The Better Conversations Podcast

Do you know the difference between empathy and sympathy? It’s a distinction that can make or break your leadership. I’ve seen many leaders who think they’re being empathetic—but are they really? Today, we’re breaking it down: what empathy truly is, what it isn’t, and how you can start practicing it in your workplace this week. Let’s dive in! Get my weekly leadership tip: https://www.heykaralist.co...

Want to be a strong, connected leader? Vulnerability in leadership isn’t weakness—it’s a superpower. In this episode, I break down how to be authentic, build trust, and create a culture of psychological safety. Learn how to admit mistakes, ask for input, and lead with confidence while staying professional. Plus, discover how leaders like Arianna Huffington used vulnerability to drive success. 🔹 G...

Is your team too dependent on you? Learn how to empower your team, build confidence, and create a thriving workplace culture. Try these 3 simple leadership habits today! If you feel like every decision, roadblock, and problem lands back on your plate, this episode is for you. Today, we’re talking about how to empower your team so they can work independently, make confident decisions, and stop rely...

Managing Baby Boomers, Gen Z, Millennials, or any generation in between can be challenging. How do you create a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and respected? In this episode, we’ll share five key strategies for leading a multigenerational team, bridging generational gaps, and fostering real connection. You'll learn how to support diverse employees, improve communication, and avoid c...

Want to improve employee engagement, build trust, and create a thriving workplace culture? Great leaders don’t just hear—they truly listen. In this episode, I’ll share 5 powerful listening strategies that will help you become a more effective leader, improve team communication, and boost workplace morale. 🔹 Here’s what you’ll learn: ✔️ How to listen with curiosity—and the simple phrase that unloc...

Stop wasting time on unproductive check-ins and transform your weekly 1:1s into a leadership goldmine. In this episode, you'll learn a proven framework to make every meeting impactful, efficient, and motivating. Discover how to embrace your role as a manager-coach as I walk you through the 7 empowering questions from Michael Bungay Stanier’s game-changing book, The Coaching Habit. Perfect for...

Managing difficult employees can be one of the biggest challenges for any leader. Whether it’s dealing with a bad attitude, repeated unproductive behavior, or consistent underperformance, it can feel overwhelming to know how to address these issues effectively. In this episode, we dive into  3 practical strategies for managing underperforming or challenging team members . Discover actionable tips...

Do you believe 2025 could be your breakthrough year? In this episode, Kara shares five powerful questions to help you create a high-impact and deeply satisfying year. Should you focus on SMART goals, build new habits, think long-term, or reflect on the past? We dive into these strategies and more to give you the head start you need for a successful 2025! 10 Day Connection Challenge: https://www.he...

Discover how to avoid gossip and slander as a leader and protect your credibility and team morale. In this episode of The Culture Keepers Podcast, we discuss how careless words can undermine trust, respect, and connection within your workplace. Learn practical strategies like the THINK principle and neutral responses to stop gossip in its tracks. FREE GUIDE: 4 STEPS TO DRAMA FREE CONFLICT RESOLUTI...

Think great customer service starts with training? Think again. This episode explores why the true key to a standout customer experience lies within your team. When you meet your employees' needs and foster a thriving workplace culture, exceptional service happens naturally. I encourage you to find practical strategies for assessing your culture, improving communication, and aligning actions with...

Struggling to prioritize your to-do list and stay productive? In this episode, discover the practical productivity tips I had to learn amid a CRAZY year! Join me as I explain how to set clear priorities, delay email distractions, use the two-minute rule, and always give yourself extra time! 10 DAY CONNECTION CHALLENGE: https://www.heykaralist.com/10days GET MY WEEKLY LEADERSHIP TIP: https://www.he...

Leadership is a roller coaster—full of highs and lows. In this episode, discover how purpose, perspective, and patterns can help leaders cultivate gratitude, even in challenging seasons. Learn practical tips for modeling gratitude, building resilience, and creating a culture of connection in your workplace. Tune in for inspiring leadership insights to help you thrive through the hard times. ULTIMA...

Discover how workplace leaders can build connected cultures where creativity and trust thrive! In this interview, Kara List and Andy Crouch discuss fostering a healthy workplace culture, resolving conflict, and building trust through in-person connection. Andy explains the true meaning of culture, its biggest threats, and why mediated tools like Slack or email fall short for authentic collaboratio...

Discover why having a "best friend at work" can improve team engagement, safety, and productivity. Drawing on Gallup's research, this video explores how close connections at work impact performance, from fewer safety incidents to higher job satisfaction. Listen as Matthew Devine shares insights from his experience at a large utility company and tips on fostering genuine connections in your team, w...

In this video, Kara List explores how to avoid micromanagement and build supportive leadership skills. Learn effective delegation, trust-building, and fostering team autonomy to enhance workplace culture. Discover actionable tips to help you lead with confidence and empower your team for success. Join us for insights that will transform your management style and boost team morale! Check out my FRE...

Discover the power of the Working Genius model by Pat Lencioni and how it can transform your leadership and productivity. In this episode of Culture Keepers, I explain the six working geniuses—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—and how they impact your work and life. Learn how to identify your strengths, reduce burnout, and build thriving workplace cultures where...

When I was thrown into a leadership role in my twenties, I was full of excitement, motivation, and skills in certain areas. But like riding a bike, no amount of preparation could have prepared me for the real learning that came through experience. Leadership is a journey that involves falling, getting back up, and learning to ride again, but this time with more wisdom. Today, I want to share four...

Want to give effective feedback without sugarcoating? In this episode of Culture Keepers, leadership coach Kara List shares how to provide constructive criticism, improve workplace communication, and build trust. Discover practical strategies for giving honest feedback that helps your team grow and perform better. Learn how to avoid vague, insincere praise and balance critique with kindness. Get m...

"Good Job" isn’t enough for effective leadership. Learn how generic praise can undermine your team's growth and how clear, specific feedback can build trust, inspire excellence, and create a thriving workplace culture. Kara shares actionable tips for delivering meaningful praise that motivates employees, enhances productivity, and fosters stronger connections. Perfect for leaders who want to boost...

Great communication isn’t about grand speeches—it's about listening, being present, and showing care. You don’t need to be a charismatic speaker to lead; connection and trust are what truly matter. ULTIMATE MEETING KICKOFF GUIDE: https://www.heykaralist.com/kickoff MY FAVORITE LEADERSHIP RESOURCE LIST: https://www.heykaralist.com/list GET MY WEEKLY LEADERSHIP TIP: https://www.heykaralist.com/n...

As a leader, you can't fully support your team if you don't know what they need—and chances are, they aren't telling you! In this episode of the Culture Keepers Podcast, we dive into why employees often hesitate to share their needs and how you can create a psychologically safe workplace where they feel empowered to speak up. I'll share practical tips on asking the right questions,...

In this episode of Culture Keepers Podcast, we dive deep into the challenge many leaders face: identifying their unique value add. It's easy to focus on fears, insecurities, and weaknesses, but how often do we lean into our strengths? Neuroscience reveals that our brains are wired to fixate on the negative, making it difficult to see and celebrate our own value. Through a practical exercise, y...

In this episode, We discuss how to make meetings more engaging and meaningful by focusing on connection. She introduces the BANG framework, which stands for Bravos, Alignments, Numbers, and Glue. The Bravos section is about celebrating wins and efforts, the Alignments section connects individual and collective work to the mission and values, the Numbers section provides a quick overview of relevan...

In this episode, we dive deep into connection with Brian Fretwell, who brings a wealth of experience. Throughout his career, he has focused on culture change and leadership development through the lens of neuroscience, with a particular emphasis on the power of connection. Discover how understanding and intentionally fostering connection can transform workplace culture, enhance team dynamics, and...

How do you lead a remote team AND keep a connected workplace culture? Should you let people work when it's the best time for them? How do you track progress without micromanaging? How do you make sure people feel seen and heard? Michelle Puccinelli, Fractional VP at Team Johnson, answered all these questions and MORE today. Her advice and pro tips after 8 years of remote work and leadership wi...