The People Dividend Podcast

Mike Horne, Ph.D

Welcome to The People Dividend Podcast, a platform where meaningful dialogues, diverse perspectives, and inspiring stories come together to redefine the world of human capital. Every week, we sit down with industry experts, thought leaders and innovative professionals across various sectors to discuss the most pressing issues concerning people and work. Our goal is to change the narrative of business, emphasizing that people are not just resources but the most valuable assets who drive growth, innovation, and success.

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 086: How to Navigate Career Change with Confidence

    Feeling stuck in your career or unsure about your next move? In this episode of The People Dividend, host Mike Horne sits down with career coach Michelle Schafer to explore what it really takes to make a meaningful career change. From aligning your work with your values to using storytelling to stand out on your resume and LinkedIn profile, Michelle offers actionable strategies to help you pivot with purpose and confidence. Whether you’re launching a job search, contemplating a career shift, or redefining success on your terms, this episode is packed with career coaching wisdom to help you move forward with clarity. What You’ll Learn: How to align your career with your personal values for lasting fulfillment Why storytelling is your greatest asset on your resume and LinkedIn How to turn career pivots into proof of resilience, growth, and value Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike   Learn More about MIchelle Schaefer: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/

    32 min
  2. SEP 23

    Episode 085: How Purpose and Psychological Safety Drive Organizational Change

    “When we start to share our story about our personal purpose, all of a sudden, the commonalities actually rise up. The more human we become.” – Gad Nestel In this episode, host Mike Horne sits down with Gad Nestel, change agent and founder of Monadnock Consulting, for a powerful conversation on leading through uncertainty with empathy, purpose, and clarity. Together, they unpack the leadership trends reshaping teams today, why psychological safety is the foundation of high performance, and how humanistic values can guide sustainable organizational change. Gad shares coaching insights, stories from the field, and his experience helping leaders and teams navigate transitions with courage and connection.   Key Takeaways:   Why understanding your team’s purpose and function is key to success How psychological safety and inclusion foster innovation and trust The impact of uncertainty on performance and how to manage it How humanistic values like kindness and respect support lasting change Why building real relationships in teams leads to deeper collaboration Links:    Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Gad Nestel    gad.nestel@monadnockllc.com 415.686.4083 https:// www.linkedin.com/in/gad -nestel-0884021/ monadnockllc.com

    29 min
  3. SEP 16

    Episode 084: Break Out of the Crowd: Job Search Tips to Build Career Velocity and Get Hired

    “In order to not feel stuck in the future, you cannot wait to get plucked out of obscurity into your next job—unless you have an incredible team of mentors and sponsors who are always advocating for you.” - Gina RileyIn this episode of The People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne welcomes back career transition expert Gina Riley, author of Qualified Isn’t Enough. Together, they explore how to stand out in today’s AI-powered job market, land your next role faster, and build lasting career momentum.   Gina introduces her nine-step model for building career velocity and explains why being qualified isn’t enough anymore—you need a clear message, a compelling story, and a strategy that gets you noticed by hiring managers.   What You’ll Learn:   How to craft a personal brand that sets you apart from other candidates Why mastering interview storytelling can help you win the job How to define and communicate your unique value proposition What it takes to build career velocity in a noisy, competitive job market How to boost your executive presence and become known for your expertise Why thought leadership is the new differentiator in professional growth   Resources & Links:    Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Gina Riley:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/ https://www.talencegroup.com/

    22 min
  4. SEP 2

    Episode 082: Unlocking Human Potential at Work: How Leaders Fuel Growth

    “You have to help your leaders understand that the organization is not a machine. The organization is a living organism.” - Ernesto Gomez   In this episode of The People Dividend, host Mike Horne sits down with Ernesto J. Gomez, executive leader and author of Regrowth, to explore how companies can reignite growth by scaling human potential—not just systems. Together, they discuss what really stalls organizational momentum, why stewardship beats leadership in today’s world of work, and how embracing a humanistic, people-first approach to leadership creates a thriving culture of innovation and sustainable growth. Whether you're in HR, talent development, or executive leadership, this conversation offers actionable strategies to help your team unlock performance, drive engagement, and view your organization as a living, evolving system. Key Points:   Why a humanistic approach to leadership creates lasting results How to unlock employee potential and boost workplace productivity The difference between leadership and stewardship—and why it matters Practical steps for HR and business leaders to prevent stalled growth Why treating your organization like a living system leads to better decisions   Links:    Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Ernesto Gomez:  Website: https://aspenmindset1.com/ Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernesto-g%C3%B3mez-arzapalo-8783ab43/ Ernesto’s Book Regrowth on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Regrowth-Organizations-Overcome-Unlocking-Potential/dp/1959009176/

    26 min
  5. AUG 26

    Episode 081: How People-First Communication Transforms Organizations

    “Even if an airplane can go at a thousand kilometers an hour, we're still really interested as humans in how fast a human can run.” – Nellie Wartoft In this episode of The People Dividend podcast, host Mike Horne speaks with Nellie Wartoft, CEO and founder of Tigerhall, about the future of organizational communication, the real drivers of change management, and what it means to lead with a people-first mindset. Nellie shares her journey from Sweden to Singapore and her mission to disrupt traditional internal communications strategies. Together, they explore how to engage employees during change initiatives, why generic frameworks fail, and how companies can focus on outcomes over remote work policies. With the rise of AI and remote teams, Nellie offers strategic guidance for people and culture leaders on tailoring communication, understanding employee needs, and driving meaningful, measurable transformation.   Key Points:   Traditional internal communications have alarmingly low engagement rates—leaders must rethink their approach. Outcome-based strategies are more effective than rigid remote work policies in driving transformation. People-first communication means understanding your audience and solving real business problems—not just applying generic frameworks.   Links:    Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Guest Links – Nellie Wartoft linkedin.com/in/nelliewartoft tigerhall.com

    26 min
  6. AUG 19

    Episode 80: How Improv Builds Better Leaders and a Positive Workplace Culture

    Can joy actually make you a better leader? Joel Zeff thinks so—and he’s got the stories (and laughs) to prove it. In this episode of The People Dividend podcast, host Mike Horne sits down with Joel Zeff—keynote speaker, humorist, and author—to explore how joy, humor, and improvisation can transform your leadership style and elevate workplace culture. Drawing on years of experience working with teams across industries, Joel shares how improv principles help leaders embrace change, stay engaged, and lead with empathy and resilience. He emphasizes that creating a positive workplace starts with supporting your team, asking what they need to succeed, and fueling their passion through appreciation. This episode is packed with laughs, leadership wisdom, and actionable tips for improving team engagement, communication, and culture—no matter your industry or leadership level.   Key Points: Improv is a powerful leadership tool that teaches adaptability, collaboration, and presence in the moment. Positive support and appreciation are critical to building high-performing, passionate teams. Great leaders ask, “What do you need to succeed?”—and then actively support their team’s success. Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Joel Zeff LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joelzeff   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiOqpNYF4qZZoYByIlLGuog   Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394278954   https://www.joelzeff.com

    26 min
  7. AUG 12

    Episode 079: The Power of Mentorship at Work: How Midlife Leaders Give Back

    What if midlife isn't a crisis, but a powerful opportunity to give back, grow, and lead the next generation? In this episode of The People Dividend podcast, host Mike Horne welcomes Dr. Deborah Heiser, applied developmental psychologist and founder of The Mentor Project, to explore the powerful role of mentorship in the workplace and the concept of generativity in midlife. Dr. Heiser challenges outdated views of aging by framing midlife as a time of leadership, contribution, and fulfillment. She explains how organizations can tap into the value of midlife employees by supporting their desire to give back through mentorship. The episode explores the importance of organic, meaningful connections between mentors and mentees—and how HR leaders can create environments that nurture employee development, positive aging, and purpose at work. Whether you're an executive, HR professional, or mid-career leader, this episode offers actionable insights on mentorship, retention, and workplace wellbeing.   Key Points:   Generativity is a natural and powerful stage in midlife where people seek to give back to others and find deeper meaning. Mentorship thrives when driven by intrinsic motivation and genuine connection—not just formal structure. Coaching and mentoring serve different purposes but are both essential tools for personal and professional development.   Links:    Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike     Learn More about Deborah Heiser http://www.mentorproject.org/, https://deborahheiser.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-heiser-phd/

    32 min
4.8
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to The People Dividend Podcast, a platform where meaningful dialogues, diverse perspectives, and inspiring stories come together to redefine the world of human capital. Every week, we sit down with industry experts, thought leaders and innovative professionals across various sectors to discuss the most pressing issues concerning people and work. Our goal is to change the narrative of business, emphasizing that people are not just resources but the most valuable assets who drive growth, innovation, and success.

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