Coalescence Podcast

Jessica Culo

Leadership has never had more data, more technology, or more complexity. Yet understanding people remains the hardest part of work. On Coalescence, Jessica Culo explores where psychology, business, human connection, and emerging technology intersect to help leaders make better sense of the people and decisions that shape their organizations.

Episodes

  1. Oct 20

    9 - The Work Is You. But It’s Not About You with Ian Chisholm

    On this episode of Coalescence Podcast with Jessica Culo, Jessica sits down with Ian Chisholm, co-founder of Roy Group and author of Yearbook: Quiet Champions – A Way Forward from Mentors in Turbulent Times, for an insightful conversation about mentorship, leadership, community, self-awareness, and the human dynamics that shape how we work and grow together. Jessica and Ian discuss the importance of building strong communities, creating opportunities for intergenerational learning, and recognizing leadership potential beyond traditional titles or positions. Through real-world examples, they reveal how people from different backgrounds and generations can challenge one another, exchange perspectives, and develop into stronger leaders together. For leaders and entrepreneurs, Ian offers a compelling perspective on how our conduct shapes the atmosphere around us and influences how others experience themselves. They explore why effective leadership requires honesty, calm, and authenticity rather than the pressure to appear positive or have every answer. Ian also shares insights on balancing intention with attention, becoming more aware of our assumptions, and knowing when to offer guidance versus simply being present for someone. As technology continues to reshape the workplace, the conversation raises an important question: how can we use technology in ways that strengthen our humanity rather than pull us into autopilot? Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, mentor, or someone committed to personal growth and helping others succeed, press play for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional ideas about leadership, mentorship, and success — and offers a meaningful reminder that the way we show up for others can shape individuals, strengthen communities, and influence generations to come. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Coalescence 00:01:26 Meet Ian Chisholm 00:04:19 Why Being Called a Mentor Is a Gift 00:09:35 Rethinking Traditional Mentorship 00:11:29 The Gemini Project: Learning Across Generations 00:14:23 Leadership, Conduct & Workplace Atmosphere 00:19:16 Quiet Leadership & The Power of Calm 00:22:07 The Gift of Time and Understanding Workplace Dynamics 00:26:18 Self-Awareness: The Work Is You, But It's Not About You 00:28:31 Recognizing the Mentors Who Shape Our Lives 00:30:05 Ian's Journey to Scotland 00:33:07 Balancing Intention with Attention 00:37:35 Can Technology Help Us Become More Human? 00:38:49 Discernment, Decision-Making & Asking Better Questions 00:41:13 What Ian Chisholm Is Exploring Next 00:43:49 Closing Thoughts If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Coalescence Podcast so you never miss a conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, human behavior, emerging technologies, and the future of work. Connect with Jessica Culo Website: www.axiomintelligence.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-culo-b365806/ 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Ian Chisholm Inspired by this conversation? Reflect on how you show up for others and the atmosphere you create through your leadership. Consider who has helped shape your growth and how you can offer that same support to someone else. Challenge yourself to balance intention with attention. Take time to listen, observe without judgment, and ask, “What's it time for?” before assuming you know what someone needs. Great leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about continuous growth, meaningful connections, and investing in others. 🔗 Connect with Ian Chisholm: Explore his leadership development work through Roy Group and discover his book, Yearbook: Quiet Champions – A Way Forward from Mentors in Turbulent Times at https://quietchampions.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-chisholm-a64a38/ Website: http://www.roygroup.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roy.group.leadership/

  2. Oct 6

    8 - AI, Neurodiversity & the Future of Human Leadership with Sarah Jane Last

    On this episode of Coalescence Podcast with Jessica Culo, Jessica sits down with Sarah Jane Last, founder of The Work Psychologist, award-winning business psychologist, executive coach, and psychotherapist in training, for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership, human behavior, neurodiversity, AI, and the future of work. As AI continues to reshape organizations, Sarah explores why distinctly human skills—trust, creativity, emotional intelligence, risk-taking, and the ability to navigate difficult moments—are becoming more important, not less. She also shares insights into how leaders can better understand employee behavior while balancing empathy with accountability. The conversation dives into neurodiversity and the powerful role environment plays in helping people thrive. From flexible work to inclusive practices and adult-to-adult workplace cultures, Sarah challenges leaders to rethink how they create conditions where people can do their best work. As the conversation turns toward the future, Jessica and Sarah consider what leaders will need as AI and workplace complexity continue to accelerate. Tomorrow's leaders may need to combine strong human and psychological skills with AI fluency while creating stability, psychological safety, and a sense of belonging. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, HR professional, or simply interested in the future of work, press play for a thought-provoking conversation about building workplaces that are more human, inclusive, and ready for what comes next. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Coalescence 00:01:26 Meet Sarah Jane Last 00:05:02 Understanding Leaders Through Deep Assessment 00:07:47 The Human Skills AI Can't Replace 00:09:43 Risk, Creativity & Divergent Thinking 00:11:18 Leadership Strengths & the Shadow Self 00:14:11 Starters, Finishers & Building the Right Team 00:18:19 When Other People's Behavior Triggers Us 00:21:40 AI, Patterns & Signals in the Workplace 00:22:38 Understanding Neurodiversity 00:24:24 Neurodivergent Strengths & “Spiky” Profiles 00:32:16 Self-Diagnosis, Support & Understanding Neurodiversity 00:34:30 The Future of Neuro-Inclusive Work 00:37:36 Practical Ways Leaders Can Build Flexibility 00:39:58 Hybrid Work, Connection & Mattering 00:41:09 Transactional Analysis & Workplace Culture 00:43:12 Treating Employees Like Adults 00:44:52 What Will Leaders Need in 5–10 Years? 00:46:15 Leadership, Resilience & AI Adoption 00:50:59 Closing Thoughts If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Coalescence Podcast so you never miss a conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, human behavior, emerging technologies, and the future of work. Connect with Jessica Culo Website: www.axiomintelligence.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-culo-b365806/ 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Sarah Jane Last Inspired by this conversation? Start by questioning one assumption you currently take for granted. When you feel certain about a decision, ask yourself what evidence supports it — and whether you could be wrong. When you find yourself caught in a thought loop, consider what your imagination may be trying to protect you from. Instead of immediately treating every thought or possibility as reality, create some distance and ask what story you're telling yourself. And when something goes wrong at work, resist the urge to immediately find someone to blame. Step back and look at the larger system, the assumptions, relationships, incentives, and conditions that may have contributed to what happened. The goal isn't to eliminate uncertainty or stop imagining. It's to become more aware of how our brains construct meaning — and use that awareness to lead, collaborate, and make decisions with greater curiosity, confidence, and perspective. Connect with Sarah Jane Last: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjanethain/ Website: https://www.theworkpsychologists.com/

  3. Sep 22

    7 - Why We’re Wired to Overthink - and Misunderstand Reality with Zac Zinn

    On this episode of Coalescence Podcast with Jessica Culo, Jessica sits down with Zach Zinn, science communicator and creator of Scribble Mouth, for a fascinating conversation about science, human perception, evolution, curiosity, and the hidden forces that shape how we think, behave, and work together. The conversation takes a deeper look at what we perceive as truth and why our brains are not necessarily designed to experience objective reality, but instead create simplified models that help us navigate the world. Jessica and Zach explore how perception, imagination, and storytelling influence the way we understand ourselves and others, including why humans became highly collaborative and how our ability to imagine possibilities can be both a powerful strength and a source of rumination and anxiety. For leaders and entrepreneurs, Zach offers a thought-provoking perspective on uncertainty, confidence, and decision-making. Rather than treating certainty as the goal, they explore what it means to act with confidence while remaining open to being wrong. They also examine why people often look for simple explanations or someone to blame when things go wrong, and how stepping back to consider the larger systems, assumptions, and stories at play can lead to greater curiosity and understanding. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, curious thinker, or simply interested in understanding why humans think and behave the way we do, press play for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges assumptions about truth, certainty, anxiety, collaboration, and perception — and invites us to become more curious about the patterns underneath what we believe to be real. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Coalescence 00:01:26 Meet Zach Zinn 00:04:06 Understanding the Overview Effect 00:07:06 Bringing the Overview Effect Down to Earth 00:09:59 Are Humans Built for Truth? 00:12:22 How Our Brains Construct Reality 00:17:35 Why Humans Are Wired for Collaboration 00:20:13 Dunbar's Number & the Power of Stories 00:25:25 Human Imagination: Our Greatest Strength & Challenge 00:30:24 Understanding Our Thoughts & Anxiety 00:35:14 The Entrepreneurial Mindset 00:37:44 Why Uncertainty Can Be Harder Than Adversity 00:41:19 Confidence vs. Certainty in Leadership 00:46:07 Decision-Making, Mistakes & Blame 00:49:24 We Don't Live in Truth — We Live in Stories 00:50:26 What Zach Zinn Is Exploring Next 00:55:00 Closing Thoughts If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Coalescence Podcast so you never miss a conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, human behavior, emerging technologies, and the future of work. Connect with Jessica Culo Website: www.axiomintelligence.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-culo-b365806/ 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Phil Houston & Simon Phillips Inspired by this conversation? Challenge one assumption you currently take for granted. When making a decision, consider the evidence, stay open to being wrong, and remember that uncertainty is part of the process. When you catch yourself spiraling, pause and question the story your imagination is creating. And when something goes wrong at work, look beyond blame and consider the larger systems, relationships, and circumstances at play. The goal isn't to eliminate uncertainty—it’s to become more aware of how we think, question our assumptions, and use curiosity to lead, collaborate, and make better decisions. Connect with Zac Zinn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-zinn-a7b583355/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scribblemouth_/ Substack: https://substack.com/@scribblemouth?r=53p5y1&utm_medium=ios Website: https://www.scribblemouth.com/

  4. Sep 8

    6 - Can AI Read People Better Than Humans? with Phil Houston & Simon Frechette

    On this episode of Coalescence Podcast with Jessica Culo, Jessica sits down with Phil Houston and Simon Phillips, experts in deception detection, behavioral science, and artificial intelligence, for a fascinating conversation about human behavior, bias, decision-making, and what we can learn by asking better questions. Drawing from decades of experience in high-stakes interviewing and intelligence work, Phil and Simon explore why even highly trained professionals can be influenced by their own assumptions when evaluating people. They explain how quickly we form impressions of others, how those biases can shape the questions we ask and the answers we hear, and why staying objective is much harder than it sounds. Jessica, Phil, and Simon explore the fascinating intersection of behavioral science and AI through CyberQ. Simon explains how their technology is designed to reduce bias by analyzing each response independently rather than allowing previous answers to influence the interpretation of what comes next. The discussion offers a thought-provoking look at how AI could potentially help humans make better decisions without replacing human judgment. The conversation goes beyond the workplace as Jessica asks how these principles can apply to parenting and everyday relationships. From difficult conversations with teenagers to knowing when to dig deeper into someone's story, Phil and Simon share practical insights into how curiosity, observation, and the right follow-up questions can help us better understand the people around us. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, recruiter, hiring manager, parent, or simply interested in understanding people more effectively, press play for a compelling conversation that challenges how we think about bias, deception, AI, and the assumptions we make about others. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Coalescence 00:01:26 Meet Phil Houston & Simon Phillips 00:04:04 Building an AI Version of Human Expertise 00:06:11 Why Humans Struggle With Bias 00:08:55 How AI Can Reduce Bias in Analysis 00:12:44 The Danger of Charisma in Hiring 00:14:18 When Interviews Reveal What Others Miss 00:15:08 The O.J. Simpson Case & High-Stakes Interviewing 00:18:52 Why We Avoid Difficult Questions 00:21:19 Asking the Right Questions at the Right Time 00:22:59 Recognizing Clusters of Deceptive Behavior 00:24:04 Powerful Questions to Ask in Interviews 00:26:13 Digging Deeper Without Becoming Confrontational 00:27:13 “Could You Have Stayed If You Wanted To?” 00:28:08 Deception Detection in Virtual Interviews 00:30:37 Applying These Techniques to Parenting 00:33:18 Teaching the Next Generation to Detect Deception 00:34:08 Closing Thoughts If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Coalescence Podcast so you never miss a conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, human behavior, emerging technologies, and the future of work. Connect with Jessica Culo Website: www.axiomintelligence.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-culo-b365806/ 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Phil Houston & Simon Phillips The next time you're evaluating a candidate, navigating a difficult conversation, or trying to understand someone's behavior, resist the urge to rely on your first impression. Ask the difficult question. Listen carefully to the answer. Look for patterns rather than isolated behaviors. And most importantly, recognize the biases you bring into the conversation yourself. Better decisions don't necessarily come from asking more questions—they come from asking better questions and being willing to follow the answers wherever they lead. Connect with Simon Frechette: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-frechette-75808b68/ Connect with Phil Houston LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-houston-4050347/

  5. Aug 25

    5 - Exploring The Hidden Psychology of Risk at Work with Dr. Samantha Jones

    On this episode of Coalescence Podcast with Jessica Culo, Jessica sits down with Dr. Samantha Jones, Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary, for a fascinating conversation about workplace psychology, safety, leadership, and the complex systems that influence how people behave and perform at work. Drawing from her research and nearly 250 interviews with frontline workers and leaders, Sam explores why workplace challenges and safety incidents are rarely the result of a single person or isolated decision. Jessica and Sam unpack the concept of the psychological contract — those often-unspoken expectations employees have about what their organization should provide — and how breaches in those expectations can affect trust, wellbeing, relationships, and performance. They also explore psychological safety and why creating an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up, admitting mistakes, and challenging unsafe practices can have a profound impact on both workplace culture and safety. The conversation takes a deeper look at what leaders can learn by listening to their people. Sam shares powerful insights from conversations with workers who expressed surprisingly simple but fundamental needs: to be recognized, to understand why their work matters, and to see how their role connects to the larger system. The discussion also highlights how seemingly small interactions between leaders and employees can have significant downstream effects on focus, wellbeing, and safety. Jessica and Sam also explore the gap between research and real-world application, the importance of interdisciplinary teams, and why technical expertise alone doesn't automatically create an effective team. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, safety professional, researcher, or simply interested in the human side of work, press play for a compelling conversation that challenges us to look beyond individual mistakes and uncover the systems, relationships, expectations, and patterns underneath them. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Coalescence 00:01:26 Meet Dr. Samantha Jones 00:03:48 Bringing Human Behavior Into Safety Systems 00:09:27 AI, Leadership & The Importance of Staying Human 00:12:28 Understanding Psychological Contracts 00:17:12 What Psychological Safety Really Means 00:22:28 The Story of Brandon Nelson & Workplace Safety 00:25:14 Bridging the Gap Between Research & Real-World Work 00:30:13 Map the System: Understanding Safety as a System 00:32:45 The 3L Survey: Learning, Leading & Looking After Your People 00:34:32 What Dr. Jones Is Working On Next 00:36:16 Closing Thoughts If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Coalescence Podcast so you never miss a conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, human behavior, emerging technologies, and the future of work. Connect with Jessica Culo: Website: www.axiomintelligence.ca LinkedIn: Jessica Culo 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Dr. Samantha Jones Inspired by this conversation? Start by looking beyond the individual when something goes wrong in your organization. Ask what expectations, relationships, team dynamics, processes, leadership behaviors, and organizational conditions may have contributed to what happened. Building safer and healthier workplaces isn't simply about more training or better technical systems. It's about creating environments where people feel heard, understand why their work matters, can speak up without fear, and have the relationships and support needed to learn from mistakes. Connect with Dr. Samantha Jones Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterhubyyc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthakjones/

  6. Aug 11

    4 - Beyond Automation: Using AI to Empower People, Not Replace Them with Jon Lakefish

    On this episode of Coalescence Podcast with Jessica Culo, Jessica sits down with Jon Lakefish, founder of Lake Fish Group and one of North America’s most in-demand AI keynote speakers, for a timely conversation about how organizations can embrace AI without losing the human element at the heart of work. Drawing from more than 125 AI sessions with business leaders, Jon challenges the idea that AI is about replacing people and instead explores how it can empower teams, eliminate tedious work, and create more space for strategic and meaningful work. Jessica and Jon explore how AI is already transforming marketing, finance, HR, communication, and strategic thinking, sharing real-world examples of businesses using AI to solve problems in minutes that once took months. They also unpack the rapidly evolving AI landscape, the rise of agent-based systems, and why leaders need to develop an “AI muscle”— learning not just how to use these tools, but how to question them, challenge assumptions, and keep human judgment in the loop. The conversation goes beyond business to explore the future of work, education, and the skills the next generation will need. From becoming AI-ready to strengthening the uniquely human abilities technology can't replace, Jon offers a compelling perspective on what comes next. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, professional, educator, or simply curious about AI, press play to discover how the right use of AI can help us work smarter, think differently, and create more room for people to thrive. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Coalescence 00:01:26 Meet Jon Lakefish: AI, Leadership & Practical Innovation 00:03:43 AI Should Empower People, Not Replace Them 00:05:56 Where Should Businesses Start With AI? 00:07:26 The Rapidly Changing AI Landscape 00:12:10 Why Human Creativity Still Matters 00:16:01 How AI Transformed Jon's Website in One Hour 00:18:16 AI Beyond Marketing: Finance, HR & Sales 00:21:26 AI in HR, Communication & Legal Work 00:23:49 Can We Trust AI? Keeping Humans in the Loop 00:26:39 Challenging AI to Explain Its Reasoning 00:31:17 Keeping Your Human Voice in AI-Assisted Communication 00:33:20 From LLMs to AI Agents: What's Changing? 00:34:30 The Surprising Ways People Are Using AI 00:37:33 AI, Sustainability & The Environment 00:40:57 Developing Your "AI Muscle" 00:42:01 Preparing the Next Generation for an AI-Driven Future 00:45:29 AI, Education & Personalized Learning 00:47:47 Helping Schools Embrace AI Beyond Cheating 00:49:05 Jon's New AI Platform for Speakers 00:51:19 Closing Thoughts If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Coalescence Podcast so you never miss a conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, human behavior, emerging technologies, and the future of work. Connect with Jessica Culo: Website: www.axiomintelligence.ca LinkedIn: Jessica Culo 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Jon Lakefish Inspired by this conversation? Start by looking at your own workday and asking a simple question: Where could AI give you and your team time back? Instead of thinking only about what technology can replace, consider what it could make possible—more creativity, deeper thinking, stronger relationships, and more time focused on the work that truly matters. The future of AI isn't simply about having access to better tools. It's about learning how to use them thoughtfully, keeping humans in the loop, and creating more space for people to thrive. Connect with Jon Lakefish Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakefishgroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-lakefish/

  7. Jul 14

    3 - Why Great Leaders Misunderstand Their Teams (And How to Fix It) with Ryan Risling

    On this episode of Coalescence Podcast with Jessica Culo, Jessica sits down with founder of the Patron Group, entrepreneur, commercial finance expert, and Pinnacle Guide Ryan Risling for an insightful conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing today's organizations: the gap between how we interpret people and what's actually happening beneath the surface. Drawing from decades of leadership experience, Ryan explores why so many workplace frustrations stem from assumptions rather than facts. Together, Jessica and Ryan unpack why leaders often label systemic issues as people problems, how unclear expectations create unnecessary conflict, and why slowing down to seek understanding is becoming one of the most valuable leadership skills in an increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven world. The conversation also examines generational misconceptions, hybrid work, neurodiversity, and the growing complexity of modern organizations. Ryan shares practical perspectives on creating role clarity, defining success more effectively, and building cultures where difficult conversations become opportunities for growth rather than sources of tension. Jessica adds her insights from more than two decades in the employment industry, highlighting why curiosity, communication, and intentional leadership remain essential despite rapid advances in technology. Whether you're a business owner, executive, people leader, or someone who simply wants to improve communication and build stronger relationships at work, this episode offers practical strategies and thought-provoking insights that will help you lead with greater clarity, empathy, and confidence. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Coalescence 00:01:26 Meet Ryan Risling: Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Making Complexity Simple 00:03:34 Why Leaders Misinterpret People at Work 00:07:17 Fact or Feeling? Avoiding Assumptions in Leadership 00:10:26 Creating Role Clarity Instead of Managing Confusion 00:12:00 Hiring the Right People — Not the Perfect People 00:16:06 Reactive vs. Proactive Leadership 00:18:05 Technology, Human Connection & The Future of Work 00:21:24 Breaking Down Workplace Assumptions 00:24:43 Asking "Is That a Fact or a Feeling?" 00:30:11 Understanding Strengths, Trade-Offs & Team Dynamics 00:32:34 Why Great Leadership Starts on the Front Lines If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Coalescence Podcast so you never miss a conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, human behavior, emerging technologies, and the future of work. Connect with Jessica Culo: Website: www.axiomintelligence.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-culo-b365806/ 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Ryan Risling Inspired by this conversation? Take a moment to reflect on the assumptions you make as a leader. Where could greater clarity, curiosity, or a more intentional conversation unlock stronger performance within your team? Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn't finding better people—it's creating a better environment for people to succeed. Connect with Ryan Risling: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ryanrisling9780 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.risling.22?igsh=Ym5yZTBvbW5vYzNo LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/rrisling

  8. Jun 26

    2 - Why Employees Disengage — and What Great Leaders Do Instead with Lisa Daijo

    On this episode of Coalescence Podcast with Jessica Culo, Jessica welcomes Lisa Daijo, co-owner of multiple award-winning staffing and recruiting organizations in Hawaii, for an insightful conversation about leadership, human behavior, and the power of truly understanding people at work. Drawing on nearly two decades of building one of Hawaii's Best Places to Work, Lisa shares why culture isn't created through policies or perks alone—it comes from intentional leadership, meaningful relationships, and taking the time to understand what motivates each individual. From personality assessments and appreciation styles to coaching conversations and employee development, she reveals the practices that have helped her build high-performing, deeply connected teams. The conversation also explores the complexities leaders face in today's workplace, including disengagement, generational differences, neurodiversity, and the assumptions that often prevent leaders from seeing the real reasons behind employee behavior. Lisa shares personal stories about how raising her son with autism transformed her perspective on leadership, empathy, and the importance of asking better questions before jumping to conclusions. Whether you're leading an organization, managing a team, or simply trying to better understand the people around you, this episode offers thoughtful and practical insights into creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Coalescence 00:01:27 Meet Lisa Daijo: Building Award-Winning Workplace Cultures in Hawaii 00:04:47 Creating an Ohana Culture and Understanding Employee Motivation 00:08:29 The Power of One-on-One Conversations and Human Connection 00:11:00 Asking Better Questions to Empower Employees 00:13:22 Understanding Disengagement: Is It Will, Skill, or Something More? 00:16:14 Why Great Hiring Requires Patience and Intention 00:17:07 Generational Differences and Leading with Curiosity Instead of Assumptions 00:20:26 Neurodiversity in the Workplace and Seeing People Differently 00:24:08 How Motherhood and Autism Shaped Lisa's Leadership Philosophy 00:28:05 The Dangers of Assumptions and the Need for Deeper Understanding 00:30:13 Advice for New Leaders: Know Yourself First 00:32:48 AI, Curiosity, and Preparing for the Future of Work If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Coalescence Podcast so you never miss a conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, human behavior, emerging technologies, and the future of work. Connect with Jessica Culo: Website: www.axiomintelligence.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-culo-b365806/ 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Tom O’Neill Inspired by this discussion on teamwork, feedback, and high-performance organizations? Take a moment to reflect on the dynamics within your own team. What opportunities exist to improve communication, strengthen accountability, and create a culture where people can perform at their best? Connect with Lisa Daijo: Website: www.expresspros.com/us-hawaii-pearl-city-honolulu/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-daijo-7a9a06b/

  9. Jun 25

    1 - Why Great Teams Still Struggle: The Hidden Science of High Performance with Dr. Tom O’Neill

    On this first episode of Coalescence Podcast with Jessica Culo, Jessica welcomes Dr. Tom O’Neill, one of the world’s leading experts on teamwork and organizational effectiveness, for a fascinating conversation about what truly drives high-performing teams. Despite advances in technology, communication tools, and workplace flexibility, organizations continue to struggle with collaboration, trust, and alignment — and Dr. O’Neill explains why. Drawing on decades of research and insights from more than one million team assessments worldwide, Tom shares what separates exceptional teams from average ones, how leaders can create environments where people thrive, and why understanding human behavior remains one of the greatest competitive advantages in business today. From psychological safety and accountability to communication and performance measurement, the discussion uncovers the often-overlooked factors that shape success at work. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, managing employees, or simply interested in understanding the human side of work, this episode offers valuable perspectives that can help you navigate today's increasingly complex workplace. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Coalescence 00:01:27 Meet Dr. Tom O'Neill: Decades of Research on High-Performance Teams 00:04:21 The Origin Story of ITP Metrics and Real-Time Team Feedback 00:07:13 Social Loafing: Why Teams Struggle Even When Everyone Means Well 00:11:22 The Power of Instant Feedback and Team Self-Awareness 00:14:12 Why Most Organizations Get Feedback Wrong 00:18:46 Building a Culture Where Feedback Becomes Normal 00:19:37 Psychological Safety, Mental Health, and Modern Workplaces 00:21:36 Personality Assessments: Helpful Tool or Hidden Trap? 00:24:58 Turning Self-Awareness into Better Team Performance 00:25:45 Why Leaders Can't Ignore Toxic Behavior 00:26:52 Aligning Strengths, Roles, and Team Success 00:28:19 The Dynamic Nature of High-Performing Teams 00:29:10 Technology, Gen Z, and the Future of Workplace Relationships 00:32:10 Key Leadership Lessons for Building Better Teams If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Coalescence Podcast so you never miss a conversation exploring the intersection of leadership, human behavior, emerging technologies, and the future of work. Connect with Jessica Culo: Website: www.axiomintelligence.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-culo-b365806/ 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Tom O’Neill Inspired by this discussion on teamwork, feedback, and high-performance organizations? Take a moment to reflect on the dynamics within your own team. What opportunities exist to improve communication, strengthen accountability, and create a culture where people can perform at their best? Connect with Dr. Tom O'Neill: ITP Metrics: https://itpmetrics.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-o-neill-53bbb321/

  • 9 Episodes

About

Leadership has never had more data, more technology, or more complexity. Yet understanding people remains the hardest part of work. On Coalescence, Jessica Culo explores where psychology, business, human connection, and emerging technology intersect to help leaders make better sense of the people and decisions that shape their organizations.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Culo
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jessica Culo
  • Show Website
    Coalescence Podcast