The People Dividend Podcast Mike Horne, Ph.D

There’s no doubt - our personal and professional lives are becoming more integrated. How well and to what extent leaders understand their people both in and out of the office can predict their workplace happiness and success. In this episode, Mike Horne sits down with Alice Inoue, founder of Happiness U, to discuss workplace well-being.
 
Alice recounts her shift from aspiring to attend medical school to founding Happiness U—a venture that  offers corporate wellness programs and personal development courses. She shares experiences from her collaborations with major brands such as McDonald's and Gap, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset for both personal and professional growth.
 
The discussion challenges the traditional notion of work-life balance, proposing instead the concept of work-life integration. This approach encourages making choices based on benefits at any given moment, alleviating the guilt often associated with balancing personal and professional life.
 
Introducing her personality assessment system based on the five elements, Alice explains how this framework helps individuals and teams gain deeper self-awareness and improve interpersonal dynamics. This system has been particularly effective in enhancing corporate team-building and communication.
 
Alice's advice to organizational leaders is to recognize their current position as the right place and to focus on moving forward without dwelling on past mistakes. She notes the importance of acceptance and being present to make progress.
 
Alice Inoue's insights provide a roadmap for leaders and HR professionals to create environments where freedom, peace, love, and joy can flourish, ultimately contributing to the overall success of their organizations.
 
Quotes:
“When we talk about work-life integration, it's making choices every day in what you perceive to be the best benefit. So it seems ridiculous to feel guilty about it. It's a choice that you make.” (05:04 | Alice Inoue)
“I thought, what if I could create a space where people could come to learn the things they never learned in school about how to actually live life? Because the bottomline is, after working with thousands of people, people really just want to feel good and have ease in their life and not have these emotional swings. And I just thought it would be a perfect component that it didn't start out as a corporate thing. It started out as a little community.” (06:36 | Alice Inoue)
“There's always something we can do to move towards a better place. Do we ever get there? Does anyone ever live in a life of pure bliss? I don't think so. I recognize that life is polar. There's so much polarity that we do our best to find that center and have a little variation within that center. But I think it's impossible to be like, ‘Yes, I'm working this high-power job and I'm just at bliss and happy all the time.’ We're looking for these moments, we're constantly needing to find them amidst the chaos.” (20:21 | Alice Inoue) 
“We are in a place where people want whatever tools they can get to be more understanding about themselves and others so that we can live a life that's as filled with freedom, joy, love, and peace. Those are the four things that I feel we're all looking for. And I try to guide people towards that or see where they're not measuring up.” (23:33 | Alice Inoue) 
 
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 Alice Inoue:
Website: https://yourhappinessu.com/
 
Podcast production and show no

Compassion and Business - do these two things go together? Dr. Bruno Cignacco, an international business consultant and TEDx speaker, says that compassionate business practices are pivotal for enhancing performance and stakeholder relationships. He advocates for a business approach that goes beyond mere profitability and rather where companies genuinely care for and support employees, customers, suppliers, and community members.
 
Dr. Cignacco discusses the benefits of this approach for businesses striving to boost productivity and expand their market share, arguing that businesses should not exploit or deceive but instead focus on human-oriented practices that lead to mutual growth and success. He identifies a lack of compassion in many organizations, attributing this to a self-centered focus and a failure to invest time to build compassionate relationships.
 
This episode also highlights the concept of humanistic love in business settings, which involves connecting with others and supporting them. Dr. Cignacco suggests that compassion has the power to create a healthier, more productive workplace and offers practical advice for cultivating compassion, including embracing generosity, gratitude, and respect.
 
Dr. Cignacco calls on businesses to prioritize people over profits and encourages employees at all levels to practice compassion, which can initiate for a broad, positive organizational change. He stresses the importance of balancing the qualitative aspects with quantitative business metrics, arguing that a commitment to service and human values can significantly benefit businesses and create a positive impact.
 
Quotes:
“Business is about interdependence. You cannot succeed on your own. You need suppliers, customers, employees, managers, the community, business partners. And by caring for them, supporting them, being compassionate with them, especially when they face difficulties, you are taking care of your relationship with them. And relationships are the most important factor for business success.” (06:31 | Dr. Bruno Cignacco) 
“The only way to be profitable from the long-term perspective is to be compassionate. Many people think that funds are the most important resource in a company. But in practice, the human being is the most important resource in business.” (07:52 | Dr. Bruno Cignacco)
“By being human-oriented, you don't only contribute to positive indicators like profitability, productivity, and market share, but also, you have a better brand image. According to research, you attract more talented employees.” (10:15 | Dr. Bruno Cignacco)
“Success is not the result of the fittest, but the kindest.” (15:51 | Dr. Bruno Cignacco) 
“Treat customers as human beings, not as a number that contributes to the company's profit. And how do you do this? Well, you change your attitude. The attitude shouldn't be the attitude of selling products or services. It should be the attitude of service, a serving attitude. Serving customers doesn't mean servitude; it means that you want the best for them. You try not only to satisfy their needs.” (24:19 | Dr. Bruno Cignacco)
 
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 Bruno Cignacco:
Website: http://www.brunocignacco.com 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

In today's corporate and academic environments, success hinges on exploring complexities to uncover opportunities for simplification and innovation. In this episode, host Mike Horne welcomes Nicole Jackson, the Associate Dean of the Agino School of Business at Golden Gate University. With her extensive experience spanning both the corporate sector and academia, Nicole offers invaluable insights, especially in organizational change, strategy, and the concept of organizational ambidexterity.
 
Nicole introduces the concept of “organizational breathing,” drawing a parallel to the need for individuals to occasionally step back and reassess. She suggests that organizations, too, can benefit from periods of reflection to foster growth and adaptability amid constant change and information overload. The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating humanistic values and creating a workplace that values appreciation over mere acceptance. Nicole highlights the importance of psychological safety and providing opportunities for individuals to explore their identities within the organizational framework.
 
The episode also covers the impact of AI on human resources, with Nicole proposing a shift in perspective from AI as a displacer of jobs to a tool that can enhance humanistic management practices. She emphasizes the potential of AI to aid in learning and development, and the importance of developing connoisseurship in the workplace.
 
Nicole offers guidance for individuals considering advanced business studies, stressing the significance of selecting a path that aligns with both personal passion and current industry trends.
 
Quotes:
"We're bombarded with so much information. The time to let our souls and our identities and even our organizations breathe from all this change has been completely upended." (04:52 | Nicole Jackson) 
"We live in such a data-driven world. We need to let the data breathe, take a step back. We don't necessarily need to make the decisions right away. Everything is now a critical event. I think we've thrown ourselves into this mentality of crisis management on an ongoing basis, or looking at how upending and disruption is the latest paradigm, but we really should be looking at continuity building." (07:19 | Nicole Jackson) 
"When we talk about living more simply and being more meaningful, it's really allowing people to really examine, go back to the core of who they are." (12:00 | Nicole Jackson)
"Let your soul breathe and let your organization breathe. Develop some connoisseurship and create a bouquet of different qualities. I think that's important. We now have the capacity. Think about the tremendous capacity that AI now has for people who normally are oftentimes stigmatized or discriminated against in the workforce. There's been a lot done about the prejudicial AI algorithms. That's a huge concern and it continues to be a concern and it does need to be addressed." (31:24 | Nicole Jackson) 
"We have to teach people how to develop connoisseurship. Most people are not taught to be connoisseurs. They're taught to follow in a line, not necessarily to become an expert on a metacognitive level. Traditionally, organizations don't have most of their workers develop those skills. And I think that's going to be critical moving forward." (33:51 | Nicole Jackson) 
 
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 Nicole C. Jackson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-c-jackson-mba-ms-and-phd-0217aab/
 
Podcast production and show no

Organizational success hinges more on its people and the development of its leaders than the strategies they follow. Al Watts, an independent HR and talent development consultant with over three decades of experience, shares insights from his book "Navigating Integrity: Transforming Business as Usual into Business at its Best." He stresses that integrity is not just an ethical requirement but a strategic asset essential for sustainable growth and effective leadership. Through tools like the Leadership and Organizational Integrity Surveys, Al aims to cultivate and gauge integrity within leadership circles and throughout entire organizations.
 
Al explains the concept of authenticity in leadership, examining it from both inside-out and outside-in perspectives. He emphasizes the need for honesty, transparency, and genuine leadership, highlighting how these qualities contribute to the executive development of individuals within an organization. Moreover, he discusses the importance of aligning an organization's structure, staff, systems, and strategy with its goals. Al stresses accountability and the significance of meaningful metrics in tracking progress and ensuring alignment with these goals.
 
In facing today's dynamic business environment, Al advises on keeping teams engaged and communication open to navigate rapid changes effectively. This episode guides leaders to match their personal values with their organization's, emphasizing integrity as a key to effective leadership and organizational success.
 
Quotes:
“Organization development seemed to be a discipline with a focus on the people factor, but it took a more holistic perspective on business and on organizations and on how to make them work and be sustainable.” (07:32 | Al Watts) 
“People are happy when they feel like they're working for a purpose or with a purpose that is meaningful to them.” (14:02 | Al Watts)
“Organizations and leaders cannot keep doing exactly the same thing they've been doing as the world changes. And so there need to be mechanisms in place to constantly readjust things like structure or skill mixes.” (16:44  | Al Watts) 
“We need to know our own minds, and we need to have the capacity to understand why we're doing what we're doing.” (29:48 | Al Watts)
 
Links:
Learn More About Mike Horne:
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 Al Watts:
Website: integro-inc.com
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Why do some people thrive at work while others just go through the motions? Mike Horne sits down with acclaimed speaker, trainer, and coach, Martin Lespérance, to delve into the role of human capital in shaping the future of work. Sharing his professional journey, Martin highlights his lifelong commitment to inspiring individuals to find joy, engagement, and motivation in their careers. His global impact, with keynotes across continents, emphasizes leadership, teamwork, communication, innovation, and resilience.
 
The conversation revolves around Martin’s "Inspire philosophy," which consists of four foundational principles critical to fostering a fulfilling life and cultivating a positive workplace culture. These principles—living with purpose, staying present, expressing gratitude, and embracing fun—form the core of Martin's message. Each aspect provides a pathway to improved employee engagement and enhanced organizational vitality.
 
Mike and Martin discuss how applying these principles can transform the workplace, sharing examples and advice on fostering a supportive and healthy work environment. They tackle the challenge of maintaining these principles in difficult situations and their impact on personal and professional life. Martin offers actionable advice for listeners, emphasizing the importance of personal choice in shaping attitudes and actions. 
 
Quotes:
"I find organizations might have their purpose, might have a ‘why.’ But as soon as the pressure comes in, as soon as you get the headwinds, the why takes a side." (17:26 | Martin Lespérance) 
"Presence is such an important aspect of leadership and executive work and I think all too often presence gets neglected because we're thinking about the next point we're going to make or we're thinking about then and there." (21:51 | Mike Horne)
"What attitude are you going to choose? That's something that you can choose on a daily basis. It's how you're going to face the events that are being thrown at you." (30:31 | Martin Lespérance) 
"Why do people leave organizations? It's not because of the lack of purpose and lack of ‘why.’ It's because of the toxic environment. And how can you get rid of that toxic environment? Use the not so surprising secret that we just talked about. Apply that inside your culture. You'll see how people will not only stick around, but bring more people to join in to become advocates and ambassadors." (35:55 | Martin Lespérance) 
 
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 Martin Lesperance:
Website:  martinlesperance.ca
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Finding balance isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for entrepreneurs seeking to excel both in business and life.  Business Coach and Consultant Jordan Tait discusses with host Mike Horne the pivotal mindset shift required to strike this balance. He shares insights from his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, former CEO, and seasoned coach to hundreds of leaders aiming to optimize their time and teams for a more intentional living and working style.
 
Jordan shares lessons from his journey, starting a painting business in college to becoming a sought-after corporate trainer and coach. His own struggle with burnout led him to advocate for a work-life balance that doesn't compromise professional success but enhances it. He talks about the importance of intentionally allocating time for personal fulfillment outside work and maintaining a mindset focused on sustainable workloads.
 
Offering practical advice, Jordan encourages listeners to envision their ideal life a year ahead and to conduct a time audit to evaluate the impact and energy investment of their tasks. He advocates focusing on activities that are both high-value and invigorating to foster smarter, not harder, work practices and potentially expedite business growth. In this episode, listeners are challenged to assess the sustainability of their work pace and whether their professional life supports their desired lifestyle.
 
Quotes
“What I'm really about is helping people reconnect to living the life they want to live outside of work while still performing at their best. And I totally believe it's possible. It's the way I choose to live. I never work more than 35 hours a week. And I'm really serious about my business, but I'm also really serious about my life. And so that's what I like to help people with.” (03:27 | Jordan Tait)
“I had this big conflict between, do I keep doing this thing I'm really good at and love doing with a business that I'm appreciating the support of? Or do I break free and reconnect to the way I want to live my life, which is based on autonomy, time, freedom, and balance?” (05:07 | Jordan Tait)
“I believe that business and your career is a marathon, not a sprint. And you can do that for a short term, a couple of years at most. But if you're going to be here five years from now, ten years from now performing at the level you want, you need to be thinking about how you're sustaining your energy and your workload.” (09:17 | Jordan Tait) 
“It often starts with mindset, because I find most people are keeping themselves in this way of working and you hit on it earlier. The company will always take as many hours as you give it. Your business will always take as many hours as you give it, and you'll never feel like you're fully on top of it because there's always more to do. So if you're just operating under the feeling that I'm not getting enough done, feel guilty about stopping, that won't go away. And so part of that is breaking free from that mindset that if you couldn't get it done today, it will be there tomorrow. If you don't get it done tomorrow, it probably wasn't that important to you. And that's something that I really truly believe in.” (17:38 | Jordan Tait) 
“Time, money, and team, those are the three things that I find when people are not managing them intentionally or effectively, their work consumes more hours than it needs to. And by looking at each of those, by creating their ideal work schedule, by investing their money in freedom and the lifestyle they want to live, and by working with a team to support them, they can get back to a reasonable workload and a sustainable way of growing and moving forward.” 
 
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 Mi