Gut + Science

For this special feature, Nikki joined Dan Dominguez on his podcast, "Lead Different"🎙️ Nikki unpacks the moment she said "Why not?" and how it sparked the creation of a people-first podcast network. From discovering her WHY to taking bold risks in business, Nikki shares the highs, the lessons, and the heart behind her mission. 💡 You'll hear how she builds aligned, purpose-driven teams and why me...

🎙️ In this special feature episode, Nikki flips the script — she joined PeopleForward Network's Jason Cochran on "Working Forward"! They dove into the real talk about what it takes to build strong, connected remote teams 🌎 💬. From flexible-first culture to over-communication magic and ditching "death by meeting," Nikki shares how PeopleForward Network keeps people-first leadership at the heart o...

What if your 9–5 helped you chase your wildest dreams? ✨ Nikki chats with Kate Volman, CEO of Floyd Consulting, about how the Dream Manager program is flipping the script on workplace culture 💥 From dream lists and safari trips to career clarity and personal breakthroughs, Kate shares how asking one simple question—"What are your dreams?"—can transform your people and your business. 💭💼 Don't j...

What's really keeping leaders stuck? 🤔 Dr. Rosie Ward joins Nikki to reveal the 7 subconscious "faulty programs" sabotaging leadership success—from the Overachiever to the Counterfeit. Based on data from 250+ leaders, this convo is all about breaking free from burnout, embracing authenticity, and transforming the way we lead in today's VUCA world 🌪️✨ Don't miss this deep (and fun!) dive into the...

In this episode of "In the Loop," Katherine is joined by Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech Community College! From engineer to Lt. Governor to higher ed powerhouse, Sue shares how she leads with passion, strategy, and radical transparency. They dive into how she unites thousands of employees across Indiana with a shared vision, why repetition is her secret weapon, and what it takes to kee...

Pets at work? 🐶 Yes, please! In this episode, Nikki teams up with Michelle Yates from Pet Partners to explore why pet perks are no longer just cute extras—they're culture-shaping power moves. From pet bereavement to paw-ternity leave and "pet working" events 🐾, they dish out creative, doable ways to bring more tail wags and team vibes into your workplace. Whether your team is remote or in-office...

What happens when you ditch micromanagement and start leading with trust? Tina Moe, CPA and founder of ACT Services, shares how she turned workaholic tendencies into a thriving culture of autonomy. From dropping timesheets to rewarding longevity with unlimited PTO, she's redefining leadership—one empowered team member at a time. If you're tired of feeling like you have to do it all, this episode i...

What does it really mean to advocate for employees? In this episode, Nikki is joined by Jennifer Knotts, CFO of IDO Incorporated, who is proving that leadership isn't about following a straight path—it's about forging your own!💡 Jennifer's journey is anything but traditional, and that's exactly why she's passionate about thinking outside the box. She shares how her company listens to employees, a...

Company rituals aren't just for fun—they're the glue that holds teams together.🤝 In this episode, Una Japundza, CRO at HeyTaco, joins Nikki to unpack the magic of rituals in building connection, reinforcing values, and making work more meaningful. From sports teams to remote workplaces, Una shares why small, repeated actions create BIG impact. Expect real-world examples, creative ideas, and tips...

Employees crave feedback—96% say they want it! But let's be honest… giving and receiving feedback can be awkward. 😬 In this episode of "In the Loop", Katherine is tackling the art of feedback—how to do it well, when to give it, and why it matters. Inspired by "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott, Katherine explores how to balance caring personally while challenging directly (without being too harsh… or...

🚀 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...