Culture Eats Everything

In this episode of the Culture Eats Everything podcast, Tom Willis sits down with Dr. Stephen Bigelow, an experienced educator and former superintendent who traded Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for life and leadership in Salvador, Brazil. Together, they explore the concept of “cultures within cultures” and discuss how living and leading in a completely different environment challenged Stephen’s assum...

In this episode of the Culture Eats Everything podcast, Tom and Nicole discussed recent flooding situations in Wisconsin and compared them to experiences in other states, while sharing their backgrounds in senior care and leadership roles. They explored the importance of authentic leadership and vulnerability, particularly during crises, with Nicole sharing examples from her experience as CEO of C...

In this episode of the Culture Eats Everything podcast, Tom and Matt shared their experiences and perspectives on teaching and education leadership, discussing their personal journeys and the challenges of small-town life. They explored topics including the importance of kindness and directness in teaching, the evolution of Matt's teaching approach, and the role of leadership in creating positive...

In this episode of the Culture Eats Everything podcast, Host Tom Willis sits down with former superintendent Dan Cox, who opens up about the hidden pressures school leaders face.👨‍🏫 From the shifting roles of superintendents to the emotional toll of constant leadership, Dan shares:👉Why average tenure is shrinking fast (down to 2.5 years!)👉The emotional armor leaders wear without knowing👉How s...

In this powerful episode of Culture Eats Everything , Tom sits down with Kathy Martin, CEO of Glenmeadow in Massachusetts. Kathy shares how lessons from field hockey shaped her leadership journey, the difference between reacting and responding, and how leaders must move beyond their “default success strategy.” She also reveals how Glenmeadow is redefining aging—not as a decline, but as a vibrant p...

In this episode of the Culture Eats Everything podcast, Tom sit down with Monica Schroeder, Deputy Superintendent of Northshore School District 112. Monica shares her inspiring journey, how she advocated for herself as a Latina female leader, and the power of intentional succession planning. If you’re a school board member, aspiring superintendent, or anyone passionate about leadership, culture, a...

In Part 1 of this two-part series on succession planning, Michael Lubelfeld, Superintendent of Northshore School District 112, joins the Culture Eats Everything podcast. He reflects on his leadership journey, the intentional planning behind his upcoming retirement, and how he and Deputy Superintendent Monica Schroeder are working together to ensure a seamless leadership transition. A candid conver...

In this episode of Culture Eats Everything Podcast, Jim Van Allan, President of The Energy Bus for Schools, shares powerful insights on leadership, engagement, and fostering positive cultures. With a PhD in educational leadership, he discusses the crossover between building successful schools and thriving organizations. Tune in to discover actionable strategies to energize your culture, whether in...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jamie LaLonde, CEO of Angela Hospice, on leadership growth, workplace culture, and transitioning from executive director to CEO. Learn how Jamie empowers her team, fosters a strong culture, and navigates the challenges of leadership. Don't miss this episode of Culture Eats Everything!🔹 Topics covered:✅ Leadership lessons from Jamie's journey✅ Building...

What can improv teach us about leadership? In this episode of the Culture Eats Everything podcast, host Tom interviews Joel Zeff, author of Make the Right Choice, to explore how improv can elevate leadership, boost team engagement, and create a culture of fun. 🎭✨Joel shares powerful insights on:✅ The role of fun in leadership and teamwork✅ How to stay present and make better decisions✅ Using...

In this episode of Culture Eats Everything, host Kevin sits down with Roger Blake, CEO of Merit Network, to discuss the transformative role of culture in leadership. Roger shares insights from his extensive career in telecommunications and cybersecurity and his nonprofit mission at Merit. They explore his journey, the importance of personal purpose, and the challenges of leading an organization de...

Join Andrew Abela on the Culture eats Everything podcast as he discusses his new book Superhabits, the distinction between virtues and values, and how cultivating "Superhabits" can transform personal and organizational success. Click here to buy our book : https://geni.us/the-great-engagement _____________________________ Superhabits: https://www.amazon.com/Superhabits-Universal-System-Successful-...

In this episode of the Culture Eats Everything podcast, Tom dives deep into understanding cognitive and emotional biases that affect rational leadership with Lisa Tromba (Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Luisi Tromba Advisors). They discuss the intricacies of "mind knots," exploring how these biases impact decision-making, team dynamics, and organizational culture. Through real-life examples and...

In this episode of "Culture Eats Everything," we delve into the profound impact of leadership, culture, and talent management with Jay DeFruscio, an esteemed figure overseeing education in Philadelphia. From coaching in the NBA to guiding a vast network of schools, Jay shares his journey and insights on building strong teams, emphasizing character over credentials, and staying true to the mission...

Join us for a deep dive into the journey of Dr. Nirmal Kaur, a gastro-neurologist turned entrepreneur, as she shares insights on bridging the gap between healthcare access and business innovation. From her roots in medicine to her pivot towards entrepreneurship, Dr. Kaur discusses the importance of connecting physicians and patients, the evolution of telehealth, and the mission behind her company,...

In this podcast episode, Tom discusses Krista Woodgrift journey from kindergarten aspirations to becoming the superintendent and CEO of Sage Oak Charter Schools in California. They delve into the importance of nurturing curiosity in students amidst the distractions of the modern age and how the school focuses on personalized learning to keep the spark alive. Click here to buy our book : https://ge...

In this episode of "Culture Eats Everything," Kevin engages in a candid conversation with Kathleen Hermsmeyer, Superintendent and CEO of Springs Charter Schools in Southern California. Kathleen shares her journey from teaching to leading a dynamic educational organization serving thousands of students across multiple locations. Click here to buy our book : https://geni.us/the-great-engag...

Listen to David A. Snodgrass, President and CEO of Lake Trust Credit Union on the Culture Eats Everything Podcast in conversation with Kevin Davis. David shares his unique journey—from growing up in Pennsylvania to his unexpected path into the credit union industry. Discover how the creation of Lake Trust, resulting from a series of mergers, presented David with the opportunity to become a CEO 12...

Join us in the inaugural episode of "Exceptional Cultures Series" as Tom Willis and Brad Zimmerman share the transformative story of Chris, a struggling CEO turned success story. Uncover the principles of supportive accountability and how it played a pivotal role in reshaping the culture of a health center. Explore the nuances of accountability, its roots, and why it's more than just a tool for ad...

Introducing the Exceptional Cultures Series, where culture takes center stage! Join Tom Willis and Brad Zimmerman as they delve into the heart of organizational cultures, exploring what makes them truly exceptional. Tune in for insightful conversations, expert guests, and a deep dive into the world where culture shapes everything. Welcome to a journey where Exceptional Cultures reign supreme! Phoe...

Join us for an inspiring podcast interview with Mosongo Moukwa, a renowned thought leader with 30 years of experience in leadership and organizational change. As President at Hathaway Advanced Materials and a former leader at world-class brands, his insights are invaluable. He recently published his best-selling book "Be a Leader of Significance: Build Your Legacy, Leave an Impact" and I...

Listen to Shannon Cohen, Founder of Shannon Cohen Inc on the Culture Eats Everything Podcast in conversation with Kevin Davis. Read more about Shannon Cohen: Shannon Cohen is the founder and CEO of Shannon Cohen, Inc. — a boutique firm with a mighty imprint and reputation for excellence. Shannon specializes in developing customized emotional intelligence, equity, and wellness colloquia for organiz...

Listen to Shehla Rooney, CEO & Owner at GoKnee LLC on the Culture Eats Everything Podcast in conversation with Kevin Davis. Read more about Shehla Rooney: Shehla is a physical therapist by trade with 26 years of experience. She is a board-certified specialist in geriatric Physical Therapy. Shehla has had the opportunity to speak internationally about knee replacement recovery, which eventually...

Listen to Dr. Toby Travis, Head of School at Houghton Academy on the Culture Eats Everything Podcast in conversation with Tom Willis. Read more about Dr. Toby Travis: An experienced educator and academic leader passionate about authentic and quality Christian education. Successful professional development trainer committed to continual data-informed improvement to ensure greater mission fulfillmen...

Listen to Pierre Dubuc, Co-founder & CEO of InClassroomson the Culture Eats Everything Podcast in conversation with Kevin Davis. In this episode, Pierre Dubuc, the Co-founder and CEO of InClassrooms, discusses his journey of building a mission-driven company that aims to make education accessible and lead to jobs. Pierre talks about how he and his friend started building online courses at the...