Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast

Nicole Greer
  • 5.0 (28)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

💥 Ignite your company culture with the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast! We bring together incredible leaders, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and expert visionaries to share the secrets to their success, explore real-world challenges, and reveal what it truly takes to lead with energy, passion, and purpose as a 🌟VIBRANT🌟 Leader. 🎧 Tune in every week as Nicole Greer dives deep with a new inspiring guest, delivering fresh insights and actionable wisdom to elevate your leadership game! 💥 Subscribe now and leave a review to help drive the future of creating vibrant workplaces! 💥 Need a speaker, trainer, or coach? Visit our website today: www.vibrantculture.com 💥 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/ 💥 Want to be a guest on the show? Email Nicole@vibrantculture.com

  1. 8 Power Skills (Not “Soft Skills”) Every Leader Needs with Nanci Appleman-Vassil

    4D AGO

    8 Power Skills (Not “Soft Skills”) Every Leader Needs with Nanci Appleman-Vassil

    What if the skills we’ve been calling “soft” are actually the most powerful skills a leader can have? In this episode, Nicole sits down with leadership expert Nanci Appleman-Vassil to break down the essential power skills that separate average leaders from truly impactful ones. With over 25 years of experience in organizational development, Nanci shares real-world insights on feedback, communication, self-awareness, and the subtle behaviors that shape workplace culture. Together, they unpack why traditional approaches to leadership often fall short—and how mastering these 8 power skills can transform your team’s engagement, performance, and trust. From reading the energy in a room to giving feedback that actually drives change, this conversation is packed with practical strategies leaders can start using immediately. If you want to build a culture where people feel seen, heard, and motivated to grow—this episode is your playbook.  💡The 8 Power Skills Every Leader Needs Reading the Room – 00:04:04Picking up on energy, body language, and engagement the moment you walk inGiving Meaningful Feedback – 00:13:51Why telling isn’t feedback—and how to show you actually careAddressing Issues in the Moment – 00:14:23“I’ll get to it later” vs. handling things in real timeAdapting Your Communication Style – 00:30:53The danger of “this is just how I am” leadershipCreating Psychological Safety – 00:32:26How rigid leadership styles push people to disengage or leaveBuilding Self-Awareness – 00:24:15Using tools like DiSC to understand yourself and othersStaying Curious Instead of Judgmental – 00:17:25The “Ed” story: engaging instead of labeling behaviorConnecting Strategy to People – 00:36:19Why strategic planning must include people—not just processConnect with Nanci: 18 Common Mistakes Small Business Owners Make: https://a.co/d/069ec1ZwNanci's Website: https://www.nanciapplemanvassil.com/APLS Group Website: https://aplsgroup.com/Nanci's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanciapplemanvassil/APLS Group LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/281681/admin/dashboard/FREE DOWNLOAD: You're on the Workplace Stage https://talk.ac/nanci (Code: KIND)Listen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts! Book Nicole to help your organization ignite clarity, accountability, and energy through her SHINE™ Coaching Methodology.Visit vibrantculture.comEmail: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole’s TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/SMbxA90bfXE

    48 min
  2. 5 Roles Every Leader Must Play in Times of Disruption with Patrick Leddin, PhD

    MAR 25

    5 Roles Every Leader Must Play in Times of Disruption with Patrick Leddin, PhD

    Disruption isn't something to survive—it's something to leverage. In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole Greer sits down with leadership expert and co-author of Disrupt Everything and Win, Patrick Leddin, to unpack how leaders can stop reacting to change and start using it as fuel for growth. At the center of the conversation is a powerful idea: Great leaders don’t just respond to disruption—they choose the role the moment requires. You’ll be introduced to the 5 roles every leader must play in times of disruption: The Trailblazer, who takes initiative and moves toward changeThe Torchbearer, who brings others along and builds momentumThe Firefighter, who protects focus by saying “not now”The Fire Chief, who anchors the team in purpose and stabilityThe Tinder Gatherer, who slows things down to create clarity and better decisions Along the way, you’ll learn how to tap into your inner “fire” (purpose), apply the Positive Disruptor Loop, and build the kind of resilience that allows you—and your team—to thrive in uncertainty. If you’re leading through change, navigating challenges, or simply trying to make smarter decisions in a fast-moving world, this episode will give you the mindset and tools to not just handle disruption… but win through it. Vibrant Highlights: [03:28] Why Disruption Isn’t About Changing Everything - Sometimes the most powerful move is saying no and doubling down on what matters most. [13:58] The Positive Disruptor Loop - Disrupt → Discern → Behave → Achieve → Refine — the cycle that builds resilience and results. [28:31] The Anatomy of a Positive Disruptor - 16 behaviors across mindset, communication, courage, and action. [44:00] Reset the Room - One simple leadership move that can instantly shift energy and engagement. [48:42] A Personal Story on Disrupting Relationships - Why small intentional changes can deeply transform your most important connections. Connect with Patrick: Disrupt Everything and Win book: https://a.co/d/0hCqJePIFREE Download: jamespatterson.com/disrupt-downloadsWebsites: patrickleddin.com • jamespatterson.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickleddin/ Also mentioned in this episode:The Path by Laurie Beth Jones https://a.co/d/03nMdLWN Listen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts! Book Nicole to help your organization ignite clarity, accountability, and energy through her SHINE™ Coaching Methodology.Visit vibrantculture.comEmail: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole’s TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/SMbxA90bfXE

    56 min
  3. 4 Keys to a Meaningful Life: Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious with Ruth Pearce

    MAR 18

    4 Keys to a Meaningful Life: Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious with Ruth Pearce

    What does it really mean to live a meaningful life? In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole Greer sits down with keynote speaker, executive coach, and author Ruth Pearce to explore the powerful mindset shifts that help people get out of their own way and start living with purpose. Drawing from her book, Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious, Ruth shares the four essential qualities that help individuals move from feeling stuck and uncertain to becoming confident, motivated, and future-focused. Together, Nicole and Ruth unpack how understanding your strengths, redefining “normal,” and cultivating curiosity can transform both your leadership and your life. You’ll also learn why hope is not just wishful thinking—it’s a strategic mindset built on vision, pathways, and action. If you’re looking for practical coaching insights to help you clarify your purpose, strengthen your leadership, and build a meaningful future, this conversation is packed with wisdom. Vibrant Highlights: 04:30 – Why you should start with who you are - The power of identifying your strengths and challenging the stories you tell yourself. 10:15 – Meaningless life vs. meaningful life - Exploring purpose, direction, and the questions that help people gain clarity. 18:30 – Why “normal” is different for everyone - How redefining your personal baseline helps you understand yourself better. 23:45 – The real definition of hope - Hope = Vision + Agency + Pathways. 33:50 – Discovering and using your strengths - Why strengths include character, values, talents, and skills. 44:30 – What bravery actually looks like - Why doing something despite fear is the true definition of courage. 47:45 – The power of curiosity in leadership - How curious leaders unlock better ideas, creativity, and problem-solving. Connect with Ruth:Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious: https://a.co/d/0gRqFh00Website: https://aleverlongenough.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-pearce/ Also mentioned in this episode:VIA Institute on Character https://www.viacharacter.org/The Path by Laurie Beth Jones https://a.co/d/0hWg3RxXTodd Kashdan https://toddkashdan.com/The Courage Quotient https://a.co/d/0cjFG1HT Listen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts! Book Nicole to help your organization ignite clarity, accountability, and energy through her SHINE™ Coaching Methodology.Visit vibrantculture.comEmail: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole’s TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/SMbxA90bfXE

    55 min
  4. 7 Shifts That Turn Learning & Development into a Strategic Partner with Jess Almlie

    MAR 11

    7 Shifts That Turn Learning & Development into a Strategic Partner with Jess Almlie

    Training alone won’t transform an organization—but the right 7 shifts in L&D just might. In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole Greer sits down with learning and talent development strategist Jess Almlie, founder of Almlie Consulting and author of L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner. Jess shares insights from her decades of experience helping organizations transform their learning and development functions from transactional training providers into strategic business partners. She explains why many L&D teams get stuck as “order takers,” how leaders can begin shifting that dynamic, and why aligning learning with business strategy is essential for driving real performance improvement. Nicole and Jess explore the cultural challenges organizations face around learning, the importance of measuring impact, and the small but powerful shifts that help L&D leaders increase their influence and deliver meaningful business results. If you're a leader, trainer, HR professional, or anyone responsible for developing people, this conversation will challenge the way you think about learning inside organizations—and inspire you to move from reactive training to strategic impact. Vibrant Highlights:00:00:32 – Nicole introduces Jess Almlie and her mission to help L&D leaders become strategic business partners.00:07:58 – The importance of creating a culture where learning is valued and employees actually want to grow.00:22:46 – Why both teams and organizations win when learning aligns with real performance needs.00:34:24 – How L&D professionals can begin building a true learning strategy.00:39:07 – Jess explains why the shift from order taker to strategist happens gradually, through small intentional moves. Connect with Jess:Book: https://a.co/d/0dllIdVAWebsite: jessalmlie.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalmlie/ Ready to build a culture where people feel valued, energized, and committed?Bring Nicole Greer, The Vibrant Coach, to your leadership team, organization, or conference to ignite clarity, accountability, energy, and results. Visit: vibrantculture.comEmail: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole’s TEDx Talk: vibrantculture.com/videos

    41 min
  5. From Delegation to Development: The Future of Leadership with Brad Federman

    MAR 4

    From Delegation to Development: The Future of Leadership with Brad Federman

    Delegation is broken — and it’s costing you growth, engagement, and retention. On this week’s episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole sits down with Brad Federman, author of Never Delegate Again, and together they  dismantle outdated leadership thinking that no longer works in today’s world. Brad explains why company life cycles have shrunk, why skills now expire in just a few years, and why leaders must shift from “managing performance” to coaching development. He shares his Growth Matrix, his Five Stages of Change model, and a powerful Culture Character framework that reveals why so many organizations struggle. If you care about building a vibrant culture, retaining top talent, and staying relevant in an AI-driven world—this episode is a must-listen. Vibrant Highlights: 04:44 – Why traditional delegation models (including the Eisenhower Matrix) are outdated in today’s fast-moving, specialized economy 00:07:05 – Growth is the new psychological contract between employers and employees 23:49 – Why most organizational change efforts fail (and how leaders sabotage them unintentionally) 30:12 – The Five Stages of Change: No Way, Maybe, Get Ready, Act, Routine 38:48 – The Culture Character Model: Balancing people and results to create a thriving organization 42:45 – Two small leadership shifts that dramatically improve retention and performance Connect with Brad:Book https://a.co/d/01Kovd2JWebsite https://www.bradfederman.com/Business: https://www.performancepointllc.com/Email: bfederman@performancepointllc.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfederman/Business LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/performance-point-llc/ Also mentioned on this episode:Marshall Goldsmith "Feedforward": https://youtu.be/tFX74GIxca4?si=jIMfzHazW8y1Mcv2The Path by Laurie Beth Jones: https://a.co/d/03uwtZ6PThe Tilt Model: https://www.tilt365.com/about Ignite your culture. Elevate your leaders. Activate your people. Nicole Greer delivers transformational keynotes and trainings that spark clarity, accountability, energy, and lasting results. Ready to light it up? Visit: vibrantculture.comEmail: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole’s TEDx Talk: vibrantculture.com/videos

    47 min
  6. Culture Shocked: Leadership Lessons from 100 Countries with Dean Foster

    FEB 25

    Culture Shocked: Leadership Lessons from 100 Countries with Dean Foster

    What does a missing jar of marmalade in India reveal about global leadership? You might be surprised. In this episode of Build a Vibrant Culture, Nicole Greer sits down with cross-cultural business expert Dean Foster, author of Business Beyond Borders, to explore what he’s learned from working in more than 100 countries. From communication styles and time management to risk tolerance, information sharing, and workplace formality, Dean shares powerful stories that reveal how culture quietly shapes everything we do at work. If you lead a global team, work across time zones, or collaborate with people from different backgrounds — this conversation will expand your awareness and sharpen your leadership. Vibrant Highlights: [00:12:50] The Missing Marmalade StoryDean shares how ordering a croissant in India turned into a masterclass on indirect communication and hierarchy — and what it means for leaders managing global teams. [00:20:13] Direct vs. Indirect CulturesWhy Americans “say what they mean,” why some cultures don’t — and how misreading this can create serious workplace breakdowns. [00:23:19] Managing the Clock Across CulturesFrom strict deadlines to flexible time norms, Dean explains how history, climate, and agriculture shaped how cultures view punctuality and planning. [00:32:04] Information Sharing & Risk ToleranceSome cultures share everything. Others guard information as power. Dean explains how this connects to decision-making and comfort with risk. [00:54:51] The #1 Rule for Working Anywhere in the WorldDean’s final advice after decades of global consulting: Stay humble. You’re a guest — and leadership means adapting, not imposing. Connect with Dean:Book: Business Beyond Borders https://a.co/d/0eKdRaryOther books by Dean: bit.ly/4aNXar9Website: deanfosterglobal.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/dfainterculturalYouTube: youtube.com/deanfosterglobalIG: @deanfosterglobalPodcast: oopscultureshow.blubrry.net Ready to build a culture where people feel valued, energized, and committed? Bring Nicole Greer, The Vibrant Coach, to your leadership team, organization, or conference to ignite clarity, accountability, energy, and results. Visit: vibrantculture.com Email: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole’s TEDx Talk: vibrantculture.com/videos

    58 min
  7. Mindset + Metrics: How Heart-Centered Leadership Drives Real Results with Luca Romano

    FEB 18

    Mindset + Metrics: How Heart-Centered Leadership Drives Real Results with Luca Romano

    What happens when an engineer, executive leader, and yoga instructor come together in one person? Transformation. In this powerful episode, Nicole Greer sits down with seasoned operations leader and business coach Luca Romano to explore what it truly means to build a vibrant culture — especially in high-pressure manufacturing environments. After experiencing burnout and a life-changing spinal cord injury, Luca redefined leadership for himself. Blending his engineering mindset with mindfulness and emotional intelligence, he now leads with clarity, courage, and purpose. Vibrant Highlights: 00:02:33 — Vibrant culture is positive energy directed toward progress. Energy spent on fear, politics, or self-protection drains results. Culture puts people at the center and aligns behavior around shared values. 00:14:00 — Courage is required to move beyond people-pleasing. It is better to fail on your own conviction than succeed while betraying your values. Fear-based leadership wastes energy and undermines performance. 00:22:00 — Culture drives measurable business results. After implementing shared core values, structured communication, and EOS, on-time delivery improved from 51% to 91%. 00:24:20 — Training is an investment, not a cost. Skipping development to “save time” only postpones problems. Investing in people strengthens retention and long-term performance. 00:35:30 — Coaching in and coaching out requires clarity. When behavioral expectations are clearly defined, difficult conversations become structured and productive — sometimes separation becomes a gift. Connect with Luca:Website: manufacturing-coach.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-romano-mba-041b531/FB: https://www.facebook.com/luca.romano.505512IG: https://www.instagram.com/floaterone74/# Ready to build a culture where people feel valued, energized, and committed? Bring Nicole Greer, The Vibrant Coach, to your leadership team, organization, or conference to ignite clarity, accountability, energy, and results. Visit: vibrantculture.com Email: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole’s TEDx Talk: vibrantculture.com/videos

    50 min
  8. Culture Always Wins: How Mint Hill Dentistry Built a 5-Star Team Experience with Dr. AJ Tremont & Taylor Plyler

    FEB 11

    Culture Always Wins: How Mint Hill Dentistry Built a 5-Star Team Experience with Dr. AJ Tremont & Taylor Plyler

    What does it really take to scale a business without sacrificing culture? In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole Greer sits down with Dr. AJ Tremont and Taylor Plyler of Mint Hill Dentistry to unpack how intentional leadership, servant mindset, and people-first systems have helped them grow four thriving dental practices—while maintaining a five-star experience for patients and employees. From shutting down operations for culture days (yes, really!) to using EOS, core values, and powerful storytelling exercises to build trust and connection, this conversation is a masterclass in what it means to lead with heart and still win in business. You’ll hear real stories about hiring for character, creating psychological safety, overcoming scarcity mindset, and why culture isn’t something you hang on the wall—it’s something you live every day. Vibrant Highlights: 00:02:44 – Culture Always Wins: Dr. AJ Tremont explains why they willingly shut down operations and invested time and money into their people—because when culture is strong, everything else follows. 00:07:20 – Core Values in Action (Not on a Wall): AJ and Taylor share how they actively use core values by nominating and recognizing team members who live them, turning values into daily behaviors instead of empty words. 00:11:59 – Going Above and Beyond for Patients: A powerful story about a team member driving 25 minutes to help an elderly patient—showing what “being a difference maker” truly looks like in action. 00:19:23 – The Exercise That Changed Team Relationships: The team uses a vulnerability-based storytelling exercise inspired by The Five Dysfunctions of a Team that deepened trust, empathy, and respect across roles. 00:26:39 – Fail Fast and Lead with Heart: AJ and Taylor share their leadership philosophies: don’t fear failure, embrace hard conversations, and remember that servant leadership fuels both performance and profit. Connect with Dr. Tremont and Taylor:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-tremont-987115264/minthilldentistry.com (Mint Hill, NC)southerncharmdentistrync.com (Concord, NC)albemarledentistry.com (Albemarle, NC) Also mentioned on this episode:The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: https://a.co/d/0dEvm4mhAuthor Keith Cunningham: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Keith-J.-Cunningham/author/B00606AQZ2?ref=ap_… Ready to build a culture where people feel valued, energized, and committed? Bring Nicole Greer, The Vibrant Coach, to your leadership team, organization, or conference to ignite clarity, accountability, energy, and results. Visit: vibrantculture.com Email: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole’s TEDx Talk: vibrantculture.com/videos

    46 min
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About

💥 Ignite your company culture with the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast! We bring together incredible leaders, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and expert visionaries to share the secrets to their success, explore real-world challenges, and reveal what it truly takes to lead with energy, passion, and purpose as a 🌟VIBRANT🌟 Leader. 🎧 Tune in every week as Nicole Greer dives deep with a new inspiring guest, delivering fresh insights and actionable wisdom to elevate your leadership game! 💥 Subscribe now and leave a review to help drive the future of creating vibrant workplaces! 💥 Need a speaker, trainer, or coach? Visit our website today: www.vibrantculture.com 💥 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/ 💥 Want to be a guest on the show? Email Nicole@vibrantculture.com

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Greer
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    259
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Vibrant Coaching and Nicole Greer
  • Show Website
    Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast

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