The CultureCon Podcast

PeopleForward Network
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Explore how work works with The CultureCon Podcast: real stories, fresh ideas, and bold voices building a better world of work.

  1. 1D AGO

    Live from CultureCon West 2025: Rethinking Return to Office with Dennis Richter

    What if the real conversation around returning to the office isn't about space, but about trust, clarity, and courageous leadership? In this live episode from CultureCon West, Nikki sits down with Dennis Richter for a powerful, no-fluff conversation that challenges the "Return to Office" status quo. Dennis brings his signature skeptical curiosity to unpack why many leaders default to blanket mandates without truly thinking them through. Together, they explore what it means to lead with transparency, define success through role clarity and KPIs, and make decisions that reflect purpose, not pressure. This episode is a must-listen for people-first leaders ready to reflect deeply, act intentionally, and create workplaces built on trust, respect, and real impact.   Additional Resources: Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Rethink RTO: Start with transparency, not tradition Leadership begins with honest self-reflection Trust and clarity drive remote success Impact matters more than presence Role clarity empowers, mandates erode trust

    18 min
  2. WorkPossible: You Can't Lead What You Don't Understand with Karen Richards

    FEB 10

    WorkPossible: You Can't Lead What You Don't Understand with Karen Richards

    What if the reason culture isn't working is because leaders think they've already figured it out? Elaine and Hattie sit down with Karen Richards, founder of Uniquely Global and executive coach to top global leaders, to expose what's really going on in boardrooms when it comes to culture, and what's not. Karen brings decades of experience across industries, from elite sports to global brands, to reveal the truth about leadership blind spots, emotional intelligence, and the quiet gap between performance and people. Through real stories and hard-won insight, she shows why coaching isn't just about behavior change, it's about identity, instinct, and owning your shadow. This isn't a conversation about soft skills. It's about the hard work of leadership. Karen challenges every leader to stop outsourcing culture and start doing the internal work that changes everything, from how you show up in a room to how people show up for you. No scripts. No safe answers. Just honest conversations about what's possible when we stop doing things by default and start doing them by design. Tune in for fresh perspectives, future-focused thinking, and ideas bold enough to actually change things.   Additional Resources: Connect with Karen on LinkedIn Connect with Hattie on LinkedIn Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn Learn more about Fauna Follow Fauna on LinkedIn Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Culture is the fuel behind sustainable performance. Leaders must embrace emotional intelligence to grow. Self-awareness unlocks team and business potential. Coaching reveals the gap between knowing and leading. Ask: "What am I missing?" regularly.

    38 min

  3. FEB 3

    Storytelling as Leadership Currency with Dr. Rod Berger

    What if the most untapped leadership skill isn't found in a boardroom, but in the power of a well-told story? Nick and Zach officially welcome Dr. Rod Berger as CultureCon's newest storyteller-in-residence. With a doctorate in psychology and thousands of interviews with global leaders under his belt, Rod brings a rare lens to leadership, one rooted in the belief that storytelling isn't fluff, it's fuel. From his book "The Narrative Edge" to his conversations with executives and veterans, Rod shares how narrative shapes identity, unlocks empathy, and fosters true connection inside our organizations. The trio dives deep into how story helps us meet the moment, why leaders must understand their own role in the plotline, and how authentic storytelling builds stronger cultures, especially in a digital-first world. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just discovering your voice, this episode invites you to see yourself as a character in a story worth telling.   Additional Resources: Connect with Rod on LinkedIn Buy the book: "The Narrative Edge" Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Storytelling is a strategic leadership skill. Your story influences how others experience you. Authenticity builds trust within workplace culture. Empathy grows when stories are shared. Leaders must define their role in the narrative.

    42 min
  4. Culture Starts Here: Leaders Are Only as Effective as the Systems That Support Them

    JAN 27

    Culture Starts Here: Leaders Are Only as Effective as the Systems That Support Them

    W. Edwards Deming was famously quoted as saying, "A bad system will beat a good person every time." After decades of training, coaching, and consulting with leaders, ADVISA has seen that five drivers create cultural competitive advantage for organizations. The final driver is one of the most important: Systems That Support Leaders. In this episode, Steve Edwards, President & General Manager of City Wide Facility Solutions, joins ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay to dig into why systems matter – and how you can put systems to work for you.   Additional Resources: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn Learn more about City Wide Get Your Culture Check! Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Connect with BJ on LinkedIn Learn more about Advisa Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Culture killers must be addressed quickly and directly. Systems should support, not stifle, your people. Leadership consistency builds team trust and performance. Frontline ideas often spark business growth. Complaints reveal quality opportunities and loyalty potential.

    43 min

  5. JAN 20

    Live from CultureCon 2025: Making Multigenerational Teams Work with Megan Berki

    What happens when Gen Zs and Boomers team up at work? Live from CultureCon 2025, Nikki Lewallen Gregory sits down with Megan Berki of Rocket Lawyer for a powerful conversation on bridging generational gaps in the workplace. With five generations now working side-by-side, Megan shares how leaders can turn differences into strengths, from Gen Z's TikTok-fueled learning to Boomers' process-driven mindset. Packed with real examples from Rocket Lawyer, this episode explores communication strategies, culture wins (and flops), and how to build a people-first workplace where everyone feels seen and supported. Whether you're leading, managing, or just navigating the mix, this one's for you. 🚀   Additional Resources: Connect with Megan on LinkedIn Learn more about Rocket Lawyer Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Five generations coexist, each with distinct needs and preferences. Tech-native Gen Z differs significantly from tech-savvy Millennials. Communication must be multi-channel and predictably consistent. Aligning tech tools to user habits drives adoption. Culture thrives when values are actionable and inclusive.

    25 min

  6. JAN 13

    Live from CultureCon: Strengths Over Stress with Vibhas Ratanjee

    What if the real unlock to thriving workplace cultures isn't fixing what's broken, but amplifying what's already strong? Jasmine Bellamy sits down with Vibhas Ratanjee, Senior Practice Expert at Gallup, to explore how organizations can build strengths-based cultures rooted in affirmation, not audit. Drawing from over two decades of research and consulting at Gallup, Vibhas reveals how focusing on what's right with people, not what's wrong, can radically shift culture, engagement, and performance. From the origin of CliftonStrengths to insights on Gen Z's workplace disconnect, this episode is packed with data, stories, and deeply human takeaways. If you're a people leader ready to ditch the deficit mindset and unlock the full potential of your team, this conversation will change how you think about strengths, feedback, and the real work of culture.   Additional Resources: Connect with Vibhas on LinkedIn Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Strengths-based leadership begins with knowing your own gifts Most organizations undervalue what's working well Feedback should amplify strengths, not fix weaknesses Only 1 in 3 use strengths daily at work Connection to culture is alarmingly low, especially in Gen Z

    21 min

  7. JAN 6

    De-Risking Culture Work with Pete Savage & Greg Livings

    You've built your culture plan… now what? Pete Savage and Greg Livings pull back the curtain on a powerful but often overlooked concept: de-risking your culture program. From eliminating weak signals to building visual tools like the Culture Wheel Playbook, they unpack actionable strategies to ensure your culture efforts don't fall flat. Whether you're planning for the year ahead or trying to get your CEO on board, this episode is packed with real-world, low-cost, high-impact tactics to build executive confidence and boost internal alignment. It's a masterclass in making your culture work work smarter, not harder. 💡   Additional Resources: Listen to Fixing Broken Culture Signals Get "The Culture Wheel Playbook" Connect with Greg on LinkedIn Connect with Pete on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Eliminate weak signals draining time and resources. Use the Culture Wheel Playbook to visualize and communicate plans. Add low-cost signals that reinforce strong initiatives. Secure executive visibility with authentic culture messaging. Gather ongoing feedback to optimize and adapt programs.

    22 min
  8. Culture Starts Here: For Leaders, This Can Make the Difference Between a Guess or a Smart Decision

    12/30/2025

    Culture Starts Here: For Leaders, This Can Make the Difference Between a Guess or a Smart Decision

    Want great insights to help you lead your people? You need data. "Actionable People Data" is the fourth driver of cultural competitive advantage in the acronym ATLAS. Data helps you increase employee engagement. Plus, by informing decisions, data reduces the burden on you to know the right thing to do. ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay discuss the critical importance of understanding employees' motivations, needs, and experiences in qualitative and quantitative ways.   Additional Resources: Get Your Culture Check! Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Connect with BJ on LinkedIn Learn more about Advisa Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Data is only powerful when applied consistently. Cultural fluency requires ongoing training and reinforcement. People data reveals how to meet employee needs. Manager access to data enables real-time action. Culture becomes tangible with the right analytics.

    37 min
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5
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10 Ratings

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Explore how work works with The CultureCon Podcast: real stories, fresh ideas, and bold voices building a better world of work.

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