Culture is an Inside Job

The culture we create is the water we all swim in. Just as healthy fish need healthy water to thrive, people flourish in environments rooted in love, belonging, and genuine care. In this episode, we're joined by Laura Putnam , workplace wellbeing expert, author of Workplace Wellness That Works , and CEO of Motion Infusion . Drawing on her experience working with more than 500 organizations, L...

In this episode, we sit down with Douglas Herbert, founder of CoreShift and creator of Work Day Awareness®, a framework designed to help leaders and organizations better understand how energy, mindset, and participation influence workplace culture. Douglas challenges traditional approaches to engagement and productivity by exploring a simple but powerful idea: awareness leads to change. Together,...

Description: A quick note: This episode was recorded earlier and comes from our archives. You may hear references to preparing for 2025, but the insights on reflection, gratitude, and purpose remain timeless. What if the mess in your life is trying to teach you something? In this episode we explore how reflection helps us slow down, learn from what feels messy, and reconnect with what matters most...

In this deeply personal episode, Wendy opens up about her mental health journey and the emotional weight approaching the anniversary of her former husband’s passing. What unfolds is an honest, unfiltered conversation about grief, trauma, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to ask for help, whether you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts or simply carrying more than you’ve let others see while...

What does it really take to lead with impact? In this episode, Ryan Hawk —former college quarterback, bestselling author, and host of The Learning Leader Show —joins us for a rich, real conversation on the values that shape great leaders from the inside out. We explore the power of curiosity, the importance of modeling the behavior you hope to see, and why consistency, truth-telling, and doing har...

Why do grief and joy often show up at the same time? How do we hold both emotions without minimizing one or rushing past the other? In this episode, we explore what it means to sit with grief and joy simultaneously and why real growth happens in the “and,” not in choosing sides. At some point in life, we all face a universal human truth: hard things and good things often happen at the same time. D...

In this powerful interview, Mike Ettore —retired Marine Corps officer, former C-level executive, and leadership coach—shares the timeless principles that define truly great leadership. Drawing from over 50 years of experience, Mike reveals how humility, vulnerability, and trust aren’t signs of weakness, but the foundation of effective, service-oriented leadership. Whether leading Marines in combat...

Lisa Arie joins us for an extraordinary conversation on resilience, transformation, and the power of leading with love. Once faced with a terminal illness, Lisa redefined her life’s purpose—trading corporate success for deep self-discovery. Her journey led her to horses, where she uncovered profound lessons in presence, courage, and authentic connection. Through her work at Vista Caballo , Lisa he...

Explore the transformative journey of Wendy Roop, whose life embodies the power of self-love, kindness, and the strength of culture built from within. Wendy shares her story of growing up in a tight-knit family rooted in traditional values, which set the foundation for her career and personal growth. From her childhood dreams to an impactful career in HR, and ultimately stepping into her role as a...

What if uncovering your core values could be the key to navigating life's toughest challenges? In this part 2 episode, Karen Benoy Preston , a passionate advocate for values work, returns to share her transformative insights on the power of understanding one's true values. She guides us through the process of peeling back the layers of our beliefs, distinguishing truths from fears, and m...

In Part 1 of this special two-part series, we spotlight our co-host, Karen Benoy Preston, and uncover the personal and professional journey that shaped her path to coaching. Raised in North Carolina on dirt bikes and go-karts and rooted in an adventurous spirit, Karen’s early experiences fostered a sense of resilience and independence that continue to guide her today. We explore how the disconnect...

Could revisiting your childhood passions be the key to bringing more fulfillment to your daily routines, both in life and at work? Join us on our 20th episode milestone as we explore the power of gratitude, not just for grand gestures but for the little comforts that make life sweeter. We dive into the concept of "ikigai"—your reason for being—and discover how reigniting your lost passio...

In this episode of "Culture is an Inside Job," Wendy, Karen, and Scott explore the essence of authenticity, the power of surrender, and the lies we often tell ourselves. Have you felt the weight of not being true to yourself, especially in the workplace? Listen along as we examine the importance of authenticity and the damaging effects of leaders who fail to practice what they preach. Th...

Can high performance come at too high a cost? Join us on "Culture is an Inside Job" as we investigate the phenomenon of the destructive hero within organizations. These individuals may excel in their roles, but their behavior often results in significant emotional and financial damage. Scott delves into his own experiences, offering insights on how to manage these complex characters with...

Scott is throwing out his ties! The group discusses Scott’s recent retirement as CEO of McGohan Brabender and what it’s been like for him to prepare emotionally and mentally for this shift in his life. Scott shares turning points in his journey of finding his identity, values, his “why” as a leader.  Together, Karen, Wendy and Scott unpack how authenticity, vulnerability and transparency from lead...

Come inside with Scott McGowan, former CEO of McGohan Brabender and author of the book "Culture is an Inside Job." Scott shares insights from his personal journey with leadership transitions, the significance of individual culture in shaping organizational culture, and his transformation from a destructive hero to a growth-focused leader. Wendy, Karen and Scott  highlight the power of hu...

Dive into the transformative power of embracing your authentic voice, fostering self-awareness, and building an inspiring work culture. Hosts Karen Benoy Preston, Wendy Roop, and Scott McGohan share personal stories and insights, discussing the importance of vulnerability, overcoming "stuckness", and navigating leadership transitions. Join them in discovering the keys to unmasking true a...

In this episode, we introduce the 5 Sage Powers from Positive Intelligence and how they can help us quiet our saboteurs. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

In this episode, we finish up our conversation around the saboteurs focusing on the Victim - what is it, and the impact it has on us and others. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

In this episode, we share more information on Positive Intelligence, how to uncover saboteurs and get to the truth of who you are.  We dive into the avoider, controller, and hyper-achiever. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

In this episode, we continue our discussion around our saboteurs and dive deeper into pleaser, restless, and stickers.  How are they showing up for you and holding you back? Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

In this episode, we continue our discussion around our saboteurs and dive deeper into hyper-rational, hyper-vigilant, and victim.  How are they showing up for you and holding you back? Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

In this episode, we dive deeper into culture, share more of our experiences, and finding the gap between your truth and THE Truth - vulnerability. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

In this episode we introduce Energy Leadership, describe the 7 levels of leadership at a high level (anabolic and catabolic energy), our experience with them and how you can take time to be more aware and think about how and when you show up in these different levels of leadership. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of observing how we are showing up and understanding that we can come from a place of choice and take a deeper dive into understanding the 7 levels of leadership - level 1 and level 2 and the advantages and challenges of those levels Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to sh...