The Even Better Podcast

In this solo episode of the Even Better podcast, Sinikka Waugh talks about how having productive meetings can make workdays even better. We've all sat through meetings that feel like a waste of time, but when done right, meetings are powerful tools for collaboration, alignment, and momentum. Sinikka directly addresses those all-too-relatable moments when meeting participants find themselves asking...

In this Even Better episode Sinikka Waugh welcomes Rachel Klein where they explore how a upbringing grounded in service, compassion, and caring for others shaped her lifelong commitment to community work. Rooted in her early connection to local volunteer efforts like The Helping Hand, Rachel reflects on the fundamental belief that everybody deserves dignity, respect, and nutritious food without fe...

In this Even Better episode Sinikka Waugh welcomes Kristy Turner where they walk through Appreciative Inquiry: A Different Approach to Change. Traditional problem-solving often focuses on diagnosing what's broken and trying to fix it, but Appreciative Inquiry flips that script by focusing on what's already working well and building upon it. In this conversation, Sinikka and Kristy unpack what Appr...

In this Even Better episode Sinikka Waugh welcomes Aaron Santos where they dive deep into the real potential, myths, and future of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Together, they explore the "art of the possible" with AI, looking far beyond basic language models to how AI is revolutionizing 3D modeling, electronics, medicine, and materials. Aaron debunks common AI myths, breaks d...

In this Even Better episode Sinikka Waugh welcomes Greg Goodman where they explore what it truly takes to cultivate a "Be Ready to Lead" mindset and accelerate leadership impact in today's changing workplace. Sinikka and Greg dive into creating an authentic leadership brand built on a growth mindset, the freedom to fail, and the understanding that you are never behind because real growth is a cont...

In this Even Better episode Sinikka Waugh welcomes Katrina Kennedy where they walk through the 5 Ways to Use Reflection to Improve Performance. Whether you are looking to boost your personal effectiveness or help your team achieve better outcomes, taking time to reflect is one of the most powerful tools in your professional toolkit. In this conversation, Sinikka and Katrina explore how turning sel...

In this Even Better episode, Sinikka Waugh welcomes Wendi Fredregill where they walk through the 5 Signs It's Time to Stop and Figure Out What's Next. Together, they explore what it truly means to do your own "you" and unpack how to recognize when it might be time for a change. This episode especially hits home for those who are running on high all the time—whether you are constantly taking care o...

In this Even Better episode Sinikka Waugh welcomes Sardek Love where they dive deep into the concept of uncertainty and how to navigate it effectively. Together, they unpack the fundamental differences between uncertainty and change, shedding light on why people react to them differently. The conversation explores human behavior, explaining how we tend to freeze up when uncertainty hits rather tha...

In this solo Even Better episode Sinikka Waugh walks through the 3 Repeatable Tactics to Navigate Change (No Matter Where You Are in the Journey). Change can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and downright uncomfortable, but navigating it doesn't have to be a mystery. In this actionable and inspiring discussion, Sinikka breaks down practical, proven tools you can use immediately to manage transiti...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh sits down with Erin Freeberg, owner of Adorn Gift and Home and Feed and Foster in Indianola, Iowa. Erin shares her journey of building businesses grounded in authenticity, creativity, and a desire to create community both in town and within the home. Together, they explore the realities of independent business ownership, from the fear and uncertai...

In this Even Better episode Sinikka Waugh welcomes Nathan Sage where they explore the fundamental truth that we are all in this life together and need to treat each other with kindness. Together, they discuss how reaching out to those around us and making real connections is the cornerstone of building better communities. They dive into the reality of modern distractions, highlighting how constant...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh welcomes Allie Jones to explore the difference between being "Iowa nice" and practicing courageous kindness. Allie reflects on growing up in a culture that values politeness and avoiding conflict, and how those habits can sometimes prevent honest connection and meaningful leadership. Together, they share four practical strategies to move from surf...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh talks with Dave Blanchard to reframe how we think about artificial intelligence in education and the workplace. Rather than seeing AI as a disruption, Dave challenges listeners to examine the assumptions behind how we teach, learn, and work. He shares insights from his role in online learning and his work with the Minnesota Generative AI Alliance,...

In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh explores how to stay grounded and focused through both the highs and the challenges of everyday life. She shares three powerful questions that help anchor decision making and direction: Why do we do what we do, who do we serve, and how do we show up. Drawing on her work with Your Clear Next Step, Sinikka explains how clarity of purpose can gu...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh sits down with Troy Roberts to explore a story of recovery, redemption, and lasting reform. Troy shares his journey from a childhood shaped by addiction to his own struggles with substance use, homelessness, and ultimately facing a 35 year prison sentence. He opens up about the loss of his mother, the turning point that led him to Harvest Academy,...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh sits down with communication expert Erik Dominguez to explore how public speaking can become not just manageable but genuinely enjoyable. Erik shares his journey from growing up bilingual in Mexico City to discovering confidence through speech and debate after moving to the United States. Together, they break down practical habits for stronger com...

In this solo episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh explores the experience of change saturation and what it feels like when too much change arrives all at once. Drawing on personal insight and coaching conversations, she reflects on how easily we can become overwhelmed, stretched thin, and disconnected from what matters most. Sinikka invites listeners to notice when that sense of saturation begins...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Scott Post to discuss how continuous improvement and lean thinking can help create more good work days. Reflecting on how they first met years ago in a project management class, including a memorable lesson involving a "crazy red chicken," Scott shares how he found his path into lean, continuous improvement, and operational excellence...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Jenna Adams Valadez for a practical and thoughtful conversation on how neurodivergent individuals can truly thrive at work. Jenna shares why this topic matters personally and helps redefine neurodivergence to include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety based differences, and more as different ways of processing rather than deficiencies. T...

In this episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Lata Hamilton, an organizational change management consultant and career confidence mentor, for a practical conversation about navigating career change with clarity and confidence. Lata shares her proven five‑step career change formula, grounded in her own experience of successfully changing careers multiple times. Together, they exp...

In this episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh is joined by artist and community advocate Kristy Evans for a deeply moving conversation about letting go of control and embracing what comes next. Kristy shares her remarkable journey from teaching to art after unexpected health challenges reshaped her life, and how creativity became both a healing practice and a path toward self‑discovery. Toge...

In this episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Catherine Schut for a heartfelt conversation about building genuine human connection through the simple beauty of flowers. Catherine shares how her local flower farm has become a gathering place for community, bringing together fellow small‑business owners, loyal customers, and neighbors through shared experiences and small acts of k...

In this solo episode of Even Better , Sinikka Waugh explores what it means to plan with purpose, drawing on insights from recent quarterly planning and coaching conversations. She breaks planning into three essentials: setting simple yet SMART goals that bring clarity, identifying the big rocks that matter most so they do not get buried in the daily grind, and finding a rhythm that keeps you focus...

In this episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Urmi Hossain for a powerful conversation on mentorship for women, how to find the support you need and how to become that support for someone else. Urmi shares why mentorship begins with self‑awareness, clarity, and understanding your goals, and why the best mentor for you doesn't always look like you or come from your industry. Toge...

In this episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh talks with Tim Ferry about what it really looks like to take the next step, both as an entrepreneur and as someone committed to helping people rediscover the joy of movement. Tim shares how he designed his gamified group fitness program, blending scenarios, friendly competition, and accessible progressions to make exercise fun and achievable for...