Check-In with Jason Lauritsen

Jason Lauritsen
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A weekly podcast exploring how to create a more human work experience through the power of relationship and connection. Host Jason Lauritsen interviews those HR executives and thought leaders who are paving the way towards a better future of work.

  1. What Does It Take to Build a Values-Driven Culture? with Shane Jackson

    OCT 21

    What Does It Take to Build a Values-Driven Culture? with Shane Jackson

    "The essence of what we do is making sure that people all over the country, in all 50 states, when they're in a moment where they need care, medical care, there are the right caregivers in the right place at the right moment." - Shane Jackson ** Join Jason for a compelling conversation with Shane Jackson, President of Jackson Healthcare, a dynamic leader at the helm of one of America’s most recognized healthcare workforce organizations. He is an author of two influential books and the leader of an organization celebrated for its workplace culture.  In this episode, Jason and Shane delve deep into the work of building cultures that truly attract and retain talent. Together, they unpack the realities behind “purpose-driven” workplaces, clarify the vital role of authentic leadership, and share practical wisdom about embedding values at the center of organizational life. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include: 👉 Leaders have a disproportionate influence on culture; how they treat others sets the expectation for everyone else. 👉 Purpose can’t be fabricated or performed. Real engagement comes when leaders clearly articulate their authentic purpose and allow people to self-select in. 👉 Codifying a culture through values and beliefs isn’t enough, they must be modeled by leaders and reinforced consistently, down to who gets hired and fired. 👉 The most effective (and hardest) tool for keeping values central: holding people accountable, even if it means walking away from someone who isn’t a cultural fit. ** Connect with Shane: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanejacksonculture/ Website: https://shanejackson.com/ ** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...   **   Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

    45 min
  2. Asking Better Questions to Be a Great Leader with Topaz Adizes

    OCT 7

    Asking Better Questions to Be a Great Leader with Topaz Adizes

    "𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯." - Topaz Adizes ** Join Jason for a deeply insightful conversation with Topaz Adizes, Emmy-winning filmmaker, author, and the founder of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio renowned for its innovative approaches to exploring human connection. In this episode, Jason and Topaz explore how understanding the patterns of meaningful connection so vital in our personal lives can transform the way we lead, manage, and design experiences at work. Topaz brings a unique perspective to the intersection of storytelling, experience architecture, and workplace relationships. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include: 👉 Why leaders must shift from having all the answers to becoming guides who facilitate curiosity and growth within their teams. 👉 The vital importance of acknowledging power dynamics by stating your intention as a leader, not just your agenda, to encourage authentic participation. 👉 Why leaders must shift from having all the answers to becoming guides who facilitate curiosity and growth within their teams. 👉 How the right connective questions at work, crafted for the unique “and” of a workplace context, unlock empathy, understanding, and shared meaning, even amid conflict or difference. ** Connect with Topaz: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/topazadizes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_skindeep/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSkinDeep ** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...   **   Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

    51 min
  3. Using Creative Benefits to Scale Culture with Jessica Adams

    SEP 30

    Using Creative Benefits to Scale Culture with Jessica Adams

    "𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳?" - Jessica Adams ** Join Jason for an invigorating conversation with Jessica Adams, Chief People and Culture Officer at The Krazy Coupon Lady, a forward-thinking HR leader recognized for her expertise in scaling teams, building culture, and driving retention in fully remote organizations. Jason and Jessica unpack the power of modern benefits, discuss building connected remote teams, and explore how intentional HR strategies can transform the employee experience from onboarding to ongoing engagement. Together, they dive deep into how HR professionals can think beyond checklists and compliance to craft cultures employees genuinely love. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include: 👉 Small, creative perks can have an outsized impact on engagement and retention. 👉 Benefits are more than just cost and utilization; they’re culture carriers that shape how employees feel about work, even if rarely used. 👉 Providing flexible, supportive work environments complete with office stipends, asynchronous communication, and local volunteering, empowers people to show up as their best selves. 👉 Communication is essential; regularly gathering employees’ feedback ensures your benefit offerings match people’s real needs and aspirations. ** Connect with Jessica: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalgadams/ ** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c... ** Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

    38 min
  4. How to be a Caring Leader with Joe Dicianno

    SEP 16

    How to be a Caring Leader with Joe Dicianno

    "𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯." - Joe Dicianno ** Join Jason for a compelling conversation with Joe Dicianno, Director of Talent Management and Organizational Development at UPMC and a Professor of HR People Analytics at the University of Pittsburgh. Joe shared how leaders can create more human-connected, engaging workplaces by demonstrating genuine care for their employees. His frontline work in healthcare (one of the most challenging leadership arenas) and his book, A Busy Leader’s Guide to Caring Leadership, uniquely position him to break down what it means to lead with care in every context. Together, they explore what it really takes to build human-centered workplaces where people feel recognized, appreciated, and genuinely supported. They break down both the day-to-day challenges and the powerful impact of leading with care. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include: 👉 Caring leadership is about helping people become the best version of themselves, for themselves, not just for the organization. 👉 Trust, psychological safety, and performance all rest on a foundation of care. If people feel cared for, engagement and retention soar. 👉 Caring leadership is accessible to everyone; it costs nothing and isn’t limited by your boss or your org chart. It starts with your daily choices. 👉 Managers can operationalize care through consistent small habits: knowing team members’ names, asking about their lives, and making time for true human connection, not just ticking boxes. *** Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dicianno-ph-d-mba-ab822668/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joedicianno/ *** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c... *** Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: / @jasonlauritsenvideo   LinkedIn: / jasonlauritsen Instagram:  / jasonlauritsen

    45 min
  5. From Recruiter to People Partner: Evolving HR in a People-First Workplace with Ross Hecox.

    SEP 2

    From Recruiter to People Partner: Evolving HR in a People-First Workplace with Ross Hecox.

    "𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘱𝘶𝘵, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤." - Ross Hecox *** Join Jason Lauritsen for a compelling episode as he welcomes Ross Hecox, Chief People Officer at Synergy ECP. Ross discussed innovative approaches to building people-centric workplaces and shared practical strategies for creating connection and a great employee experience even in highly constrained environments.   Jason and Ross explored the evolution of recruiting into a more human-centered role through the idea of People Partners. Together, they unpacked how this approach challenges traditional HR models and could reshape employee experience, leadership effectiveness, and the future of work.   Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include: 👉 People Partners extend their care well beyond the offer letter, acting as a bridge between employees and managers to foster understanding and trust. 👉By knowing employees’ stories, needs, and motivators, people partners can deliver resources and encouragement that matter most, fueling both growth and retention. 👉 An innovative perspective is shared on navigating the complexities of federal contracting—such as highly restricted work environments and fragmented cultures—while still delivering a strong employee experience. 👉 Unique challenges of supporting employees working remotely across diverse client sites with limited communication, as well as creative strategies to close those gaps. 👉 How investing in deep, ongoing relationships with employees boosts retention, psychological safety, and referrals.   ***   Ross Hecox has built a reputation as a people‑centric leader who blends HR expertise, innovative founder drive, and people-focused leadership to create workplaces that thrive. At Synergy ECP and beyond, he’s recognized for turning empathy and purpose into measurable growth and engagement, always with an eye on the long game.   Connect with Ross: Website: www.synergyecp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosshecox/   *** Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity.   ***   JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...   *** Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: a...

    46 min
  6. Key Skills for the Modern CHRO with Kathy Claytor

    AUG 12

    Key Skills for the Modern CHRO with Kathy Claytor

    “Oftentimes in HR, we are looking at and supporting others. We don’t pay attention to kind of what we need for ourselves... So I would say ask for what you want.” - Kathy Claytor *** In this episode, Kathy Claytor, a long time CHRO at multiple organizations, opens up about her career journey from her “origin story” as an accidental HR pro to leading global HR transformations. She reveals why she believes now is a pivotal time for HR’s impact. Together, Jason and Kathy unpack the changing demands of the CHRO role, mentorship, and how technology and AI are reshaping the work of people leaders everywhere. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include: 👉 Be intentional about mentorship, identify and invite those you admire to share their wisdom (and don’t be afraid to start with a simple coffee ask). 👉 Modern CHROs need financial savvy, business strategy awareness, and a commitment to becoming voracious learners, beyond the traditional HR practices. 👉 Data proficiency and tech skills are table stakes, but the real value-add? Learning to influence across the enterprise, especially when helping steer AI and digital adoption beyond the HR function. 👉 Advocate for yourself as fiercely as you advocate for others. Don’t assume leaders know your ambitions. Raise your hand! *** Kathy Claytor has built a career defined by leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to advancing the human resources profession. As an accomplished Chief Human Resources Officer and the current Board Chair at HRCI, she has become a trusted voice in shaping the future of HR. Her professional journey spans influential roles at organizations such as Delta Dental, Northwinds Technology, and One Mind Health India. Connect with Kathy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyclaytor/ *** Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity *** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f *** Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

    50 min
  7. Unlocking the Potential of Reluctant Leaders with Will Matthews

    JUL 29

    Unlocking the Potential of Reluctant Leaders with Will Matthews

    Join Jason for an eye-opening and hopeful conversation with Will Matthews, the Director of Learning and Engagement (aka “Team Hearts and Minds”) at G Adventures.   Will shares offers fresh insights on how we can better recognize and activate the hidden leaders on our teams. Together, Jason and Will dive deep into the origins and nuances of “reluctant leaders”, those talented individuals who opt out of leadership because of limiting stories or outdated models of what a leader should be.   Key highlights from the episode include: 👉 True leadership isn’t about being loud, social, or front-and-center; it’s about making others better, going first, and creating space for growth.   👉 Managers can unlock incredible results by seeking out reluctant leaders, investing in human-centered development for all, and recognizing that leadership is a collective, evolving practice.   👉 Discover how G Adventures uses innovative programs and clear messaging to ensure every team member, from office to remote guide, feels empowered to lead and connect.   👉 Learn concrete techniques for identifying overlooked talent, inviting introverted and non-traditional employees into growth pathways, and reframing “leadership” as essential human skills.   ***   Connect with Will: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wbmatthews/ ***   JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f   ***   Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/   #Leadership #PeopleFirst #CompanyCulture #FeedbackLoop #WorkplaceExcellence

    49 min
  8. What Does It Mean to Lead with Fairness? with Jessica Winder

    JUL 15

    What Does It Mean to Lead with Fairness? with Jessica Winder

    Join Jason for a provocative episode as he welcomes Jessica Winder, Senior Vice President of People, Colab Software. She brings a fresh, no-nonsense perspective to employee experience and workplace culture.   Jason and Jessica explore what it means to lead with fairness. Together, they unpack why fairness isn’t about treating everyone the same, how transparency fits into the equation, and what it takes to balance people and performance. It’s a real-world conversation for anyone who’s ever wrestled with making the right call when the answer isn’t black and white.   Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include: 👉 Fairness isn’t about treating everyone the same. It’s about making consistent decisions that align with your values, even when you can’t share all the details. 👉 Lack of transparency breeds mistrust: Overshare what you can, set clear expectations, and be honest when you can’t disclose everything. 👉 Employee perceptions of fairness are shaped as much by how you treat them as by the outcomes you deliver. 👉 Employees feeling unfairly treated should clarify their concerns, gather specifics, and approach the conversation thoughtfully to drive productive dialogue.     ***   Connect with Jessica: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadwinder/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddengemcoach/ Website: https://www.hiddengemcareercoaching.com/   ***   JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f   ***   Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/   #Leadership #PeopleFirst #CompanyCulture #FeedbackLoop #WorkplaceExcellence

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A weekly podcast exploring how to create a more human work experience through the power of relationship and connection. Host Jason Lauritsen interviews those HR executives and thought leaders who are paving the way towards a better future of work.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Lauritsen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Jason Lauritsen
  • Show Website
    Check-In with Jason Lauritsen