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. Fredrik Haren on The Curiosity Architecture: Designing a Brain That Thrives at Work

    3D AGO

    Fredrik Haren on The Curiosity Architecture: Designing a Brain That Thrives at Work

    Have you ever felt like your brain is on "auto-pilot"? You sit in the same chair, stare at the same screen, and follow the same routines until your office feels like a "sensory desert". Biologically, we are wired for discovery, yet the modern workplace often trades that natural curiosity for pure efficiency. In this episode, I’m joined by the "Creativity Explorer" himself, Fredrik Haren. Fredrik has traveled to over 75 countries to interview the world's most inventive minds, and he’s here to help us build what he calls the "Curiosity Architecture". We aren't just talking about "brainstorming" fluff. We’re diving into the real tactics—from the "50-Meter Rule" used by Swiss illustrators to the way an identical twin uses AI to "brainstorm with themselves". If you've ever felt that curiosity at work is an "admission of incompetence," this conversation will help you flip the script and turn "not knowing" into your greatest professional asset. 🎙️ In this episode, we explore: The 50-Meter Rule: Why turning around every 50 meters helps you see "twice as much forest"—and how to apply that to your desk. Micro-Rituals for the Office: Why simply shifting your chair 25 degrees can trick your brain out of a "biologically stuck" state. The Art of "Fractaling": How to find world-class ideas by diving deep into your own supply chain or the lives of your customers. Bypassing the Amygdala: How leaders can design meetings that signal "safety to play" rather than just "safety to comply". The "What Do You Think?" Rule: A life-changing tip for raising creative children and leading more innovative teams. 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Why the modern office is a "Sensory Desert". 05:40 – The 50-Meter Rule: A ritual for seeing what others miss. 12:10 – The "Dopamine Trick": Breaking out of auto-pilot. 17:35 – Digital vs. Tactile: Why your brain needs physical artifacts. 23:15 – What is "Fractaling"? Finding the hidden value in your work. 30:10 – Designing "Safe" Meetings: Getting the best from your team. 35:30 – Questions > Answers: Rewiring the corporate reward system. 45:50 – AI as your "Digital Twin": Scaling your own curiosity. 52:40 – Final Thoughts: One small change to make to your desk today. 🔗 Connect with Fredrik Haren: Website: FredrikHaren.com Book: The World of Creativity    About the host: Ivan Palomino Sign up for "Simply Human" (Ivan's free monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com/ Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast on Spotify or Apple podcast 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/

    54 min
  2. The Habit Factor: Transform Corporate Values into Daily Actions with Christoph Merrill

    MAR 18

    The Habit Factor: Transform Corporate Values into Daily Actions with Christoph Merrill

    In this episode of Growth Hacking Culture, we dive deep into The Habit Factor—the scientific bridge between stated company values and actual employee behavior. Our guest, Christoph Merrill (The Habit Freak), argues that most culture initiatives fail because they rely on inspiration rather than habit formation. When the pressure of the corporate world hits, people don't fall back on mission statements; they fall back on their habitual defaults. If you want to transform your organization, you have to stop "managing" culture and start "hacking" habits. In this episode, we deconstruct: The Habit Loop in Business: How to identify the cues and rewards that drive current (and often counter-productive) office behaviors. Why Willpower is a Corporate Myth: Why even the most dedicated employees struggle with culture change without a habit-based system. Identity-Based Habit Formation: Moving your team from "following rules" to "embodying the brand" through consistent, repeatable actions. The 92-Day Habit Rule: Why short-term "culture workshops" don't work and the timeline required for a new habit to become the organizational default. The Zappos Model: Real-world examples of how habit-driven identity creates a self-sustaining high-performance culture. Whether you are an HR leader, a CEO, or a manager looking to improve team dynamics, this conversation provides a tactical blueprint for using habit science to drive measurable cultural transformation. Connect with Christoph Merrill: Want to learn more about mastering your defaults or bringing habit-based transformation to your team? Connect with "The Habit Freak" here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophmerrill/  Website: https://www.christophmerrill.com/  Show Notes & Timestamps 00:00 – The problem with "Values on Walls." 05:30 – Christoph Merrill’s journey into habit science. 11:15 – Why willpower fails in a corporate environment. 17:40 – Designing a "Default Operating System" for your team. 25:20 – The 92-Day Rule: Moving from initiative to instinct. 33:10 – Maintaining cultural integrity during high-stress periods. 42:05 – Practical first steps for "Culture Hacking" your department.

    1h 2m
  3. Human-Centric AI Leadership: Paul Gibbons on the "Great Collisions" of Agency & Algorithms

    MAR 12

    Human-Centric AI Leadership: Paul Gibbons on the "Great Collisions" of Agency & Algorithms

    How do we lead with soul in a world run by code? In this episode, we explore the concept of Human-Centric AI Leadership with renowned strategist Paul Gibbons. We dive deep into his framework of the "Great Collisions"—the friction points where human agency, empathy, and algorithmic decision-making meet in the modern workplace. Paul discusses why the rise of AI doesn't mean the end of human influence, but rather a call to strengthen our uniquely human capabilities. If you are a leader or professional trying to navigate the shift toward automation without losing the "human touch," this conversation provides the ethical and practical roadmap you need. Key Takeaways: The Agency Collision: How to maintain professional autonomy when algorithms begin to suggest—or make—decisions for us. The Empathy Gap: Why artificial intelligence can simulate empathy but never truly replicate the human connection required for effective leadership. Navigating the Great Collisions: Practical steps for integrating AI into your workflow while protecting employee morale and agency. The Future of Management: Why "Human-Centric AI Leadership" is the most critical skill set for the next decade. Episode Highlights [00:00] – Introduction: Defining Human-Centric AI Leadership. [05:30] – What are the "Great Collisions" at work? [12:15] – Why Human Agency is the antidote to "Algorithmic Anxiety." [20:45] – Empathy vs. Simulation: Can AI truly understand human needs? [28:10] – The Ethics of Automation: Avoiding the "Black Box" leadership trap. [37:50] – Case Studies: Successes and failures in the collision of humans and tech. [48:20] – Actionable advice for leaders navigating the next 5 years of AI. References: Adaptive Adoption™ — Why AI Adoption Fails and How to Fix It His book - BRAINS BODIES MINDS (The Great Collisions, Volume I): How AI is Transforming Medicine, Therapy, and Wellness Think Bigger Think Better Newsletter with Paul Gibbons

    1h 5m
  4. Stop Leading, Start Being: The Provocative Path to Authentic Authority with Will Steel

    MAR 5

    Stop Leading, Start Being: The Provocative Path to Authentic Authority with Will Steel

    The world is full of exhausted leaders who have been conditioned to believe that leadership is a performance—a set of KPIs to hit and a professional mask to wear. But what if the very act of trying to lead is what is stopping you from being effective? In this episode of the Growth Hacking Culture podcast, we sit down with Will Steel, a former RAF pilot and executive coach who argues that your leadership genius is already within you, buried under a lifetime of social conditioning. We explore the ontological approach to leadership: focusing on the nature of being rather than just doing. Will shares powerful stories from his time in the Royal Air Force and his work across the globe, illustrating how stripping away internal "noise" and limiting beliefs allows your natural authority to emerge. If you are tired of the corporate mask and ready to lead with radical presence, this conversation is for you. 🕒 Timestamps: 0:00 – Why the world is full of exhausted leaders 4:15 – The Leadership Paradox: Why "doing" isn't enough 9:30 – Lessons from the RAF: Failing the officer course to find your voice 14:50 – Breaking the Persona: Stripping away the "Professional Mask" 20:10 – Leadership as Subtraction: Removing internal blocks 26:45 – Radical Presence: Learning to truly listen and be "gotten" 32:20 – The Goth Phase & The Rock Climber: How we create our identities 38:05 – Managing High-Stakes Pressure: Boards, teams, and internal noise 44:15 – Ontological Coaching vs. Traditional Training 49:30 – Real-World Transformation: Will’s story of radical reconciliation 56:00 – Final Thoughts and Resources ✅ Micro-Actions for Authentic Leadership: To move from "doing" leadership to "being" a leader, try these small shifts this week: Catch the "Monkey Mind": When in a meeting, notice when you start thinking about what to say next instead of listening. Intentionally return your focus to the person speaking. Practice Subtraction: Identify one "professional mask" or behavior you use to look smart or capable. Try to interact once today without using it. The "Who Am I" Inquiry: Reflect on your job title. Remind yourself that the title is what you do, not who you are. Admit a Blind Spot: If you lose presence or get defensive, simply say: "I’m sorry, I wasn't listening/I got defensive. Can you say that again?" Notice how it increases trust. Connect with Will Steel: Website: https://willsteel.com/ Book: Free to Lead - https://a.co/d/0iNwsQ4i

    58 min
  5. How to Use AI for Innovation and Creative Problem Solving with Andy Sitison

    FEB 26

    How to Use AI for Innovation and Creative Problem Solving with Andy Sitison

    Stop using AI just to move faster—start using it to think bigger. In this episode, we sit down with Andy Sitison, CTO of Share More Stories, to explore the shift from AI as a productivity tool to AI as a cognitive catalyst. Most companies use AI to automate tedious tasks, but the real competitive advantage lies in using it to break through human cognitive biases like functional fixedness. We dive into the neuroscience of creativity, discussing how AI mimics "associative activation" to help humans synthesize disparate ideas into breakthrough solutions. Andy explains how to distinguish between AI-generated novelty and true, human-led innovation, and why businesses must protect their "brand soul" in an era of algorithmic sameness. Whether you are a CEO, an entrepreneur, or a creative professional, this conversation will change how you view the boundary between human intuition and machine intelligence. Key Topics Covered: The Science of Insight: How AI mimics the brain’s ability to connect unrelated dots. Breaking the "Status Quo": Using AI to bypass the mental habits that block innovation. Novelty vs. Innovation: Why "new" isn't always "better" for your bottom line. The Risk of Cognitive Atrophy: How to stay sharp while delegating implementation to machines. Predicting Unmet Needs: Using customer stories to find problems they haven't voiced yet. Connect with our Guest: Andy Sitison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-sitison/ About Andy: As the CTO of Share More Stories, Andy has spent over a decade developing AI solutions for Employee Experience (EX), Customer Experience (CX), and market research. About the host: Ivan Palomino Sign up for "Simply Human" (Ivan's free monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com/ Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast on Spotify or Apple podcast 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/

    49 min
  6. The ROI of Belonging: Using Neuroscience to Unlock Team Productivity with Andrea D. Carter

    FEB 21

    The ROI of Belonging: Using Neuroscience to Unlock Team Productivity with Andrea D. Carter

    Is "Culture Fit" actually sabotaging your bottom line? In this episode, Ivan sits down with neuroscience-based researcher Andrea Carter, founder of the Belonging First methodology. We dive into the biological reality of high-performing teams and why traditional EDI metrics often miss the mark. Learn why "masking" at work causes the prefrontal cortex to shut down and how shifting your focus from "fit" to "belonging" can lead to a 56% increase in job performance and a 50% drop in turnover risk. Key Takeaways: The Biology of Inclusion: How social survival mechanisms in the brain override logic and creativity. Beyond the "Soft Side" of HR: Why belonging is a hard metric for ROI and organizational health. Measuring What Matters: An introduction to the 5 key indicators of belonging. Diverse Teams vs. Innovative Teams: Why diversity alone doesn't guarantee performance—and what’s missing. Resources Mentioned: Andrea’s Assessment Tool: belongingfirst.com Substack: andreadcarter.substack.com LinkedIn: Andrea D Carter Notable Quotes: "When an employee feels they have to mask their true self to fit in, their brain's prefrontal cortex... literally shuts down to prioritize social survival."   About the host: Ivan Palomino Sign up for "Simply Human" (Ivan's free monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com/ Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast on Spotify or Apple podcast 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/

    1h 3m
  7. Linda M. Perry on Upstream Causes, Downstream Results: The Science of "Why" at Work

    FEB 15

    Linda M. Perry on Upstream Causes, Downstream Results: The Science of "Why" at Work

    In this episode of Growth Hacking Culture, host Ivan Palomino sits down with Linda M. Perry, a renowned leadership and execution strategist, to explore why high-performing teams suddenly lose momentum. If you are seeing a drop in productivity or a rise in "quiet quitting," the problem likely isn't your software or your systems—it's a Meaning Gap. Linda uses her unique background as a former federal criminal defense attorney to diagnose the "upstream" psychological blocks that prevent "downstream" execution. She introduces the WHY Operating System™, a framework designed to help leaders understand the biological and neurological drivers that determine how an employee interacts with their work. Learn how to stop treating symptoms and start addressing the fundamental human need for belonging and agency to turn your team into a self-leading, goal-crushing powerhouse. Key Discussion Points: The Science of "Stuckness": Why feeling "stuck" is actually a biological stress response triggered when an employee's core needs for belonging and mattering are not met. The Three Execution Gaps: A deep dive into the Clarity Gap (not seeing the connection), the Agency Gap (having no control), and the Values Gap (misalignment with company mission). The 9 Whys of Leadership: Understanding how different "Whys"—such as Trust, Better Way, or Contribute—dictate how individuals process information and make decisions. Subconscious Roadblocks: How "Shadow Beliefs" formed in early childhood drive 95% of adult leadership decisions and how to debug these internal "system bugs". Upstream vs. Downstream Management: Why shifting your focus to upstream psychological causes leads to automated downstream revenue and growth results. The "Self-Leading" Team: Practical steps to foster agency so your team can execute at peak performance without constant founder intervention. Episode Chapters: [00:00] – Why talented teams hit the 40% goal plateau. [04:20] – The "Meaning Gap": The existential hunger for purpose in the modern workplace. [09:15] – From Criminal Law to Corporate Strategy: Diagnosing human nature. [14:45] – Deep Dive: Clarity, Agency, and the Values Gaps. [21:10] – The WHY Assessment: Discovering your team's unique operating system. [27:50] – Rewiring the Brain: How to overcome limiting "Shadow Beliefs". [33:30] – Scaling without the Founder: The secret to self-executing teams. [39:15] – Final Advice: How to start the journey toward radical self-awareness. About Our Guest: Linda M. Perry is a master of the "Psychology of Execution." After 17 years as a criminal defense attorney, she transitioned into business strategy to help executives and founders solve the human problems that stall revenue. She is a certified WHY Institute professional and a leading voice in human-centric leadership. Connect with Linda: Official Website: lindamperry.com LinkedIn: Linda M. Perry   About the host: Ivan Palomino 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/

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

    FEB 10

    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
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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
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved Ivan Palomino.
  • Show Website
    Growth Hacking Culture