People Centric Podcast

This week on The People Centric Podcast, we focus on something we do not talk about enough at work: how to receive feedback well.   We spend a lot of time teaching people how to give feedback, but receiving it can be just as hard. We talk about why feedback often feels uncomfortable, what happens when emotions take over, and why even well meant feedback can be tough to hear.   From the employee pe...

This week on The People Centric Podcast, we talk about taking stock before setting goals for 2026. Before you rush into new plans, it can help to pause and look at what is working, what is not, and what you are carrying that you do not need anymore. We lean into a simple idea: sometimes the best next step is not adding more. It is subtracting. Letting go of the goals, habits, meetings, projects, o...

This week on The People Centric Podcast, we talk about what it really means to be People Centric. We break down how to build workplaces that are healthier, happier, aligned, and empowered — not by adding more programs or slogans, but by understanding what people actually need and what organizations actually need. We look at the four things people want in order to thrive: purpose, community, autono...

This week on The People Centric Podcast, we talk about how to wrap up a strategic plan as the year winds down and how to move into next year with clarity and confidence. We look at real workplace questions like: What happens when a goal changes When it makes sense to adjust a goal When you should keep pushing And what to do if you made progress but did not finish We also talk about why celebrating...

This week on The People Centric Podcast, we dig into problem solving and why people approach it so differently. Some of us love to brainstorm out loud. Some of us want to listen first. Some jump in fast. Others need time to think.   We talk about how leaders can develop their teams to either bring problems, bring solutions, or bring both in a healthy and useful way. Then we break down how our comm...

This week on The People Centric Podcast, we’re talking about therapy. Not as therapists, but as people who believe it can benefit everyone. We explore why mental health isn’t just personal, it’s professional too.   From the employee perspective, we discuss what it means to show up for yourself and ask for support. From the manager’s view, we unpack how to create space for honest conversations and...

Humans have a natural tendency to go all or nothing: either fully engaged or completely checked out, either totally into fitness or eating an entire pizza in 45 seconds, either saving every penny or emptying the bank account. In this episode, we challenge that mindset by introducing the concept of levers versus dials. Levers are simple: on or off. But dials give you nuance, flexibility, and contro...

Healthy conflict is a sign of a strong team. It means people care enough to share ideas, challenge perspectives, and grow together. But when conflict turns into fighting, the workplace suffers. In this episode, we explore the difference between productive conflict and destructive fighting.   We unpack behaviors like villainizing coworkers, power plays, copying the boss, and petty competition. Thos...

Effective management isn’t a mystery—it’s a cycle. In this episode, we break down what we call the management cycle: observe, give feedback, determine ownership, then coach or hold accountable. It’s a simple framework that helps leaders stay focused, fair, and people centric.   Employees will gain insight into how great managers make decisions and support growth. Managers will learn how to apply t...

AI tools are everywhere now, but are we using them wisely? In this episode, we talk about the rise of “AI workslop,” the messy, impersonal output that can result when we rely too heavily on automation without human discernment. We explore why the human element still matters and how thoughtful use of AI can enhance, not replace, good work.   From the employee perspective, we discuss how AI can supp...

Not all leadership roles are created equal, and that is by design. In this episode, we break down the distinct responsibilities of supervisors, managers, and executives. What should each role be focused on? How do they work together to drive success? And what happens when they lose focus where they should be focusing? From the employee perspective, we explore how understanding leadership roles can...

Hope isn’t just a feeling, it’s a leadership strategy. In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between leadership and hope. Using real client examples and heartfelt insights, we discuss how great leaders don’t just inspire hope, they incite action around it.   From the employee perspective, we talk about what it feels like to work in a hopeful environment. Managers will hear how to cul...

Leadership quotes are everywhere: on posters, in meetings, sprinkled throughout motivational speeches, and absolutely everywhere on social media. But do they actually reflect good leadership? In this episode, we take a closer look at popular leadership phrases like “Lead, follow, or get out of the way” and explore whether they inspire or mislead.   From the employee perspective, we talk about how...

Financial terms can feel overwhelming—but they don’t have to be. In this episode, we break down the basics of business financials using a playful and practical example: a lemonade stand. From revenue and cost of goods sold to gross profit, net profit, and where a company’s money actually goes, we make the numbers make sense. Employees will learn how their roles connect to the financial health of a...

In this episode, we dive into the world of “quiet trends” that are reshaping the workplace—quiet quitting, quiet firing, quiet vacations, and the newly emerging quiet cracking. What do these silent shifts say about our work culture, and how are they impacting employees, managers, and executives alike? From the employee perspective, we explore what drives people to disengage silently and how burnou...

In this episode of the People Centric Podcast, we dive into the complexities of employee appreciation—what works, what doesn’t, and why it often misses the mark. From party planning and “forced fun” to the rise (and fall) of fun committees, we explore how traditional recognition efforts can quickly lose their impact. We discuss why appreciation needs to be rooted in culture, not just events, and h...

In this episode of the People Centric Podcast, we talk about the growing sense of heaviness many people are feeling at work. From being asked to do more with less, to budget cuts, AI disruption, and a constant stream of uncertainty in the headlines, it's no wonder work feels harder than ever. We explore what happens when the weight of it all starts to wear you down, and how to recognize whether yo...

In this episode of the People Centric Podcast, we get real about the career truths that often go unspoken. From the myth of the perfectly linear career path to the reminder that your CEO is a human just like you, we unpack the realities that can help you navigate your professional journey with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your career, this episode offe...

In this episode of the People Centric Podcast, we riff on a classic line from Vanilla Ice’s Ice Ice Baby: “If you got a problem, yo, I’ll solve it.” While solving problems feels great for leaders, it can unintentionally rob employees of growth, ownership, and buy in. We explore the downside of always being the fixer and how transformational leadership means knowing when to give problems back. Join...

In this episode of the People Centric Podcast, we dive into the very human need to vent and how to do it well at work. Complaining isn’t always a bad thing; it can be a way to process, connect, and even problem solve. But when does it become unproductive? And if you’re the person everyone comes to with their complaints, what does that say about your role on the team? Join us as we explore the diff...

In this episode of the People Centric Podcast, we explore the true essence of coaching. Not the whistle blowing, sideline shouting kind, but the transformational, Ted Lasso style coaching rooted in trust, empathy, and human connection. We dive into what real coaching looks like in the workplace: building relationships, asking thoughtful questions, and helping others grow through support rather tha...

In this episode of the People Centric Podcast, we challenge the long standing idea of the workforce "pendulum" and the belief that power must swing between employers and employees. Recently, it seems the pendulum has swung back toward employers, with fewer perks, shorter breaks, and tighter policies. But at People Centric, we believe this back and forth power dynamic is flawed. When power rests so...

In this episode of the People Centric Podcast, we introduce the concept of Quiet Cracking—that subtle, creeping feeling of dissatisfaction at work that can show up even when you like your job and your coworkers. We unpack why this happens, what it looks like, and how it can quietly build beneath the surface until it becomes overwhelming. More importantly, we explore how to recognize the early sign...

In this episode of the People Centric Podcast, we explore a question that doesn’t get asked often enough: Is there a case for fun at work? Inspired by a story from Amy Poehler’s podcast A Good Hang, where the Parks and Rec team created a playful side project called “Philly Justice,” we dive into how bringing fun into your craft can energize teams, spark creativity, and strengthen culture. We discu...

In this episode of the People Centric Podcast, we draw inspiration from Bruce Lee’s timeless wisdom: “Be like water.” We explore how this mindset can help us navigate the inevitable obstacles—those “rocks in the river”—that show up in our work and lives. Instead of trying to break down every challenge head-on, what if we learned to flow around them with adaptability and grace? Join us as we discus...