The CultureCon Podcast

In a world starving for real connection, what if the answer is as simple and as radical as pulling up more chairs? 🍽️ Nick and Zach sit down with Tim Jones, Founder and Executive Director of Longer Tables, to explore how shared meals can break down barriers, spark belonging, and remind us what it means to truly see one another. Tim shares the heart behind Longer Tables and why the table has become such a powerful symbol in his work. From creating spaces where job titles are left behind to helping leaders model vulnerability first, this conversation is a masterclass in building cultures where people feel safe, valued, and fully human. Along the way, Nick, Zach, and Tim reflect on memorable meals, meaningful leadership, and the moments that stay with us long after the table is cleared. If you care about connection, belonging, and leading people in a more human way, this episode will leave you challenged, encouraged, and ready to set a longer table.   Additional Resources: Connect with Tim on LinkedIn Learn more about Longer Tables Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Belonging begins when leaders model vulnerability first. Shared meals create space for deeper human connection. Job titles often block authentic relationships at work. Presence and storytelling help people feel truly seen. Great leaders set tables, not just agendas.  

What happens when storytelling stops being scripted and starts being deeply human 🎥 Nick and Zach sit down with Curtis Gilbert, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of p3 mediaworks and a creative force behind some of the most authentic culture storytelling happening today. From launching a video agency with one camera and zero investors to shaping how organizations emotionally connect with talent and customers, Curtis shares the journey that turned purpose into powerful visual impact. Together they explore why culture is every company's true superpower, how short form video is changing employer branding, and what leaders often misunderstand about storytelling. Curtis also offers a refreshingly grounded perspective on AI, reminding us that while tools evolve, meaningful stories will always start with human vision, passion, and connection.   Additional Resources: Connect with Curtis on LinkedIn Learn more about p3 mediaworks Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Human stories drive emotional connection more than polished messaging Culture storytelling builds trust with talent and customers AI enhances creativity but never replaces human vision Short form video maximizes storytelling investment and reach Validation from mentors can launch lifelong purpose  

BJ McKay hosts a roundtable of ADVISA Leadership Consultants, who discuss the biggest problems they're hearing in the workplace today, and actions companies can take to help solve them.   Additional Resources: Connect with Mandy on LinkedIn Connect with Kye on LinkedIn Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn Get Your Culture Check! Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Connect with BJ on LinkedIn Learn more about Advisa Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Culture equals repeated behaviors and shared language Activation from above drives sustainable transformation Data cuts through assumption and subjective storytelling Leadership is a job requiring defined skills Training alone rarely produces lasting behavior change  

What if culture wasn't something you fixed after it broke, but something you strengthened before it ever cracked? Live from CultureCon West in Las Vegas, Nikki sits down with DraftKings Chief People Officer Linda Bukata Aiello for an honest, energizing conversation about culture transformation done right. From eliminating performance ratings to rolling out radical candor, Linda shares how DraftKings chose to get ahead of potential culture drift instead of reacting to crisis. The result? Stronger executive alignment, empowered remote employees, and surprising data that revealed culturally aligned women were among the company's top performers. This isn't about fluffy values on a wall. It's about human connection, courageous transparency, and building a high-accountability culture rooted in trust. If you're a people-first leader wondering how to create meaningful change at scale, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with both clarity and heart.   Additional Resources: Connect with Linda on LinkedIn Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Leadership evolves from hierarchy to humanity Transparency builds trust during uncertainty Culture should be proactive, not reactive Remote employees can be deeply culturally aligned Radical candor strengthens performance and connection  

Culture is happening whether you design it or not. The real question is, is it accelerating your strategy or quietly sabotaging it? Live from CultureCon 2024, Jasmine Bellamy sits down with Jeff Lindemann of WD-40 Company to unpack what it truly means to create the culture you want. Jeff shares why culture is not an HR initiative but a CEO responsibility, how belonging became the foundation of their global organization, and why they run the business from the strategy down instead of the spreadsheet up. 🌎 From a 9x return on value creation to a market cap growth from 350 million to 3.5 billion, Jeff makes a compelling case that employee engagement is not a soft metric. It is a competitive advantage. If you are a people-first leader who wants culture to fuel long term value, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead with intention.   Additional Resources: Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Intentional culture accelerates business strategy execution Belonging drives engagement and long term value Culture is a CEO responsibility, not HR task Strategy down beats spreadsheet up leadership Engagement directly correlates with financial performance  

From NFL locker rooms to global change room, Rachel Breitbach has mastered the art of leading through chaos with heart. Rachel joins Nick and Zach to unpack what fearless leadership really looks like, not as bravado, but as a willingness to step into the unknown and bring others with you. From her early career in sports broadcasting to guiding massive organizational transformations, Rachel shares powerful lessons on staying grounded, earning trust, and creating the kind of culture where people actually want to grow. She introduces her TIE model (Transparency, Inclusion, and Empathy) a simple but game-changing framework for leaders navigating uncertainty. You'll hear how curiosity can trump control, why community accelerates learning, and why in a tech-saturated world, human connection is the real differentiator. If you're leading change (or change is leading you), this conversation is your anchor.   Additional Resources: Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn Learn more about FarWell Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Fearlessness means action, not absence of fear Calm leadership creates clarity during uncertainty Change thrives with transparency, inclusion, empathy Community builds trust, then shared accountability Technology rises, human connection must rise higher  

ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay share favorite highlights and key takeaways from the conference every leader should know. Plus, they explain how each topic relates to the ATLAS framework for achieving cultural competitive advantage.   Additional Resources: Get Your Culture Check! Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Connect with BJ on LinkedIn Learn more about Advisa Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Culture is a feeling, backed by strategy and spine. Coaching access reduces emotional burdens on managers. Listening isn't agreement; it's creating connection. Mindset drives leadership, resilience, and adaptability. Culture lives in daily conversations, not corporate posters.  

What if the real conversation around returning to the office isn't about space, but about trust, clarity, and courageous leadership? In this live episode from CultureCon West, Nikki sits down with Dennis Richter for a powerful, no-fluff conversation that challenges the "Return to Office" status quo. Dennis brings his signature skeptical curiosity to unpack why many leaders default to blanket mandates without truly thinking them through. Together, they explore what it means to lead with transparency, define success through role clarity and KPIs, and make decisions that reflect purpose, not pressure. This episode is a must-listen for people-first leaders ready to reflect deeply, act intentionally, and create workplaces built on trust, respect, and real impact.   Additional Resources: Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Rethink RTO: Start with transparency, not tradition Leadership begins with honest self-reflection Trust and clarity drive remote success Impact matters more than presence Role clarity empowers, mandates erode trust  

What if the reason culture isn't working is because leaders think they've already figured it out? Elaine and Hattie sit down with Karen Richards, founder of Uniquely Global and executive coach to top global leaders, to expose what's really going on in boardrooms when it comes to culture, and what's not. Karen brings decades of experience across industries, from elite sports to global brands, to reveal the truth about leadership blind spots, emotional intelligence, and the quiet gap between performance and people. Through real stories and hard-won insight, she shows why coaching isn't just about behavior change, it's about identity, instinct, and owning your shadow. This isn't a conversation about soft skills. It's about the hard work of leadership. Karen challenges every leader to stop outsourcing culture and start doing the internal work that changes everything, from how you show up in a room to how people show up for you. No scripts. No safe answers. Just honest conversations about what's possible when we stop doing things by default and start doing them by design. Tune in for fresh perspectives, future-focused thinking, and ideas bold enough to actually change things.   Additional Resources: Connect with Karen on LinkedIn Connect with Hattie on LinkedIn Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn Learn more about Fauna Follow Fauna on LinkedIn Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Culture is the fuel behind sustainable performance. Leaders must embrace emotional intelligence to grow. Self-awareness unlocks team and business potential. Coaching reveals the gap between knowing and leading. Ask: "What am I missing?" regularly.  

What if the most untapped leadership skill isn't found in a boardroom, but in the power of a well-told story? Nick and Zach officially welcome Dr. Rod Berger as CultureCon's newest storyteller-in-residence. With a doctorate in psychology and thousands of interviews with global leaders under his belt, Rod brings a rare lens to leadership, one rooted in the belief that storytelling isn't fluff, it's fuel. From his book "The Narrative Edge" to his conversations with executives and veterans, Rod shares how narrative shapes identity, unlocks empathy, and fosters true connection inside our organizations. The trio dives deep into how story helps us meet the moment, why leaders must understand their own role in the plotline, and how authentic storytelling builds stronger cultures, especially in a digital-first world. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just discovering your voice, this episode invites you to see yourself as a character in a story worth telling.   Additional Resources: Connect with Rod on LinkedIn Buy the book: "The Narrative Edge" Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Storytelling is a strategic leadership skill. Your story influences how others experience you. Authenticity builds trust within workplace culture. Empathy grows when stories are shared. Leaders must define their role in the narrative.  

W. Edwards Deming was famously quoted as saying, "A bad system will beat a good person every time." After decades of training, coaching, and consulting with leaders, ADVISA has seen that five drivers create cultural competitive advantage for organizations. The final driver is one of the most important: Systems That Support Leaders. In this episode, Steve Edwards, President & General Manager of City Wide Facility Solutions, joins ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay to dig into why systems matter – and how you can put systems to work for you.   Additional Resources: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn Learn more about City Wide Get Your Culture Check! Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Connect with BJ on LinkedIn Learn more about Advisa Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Culture killers must be addressed quickly and directly. Systems should support, not stifle, your people. Leadership consistency builds team trust and performance. Frontline ideas often spark business growth. Complaints reveal quality opportunities and loyalty potential.  

What happens when Gen Zs and Boomers team up at work? Live from CultureCon 2025, Nikki Lewallen Gregory sits down with Megan Berki of Rocket Lawyer for a powerful conversation on bridging generational gaps in the workplace. With five generations now working side-by-side, Megan shares how leaders can turn differences into strengths, from Gen Z's TikTok-fueled learning to Boomers' process-driven mindset. Packed with real examples from Rocket Lawyer, this episode explores communication strategies, culture wins (and flops), and how to build a people-first workplace where everyone feels seen and supported. Whether you're leading, managing, or just navigating the mix, this one's for you. 🚀   Additional Resources: Connect with Megan on LinkedIn Learn more about Rocket Lawyer Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Five generations coexist, each with distinct needs and preferences. Tech-native Gen Z differs significantly from tech-savvy Millennials. Communication must be multi-channel and predictably consistent. Aligning tech tools to user habits drives adoption. Culture thrives when values are actionable and inclusive.  

What if the real unlock to thriving workplace cultures isn't fixing what's broken, but amplifying what's already strong? Jasmine Bellamy sits down with Vibhas Ratanjee, Senior Practice Expert at Gallup, to explore how organizations can build strengths-based cultures rooted in affirmation, not audit. Drawing from over two decades of research and consulting at Gallup, Vibhas reveals how focusing on what's right with people, not what's wrong, can radically shift culture, engagement, and performance. From the origin of CliftonStrengths to insights on Gen Z's workplace disconnect, this episode is packed with data, stories, and deeply human takeaways. If you're a people leader ready to ditch the deficit mindset and unlock the full potential of your team, this conversation will change how you think about strengths, feedback, and the real work of culture.   Additional Resources: Connect with Vibhas on LinkedIn Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Strengths-based leadership begins with knowing your own gifts Most organizations undervalue what's working well Feedback should amplify strengths, not fix weaknesses Only 1 in 3 use strengths daily at work Connection to culture is alarmingly low, especially in Gen Z  

You've built your culture plan… now what? Pete Savage and Greg Livings pull back the curtain on a powerful but often overlooked concept: de-risking your culture program. From eliminating weak signals to building visual tools like the Culture Wheel Playbook, they unpack actionable strategies to ensure your culture efforts don't fall flat. Whether you're planning for the year ahead or trying to get your CEO on board, this episode is packed with real-world, low-cost, high-impact tactics to build executive confidence and boost internal alignment. It's a masterclass in making your culture work work smarter, not harder. 💡   Additional Resources: Listen to Fixing Broken Culture Signals Get "The Culture Wheel Playbook" Connect with Greg on LinkedIn Connect with Pete on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Eliminate weak signals draining time and resources. Use the Culture Wheel Playbook to visualize and communicate plans. Add low-cost signals that reinforce strong initiatives. Secure executive visibility with authentic culture messaging. Gather ongoing feedback to optimize and adapt programs.  

Want great insights to help you lead your people? You need data. "Actionable People Data" is the fourth driver of cultural competitive advantage in the acronym ATLAS. Data helps you increase employee engagement. Plus, by informing decisions, data reduces the burden on you to know the right thing to do. ADVISA CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay discuss the critical importance of understanding employees' motivations, needs, and experiences in qualitative and quantitative ways.   Additional Resources: Get Your Culture Check! Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Connect with BJ on LinkedIn Learn more about Advisa Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Data is only powerful when applied consistently. Cultural fluency requires ongoing training and reinforcement. People data reveals how to meet employee needs. Manager access to data enables real-time action. Culture becomes tangible with the right analytics.  

What happens when every leader in your company defines "leadership" their own way? Spoiler alert: chaos. Live from the CultureCon 2025 studio in Madison, Wisconsin, Nikki Lewallen Gregory teams up with Coleman Williams, co-founder of Wrestling With Talent, to get real about the chaos that comes from undefined leadership. From inconsistent one-on-ones to unclear goal-setting, they explore how structure creates fairness without crossing into micromanagement. They also unpack how companies can onboard leaders with clarity, integrate AI for more effective training, and give employees a consistent, people-first experience, especially during change. This is your blueprint for leadership done right.   Additional Resources: Connect with Coleman on LinkedIn Learn more about Wrestling with Talent Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Clear leadership expectations reduce workplace inconsistency. Guardrails are not micromanagement, they offer direction. Start small to avoid overwhelming leaders with change. AI can enhance, not replace, leadership onboarding. Consistency supports fairness in the employee experience.  

What if the key to thriving teams isn't just better benefits or ping pong tables, but bold conversations, deep listening, and shared ownership of culture? Live from CultureCon2024, Nikki Llewellyn Gregory sits down with Gianna Driver to unpack the real meaning of employee engagement. From Silicon Valley boardrooms to culture-shifting conference stages, Gianna shares her personal journey through pivotal career moments, the evolution of engagement post-pandemic, and how both leaders and employees must co-own the energy of their workplace. You'll hear why listening is the most underrated leadership skill, how to respond when the vibe of your company shifts, and why chasing alignment, not just paychecks, leads to true career fulfillment. Whether you're leading a team or navigating your own fork-in-the-road moment, this episode delivers fresh perspective, heartfelt stories, and one powerful challenge that could change your workplace forever.   Additional Resources: Listen to more episodes Live from CultureCon on Fringe Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Engagement evolved dramatically during the pandemic. Listening is foundational to effective leadership. Employees share responsibility for workplace culture. Curiosity bridges conflicting perspectives at work. Joy and alignment outweigh financial incentives.  

The best moments at CultureCon West 2025 didn't happen on stage. They happened in the spaces in between. This episode unpacks why that matters. Nick and Zach reflect on what made CultureCon West 2025 truly stand out, and it wasn't just the speaker lineup. From an unforgettable dinner where no one talked about work to a surprise "Hamilton" performance that brought the room to its feet, they explore the human-centered experiences that made this year's conference feel different. They share behind-the-scenes wins in sustainability, unexpected on-stage moments, and why the real value came from the connections formed between sessions. Whether it was tapping badges, sharing stories, or singing Disney ballads, this conversation is a reminder: culture isn't built in keynotes. It's built in community.   Additional Resources: Read their blog post! Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Sustainability isn't overwhelming with the right partner. Connection deepens when work talk disappears. Surprise performances create unforgettable shared moments. Culture thrives outside formal programming structure. Impactful conferences start with intentional community experiences.  

Your leaders are your culture carriers. And if your organization wants to achieve and sustain cultural competitive advantage, your leaders must be crystal clear on a few critical behaviors. In this episode, CEO Heather Haas and leadership consultant BJ McKay of the consultancy ADVISA have a lively and insightful conversation with Todd Wuestenberg, Chief Culture Officer of Haverkamp Properties, about the importance of the third of five drivers of cultural competitive advantage: Leader Effectiveness. What does Leader Effectiveness look like, and how do you go about fostering it? Heather and BJ tee up what they've learned as part of a leadership and culture consultancy that's been helping organizations thrive for decades. And Todd shares his invaluable perspective of what this driver looks like in action.   Additional Resources: Connect with Todd on LinkedIn Learn more about Havercamp Properties Get Your Culture Check! Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Connect with BJ on LinkedIn Learn more about Advisa Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Culture means to care for. Intentionality matters deeply. Leadership buy-in is essential for cultural transformation. Effective leaders grow future leaders intentionally. Feedback and iteration strengthen leadership development programs. Culture must be measured and continuously cultivated.  

What if your company values weren't just words on a wall, but a lived, breathing part of your culture that drives every hire, fire, and daily decision? Live from CultureCon 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin, Nikki Lewallen Gregory sits down with Eliza Jackson of ButcherBox for a conversation that flips traditional HR playbooks on their head. With a colorful background that spans finance, kindergarten classrooms, and hypergrowth startups, Eliza brings a refreshingly real perspective on what it takes to build values-driven organizations that actually walk the talk. From rejecting high-performing candidates who don't align with company values to ensuring every employee has access to a personal coach, Eliza breaks down ButcherBox's radical approach to "baking in" culture at every level. You'll hear how they future-proof their workforce through mindset over skillset, maintain startup agility at scale, and foster a culture of relentless improvement, all while staying human at the core.   Additional Resources: Connect with Eliza on LinkedIn Learn more about ButcherBox Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Values must be embedded across all touchpoints. Coaching unlocks personal and organizational growth. Hire for mindset, not just experience. Startup culture can scale if you're intentional. Inner work fuels external culture strength.