Gut + Science

Why is finding great talent harder than ever… even with AI at our fingertips? Nikki sits down with Gerald Gordon, Co-Founder & CTO of Reference Me, to unpack how technology is reshaping hiring in ways that often make things messier, not easier. From flawless AI-generated resumes to overwhelming applicant pools, Gerald reveals why human discernment and cultural fit matter more than any algorithm. H...

What if your AI tools were more like teammates than tech? AI isn't coming for your job, it's coming to take the busywork off your plate. Jason and Nikki crack open how the PeopleForward Network team is weaving AI into their daily workflows without ditching what makes them... them. F rom using ChatGPT for parenting convos to building sales proposals, onboarding guides, and culture content, they're...

What if more play is the key to better work? This episode flips the script on what it means to be "professional." Nikki sits down with Mike Montague, author of Playful Humans, to explore why play isn't just for kids or weekends. In fact, it might be your team's biggest untapped superpower. From challenging hustle culture to reimagining how we measure productivity, Mike brings humor, heart, and a w...

Ever feel like no one's really listening to you as a leader? Like your message isn't landing, even though your intentions are solid? That's not just frustrating. It's a credibility problem. Katherine sits down with communications powerhouse Jenni Field, author of "Nobody Believes You: Become a Leader People Will Follow." Together, they dive into why great leadership isn't just about charisma or go...

What if HR stopped being the department of "no" and became the heartbeat of transformation in your business? Nikki is joined by Raina Fryer of Titus Talent Strategies to flip the script on what HR should be. Broadcasting live from the PeopleForward Network studio at CultureCon® 2025, this episode dives into how people leaders can ditch outdated playbooks and embrace a bold, modern approach to lead...

What happens when a former high school math teacher turned builder decides to stop flying by the seat of his pants, and actually runs his business on a real system? Nikki chats with Loren Wood of Loren Wood Builders, who shares the raw, before-and-after story of implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) 🛠️📊 Picture this: no org chart, no KPIs, zero predictability. Fast forward to today,...

What if boosting your team's mental health and workplace happiness was as simple as adding a wagging tail to the mix? 🐾 Nikki is back with Michelle Yates from Pet Partners, this time joined by Steve Feldman, President of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), to uncover how pets are transforming workplace culture and mental health. From the science behind wagging tails and purring comp...

What if your team could get more done in less time? ⏳ In this Community Conversation, Nikki and Jason flip the traditional "hours worked" mindset on its head, championing the power of results over clock-watching. They share why it's time to ditch the outdated 9–5 mentality, how to unlearn habits that hold us back, and why role clarity + goals + KPIs are the secret trio for driving real impact. 🚀...

Ever felt like your culture change efforts are just… throwing spaghetti at the wall 🍝? In this episode, Nikki sits down with BJ McKay from Advisa to swap real, in-the-trenches stories of transformation. Together they break down the ATLAS framework, reveal why discomfort is the secret ingredient to lasting change, and share how to keep leaders energized instead of burned out. From ditching the bus...

What happens when a hospital CEO still thinks like a nurse? You get leadership that listens, leads with empathy, and actually walks the talk. Katherine sits down with Lori Price, President and CEO of Franciscan Health Central Indiana, whose journey from nurse to executive brings a rare blend of heart and strategy to the conversation. Lori unpacks how starting at the bedside shaped her "communicati...

What if your biggest leadership roadblock isn't the problem… but how you see it? Nikki sits down with Chris Bassett—founder of Green Bean Consulting Group—to flip your problem-solving approach on its head. What does abstract art have to do with business challenges? And how does soaking a walnut help teams break through stuck thinking? Chris takes us on a journey through neuroscience, philosophy, a...

Ready to break free from program fatigue and culture initiatives that fizzle out fast? Nikki sits down with Heather Haas, CEO of Advisa, as she shares why so many culture efforts flop and how HR professionals can finally make the shift from being stuck in a silo to leading true transformation. They dive into the game-changing A.T.L.A.S. framework—think executive activation, trust, leadership devel...

Is your HR strategy stuck in the past while AI races ahead? 🤖 It's time to catch up and lead the charge. On this episode, Nikki is joined by the brilliant Cara Brennan Allamano—Chief People Officer, advisor, and founder of People Tech Partners—for a fast-paced, energizing convo about the future of HR leadership in an AI-first world. Cara brings her front-line insights from tech-forward companies...

What if the secret to staying focused, aligned, and genuinely excited about your goals wasn't a 20-page annual plan, but a simple monthly sprint? Nikki and Jason pull back the curtain on how PeopleForward Network uses OKRs and monthly sprint goals to spark team momentum. 📈 They demystify what OKRs really are, how sprint goals drive alignment and energy, and why failing fast can actually fuel succ...

What if your wellness program is actually making burnout worse? 😮 In this episode, Nikki teams up with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer—organizational psychologists, authors of "Leading for Wellness," and co-founders of Workr Beeing. They dive into what workplace wellness really means (hint: it's way more than yoga and meditation apps) and how leaders play a critical role in making it...

Ready to supercharge your leadership communication with a little help from AI? 🤖 In this episode, Katherine gets real about how leaders can use AI tools to amplify their voice, not replace it. Katherine breaks down a simple, human-centered framework based on clarity, consistency, and connection to help you integrate AI into your daily workflow. From drafting heartfelt thank-you notes to simplifyi...

Get ready for a fresh twist on Gut+Science! 🎉 Nikki teams up with internal comms expert Katherine Coble for a live episode all about using podcasting to transform how leaders connect with their teams. 💬 They explore why your culture is your brand, how to lead with authenticity, and why storytelling beats stale emails every time. Whether you're curious about internal podcasts or ready to launch,...

Get ready to have your mindset stretched and your leadership toolkit expanded! 💡 Nikki sits down with Jon Mayo, culture transformer and founder of Waymaker. They dive deep into purpose-driven leadership, how culture starts with YOU, and why being a conduit (not a solutionist!) can transform your team from the inside out. 🌟 From the STRIVE methodology to real stories of team turnarounds, Jon brin...

Work's changing fast—hybrid setups, flexible perks, and even pets making boardroom appearances 🐶💼. Michelle Yates from Pet Partners joins Nikki to dig into why intentional culture design (with a pet twist!) is the new frontier for engagement and retention. From pet insurance to office mascots, discover how the joy of animals is shaping the future of meaningful work 🐾✨.   Additional Resources:...

🎉 We're celebrating 7+ years of Gut+Science! In this special anniversary episode, Nikki pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving podcast and people-first culture. From trust and autonomy to finding your rhythm and aligning strengths, Nikki shares powerful insights and heartfelt shoutouts to the all-star team behind the scenes. 💪🎙️ It's real talk about leadership, meanin...

In this episode of "In the Loop," Katherine sits down with Dr. Michael Kirchhoff from Cooper University Healthcare. 🎙️ With over 25 years of experience—and two powerhouse roles as Patient Safety Officer and Chief Innovation Officer—he dives into why most leaders are getting communication all wrong. From decoding complexity to mastering the art of iteration and storytelling, Dr. Kirchhoff shares re...

We're back with another special feature with Jason and Nikki, as they take you behind the curtain at People Forward Network to show how they're shaking up team meetings 🎯 No more Zoom fatigue, awkward silences, or missed voices—just real collaboration, flexibility, and fun 🧠💬 They break down their async meeting framework, the tools they swear by, and why giving everyone space to contribute is t...

Remote work is here to stay—but how do we actually thrive in it? 💻✨ In this episode, creative powerhouse and Suka founder Steven Puri joins Nikki to share how leaders can ditch distractions and help remote teams find their focus. From Hollywood to high-growth startups, Steven's journey is full of bold moves and big lessons. Get ready for practical tips, mindset shifts, and a few laughs along the...

This one's different 🎙️ Nikki joins Dr. Rosie Ward for their quarterly "Courageous Leadership Series," and this is a jam-packed convo on why leaders feel stuck and why change is so dang hard 😤 They break down the "stuckness zone," faulty inner programming, and how to actually transform (not just learn). Real stories. Deep insights. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to upgrade your leadership! 💡...

In this episode of "In the Loop," Katherine takes us from scraped knees on a turquoise bike to shark diving in Hawaii —all to teach one powerful lesson: great leaders don't clam up when times get tough. With the world spinning fast around political shifts, DEI rollbacks, and plummeting employee engagement, Katherine breaks down how to stay grounded, clear, and forward-thinking. Think of it as your...