Culture is an Inside Job

Karen Benoy, Scott McGohan, Wendy Roop
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Management
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Culture is an Inside Job: The podcast on building an authentic, engaging, and Inspiring culture. At Coaching For Culture, we believe building work culture starts with executive leaders. If you are ready to get real and dig deep into your own self-awareness, determine how you want to show up in the world, understand HOW to do that, AND take aligned action to transform your leadership and those around you, then this podcast is for you! In our Culture Is An Inside Job Podcast, we help executive leaders answer the question: how am I showing up in the world? Co-hosts Karen Benoy Preston, Wendy Roop, Scott McGohan get to the heart of leadership, exploring the notion that teams and businesses thrive when they’re being led from a place of authenticity. And authentic leadership starts by knowing yourself. Join us as we share powerful leadership tools and insights from interviews with experts as we explore: Empowered leadership, building work culture starting with self awareness, navigating VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world.Questions? -  cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

  1. EP29 – Your Why Matters: Reflection, Gratitude & Purpose

    May 11

    EP29 – Your Why Matters: Reflection, Gratitude & Purpose

    Description: A quick note: This episode was recorded earlier and comes from our archives. You may hear references to preparing for 2025, but the insights on reflection, gratitude, and purpose remain timeless. What if the mess in your life is trying to teach you something? In this episode we explore how reflection helps us slow down, learn from what feels messy, and reconnect with what matters most. We unpack the importance of understanding your why, examining where your motivation truly comes from, and why external pressure rarely creates lasting results. Wendy also shares her practical STOP Model—Self-Care, Think About Your Thinking, Oasis, and Progress Over Perfection—as a framework for pausing and realigning. Through honest stories and practical wisdom, we reflect on “cleaning your garage,” sitting with discomfort, practicing gratitude, and making the small mindset shifts that lead to sustainable change. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from purpose, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and begin again. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE. Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE. Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

    47 min
  2. EP27 – You Are Not Alone: A Raw Conversation on Grief and Mental Health

    12/09/2025

    EP27 – You Are Not Alone: A Raw Conversation on Grief and Mental Health

    In this deeply personal episode, Wendy opens up about her mental health journey and the emotional weight approaching the anniversary of her former husband’s passing. What unfolds is an honest, unfiltered conversation about grief, trauma, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to ask for help, whether you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts or simply carrying more than you’ve let others see while trying to be “the strong one.” Karen, Scott and Wendy reflect on how trauma lives in the body, how seasons of heaviness can resurface unexpectedly, and why community, empathy, boundaries, and self-compassion matter now more than ever.  If you’re navigating a hard season or supporting someone who is, remember that your struggles don’t make you weak and you never have to face them alone. If you’re in need of support, these FREE (and confidential) resources are available 24/7 to help: 988 Crisis Lifeline: Visit https://988lifeline.org/ or call or text 988 for free, confidential support.  Veterans press 1 after dialing. Postpartum Support: Visit https://postpartum.net/get-help/ or call 1-800-944-4773 LGBTQ+ Support: Visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/ or call 1-866-488-7386 Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE. Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE. Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

    49 min

  3. 09/17/2025

    EP26 - The Score That Really Matters: Ryan Hawk on Truth, Tenacity & Curiosity

    What does it really take to lead with impact? In this episode, Ryan Hawk—former college quarterback, bestselling author, and host of The Learning Leader Show—joins us for a rich, real conversation on the values that shape great leaders from the inside out. We explore the power of curiosity, the importance of modeling the behavior you hope to see, and why consistency, truth-telling, and doing hard things matter more now than ever. From family legacy to company culture, Ryan opens up about the moments, mindsets, and mentors that have shaped his leadership path—and why culture always starts within. Whether you're a parent, an executive, or someone navigating your own purpose, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with more clarity, intention, and truth. Chapters: 00:00 — From Dayton Roots to Learning Leader 06:13 — Obsession Over Luck: Building a Life Around What Matters 10:45 — Consistency Modeled: Lessons from Ryan’s Dad 18:39 — Children Imitate More Than They Listen 23:07 — Say What’s True: Psychological Safety and Real Culture 34:54 — The Power of Deep Curiosity 49:27 — Doing What You’re Meant To Do 53:09 — Build What You’re Obsessed With Connect with Ryan: https://learningleader.com/ Get Ryan’s latest book, The Score That Matters: https://learningleader.com/the-score-that-matters/ Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE. Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE. Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

    56 min
  4. EP28 – Grief and Joy: Learning to Let them Coexist

    06/25/2025

    EP28 – Grief and Joy: Learning to Let them Coexist

    Why do grief and joy often show up at the same time? How do we hold both emotions without minimizing one or rushing past the other? In this episode, we explore what it means to sit with grief and joy simultaneously and why real growth happens in the “and,” not in choosing sides. At some point in life, we all face a universal human truth: hard things and good things often happen at the same time. Disappointment and gratitude. Fear and hope. Exhaustion and love. Instead of trying to fix what we feel, we ask what it looks like to stay present long enough to learn from it. Together, we talk about: Why sitting in the mess builds emotional resilienceThe difference between emotional data and self-judgmentHow performance and self-worth intertwineWhat it costs us to avoid what we’re feelingA simple way to separate what we can control from what we can’tWhat your younger self might still need from youThis conversation is honest and unscripted. It’s about being real when life feels heavy. It’s about giving yourself space and grace. It’s about moving through difficulty — not around it. Because unless we can sit in our own grief and joy, we can’t fully show up for others. Sometimes, meeting ourselves in the “and” is the most courageous thing we do. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE. Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE. Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

    41 min
  5. EP25 - From Marine to Mentor: Mike Ettore on Leading with Service and Trust

    04/24/2025

    EP25 - From Marine to Mentor: Mike Ettore on Leading with Service and Trust

    In this powerful interview, Mike Ettore—retired Marine Corps officer, former C-level executive, and leadership coach—shares the timeless principles that define truly great leadership. Drawing from over 50 years of experience, Mike reveals how humility, vulnerability, and trust aren’t signs of weakness, but the foundation of effective, service-oriented leadership. Whether leading Marines in combat or corporate teams in crisis, his core philosophy remains the same: leaders exist to serve those they lead. Mike reflects on his "leadership epiphany"—the realization that you don’t need all the answers to lead well. Instead, asking the right questions, creating space for others to contribute, and building a strong culture are what elevate teams from mediocre to exceptional. From transforming a struggling IT department with zero technical experience to writing daily for his grandchildren’s grandchildren, Mike’s approach blends practical wisdom with a clear and lasting vision of leadership impact. Learn more about Mike’s work at: www.fidelisleadership.com Find his leadership books on Amazon. Listen and subscribe to the Fidelis Leadership Podcast on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE. Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE. Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

    54 min
  6. EP24 - The Power of Presence: Lisa Arie on Leadership, Horses & Finding Truth

    02/06/2025

    EP24 - The Power of Presence: Lisa Arie on Leadership, Horses & Finding Truth

    Lisa Arie joins us for an extraordinary conversation on resilience, transformation, and the power of leading with love. Once faced with a terminal illness, Lisa redefined her life’s purpose—trading corporate success for deep self-discovery. Her journey led her to horses, where she uncovered profound lessons in presence, courage, and authentic connection. Through her work at Vista Caballo, Lisa helps leaders embrace their true nature, break free from fear, and step into a more conscious way of living. In this episode, she shares how personal transformation fuels cultural impact and challenges us to ask: What if love—not fear—was our guiding truth? Learn more about Lisa's work at Vista Caballo: https://vistacaballo.com/ or get in touch with Lisa at lisa@vistacaballo.com. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE. Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE. Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

    53 min

  7. 12/20/2024

    EP23 - Space, Grace & Kindness: Wendy's Guiding Principles

    Explore the transformative journey of Wendy Roop, whose life embodies the power of self-love, kindness, and the strength of culture built from within. Wendy shares her story of growing up in a tight-knit family rooted in traditional values, which set the foundation for her career and personal growth. From her childhood dreams to an impactful career in HR, and ultimately stepping into her role as an executive coach, Wendy’s path is a testament to trusting oneself and embracing life’s pivots. In this episode, Wendy dives into the pivotal lessons she’s learned, including her powerful STOP method—self-care, thinking about your thoughts, finding an oasis, and embracing progress over perfection. Wendy emphasizes the importance of giving ourselves "space and grace" to reflect, grow, and show up authentically in our lives and work. Through her experiences navigating career transitions, facing personal loss, and becoming a full-time coach, Wendy highlights the power of kindness—not just to others but to ourselves. With her undefeated optimism, she inspires listeners to lead with vulnerability, challenge their inner critics, and trust the process of becoming their best selves. Whether you’re looking to lead more effectively, create a healthier culture, or simply embrace more kindness in your daily life, Wendy’s story will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and ready to take the next step. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE. Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE. Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

    47 min

  8. 12/04/2024

    EP22 - From Values to Vision: How Karen Helps Leaders Thrive

    What if uncovering your core values could be the key to navigating life's toughest challenges? In this part 2 episode, Karen Benoy Preston, a passionate advocate for values work, returns to share her transformative insights on the power of understanding one's true values. She guides us through the process of peeling back the layers of our beliefs, distinguishing truths from fears, and making authentic decisions in both personal and professional realms. Karen emphasizes the vital role a coach plays in this journey, helping individuals move away from borrowed values and toward their genuine core. Together, we explore the importance of self-love as a foundation for loving others and discuss how externalizing our thoughts can bring clarity and reduce mental clutter. Listen in to learn how articulating and aligning your values can pave the way for personal growth and cultural transformation. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE. Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE. Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

    40 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to Culture is an Inside Job: The podcast on building an authentic, engaging, and Inspiring culture. At Coaching For Culture, we believe building work culture starts with executive leaders. If you are ready to get real and dig deep into your own self-awareness, determine how you want to show up in the world, understand HOW to do that, AND take aligned action to transform your leadership and those around you, then this podcast is for you! In our Culture Is An Inside Job Podcast, we help executive leaders answer the question: how am I showing up in the world? Co-hosts Karen Benoy Preston, Wendy Roop, Scott McGohan get to the heart of leadership, exploring the notion that teams and businesses thrive when they’re being led from a place of authenticity. And authentic leadership starts by knowing yourself. Join us as we share powerful leadership tools and insights from interviews with experts as we explore: Empowered leadership, building work culture starting with self awareness, navigating VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world.Questions? -  cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Karen Benoy, Scott McGohan, Wendy Roop
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Culture is an Inside Job
  • Show Website
    Culture is an Inside Job