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

It’s a special Gut + Science episode with Borshoff celebrating 40 years of people-focused leadership. Nikki chats with Borshoff partners Karen Alter, Jennifer Dzwonar, and Katherine Coble about building a company that’s all heart, hustle, and a whole lot of history. Listen in as the trio breaks down the “3 C’s of Legacy Leadership”—Culture, Connection, and Commitment—that have shaped Borshoff’s success story. Expect stories of teamwork, fearless pivots, and a legacy rooted in founder Myra Borshoff’s mantra of always putting people first. Here’s to celebrating #40andForward

In this episode, Nikki chats with Eddie Geller, Founder and CEO of SKOR, the ultimate culture measurement platform. Eddie’s passion for data and people shines as he reveals how SKOR helps organizations move their cultures beyond gut feelings and standard employee surveys, to real, actionable insights. Learn why culture isn’t just about pizza parties and pep talks but about measurable, strategic growth built on cohesion, clarity, and courage. Which are all linked to profit and organizational productivity. Tune in to find out how your company can get its own culture SKOR and either start winning at the culture game or accelerate it!   Additional Resources: Take the SKOR Snapshot Connect with Eddie on LinkedIn Follow SKOR on LinkedIn   Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Three Pillars of Culture: Each organization’s culture SKOR is based on cohesion, clarity, and courage, essential for measuring and improving workplace

In this episode, Katherine tackles one of the top fears (and no, it’s not death!)—public speaking! Let’s dive into practical tips for leaders who want to engage their teams and build trust every time they step up to speak. Whether it’s a team meeting or a town hall, Katherine covers how to keep your message clear, connect emotionally, and boost your speaking confidence. Ready to turn those nerves into leadership superpowers? Tune in and let’s make speaking fun and impactful!   Additional Resources: Listen to Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk  Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Preparation is Key: Good public speaking starts with clear goals and understanding the audience's concerns. Practice, simplicity, and alignment with values make the difference. Clarity and Simplicity: Avoid technical jargon and keep the message accessible. Break down complex ideas to ensure everyone can follow along an

Katie Donovan, founder of Camp Digital, joins Nikki to discuss creating a workplace culture fueled by genuine care and connection. Sharing her “GAS” philosophy—"Give a Sh*t"—Katie reveals how this core value drives her “three-legged stool” approach, balancing employee well-being, customer satisfaction, and company health. From family-style lunches to designing spaces for connection, Katie’s insights offer a practical roadmap for leaders looking to build a culture rooted in meaning and community. Tune in to discover how “giving a sh*t” can transform your workplace.   Additional Resources: Connect with Katie Donovan on LinkedIn Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: GAS: Give a Sh*t Philosophy: This principle underpins Camp Digital’s hiring, training, and daily practices. Passion, care, and meaning are essential traits, and GAS is a non-negotiable component of their culture. The Three-Legged Stool: A balanced focus on em

Nikki speaks with Nisha Smales, a true leader in workforce strategy, to unpack one big idea: why upskilling isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s an absolute must in today’s lightning-fast world. Nisha’s career spans continents and industries (nonprofits, McKinsey, and beyond), but one thing has stayed consistent: her passion for learning. Together, Nikki and Nisha explore the rapid-fire adoption of new technologies (hello, ChatGPT!) and what it means for your people and your business. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Nisha on LinkedIn  Key Takeaways:  Upskilling is critical in a world of rapid technological change – The pace of tech adoption, exemplified by ChatGPT reaching 100 million users in just two months, highlights the need for continuous learning. Leaders must provide structured learning opportunities – Strategic workforce education isn’t just about offering courses but aligning learning pro

What if AI isn’t about replacing jobs, but about making work more human? That’s the focus of this episode, where Nikki talks with Greg Verdino, Founder and COO of CognitivePath. With over 30 years of experience working with brands like AT&T, Coca-Cola, and IBM, Greg explains how AI can eliminate mundane tasks and allow people to focus on the strategic, creative work that truly matters. Learn to avoid common mistakes when adopting AI and how to use it to enhance—not replace—teams. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Greg Verdino on LinkedIn Key Takeaways:  AI’s Role in Human Transformation: AI enhances productivity by automating routine tasks, freeing humans for more strategic, creative, and meaningful work. Mindset Shift in Leadership: Leaders must move away from measuring success solely by productivity and focus on uniquely human skills like empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. AI a

In this episode of In the Loop, we’re discussing something every leader dreads but inevitably faces: crisis. Whether it’s sudden or a slow burn, how you communicate can make all the difference. So, how do you lead through a crisis? That’s where guest, Jennifer Dzwonar, comes in. Jennifer is a crisis communication expert with over 30 years under her belt at Borshoff. Listen for practical tips on leading through tough times, from preparing a crisis plan to communicating even when you don’t have all the answers. Additional Resources: Connect with Jennifer Dzwonar on LinkedIn Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways:  Internal communication should be the top priority in any crisis. Employees are often overlooked, yet they are crucial to managing the situation. Consistent messaging for internal and external audiences is vital in today’s connected world. The “mixed internal” communicatio

What happens when a mission trip transforms your perspective, your relationships, and even your approach to leadership? In this episode, Nikki takes us on a journey through her life-changing experience with Homes of Hope, an organization that's built over 8,000 homes in 30 countries. Joined by the founders, Sean Lambert and Andrea East, Nikki explores how service doesn’t just uplift communities—it has the power to recalibrate how we think, work, and connect with others. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Homes of Hope International Websight Contact Andrea to discuss next steps: hope@ywamsdb.org Promotional Video Homes of Hope family story Our pricing model for Homes of Hope in Mexico  Key Takeaways:  Transformative Power of Service: Serving others not only helps those in need but creates a deep bond and sense of purpose among those who give. Connection Through Immersive Service: A mission trip creates stro

What’s the secret sauce to building a culture that sticks? According to Amy Bayer, Global Director of DE&I, Employee Engagement & Culture, at Duck Creek Technologies, it’s not some magic bullet—it’s your people. In this episode, recorded live at CultureCon 2024, Amy sits down with Nikki to talk about how Duck Creek has created a people-first culture that thrives in a fully remote world. Spoiler alert: it’s not about big budgets or fancy tools. It’s about empowering employees to own culture—every single one of them. Additional Resources: Connect with Amy Bayer on LinkedIn Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network  Key Takeaways:  Everyone Owns Culture: Culture isn’t just driven by HR or leadership—it thrives when everyone has a role and feels empowered to contribute. Flexible First Approach: Duck Creek’s ‘flexible first’ policy prioritizes trust and allows employees to work in ways that best suit their lives, which fosters engagem

Leadership is more than a title—it’s about influence. In this episode, Nikki speaks with Jess Goldberg, a leadership coach, Emmy Award winner, and lecturer at Columbia University, whose mission is to help leaders communicate with influence. Jess shares her journey from journalism to leadership training and introduces her groundbreaking concept: the eight archetypes of influence. Need a roadmap to effectively communicate with and inspire your team? Tune in for a deep dive into how communication shapes leadership and the power of influence in transforming teams and organizations. Additional Resources: Download 8 Archetypes of Influence  Get Jess' Top 5 Leadership Frameworks Connect with Jess Goldberg Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Influence Requires Investment: Leadership influence is built over time, requiring consistent effort in building relationships, both up and down the chain of command. The 8 Archetypes of I

Is traditional employment... dead? Bold claim, right? But that's exactly what our guest, Josh Drean, is here to unpack. Josh isn’t just tossing around buzzwords—he’s a talent management and people analytics expert who’s been deep in the trenches of workforce innovation. He’s also the co-founder of Work3 Institute, where he’s actively rethinking how we work, why we work, and (most importantly) how we should work in this new digital-first world. In this episode, we dive into what "non-traditional work" really looks like—spoiler: it's way beyond remote work and freelancing. Together, we explore why today’s workforce is demanding more flexibility, autonomy, and purpose—and what leaders need to do right now to attract the next generation of talent (hint: it’s not just about offering snacks in the breakroom). Additional Resources: Josh Drean on LinkedIn Work3 Institute  Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

With big companies calling employees back to the office, does this mean the end of flexible work? Not so fast. In this episode, Katherine Coble tackles a hot topic on every leader’s mind: the future of remote and hybrid work. Katherine breaks down the reality that remote and hybrid work are here to stay—whether we like it or not. More importantly, she shares three simple, actionable strategies to improve how you lead your team, no matter where they work. Tune in to discover how you can level up your leadership in a world that’s forever changed. Because let’s face it: effective communication is more important than ever. Additional Resources: Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

In this conversation, Nikki interviews John Nieters, the co-founder of TestRxMD, about living from our highest and best selves. John shares his personal story of overcoming addiction, prison, and profound life lessons that shaped his journey toward becoming a healer. Together, they explore the 10 core pillars of living your highest and best self—covering spiritual alignment, consciousness, emotional mastery, and much more. John is a true visionary in the wellness and healing space. Take a listen! Additional Resources: Free Wellness Consultation with John Nieters About TestRxMD  Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ever feel like you're stuck on autopilot as a leader? In this episode of To Work: With Love, host Renee Smith shares a deeply personal and insightful reflection on leadership through the lens of her recent trip to Mount Rainier. She highlights how, as leaders, we often get caught up in the daily grind without pausing to assess the bigger picture. Drawing parallels from her hike, Renee emphasizes the need for spaciousness — a time to reflect, observe, and make intentional decisions. Tune in to learn how to navigate decision biases, embrace loving leadership, and cultivate a workplace where people feel truly seen and valued Additional Resources: Sign up for my new Loving Leaders email Connect with Renée on LinkedIn Learn more about a Human Workplace 7 Steps to Lead With Love Even When Your Organization Isn't Ready To Yet Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Questions for Reflection inspired by the Institute for Cultural Affairs: • What do you see? What stands out from t

Are you ready to lead the next generation? In this intriguing episode, Nikki sits down with guest Alafia Stewart, a global expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to discuss leading newer generations of employees. Alafia passionately shares how Gen Z and Millennials are transforming the workplace by challenging traditional systems and norms. From the power of personal branding to the need for flexible, transparent leadership, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on how to engage and empower the next generation of workers. Additional Resources: Connect with Alafia Stewart on LinkedIn Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Nikki Lewallen Gregory, Founder and Chief Meaningful Work Officer at PeopleForward Network, joins Lead the People podcast host Matt Poepsel to discuss intentionality in leadership and the importance of a strong culture code. She emphasizes the need for leaders to live with intention and be rooted in their why. Nikki also shares insights on building an intentional culture and the challenges that can arise when there is a disconnect between stated values and actual behavior. Transparency, accountability, and creating a people-forward workplace factor into Nikki’s authentic leadership style. Additional Resources (links for listeners to learn more or connect with host + guest) Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Subscribe to Lead the People Podcast

Human beings are wired to respond to stories, yet when it comes to our professional lives as leaders, we often neglect storytelling. In this conversation, Katherine Coble explores why storytelling is so effective and how leaders can use it to connect with their audience. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality and understanding what makes a good story. Learn about four key ideas for effective storytelling and how to harness the power of storytelling to inspire as a leader. Additional Resources: Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

In this conversation, Nikki interviews Nami Baral, the founder and CEO of Niural, an AI for global workforce management. They discuss the concept of meaningful work and how it can be achieved through a sense of community, alignment with personal values, joy, and a sense of pride. Nami shares her journey as a founder and the motivation behind starting Neural. She also highlights the importance of empathy in leadership and the need to upskill the workforce in the age of AI. Nami provides insights on how to navigate the world of AI and emphasizes the importance of putting humans at the center of AI technology. Additional Resources: NiuralConnect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

In this episode, Renee explores the concept of creating spaciousness in our lives and filling it with awe. She discusses the benefits of awe and how it can enhance our well-being and relationships at work. Renee shares the eight wonders of life that can inspire awe, such as moral beauty, nature, music, and epiphanies. She also emphasizes the importance of intentionally seeking out awe and incorporating it into our daily lives. By practicing loving leadership and bringing awe to our workplaces, we can create a more loving and human work environment. Additional Resources: Connect with Renée on LinkedIn Learn more about a Human Workplace 7 Steps to Lead With Love Even When Your Organization Isn't Ready To Yet Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Nikki interviews Karina Lam, a global leader at Mercer, about the importance of advocating for oneself and how to lead others in doing the same. Karina shares her passion for problem-solving and building deep relationships in HR tech. She emphasizes the significance of setting expectations and spending time and energy in the right places. Karina also discusses the challenges she has faced as a young leader, navigating different cultures, and being a female in the workplace. Get a reliable perspective on how leaders can help others advocate for themselves and create a positive work environment. Additional Resources Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Corina Lam on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network