CEO Daily Brief with Dr. Jessica Kriegel

In today's episode: AI's role in enhancing individual productivity. Transactional AI's benefits for workplace efficiency. The negative impact of automated interactions on relationships. The necessity of genuine communication in networking. The debate on AI's overall effect on society. Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. John Frehse, Global Head of Labor Strategies at Ankura, joins Jessica every Wednesday to discuss the latest news in labor, employment, and workplace culture by asking each other the question: 'What Are You Paying Attention To Now?' John Frehse: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfrehse/ Bio at Ankura: https://ankura.com/experts-and-advisors/john-frehse Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In this exclusive conversation, Dr. Jessica Kriegel sits down with Johnny C. Taylor, CEO of SHRM, to delve into the complexities of leadership, the evolving landscape of HR, and the bold shifts SHRM is making in the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Taylor shares his insights on the intersection of people and profit, the strategic move from DEI to Inclusion and Diversity (I&D), and his personal journey from a lawyer to a prominent HR leader. Johnny's personal and professional "why" SHRM's mission to elevate HR The strategic shift from DEI to Inclusion and Diversity The challenges and opportunities in merging people and profit Johnny’s unique perspective as both a CEO and former CHRO The importance of adaptability in leadership and HR practices “I want people to live their best lives... trying to figure out how to help people figure out their why and then essentially remove barriers, enable, uplift, do whatever we need to do to ensure that people live their best lives.” “SHRM's purpose is to elevate HR... elevating the HR profession so that the best and brightest people want to be a part of this profession, and elevating people in business so that businesses truly understand the value of their talent.” “If the E was dividing us but there was general agreement around the I being inclusion and the D being diversity, then let’s focus on what we agree on.” “Sometimes you have to be willing to take the hit for the progress... It’s about doing the right thing and the right thing yielding great business results and great people results.” “Human beings don't like that they talk about change, but change is more than a word... Society is incremental progress.” Johnny C. Taylor: Website: SHRM.org Twitter: @SHRM LinkedIn: Johnny C. Taylor Jr. Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: Two successful companies with different cultures merged. Leadership was challenged by COVID-19. Trust-building through weekly unscripted videos. Merger increased employee and customer base significantly. Retrospective insights on better merger strategies. Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Today's podcast is a short clip from Jessica's most recent Culture Leaders intervew, with Aron Ain. You can find the entire conversation on this podcast feed, or watch it on YouTube. Aron Ain: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aronain Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: Layoffs are a typical business cycle part, not last-resort measures. Employees should shift mindsets to anticipate and prepare for layoffs. Preparation includes upskilling, leveraging AI, and networking. Staying informed about market trends helps maintain preparedness. Understanding personal control areas and focusing there is crucial. Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Today's content is an extension of the 'This Week In Culture' weekly newsletter, written by Dr. Jessica Kriegel. This Week In Culture newsletter: Subscribe here: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/newsletter-2/ Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: Mentors don't need to be personally known to you; books and speeches can provide mentorship. Mentorship can be indirect and still impactful. Consider a 'board of directors' for different life areas. Get coaches for various aspects of life. Investing in personal development is crucial, and not always costly. Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Today's content is a clip from our May 2024 interview with Speaker and 2x Bestselling author, Paul Epstein.. Paul Epstein: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulepsteinspeaks/ Website: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/ Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: Examination of non-compete clauses Tension between corporate and employee interests Non-competes applied to inappropriate roles Legal challenges and court decisions Need for precise non-compete regulations Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. John Frehse, Global Head of Labor Strategies at Ankura, joins Jessica every Wednesday to discuss the latest news in labor, employment, and workplace culture by asking each other the question: 'What Are You Paying Attention To Now?' John Frehse: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfrehse/ Bio at Ankura: https://ankura.com/experts-and-advisors/john-frehse Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

Dr. Jessica Kriegel talks with Aron Ain, former CEO of Kronos and UKG, to discuss his journey as a leader who has inspired countless individuals through his approach to trust, respect, and people-centric leadership. Aron shares insights on the evolution of his purpose, the importance of over-communicating, and how trust can be the magic glue in both personal and professional relationships. Tune in to learn about the impactful strategies Aron used to foster a culture where people love to work and his thoughts on the future of work in the age of AI. What Is Your Why: Aron Ain discusses how his purpose has evolved over the years, focusing on making a difference in his community, family, and friends. Leadership and Inspiration: Dr. Jessica Kriegel highlights Aron Ain's reputation as an inspiring CEO, referencing his book Work Inspired and his genuine approach to people-first leadership. Origins of Leadership: Aron shares his belief in treating people with respect and dignity, and how his leadership style developed from observing the impact of his actions. Trust as the Foundation: Aron elaborates on the significance of trust in leadership, how he starts relationships with trust, and the benefits of over-communicating. Strategies for a Positive Work Culture: Aron outlines practical strategies to create a great workplace, including open communication, walking the halls, and recognizing the privilege of managing people. Impactful Policies: The implementation and success of an open vacation policy at Kronos, demonstrating trust and flexibility in the workplace. Challenges and Successes in Mergers: Aron reflects on the merger between Kronos and Ultimate, the cultural differences, and lessons learned from integrating two great organizations during COVID-19. Future of Work and AI: Aron and Jessica discuss the evolving nature of work, the impact of AI, and the uncertainty surrounding future workforce dynamics. Personal Reflections and Legacy: Aron shares personal stories about his leadership journey, the importance of gratitude, and how he wants to be remembered not just as a CEO but as a great dad, husband, and friend. Aron Ain is the former CEO of Kronos and UKG, known for his people-centric leadership approach. Under his guidance, Kronos and Ultimate Software merged to form UKG, one of the most successful mergers in software history. Aron is also the author of Work Inspired: How to Build an Organization Where Everyone Loves to Work. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aronain Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: Mr. Ain advocates for halting failing projects without penalty. Promotes a culture of honesty to build trust. Stresses the value of treating employees respectfully. Emphasizes transparency to foster a trusted environment. Trust frees both the leader and their team.  Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Today's podcast is a short clip from Jessica's most recent Culture Leaders intervew, with Aron Ain. You can find the entire conversation on this podcast feed, or watch it on YouTube. Aron Ain: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aronain Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: Common human experiences overshadow cultural differences. Shared values foster global connection and understanding. IKEA's straightforward values align with ordinary people worldwide. Personal alignment with corporate values can feel natural over time. Emphasizing unity is crucial in an increasingly divided world. Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Today's content was a clip from our May 2024 interview with IKEA CEO Jesper Brodin. Jesper Brodin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesper-brodin/  Websites: http://www.ingka.com  & http://www.ikea.com/us  Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/  Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: SHRM focuses on inclusion, drops equity. New DEI strategy sparks HR industry debate. Equity's ambiguous definition considered risky. Inclusion prioritized for better initial impact. Move aims to refine and strengthen DEI efforts. Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Today's podcast is an extension of 'This Week In Culture,' a weekly newsletter written by Dr. Jessica Kriegel. You can read the newsletter on LinkedIn, or on Jessica's website. John Frehse: John Frehse: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfrehse/ Bio at Ankura: https://ankura.com/experts-and-advisors/john-frehse Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: Four-day workweeks showing increased productivity in certain companies. Greece encourages longer weeks to compensate for labor shortages. Debate on whether extended hours can substitute for skilled labor. Samsung's cultural challenges with imposing a six-day schedule. Effectiveness of premium pay in managing increased work hours. Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Today's content is a continuation of yesterday's 'What Are You Paying Attention To Now?' conversation with John Frehse, the Global Head of Labor Strategies at Ankura. John Frehse: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfrehse/ Bio at Ankura: https://ankura.com/experts-and-advisors/john-frehse Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: U.S. unemployment rate rises to 4.1%, marking a two-year high. Uncertainties hover over job market strength and potential economic effects. Concerns about the accuracy and integrity of employment data collection. Impact of job stability on upcoming elections discussed. Significant layoffs following corporate mergers. Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Today's content is a conversation with John Frehse, the Global Head of Labor Strategies at Ankura. Every Wednesday, they discuss the latest news in labor, employment, and culture by asking each other 'What Are You Paying Attention To Now?' John Frehse: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfrehse/ Bio at Ankura: https://ankura.com/experts-and-advisors/john-frehse Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: Gen Z stress is nearly double millennials' at their age. Workforce and education opt-out is alarming. Collaborative effort needed to address mental health crisis. Factors include fear, societal violence, and new emotional language. Corporations must create fulfilling, fair workplaces. Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Today's content is from Scripps Morning Rush. Jessica was a guest on the morning of Monday, July 8. Scripps Morning Rush: Website: https://www.scrippsnews.com/shows/morning-rush Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/  Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

In today's episode: The importance of debating diverse viewpoints. Leaders must acknowledge their perspective isn't always correct. Mistakes are learning opportunities; leverage collective creativity. Adaptability is crucial for organizational success. Individual agility isn't enough; cohesive team adaptation is essential. Culture Leaders Daily is a daily, five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Today's content is a clip from our June 2024 interview with Daniel Lamarre of Cirque du Soleil. Daniel Lamarre: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lamarre-b84ab5150/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellamarreflash/?next=%2F  Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/  Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

Welcome to Culture Partners' brand-new daily podcast: Culture Leaders Daily. We're making the research, data, and news around workplace culture fast and easy for executives to digest. A solid workplace culture keeps valuable employees on the team, attracts top talent, and - most importantly - drives revenue. We understand how busy you are. That's why each episode of this podcast is just five minutes long. We want it to become part of your daily routine. Your host is Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture at Culture Partners. She's been privileged to share research and data with CNBC, CNN, Fox Business, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. Now, she can bring them directly to you every day. We’ll delve deep into all things related to the workplace, with one goal: improving culture to drive revenue. Jessica is passionate about progress, innovation, and data-fueled transformation. You’ll hear interviews with scores of Fortune 500 executives to learn what has worked - and what hasn't - as they lead their companies through growth, transformations, cultural shifts, acquisitions, and more. Her podcast guests also include authors, researchers, and experts who will discuss the research and data they follow. She will share the highlights, trends, and opportunities from these conversations in this daily podcast. Jessica will decipher the news and translate the data, so you feel informed, empowered, and confident in responding to changes and current events. She'll frequently invite peers and expert friends to join her, so you get multiple points of view on important topics. We'll do it all every weekday in about five minutes. Culture Leaders Daily is presented by Culture Partners. Culture Partners works with your company to build a culture of greater accountability, sustained behavior changes, and - most importantly - long-term financial results. Culture Partners has been doing this work for decades and is excited to reach even more people with this daily podcast. Welcome to Culture Leaders Daily, the five-minute podcast for CEOs where we dissect the week's biggest news, unpack hot-button workplace trends, and bring you exclusive interviews with leaders who leverage culture to drive real business results. Jessica Kriegel: Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/  Culture Partners: Website: https://culturepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/

Jean Gomes, a luminary in the fields of leadership, organizational change, and personal development, shares his enlightening journey towards influencing human evolution in this profound interview. With a career dedicated to understanding and facilitating human growth, Jean offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of personal purpose and organizational missions. Jean’s expertise lies in guiding individuals and organizations towards a deeper understanding of their purpose and potential. By sharing his personal experiences and the challenges he faced, he provides valuable insights into the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals. Through his work, Jean aims to foster environments where creativity and human evolution are at the forefront, driving positive change and innovation. This interview serves as an inspiring exploration of the power of purpose and creativity in shaping our lives and work. By sharing his unique perspectives and experiences, he inspires individuals and leaders to embrace their purpose, unleash their creativity, and contribute to a more evolved and fulfilling future.   Segmented Timestamps [00:02] Jean's personal and organizational purpose. [01:27] The changing assumptions about the world and the need for a new leadership approach. [04:08] The redefinition of mindset and its impact on change and transformation. [07:20] The significance of emotions in shaping our understanding of the world. [10:03] The practical application of mindset in addressing organizational challenges. [18:12] Jean's future-back exercise for envisioning and achieving organizational goals. [22:08] The importance of challenging underlying assumptions to drive innovation. [27:15] The concept of a collective mindset and its role in creating a positive culture. [31:07] The value of acknowledging vulnerability in building inclusive and effective teams. [35:15] Jean's aspirations for sharing his knowledge and impacting millions of people.   Notable Quotes "As a leader, I wanted to be a driving force of human evolution." - Jean Gomes "We now have a much better understanding of what [culture] is. And therefore we can engage people in a conversation that unites the logic and the emotions and the sense of purpose." - Jean Gomes   “Redefinition of mindset is how you feel, think, and see, and how that informs what you know, what you doubt, what you ignore in any given moment. Once we start working with that, then you build up a joined-up system to help people build mindsets for their future.”-Jean Gomes   "The costs to CEO tenure, the investments that are thrown away on major change programs are getting so clearly identifiable that something else needs to happen." - Jean Gomes "What we're trying to understand here is what is the cost when you don't address [well-being]?" - Jean Gomes "Negative emotions are a really powerful way of getting to the primary problems that we face in our relationships and teams and at an organizational level." - Jean Gomes USEFUL LINKS   Reach Jean at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-gomes-7a2244/  Newsletter: Mindset Monthly  https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7001265313933619201 Podcast: The Evolving Leader https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-evolving-leader/id1529641273 Further reading:  https://www.weareoutside.com/articles-and-podcasts   GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Jessica’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/    Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.

Kyle Scheele, a renowned speaker and viral sensation, shares his unique insights on creativity, innovation, and the power of thinking differently. Known for his humorous yet insightful talks that challenge conventional wisdom, Scheele dives into the philosophy of purpose, creativity, and the malleability of life. In this episode of the Culture Leaders Podcast, join us as Kyle discusses the intricacies of living a life without predefined purpose and how such a perspective can lead to greater innovation and flexibility in both personal and professional realms. He explores the misconceptions surrounding creativity and offers a fresh view on how individuals and organizations can foster a more creative and adaptable environment.   Segmented Timestamps [01:23] Kyle challenges the traditional concept of having a single life purpose. [03:09] Discussion on the potential constraints of organizational purpose statements. [05:12] Kyle's take on 'out of the box' thinking and its misinterpretations. [06:24] The interplay between purpose, creativity, and organizational constraints. [09:02] Debunking myths about creativity being limited to certain professions. [14:06] Kyle's vision on the impact he hopes to leave behind through his messages. [16:05] Discussion on the complexity of social behaviors and personality labels. [21:18] From high school speaking to viral TikTok success. [24:54] Memorable projects and their impact on his life.   Notable Quotes "The simpler an object is, the fewer purposes it has... the more complex you get with the item and the person using the item, the more purposes there are." - Kyle Scheele    "Creativity is about thriving within constraints... It's about working with what you have when you don't have the resources you'd like." - Kyle Scheele   "If you look at the world and you're not happy with it, then that's on you to go, 'How do we change this? How do we build the world that we want to live in?'" - Kyle Scheele   "I don't believe in a single purpose. I think if a person has one, they are vastly underutilizing themselves and their potential." - Kyle Scheele   "Organizations like to make purpose statements... but if the purpose is not embedded into the day-to-day functions of the company, it's just something we talked about one time and put up on a wall." - Kyle Scheele   "Creativity is not something that a specific group of people do. Being a human being is about creativity." - Kyle Scheele   USEFUL LINKS   Reach Kyle at: Website: http://www.KyleScheele.com    GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Jessica’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/    Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.

Adam Hergenrother, a visionary entrepreneur and spiritual thought leader, delves deep into the synergy between personal growth and business success in this insightful conversation. Hergenrother shares his transformative journey from overcoming personal challenges to embracing spirituality as the bedrock of his professional endeavors. He articulates how business serves not just as a means to financial success but as a potent platform for profound personal development and helping others achieve their true potential. Throughout the interview, Hergenrother's insights illuminate the critical role of self-awareness, purpose, and the pursuit of spiritual growth in achieving business excellence. By fostering a culture of introspection and personal development, he highlights how businesses can transcend traditional boundaries, creating a ripple effect of positive change and empowerment. Hergenrother's approach underscores the importance of aligning one's entrepreneurial pursuits with their inner values and spiritual journey, paving the way for a more fulfilling and impactful life. This episode is a compelling exploration into how integrating spiritual principles with business practices can lead to unprecedented personal and professional growth. Hergenrother's narrative is a testament to the power of spirituality in transforming lives and businesses alike, offering listeners valuable insights into achieving harmony between their personal and professional lives.   Segmented Timestamps [00:38] Adam discusses the deeper meaning of 'purpose' beyond conventional roles. [01:07] The role of life experiences in personal and spiritual growth. [02:09] Transformative impacts of personal challenges on defining one's purpose. [03:29] Early life crisis leading to a significant shift in life direction. [06:45] Business as a tool for personal development and spiritual evolution. [08:02] Transition from traditional success to a spiritually fulfilling path. [10:21] Early identity struggles and societal expectations shaping Adam’s journey. [14:28] Emotional realization that prompted a life-altering direction. [17:48] Influence of personal evolution on business practices and leadership. [20:36] Philosophical approach to life and business emphasizing growth. [25:07] Applying spiritual principles in business operations for employee engagement. [30:09] Releasing past traumas to enhance personal well-being. [35:26] Incorporating spiritual growth into corporate culture. [39:46] Practices to foster personal development among employees. [45:24] Maintaining transparency and integrity during organizational changes. [48:16] Balancing business success with authentic spiritual growth.   Notable Quotes "The purpose of my life is to personally and spiritually grow so that I have less of me when I leave here." - Adam Hergenrother "We're here, Earth is a place where souls come to evolve... And that becomes the why and the purpose of your life." - Adam Hergenrother "If you attach yourself conditionally to something that's your why, if it's not there, then you suffer." - Adam Hergenrother "I use every application of the world, the external world, in order to do that." - Adam Hergenrother on using life's challenges as growth opportunities.   USEFUL LINKS   Reach Adam at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhergenrother/    Book: https://www.amazon.com/200-Life-Spiritual-Meditating-Mountaintop/dp/B0CKD1MFYW    Podcast: https://adamhergenrother.com/podcast/    GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Jessica’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/    Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.

Justin Wren, renowned MMA fighter turned humanitarian, shares his profound transformation from battling opponents in the ring to fighting for the rights of the forgotten Pygmy communities in Africa. In this powerful interview, Wren unveils the personal struggles and revelations that redirected his path towards creating significant social impact through his non-profit, Fight for the Forgotten. This episode dives deep into the essence of human connection, resilience, and the power of purpose-driven life. Wren’s journey is a compelling narrative of overcoming personal battles with addiction and depression by dedicating his life to service. Through his work, he provides transformative opportunities for the Pygmy people, focusing on essential resources like water, health, and education. Justin’s efforts go beyond mere charity; they empower communities to sustain themselves and flourish. His story is not just about fighting; it’s about building bridges of empathy and understanding across continents.   Segmented Timestamps [00:05] The evolution from fighting against people to fighting for people. [00:50] The inception of Fight for the Forgotten and its mission. [02:00] Cultural preservation and practical support for the Pygmy communities. [02:45] Justin’s spiritual awakening and the shift towards a purpose-driven life. [05:29] Expansion of humanitarian efforts to broader community impact. [06:25] Embracing the communal proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." [08:12] The role of partnerships and community involvement in sustainable development. [10:15] Addressing water scarcity and health care challenges in remote areas. [13:20] Overcoming personal adversities: From battling addiction to finding purpose. [15:34] The impact of cultural exchange and mutual learning on Justin's advocacy work. [18:07] Future plans for Fight for the Forgotten and scaling up the mission. [20:49] Reflections on leadership and the power of service in personal growth. [23:15] Justin's vision for a holistic approach to community empowerment. [25:30] The significance of "going far together" versus "going fast alone" in making a difference.   Notable Quotes "What is my why? I would say really it's to put love and compassion in action and to fight for people." - Justin Wren "My journey is one of kind of going from fighting against people to fighting for people." - Justin Wren, on naming his initiative.”- Justin Wren "I think when there's a strong alignment between the purpose of the company and individual purpose, people are creative, want to do a good job, and want to find ways to use their creativity to make improvements that are mutually beneficial for the employee and the company." - Justin Wren   "The higher up you get, you're always on call. But if you don't love what you do, then it takes a backseat." - Justin Wren   USEFUL LINKS   Reach Justin at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebigpygmy/   Websites:  https://www.fightfortheforgotten.org/  https://give.fightfortheforgotten.org/campaign/compassion-in-action-campaign/c493271    GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Jessica’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/    Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.

Paul Epstein, a renowned coach and speaker, shares his transformative journey of igniting impact and leaving people and places better than he found them. Drawing inspiration from his late father, a high school teacher for last-chance students, Paul found his calling in empowering others and fostering purpose-driven leadership. Paul recounts his experiences as the 'Y coach' of the San Francisco 49ers and how serving others became a pivotal part of his life. He discusses the principles that guide his approach to leadership, culture, and personal growth, emphasizing the power of unconditional support and the importance of making meaningful connections. Join us as Paul Epstein delves into his philosophy of turning challenges into opportunities and his commitment to helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential. It's a story of resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of positive change.   Segmented Timestamps: Introduction & Paul's 'Why' (00:00 - 00:31): Paul Epstein's mission to ignite impact in people's lives. The Influence of Paul's Father (00:32 - 01:49): Lessons learned from his father's dedication to education. Becoming the 'Y Coach' (01:50 - 15:06): Paul's journey to becoming a coach and mentor with the 49ers. A Life of Service and Growth (15:07 - 56:20): How pouring into others has enriched Paul's life and career. Looking Ahead (56:21 - End): Paul's advice for living a life that honors those who matter most.   Notable Quotes: "To ignite impact and the way I think about that it's on a mission to leave people and places better than I found them." - Paul Epstein (00:32.357)​   "If you can't get it down to a behavioral level, it's never gonna have a cultural impact, never." - Paul Epstein (15:06.419)   "If I could have one tenth of the impact that my dad had, then it'll be a great life." - Paul Epstein (01:47.375) USEFUL LINKS   Reach Paul at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulepsteinspeaks/ Websites: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/   GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Connect with Us on Social Media: (Instagram URL) (LinkedIn URL) Visit Our Website:  jessicakriegel.com   Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.