Send us a Text Message.Is your organization merely surviving OR growing and thriving?  Join us on this episode where you'll discover opportunities to master workplace culture and identify your 'immutable values' with our guest, Shawn Kincaid, President/ Founder of Aspire Business Development. With two+ decades of experience driving business growth, Shawn takes us through his journey from the high-paced corridors of Accenture and Sprint PCS to leaving corporate to build his own successful company. He highlights the pivotal role culture plays in employee engagement and overall company financial performance. Sean shares insights from his personal experiences, explaining why engaged employees are more productive and contribute significantly to performance & organizational growth. An avid reader, Shawn shares his thoughts on excerpts from Mike Michalowicz's  The Pumpkin Plan - which introduces the concept of 'immutable laws' as a leader's core values. These are principles so essential that violating them means letting go of the person - be it an employee, client, customer or vendor. To identify these laws, Shawn suggests leaders observe and jot down emotions - note what triggers anger or happiness and track those reactions over a few months to see patterns and crystallize their own 'immutable laws.' Tune in to gain several strategies for fostering a positive workplace culture that not only retains talent but also drives financial performance - critical elements for building a strong & healthy company culture. Connect with Shawn on LISeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.What does it take to cultivate a thriving workplace culture and identify team members' strengths that help the company excel? Join us on this episode of Leadership Levers as we chat with Mark Shaffer, CFO of Searcy Financial Services. With years of experience building & driving organizational and financial success, Mark shares his journey and the transformative impact of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. Drawing inspiration from their company's use of the StregnthFinder Behavioural Index, Mark discusses how aligning individual talents with company goals can lead to a more engaged and productive team. Mark recounts a successful cultural shift at Searcy, emphasizing the importance of understanding employees' adaptability and helping them find their 'right fit.'  He offers actionable insights and practical advice on overcoming challenges leaders often face during cultural change or fast company growth. If you're committed to strengthening your workplace culture, this conversation delivers strategies and real-world examples that can help you take action! Tune in for a deep dive into building a healthy and thriving work environment from a seasoned leader.Connect with Marc on LISeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Ever wonder how the pulse and energy of a company's culture can make or break its success? Sarah Martin,  CEO/ Founder of Epic Events, joins us to unravel the the challenges behind creating her company's thriving, energetic and culture-centric environment. Sarah orchestrates a symphony of positivity, possibility, and productivity - sharing her compelling journey through the unpredictable terrains of entrepreneurship - and the challenges of retooling an events-centric organization in the midst of 2020! We don't just talk about creating awe-inspiring events on a budget - we're uncovering how to unlock the power of a workplace culture that attracts talent and clients who crave an epic experience. For leaders seeking to navigate the choppy waters of team alignment and cultural cohesion - listen as we trade insights on the delicate art of mentoring, the bold moves needed to maintain harmony, and the subtle yet profound impact a leader's demeanor and actions can imprint on their workforce. Sarah doesn't just lead a company; she steers a community, empowered by shared values and a vision that turns every challenge into a stepping stone. If transforming your organization's culture is your quest, consider this your roadmap.Connect w Sarah on LISeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Curious about how your company's culture plays a pivotal role in impacting your bottom line, performance, and overall financial valuation?Join us for a conversation that promises to reshape how you think about workplace culture and its impact on performance. We sit down with John K Moore, President of The Culture Think Tank's Client Performance Solutions Division.  John's background includes stints at Arthur Anderson, Accenture, and PwC - problem-solving culture and operational challenges with a wide variety of CEOs & COOs. In this episode, John doesn't just walk us through culture theory; he shares examples of how to transform the abstracts of 'culture' into actionable items.  He discusses the impact of leadership behaviors that influence employee connectivity, performance and retention - revealing the importance of aligning these key elements to drive business revenue and growth.  John also discusses the challenges of cultivating a 'healthy culture' that supports an organization's unique goals and the difficulties of aligning diverse departmental cultures under one umbrella. With his expertise in change management, M&A, and equity portfolio performance, John provides several robust strategies for leaders navigating evolving cultural landscapes, while guiding their organization to financial success.Connect with John on LISeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.If you make people visible, they will make your culture valuable! Our guest is Billy Ray Taylor, CEO of LinkedXL and author of The Winning Link. He joins us to chat about how the physical presence and actions of the leader outweigh material gifts or billboard slogans in establishing meaningful connections with any workforce. In his journey from the factory floor to the executive suite then business owner, Billy Ray discovered critical culture tenants built on helping all employees feel a strong sense of belonging, commitment to the company, and job accountability/ ownership - all elements of a healthy culture!  Billy Ray discusses his experience as a young leader when he struggled to implement cultural change -  attempting to make changes "to the people, not with the people." He learned quickly that providing the reasons for change with structure, clarity, specificity, next steps and continuously requesting feedback from staff - changes occurred "with people;" employees felt empowered to help facilitate critical next steps.    Tune in to discover the secrets behind creating a workplace where employees don't just show up — they belong and help implement change. Connect with Billy Ray on LinkedInBook on Amazon: The Winning Link -A Proven Process to Define, Align, and Execute Strategy at Every LevelSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Are you struggling to develop or align company culture in a high-growth, M&A or VC-backed business environment? Jim Tolbert, CEO of Adelante Education Group joins us to provide his thoughts on how to drive employee motivation, build trust, deliver customer service success, and laser-focus decision-making across any business landscape. From Wharton School of Business to Morgan Stanley M&A to McKinsey & Company, then entrepreneurial ventures in post-secondary, for-profit education — Jim has key advice for leaders to help them unpack the complexities of nurturing a culture that empowers employees to excel in high-growth and rapidly changing environments. Jim shares the challenges faced while steering a rapidly growing organization, emphasizing the delicate balance between expansion and maintaining the company's core values. We also explore what strategies helped Jim cultivate a motivated team to ensure integrity remained at the heart of his culture - even in the most challenging scenarios.He provides crucial lessons for venture capitalists, angel investors, CEOs, and any high-stakes leaders entrusted with delivering ROI on organizational performance, retaining talent, and boosting bottom-line revenue.   This episode is for leaders seeking to foster a robust, employee-centered culture that stands the test of time and delivers growth.Connect with Jim on LinkedInSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Are you concerned that removing a top performer, despite their disruption to your company culture may negatively impact your bottom line? The outcome may surprise you! Discover the core principles of developing a strong company culture with Tom Ragen, CEO of Color Communications. Tom shares his views on developing the building blocks of a positive company culture, emphasizing the necessity of communication, continuous learning, and well-structured reward systems. Tom shares a critical leadership lesson - leading by example and valuing cultural fit over individual performance. Exiting a top performer who was assigned to a top revenue-generating customer was a difficult move - several years later, the company is reaping the reward of that leadership decision with stronger sales, enhanced employee performance and improved staff collaboration.  This episode with Tom is a testament to how the actions and behavior of a leader resonate throughout an entire organization and team. We touch on a few culture strategies that leaders can immediately take action on, such as nurturing teams toward resilience and collective success. You don't want to miss this critical conversation. Connect with Tom on LinkedInSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Ever wonder how external and internal business forces shape an organization's culture and affect its bottom-line success?  We sit down with Craig Mason, CEO of Raise Health, as we delve deep into a handful of workplace culture challenges. With his extensive experience spanning over a decade and a half in the health tech landscape, Craig offers valuable insights into why fostering a healthy culture is critical and that a thriving culture serves as the key to employee fulfillment and connectivity, boosting the long-term success and sustainability of the organization. Craig shares how external factors, such as market trends, industry regulations, and societal norms, constantly exert pressure and influence on an organization. Meanwhile, internal dynamics, including leadership style, employee behaviors, and organizational structure, shape how these external forces are interpreted and responded to within the company. A leader's understanding of this intricate dance can prove invaluable to strengthening and evolving an organization's culture.Craig recounts the trials of steering cultural shifts, especially after a visionary founder's passing—when the organization's identity is most vulnerable. He walks us through overcoming resistance to change and recognizing the distinct microcultures that thrive within a company. For leaders and change-makers seeking pathways through similar terrain, Craig's experience serves as a guide, emphasizing the power of strategic communication and  clarity of the company's core mission. Join us in discussing strategies to cultivate a workplace where people don't just work—they thrive.Connect with Craig on LinkedInSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Tired of being on the Leadership Training hamster wheel - constantly throwing dollars at Learning & Development and not getting an ROI on Culture? Seeking a fresh approach?In this conversation with Cynthia Kyriazis, The Culture Think Tank's Chief Experience Officer, we discuss leadership behaviors' role in creating a workplace culture that focuses on strengthening performance and creating a Return On Culture (ROC)!In today's competitive landscape, where attracting and retaining top talent is a constant challenge, the sense of connectivity employees feel within an organization can make or break its success; hence our dive into the crucial elements of crafting a resilient organizational culture. Cynthia doesn't just talk the talk; she shares her journey of stepping out of retirement to work for The Culture Think Tank - to answer leaders' tough questions on how to define and prove ROC and the benefits it delivers in terms of productivity, performance, recruitment/ retention and to the company bottom line. We touch on the challenges leaders encounter when working on cultural change and the importance of a strategic, continuous approach that includes the art of listening, empathy, and taking immediate action on employee feedback & staff expressed needs. If you're ready to elevate your culture game and are curious how your leadership efforts can contribute to ROC and a vibrant workplace culture, let this episode be your jumping-off point. Connect with Cynthia on LISeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Seeking to build a culture rooted in Trust that delivers positive outcomes at all levels of your organization - from employee well being to customer loyalty? Trust is a valuable organizational commodity - tune in for a conversation that may redefine how you lead and build trust in your organization. Cory Scheer, CEO & Founder of TrustCentric Consulting and author of Closing the Trust Gap, joins us for this episode.   Cory unpacks the core principles of nurturing trust within all levels of an organization - drawing on insights from his book. By understanding the 'structure of trust'—which includes competency, problem-solving, communication and care—leaders can begin to bridge the gap between internal and external customer & employee satisfaction.Cory points out it is not about maintaining the status quo; it's about propelling your organization forward with strategic planning and a keen understanding of the frameworks that foster growth - including regular 'check-ins' with employees vs the 'standard yearly engagement survey'. Whether you're steering a new venture or looking to re-engage your current team, this episode provides a handful of strategies leaders can implement to create a Trust environment where employees flourish, the company reaps the benefits. Connect with Cory on LIFind out more about Cory's Book - Closing the Trust Gap: Taking Action on What Matters Most for Leaders, Teams, and OrganizationsSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Is the establishment of a flourishing company culture a luxury for leadership or the fundamental cornerstone of a sustainable business?Discover the roadmap for cultivating a flourishing workplace culture with Rachel Keck, Founder of Mosaic-Collaborative, our final guest on Season 1 of the Leadership Levers podcast! Rachel, a fellow leader, executive coach, and customer service experience expert sits at the intersection of customer service and culture - she unveils the journey that led her to establish Mosaic-Collaborative during the pandemic. She shares her insights on why creating a robust workplace culture is not just a luxury,  but the bedrock of sustaining a business. For any leaders guiding a startup or managing a mid-sized company, our conversation is a wealth of actionable wisdom on how to foster a culture that attracts talent, retains it and excels in driving exceptional customer service.Rachel addresses the complexities of steering cultural change, especially in mid-market companies, where the stakes and challenges are uniquely intertwined. She stresses the necessity for deliberate action and dedication to see genuine cultural transformation, which can often take up to three years to materialize fully. It's a marathon, not a sprint!Rachel's candid observations on maintaining culture as a strategic focus, despite the whirlwind of market shifts and unexpected events, make this episode an indispensable listen for those committed to nurturing a culture that endures and flourishes amidst change.This episode is a roadmap for leaders seeking to anchor culture change firmly as part of their next steps & organizational priorities. Connect with Rachel Keck on LinkedInSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Can workplace culture, well-being, and the creation of a human-centric environment truly impact business goals, talent recruitment, and financial objectives? You bet! Develop strategies for transforming workplace culture by listening to Judy Ryan, CEO of LifeWork Systems, as we delve into the impact of how believing in the potential of others impacts organizational success. Our conversation traverses the challenges of leadership in cultural change, highlighting how embracing psychology methods and shunning autocratic tendencies can empower individuals, managers & leaders - enriching the entire company. Judy's insights shed light on the symbiotic relationship between personal well-being and business goals, illustrating that the cultivation of a human-centric environment is not merely an act of kindness, but a strategic move for attracting top talent and driving bottom-line results. We discuss real-world examples where the disconnect between knowing and doing is stark, such as the unproductive plague of office gossip and how proper application of training can address such issues. Tune in for an episode packed with valuable wisdom for anyone looking to strengthen culture and leadership initiatives within their organization.Connect with Judy Ryan on LinkedInSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Tune in for a masterclass on nurturing vibrant workplace cultures - with tasty outcomes! Listen as we chat with Isaac Lee Collins, the innovative leader behind Yogurtini KC and Streamlined Profit Academy. We uncover the pivotal moments from his launch into the business-sphere with little foundational knowledge to creating a flourishing food retail empire. There are hard-learned lessons Isaac has garnered through a myriad of triumphs and trials - discover how his strategic expertise shaped his successes in the ever-evolving world of food service. Isaac distills the essence of nurturing a thriving work environment into three core elements: open communication, a well-defined hierarchy, and clear pathways for career progression. As Isaac shares his journey of managing multiple Yogurtini locations and fostering culture by mentoring up-and-coming business talents, get ready to absorb a wealth of actionable advice that will inspire and empower your leadership style.Connect with Isaac Lee Collins on LinkedInSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Curious why some businesses thrive and prosper - others do not? We sit down with Paul Fioravanti, CEO of QORVAL Partners, for a dialogue on workplace culture. Paul, with his wealth of portfolio management experience, unravels how the subtle nuances of leadership can significantly impact the well-being of employees and, by extension, the financial health of an organization. We review strategies leaders can employ to spark a cultural change, from the power of town hall meetings to the simple act of respect. Leadership isn't about direction; it's about connection. This episode gives ideas how to cultivate a work environment that's not only positive, but incredibly productive.We touch on the complex terrain of distressed acquisitions, an area where Paul's expertise shines. The conversation pivots to the considerations and risks that come with high-stakes investment decisions, a particularly poignant topic for strategic and financial buyers amidst a landscape of ambitious forecasts. This episode isn't just a discussion; it is indispensable advice for leaders and Venture Captial / Angel  investors alike. Connnect with Paul Fioravanti on LinkedInSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Create a thriving workplace culture that attracts top talent! Tune in for a valuable conversation that provides a roadmap for leaders and managers eager to foster a company culture where employees don't just survive—they thrive. Karen Hughey, CEO of Nucleus Learning and KRHR, shares her expertise in working to transform company culture. With  two+ decades in human resources, L&D and training, Karen highlights the pivotal role senior leadership plays in cultivating a supportive environment. This episode also includes her strategies from Fortune 100 companies that have proven to boost employee retention, satisfaction and develop top-notch customer service.Karen candidly discusses her hands-on experiences and helps leaders discover how to navigate the complexities of change within their organization - from manager communication to role clarity. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication and the human component of change management. Connect with Karen Hughey on LISeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Curious how reflecting on historical events and community engagement can influence organizational culture change? Dr. Mary McMurray,  Director of the Johnson County Museum shares her expertise and experience. As a cultural historian, this gives her a unique perspective on the importance of healthy culture, the power of collective action, and the role of leaders in impacting systemic and cultural change. In the first half of our conversation, Mary shares about the hurdles leaders frequently encounter when initiating cultural change - including the rigidity of big institutions and the need for businesses and leaders to stay relevant in their communities.The second half of our chat with Mary is all about leadership strategies and how to set up your team for success. Listen as she discloses her blueprint for great leadership:-Listening to your team -Creating a nourishing environment -Remaining focused on the organizational mission -And lastly, show compassion and empathy.  Join us as Dr. McMurray brilliantly links leadership, culture, organizational change, and community engagement - offering valuable insights for those leading the charge in cultural transformation. Don't miss it!Connect with Dr. Mary McMurray on LIMusic Credit: True North KansasSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Can a thriving culture revolutionize your workplace and skyrocket profits?Dr. Katie Ervin, CEO of Catalyst Development, is our guest as we unearth the secrets to creating a robust foundation that can transform your organization's culture.Dr. Ervin, equipped with experience from corporate HR and higher ed administration, provides a compelling narrative on how a healthy culture is comparable to the foundation of a house....without it, everything can topple. Don't miss her surprising financial figures and cultural research about the positive impact of investing in culture, as well as a discussion about the challenge of cultural change - particularly leaders' struggles with self-awareness and vulnerability.In any cultural scenario, leaders must adapt and evolve like never before. Dr. Ervin offers practical advice on embracing feedback and fostering a growth mindset, guiding leaders through these challenges.Our conversation showcases the importance of collaboration, team building, and ensuring everyone, even the most disagreeable employee, has a voice at the table.This episode is a goldmine of advice for building a strong and healthy culture that boosts morale and profits.Connect with Dr. Katie Ervin on LIMusic Credit: True North KansasSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Envision transforming youth sports with pro-level experiences, blending science, tech, and cultural tools to nurture our future leaders and young athletes. What happens when the worlds of sports and leadership collide? That's the question we tackle in our chat with Dustin Lewis, President of HomefieldKC, on the Leadership Levers Podcast. It's a discussion rooted in core values like optimism, enthusiasm, and building a healthy organizational culture. Dustin identifies the importance of clear communication, measurable KPI's and expectations as well as well-defined goals within any organization. He brings to light the hurdles leaders may face in driving cultural change, specifically due to varied expectations and offers  advice on overcoming these challenges, emphasized by his unofficial slogan, "Good always wins." Join us on this insightful journey intertwining sports and leadership, brimming with useful tips for any leader aiming to inspire positive cultural change.Learn more about HomefieldKCMusic Credit: True North KansasSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Striving to enrich your leadership focus and identify how you can communicate effectively & clearly with employees?  In this episode of Leadership Levers, our guest is Rob Nielsen, CEO of All-American Leadership, a veteran in the culture field with a unique blend of military and corporate experience. Rob sets the stage by emphasizing how creating a healthy organizational culture can drive success, even in our complex and distraction-filled world. He underlines the necessity of shared values and how they lead to a unified direction that propels everyone forward.There are challenges aplenty as you try to bring about cultural change in any organization. Rob highlights the importance of consistent, clear, concise, and continuous communication - the four C's that can bridge the gap between leaders and their employees. Rob shares insights on implementing these four Cs effectively. He also shares the relevance of utilizing consistent Culture 5 Check Ins to bring everyone's voice to the table and help foster a sense of relevance and purpose among team members. From tech to manufacturing to service organizations, no matter your industry, these nuggets of wisdom from Rob are sure to offer you a fresh perspective on leadership and organizational culture.Connect w Rob on LIMusic Credit: True North KansasSeeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.

Send us a Text Message.Curious how a healthy company culture can be your secret weapon...outshining your competition? Hear it straight from Jeff Ney, the CEO of New Dynamic LLC, a software consulting firm recognized as one of the best places to work by the Kansas City Business Journal. Jeff reveals the critical importance of a robust company culture and how it directly influences product quality, customer service, and overall competitiveness. Get a first-hand account of the challenges leaders face when instigating cultural change and how to address these obstacles head-on. Discover the power of teamwork, celebration of achievements, and how these can bolster your organization's culture. From the insights on the impact of culture on recruitment and retention, to the key role of leaders in cultural transformation, this conversation is insightful for any leader keen on elevating their company culture and carving a niche in their industry...let Jeff's journey inspire your own.Seeking to discover additional insights on how to strengthen your company culture, improve performance & impact your company's bottom line? Book a time to chat with us. No sales, no strings...just a candid conversation about company culture. Not ready to chat, join the online culture conversation for free at the Culture Think Tank Community.