miss it! šļøš„ Additional Resources: Listen to the Read Key Takeaways: Turnarounds succeed when leaders embody the values they promote. Face-to-face communication and visible leadership build trust. Emotional courage is essentialāleaders must risk unpopularity. True leadership is learned through diverse, in-person experiences.
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How AI Can Elevate Work, Not Replace It with Matt Burns
04/16/2025
How AI Can Elevate Work, Not Replace It with Matt Burns
What happens when you mix AI, virtual reality, and HR? You get Matt Burns. š¤š¼ In this episode, Matt shares how atlas copilot is transforming the workplaceāmaking it more human, more efficient, and way more fun. From hosting a global VR summit to helping HR pros create better vibes at work, heās all about using tech to level up the employee experience. Curious about what the future of work really looks like? Tune in and get inspired. š Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: AI and immersive technologies like VR are tools to enhance, not replace, human connection at work. Personalized employee experiences are now possible at scale through AI, improving both engagement and efficiency. HRās role is evolving from policy enforcers to strategic architects of meaningful work experiences. The key to leveraging AI effectively is co-creation with employees and intentional integration, not top-down enforcement.
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Unapologetically Authentic Leadership with Mark McFatridge
04/02/2025
Unapologetically Authentic Leadership with Mark McFatridge
What if ditching your tie could unlock better leadership? In this episode, Kristi is joined by Mark McFatridge, shares how being unapologetically authentic turned struggling teams into powerhousesāand inspired the launch of Quade, a bold CEO community. They dive into creating vibes that drive results, empowering teams to lead, and why listening to understand is a game-changer. š Get ready for real talk, simple strategies, and big inspiration. Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Culture starts with clarity. Before building a strong vibe, leaders must define who they are and who they serve. Simplicity is powerful. Overcomplicating business strategies leads to confusion. Get great at one thing first, then expand. Empowerment fuels engagement. Markās team-led culture initiatives led to a 97% participation rateābecause people were given real ownership. Authenticity attracts success. When leaders stop trying to be someone theyāre not, they build trust, confidence, and high-performing teams. Listen to understand, not to respond. Itās a simple shift, but it changes the way teams interact and solve problems.
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Leadership and Team Dynamics Unpacked With Debra Squyres
03/19/2025
Leadership and Team Dynamics Unpacked With Debra Squyres
In this conversation, Debra Squyres shares her insights on the concept of 'vibes' in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of alignment between personal values and company mission. She reflects on her journey of self-discovery in her career, the impact of leadership on team dynamics, and the significance of creating a culture of openness and understanding within organizations. Debra also discusses the challenges of hiring and team fit, highlighting the need for candid conversations during the recruitment process to ensure a positive experience for new employees. Additional Resources: Debra Squyres, Chief Customer Officer @ Bonusly Key Takeaways: Vibe in the workplace is about alignment and flow. Work should be seen as a calling, not just a job. Self-awareness is crucial for leaders and professionals. Team dynamics improve when strengths are recognized and utilized. Hiring for cultural fit is as important as skills.
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Making Work a Dream Come True with Kate Volman
03/05/2025
Making Work a Dream Come True with Kate Volman
What if your workplace actually helped you chase your biggest dreams? š In this episode, Kristi sits down with Kate Volman, CEO of Floyd Consulting and certified dream manager, to talk about building a workplace culture where people thrive. Kate shares how one book changed her life (and career!), why The Dream Manager program is a game-changer, and how asking just one question can transform your team. Tune in for an inspiring convo on leadership, creativity, and why dreaming big at work isnāt just niceāitās necessary. š§āØ Additional Resources: Learn more about Listen to Kateās podcast: Listen to Kateās podcast: Key Takeaways: The best workplaces recognize that their employees have dreamsāand support them in pursuing them. A thriving culture isnāt just about company goals; itās about individual growth. The top three dreams employees have: achieving financial freedom, improving their physical health, and deepening personal relationships. Leaders who empower employees to pursue personal fulfillment create organizations that are more engaged, innovative, and successful.
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Revolutionizing Workplace Culture with Nick Lombardino and Zach Blumenfeld
02/19/2025
Revolutionizing Workplace Culture with Nick Lombardino and Zach Blumenfeld
šWhatās the vibe at your workplace? Is it energizingāor justā¦ meh? š¬ In this episode, Kristi is joined by Zach Blumenfeld & Nick Lombardino, co-founders of CultureCon, to break down why workplace vibes matter and how they impact culture, leadership, and engagement. They talk about how to create a culture people actually love, the real reason return-to-office mandates feel so bad, and why workplace energy can make or break your day. Zach and Nick have built a community of culture champions, and their insights (plus some laughs) will have you rethinking how you show up at work.š Additional Resources: Follow Learn more about Key Takeaways: Culture is energy. A āvibeā is workplace culture elevated. Itās what makes people feel excited or drained at work. Leadership matters. A great leader can create an incredible work environment, while a bad one can tank morale and engagement. People crave autonomy. The biggest issue with return-to-office mandates isnāt just locationāitās a perceived loss of trust. Connection fuels culture. Whether remote or in-person, people need community and human interaction to thrive. Culture is co-created. The best workplaces donāt just talk about valuesāthey build them with their employees.
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Gold Boots, Pink Boots, and People-First Leadership with Alyssa Rogers
02/05/2025
Gold Boots, Pink Boots, and People-First Leadership with Alyssa Rogers
Today, Kristi is joined by Alyssa Rogers ā VP at Rogers Heating & Cooling ā as she talks about her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to spearheading a thriving family business. From celebrating wins with a āgold bootā to laughing off mistakes with a āpink boot,ā Alyssa shares how creating the right vibe transforms teams. Tune in to hear about the power of subcultures, setting goals that stick, and why celebrating people is the secret sauce to thriving leadership.š„¾āļø Additional Resources: Listen to the Learn more about Key Takeaways: Celebrate the Wins and the Lessons: Recognizing both successes and mistakes creates a culture where teams feel valued and empowered to grow. Alignment Matters: Ensuring personal, professional, and financial goals are in sync helps create clarity and focus for everyone involved. Embrace Unique Team Vibes: Each department or group thrives with its own energy and cultureālet those differences shine to boost engagement. Leaders Learn Too: Leadership is a journey of self-awareness, trust-building, and learning from early missteps to better support the team.
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The Employee Perspective on Culture with Natalie Duke
01/22/2025
The Employee Perspective on Culture with Natalie Duke
In this episode, Kristi flips the script with her colleague Natalie Duke to explore vibesābut from the employeeās perspective! What makes people excited (or not) to go to work? From lessons on culture to insights on appreciation and intentionality, Natalie shares simple ways leaders can create workplaces where people want to show up. It's fun, fresh, and full of takeaways to elevate your vibe game! Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Leaders set the tone, but employees feel the vibe every day. Transparent and consistent feedback builds trust and alignment. Recognition doesnāt have to be extravagantāspecific and genuine affirmations are powerful. Workplace vibe evolves with leadership, but core values keep the culture steady.
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Leading Wellbeing in the Workplace with Dr. Richard Safeer
01/08/2025
Leading Wellbeing in the Workplace with Dr. Richard Safeer
Start the new year with fresh vibes! š In this episode, Kristi sits down with Dr. Richard Safeer, Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Wellbeing at Johns Hopkins Medicine, to explore the concept of "vibe" in the workplace and discuss actionable strategies for creating healthier organizational cultures. Learn how simple steps, such as intentional breathing and promoting peer support, can drive create a healthier, happier team. Letās kick off 2025 with vibes that thrive! Additional Resources: Key Takeaways: Defining Workplace Vibe: Itās the collective emotional energy of a group, influenced by team dynamics and leadership. Wellbeing as Strategy: Health initiatives should be integrated like any organizational change effort. Peer Support Matters: Building a culture of mutual support drives health and wellbeing across teams.
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