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Human Capital
Human Capital
Author: Jeff Hunt
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© humancapital@goalspan.com
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Uncover the deeply human aspect of working. Join Jeff Hunt, GoalSpan CEO and longtime business consultant, as he interviews guests who help us learn to embrace the value of human capital in new ways. Explore how to better the world of work for humans and rediscover the most important asset we have in the workplace – Human Capital.
116 Episodes
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In this final episode before pausing production of the Human Capital Podcast, host Jeff Hunt reflects on five incredible years and nearly 100 conversations with some of the most inspiring thought leaders in business. More than a recap, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of the most powerful and recurring themes that emerged—ten core leadership concepts that define what it means to lead with humanity, clarity, and purpose.
From authenticity and active listening to feedback, culture, and resilience, Jeff synthesizes lessons that have not only shaped his coaching and consulting practice but transformed his understanding of leadership itself. Drawing on memorable insights from guests like Patrick Lencioni, Xavier Naville, Daniel Harkavy, and Katie Burke, Jeff offers listeners a distilled guide to becoming a better leader—and a better human.
If you're a longtime listener or joining for the first time, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom and actionable reflections. Whether you're navigating change, building culture, or simply trying to show up more intentionally each day, this final message is for you.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Until next time—lead with clarity, curiosity, and compassion.
In this episode of Human Capital, Jeff Hunt sits down with Jackie Dube, Chief People Officer at The Predictive Index, to explore the power of talent optimization. Jackie shares her journey into HR and how behavioral science revolutionized her approach to hiring, team building, and leadership. She explains how organizations can use behavioral data to align people strategy with business goals, fostering more engaged and high-performing teams.
Jeff and Jackie discuss how leaders often underestimate the impact of their work styles on team dynamics and how self-awareness is the first step toward improvement. They also cover the dangers of hiring for skills over character, why engagement surveys must lead to action, and how AI can complement—not replace—human roles in the workforce. Jackie shares real-world insights on building resilient, adaptable teams and offers practical steps for organizations to enhance their talent strategy.
Whether you're an HR leader or a CEO, this conversation provides valuable takeaways on using data-driven strategies to optimize talent and create thriving workplaces.
In this episode of Human Capital, Jeff Hunt sits down with Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading researcher and author on self-compassion, to discuss how this practice can combat workplace burnout. Burnout is a widespread issue affecting employees and leaders alike, with severe consequences for productivity, well-being, and organizational health.
Dr. Neff explains the three core elements of self-compassion—mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness—and how they serve as a foundation for resilience, performance, and stress management. She dispels common myths about self-compassion, such as the belief that it weakens motivation, and instead highlights how it fosters greater accountability, problem-solving, and emotional strength.
Drawing from research and personal experiences, she shares insights on how leaders can create healthier work environments and support employees in recognizing and recovering from burnout. She also introduces practical self-compassion exercises that listeners can use to shift from self-criticism to self-support, ultimately improving their professional and personal lives.
Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to foster self-compassion, enhance workplace culture, and sustain long-term success without sacrificing well-being.
Guest Info: Dr. Kristin Neff
Kristin's Book: Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout: Tools to Help You Heal and Recharge When You're Wrung Out by Stress
Kristin's Upcoming Workshop: Self-Compassion for Work Stress and Burnout
What makes the difference between leaders who inspire and those who simply manage? In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, leaders are expected to drive results, manage change, and keep their teams engaged—all while navigating constant uncertainty. But what if the key to effective leadership isn’t about pushing harder but about becoming more present, mindful, and self-aware?
In this episode of The Human Capital Podcast, Jeff Hunt sits down with Dr. Keren Tsuk, founder and CEO of Wisdom To Lead and author of Mindfully Wise Leadership: The Secret of Today’s Leaders. With over 20 years of experience working with global organizations like Siemens and Check Point, Dr. Tsuk shares how mindfulness can transform leadership, improving decision-making, communication, and workplace culture.
We explore the misconceptions of mindful leadership, practical ways to integrate mindfulness into daily routines, and why embracing presence and vulnerability leads to stronger teams and better business outcomes. Whether you’re a CEO, manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers valuable insights on how to cultivate conscious leadership and navigate the complexities of today’s workplace with confidence and clarity.
Tune in to learn how mindfulness can be a game-changer for your leadership journey.
On this episode, Jeff sits down with Robert Glazer, bestselling author and thought leader on workplace culture, to challenge one of the most ingrained practices in professional life: the traditional two-week notice. Robert redefines how organizations can approach employee transitions, advocating for a collaborative, transparent, and trust-building model that he calls the “Open Transition Program.”
Together, Jeff and Robert explore the impact of rethinking job departures and how it can transform workplace culture, engagement, and productivity. They delve into practical strategies for addressing employee performance issues by identifying root causes rather than treating symptoms, using a powerful analogy that redefines how leaders can approach problem-solving. The conversation also tackles the critical importance of psychological safety in leadership, explaining how vulnerability and feedback are the foundation for trust and open communication within teams.
Throughout the episode, Robert shares real-world examples, actionable insights, and the four core principles that support successful employee transitions. He provides clear steps to implement these ideas while addressing common objections leaders may have. Jeff and Robert also reflect on lessons learned from crises, how leadership influences culture and the need for clarity in defining team roles.
On this replay, Jeff engages with communication expert Sam Horn to discuss strategies for navigating tough conversations with confidence and clarity. Drawing from her book "Talking on Eggshells," Sam shares powerful insights on how to transform potentially tense moments into constructive, relationship-building interactions.
The conversation reveals techniques for saying the right thing at the right time, managing emotionally charged situations, and using empathy-driven language to defuse conflict. Sam provides actionable advice for leaders and teams, emphasizing the importance of mindful communication in fostering a positive, collaborative work culture.
On this replay of episode 83, “Motivation Myths,” Jeff engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jeff Haden, a distinguished author, speaker, and influencer renowned for his expertise in leadership, company culture, and performance. With over 1 million LinkedIn followers and 2.5 million monthly readers of his articles in Inc. magazine, Haden offers profound insights into the mindset and habits that distinguish high achievers.
The conversation delves into the core themes of Haden’s book, "The Motivation Myth, challenging conventional beliefs about Motivation". Hunt and Haden explore the concept that motivation often emerges after initiating action, not before. They discuss strategies for building momentum through daily efforts and highlight the importance of small, manageable steps in the pursuit of significant goals. The conversation provides practical advice on cultivating discipline, maintaining motivation, and transforming aspirations into reality.
If you are aiming to enhance productivity or achieve long-term objectives, offering valuable insights to guide them on their path to success this episode is for you.
Jeff Haden LinkedIn Profile
The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win`
On this inspiring replay, Jeff and Luis delve into the transformative power of resilience—not as a superhuman ability, but as a skill that anyone can nurture. They shed light on how resilience is built through everyday actions, choices, and mindsets, making it accessible to all of us. Drawing from real-life stories and research-backed insights, the episode explores how resilience helps individuals navigate setbacks, adapt to change, and find opportunities in adversity.
Discover practical strategies for cultivating resilience in your own life, from developing emotional agility to fostering supportive relationships and creating routines that enhance mental and physical well-being. Jeff and Luis also emphasize the critical role resilience plays in team dynamics and leadership, offering actionable advice for fostering a resilient workplace culture.
This week, we’re replaying an insightful conversation between Jeff and Verne Harnish, renowned author and leadership expert. In this episode, Verne shares timeless wisdom on leadership, values, and navigating change. He highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in today’s fast-evolving business world. Together, Jeff and Verne explore how fostering healthy conflict and open communication within teams leads to better decisions and stronger trust. They also discuss how core values serve as essential guiding principles for leaders and employees, shaping a thriving organizational culture. Packed with actionable strategies and real-world examples, this replay offers valuable tools for driving growth and innovation in any organization.
On this replay, Jeff and Matthew Bidwell, a Wharton professor, explore key strategies for enhancing employee motivation and reducing attrition. They dive into the value of autonomy, learning opportunities, and variety in job roles, with real-world examples from companies like Costco and Trader Joe’s. They also discuss the importance of strong relationships between managers and employees, highlighting how genuine care for an employee’s well-being and career development can lead to higher engagement and retention. The conversation touches on managing stress in the workplace, offering insights on finding the balance between workload demands and employee resources. Also, Jeff and Matthew emphasize that while extrinsic benefits like pay matter, fostering an environment of trust, support, and autonomy is key to keeping employees loyal and satisfied.
On this episode, Jeff is joined by AI and technology expert Bernard Marr to discuss the transformative power of artificial intelligence in today’s business landscape. Bernard explains how AI, particularly generative and Agentic AI, is revolutionizing workflows, enhancing human capabilities, and reshaping leadership strategies. He emphasizes the importance of integrating AI without losing the human touch and offers insights into balancing efficiency with employee engagement. Bernard also delves into the risks of AI, such as data biases and ethical concerns, while sharing practical steps for leaders to foster trust and navigate the AI-driven future. Whether you’re an AI novice or an experienced executive, this conversation provides valuable insights into leveraging AI to enhance both organizational performance and human connection.
Future of Business and Technology Podcast
Bernard Marr's Books
In this episode, Jeff welcomes Pascal Bornet, a world-renowned expert in AI and automation, for a thought-provoking conversation about how technology is reshaping the future of work. As the author of Irreplaceable, Pascal explores the often misunderstood relationship between humans and AI, offering a fresh perspective on how this powerful technology can enhance, rather than replace, human capabilities. He shares that the future success of individuals and businesses depends on balancing the strengths of AI with uniquely human traits such as creativity, critical thinking, and social authenticity.
Jeff and Pascal discuss the importance of putting humans at the center of AI transformations and explain how the right synergy between humans and machines can create enormous value. They also delve into the ethical considerations and potential risks of AI, emphasizing the need for human oversight and adaptability in an ever-changing technological landscape.
IRREPLACEABLE: The Art of Standing Out in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Become IRREPLACEABLE and unlock your true potential in the age of AI
In this insightful episode, Jeff is joined by Scott Allender, author of The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence and co-host of The Evolving Leader podcast. Together, they explore the power of emotional intelligence in the workplace, focusing on how the Enneagram can serve as a transformative tool for self-awareness. Scott unpacks the nine Enneagram types, explaining how each type reflects core motivations, fears, and behaviors that influence our leadership styles and interactions. Across the conversation, Jeff and Scott discuss the importance of recognizing the deeper, often unconscious, aspects of our personality that drive decision-making, relationships, and workplace dynamics. They also delve into how self-awareness can lead to greater empathy, trust, and ultimately, stronger team performance.
The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence
Scott's LinkedIn profile
On this episode Jeff welcomes Juliette Denny, Founder and Managing Director of Growth Engineering Limited. Jeff and Juliette have a spirited discussion about the transformative power of Learning and Development (L&D). With a background in psychology and marketing, Juliette has spent over 20 years developing innovative learning environments that engage employees and drive real business results. She shares her perspective on Edgar Dale's Cone of Experience and its widespread misconceptions, explaining how learning can be maximized through both abstract and concrete experiences.
Juliette and Jeff also dive into the importance of curiosity in learning and how organizations often miss out on the true potential of L&D by not embedding it at the core of their strategy. Drawing on her experience working with companies like L’Oreal, HP, and Samsung, she highlights how a strong L&D approach can boost both innovation and profitability. Additionally, they offer a glimpse into her new venture, Iridescent Technology, and how AI is reshaping the way we approach personalized learning, helping to foster growth and adaptability in the workplace. Whether you're a leader, L&D professional, or lifelong learner, this episode provides valuable insights on how to build an effective learning culture that aligns with your organization's vision and goals.
In this episode of Human Capital, Jeff is joined again by Dr. Benjamin Ritter, a leadership and career coach, organizational development expert, and founder of Live for Yourself Consulting. Jeff discusses with Benjamin his new book: Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery, they share insights on overcoming fear and self-doubt to achieve personal and professional growth. The discussion delves into the root causes of fear, its impact on our work lives, and how embracing fearlessness can lead to stronger relationships, better performance, and a more fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with career hesitations or looking to take healthy risks, this episode offers practical strategies for building confidence and leading and living with intention.
Dr. Benjamin Ritter LinkedIn
Live for Yourself (LFY) Consulting
Dive into the world of strategic communication and storytelling with Jeff and this week's guest Cheryl Snapp Conner, a seasoned expert in PR and business communication. Throughout the episode, Jeff and Cheryl share valuable insights on how businesses can effectively tell their stories and navigate the complex landscape of modern communication. Cheryl shares compelling examples of companies that have mastered their messaging, as well as cautionary tales of PR missteps. They emphasize the critical importance of proactive communication strategies and authenticity in brand messaging while exploring the evolving role of social media in corporate communication, offering practical advice on handling crises in the digital age. The episode provides thought-provoking perspectives on measuring communication effectiveness and aligning PR efforts with overall business strategy.
Beyond PR: Communicate Like a Champ in the Digital Age
In this insightful episode, Jeff talks with Jeff Haden about the mindset and habits that separate high achievers from the rest. Mr. Haden is a renowned author, speaker, and influencer with over 1 million LinkedIn followers and 2.5 million monthly readers of his articles in Inc. magazine. He's known for his expertise in leadership, company culture, and performance. Jeff has written numerous books, including The Motivation Myth, which Jeff and Jeff explore in depth on the show.
Jeff shares how the power of discipline, and how overachievers are often ordinary people who have mastered the art of consistency. They break down how sticking to what you love, one day at a time, can lead to extraordinary success.
As the two of them unpack the myths surrounding motivation, it becomes clear that motivation often doesn’t appear until you start taking action. Jeff and Jeff talk about how to build momentum through daily efforts and why the journey to achieving big goals begins with small, manageable steps.
Tune in to discover practical strategies for cultivating discipline, maintaining motivation, and ultimately, turning your aspirations into reality. Whether you're looking to boost your productivity or achieve a long-term goal, this episode offers valuable insights to guide you on your path to success.
Jeff Haden LinkedIn Profile
The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win
In this episode, Jeff Hunt welcomes resilience expert Luis Velasquez, the author of Ordinary Resilience. They dive deep into the concept of resilience, exploring how overcoming obstacles can shape individuals into more effective leaders and employees. Luis shares his personal journey of resilience, growing up in Guatemala during a time of political unrest and economic hardship, as well as significant health challenges in the U.S. Despite these challenges, he managed to build a successful career, thanks to the support of the U.S. "Scholarships for Peace" program. Luis offers insights from his book, providing practical strategies for building resilience, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, relationships, and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. Jeff and Luis talk about how resilience involves not just bouncing back but also growing from adversity and how recognizing the difference between pain and discomfort can help individuals push through difficult situations.
Ordinary Resilience
Luis Velasquez LinkedIn
In this engaging episode of the Human Capital Podcast, Jeff Hunt returns from a break with his batteries recharged and dives into a profound discussion with Sam Horn, a renowned communication strategist and author of "Talking on Eggshells." Sam shares her career journey, emphasizing the pivotal moments that shaped her expertise in effective communication and leadership. She highlights the significance of her "power three" – close family and friends, meaningful work, and daily nature walks – as the foundation of her gratitude and fulfillment.
Sam recounts a critical leadership lesson where self-doubt led her to decline a major managerial role, later realizing her capability to succeed in that position. The conversation explores the vital role of language in fostering a positive workplace environment and the power of listening and situational awareness. Sam and Jeff provide practical strategies for leaders to enhance communication, reduce workplace resistance, and promote genuine collaboration. By shifting from authoritative commands to collaborative asks, they illustrate how leaders can create more dynamic and cooperative workspaces.
In this solo episode, Jeff delves into the evolving landscape of leadership as we approach the midpoint of 2024. He highlights five key trends that are reshaping how leaders can effectively guide their teams with empathy and purpose. From finding purpose beyond profits, to leveraging AI, and building trust through transparency, Jeff provides practical insights and real-world examples to help leaders navigate the complexities of today's business environment. Tune in to discover how you can lead with heart and inspire your team in the year ahead.
Thank you for listening to Human Capital. We will be pausing new episodes for another 8-weeks, but please stay tuned for a great lineup of inspiring and insightful guests.




