Lead the People

In this episode, CEO Andy Allaway of Empire Flippers joins the show to unpack his journey from corporate manager to leading a fully remote, high-growth global business. Andy shares lessons on navigating hyper-growth, building culture in a distributed team, and stepping into leadership during a time of transformation. He opens up about the challenges of succeeding a founder-led organization, the importance of hiring for cultural alignment, and what it really means to lead through downturns. From hiring missteps to rebuilding trust and clarity, Andy offers practical advice for managers leading through complexity, pressure, and change. Key Takeaways: You can’t scale culture without defining it clearly first. Growth hides cracks. Downturns reveal them. Trust is built through clarity, consistency, and communication, especially in remote teams. Wartime leadership demands decisiveness, not consensus. Belief in the mission is the foundation for change and resilience. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyallaway Empire Flippers: http://www.empireflippers.com Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/ Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Aaron Wagner is the Founder of FromwithN and a leadership coach who helps middle managers lead with clarity and confidence. With over two decades of experience in founder-led companies, he's led teams, built leadership development programs, and has turned around underperforming divisions across the country. He's passionate about helping managers grow because he has been there and has lived it. He currently coaches middle managers one-on-one, on Instagram and through his email newsletter The Managers Minute. In this episode, he explores the power of high standards, how to separate identity from performance, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge your thinking. Aaron also opens up about how family shapes his priorities and why true leadership is about creating opportunity for others. Key Takeaways: Growth starts with getting radically honest with yourself. The right people will elevate your standards and mindset. Conviction comes from preparation and clarity. Leadership is about building others, not just businesses. Identity and performance are connected, but not the same. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Aaron Wagner, Founder, FromwithN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkwagner/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

In this episode, Commander William C. Spears of the U.S. Navy joins the show to share leadership lessons forged under pressure, from commanding nuclear submarines to building resilient, high-performing teams. He reflects on what it means to lead with trust, humility, and a mission-first mindset, offering tactical insights from over two decades in the Navy. Commander Spears unpacks the difference between compliance and commitment, the critical importance of psychological safety, and why character always outlasts charisma. He also explores how today’s leaders can foster accountability, push through chaos, and build cultures of excellence that outlast any one individual. Key Takeaways: Trust is the foundation of strong leadership. Leaders should aim for commitment, not just compliance. Psychological safety allows teams to think and speak freely. Character is more lasting than charisma. Clear plans help teams perform under pressure. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: CDR William C. Spears Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy (book): https://a.co/d/1uxjZHa Website: https://williamcspears.com LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/william-spears-89130443/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

In this episode, workplace culture experts Sara Escobar and Corinne Murray join the show to challenge outdated ideas about culture, design, and how organizations actually function. Drawing from their experience building people-centered environments at scale, they unpack why culture isn’t a vibe; it’s a system, and how thoughtful infrastructure can transform how people show up at work. From exploring the invisible forces that shape behavior to redefining how we think about belonging, Sara and Corinne share actionable ways leaders can co-create better ecosystems, not just experiences. They also dig into the tension between fast-moving culture and long-term change, the role of physical and digital environments, and why copying Google’s office design doesn’t make your company innovative. Key Takeaways: Culture needs to be intentionally designed, not left to chance. Belonging happens when systems and behaviors align. You cannot copy-paste another company’s culture. Real connection requires more than just physical or digital spaces. Sustainable change comes from small, consistent actions. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Read WORK Then Place: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1960299972 Follow Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraescoux/ Follow Corinne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinnejmurray/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

In this episode, ManageUp founder and CEO Ash Hynie joins the show to rehumanize the way we think about leadership, feedback, and performance. With a background in culinary arts, engineering, and HR, Ash shares how her journey shaped a people-first approach to leadership. She explains how many managers are promoted without preparation, and how systemic issues like bias and lack of visibility hold employees back. From “last in, first out” layoffs to recency bias in performance reviews, Ash explores how tech can help managers make fairer, faster decisions. Using real-time data and contextual insights, ManageUp supports feedback that aligns with both company values and individual growth. Key Takeaways: Many managers are promoted without preparation or support Feedback works best when it’s timely and practical AI helps reduce bias and surface hidden impact Promotions reward visibility, not always contribution Marginalized groups are being laid off at record rates From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Ash Hynie, Founder & CEO, ManageUP: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-hynie/ ManageUp: http://www.manageup.com/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/ 

In this episode, bestselling author and introvert-at-work expert Jennifer Kahnweiler joins the show to reframe how we think about leadership, presence, and performance in the workplace. Drawing from her updated book The Introverted Leader and years of coaching introverted professionals, Jennifer pushes back on the extrovert-biased norms that dominate many workplaces, from meeting culture to hiring and promotion. She makes the case for creating introvert-friendly environments, where silence isn’t mistaken for disengagement and preparation is treated as a strength. From her 4 Ps framework (Prepare, Presence, Push, Practice) to strategies for balancing team energy, Jennifer shares research-backed insights and practical tactics for managers and individual contributors alike. Key Takeaways: Introverts lead best when they can prepare and reflect. Simple tools like agendas and breakouts create inclusion. Bias, not ability, often holds introverts back. The 4 Ps help introverts lead with confidence. Trust starts with 1:1 connection and thoughtful design. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Jennifer Kahnweiler's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Introverted-Leader-3rd-Building-Strength/dp/B0DHWS7K35 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkahnweiler/ Website: https://jenniferkahnweiler.com/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/ Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/ 

In this episode, futurist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker Jacob Morgan joins the show to challenge today’s assumptions about employee experience. Drawing from his new book, “The 8 Laws of Employee Experience”, Jacob argues that work has drifted into entitlement culture, where accountability is low, standards are blurred, and perks have replaced purpose. He makes the case for a reset: employee experience is not about yoga rooms or snack bars, but about the mutual exchange of value between people and organizations. From the dangers of abandoning accountability to the need for cultural clarity and resilience, Jacob shares the principles leaders must return to if they want to build future-ready companies. Key Takeaways: Employee experience is about mutual value exchange, not perks . Standards, accountability, and responsibility must return to the workplace. Perks like wellness programs can’t replace strong leadership and growth opportunities. Culture succeeds when it has clarity and consistency, not when it tries to please everyone. The future of work demands resilience, maturity, and purpose at the center. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Jacob's book The 8 Laws of Employee Experience: https://www.amazon.com/Employee-Experience-Advantage-Jacob-Morgan/dp/1394273991/ Jacob's website: https://thefutureorganization.com/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/ Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/ 

In this episode, Andrew Hartman, founder of Time Boss, joins the show to challenge the way leaders think about time. Drawing from his own burnout and breakthrough, Andrew reveals how high-achieving professionals can reclaim control of their calendar, emotional margin, and ultimately their impact not by doing more but by leading themselves better. He introduces a powerful reframe: stop treating time like credit and start treating it like cash. From commitment plans and chaos buffering to becoming a better boss to your future self, Andrew gives leaders a practical playbook to shift from overwhelm to sustainable, energized performance. Key Takeaways: Leaders must stop treating time like credit and start budgeting it like cash. Emotional margin is created by making commitment plans not by getting to the bottom of your to-do list. Overextending yourself doesn’t mean more results; it often leads to cognitive overload and diminished decision-making. Delegating, deferring, and chaos-blocking are essential to managing the unpredictable nature of leadership. You are the boss of your future self so lead accordingly and with intention. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhartman/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/ Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/ 

In this episode, Matt Ley, Co-Founder of IPN Advisors and author of Manage Your Gaps, joins the show to explore how fulfillment, energy, and effective management intersect to drive purpose and performance. He shares how his concept of Fulfillment ROI helps leaders and teams track the energy they invest and the value they receive, revealing simple shifts that can lead to more meaningful, energized work. From his EPIC management model to redefining the difference between rock stars and rising stars, Matt offers a fresh take on what it means to lead well, stay grounded, and thrive in your role. Key Takeaways: Fulfillment happens when the value you get from work outweighs the energy you put in. Tracking daily energy and value reveals patterns that affect motivation and burnout. The EPIC model helps managers create clarity, alignment, and momentum. Leaders should support both rising stars chasing growth and rock stars who thrive in their current role. Management isn’t about doing more. It’s about enabling others to create more value. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Matt Ley | Co-Founder, IPN Advisors & Author, “Manage Your Gaps”: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattley/ https://www.ipnadvisors.com/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

After years of hosting this podcast and interviewing incredible leaders, I've identified the tools that solve the most common manager challenges: lack of time, uncertainty about doing things right, and feeling constantly behind. #6: BetterUp - Develop People Proactively A scalable coaching platform that helps managers develop both themselves and their direct reports through professional coaching technology, creating accountability and boosting follow-through. https://betterup.com #7: Ramp - Streamline Financial Management An expense management platform that automates financial tasks, saving precious leadership time by making expense tracking painless and preserving time for people-focused activities. https://ramp.com #8: Miro - Communicate Visually An unlimited canvas collaboration tool that transforms meetings through visual brainstorming, levels the playing field for all team members, and works seamlessly across remote, hybrid, and in-person settings. https://miro.com #9: Zapier - Automate Routine Tasks An integration platform that connects hundreds of tools, automating repetitive tasks and enabling leaders to focus on personal branding and strategic relationship building. https://zapier.com #10: Reclaim.ai - Master Your Calendar A time management tool that syncs multiple calendars, provides productivity analytics, and transforms your calendar from foe to friend through intelligent scheduling and automated time blocking. https://reclaim.ai Be sure to check out tools 1-5 in my last episode! From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/ 

After years of hosting this podcast and interviewing incredible leaders, I've identified the tools that solve the most common manager challenges: lack of time, uncertainty about doing things right, and feeling constantly behind.  Todoist - Master Your Time and Tasks A comprehensive task management system that transforms chaos into controlled productivity through recurring tasks, cross-device sync, and seamless calendar integration. https://todoist.com MasterClass - Invest in Continuous Learning An online learning platform offering world-class instruction that helps leaders become well-rounded humans, not just better businesspeople. https://masterclass.com Spring Health - Prioritize Team Mental Health A comprehensive mental health platform that enables proactive rather than reactive approaches to workplace wellbeing and team support. https://springhealth.com Prezzee - Build a Recognition-Rich Culture A flexible employee recognition platform that converts appreciation into personalized gift cards from 360+ brands, making meaningful recognition both easy and impactful. https://prezzee.com Canva - Create Winning Presentations A design platform that empowers leaders to become visual storytellers without requiring design skills, perfect for presentations, social media, and team communications. https://canva.com Stay tuned for tools 6-10 in my next episode! From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.  Additional Resources: Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/ 

In this episode, Mike Zani, CEO of The Predictive Index and author of The Science of Dream Teams, joins the show to break down how behavioral science can transform hiring, culture, and leadership. From his Olympic sailing background to leading a talent optimization platform used by over 10,000 companies, Mike shares practical insights on what makes teams click and what causes them to fall apart. He explains why most hiring failures aren’t about skills, but about fit, and how leaders can use data to build trust, increase engagement, and lead more effectively. Key Takeaways: Most hiring mistakes are due to poor behavioral fit, not a lack of skill or experience. Behavioral science gives leaders a data-driven edge in building and managing high-performing teams. Understanding natural drives helps reduce friction, improve communication, and boost engagement. Leadership development is most effective when it’s personalized and grounded in behavioral awareness. Talent optimization is not an HR function, it’s a leadership imperative for any growth-focused organization. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Mike Zani | CEO, The Predictive Index & Author of “The Science of Dream Teams”:  https://www.predictiveindex.com/blog/author/mike-zani/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikezani/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/ 

In this episode, Matt Rieck, Chief Human Resources Officer at End Zone Insurance and author of The Employee Retention Bible, joins the show to share proven strategies for keeping your best people. From rethinking turnover as a natural business function to designing better company meetings and succession plans, Matt unpacks practical frameworks to reduce attrition and boost engagement. He also introduces his ABC player model and 3X concept, offering listeners a clear blueprint for cultivating high-performing, future-ready teams. Whether you’re leading a startup or a legacy enterprise, this conversation delivers actionable insights to elevate your retention game. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Key Takeaways: Retention starts with clarity about purpose, path, and expectations. Turnover can be healthy if leaders are honest about performance and potential. Culture is a leadership responsibility, not an HR initiative. The ABC Player model helps leaders invest time where it matters most. Succession planning is a powerful tool for engagement and long-term growth. Additional Resources: Matt Rieck CHRO, Inszone Insurance & Author, The Employee Retention Bible Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com

Adam Weber has helped grow organizations, lead people-first teams, and navigate the tension between humanity and performance. In this episode of Lead The People, Adam Weber and Matt Poepsel talks about why real leadership starts with presence. They unpack the dangers of over-indexing on metrics, how burnout is often hidden in high-performers, and why leading with vulnerability isn’t a weakness — it’s the work. From building connected cultures to redefining success beyond KPIs, Adam shares what it means to create space for both results and rest. If you’ve ever felt torn between driving outcomes and staying human, this conversation is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed. Key Takeaways: Real leadership starts with being present, not just being productive. Burnout often hides in your top performers — don’t mistake output for wellbeing. Vulnerability is a strength that builds trust and psychological safety. Culture is created in the daily interactions, not just the big moments. The best leaders balance being people-first and performance-driven. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Adam Weber Executive Coach & Author of Lead Like a Human: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetadam Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com 

Leigh Elena Henderson spent years in corporate HR — until the system she upheld broke her down. In this episode, Leigh shares her powerful story of leaving the corporate world behind and using her voice to expose the realities so many employees face in silence. From toxic culture to broken policies, she unpacks the tension between doing what’s “by the book” and doing what’s right. Her viral presence on TikTok isn’t about trends — it’s about truth, transparency, and reclaiming humanity at work. If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for you — or watched it fail someone you care about — this episode is for you. It’s raw, real, and a wake-up call for anyone who believes people come first. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Leigh Elena Henderson (aka HRManifesto) Founder and CEO of HRManifesto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighelena/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/ Key Takeaways: HR isn’t broken because of bad policies — it’s broken because people are afraid to speak up. Doing what’s right at work often means going against what’s written in the handbook. Culture isn’t defined by perks — it’s revealed in how people are treated when things get hard. Telling the truth at work can cost you your job, but staying silent can cost you your health. Real change starts when we stop protecting systems and start protecting people.