Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast

How can leaders bring out the best in their people? My guest, Alex Slawson, specializes in aligning learning solutions with business objectives. In his role as Learning Business Partner with MSC Industrial Supply, he takes a strategic and relationship-based approach to analyze the current state of the business and uncover learning needs. In this episode, he’ll share the 4 things leaders need to bu...

Innovation is what makes the world go around… And in this episode, we’re covering techniques to help your team innovate on demand… Dr. Amy Climer, owner of Climer Consulting and Certified Speaking Professional, specializes in helping teams understand how to increase their creativity.  She’s here to break down the 3 factors teams need to be creative and share the tool she created that uses images t...

How can leaders create positive changes in the workplace using behavioral science?  Kayshia Kruger, organization development practitioner and executive coach, is here to share her expertise.  She’ll cover: Why leadership is a verb The meaning of psychological safety How to have difficult conversations The boundaries effective leaders implement Why rest is productive And more

Leaders can’t expect trust—they need to earn it. But what does it take to earn trust and be a servant leader? Jerry Landry, inaugural director of the Technology Training Institute at Central Piedmont Community College, is here to share what he’s learned about leadership, including: Why communication is key How to conduct effective one-on-ones The 3 things leaders have to be prepared to say And mor...

Why is product the most important success driver for tech companies? Ben Foster, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Prodify, is here to share what it means to be product-centric—and break down a discovery process that helps you understand the client’s mind. He’ll also share his leadership wisdom, including: The 5 qualities all leaders need to have His take on micromanaging What makes some leader...

What does it take to create a “family” workplace culture in a 300+ employee company? At Eastwood Homes, a family-owned regional builder in the Southeast, this culture is a reality… In this episode, Tara Whiteley, the digital marketing team leader for Eastwood Homes, shares what makes this culture special—and gives an inside look at her marketing process. Tara will also discuss: The skills that mak...

How are leaders embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion?   And how can you create an atmosphere of belonging for everyone in your organization?   Brenda Clegg is here to break down the meaning of DEI and share the first steps leaders can take to uphold these values.   Brenda is a certified Diversity Executive and Certified Human Resource Professional and is the Equity and Community Engagement O...

How can you help Gen-Z and Millennials become the leaders of tomorrow? Tammy Dowley-Blackman founded the Looking Forward Lab to do just that. In this episode, she’ll share how she helps young adults prepare for the future. She’ll also share what leaders need to know about the young generation entering the workforce, including: How to communicate across a generational divide  Generational differenc...

What is the meaning of “love in action”? My guest Diana May manages a large team of volunteers at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where she’s created what she calls “happy place culture.” Diana is here to share insights from her 20 years of experience working for local nonprofits—and what she’s learned from her current role as Volunteer Programs Manager. She’ll cover: Why anyone can b...

What makes a power coach? My guest, Dr. Clint Ladine, is on a mission to help leaders utilize coaching techniques to unleash the power of their teams, optimize leadership skills, and drive performance to new heights. In this episode, he’ll show you how to adopt the power coaching mentality and break down his must-have book.   He’ll cover: Why blending in is overrated The two powerful questions tha...

What do leaders need to work on in 2023? In this episode, Sacha Koffman, co-founder of Build Labour, is here to talk all things leadership.  He’ll share his favorite insights on building a vibrant culture, including: The importance of knowing yourself How leaders can focus on others Thoughts on employee lifecycle Cultivating courage The link between mental health and performance And more

Everyone wants to work less and earn more…   But what strategies can leaders use to make that a reality?   Karl Sakas is here to discuss his new book, “Work Less, Earn More: How to Escape the Daily Grind of Agency Ownership.”   Karl will share: 3 questions to figure out your ideal Why & how to get your team to take over tasks for you The benefit of premortems How to set SMART goals The best wa...

Are you struggling to hire the right employees?   You may not have considered this talent pool: veterans.   Less than 3% of veterans are unemployed, while more than 30% are underemployed…   Veteran and award-winning businesswoman Kathy Gallowitz is here to share how civilians can champion veterans in the workforce.   Kathy believes businesses can leverage veterans’ unique training and skills—but o...

How can your past make you a better leader?   Vena Sterling, leadership coach and consultant at LRI, is here to share her wisdom on all things leadership. Vena is a real estate investor, attorney, and leadership coach for women entrepreneurs in real estate who want to create wealth, legacy & freedom. She believes that honoring your past, honoring yourself, and honoring others is the key to bei...

What is the secret sauce of leading transformational change?   In uncertain times, leaders will face change…   But how can you create organizational changes that stick—even if your team fears change?   Beth Cohn of ADRA Change Architects is here to share her framework for leading through change.   We’ll discuss: How the 3 parts of the mind experience change Making difficult changes a positive expe...

What does it mean to be a fieldworker?   This week, we revisit my conversation with Sarah Kotva, a fieldworker who helps CEOs answer big questions.   In this episode, she shares problem-solving strategies for the successful leader—and gives her take on remote work, participatory leadership, and what leaders face in the current state of the world.    Listen to learn: The importance of knowing a lit...

The commonly used sales funnel is over 120 years old…   Yet so many people use this outdated system…   Is there a better way to engage contemporary buyers?   This week, we’re rewinding to my conversation with Peter Strohkorb.   Peter believes it’s time to update the sales process—and his method has helped companies close bigger deals faster, achieve greater sales revenue, and land dream clients.  ...

What does it take to be a better DEI leader?   This week, we’re rewinding to my conversation with Kelly Beattie.   Kelly is an expert in leadership development in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion.   In this episode, she shares how leaders can handle challenging social topics in the workplace and be strong and positive role models for their teams.   Kelly also shares: How leaders can de...

Did you love our new episode about payroll transparency with Everett Harper?   Everett has more wisdom where that came from…   We’re rewinding back to Everett’s first appearance on the podcast for anyone who missed it or wants to revisit the conversation.   In this episode, Everett takes a deep dive into his book Move to the Edge, Declare It Center.   The book outlines a process for creatively sol...

Ever heard of payroll transparency?   Many leaders are reinventing workplace culture by allowing employees to see how much everyone makes…   Wondering how this would work (& if it benefits employees)?   Everett Harper returns to the podcast to share how his company implemented payroll transparency—and what the results of this change were.   Everett also breaks down the Purpose Playbook, a tool...

We’ve all been told to “think outside of the box”…   But when it comes to leadership, there is no box…   There is no one way to be a leader—so where do we start?   Marisa and Simon Cleveland are here to discuss their book, There is No Box: A Practical Guide for the Relatable Leader .   Marisa and Simon believe that today’s leaders need to develop cultural agility, and they want to help you reimagi...

Do you need a brand rebirth?   Maybe your personal brand doesn’t really fit you…   Or maybe you don’t have a personal brand and don’t know where to start…   My guest Tanika Vital-Pringle is here to help you define your personal brand in 3 easy steps.   Tanika will share why creating your brand isn’t complicated—it’s about recognizing your superpower and communicating it with the world.   Join us t...

Every business owner needs to harness the power of technology…   But with so many software options, it’s hard to know where to start.   For this installment of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, I’m bringing back one of my favorite episodes: my conversation with Samantha Morris.   In this episode, Samantha shares her top software recommendations for accounting, social media, and more.   If you’v...

Want to be bold?   This week, we’re revisiting another favorite episode from the past: my fantastic conversation with self-proclaimed bodacious business coach Mary Foley.   In this episode, Mary reveals why success is a decision …   And shares how you can tap into your confidence and take ownership over your life.    Mary also shares her wisdom on building community—and breaks down her “magician v...

What is a leadership shadow?   When you identify your leadership shadow, you can conquer your fears and flaws…   And when you self-actualize, you can help others transform, too…   Today on the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast, I’m “rewinding” to one of our most popular episodes: my inspiring conversation with Dr. William Sparks.   Whether you’re listening for the first or second time, this conversa...