Gut + Science - Real Talk With Ceos On Culture, Data, And Decision-making

Employees crave feedback—96% say they want it! But let’s be honest… giving and receiving feedback can be awkward.

Delegation isn’t just about offloading tasks—it’s about unlocking your team's potential!

Ever feel like your team is always busy but not actually moving the needle? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Roots Up Approach, Steve and Nikki unpack the secret to cutting through the chaos: the Weekly Planning Rhythm—a simple, game-changing system to set clear priorities, stay focused, and actually get things done. Steve shares how this rhythm transformed his own business (and sanity), why Monday meetings are the worst, and how one leadership team went from total disorganization to seamless execution in just one week. Ready to ditch the overwhelm and lead with intention? Tune in now and grab the Roots Up Quiz to build your custom action plan!

Ever felt like something at work just wasn’t clicking—but you couldn’t put your finger on why?

Great leadership starts with great communication!

What happens when you look beyond someone’s job title?

What’s your purpose story? On this episode, Nikki is joined by Marshall Lockton, entrepreneur and Partner of Knight Agency, takes us on a journey from his family’s business at Lockton Companies to his passion for purpose-driven leadership. Marshall shares how crafting meaningful stories fuels performance, builds connection, and brings purpose to life.

In this episode of Gut + Science, Nikki sits down with Azizi Marshall, a workplace mental health expert and international speaker, to tackle the bold truth: mental health care is a must-have, not a nice-to-have. From startling stats (1 in 4 adults face mental health challenges!) to ripple effects in workplace culture, Azizi shares actionable insights on turning data into strategies, creating impactful training programs like de-escalation workshops, and building a culture of care that fosters resilience. Tune in to learn how to lead better, care smarter, and make work a place where people truly thrive.   Additional Resources: Connect with Azizi on LinkedIn Check out Azizi’s website! Learn more about Center for Creative Arts Therapy Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Mental health care is vital: Addressing mental well-being is not a luxury but a necessity for individual and organizational success. Data informs str

Core values: are they driving your culture or just filling up wall space? Katherine Coble unpacks how to make your values real—think Chick-fil-A-level real. From hiring and onboarding to tough decisions that protect your culture, Katherine dives into what it takes to walk the talk. Ready to transform words on a wall into actions that inspire? Let’s dive in!   Additional Resources: Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Take the SKOR Snapshot Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Core values must reflect who you already are. Aspirations belong in the vision, not in the values. Leaders set the tone for living the values. If leaders aren’t modeling them, employees won’t follow. Embed values into every aspect of the business. From recruitment to recognition, values should guide decision-making. Tough decisions uphold credibility. Failing to address misalignment damages trust, even with high performers.

Work and life don’t have to compete! In this exciting kickoff to a new partnership with Steve Perkins of Greenhouse Coaching, Nikki and Steve discuss the "Roots Up" approach—a fresh way to grow the life and team you want. Learn how to ditch the chaos, design with intention, and create thriving cultures where work works for you. It’s practical, inspiring, and packed with insights you can start using today. Dive in!   Additional Resources: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn Take the RootsUp Quiz! Learn more about Greenhouse Coaching Take the SKOR Snapshot Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Roots First, Growth Follows: Leaders often focus on surface results but overlook foundational habits. The "Roots Up" methodology emphasizes starting with the right foundational practices. Vision as the Anchor: A clearly defined vision acts as the north star for personal and organizational success. Dynamic Delegation: Empower teams

What happens when leaders lose their spark, their confidence, and their sense of direction? Enter Work Twisties—a concept Ify Walker brings to life in this episode of Gut+Science. Inspired by Simone Biles' "twisties," Ify shares her raw, emotional story of grief, self-doubt, and rebuilding after losing her biggest champion. Through tears and powerful truths, Ify reveals how leaders can navigate these moments of feeling lost and how we can better support one another. This isn’t burnout—it’s deeper. And trust us, you’ll walk away with insights that stick. Grab your headphones and maybe some tissues—you won’t want to miss this one.

In this episode, Nikki chats with Michelle Yates, EVP at Pet Partners, about the magic of pet-friendly perks in the workplace.

2024 flew by, and Nikki is here to wrap it up with a bang!

In this episode of In the Loop, Katherine is joined by Fred Payne, CEO and President of United Way of Central Indiana, and they’re discussing all things leadership, community, and the power of storytelling! Fred shares his journey from practicing law to leading workforce initiatives and overcoming personal health challenges, all while staying true to his mission of empowering others. Tune in to learn why listening beats being brilliant, how vulnerability fuels leadership, and how small wins create big impact. This episode is a feel-good reminder of the power of people-first leadership!

Get ready for a storytelling masterclass! Nikki sits down with Danielle Krischik - Partner at Knight Agency and host of the new show The Story Effect - to reveal why storytelling is the ultimate connection hack. From captivating beginnings to real, relatable moments, Danielle shares her simple storytelling formula that any leader can master. Packed with inspiration and practical tips, this episode will have you weaving unforgettable tales and building deeper connections in no time. Tune in and start crafting stories that truly stick!   Additional Resources: Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn Learn more about The Story Effect Listen to The Story Effect’s pilot episode! Take the SKOR Snapshot Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways Storytelling Builds Connection: Stories spark emotions, making them a powerful tool for creating meaningful relationships and engaged teams. Simple Storytelling Formula: Captivate: Grab att