Culture Crush Business Podcast Kindra Maples

In this episode of the Culture Crush Business Podcast, Elena Joy Thurston and Gabe Hagen discuss the critical importance of fostering inclusive workplace cultures. They highlight the necessity of inclusive leadership in today's diverse workforce, stressing the significance of small changes to enhance belonging and engagement.
Overall, the episode underscores the importance of cultivating inclusive cultures in corporate settings to attract diverse talent, with a focus on communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Brick Road Coffee, exemplifies a business seamlessly integrating quality service with a commitment to community values. Known for its exceptional coffee and inclusive atmosphere, Brick Road Coffee serves as a community hub where diversity is celebrated and individuals are welcomed.
Elena Joy Thurston, a renowned Diversity & Allyship speaker, shares her personal journey as a Mormon mother of four who lost her marriage, church, and community upon coming out as a lesbian. Through transformative experiences and communication strategies, Elena Joy aims to increase safety and profit in organizations by fostering inclusion, safety, and belonging for all employees.
This episode emphasizes the imperative of fostering inclusive workplace cultures through leadership, communication, and continuous improvement. By spotlighting the success of Brick Road Coffee and Elena Joy Experience, it underscores the transformative impact of prioritizing diversity and inclusion in business, both for societal progress and organizational success.
 

In this episode of the Culture Crush Business podcast, host Kindra Maples and guest co-host, Karen Nowicki, delve into the significance of vulnerability in personal and workplace contexts with guests Mathew Blades and Eric Brooker.
Mathew Blades, a former award-winning radio host with 27 years of experience in the broadcast industry, shares his journey of transitioning to podcasting and speaking engagements. His podcast, "Learn From People Who Lived It," and speaking series aim to engage audiences on a real, grounded, and inspirational level. Mathew encourages audiences worldwide to find self-care strategies and embrace being transitional characters. His talks have been well-received in various organizations, including Banner Health and Keller Williams.
Eric Brooker, a dynamic author, keynote speaker, and business leader from Minnesota, shares insights from his book, "You Are Enough: Overcoming Lifelong Doubts of Worthiness." Drawing from personal experiences, Eric empowers readers to embrace their inherent worth and conquer self-doubt. In addition to his successful career in the technology industry, Eric hosts the acclaimed podcast "Counsel Culture," exploring culture and leadership to guide listeners towards personal and professional development. Through his work, Eric continues to inspire and empower others, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to engage with his content.
Together with the hosts, Mathew and Eric discuss the importance of initiating difficult conversations, prioritizing self-care in high-stakes jobs, and fostering resilience and empathy in workplace cultures. Their personal stories and insights highlight the power of vulnerability in inspiring others to embrace their worth and achieve personal growth.
This episode is sponsored by Gateway Bank, a community bank in Arizona that specializes in serving small businesses across the Valley and the country.
Whether you need a loan or banking services for your business, Gateway is here to help. Visit gcbaz.com/culturecrush for details and a free consultation with bank President James Christensen.
All loans subject to approval. Member FDIC.
For a more detailed breakdown of this podcast episode, our guests, our sponsors, and more please visit www.culturecrushbusiness.com/

In the latest episode of the Culture Crush Business Podcast, host Kindra Maples and guest co-host James Christensen discuss military culture, personal values, and high-performance leadership with esteemed guests Waldo Waldman and Dan Clark. The conversation explores resilience, identity, and the role belief plays in shaping organizational culture, offering actionable advice for fostering positive and growth-centric environments.
Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman:
Waldo Waldman is a Hall of Fame leadership speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author. With experience as a combat decorated F-16 fighter pilot and expertise in change management and peak performance, Waldman advocates for collaborative cultures built on trust and courage. His keynotes emphasize the importance of overcoming obstacles and embracing teamwork to achieve peak performance.
Dan Clark:
Dan Clark is a New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, and leadership coach. Overcoming a paralyzing injury, Clark's remarkable journey to success has earned him accolades as one of the top motivational speakers globally. With experience speaking to diverse audiences worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies and combat troops, Clark's insights focus on personal development, resilience, and high performance.
James Christensen, President of Gateway Bank:
James Christensen is the President of Gateway Bank in Mesa, Arizona, with over 35 years of experience in the banking industry. A champion of small businesses and marginalized groups, Christensen is known for his leadership in driving financial health and community advocacy. Through his work, he inspires individuals to improve their well-being and contribute positively to their communities.
Thank you for our Sponsor! This episode is sponsored by Gateway Bank, a community bank in Arizona that specializes in serving small businesses across the Valley and the country.
Whether you need a loan or banking services for your business, Gateway is here to help. Visit gcbaz.com/culturecrush for details and a free consultation with bank President James Christensen.
All loans subject to approval. Member FDIC.
 

In this episode of the Culture Crush Business podcast, Kindra Maples, the host, and guests Stephen Smith and Jay Rayhons explore the multifaceted concept of culture. Defining culture as the shared rhythm and essence when people come together, they draw parallels between sports, business, and the dynamic nature of jazz music. 
The conversation delves into Jay Rayhons' approach to financial work, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients' values, and Stephen Smith provides insights on maintaining strong team connections in remote settings, highlighting consistency in leadership and the significance of trust within organizations.
Joshua Development is a strengths-based coaching & consulting firm. We believe that leadership is best defined as crafting the environment in which excellence happens.
JW is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and a LifeScript Learning Certified Facilitator. He is commonly described as authentic, growth-oriented, and values-based.
Follow Joshua Development on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Reworc is a platform that helps you see and plan for the future of work, today. Reworc’s organizational MRI helps provide leaders and employees with the information they need to make work work.
Stephen Smith is the VP of people analytics and insights at Reworc where he leads the research, strategy, and product development functions.
Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn.
Thank you for our Sponsor! This episode is sponsored by Gateway Bank, a community bank in Arizona that specializes in serving small businesses across the Valley and the country.
When you work with Gateway, you don’t have to call an 800 number for support, or submit your loan application and wait weeks or months for an answer. You get fast, personal service from a team who knows you and cares about you.
When Gateway was founded in 2007, the team had a vision of building a hometown bank that prioritizes people over profits. Over 15 years later, they’re proud to still be one of the highest-performing AND highest-rated community banks around.
Whether you need a loan or banking services for your business, Gateway is here to help. Visit gcbaz.com/culturecrush for details and a free consultation with bank President James Christensen.
All loans subject to approval. Member FDIC.
 

 
This Podcast Episode is on “from the vault.” This episode has a very personal side and connection for Kindra and her guest, Jean Brunson. 
 
In this podcast episode, Kindra dives into a candid conversation about the evolution of the podcast and its focus on improving company culture. They reflect on how Jean was the one that pushed Kindra towards a more inclusive approach, emphasizing the significance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB).
 
The conversation touches on the challenge of addressing diversity and inclusion in the workplace, acknowledging the reluctance some individuals may have in expressing their feelings or concerns due to fear of repercussions. The hosts highlight the need for safe spaces to have open conversations about diversity, recognizing the unique struggles faced by different communities.
 
As the discussion weaves through personal experiences and the impact of diversity in various settings, it emphasizes the multifaceted nature of company culture. They share insights on how the podcast evolved to embrace a broader definition of company culture, extending beyond big corporations to encompass small businesses and diverse groups.
 
The episode also delves into the significance of Juneteenth, tying it to the broader conversation on diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The hosts discuss the recent federal recognition of Juneteenth as a holiday and reflect on the importance of acknowledging historical events that have shaped the experiences of black communities.
 
Throughout the episode, there is an emphasis on the power of conversations, the importance of listening, and the need to create spaces where diverse voices can be heard. Kindra and Jean share their personal growth through this journey, illustrating the transformative impact of intentional efforts to embrace diversity and foster inclusivity in both professional and personal spheres.
 
Thank you Jean Brunson for your contribution to the growth of the Culture Crush Business and Podcast. 
 
A little about Jean Brunson: 
Accomplished veteran of the United States Army with a Master of Social Work Degree and 19+ years of experience within the military community, as well as expertise in program and curriculum development, mental health, veteran’s advocacy, and case management.
 
She is a superior coach and mental health subject matter expert capable of collaborating with diverse populations. Dependable self-starter and valuable team-player that has proven to be an advocate for change and support to the community. 
 
A little about the host, Kindra Maples: 
 
Kindra Maples is spartan racer, past animal trainer, previous magician’s assistant, and has a weakness for Oreo Cookies. Her journey working with people actually started working with animals as a teenager (don’t worry we won’t go that far back for her bio).
 
She worked for over 15 years in the zoo industry working with animals and the public. Her passion for working with animals shifted into working with people in education, operations and leadership roles. From there her passion of leadership and helping people develop has continued to grow.
 
Then came the opportunity to lead the Culture Crush Business Podcast and she jumped on it. Leadership, growth, and strong company cultures are all areas that Kindra is interested in diving into further.
 
About Culture Crush At Culture Crush, culture isn’t just a corporate buzzword. It’s a key factor that can either boost your company or lead to its failure.
 
As a growing company:
Culture Crush Business is your hub for company culture resources. With deep cultural insights and years of expertise, we evaluate your company’s needs and connect you with the precise resources to cultivate a thriving culture.
We work with CEOs, founders, HR Directors, or Culture Leaders of companies or teams, who value company culture and understand its impact on their business

In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Lindsay, a seasoned leader with almost 17 years of dedicated service at Desert Financial Credit Union, and Nikki, a passionate advocate for employee engagement and the driving force behind PeopleForward Network.
This conversation, as the others that we have, was open, authentic and natural. The conversation led to examples of both companies leading in a human centered and people focused direction.
Lindsay highlighted the importance Desert Financial places on employee satisfaction and creating a workplace culture that empowers and values its staff. This commitment translates into exceptional service for members, where every interaction is more than a transaction. The organization focuses on connection, community, and service to others.
Nikki, from PeopleForward Network, provided insights into their mission of sharing resources and insights with a global community of people-first minded leaders. From podcast production to growth consulting, PeopleForward Network collaborates with partners to make a meaningful impact on business development and marketing.
These women are making waves in their industries in order to build companies with great cultures. If you are looking for examples, stories, and support for growing your company culture, then this is an episode for you to listen to.






Nikki Lewallen Gregory believes that the workplace is a mission field to use our strengths and maximize our lives.
Nikki’s passion is devoted to employee engagement/employee experience; to help all people experience meaningful work.
Nikki lives in Indianapolis with her husband David, 4 step sons and English Bulldog, Cardi, who she is currently training to skateboard.
Nikki is involved in many philanthropic organizations as contribution and service are her WHY.




Lindsay Martin is a seasoned leader in the financial industry, with a dedicated history at Desert Financial Credit Union. With nearly 17 years of unwavering commitment to the credit union, Lindsay has consistently demonstrated her passion for serving both members and the community at large. In her current role as Market Manager, she oversees the North Peoria market, managing multiple branch locations.

Throughout her career, Lindsay has honed her expertise in financial services and has become a respected leader known for her ability to build and lead successful teams. Her commitment to excellence is evident in the positive impact she has had on the credit union’s operations, as well as the lasting relationships she has cultivated with both colleagues and members.
Lindsay’s professional journey is marked by a steadfast dedication to servant leadership and service, a passion for community engagement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her leadership within Desert Financial Credit Union is a testament to her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional financial solutions while enriching the lives of those she serves.








About Culture Crush
At Culture Crush, culture isn’t just a corporate buzzword. It’s a key factor that can either boost your company or lead to its failure.
We’re culture consultants, with a focus on leadership, appreciation, communication, processes, accessibility, mental health, diversity, inclusion, and creating a dynamic workplace.

As a growing company:
Culture Crush Business is your hub for company culture resources. With deep cultural insights and years of expertise, we evaluate your company’s needs and connect you with the precise resources to cultivate a thriving culture.
We work with CEOs, founders, HR Directors, or Culture Leaders of companies or teams, who value company culture and understand its impact on their business success. With Culture Crush you’ll learn how to transform your workplace into a place of unity, efficiency, and growth. Don’t just fix your company culture – transform it with Culture Crush