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

Leadership is a lesson in listening to the people in you lead. Let’s talk about how to unlock the voices within your organization to get meaningful feedback. Nikki’s guests are the dynamic co-owners of DORIS Research, Sam Julka and Meghan Tooman, who share their wisdom on leading with listening, the power of vulnerability, and leveraging meaningful data for transformational change. Learn how DORIS's core values—such as leading with listening, feeding intellect, and navigating ambiguity with grit—guides their approach to fostering transformational change. This episode is a lesson on slow, deliberate problem-defining versus quick problem-solving. Explore how to prioritize people, gather meaningful data, and drive internal transformation in your organization. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Sam Julka on LinkedIn DORIS Research Connect with Meghan Tooman on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Be an original.  Rob Eyler is a visionary entrepreneur renowned for his innovative contributions to the photography industry. He is CEO of Capturely—a company revolutionizing the way businesses approach employee photography.  Rob discusses the significance of first impressions, the importance of a consistent and impactful personal brand, and how updating your headshot every 2-3 years can make a world of difference.  Tune in to learn how you can enhance your personal brand and make lasting impressions that resonate in professional settings. Additional Resources Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Rob Eyler on LinkedIn Capturely Photofeeler Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

How can leaders use data to build culture in their organizations? Our guest, Craig Forman, is on a mission to improve how people work by using data to lead people and culture forward. Get a unique perspective on using data to build trust within organizations and involve employees in shaping their culture. Craig reveals the importance of empathy and storytelling in helping leaders embrace data and focus on inputs rather than just outcomes. He shares insight on using compassionate data, making people feel seen and heard, and the long-term value of regularly addressing data. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a renowned culture expert and people scientist. Additional Resources Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Craig Forman on LinkedIn Culture Seek Consulting Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

How can leaders effectively identify and leverage the common ground in a generationally diverse workforce? Katherine Coble reveals the nuances of varying communication styles between Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Learn the the importance of trust, purpose, and autonomy while highlighting the critical role of curiosity in understanding and respecting generational differences. If your struggling to create a thriving, connected workplace, this episode will help you to implement effective communication strategies, and utilize technology to meet the evolving needs of a multi-generational team. Additional Resources: Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Generations Defined Professor Gerhardt - Home Of The Gentelligence Movement Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Explore the transformative power of love in leadership with insights from host, Renée Smith, a renowned social scientist and the host of the "To Work: With Love" series. Learn key strategies for fostering an environment centered around love, including the importance of spaciousness, simplicity, and hope. Renée discusses how these elements are crucial for thriving teams and individuals, highlighting the need to move away from fear-based leadership. The episode also sheds light on practical ways leaders can build balanced and healthy work experiences, where meaningful work and team well-being are prioritized. From reconfiguring calendars for core priorities to simplifying physical spaces and work processes, Renée's actionable advice is designed to help leaders and their teams flourish. Tune in to this episode if you're committed to transforming your workplace culture through the power of love Additional Resources: Connect with Renée on LinkedIn  Learn more about a Human Workplace 7 Steps to Lead With Love Even

Host Nikki Lewallen Gregory sits down with Dr. Taryn Marie to dive deep into the intricacies of resilience, empathy, and radical self-acceptance. Dr. Taryn Marie, a renowned expert in resilience and global leadership, shares her transformative journey from overcoming PTSD and undiagnosed learning disabilities to becoming a successful executive and impactful leader. The conversation covers a wealth of topics including the key components of resilient leadership, the practice of vulnerability, and the significance of maintaining a purpose-driven life. Listeners will discover Dr. Taryn Marie's unique coaching style that blends empathy and evidence-based strategies, earning her the affectionate nickname "resilience Barbie." The dialogue also explores the challenge of societal judgments, the power of storytelling, and practical tips for fostering resilience within oneself and within teams. Highlighting her partnership with Gut+Science, Dr. Taryn Marie touches upon her experience at global corporations like Cigna an

Tiffany Sauder, CEO of Element Three and host of the Scared Confident podcast, joins host Nikki Lewallen Gregory to share her journey from fear to freedom, and how she balances her role as a leader with a family life. Tiffany discusses her evolution from processing emotions through her podcast to embracing a life of "And," where she integrates family, career, and personal growth. She offers practical tools for two-career families, revealing her systems for household management, such as using the Felt app, Instacart, and a color-coded laundry system. Learn about transforming fear into empowerment, creating work-life harmony, and building systems that support a life of proactive engagement. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn Learn about Element Three Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

In this episode of Gut+Science, Andrea Brummett, CEO of reddeHR and Pabulum Group, joins host Nikki Lewallen Gregory to delve into the intricacies of creating psychologically safe workplaces and prioritizing human-first leadership. Discover the significance of emotional intelligence, mutual symbiosis, and redefining traditional HR concepts to foster a culture of authenticity and vulnerability. Tune in to learn how leaders can disrupt the status quo, encourage work-life balance, and create a win-win environment in their organizations. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Connect with Andrea Brummett on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

Good leaders shape the environment for change. Katherine Coble shares her expertise on unlocking the secrets to communicating change effectively, emphasizing that true transformation is about the journey, not just the destination. Drawing from her personal running experience and professional anecdotes, Katherine illustrates the power of "being goals" over "doing goals," and how leaders can cultivate lasting change by building new habits and creating new mindsets within their organizations. Key highlights include navigating employee resistance through clarity and repetition, understanding the importance of appealing to both the rational and emotional sides of the brain during change, and practical tips for shaping a conducive environment for transformation. Katherine also stresses the significance of patience, two-way communication, and celebrating small wins to ensure a successful change journey. Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to elevate your internal communications and drive meaningful progre

From engineering to founding Hacking HR, Enrique Rubio brings a fresh perspective to human resources. In this episode, hosted by Nikki Lewallen Gregory, Enrique delves into people-first workplace cultures, the importance of leadership reflection, and understanding human experiences beyond employee engagement. Enrique shares his admiration for a book on the engineering behind the first moon landing, emphasizing goal-setting and belief in possibilities. He also opens up about managing his impatience and its impact on his work. Nikki and Enrique inspire listeners with actionable advice on fostering environments where teams thrive both professionally and personally. They highlight the significance of a living, energizing company mission and the interconnectedness of people's success and business success. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Enrique on LinkedIn Learn more about Hacking HR

Renée Smith believes leaders can create meaningful and transformative work experiences when they embrace love. In this episode of the "To Work with Love" series on Gut + Science, she takes us on a journey to explore the concept of wholeness, defining it as being complete and authentic. She introduces the INSPIRE model (Identities, Intuition, Spirit, Physical body, Intellect, Relationships, and Emotions) as a guide to achieving holistic well-being at work. Renée explains how embracing all parts of oneself and fostering psychological safety can improve work processes and outcomes. 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 Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ryan Berman says courage isn't about being a cheerleader. It's about embarking on the messy journey to meaningful work and encouraging your team to do the same. IN this episode, Ryan joins host Nikki Lewallen Gregory to delve into the necessity of building courage in oneself and team members, emphasizing the combination of knowledge, faith, and action. He introduces the concept of believership, where team unity and mutual trust empower them to navigate challenges together. Nikki and Ryan debunk the myth of cheerleadership, advocating for genuine leadership that addresses fear and drives progress. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn Learn more about Courageous The Courageous Podcast

In this episode, Rich Gassen passionately discusses transforming potential roadblocks into significant innovation opportunities, especially in workspace design and workflow efficiency. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics and leadership strategies of moving his team to a brand-new facility. Host Nikki Lewallen Gregory helps unpack the wealth of insights Rich brings, from maintaining transparency to ensuring every team member is on board and feeling valued during transitions. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Rich on LinkedIn Learn more about the University of Wisconsin-Madison Book: Switch

In the specialized Gut + Science Podcast series called "Communicating for Maximum Leadership Impact," Katherine Coble delves into the art of effective writing for leaders. Operating within various leadership positions, from small teams to large corporations, necessitates an adeptness in written expression, where emails, proposals, and digital posts are crafted daily. In this episode, Katherine explores the pivotal role of empathy in communication, the challenges of asynchronous messaging, and the importance of aligning content with team expectations, equipping leaders with strategies for impactful leadership through precise, thoughtful written communication. Additional Resources: Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Axios HQ - The 2023 state of essential workplace communications Writing for Busy Readers Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

Rob Catalano is tapping into the opportunity to help us sharpen our listening skills so that we can truly make an impact via feedback. He has navigated a dynamic career path focused on enhancing employee experiences across organizations. He is deeply invested in transforming workplace cultures through effective listening and structured feedback. In this episode, Rob discusses replacing blame with curiosity to foster psychological safety and enhance employee feedback mechanisms. He emphasizes the importance of frequent, structured listening and actionable responses to foster a culture of continuous improvement and genuine engagement with host Nikki Lewallen Gregory. Additional Resources:Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Rob on LinkedIn Learn more about WorkTango

Dr. Josh Plaskoff, named one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Tacit Knowledge Management, has carved a niche in the field of employee experience, deeply impacting organizations' approaches to leadership. As principal and founder of interhuman group, he brings a holistic viewpoint to enhancing workplace dynamics. In this episode, Josh discusses the essential shifts from managing to leading, emphasizing the need for organizations to embrace uncertainty and focus on relational rather than structural views. Together, host Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Josh explore the deep connections, the importance of co-created environments, and the role of technology in fostering meaningful employee relationships. Josh’s insights offer a powerful framework for leaders looking to navigate the complexities of modern workspaces more effectively. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Josh on LinkedIn Learn more about

From human resources to championing innovative leadership practices, Mindy Honcoop offers a wealth of experience as a fractional Chief People Officer driven by transformative concepts like Human Care Design. In this episode of Gut+Science, Mindy underscores the importance of a finely tuned people-centric approach to organizational success, emphasizing bespoke care in employee interactions and the strategic integration of a personal touch into corporate frameworks. She unpacks her philosophy with host Nikki Lewallen Gregory, sharing actionable insights on elevating employee satisfaction and workplace functionality through intentionality in leadership and thoughtful design. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Mindy on LinkedIn  

From the front lines of organizational health to the strategic planning of well-being cultures, Dr. Richard Safeer has woven a tapestry of expertise throughout his illustrious career. Now, as the Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Wellbeing at Johns Hopkins Medicine, he heralds the significance of an internal well-being strategy as vital to a thriving workplace. In this episode of Gut+Science, Rich delves into the necessity of cultivating a well-being culture that resonates with the very essence of water and air for organizations alongside host Nikki Lewallen Gregory. Rich espouses the importance of leadership engagement, shared values, and the innovative concept of well-being as a team sport - illustrating that it's about more than just individual health; it's about creating a positive social climate and robust community participation within a company. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with

Dr. Paul Zak believes grounding leadership in emotional fitness is crucial to both professional success and personal well-being. In this episode, Paul joins Nikki Lewallen Gregory to explore the critical role of emotional fitness within leadership and workplace culture. A renowned expert on human connection, Paul advocates for leaders to craft emotionally fit environments that serve employees and promote a harmonious work-life balance. Emphasizing the link between engaged workers and positive energy in both professional spaces and at home, Paul spotlights impactful strategies such as the emotional fitness app Tuesday. This episode underlines leaders’ need to embrace emotional health as a foundation for a dynamic and fulfilling organizational culture. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Paul on LinkedIn Learn more about Immersion Check out BestTuesdayEver.com

In this episode, Katherine Coble highlights a disconnect with executive transparency and stresses the overlooked but crucial role of managers as communicators. She unravels the challenges that managers face when striving to be effective communicators and how this disconnect can hinder a company's success. Katherine explores the reasons why managers might need to realize the critical nature of their role as communicators and provides actionable tips to elevate their skills in this area. Katherine is a communication expert and partner at Borshoff, a prominent integrated marketing communications agency. Recognizing the power of effective dialogue in organizational success, she spearheads this monthly series on Gut+Science, "In the Loop: Communicating for Maximum Leadership Impact.” Additional Resources:Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff ’Mushroom Management’ Research Report The Future of the Office Has Arrived: It’s Hybrid Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more abou