Gut + Science

🚀 Say goodbye to pointless meetings! Ever sat through a meeting and thought, Could this have been an email? 🤦‍♂️ In this final special episode from The Roots Up Approach, Steve and Nikki are here to fix that with a simple but powerful framework: Flare, Focus, and Share. Learn how to run meetings with purpose, keep engagement high, and actually get things done—no more time-wasting, just real impa...

🏀 What separates a losing team from a winning one? Culture. Sean Glaze learned this the hard way—after a brutal 21-loss season as a basketball coach. But one aha moment changed everything, turning his struggling team into a powerhouse. In this episode, Sean shares how the same principles that transformed his team can revolutionize workplace culture. From building trust to holding people accountab...

Delegation isn't just about offloading tasks—it's about unlocking your team's potential! 🚀 In this episode of The Roots Up Approach, Steve and Nikki dive into Dynamic Delegation , a game-changing approach that makes delegation easier, smarter, and way more effective. Steve shares the story of Marla, a leader on the brink of burnout, who transformed her team (and her sanity!) by learning to delega...

💡 One "yes" can change everything! In this episode, Amanda Medlen, CEO of IDO Incorporated, shares how a last-minute decision to attend an event led her to meeting her CFO (talk about serendipity! ✨). She dives into why community, connection, and collaboration are game-changers for both leadership and mental health. From intentional networking to building a culture where people thrive, Amanda's...

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)...

Ever felt like something at work just wasn't clicking —but you couldn't put your finger on why? 🤔 Enter Awareness of Fit, the secret sauce behind thriving teams and seamless collaboration! In this episode, Matt Poepsel, VP of Talent Optimization at Predictive Index, joins Nikki to break down how understanding fit—across strategy, culture, and team dynamics—can make or break success. From surprisi...

🗓️ Hate one-on-one meetings? You're not alone. But what if they could actually be energizing, productive, and something you look forward to? In this kickoff episode of The Roots Up Approach, Steve Perkins from Greenhouse joins Nikki to share how simple tweaks can turn one-on-ones into a leadership superpower. No more boring status updates—learn how to build trust, spark growth, and make every meet...

Great leadership starts with great communication! 🚀 In this episode of In the Loop, Katherine is joined by Sue Finkam — Mayor of Carmel, IN — as she shares her best tips for casting vision, overcoming resistance to change, and handling public criticism like a pro. From storytelling to soundbites, she reveals how leaders can communicate with impact—whether in the boardroom or city hall. Tune in fo...

What happens when you look beyond someone's job title? 🌟 On this episode, Nikki sits down with Charlie Saffro, CEO & Founder of CS Recruiting, to explore the magic of intentional connection. From quirky team rituals (think sticky notes and Frosty coupons!) to authentic feedback using the FBI model, Charlie shares her secrets for creating people-first workplaces where everyone feels seen and value...

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. 🎙️Also, Marshall tees up the launch of his new...

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 impa...

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 Kat...

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 usin...

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...

In this episode, Nikki chats with Michelle Yates, EVP at Pet Partners, about the magic of pet-friendly perks in the workplace. 🐾 From "pawternity" leave to pet photo contests, discover how honoring our furry friends boosts connection, engagement, and happiness at work. Whether you're a dog lover, a cat cuddler, or just admire from afar—this episode is for you! 🐶 Ready to make your workplace paws...

2024 flew by, and Nikki is here to wrap it up with a bang! 💥 In this heartfelt solo episode, she shares six powerful lessons—from focusing on progress over perfection to building life-giving relationships and protecting your vibe. Packed with practical tips and good vibes, this episode is your nudge to reflect, recharge, and take on 2025 with intention. Let's win today and every day, and Happy Ho...

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 l...

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...

🎙️ What if disagreements could bring us closer? In this episode, Justin Jones-Fosu, CEO of Work. Meaningful, flips the script on conflict with humor, heart, and actionable insights. He shares the five pillars of bridging the divide and why respect isn't earned—it's a choice. Learn how to transform clashes into collaboration and discover the power of seeking the gray.   Additional Resources: Connec...

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 su...

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 gr...

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...

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 insigh...

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...

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 av...