Gut + Science

What's the real reason some leaders instantly command a room while others struggle to connect? Katherine unpacks the secret sauce behind authentic leadership: executive presence. But don't mistake it for just charisma or a polished look. This is about substance over style, connection over performance, and leading with confidence, clarity, and calm. She explores why presence, not just words, shapes how people trust, respect, and follow you. You'll learn how to shift from filler words to powerful pauses, how to read a room and adapt with empathy, and why showing up with grounded confidence builds psychological safety for your team. Whether you're leading a team meeting or navigating high-stakes moments, this episode offers practical, people-first strategies to grow your presence, without losing your authenticity. 💡   Additional Resources: Master Your Executive Presence! Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Get the book: Presence by Amy Cuddy Get the book: Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Presence starts before you speak a single word. Trustworthiness is prioritized over competence in first impressions. Executive presence is built, not born. Vulnerability must be balanced with leadership authority. Alignment between words and actions builds trust.  

What if your next-level leadership has nothing to do with spreadsheets, strategy, or AI, and everything to do with your emotions? Emotional intelligence coach and EQ-i 2.0 Master Jamelle Lindo joins Nikki to reveal why emotional empowerment is the real superpower for leaders navigating today's fast-paced, tech-heavy world. Jamelle unpacks how to turn emotions from a liability into a leadership asset that fuels clarity, courage, and connection. From real-life transformation stories to practical frameworks, you'll learn how to pivot from emotional avoidance to engagement and build emotional skills that actually move the needle.   Additional Resources: Connect with Jamelle on LinkedIn Start leading with Emotional Empowerment today! Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Emotions are data, not distractions. Self-awareness is foundational for emotional growth. Emotional empowerment starts with mindset shifts. Suppressing emotion leads to friction and burnout. Empathy requires intentional, active listening.  

What if the secret to high-performing teams isn't more strategy, but more alignment? 🚣 Nikki is joined by Anadel Alberti, founder of Audaciously Authentic, to discuss what it really means to build aligned teams. Spoiler: It's not about off-sites or one-time trainings. It's about creating spaces where trust thrives, vision is shared, and communication is clear (not assumed). Anadel shares how leaders can foster accountability with empathy, build trust through presence, and co-create vision that actually fuels commitment. You'll walk away rethinking how your team shows up, and how alignment might just be your biggest performance unlock.   Additional Resources: Connect with Anadel on LinkedIn Learn more about Audaciously Authentic Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Alignment is rowing together by choice, not obligation. Communication requires clarity, not assumptions. Accountability equals ownership with empathy. Vision succeeds when co-created. Trust begins with presence and consistency.  

What do pets, perks, and productivity have in common? Nikki teams up once again with Michelle Yates of PetPartners, bringing in the dynamic Mark Rosenthal to shake up how we think about employee benefits. They dive into why "nice-to-have" benefits are now need-to-have, and how understanding your people (and their furry family members 🐕) is the game-changer for attracting and retaining top talent. From multi-generational expectations and mental health support to surprising stats on pet parents and financial stress, this episode is packed with insights that challenge the status quo and inspire leaders to rethink, reframe, and rework their approach to benefits. You'll leave with a fresh appreciation for just how much a pet-inclusive workplace can do for your culture. 🐾✨   Additional Resources: Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Learn how to create pet-friendly workspaces with the Dogs at Work Guide! Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn Learn more about OnePack Plan by PetPartners Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Benefits must support holistic employee wellbeing. Customization is key to engaging diverse workforces. Pets are essential dependents for many employees. Perks must reflect real employee priorities and stressors. Clear communication is critical to benefits impact.   Works Cited: KRC Research conducted an online survey on behalf of OnePack Plan by Pet Partners among n=1,000 employed US adults 18-65. The sample included n=750 pet owners and n=250 non-pet owners. The study was fielded between August 19 - August 22, 2024. Cohen Research Group in conjunction with OnePack Plan by PetPartners and the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) conducted an online survey over a two-week period from February 22 to March 7, 2024, with 1,021 HR professionals working for medium or large companies in the United States and Canada. By design, half of the respondents work at companies currently offering pet health insurance to their employees and half did not offer it to them. For terms and conditions visit: www.petpartners.com/sample-policies. Products are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, (NAIC #26581), and produced by PetPartners, Inc. (NPN #7612549; CA license #0F27261 PPI Pet Insurance Agency, Inc.).  

What if working less could actually make your business more successful? 💡 Nikki chats with Dr. Sabrina Starling, aka The Business Psychologist, who's here to flip your workweek on its head. Dr. Sabrina isn't just talking theory, she's living proof that you can grow a wildly successful business on just 25 hours a week (and she's now rocking a 10-hour week!). They dive into the power of radical intentionality, how to prioritize $10,000/hour tasks, and why delegating like a pro creates massive growth opportunities for your team. If you've ever dreamed of more margin, more impact, and way less grind... this one's your permission slip. 📝   Additional Resources: Discover How To Make Your Time Worth $10,000 An Hour Connect with Dr. Sabrina Starling on LinkedIn Learn more about Tap The Potential Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Work should support life, not the other way. Identify and protect $10,000/hour activities. Delegate low-value tasks to enable team growth. Hard stops and unplugged time fuel effectiveness. A-players thrive with clear results and strengths.  

Ever been stuck in a "meh" moment, unsure if it's a yes or a no? 😬 Nikki and Jason dive into a fun, fired-up convo about making bold, aligned decisions, personally and professionally. From saying no without guilt to spotting red flags in client partnerships and making hiring choices that truly light up your team, they cover it all. Nikki also shares powerful takeaways from Mel Robbins' "Let Them" philosophy and the Why.OS framework that keeps the PFN team living and leading with radical intentionality. Tune in if you're ready to lead, live, and love like every decision is a full-body "Hell Yes!" 💥   Additional Resources: Join the PFN Community! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Know your why to guide clear decisions. Energy alignment outweighs obligation every time. Misaligned clients drain culture and results. Right person, right seat is essential. Intentionality drives meaningful culture and impact.  

Great leadership isn't just bold moves and big speeches. The real magic is in the quiet habits, clear communication, and meaningful connections the best leaders learn to make. Those were the themes of this year's Global Leadership Summit, a two-day event packed with world-renowned leadership experts. Katherine Coble is joined (finally) by her husband and business coach, Greg Coble, to recap their favorite moments from this year's Summit. From Craig Groeschel's call for consistency over charisma, to Nick Saban's surprising take on psychological safety, to Juliet Funt's bold message about reducing the noise, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and fresh energy for people-first leaders. Hit play for a fun, fast-paced breakdown you won't want to miss!   Additional Resources: Get the GLS Resource Guide! Follow Concentric Leadership Group on LinkedIn Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Consistency beats charisma in leadership impact. Focus only on what leaders uniquely should do. Clear writing equals modern-day empathy. Transformational leaders prioritize learning over results. Legacy leadership builds others for lasting significance.  

Forget the one-mentor model! What if you had a team of people championing your growth? Melanie Stuber shares how designing your personal board of directors can be a game-changer for your career and personal growth. After 25+ years in corporate leadership, Melanie stepped into entrepreneurship, and quickly realized the power of intentionally surrounding herself with people who challenge, support, and champion her. From knowing your values to identifying the roles every growth-minded person needs (mentor, coach, sponsor, expert, and more), she breaks down how to build and sustain this dynamic circle. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just getting started, you'll walk away with real tools to build a board that grows with you, and never feel like you're doing it alone again. 👥   Additional Resources: Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn Learn more about Cultivate and Thrive Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Know your values and strengths before building your board. Be intentional in choosing who surrounds and supports you. Personal boards evolve as you grow professionally and personally. Express gratitude often, as it sustains meaningful relationships. Follow-through builds trust and deepens connections.  

Employee engagement metrics have barely moved in over a decade, but what if we're measuring the wrong things? Nikki sits down with Joshua Freedman, CEO of Six Seconds and author of the soon-to-drop "Emotion Rules". Together, they go deep on why engagement isn't about snacks in the breakroom or slick surveys. It's emotional, and it's human. They unpack why "leave emotions at the door" might be the worst business advice ever, what true caring leadership looks like, and how love, trust, and boundaries create high-performing cultures where people actually want to show up. If you're ready to trade performative leadership for authentic connection, this episode is your roadmap. 🤲   Additional Resources: Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn Learn more about Six Seconds Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Engagement is emotional, not just a dashboard metric. Emotional intelligence globally is in serious decline. Leaders shape culture through behavior, not slogans. Genuine care includes clear, compassionate boundaries. Emotions drive people, people drive performance.  

Why is finding great talent harder than ever… even with AI at our fingertips? Nikki sits down with Gerald Gordon, Co-Founder & CTO of Reference Me, to unpack how technology is reshaping hiring in ways that often make things messier, not easier. From flawless AI-generated resumes to overwhelming applicant pools, Gerald reveals why human discernment and cultural fit matter more than any algorithm. He also introduces a game-changing idea: professional certified references, a way to bring trust, truth, and confidence back into hiring decisions. Get ready for a candid conversation that will make you rethink how you evaluate candidates, balance AI with human judgment, and build teams that truly multiply culture. 🚀   Additional Resources: Connect with Gerald on LinkedIn Learn more about Reference Me Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: AI-polished resumes don't equal the right fit. Time and keyword filters can cut out great candidates. Online presence now shapes first impressions. Human discernment is irreplaceable. Certified references save time and prevent hiring mistakes.  

What if your AI tools were more like teammates than tech? AI isn't coming for your job, it's coming to take the busywork off your plate. Jason and Nikki crack open how the PeopleForward Network team is weaving AI into their daily workflows without ditching what makes them... them. F rom using ChatGPT for parenting convos to building sales proposals, onboarding guides, and culture content, they're showing how AI can augment your team, not replace it. Expect lightbulb moments and a roadmap for using AI to go further faster while keeping your values and people at the center 💡   Additional Resources: Join the PFN Community! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: AI is a co-pilot. Use it to enhance, not replace, human work. Start small. Experiment with everyday tasks before scaling. Input matters. Better prompts lead to better, more authentic outputs. Culture comes first. Align AI use with your company's values. Free up time. Let AI handle the mundane so people can focus on meaningful work.  

What if more play is the key to better work? This episode flips the script on what it means to be "professional." Nikki sits down with Mike Montague, author of Playful Humans, to explore why play isn't just for kids or weekends. In fact, it might be your team's biggest untapped superpower. From challenging hustle culture to reimagining how we measure productivity, Mike brings humor, heart, and a whole lot of wisdom. They unpack the three types of work, dive into the magical "Five P's" that fuel thriving workplaces, and get real about why forced fun just doesn't cut it. If you're ready to ditch the burnout and build work cultures where people actually want to show up, hit play. 🛝   Additional Resources: Take the Playful Humans Quiz! Connect with Mike on LinkedIn Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Play enhances, not opposes, meaningful work. Physical, intellectual, and spiritual work require different approaches. The "Five P's" (Performance, Pause, Ponder, Play, Practice) drive fulfillment. Choice and control boost engagement. Real play is voluntary… forced fun backfires.  

Ever feel like no one's really listening to you as a leader? Like your message isn't landing, even though your intentions are solid? That's not just frustrating. It's a credibility problem. Katherine sits down with communications powerhouse Jenni Field, author of "Nobody Believes You: Become a Leader People Will Follow." Together, they dive into why great leadership isn't just about charisma or good intentions, it's about credibility, and yes, that can be learned. With 20+ years in global comms roles and now leading her consultancy, Redefining Communications, Jenni breaks down her signature 8 practices of leadership credibility. From integrity to visionary thinking, she shares real-world stories, laugh-out-loud insights, and tips leaders can implement tomorrow. If you've ever wondered why your team isn't "getting it," or felt like you're doing all the right things but still not moving the needle, this episode's for you. 💡   Additional Resources: Connect with Jenni on LinkedIn Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Good intentions aren't enough. Leaders must be aware of their impact. Credibility is built through eight practical leadership behaviors. Vulnerability is about connection, not oversharing. Leadership gaps often cause deeper organizational issues. Visionary leadership starts with clear, short-term direction.  

What if HR stopped being the department of "no" and became the heartbeat of transformation in your business? Nikki is joined by Raina Fryer of Titus Talent Strategies to flip the script on what HR should be. Broadcasting live from the PeopleForward Network studio at CultureCon® 2025, this episode dives into how people leaders can ditch outdated playbooks and embrace a bold, modern approach to leading humans. Raina challenges us to rethink everything, from the language we use to how we train, hire, and retain our teams. She brings fresh insights on cross-functional leadership, performance-based hiring, and how to actually treat HR as a strategic partner, not just a rule enforcer. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to building people-first cultures.   Additional Resources: Connect with Raina Learn more about Titus Talent Strategies Reach out to Titus Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: HR must shift from compliance to strategic partnership. Rethinking titles like "HR" can reflect a more modern role. Let go of control; embrace creativity and ambiguity. Hiring should focus on long-term performance, not just quick fills. Retention starts with great onboarding, mentorship, and purpose.  

What happens when a former high school math teacher turned builder decides to stop flying by the seat of his pants, and actually runs his business on a real system? Nikki chats with Loren Wood of Loren Wood Builders, who shares the raw, before-and-after story of implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) 🛠️📊 Picture this: no org chart, no KPIs, zero predictability. Fast forward to today, Loren has a focused leadership team, strong systems, and a culture grounded in clarity and accountability. If you've ever felt stuck solving the same problems on repeat or crossing your fingers at year-end hoping the math works out, this one's for you. Loren gets real about what it took to shift from chaos to calm and how EOS helped him become the leader his team, and business, deserved. Get ready to rethink what it really means to run your business, not just survive it. 💥   Additional Resources: Connect with Loren on LinkedIn Learn more about Loren Wood Builders Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: EOS brought structure and accountability to a previously chaotic business. Level 10 meetings replaced unproductive meetings with focus and clarity. Shared leadership replaced Loren's solo decision-making. Initial discomfort gave way to better team alignment. EOS reinforced culture, not just operations.a

What if boosting your team's mental health and workplace happiness was as simple as adding a wagging tail to the mix? 🐾 Nikki is back with Michelle Yates from Pet Partners, this time joined by Steve Feldman, President of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), to uncover how pets are transforming workplace culture and mental health. From the science behind wagging tails and purring companions, to real-world success stories like Amazon's "PupAmazonians," they share creative ways leaders can make their organizations more pet-inclusive, whether in-office or remote. They bust myths (spoiler: pets aren't the distraction you think they are), offer ideas for pet benefits that keep employees smiling, and show how a little four-legged love can spark collaboration, deepen connections, and create a happier, healthier workplace for everyone.   Additional Resources: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn Learn more about HABRI.org Learn how to create pet-friendly workspaces with the Dogs at Work Guide! Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn Learn more about OnePack Plan by PetPartners Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Pets boost mental, physical, and social health. Pet perks work in-office or remotely. Leaders underestimate employee pet ownership. Pets improve morale, collaboration, and problem-solving. Pet benefits drive well-being, loyalty, and retention.   Works Cited: KRC Research conducted an online survey on behalf of OnePack Plan by Pet Partners among n=1,000 employed US adults 18-65. The sample included n=750 pet owners and n=250 non-pet owners. The study was fielded between August 19 - August 22, 2024. Cohen Research Group in conjunction with OnePack Plan by PetPartners and the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) conducted an online survey over a two-week period from February 22 to March 7, 2024, with 1,021 HR professionals working for medium or large companies in the United States and Canada. By design, half of the respondents work at companies currently offering pet health insurance to their employees and half did not offer it to them. For terms and conditions visit: www.petpartners.com/sample-policies. Products are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, (NAIC #26581), and produced by PetPartners, Inc. (NPN #7612549; CA license #0F27261 PPI Pet Insurance Agency, Inc.).

What if your team could get more done in less time? ⏳ In this Community Conversation, Nikki and Jason flip the traditional "hours worked" mindset on its head, championing the power of results over clock-watching. They share why it's time to ditch the outdated 9–5 mentality, how to unlearn habits that hold us back, and why role clarity + goals + KPIs are the secret trio for driving real impact. 🚀 From experimenting with a four-day work week to harnessing AI for smarter workflows, this episode is packed with practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and a few personal stories that'll make you rethink your relationship with time. Whether you're a leader or a team member, you'll walk away ready to work sharper, not harder, and maybe even earn yourself that extra day off.   Additional Resources: Join the PFN Community! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Measure success by results, not hours worked. Use role clarity, goals, and KPIs to guide focus. Unlearn outdated time-based work habits. Leverage AI to boost efficiency and flexibility. Cut low-value tasks to create space for impact.

Ever felt like your culture change efforts are just… throwing spaghetti at the wall 🍝? In this episode, Nikki sits down with BJ McKay from Advisa to swap real, in-the-trenches stories of transformation. Together they break down the ATLAS framework, reveal why discomfort is the secret ingredient to lasting change, and share how to keep leaders energized instead of burned out. From ditching the busywork to mastering the art of measurable impact, BJ's insights will have you rethinking how you approach culture so it actually sticks. This is your backstage pass to what works (and what doesn't) when you're leading people-first change that lasts. 🎯   Additional Resources: Get Your 5 Minute Culture Check! Connect with BJ on LinkedIn Learn more about Advisa Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Real transformation is uncomfortable but necessary. Systems must show measurable impact, not just look good. Focus on fewer priorities to reduce burnout and increase impact. Leadership growth at work benefits life outside of work. Self-awareness plus consistent practice builds great leaders.

What happens when a hospital CEO still thinks like a nurse? You get leadership that listens, leads with empathy, and actually walks the talk. Katherine sits down with Lori Price, President and CEO of Franciscan Health Central Indiana, whose journey from nurse to executive brings a rare blend of heart and strategy to the conversation. Lori unpacks how starting at the bedside shaped her "communication flywheel," a practical, people-first system for keeping 24/7 teams aligned, engaged, and clear on the mission. From listening more than speaking to building trust through radical honesty, she shares real-life leadership lessons that make her style both approachable and effective. If you're navigating complex teams, craving more culture clarity, or just need a reminder that leadership is human work, this one's for you.   Additional Resources: Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Trust and healthy conflict are essential for safety and team cohesion. Listening to frontline staff is core to effective leadership. Purpose-driven culture fuels resilience and engagement. Vulnerability and humor make leaders more approachable.

What if your biggest leadership roadblock isn't the problem… but how you see it? Nikki sits down with Chris Bassett—founder of Green Bean Consulting Group—to flip your problem-solving approach on its head. What does abstract art have to do with business challenges? And how does soaking a walnut help teams break through stuck thinking? Chris takes us on a journey through neuroscience, philosophy, and real-world consulting wins to show how our brains often mislead us, and how leaders can use perception as a powerful tool for change. From spotting red flags of overconfidence 🚩 to building high-functioning teams through de-familiarization and pairing structures, this episode is packed with fresh thinking and practical tools. Whether you're leading a team, solving complex issues, or just tired of running in circles, this conversation is your invitation to slow down, zoom out, and see differently.   Additional Resources: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Learn more about Green Bean Consulting Group Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Certainty is a red flag—pause and dig deeper. Perception is shaped by memory as well as our senses. Familiar problems often need a fresh frame. Align teams by defamiliarizing and collaborating. Use structured methods to solve, test, and learn.