In this episode, Benny and Dennis sit down with author and workplace culture expert Tommie Jo Brode to discuss her book, Authentic Workplaces, and what it really takes to build trust, connection, and engagement inside today’s organizations.Tommie Jo shares practical insights on how leaders can move beyond surface-level culture initiatives and create workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to do their best work. The conversation explores how authenticity shows up in leadership, communication, and everyday decision-making—and why genuine culture is no longer a “nice to have,” but a business necessity.Whether you lead a growing small business, manage teams across locations, or serve as a fractional executive, this episode offers real-world ideas for creating stronger teams, healthier environments, and better business results through authentic leadership. Tommie Jo Brode is a respected employment law attorney, corporate consultant, and workplace strategist with over two decades of experience in legal compliance, risk management, and business leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Mathematics from Youngstown State University and a Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School. Licensed to practice law in Ohio, she has built a career advising organizations on navigating the complexities of employment law, workplace culture, and corporate governance.Tommie Jo is the founder and president of Venice Solutions Group, a consultancy dedicated to helping businesses implement effective compliance strategies and foster inclusive, productive workplace environments. Her expertise spans a wide range of sectors, including government, manufacturing, and corporate management .Before launching Venice Solutions Group in 2021, Tommie Jo served as the Director of Riskfor the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, where she oversaw enterprise-widerisk management and contracts administration. She also spent years in-house at a globalmanufacturing corporation, providing hands-on guidance on employment matters, workers’compensation, occupational health, and related areas.Recognized for her leadership and legal expertise, Tommie Jo was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to serve on the Self-Insured Employer Evaluation Board, where she contributed to important decisions that impact businesses across Ohio. Additionally, she has held board positions with prominent organizations, including the Ohio Self-Insured Association and the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, demonstrating her commitment to advancing best practices in employment, workers’ compensation, and business operations. Tommie Jo is also the author of the international best-selling book, Authentic Workplaces – A Practical Playbook to Building Healthy Company Culture, which achieved #1 status on Amazon in multiple categories and became an international bestseller on August 15, 2025. The book offers actionable insights for leaders seeking to cultivate transparency, accountability, and trust within their organizations while avoiding the pitfalls of toxic culture and legal missteps. Contact information: Tommie Jo Brode https://tommiejobrode.com/ Benny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- benny@velocitytechnology.group Dennis Jackson-WorX Solution- dennisj@worxsolution.com www.wfhwith2guys.com
