The People Dividend Podcast

Mike Horne, Ph.D

Welcome to The People Dividend Podcast, a platform where meaningful dialogues, diverse perspectives, and inspiring stories come together to redefine the world of human capital. Every week, we sit down with industry experts, thought leaders and innovative professionals across various sectors to discuss the most pressing issues concerning people and work. Our goal is to change the narrative of business, emphasizing that people are not just resources but the most valuable assets who drive growth, innovation, and success.

  1. Episode 110: The Currency of Connection: Leadership Insights

    2 DAYS AGO

    Episode 110: The Currency of Connection: Leadership Insights

    In this episode of The People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne speaks with leadership coach Stephen Seidel about the importance of connection and storytelling in the workplace. They discuss how personal experiences shape leadership styles, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the role of vulnerability in leadership. Stephen emphasizes that connection is a form of currency in the age of AI, and that storytelling is essential for fostering authentic relationships and cultural alignment within organizations. The conversation also touches on resilience, personal growth, and the significance of community support.   Key Points: Stephen Seidel emphasizes the importance of connection, stating that "connection is currency" and is crucial for personal and professional growth. Stephen shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges, including relocating his business during the pandemic and dealing with personal loss, which led him to create a supportive men's community. The conversation highlights the role of storytelling in leadership, with Stephen explaining how stories connect us and help build authentic brands and cultural alignment. Stephen introduces the concept of "connection as currency" as a way to foster deeper relationships and create a win-win-win scenario for individuals, companies, and communities.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Stephen Seidel: https://stephenseidel.com/  #peopledividendpodcast #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #Leadership #Storytelling #ConnectionIsCurrency #HumanAdvantage

    22 min
  2. Episode 109: The Power of Reflection: Leadership Lessons for 2026

    10 MAR

    Episode 109: The Power of Reflection: Leadership Lessons for 2026

    In this episode of The People Dividend podcast, host Mike Horne shares essential leadership principles grounded in reflection that can help you thrive in an ever-changing world. He discusses three key lessons on respect, embracing differences, and aligning with your purpose—tools to elevate your leadership in 2026 and beyond.   Key Points: Reflection is crucial for personal growth and leadership development, as it allows leaders to understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Effective leadership is defined by respect and active listening, which help build trust and foster open communication within teams. Embracing diversity and differences is essential for fostering innovation, as it encourages a variety of perspectives and ideas. Aligning leadership with personal purpose enhances authentic influence, enabling leaders to inspire and motivate others genuinely. Practical tips for reflecting on and strengthening your leadership journey are provided to help you continuously improve and adapt.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike   #peopledividendpodcast #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #Leadership2026 #ReflectToGrow #RespectInLeadership #PurposeDriven #LeadershipLessons #PersonalGrowth #TeamDynamics

    6 min
  3. Episode 108: What Lights You Up? Finding Purpose and Thriving in 2026

    3 MAR

    Episode 108: What Lights You Up? Finding Purpose and Thriving in 2026

    In this episode of The People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne speaks with career and workplace success expert Mary Olson-Menzel about finding what lights you up in your career. They discuss the importance of having a plan, navigating career transitions, and the significance of purpose and identity in the workplace. Mary emphasizes the need for networking, especially in a remote work environment, and shares her three P's of job searching: prospects, pivots, and passions. The conversation also touches on maintaining optimism during uncertain times and the importance of celebrating small wins along the way.   Key Points: Finding purpose and passion is essential in your career, which involves identifying what truly excites you and aligning it with your professional path. Success requires intention and a strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of having a clear direction and actionable steps to achieve career goals. Networking is a superpower for career advancement, and leveraging personal connections is more effective than relying solely on blind resume submissions. Adapting to change is crucial in the evolving job market, especially with the rise of AI and remote work, and maintaining visibility and relevance is key. Celebrating small wins along the career journey boosts motivation and fosters a positive work environment.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Mary Olson-Menzel: https://www.maryolsonmenzel.com/  https://mvpexec.com/about/mary-olson-menzel/  #peopledividendpodcast #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #CareerSuccess #NetworkingTips #FindYourPassion #Ikigai #CareerGrowth

    23 min
  4. Episode 107: Biohacking Leadership: Approaches and Strategies

    24 FEB

    Episode 107: Biohacking Leadership: Approaches and Strategies

    In this episode of The People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne sits down with Scott Hutcheson, a bio-social scientist and author, to explore the concept of biohacking leadership. They discuss how biological signals influence leadership effectiveness, the importance of understanding behavioral signals, and practical applications of leadership biodynamics. Scott emphasizes the role of keystone leaders in shaping organizational ecosystems and shares techniques for leaders to enhance their effectiveness through experimentation and refinement of their approaches.   Key Points: Scott Hutcheson introduces biohacking leadership, focusing on using biological signals to enhance leadership effectiveness by shaping trust and collaboration. Leadership is an experimental process where leaders should adjust their behavioral signals based on feedback to achieve better outcomes. Biodynamic channels, including warmth, competence, and gravitas, are essential for leaders to connect, contribute, and create shared value. Keystone leadership is compared to keystone species, where certain leaders can significantly influence organizational culture regardless of their position. Leaders are advised to create space for reflection and narrate their thinking to improve decision-making and team performance.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Scott Hutcheson: https://scotthutcheson.com/    #peopledividendpodcast #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #Leadership #Biohacking #TeamPerformance #OrganizationalCulture #LeadershipDevelopment

    23 min
  5. Episode 106: Embracing Differences in Team Dynamics

    17 FEB

    Episode 106: Embracing Differences in Team Dynamics

    In this episode of The People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne and leadership expert Mark Murphy discuss the importance of embracing individual differences within teams. They explore the myth of team harmony, the necessity of diverse roles, and how recognizing these roles can lead to innovation and success. Mark introduces his concept of five critical roles needed to build a winning team, emphasizing that effective teamwork is about leveraging unique strengths rather than forcing conformity.   Key Points: Building a winning team involves embracing individual uniqueness rather than forcing everyone to blend in, which leads to innovation and results. Successful teams often fulfill five critical roles: Director, Achiever, Stabilizer, Harmonizer, and Trailblazer, each contributing uniquely to the team's success. Effective teams thrive on the diversity of roles and skills, similar to sports teams or orchestras, rather than uniformity, which is crucial for achieving team goals. Team roles are flexible and can be developed, allowing individuals to switch roles depending on the team's needs, fostering dynamic and adaptable team structures.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Mark Murphy: https://www.leadershipiq.com/pages/about-mark    #peopledividendpodcast #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #TeamBuilding #Leadership #Innovation #TeamRoles #DiversityInTeams

    23 min
  6. Episode 105: Rethinking Success: The Case Against Traditional Metrics

    10 FEB

    Episode 105: Rethinking Success: The Case Against Traditional Metrics

    In this episode of The People Dividend Podcast, Mike Horne interviews Radhika Dutt, author of 'Radical Product Thinking'. They discuss the limitations of traditional success metrics like goals and OKRs, and how these can lead to performance theater rather than genuine progress. Radhika introduces the concept of puzzle setting as a more effective approach to measuring success and fostering innovation. She shares insights from her work with organizations, demonstrating how a focus on learning and problem-solving can lead to significant business improvements.   Key Points: Goals and targets can create performance theater. Metrics should be tools for insight, not evaluation yardsticks. Organizations can achieve better results without traditional goals and Radhika's methodology has dramatically transformed companies' performance.  Radhika emphasizes the importance of shifting from traditional goal-setting to a puzzle-solving mindset, which encourages teams to explore problems deeply and collaboratively, leading to more innovative solutions.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Radhika Dutt: https://rdutt.com/  #peopledividendpodcast #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #RadicalProductThinking #Innovation #PerformanceTheater #PuzzleSolving #BusinessSuccess

    23 min
  7. Episode 104: The Role of HR in Organizational Growth

    3 FEB

    Episode 104: The Role of HR in Organizational Growth

    In this episode of The People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne and guest Andrew Bartlow discuss the complexities and challenges of scaling organizations, particularly through the lens of human resources. They explore the importance of clarity, adapting leadership styles, and the role of HR in driving organizational success. Bartlow emphasizes the need for strategic thinking in HR, focusing on aligning activities with business goals, and the significance of having a flexible plan for growth. The conversation also touches on lessons learned from past crises and the importance of understanding the unique context of each organization.   Key Points: Scaling organizations introduces exponential complexity, yet ensuring clarity and alignment are crucial for effective growth. Strategic HR involves deciding what impactful work to pursue and HR leaders should articulate key goals and initiatives. A flexible plan is vital for successful scaling and adapting leadership styles is essential as teams grow. The context of an organization as well as understanding the unique needs of an organization matters in HR practices. Lessons from past crises can inform current HR strategies. Focusing on the basics and proven strategies rather than chasing trends is best.    Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Andrew Bartlow: https://www.seriesbconsulting.com/about-us  #peopledividendpodcast #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #ScalingSuccess #HRLeadership #BusinessGrowth #StrategicPlanning #OrganizationalDevelopment

    22 min
  8. Episode 103: The Power of Respect in Leadership

    27 JAN

    Episode 103: The Power of Respect in Leadership

    In this episode of The People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne speaks with John Guaspari, an expert in organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. They discuss the critical human factors that drive business success, including trust, respect, and engagement. John shares insights on common mistakes leaders make regarding employee engagement, the importance of respect in leadership, and the impact of remote work on workplace dynamics. He emphasizes the need for genuine communication and understanding in fostering a positive organizational culture.   Key Points: The number one mistake leaders make is starting with the wrong problem statement. Leadership is about getting people to want to do what you need them to do. Engagement is about discretionary effort, not just mechanical interactions. Surveys can be misleading; direct conversations are more effective. Understanding employees' needs is crucial for effective leadership, as well as prioritizing respect as a fundamental humanistic value in order to drive engagement. The shift to remote work has changed how we interact with colleagues, since casual interactions are harder in remote work settings. Simple gestures like saying hello can have a big impact.   Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about John Guaspari: https://www.johnguaspari.com/    #peopledividendpodcast #podcastepisode #podcastrecommendations #LeadershipInsights #EmployeeEngagement #RespectInTheWorkplace #OrganizationalCulture #HumanConnection

    23 min

About

Welcome to The People Dividend Podcast, a platform where meaningful dialogues, diverse perspectives, and inspiring stories come together to redefine the world of human capital. Every week, we sit down with industry experts, thought leaders and innovative professionals across various sectors to discuss the most pressing issues concerning people and work. Our goal is to change the narrative of business, emphasizing that people are not just resources but the most valuable assets who drive growth, innovation, and success.