Culture Conversations

Craig Forman

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Culture Conversations

Culture Conversations with Craig Forman: Real Discussions with The People Leading the Way to Make Work 'Work' for Everyone

SEP 5

Reimagining Organizational Structures and Team Cohesion with Dr. Bobbi Wegner

Episode Summary: In this episode of Culture Conversations, Craig Forman sits down with Dr. Bobbi Wegner, the CEO of Groops, an innovative platform designed to build deeper connections within teams. Bobbi is also a respected author and lecturer of Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Harvard University. They dive into the complexities of human connection in the workplace, particularly in the post-COVID landscape. With over two years of specialized focus on helping organizations foster cohesion and teamwork, Bobbi shares her insights into the importance of building and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships at work. The conversation explores the challenges of remote work, the evolving dynamics of leadership, and how organizations can adapt to meet the changing needs of their teams. Key Topics Discussed: Human Connection in the Workplace: Bobbi discusses the impact of COVID-19 on workplace relationships and the increasing sense of disconnection many employees feel today. She highlights the importance of fostering strong interpersonal relationships for better quality of life and enhanced work outcomes. Balancing Remote Work with Connection: The duality of the benefits and drawbacks of remote work is explored, with Bobbi providing her thoughts on how organizations can maintain connection and cohesion even when teams are not physically together. The Role of Leadership and Power Dynamics: A deep dive into the differences between leadership and power within organizations, and how these concepts interact and evolve as structures become more fluid and less hierarchical. The Groops Approach: Bobbi shares how Groops is helping teams and leaders build deeper connections and why this work needs to be done over time rather than through one-off engagements. Organizational Structures: Craig and Bobbi discuss how different organizational structures impact team dynamics and the importance of aligning structure with both business and cultural objectives. Books and Resources Mentioned: Humanocracy by Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin Culture Code by Daniel Coyle The Social Brain by Robin Dunbar Relevant Links: Groops - Official Website Connect with Dr. Bobbi Wegner on LinkedIn Culture Conversations Host: Craig Forman is an organizational psychologist and founder of CultureC Consulting, dedicated to helping companies create better workplace cultures through strategic employee listening and engagement programs. Connect with Craig on LinkedIn or Email: Craig@culturecraig.com

43 min
AUG 22

Unleashing the Power of Play to Combat Burnout with Gary Ware

Episode Summary: In this episode of Culture Conversations, Craig Forman sits down with Gary Ware, a dynamic consultant and workshop facilitator who uses purposeful play to help organizations combat burnout and build resilience. Gary shares his unique approach to fostering creativity and connection within teams by integrating play into the workplace. The discussion delves into the current challenges facing organizations in 2024, including burnout and the complexities of remote work. Gary and Craig explore how leaders can redefine play to drive high performance, and the importance of human responsibility in setting boundaries and protecting well-being in a demanding work environment. Key Takeaways: Burnout and Resilience in 2024: Despite the advancements in workplace flexibility, many employees are still feeling burned out. Gary emphasizes the need to address this by rethinking how we work and interact. The Role of Play in Transformation: Gary explains how play can serve as a powerful tool for transformation in organizations, allowing teams to open up, shed egos, and tackle challenges more effectively. Redefining Play: Drawing on insights from *Prime to Perform*, Craig and Gary discuss the importance of play, not just as a fun activity, but as a critical component of flow and creativity in the workplace. Human Responsibility: The conversation highlights the role of leaders and employees in setting boundaries and protecting their well-being, emphasizing that organizations will naturally push for maximum efficiency unless humans intervene. Practical Tips for Managers: Gary offers simple, actionable advice for managers looking to create psychologically safe spaces and integrate more play into their teams’ routines. Relevant Links and References: Gary Ware’s Website: https://www.breakthroughplay.com Book Mentioned: Prime to Perform by Lindsay MacGregor and Neil Doshi Movie Mentioned: Soul by Pixar, directed by Pete Docter About Gary Ware: Gary Ware is a consultant and workshop facilitator who specializes in using play as a medium for organizational transformation. With over a decade of experience, Gary has helped numerous teams break through barriers, enhance creativity, and build resilience through his innovative approach. Connect with Gary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyware Instagram: @garyware Connect with Craig Forman: Website: https://www.culturecraig.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigforman

42 min
AUG 8

Embracing Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World with Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky

Episode Summary: In this episode of Culture Conversations, Craig Forman sits down with Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky, a renowned author and speaker on workplace culture and human connection. They delve into the challenges and opportunities of fostering meaningful connections in the modern workplace, especially in an era increasingly dominated by remote work and AI technology. Smiley emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human connection, the role of organizational culture, and the need for flexible, people-centric policies. Key Topics Discussed: The Importance of Human Connection: Smiley highlights the necessity of remembering the human element in the workplace, especially as technology and remote work become more prevalent. Balancing Flexibility and Connection: Exploring the dichotomy of enjoying remote work benefits while addressing the resulting disconnection and loneliness among employees. Organizational and Individual Roles: Discussing how both organizations and individuals can take responsibility for fostering a connected workplace. Designing for Connection: The concept of prioritizing human connection in all work environments—remote, hybrid, or in-person. Autonomy and Innovation: How giving employees more autonomy and ownership can lead to greater innovation and change. AI and the Future of Work: Smiley's perspective on AI's potential to improve work efficiency while emphasizing the critical need to reinvest the saved time back into people. Building Community: Insights from Craig’s experience in building the Culture First community and the importance of localizing leadership and topics within global frameworks. AI Ethics: The growing importance of AI ethics training and making principled decisions in the use of AI technologies. Relevant Links: Smiley’s Website: Explore Smiley’s work, download the free Workplace Belonging Toolkit, and sign up for his newsletter. LinkedIn: Connect with Smiley on LinkedIn for more insights and updates. Recommended Reading: Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg - An insightful book on the science of connection and effective communication. About Our Guest: Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky, a renowned workplace and connection expert, motivational speaker, and bestselling author. Smiley is best known for his impactful books such as "The Quarter-Life Breakthrough" and "Friendship in the Age of Loneliness," which have inspired countless individuals to find meaningful work and foster deeper connections in their lives. Smiley's work focuses on fostering workplace belonging, increasing employee engagement, and building high-performing teams. His insightful keynotes provide actionable strategies for leaders to attract and retain top talent by creating a culture of empathy, connection, and belonging. Smiley has spoken at numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Apple, Google, and Deloitte, and his TEDx talk on the quarter-life crisis has garnered over 1.5 million views. Smiley has a unique approach to creating inclusive workplaces, the challenges of modern work culture, and his strategies for building stronger human connections in the digital age. Host: Craig Forman, founder of CultureC Consulting, is an organizational psychologist and HR technology expert dedicated to improving workplace culture through employee listening and engagement programs. Connect with Us: Website: CultureC Consulting LinkedIn: Craig Forman Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss out on future episodes of Culture Conversations. Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

40 min
JUL 25

Transforming Organizational Culture Through Storytelling with Jerome Deroy

Episode Description: In this episode of Culture Conversations, I sit down with Jerome Deroy, the CEO of Narativ, Inc., to explore the transformative power of storytelling in organizational culture. Jerome shares his unique journey, from being handed a shoebox full of notes by the founders of Narativ, Inc. to revolutionizing the way companies use storytelling to enhance communication, employee engagement, and leadership development. Join us as we delve into: The intersection of AI and storytelling The critical role of storytelling in onboarding processes How to harness personal narratives to build a cohesive organizational culture The art of listening and its impact on storytelling Practical tips for leaders on leveraging stories to drive change Jerome’s expertise extends beyond Narativ as he lectures at Parsons New School of Design, teaching the art of storytelling. In this conversation, he provides actionable insights and real-world examples from his work with clients like CIGNA, Warby Parker, and Twitter. Whether you're a leader, manager, or simply passionate about the power of stories, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you transform your organizational culture. Key Takeaways: AI and Storytelling: Jerome discusses the evolving role of AI in storytelling and how it can enhance productivity and creativity. Storytelling in Onboarding: Learn how stories can significantly improve onboarding processes by creating connections and providing context. Cultural Alignment: Discover how storytelling can align employees with organizational values and foster a sense of belonging. Listening as a Skill: Jerome emphasizes the importance of listening in storytelling and how it can lead to more impactful narratives. Driving Change with Stories: Practical advice on using data and stories together to inspire and drive organizational change. Reference Links: Narativ, Inc. - Learn more about Jerome's company and their storytelling approach. Powered by Storytelling - A book by Narativ’s founder, Murray Nossel. The Danger of a Single Story - TED Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - A powerful talk on the importance of diverse perspectives in storytelling. Connect with Jerome Deroy: LinkedIn: Jerome Deroy Twitter: @JeromeDeroy Twitter: @CultureCraig Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Culture Conversations on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring more insightful conversations to you! #Storytelling #OrganizationalCulture #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #Onboarding #CultureConversations #AI #Narativ

43 min
JUL 11

Reimagining Employee Engagement: A Deep Dive with Kamaria Scott

Guest: Kamaria Scott Kamaria Scott is an experienced industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologist and a veteran in the field of employee engagement. With a career spanning over two decades, Kamaria has a deep understanding of the intricacies of workplace culture, employee engagement, and the essential role of managers in creating healthy and productive organizational environments. Episode Summary: In this episode, Craig Forman sits down with Kamaria to discuss the current state of employee engagement in 2024. They explore the minimal progress made over the years and dive into the psychological aspects of work, the evolving role of managers, and the importance of aligning individual and organizational values. The conversation provides valuable insights into creating meaningful work experiences and effective management practices. Key Points: State of Employee Engagement: Discussion on the progress of employee engagement over the past two decades, referencing Gallup's findings. Examination of the slight uptick during the pandemic and subsequent decline. Philosophical Agreement on Work: Importance of revisiting the psychological contract between employers and employees. - Need for clarity on what work should mean for individuals. Role of Managers vs. Leaders: Distinction between executives, leaders, and managers. Managers as both employees and leaders within organizations. Importance of supporting and developing managers. Personal Development and Self-Awareness: Encouraging employees to understand their goals and aspirations. Fostering growth through passion projects and aligning individual goals with organizational needs. Separating performance management from development conversations. Creating Win-Win Scenarios: Strategies for aligning company values with employee values. The role of managers in creating supportive and productive work environments. Resource Links: Research: Gallup 2024 State of the Global Workforce Report Books: "Hardwiring Excellence" by Quint Studer "Change the Culture, Change the Game" by Roger Connors and Tom Smith

38 min
MAY 9

Thriving Through Turbulence with Optimism and Grit - A Conversation With Anna Binder

Craig and Anna go deep into AI’s impact on skills and work culture, why flexibility and resilience are key to making it through these uncertain times, and Listen to hear more about: Why listening is crucial for organizational Change management How AI can help level up skills Why embracing mistakes is not only part of the journey but the opportunity to iterate and improve Anna Binder - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabinder/

37 min
APR 25

From Accountability to Community: Rethinking Workplace Culture and Engagement with Colin Mincy

Colin and Craig sit down to talk about inclusive leadership, building community, and the importance of empathy and understanding within HR. Listen to learn: Why accountability and shared responsibility are essential for effective decision-making and stakeholder engagement. How partnering with like-minded individuals can amplify the impact of efforts to improve workplace culture. Why Traditional organizational structures can lead to isolation and hurtful behavior. Colin Mincy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhoustonmincy

42 min
APR 11

Data, Decisions, and Drive: Guiding Organizations to Workplace Success

Craig and Gogi discuss all things data, from how it plays a pivotal role in organizational transformation and supports employee success to creating a purpose-driven environment to foster productivity and engagement. Learn more about: Why data-driven decision-making is essential for leadership What responsible use of data looks like and why it’s necessary for building trust and achieving strategic goals Hedonic and Eudaimonic happiness - the differences and the important role they play in purpose-driven work. Show Notes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gogianand https://positivepsychology.com/hedonic-vs-eudaimonic-wellbeing/

39 min

TRAILER

Culture Conversations Trailer

Dive into 'Culture Conversations,' where host Craig Forman, an Organizational Psychologist, explores the essence of thriving workspaces. This podcast uncovers the crucial role of culture in organizational success and employee engagement through insightful, unscripted discussions. 'Culture Conversations' sheds light on creating effective, human-centered workplaces, touching on organizational design, people analytics, and inclusivity. Ideal for leaders, HR professionals, and culture enthusiasts, this series is a beacon for anyone eager to contribute to a more engaging workplace. Join 'Culture Conversations' to be part of the journey toward work that truly works for everyone. Let’s redefine the future of work together.

Feb 29

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2 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Culture Conversations with Craig Forman: Real Discussions with The People Leading the Way to Make Work 'Work' for Everyone

Creator

Craig Forman
Years Active

2K
Episodes

14
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Culture Conversations