Growth Hacking Culture

Ivan Palomino
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The Growth Hacking Culture Podcast is a series of insightful interviews with prominent experts on mindsets, skills and mental resources to grow individually, lead motivated teams and create human-centric work cultures. These episodes are about thought provoking ideas to scale up and growth hack human-centric and performing work cultures. Hosted by Ivan Palomino.

  1. The Connection ROI: Why Feeling "Seen and Heard" Boosts Profits by 38% with Jonathan Thorp

    1D AGO

    The Connection ROI: Why Feeling "Seen and Heard" Boosts Profits by 38% with Jonathan Thorp

    Are your employees truly engaged, or are they part of the 70% just "plotting along" until the end of the day? In this episode of the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast, we dive into a "five-alarm fire" for business leaders: the massive disconnect in the modern hybrid workplace. Joining us is Dr. Jonathan Thorp, researcher and founder of Quantum Connections, to discuss why the fundamental supervisor-employee relationship is the most undervalued asset in business. We move past the "soft skill" clichés to look at validated data proving that fully connected workforces are 38% more profitable. Key Topics Discussed: The Disengagement Crisis: Why 7 out of 10 employees are currently disengaged and the hidden costs to your productivity. The Seen and Heard Framework: Moving beyond "feel-good" factors to measurable relational metrics. Why Performance Reviews Fail: The "heritage processes" that actually prevent honest connection between managers and teams. Psychological Safety vs. Comfort: Why a healthy culture isn't a "land of pillows," but a place where it is safe to fail and take risks. The 3 Layers of Culture: How to align what your company claims to be with what your employees actually believe. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Tackling the 70% disengagement rate in the modern workforce. 08:15 – The ROI of Connection: Why "seen and heard" teams outperform the competition. 15:30 – High-Tech vs. High-Touch: Why AI can’t mirror human validation. 22:45 – The 3 Layers of Culture: Aspirational, Actual, and Beliefs. 31:10 – Redesigning the performance review for real-time dialogue. 38:50 – Practical tools for leaders: Mirroring and making "appointments". Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Measure Your Workplace Connection: Net Connected Score 👤 Connect with Dr. Jonathan Thorp: LinkedIn 🌐 Learn More: Quantum Connections   This episode is brought to you by Experts Suisses- Swiss Excellence at Your Service.   Sign up for "Simply Human" (Ivan's free monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com/ Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growth-hacking-culture/id1610439533 Visit Ivan Palomino's Blog: https://www.ivanpalomino.net/blog-ivan-palomino Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://x.com/ivanpalomino_ Follow Ivan Palomino on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanpalomino.official/

    45 min
  2. The Analytical Manager’s Guide to Leadership with Dalmo Cirne

    5D AGO

    The Analytical Manager’s Guide to Leadership with Dalmo Cirne

    Why do highly talented engineers and technical experts often struggle when promoted to management? In this episode, we sit down with Dalmo Cirne, author of "The 4 Streams of Leadership," to deconstruct the "management bug" that many analytical minds face. Moving from a world of logic and technical precision into a world of constant change and human demand requires a total "refactor" of your professional identity. Dalmo shares his 4 Streams Framework, designed specifically for technical leaders to move from frustrated specialists to overachieving managers. In this episode, you will learn: The 4 Streams of Leadership: How to balance the "Reservoir" (self-management), "Downstream" (teams/operations), "Upstream" (senior management), and "Sidestream" (peers). Building High-Performance Teams: Why you need a strategic balance of Visionaries, Implementers, and Closers to cross the finish line. Upstream Communication: How to create an "interface" for non-technical upper management using objective metrics and the "4-slide strategy." The Problem with Metrics: Understanding Goodhart’s Law—why a measure ceases to be a good measure the moment it becomes a target. Sustainable Productivity: How to maintain a steady velocity and avoid the "burnout rollercoaster" through effective backlog management. About the Guest: Dalmo Cirne is a veteran tech leader with over 20 years of experience in startups and large corporations. He specializes in helping technical experts master the "creative craft" of management by applying objective criteria to the human elements of business. More on the 4 streams of leadership on substack. Detailed Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: Why technical precision alone fails in leadership. 2:38 – The "Baptism by Fire": Dalmo’s move from Engineer to Leader. 5:10 – Why analytical minds try to model human interaction (and fail). 10:32 – Deep Dive: The 4 Streams of Leadership framework. 13:14 – Process vs. Explanatory Knowledge: Understanding the "Why." 19:35 – The Reservoir: The importance of self-management and self-awareness. 22:15 – The Identity Shift: Moving to a "foreign land" where skills change. 28:45 – Team Construction: Balancing Visionaries, Implementers, and Closers. 37:18 – Productivity Velocity: Avoiding the "Burnout Rollercoaster." 40:02 – Upstream Flow: Communicating technical data to non-technical bosses. 42:50 – Goodhart’s Law: Why sticking to the wrong metrics kills progress. 45:15 – The "4-Slide" Status Report: Effective communication tips. 47:40 – Redefining Success: Working smarter through a ready backlog. Connect with Dalmo Cirne: 🌐 Website: dalmocirne.com or on LinkedIn

    48 min
  3. Bionic Branding: How to Build and Protect Corporate Trust in the Age of AI with Gal Borenstein

    FEB 3

    Bionic Branding: How to Build and Protect Corporate Trust in the Age of AI with Gal Borenstein

    Navigating Digital Transformation in the modern landscape requires more than just processing power; it demands a resilient Human Infrastructure to safeguard your brand’s most valuable asset: trust. In this episode, Ivan Palomino is joined by Gal Borenstein, CEO of The Borenstein Group and author of Don't Believe the Hype, to explore the "Bionic Branding" framework. As corporations race to integrate generative AI, many are falling into a "reputation gap" where efficiency comes at the cost of authenticity. Gal explains why AI currently lacks the "common sense" of leadership and how a "Bionic" approach—pairing machine speed with human oversight—is the only way to scale without breaking the corporate soul. Whether you are dealing with "AI slop" or trying to maintain a premium narrative, this 57-minute deep dive provides the strategic roadmap for the AI era. Key Takeaways The Trust Millisecond: Decades of brand equity can be dismantled in a single millisecond by unmonitored AI hallucinations or cold, automated "Dear Empty" errors. Options vs. Decisions: While AI excels at generating high-speed options and data analysis, it lacks the moral agency and cognitive experience required for final executive decision-making. The 98% Accuracy Trap: In the corporate world, a 2% failure rate in AI can lead to a 100% loss in client trust; leaders must identify where "almost right" is a liability. Controlling the Narrative: If a company does not proactively manage its digital story, AI-driven scrapers and competitors will define the brand narrative for them. Internal Trust Index: Protecting a brand starts internally; executives must measure and align internal trust before scaling external AI operations. Connect with Gal on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/galborensteinexecutiveprofile/  and ask him for a copy of his latest book Gal's website https://www.borensteingroup.com/  Episode Timestamps 4:22 – Why AI is currently failing the "leadership" test. 9:15 – The "Dear Empty" error: How automation ruins credibility. 13:40 – Why AI can provide options, but never make real decisions. 18:55 – The 98% Accuracy Trap: When "almost right" is a disaster. 23:12 – The #1 mistake: Automating without a core purpose. 28:45 – Emotional IQ: The human skill AI can’t mimic in the boardroom. 33:20 – The Guardian Digital Trust Framework™ explained. 38:10 – How to measure your company’s internal "Trust Index". 43:55 – Why your narrative is being hijacked by unmonitored algorithms. 49:05 – The Bionic Executive: Steve Austin's lessons for AI leaders. 54:30 – How to control your brand's story before your competitors do. Episode Resources The GUARDIAN Digital Trust Framework™: A methodology for measuring and protecting brand equity. Bionic Branding: The strategy of balancing machine speed with human judgment. Don’t Believe the Hype: Gal Borenstein’s guide to trust in the AI cycle. The Trust Index: A benchmark for internal alignment and authenticity. Quote of the Episode "AI can give you speed, but only a human can give you a promise." — Gal Borenstein   If you found these insights on Bionic Branding valuable, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us bring more world-class strategists to the show.  This episode is brought to you by Experts Suisses.    Sign up for "Simply Human" (Ivan's free monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com/ Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growth-hacking-culture/id1610439533 Visit Ivan Palomino's Blog: https://www.ivanpalomino.net/blog-ivan-palomino Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://x.com/ivanpalomino_ Follow Ivan Palomino on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanpalomino.official/

    58 min
  4. How to Lead Through the Fog: Communicating Uncertainty with Salvatore Manzi

    JAN 27

    How to Lead Through the Fog: Communicating Uncertainty with Salvatore Manzi

    When navigating organizational change, communicating uncertainty effectively is the most critical skill a leader can possess. While many leaders' first instinct is to wait for "all the facts" before speaking, silence during a transition can be dangerous. Neuroscience reveals that the human brain treats ambiguity as a physical threat, triggering a "survival mode" that stifles creativity and fuels the "rumor mill". In this episode, we sit down with Salvatore Manzi, author of Clear and Compelling, to dismantle the myth that leaders must have complete data before engaging their teams. Sakvatore introduces his "Uncertainty Framework," a tactical four-step roadmap designed to restore psychological safety when the destination is still moving. We explore why clarity is more valuable than certainty, how to use the "Lighthouse Method" for consistent updates, and the "Pilot’s Secret" for explaining decision-making processes rather than promising impossible outcomes. Whether you are leading through a merger, a reorganization, or a shifting market, this conversation provides the executive toolkit needed to command a room when the data is incomplete. Key Takeaways The Stress of Silence: Research indicates that uncertainty is actually more stressful to the human brain than knowing a negative outcome is certain. Survival vs. Collaboration: When leaders are silent, employees' brains switch to self-preservation, causing collaboration and productivity to drop significantly. The 4-Step Framework: Leaders should follow a specific sequence: 1) State the obvious (what is and isn't known), 2) Take a stand (commit to a belief), 3) Invite participation (give the team a role), and 4) Connect to the big picture. The Lighthouse Method: Trust is built through predictability; frequent, brief "pulses" of information are more effective than infrequent, dense updates during a crisis. Transparency in Process: Instead of making hollow promises, leaders should explain the how behind their decision-making to build trust without risking broken commitments later. Episode Resources Clear and Compelling: The book by Salvatore Manzi outlining communication strategies for leaders. Nature Communications Study: Research cited regarding the brain's heightened stress response to uncertainty. The Uncertainty Framework: The tactical 4-step roadmap for leading through the fog. Connect with Salvatore Manzi on LinkedIn   "If you're walking through the fog, it's more important to have a torch than it is to actually know the destination. A leadership who speaks in times of uncertainty is that torch." — Salvatore Manzi Thank you for listening to this episode on the art of leadership communication. If you found these insights valuable, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on your preferred platform to help other leaders discover these strategies. For more tactical advice and to download the frameworks discussed today, be sure to visit the resources listed in these show notes.   This episode is brought to you by Experts Suisses.    Sign up for "Simply Human" (Ivan's free monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com/ Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growth-hacking-culture/id1610439533 Visit Ivan Palomino's Blog: https://www.ivanpalomino.net/blog-ivan-palomino Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://x.com/ivanpalomino_ Follow Ivan Palomino on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanpalomino.official/

    29 min
  5. AI vs. Bureaucracy: How to Lead at Formula 1 Speed with Nikki Barua

    JAN 22

    AI vs. Bureaucracy: How to Lead at Formula 1 Speed with Nikki Barua

    Is your organization trying to drive at Formula 1 speeds using a horse-and-carriage engine? In this episode, we dive into the "Speed Paradox" of AI leadership and why buying the latest technology is useless if your corporate culture is built on layers of bureaucracy.   Corporate structures are often designed for safety and consensus, but the AI era demands non-linear speed and workforce autonomy. Nikki Barua, CEO of Flipwork, joins Ivan Palomino to explain why the "Command and Control" model is now a recipe for disaster. You will learn: The Navy SEAL Framework: How to shift from massive "armies" to mission-oriented, agile teams. Autonomy with Guardrails: The psychological and structural shift needed to empower employees without creating chaos. The 90-Day Sprint: A tactical approach to "People Squared" productivity that doubles capacity without increasing headcount.   00:00 – The Speed Paradox: Why corporate engines are failing. 06:45 – Agility vs. Speed: Why "Better Brakes" allow you to drive faster. 12:30 – Beyond KPIs: Using the "Anti-Vision" to ensure project success. 19:20 – The "Painted Picture" strategy for team motivation. 26:40 – The Diamond Organization: Navigating the future of entry-level work. 33:42 – The Meta-Skill of Unlearning: Shedding old corporate habits. Featured Guest: Nikki Barua Nikki Barua is the CEO of Flipwork and a leading voice on workforce transformation. She helps organizations navigate the intersection of human psychology and exponential technology. Connect with Nikki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkibarua/  Visit Flipwork: https://www.flipwork.ai/  Check Nikki's book Beyond Barriers: How to Unlock Your Limitless Potential    This episode is brought to you by Experts Suisses.    Sign up for "Simply Human" (Ivan's free monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com/ Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growth-hacking-culture/id1610439533 Visit Ivan Palomino's Blog: https://www.ivanpalomino.net/blog-ivan-palomino Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://x.com/ivanpalomino_ Follow Ivan Palomino on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanpalomino.official/

    39 min
  6. Can AI Make You More Human? Scaling Empathy in Leadership with Ben Perreau

    JAN 18

    Can AI Make You More Human? Scaling Empathy in Leadership with Ben Perreau

    Nearly 75% of employees identify their manager as the primary source of workplace stress. In this deep-dive discussion, we explore how AI help for leadership is transitioning from a futuristic concept to a "bionic enhancement" for the modern executive. Host Ivan Palomino sits down with Ben Perreau, the founder of Parafoil, to discuss the "Empathy Mirror"—a radical approach to management that uses technology to reflect our own communication habits back to us. The conversation challenges the traditional "trial by fire" mentorship model, suggesting that leadership today requires the same level of instrumentation as a modern aircraft cockpit. By leveraging psycholinguistics, Perreau explains how we can analyze the "Human OS" to bridge the gap between corporate efficiency and genuine human connection. We discuss the danger of "average" insights from general AI, the critical role of middle management in shaping culture, and why the most effective leadership technology focuses on the person before the professional. Whether you are leading a small team or a global organization, this episode provides a blueprint for using technology to reclaim your human intuition. Key Takeaways The Instrumentation of Leadership: Modern leadership is too complex to be managed by "feel" alone; leaders need digital "flight instruments" to understand team dynamics in real-time. The "Average" Trap: Relying on general-purpose AI (like standard LLMs) risks sanitizing leadership into a "median" output, whereas specialized AI helps preserve a leader’s unique, authentic voice. Never Delegate Understanding: While AI can synthesize data, a leader must never outsource the actual understanding of their people to a machine—technology should assist, not replace, intuition. The Middle Management Engine: Culture isn't just modeled at the C-Suite; it lives and breathes in the daily interactions of middle managers, who carry the heaviest emotional burden of the organization. Intrinsic Motivation vs. Training: Effective leadership growth happens when a manager wants to become a better person for their own sake, not just because of a corporate HR mandate. Episode Resources Parafoil.co: Ben Perreau’s leadership intelligence platform. The Eames Principle: The design philosophy of Charles and Ray Eames regarding the "delegation of understanding." Psycholinguistics: The study of the relationships between linguistic behavior and psychological processes. The "Human OS": The concept of human behavior and communication as a foundational operating system. Quote of the Episode "We have been told for decades that leadership is an art... but the old model is breaking. We don't need AI to replace the manager; we need it to act as a bionic enhancement—a mirror that shows us how we truly listen." — Ben Perreau If you found value in this exploration of the future of leadership, please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Leaving a review helps other innovative leaders find these conversations. For more insights on human-centric leadership, visit our website and join our community of practitioners. This episode is sponsored by Experts Suisses (Swiss Excellence at Your Service)

    43 min
  7. How to Build Human Infrastructure for Digital Transformation with Barbara Wittmann

    JAN 11

    How to Build Human Infrastructure for Digital Transformation with Barbara Wittmann

    In an era where technology evolves at the speed of light, many organizations find their Digital Transformation efforts stalled by a neglected component: Human Infrastructure. While billions are poured into software patches and AI integrations, the "Human OS"—the cognitive and cultural framework of the workforce—often remains trapped in a legacy state. This episode features a deep dive with Barbara Wittmann, CEO of the Digital Wisdom Collective, into why technical implementation is only 20% of the success equation. Host Ivan Palomino and Barbara explore the "Stone Age Brain" paradox, where 21st-century tools are wielded by a biological operating system wired for physical threat rather than digital complexity. They discuss the critical need for "Third Spaces" in corporate environments—areas where experimentation is safe and failure is viewed as a prerequisite for growth. Whether you are a senior executive or a middle manager feeling like a "victim" of top-down strategy, this conversation provides a roadmap for shifting from digital literacy to digital wisdom. Learn why the next competitive advantage isn't the AI you buy, but the human capacity you cultivate to use it. Key Takeaways Mindset Over Machines: True digital transformation requires an 80% focus on people and mindset, with only 20% allocated to the actual technology. The "Human OS" Upgrade: Organizations must move beyond teaching technical skills (digital literacy) to fostering "Digital Wisdom," which involves adaptability, awareness, and cognitive growth. Embrace the "Co-Working Buddy": Instead of fearing AI as a replacement, leaders should frame it as a co-working partner, allowing employees to delegate routine tasks and focus on high-value human connection. Cultivate "Third Spaces": Innovation thrives when leaders create "gardens" or test environments where teams can play, fail, and iterate without the fear of losing their bonuses. Empower the Middle: Change ripples outward from middle management; empowering these leaders to move from "victims of strategy" to "owners of transformation" is vital for organizational health. Episode Resources The Human OS: A concept describing the biological and cognitive "operating system" of humans that must be upgraded to match modern technology. Human Infrastructure: The foundational layer of culture, psychological safety, and adaptability required to support digital tools. Digital Wisdom Collective: The organization led by Barbara Wittmann focused on shifting corporate focus from tech to human potential. Digital Literacy vs. Digital Wisdom: The distinction between knowing how to use a tool and having the wisdom to integrate it meaningfully into work. Quote of the Episode "21st-century software cannot run on a Stone Age brain. To survive the digital age, we don’t just need better tools; we need better human infrastructure." — Barbara Wittmann   How to reach out to Barbara Wittmann? Her website https://www.digitalwisdomcollective.com/ Her newsletter https://digitalwisdomcollective.substack.com/   If you found value in this discussion on the intersection of humanity and technology, please subscribe to the show and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring more innovative ideas to leaders worldwide.

    49 min
  8. Mastering the Mind of a Leader: Sébastien Page on the Psychology of High Performance

    JAN 4

    Mastering the Mind of a Leader: Sébastien Page on the Psychology of High Performance

    Why do companies spend billions on leadership development only to see engagement scores tank and top talent quit? The answer often lies in the "blind spots" of the human mind. In this episode of the Growth Hacking Culture podcast, we sit down with Sébastien Page, a leader in quantitative finance and author of The Psychology of Leadership. Sébastien shares how his own journey through high-stakes stress led him to the world of behavioral and sports psychology. We discuss why the most effective leadership doesn't start with managing your team, but with managing your own brain. From distinguishing between luck and skill to understanding the "Roger Federer mindset," this conversation provides a science-based roadmap for anyone looking to improve their management of individuals, teams, and themselves. Key topics include: Self-Management: Why the journey to better leadership starts with changing your brain, not just your team. Luck vs. Skill: How to distinguish between talent and randomness in high-stakes decision-making. The Feedback Loop: Strategies to reduce the stress response during performance reviews. Goal-Induced Blindness: Avoiding the ethical pitfalls and "metrics obsession" that can tank organizational culture. Books Mentioned The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless Principles to Improve Your Management of Individuals, Teams, and Yourself by Sébastien Page Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts by Annie Duke Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink Timestamps 3:54 – Sebastien's journey from quantitative finance to sports psychology 8:12 – The Dr. Daniel Zimmert story: Why losing can be your "best match" 17:18 – The Roger Federer 54% rule for handling professional losses 21:50 – The Luck vs. Skill trap in leadership decision-making 26:22 – Handling "Black Swans" and building organizational resilience 31:15 – The "Feedback Fallacy" and the biology of the stress response 35:50 – Why asking for feedback is 50% less stressful than receiving it 40:24 – Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic motivation: Moving beyond "Carrot and Stick" 45:08 – Goal-Induced Blindness: Lessons from Volkswagen and Wells Fargo 49:40 – The Harvard Study: Why relationships are the ultimate indicator of success 51:10 – The foundation of leadership: Why sleep and ethics matter most Connect with Sebastien About the book: The Psychology of Leadership LinkedIn: Sebastien Page   Read about the upcoming Ivan Palomino's book THE VINTAGE UPGRADE (the science  of staying relevant in a world obsessed with youth)

    51 min
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About

The Growth Hacking Culture Podcast is a series of insightful interviews with prominent experts on mindsets, skills and mental resources to grow individually, lead motivated teams and create human-centric work cultures. These episodes are about thought provoking ideas to scale up and growth hack human-centric and performing work cultures. Hosted by Ivan Palomino.

Information

  • Creator
    Ivan Palomino
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved Ivan Palomino.
  • Show Website
    Growth Hacking Culture