People Centric Podcast

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 communication styles show up when we face challenges.   From the Whiteboarders who think best by talking through ideas, to the Empathizers who focus on people first, to the Go Getters who drive action, to the Outliners who want to build a plan step by step, every style has strengths. And every style can create friction if we are not aware of how we problem solve.   We explore how to use these differences to build better conversations, better solutions, and better workplaces.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 emotional safety. And from the executive seat, we talk about why investing in well-being is actually good business.   We may not have psychology degrees, but we do believe therapy helps build emotional intelligence, stronger teams, and more resilient workplaces.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 control. Dials are harder to manage.   We explore why leaders need multiple dials and how knowing when to turn them up or down can transform team performance. From the employee perspective, we talk about how this approach impacts workload and engagement. Managers will learn how to fine-tune leadership behaviors for different situations. Executives will reflect on how dialing in strategy creates sustainable success.   Because leadership isn’t about flipping a switch.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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. Those actions that fracture trust and cripple teams. From the employee perspective, we talk about how to recognize when conflict crosses the line. Managers will learn how to deescalate tense moments and redirect energy toward collaboration. Executives will reflect on how culture and leadership can either fuel or fix fighting.   At every level, the solution starts with people, and the courage to choose connection over control.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 this cycle consistently to build trust and drive performance. Executives will reflect on how this approach scales across teams and aligns with organizational values.   And through every step of the cycle, one thing remains constant: the connection point is people.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 support productivity without sacrificing authenticity. Managers will hear how to guide teams in using AI responsibly. Executives will reflect on the strategic balance between innovation and intentionality.   At the center of it all is a reminder: technology is powerful, but people are irreplaceable.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 improve communication and expectations. Managers will gain clarity on their unique position between strategy and execution. Executives will reflect on how their leadership sets the tone for the entire organization. And at the heart of it all? People. No matter the title, the true connection point for every leader is their relationship with others. Whether you're leading a team or being led by one, this episode helps decode the layers of leadership and how they shape the workplace.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 cultivate hope through clarity, empathy, and consistency. Executives will reflect on how hope can be embedded into strategy, culture, and vision.   If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with optimism without losing realism, this episode is your guide to turning hope into momentum.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 these sayings land in real work environments. Managers reflect on whether these quotes help or hinder team dynamics. Executives consider the deeper implications of the language they use to lead.   Listen now for a thoughtful, sometimes humorous, and always People Centric conversation about the words we use to shape workplace culture.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 business. Managers will gain clarity on how to interpret financial data to make better decisions. Executives will reflect on how transparency and financial literacy can empower teams at every level. Whether you're new to business or just need a refresher, this episode turns financial fog into lemonade clarity.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 burnout plays a role. Managers will hear insights on how to spot these trends early and foster open communication. Executives will gain perspective on the broader cultural implications and how leadership can respond with clarity and purpose. Whether you're feeling quietly overwhelmed or just curious about what all the quiet is about, this episode brings the noise to the silence.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 how managers can avoid the trap of stale gestures by genuinely listening to their teams. You’ll hear advice on how to ask employees what they actually want, the role of ego in grand displays of gratitude, and why consistent, positive feedback is the most powerful tool of all. Whether you're a leader trying to build a culture of value or an employee navigating appreciation efforts, this episode offers practical insights to help make recognition meaningful again.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 you're facing a short term rough patch or a deeper, long term misalignment.   We also share questions you can ask yourself to gain clarity, and discuss how to know when it might be time to move on. Plus, we offer guidance for leaders on how to support their teams through stress and uncertainty with empathy and intention. Tune in for a grounded, honest conversation about how to handle the hard and how to move forward with purpose.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 offers honest insights and practical advice to help you grow with intention and self-awareness. Tune in for a refreshing take on what it really means to build a career.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 us as we discuss how to coach your team through challenges, build confidence, and create a culture where people solve problems themselves. Tune in to learn how to shift from being the hero to being the guide and why that’s better for everyone.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 difference between healthy venting and toxic complaining, how to set boundaries, and how to turn complaints into constructive conversations. Whether you're the complainer, the listener, or just trying to keep the peace, this episode offers practical tools for navigating workplace emotions with empathy and intention.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 than direction. Whether you're a leader looking to coach your team or an individual seeking to bring more intentionality to your conversations, this episode offers insights into how coaching can be a powerful tool for development, connection, and lasting impact. Tune in to discover how to coach—and be coached—in a way that truly makes a difference.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 solely with employers, it often leads to disengagement, burnout, and a lack of trust. On the flip side, when power rests solely with employees, it can foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations. Instead of swinging between extremes, we advocate for a workplace built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and open communication where both employers and employees thrive together. Tune in as we explore how to throw out the pendulum and build a more balanced, People Centric future of work.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 signs and take proactive steps to address it before it hits too hard. Whether you're feeling a little off or just want to stay ahead of burnout, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical tools to help you stay connected to your work and your well-being.   Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us:   Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS

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 discuss the real benefits of fun at work, from boosting morale to improving collaboration, and share practical ways to weave joy and playfulness into your day-to-day, no matter your role. Tune in to learn how fun isn’t just a perk, it’s a powerful tool for building better workplaces. Have questions about this topic? Want to ask for advice from our team? Have a topic suggestion? Just want to say Hello? Do it! We love hearing from you and here is how you can get us: Website: www.peoplecentric.com/contact Direct Email: podcast@peoplecentric.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplecentricUS YouTube: @PeopleCentricUS