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

Abbey Johnston is a passionate and enthusiastic individual who is dedicated to helping people realize the power they hold in making a positive impact. She believes that everyone has the ability to make a significant impact at any given moment, and she aims to inspire others to recognize and value their own potential. Through her work, Abbey hopes to empower individuals to harness their positive charge and make a lasting difference in the world. Abbey joins the latest episode of Gut+Science to share wisdom on the value of being intentional, embracing our unique styles of leadership, and the underestimated influence we have on others. We'll hear stories that highlight the power of awareness, the significance of feedback, and the importance of being present in the moment. Let's jump into this inspiring conversation on being a better leader and making a purposeful impact! Additional Resources Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Connect with Abbey on LinkedIn Learn more about A

Chad Peterman, President + CEO of Peterman Brothers, empowers his team to chase their potential by being a present leader, allowing them to focus on what they do best, offering help and support wherever needed. In this episode, Chad shares his transformative message: "Lead Yourself," outlining his growth journey, recounting the challenges he faced and the pivotal moments that shaped him into the leader he is today. The episode uncovers how empowering others became the cornerstone of his company's achievements, highlighting the impact of nurturing a culture of mentorship. Additional Resources Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Chad on LinkedIn Peterman Brothers Website More on PeopleForward Network Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

In this episode, Nikki welcomes Amy Oviedo, founder of Recruiting Experiences, to discuss the importance of consistency in successful hiring. Amy shares her insights and experiences in the recruiting industry, emphasizing the lack of training for recruiters and the need for structured processes and standardized communication. Amy highlights the common pitfalls in hiring processes, pointing out that many recruiters are not adequately trained for their roles. She explains that recruiters often rely on their natural instincts and bubbly personalities, overlooking the crucial aspects of process management and standardized communication that contribute to consistency over time.  Additional Resources  Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Recruiting Experiences 

In this episode, Nikki is joined by Marsha Clark, best-selling author and podcaster, passionate about supporting women's personal and professional development. They dive into a seven-step feedback framework and discuss the importance of being clear about expectations, checking in with employees, and offering help. The episode also includes three actionable pieces of advice for effective feedback. Listen in to understand the importance of communication to avoid breakdowns in relationships and how to ask for feedback to improve communication. Additional Resources Connect with Marsha on LinkedIn Learn more about Cassandra Capital  Embracing Your Power: A Woman’s Path to Authentic Leadership and Meaningful Relationships Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network 

In this episode of Gut+ Science, Nikki talks with Jennifer Loper about the importance of building relationships and asking questions in the recruitment process rather than solely relying on qualifications. Jennifer shares the story of how a job opportunity changed her family's future and challenges leaders to think differently about hiring. She encourages listeners to explore unconventional career paths and to focus on problem-solving, relationship-building abilities in candidates. Additional Resources  Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn Learn more about c3 

In this episode, Nikki is joined by Kristi Skutvik, Co-Founder & Chief Vibe Officer at workvibes to chat about creating positive work vibes and simplifying work for a more fulfilling experience. Kristi defines workplace culture as a collective energy and emphasizes the importance of connecting with others through simplified communication tactics like video messaging and real-time feedback. Listen in to uncover the importance of understanding one's own purpose and values for finding fulfilling work, as well as creating positive work environments through factors like connection, autonomy, flexibility, and recognition. Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Kristi on LinkedIn Learn more about workvibes

On this episode, Traci Scherck, Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting joins Nikki to discuss the importance of fulfilling work and the ripple effect it has on individuals and communities. Together, they break down the concept of "holding space" as a coaching skill and how it empowers individuals to problem-solve on their own. Tracy also shares four powerful levers for creating fulfilling work experiences: job fit, leadership, team dynamic, and values alignment. Additional Resources  Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn more about Elevated Talent Consulting

Mark McFatridge, the founder of Quade, joins Nikki to discuss the power of peer groups in leadership. Mark shares his personal experience of feeling overworked and lacking work-life balance. He found support, accountability, and challenge through peer groups and the impact of being surrounded by people experiencing similar opportunities and challenges. He founded Quade to help CEOs and business owners who may not qualify for YPO but still need peer encounters. The circles are diverse in terms of race, gender, age, industry, and revenue size, allowing everyone to benefit from different experiences.      Additional Resources: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Learn more about Quade Executive Peer Group   

Rachel Pritz, Executive Coach + Facilitator, Rachel Pritz Coaching & Consulting helps people reach their full potential through self-awareness and soul-care. In this episode, Rachel Pritz dives deep into the Enneagram, a tool that can be a helpful to understand ourselves and others. Rachel shares how she leverages it to help her better understand herself and uses it as a developmental tool in client projects to help people connect on a deeper level and get a better understanding of their inner being. Listen in to also hear why it’s recommended to research and discern the reports you receive.  Additional Resources: Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn Schedule a Conversation with Rachel Learn More About Rachel Pritz

Lee Scott, Founder and Chief Change Agent of Unleashing Leaders, provides insights on leadership and personal growth in this episode. The discussion centers around identifying and nurturing people's potential and greatness through genuine curiosity, recognizing strengths, and positioning your team as the heroes of the narrative. The episode emphasizes the importance of exhibiting grace, curiosity, and empathy in relationships, focusing on what individuals value and require, and assisting them in achieving their goals. Additional Resources: Unleashing Leaders Learning Resources Learn more about PeopleForward Network.com

Listening is one of the most powerful skills we can focus on as a leader, and it's a conscious daily effort. Organizations with leaders who do a great job of listening have more team members engaged in the mission, which results in a highly engaged culture.  Will Reed, founder of Sideways6 shares the importance of instilling daily habits to nudge ourselves to be present has significant impact, creating healthier communication practices. Additional Resources: Connect with Will on Twitter Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Burnout is a condition that arises from prolonged and excessive stress, leading to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It is characterized by feelings of being overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to cope with constant demands. While the awareness of burnout has increased in recent times, prevention efforts are still ongoing, and there is still a long way to go. In this episode, Andrea Coyle, Chief Clinical and Innovation Officer of SE Healthcare, explains the nature of burnout and offers insights on how we can contribute to preventing it. Additional Resources: Check out this Nurse Burnout Prevention Program Connect with PeopleForward Network

Mike Cundall, Jr., CEO of Mirth Management, is passionate about the power of humor to build better relationships and create more enjoyable work environments. In this episode, Mike shares his story of how his love for comedy has affected his life and career, and why he now encourages leaders to use humor to connect with their people. He discusses how humor often leads to resilience and brings people closer together. Listen in to hear why adding some levity to the workplace is essential for boosting team morale and productivity. Book Recommendation: The Humor Hack by Mike Cundall, Jr. Additional Resources: Connect with Mike on Facebook Get mailings from Mike Learn more about the PeopleForward Network: www.peopleforwardnetwork.com 

Andrea Butcher, author, podcast host, and CEO of the leadership development company HRD, is on a never-ending journey of self-discovery and empowerment that allows her to develop her leadership skills and challenge the traditional notion of “training.” Along the way, she’s learned how to use the power of time, focus, accountability, and psychological safety to create an environment of growth and connection. In this episode, Andrea tells her story of how she found the courage to dare to dream, take risks, and lean into creating personal connections with her people. Listen in to hear what you can do to start trusting in people’s potential and lift them up to make a greater impact in the workplace and the world at large. Book Recommendation: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl Additional Resources: Get your copy of The Power in the Pivot by Andrea Butcher Connect with HRD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram Learn more about the PeopleForward Network

Steve Shauck, Chief Revenue Officer at Data Clymer, knows the importance of trust, transparency, and empathy when leading people. It all boils down to understanding his team on a more personal level. After taking the time to truly get to know his people, he’s able to lift them up and make a lasting, positive impact on their lives. In this episode, Steve discusses the power of focusing on a person’s “why” and finding out what drives their passion inside and outside of the workplace. Listen in to hear what you can do to start trusting your gut and always have your team’s best interests in mind. Book Recommendation: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Additional Resources: Learn more about the PeopleForward Network: www.peopleforwardnetwork.com 

When people feel unhappy or unfulfilled at work, they may choose to leave their jobs, but sometimes they may resort to quiet quitting, which means disengaging from their work and becoming less productive without actually resigning.In Part I, Brian McComak shares his perspectives and suggestions related to Quiet Quitting AKA Job Dissatisfaction. In this episode, after much reflection, Brian dives deeper into the topic and amplifies the thoughts and insights from the Hummingbird Humanity team. Additional Resources: Hummingbird Humanity Website: https://hummingbirdhumanity.com/ Find Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmccomak/

Rich Diviney, author and Founder of The Attributes, was a Navy Seal for 21 years, where he was put in charge of assessment and selection for a specialized Seal team. He realized the team’s performance needed to be looked at differently and discovered it relies not on visible skills but on hidden attributes. In this episode, hear Rich’s story of how he embarked on a mission to help organizations understand the qualities necessary to build high-performing teams. Rich guides those around him in recognizing the elemental qualities that drive who they are and how they show up, especially in high-pressure situations. Listen in to learn how to unlock your potential using your inherent strengths and what it takes to perform optimally at all times. Book Recommendation: The Attributes: https://theattributes.com/buy/ Additional Resources: Connect with Rich on Instagram The Attributes Consulting: https://theattributes.com/ Learn more about the PeopleForward Network: www.peopleforwardnetwork.com

Mary Shipley, Director of Supply Chain Management at Renown Health, understands trust is critical to leading well. She uses the combined power of assessments and rolling up her sleeves, and getting in the thick of things to understand her team's personalities and identify their pain points. By doing this, Mary is able to create a trusting environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas, enabling them to achieve more as an organization. In this episode, Mary and our guest host Chrissy Burke, Managing Partner at HireUp Leadership, discuss how to individualize your leadership style to develop trust. Listen in to hear about what tools, including data-driven approaches, you can use to motivate your people and uncover the power of meaningful connections in the workplace. Book Recommendation: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest Additional Resources: Connect with Renown Health on LinkedIn Learn more about the PeopleForward Network: www.peopleforwardnetwork.c

When Jason Lippert, CEO of Lippert Components, set out to evaluate and develop his company, he realized if he wanted to elevate their culture, he would need to dedicate resources to it. Instead of looking to HR to answer for the workplace environment, he chose to create an entire department focused on defining and growing the company’s culture. In this episode, Jason discusses the importance of offering personal and professional development opportunities to employees and the impact they have on people’s work and home lives. Listen in to hear why Jason continues to be a strong advocate for servant leadership and how his commitment to culture has created an engaged team and improved retention. Book Recommendation: Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia Additional Resources: Learn more about the PeopleForward Network: www.peopleforwardnetwork.com 

“Listening well is one of the easiest and most effective ways of making people feel seen and heard.” Michael Piperno, a Principal and Communications Expert at Comvia, helps organizations understand how to communicate clearly so they can build and maintain healthy business relationships. In this episode, Michael shares his insights on effective listening, a skill he calls an underutilized superpower. Listen in for practices on mastering it along with tips for using body language and tone of voice to make people feel like they’re the only person in the room. Along the way, you’ll learn how to be more intentional when listening, allow for pauses, and avoid judgments. Book Recommendation: Stand Out by Carol Kinsey Goman You According to Them by Sara Canaday Additional Resources: Connect with Michael on his website or Twitter Check out Michael’s blog and his podcast The Leadership Communication Show Subscribe to the Communication Matters Newsletter Learn more about the PeopleForward Network: www.peopleforwardn