Gut + Science Nikki (Lewallen) Gregory

Wanting to make people feel like who they are and what they do matters is common sense, but not common practice.
Zach Mercurio is an author, keynote speaker, consultant, and researcher specializing in purposeful leadership, meaningful work, mattering, and positive organizational development. In this episode, Zach joins us to share the data that proves mattering is a primal need that never goes away but is often overlooked. Listen in to learn simple, actionable practices you can use to make your team members feel noticed, affirmed, and needed. If you can do that, you can create highly effective work environments rooted in trust and connection.
Book Recommendation:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Additional Resources:
Learn more about the PeopleForward Network: www.peopleforwardnetwork.com

Katherine Coble is a champion of effective communication within organizations and has remarkable insights into enhancing the role of frontline supervisors. She joins Nikki to delve into the nuances of effective leadership and communication. We all acknowledge the impact that frontline leaders have, but if they were given the right tools and support, can they influence the employee experience even more positively? Katherine insists they can. Together, they will demystify how to shift focus from task-oriented to people-oriented mindsets, how critical is communication in building strong relationships, and what is required in nurturing these frontline warriors for better organizational success.

Additional Resources:
Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn
Learn more about Borshoff
"Six Types of Working Genius" by Patrick Lencioni

Renée Smith believes that when leaders embrace love, they can create meaningful and transformative work experiences. In this episode, she takes us on a journey, asking us to remember our best team experiences and the feelings that came with them. She shares stories from research interviews and workshops, where individuals describe being part of high-performing teams that fostered love, respect, and belonging. She shares inspiring examples of how even a small group of people can become catalysts for change within their teams and organizations. If you're ready to transform your workplace and create a more loving and human-centered environment, then this episode is for you!
Additional Resources:
Connect with Renée on LinkedIn
Learn more about a Human Workplace
Thrive Assessment
Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network

In this episode of Gut+Science, Nikki sits down with Matt Kistler, an expert in mergers and acquisitions and the overseer of Alera Group's incredible growth journey. Matt shares the importance of finding individuals who align with a company's culture, mission, and vision. As part of Alera Group, a People First Holistic insurance agency, Matt emphasizes the significance of building a strong culture centered around collaboration. Through engaging storytelling, Matt narrates two impactful stories that showcase the power of collaboration and equity ownership within Alera Group. He challenges leaders to step out of their comfort zones and take risks in telling their own stories to promote a company's culture. Tune in as they dive deep into the world of mergers and acquisitions, building a strong culture, and inspiring others through storytelling.


Additional Resources:
Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
Learn more about Alera Group, Inc.

Jennifer Chapman, founder of Just Commit Coaching joins Nikki to share her inspiring journey and how a life-changing event propelled her down a new path. They discuss the importance of "walking the walk" as a leader, the power of self-awareness, and the barriers that prevent leaders from embracing growth. Tune in as they explore the role of empathy, emotional intelligence, and continuous self-reflection in becoming the best leader possible. Get ready for an enlightening and impactful discussion that will inspire you to make positive changes in your own life and leadership style. Let's dive in!

Additional Resources: 
Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn
Schedule a time with Jennifer

Stephen Shedletzky is a Keynote Speaker and the Author of Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up. He joins Nikki Lewallen Gregory to share why leaders should ask themselves two vital questions: "Is it safe?" and "Is it worth it?" to build an environment where open communication thrives. He also reveals the pillars of creating a speak-up culture: psychological safety and the perception that speaking up is worthwhile. Together, they will explore the impact of leadership on organizational culture and discover practical strategies to encourage and reward speaking up. Stay tuned for a captivating conversation that will inspire you to foster a culture of open communication and empower those around you to find their voice.

Additional Resources:
Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Connect with Stephen (Shed) Shedletzky on LinkedIn
How to Create A Speak-Up Culture Episode
Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up
Learn more about Shed Inspires