Beneath the Transaction

Chris & Kenzie Pineda

We live in a world shaped by transactions—performance, productivity, outcomes, expectations. But beneath every transaction is something deeper being formed: identity, culture, relationship, and purpose. Beneath the Transaction is a podcast about tending to that deeper work. Hosted by Chris Pineda and his wife and co-founder of Groundwork, Kenzie Pineda, this podcast is an extension of the book Beneath the Transaction and a living invitation to lead—and live—more intentionally. Together, Chris and Kenzie explore what it means to build lives, families, organizations, and communities rooted in purpose rather than performance alone. Drawing from modern leadership, organizational psychology, and indigenous wisdom, each episode invites listeners to slow down and reflect on what’s being shaped beneath the surface of their work and relationships. Episodes intentionally alternate between two rhythms: Life and Leadership. Some conversations lean into leadership—organizational culture, trust, accountability, and purpose at work. Others lean into life—marriage, family, faith, community, identity, and the quiet formation happening at home. Because the way we lead professionally cannot be separated from the way we live personally. Guests include not only organizational leaders, but leaders of families, communities, faith spaces, and movements—people shaping culture in ways that rarely make headlines, but deeply matter. This podcast is about building a Tribe. A Tribe committed to reflection. A Tribe willing to have the hard conversations. A Tribe choosing relationship over transaction. If you’re longing for leadership that feels human, a life that feels whole, and a community that reminds you that transformation is never a solo act—you’re in the right place. It takes a Tribe. And transformation begins beneath the transaction.

  1. Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leadership | What indigenous culture can teach us today

    APR 9

    Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leadership | What indigenous culture can teach us today

    In this episode of Beneath the Transaction, Chris sits down with Arthur Soriano, a researcher exploring the Philippine and Austronesian past, present, and future. Together, they explore what modern leadership can learn from indigenous culture—long before systems, titles, and metrics defined how we lead today. Arthur shares insights into pre-colonial Filipino life, from systems of governance and community to the values that shaped identity, belonging, and purpose. Through oral history, cultural memory, and research, the conversation uncovers a deeper way of understanding leadership—one rooted not in control or performance, but in relationship, responsibility, and shared identity. But this conversation isn’t just about history. It’s about what we’ve forgotten—and what we can reclaim. Because many of the answers we’re searching for in leadership today have existed long before us. And sometimes, the way forward requires us to look back. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Indigenous Connections 02:47 The Journey into Pre-Colonial History 05:16 The Importance of Oral History 07:48 Personal Pursuits and Cultural Identity 10:22 Discovering Ancestral Connections 12:53 Genetic Links and Austronesian Identity 15:12 Colonial Impact on Filipino Identity 17:40 Pride in Pre-Colonial Governance 20:14 Cultural Resilience and Historical Amnesia 32:43 The Loss of Knowledge and Cultural Hierarchies 34:25 Colonization and Its Impact on Indigenous Cultures 37:01 Warfare and Respect in Indigenous Societies 39:19 The Abundance of Life in Pre-Colonial Philippines 42:19 Pride in Heritage and Cultural Identity 46:35 Bridging Cultures: Lessons from Ancestry 50:06 The Importance of Ancestral Knowledge for Modern Living

    58 min
  2. From Transactional Giving to Purposeful Living

    MAR 31

    From Transactional Giving to Purposeful Living

    In this episode of Beneath the Transaction, Chris sits down with Ben Fielder, Vice President at NCF Michigan, to explore how giving can move from transactional to transformational. Ben has spent his career walking alongside individuals and families, helping them steward what they’ve been entrusted with and discover a deeper sense of purpose in how they live and give. With a background in church stewardship, higher education, and relationship-driven philanthropy, Ben brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective on generosity, identity, and legacy. Together, Chris and Ben explore the connection between purpose and generosity, and how the way we give is often a reflection of who we are becoming. They talk about the importance of living intentionally, the role of faith and identity in shaping our decisions, and why community is essential for creating meaningful, lasting impact. At its core, this conversation is about more than giving. It’s about learning to live with purpose in the present— and allowing that purpose to shape how we invest in others. Because when giving becomes an expression of who we are, it moves beyond transaction… and into transformation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Transformation 07:05 The Transactional Nature of Philanthropy 13:02 Discovering Meaning and Identity 19:39 The Role of Generosity in Personal Fulfillment 27:51 Navigating Frugality and Faith 34:45 Understanding Collective Identity and Future 46:54 Transforming Philanthropy Through Purpose

    56 min
  3. Moving Beneath the Transaction in Philanthropy

    MAR 26

    Moving Beneath the Transaction in Philanthropy

    In this episode of Beneath the Transaction, Chris sits down with Vanessa Plant, Executive Director of the Alku Foundation and an experienced leader in Boston’s nonprofit and philanthropic space. Vanessa has spent her career helping organizations move beyond traditional, transactional approaches to fundraising and into more relational, trust-based models of giving. Her work centers on building authentic partnerships, strengthening organizational culture, and creating lasting community impact. Together, Chris and Vanessa explore what it looks like to move beneath the transaction in philanthropy—shifting from control and metrics to trust, relationship, and shared purpose. They discuss the principles of trust-based philanthropy, the role culture plays in nonprofit effectiveness, and why meaningful impact begins with how we choose to relate to the people we serve and support. At its core, this conversation is about more than giving. It’s about the kind of leadership required to build trust, foster connection, and create change that lasts. Because when philanthropy becomes relational, impact becomes transformational. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Beneath the Transaction Podcast 01:45 Exploring Philanthropy: Intent vs. Transaction 04:19 Historical Context of Philanthropy 09:04 The Transactional Nature of Fundraising 12:05 Trust-Based Philanthropy: A New Approach 18:29 Power Dynamics and Fears in Philanthropy 25:36 Helping Organizations Find Their Own Answers 30:13 The Importance of Culture in Nonprofits 33:35 Investing in Culture and Human Connection 39:12 The Importance of Employee Retention and Culture 41:09 The Soil of Organizations: Culture vs. Outcomes 46:41 Building Authentic Relationships in Philanthropy 51:00 Leveraging Influence Capital for Community Impact 55:25 The Power of In-Person Connections 01:01:05 Authenticity as a Key to Meaningful Relationships

    55 min
  4. The Leadership Work of Creating Psychological Safety

    MAR 9

    The Leadership Work of Creating Psychological Safety

    In this episode of Beneath the Transaction, Chris sits down with Olivia Hickerson, founder of EmpowerTactics, to explore the often unseen work of creating psychologically safe organizations. Olivia has spent her career helping mission-driven organizations strengthen the systems behind their impact — from governance and organizational infrastructure to the cultures that shape how people show up at work. Her work focuses on translating values into structure so that culture isn’t left to chance. Together, Chris and Olivia explore why psychological safety is not simply a leadership buzzword but a daily leadership responsibility. They discuss the unique pressures nonprofit leaders face, the emotional weight of mission-driven work, and how burnout often grows in environments where safety and support are lacking. The conversation also unpacks the complex dynamics between executive leaders and boards, the courage required for vulnerable leadership, and how small, intentional actions can transform the environments people work in every day. At its heart, this episode is about leadership posture — the way leaders show up, listen, and create space for others to thrive. Because the cultures we build aren’t accidental. They’re shaped by the environments we intentionally create. Key Themes in This Episode: Why psychological safety is foundational to healthy leadership The hidden burnout dynamics inside mission-driven organizations The relationship between board leadership and organizational culture How vulnerability strengthens leadership rather than weakening it Small leadership actions that create meaningful cultural change Why intentional structure protects culture from becoming accidental.  Guest Introduction: Olivia Hickerson is the founder of EmpowerTactics, where she partners with mission-driven organizations to strengthen the systems behind their impact. She specializes in organizational infrastructure, governance clarity, and psychologically safe workplaces, helping teams move from reactive problem solving to intentional design. Olivia is known for bringing steady strategy, thoughtful challenge, and practical clarity to complex leadership environments. 🎙️ Listen to the full conversation on Beneath the Transaction, and follow the show for more weekly conversations about life, leadership, and the work happening beneath the surface. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Psychological Safety 02:22 Olivia's Journey in Nonprofit Leadership 05:55 Experiencing Burnout in Nonprofit Work 12:32 Navigating Board Dynamics and Leadership Challenges 22:49 Creating Safe Spaces in Leadership 28:40 The Importance of Sequence in Organizational Culture 30:01 The Power of Vulnerability 32:28 Creating Safe Spaces in Leadership 35:19 Building Relationships with Board Members 39:05 The Ripple Effect of Change 52:04 Transformational Leadership and Human Connection

    50 min
  5. Transformation is Caught, not Taught

    MAR 3

    Transformation is Caught, not Taught

    In this episode of Beneath the Transaction, we sit down with Kate Westerman, Senior Director of Operations Learning & Development at UNFI, to explore what truly shapes growth inside organizations. Kate has built enterprise-wide training systems across complex operational environments — but what stands out most isn’t her portfolio. It’s her posture. Together, we talk about why so much of what we call “development” becomes transactional — compliance-driven, checklist-focused, and disconnected from the people it’s meant to serve. Kate shares how suspending the ego, seeing learners as gifts, and cultivating accountability inside belonging changes everything. This conversation is about more than training. It’s about the kind of leadership that forms people — not just processes. If you care about building cultures where transformation is actually possible, this episode invites you to slow down and reconsider how you develop others — and how you show up in the process. Because transformation isn’t delivered. It’s cultivated.  Thank you for listening! We don't believe transformation is a solo act. Follow along and join a community practicing what it means to Live Beneath the Transaction.  CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of Transformation 03:13 Kate's Background and Philosophy on Training 06:05 The Role of Ego in Leadership and Training 11:58 Transactional vs. Transformational Training 19:01 Creating a Culture of Accountability 27:57 The Importance of Relationships in Leadership 34:46 Rituals and Practices for Growth 40:04 Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Directions 56:53 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    51 min
  6. FEB 25

    Go Relational First: Building Trust Beneath the Transaction

    Welcome back to Beneath the Transaction. This week we’re joined by Sean MacMillan, VP of HR for Captain D’s and a leader deeply rooted in applied organizational and behavioral science. Sean has spent years helping executive teams build leadership pipelines, strengthen employee experience, and translate culture work into measurable business outcomes — especially in high-pressure, frontline environments. But this conversation isn’t about HR trends. It’s about relationships. Together, we explore: The difference between transactional and relational leadership Why transparency and emotional sharing build trust The role of vulnerability in shaping culture How small cultural gestures carry deep meaning The power of storytelling in connecting people Why consistency builds credibility And why growth always requires discomfort Sean reminds us that culture isn’t shaped in grand declarations — it’s formed in daily interactions. You can’t build trust from a distance. You can’t outsource vulnerability. And you can’t create accountable people without first creating safe, relational space. If you’re serious about leadership, culture, or personal growth, this episode will push you to examine how you show up. Because before strategy, before systems, before outcomes — You have to go relational first. It takes a Tribe to practice transformation. Let’s practice this together. Chapters 00:00 Lost Footage and New Beginnings 01:07 Introducing Sean MacMillan 01:48 The Scope of HR at Captain D's 04:00 Passion for Culture and Human Experience 05:10 Transactional vs. Relational Dynamics 07:05 Building Trust and Relationships 09:34 The Importance of Vulnerability 12:36 Cultural Gestures and Their Meanings 15:14 The Breath of Life: Aloha and Connection 17:53 Transformational Leadership and Personal Growth 24:35 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership 29:12 Consistency and Emotional Sharing 34:10 Navigating Difficult Conversations 40:18 Embracing Discomfort for Growth 45:05 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 48:59 Closing Thoughts on Potential and Best Efforts 49:37 podcast close 2-.mp4

    50 min
  7. FEB 17

    Have the Conversation Anyway: Trust, Vulnerability & Culture Change

    Welcome back to Beneath the Transaction. This week we sit down with Alix Prassas — an organizational effectiveness leader with more than two decades of experience in People & Culture, global organizational development, DEI, and change management. But this conversation isn’t about frameworks. It’s about the moments that shape culture quietly and powerfully. Alix shares her journey from working in a family business to leading large-scale transformation efforts, and what she’s learned about trust, vulnerability, and accountability along the way. Together, we explore: Why culture is formed beneath the surface How small leadership moments shape belonging Why vulnerability is a prerequisite for trust What accountability looks like when it’s rooted in relationship Why conversations around diversity require courage and openness And what it means to “have the conversation anyway” This episode is honest. It’s practical. And it reminds us that transformation isn’t about bold declarations — it’s about consistent courage. It takes a Tribe to practice transformation. Let’s practice this together.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Culture Change 01:58 Alix's Background and Journey 06:32 The Importance of Culture in Retail 14:34 Building Trust and Vulnerability 20:25 Navigating Difficult Conversations 30:58 The Role of Accountability in Leadership 40:28 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned 50:11 Final Thoughts on Culture Transformation

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

We live in a world shaped by transactions—performance, productivity, outcomes, expectations. But beneath every transaction is something deeper being formed: identity, culture, relationship, and purpose. Beneath the Transaction is a podcast about tending to that deeper work. Hosted by Chris Pineda and his wife and co-founder of Groundwork, Kenzie Pineda, this podcast is an extension of the book Beneath the Transaction and a living invitation to lead—and live—more intentionally. Together, Chris and Kenzie explore what it means to build lives, families, organizations, and communities rooted in purpose rather than performance alone. Drawing from modern leadership, organizational psychology, and indigenous wisdom, each episode invites listeners to slow down and reflect on what’s being shaped beneath the surface of their work and relationships. Episodes intentionally alternate between two rhythms: Life and Leadership. Some conversations lean into leadership—organizational culture, trust, accountability, and purpose at work. Others lean into life—marriage, family, faith, community, identity, and the quiet formation happening at home. Because the way we lead professionally cannot be separated from the way we live personally. Guests include not only organizational leaders, but leaders of families, communities, faith spaces, and movements—people shaping culture in ways that rarely make headlines, but deeply matter. This podcast is about building a Tribe. A Tribe committed to reflection. A Tribe willing to have the hard conversations. A Tribe choosing relationship over transaction. If you’re longing for leadership that feels human, a life that feels whole, and a community that reminds you that transformation is never a solo act—you’re in the right place. It takes a Tribe. And transformation begins beneath the transaction.