The Cultivate Experience

In this episode of the Cultivate Experience, host Wendy Adams, CFRE welcomes Josh Tynes, a solution-centered leader who embodies resilience and authenticity. The conversation dives deep into the intersection of leadership and personal experiences, particularly how fatherhood has shaped Josh's approach to leadership. He emphasizes the importance of understanding communication styles, both in childr...

Welcome to this episode of The Cultivate Experience! In this final episode of the "Legacy Worth Leaving" series, host Wendy F. Adams, CFRE, welcomes her "sister by choice," Shanté Figgatt, a fierce advocate for children and their families Shanté Figgatt is a longtime educator, born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, and now leads Lower Elementary at Montessori Children's House. She is also the mom...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Sarah Sayler, a leader in human resources at Voce. They discuss the importance of leadership that balances approachability and competence, the role of HR in crisis management, and the impact of small choices on workplace culture. Sarah shares insights from her experiences, particularly during the pandemic, emphasizing collaboration and the ne...

The conversation explores the importance of building a workplace culture rooted in hospitality and service. Carrie Wright emphasizes the need to value frontline team members to create an environment where both employees and customers feel welcomed and appreciated. The discussion highlights the significance of living out organizational values in daily practices and the impact of listening to team m...

In this REWIND episode of the Cultivate Experience, Megan Lucas, CEO of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, shares her journey in leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, authenticity, and community engagement. She discusses the challenges of navigating high-stakes conversations, the significance of mentorship for next-generation leaders, and the human element in economic developm...

In this engaging conversation, Wendy F. Adams speaks with Billie Wright, Chief People Officer at the Recycling Partnership, about her journey into HR, the importance of servant leadership, and the impact of creating a people-centric culture. Billie shares her insights on navigating change, setting expectations, and the significance of mentorship in leadership. The discussion emphasizes the need fo...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Jamie Nester, a STEM instructional technology specialist and assistant principal of Prince Edward County Public Schools. They discuss Jamie's leadership journey, the importance of building relationships in education, and the challenges faced by educators in a post-COVID world. Jamie shares her personal mission to empower teachers and create s...

In this episode of the Cultivate Experience, Wendy F. Adams interviews Abiah George, an inspiring emerging leader who shares her journey as an immigrant and the challenges she faced in finding her identity and belonging in America. Abiah discusses the importance of community, the power of storytelling, and how her experiences have shaped her advocacy for immigration reform. She emphasizes the need...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Roger Bingham about the essence of leadership, the importance of influence, and the journey of shaping future leaders. They explore the significance of personal experiences in leadership, the role of a leader as a coach, and the necessity of building trust through consistency. Dr. Bingham emphasizes the importance...

In this REPLAY episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams engages with Angela Cheng-Simini, Head of Human Resources at Chronicle of Philanthropy, discussing the significance of relational leadership, the importance of purpose, and the need for psychological safety in organizations. They explore the challenges of burnout, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and the shift from soft skills to power sk...

On this episode, Wendy Adams, CFRE catches up with Executive Director of Park View Community Mission, Todd Blake. They discuss topics such as how we should be treating our neighbors, rooting for rivals, and amplifying the voice of the less fortunate. To learn more about Park View Community Mission: https://parkviewmission.org/ The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://link...

In this episode, Chris Hughes, a retired U.S. Marine Colonel, discusses the importance of advocating for veterans in the business community, the challenges they face during their transition to civilian life, and the need for effective hiring practices that genuinely support veterans. He emphasizes the significance of leadership, communication, and creating inclusive spaces for veterans within orga...

In this episode of the Cultivate Experience, Megan Lucas, CEO of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, shares her journey in leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, authenticity, and community engagement. She discusses the challenges of navigating high-stakes conversations, the significance of mentorship for next-generation leaders, and the human element in economic development. Me...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Gary Campbell, a purpose-driven leader who emphasizes the importance of understanding one's 'why' in leadership. Gary shares insights from his personal journey, highlighting the impact of legacy, humility, and community engagement. He discusses the challenges faced in nonprofit leadership, especially post-pandemic, and the necessity of buildi...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Sarah Nelson, a young leader in the nonprofit sector, who shares her journey with Love Heals, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals facing medical hardships through community-driven events. The conversation explores themes of compassionate leadership, the importance of storytelling, and the impact of community support. Sarah disc...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Shai Burzynski, a People Services Director at UW Health Rehabilitation Hospital. They discuss the significance of relational leadership, the importance of understanding individual motivations in the workplace, and the challenges of navigating organizational change. Shai shares personal stories of vulnerability and growth, emphasizing the need...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams engages with Gita Poudel, Director of Human Capital at Maganti IT Resources, discussing the essence of leadership, the importance of community engagement, and the role of collaboration in effective leadership. Gita shares her journey, emphasizing the significance of teamwork, employee well-being, and a people-first strategy in human resources. The conve...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Katie Mills, a senior HR leader, who shares her insights on the importance of people in leadership, the need for effective communication, and the value of employee recognition. Katie emphasizes that employees want to feel heard and valued, and discusses the challenges of navigating difficult conversations in HR. She also highlights the signif...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Aubrey Scheppske, Director of Human Resources at Gordon Feinblatt LLC. They discuss the importance of relational leadership, focusing on people-centered approaches, navigating change, and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Aubrey shares insights on mental health, community engagement, and the significance of mentorship and self-care in...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Debbie Stein, an HR director with over two decades of experience. They discuss the importance of people-first strategies, managing via influence, and the role of transparency in leadership. Debbie shares her insights on building an inclusive workplace culture, balancing employee advocacy with business needs, and mentoring emerging leaders. Th...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams engages with Shari Chernack, Chief People Officer at Isaacson, Miller, to explore the intersection of purpose-driven leadership and transformation in the nonprofit sector. They discuss the importance of understanding one's 'why', maximizing impact, and the human elements of change management. Shari emphasizes the need for humility, trust, and self-aware...

In this episode of Cultivate, Keith Harris, Chief People Officer at Operation HOPE, shares his insights on leadership, emphasizing the importance of personal conviction, authentic relationships, and adapting leadership styles across different ecosystems. He discusses the significance of staying grounded in values, building a culture that retains employees, and the role of AI in enhancing leadershi...

In this episode, Wendy F. Adams interviews Evelin Babos, a Director of Human Resources, who shares her insights on empathetic leadership, the importance of understanding one's 'why', and the balance between empathy and efficiency in the workplace. Evelin discusses her journey in HR, the challenges of scaling organizations, and the significance of addressing burnout and misalignment in teams. She e...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Lauren Holmes, Director of Human Resources with a company focused on cultural preservation. They discuss the importance of human-centered leadership, cultural awareness in HR, navigating change, building trust, work-life balance, and the significance of people in business. Lauren shares her insights on creating connections in the workplace an...

In this episode of Cultivate, Robert Thomas, Human Resources Director at HICO America, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to a successful career in leadership. He emphasizes the importance of aligning with core values, self-awareness, and the transition from military to civilian life. Robert discusses the significance of building people-first cultures in organizations, managing time...