The CultureCon Podcast

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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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