Unlocking High Performance

"I believe boundaries are kind of the user manual to me. Here's how to be in relationship with me. Here are my preferences, my desires, my limits, my non-negotiables."— Cy Wakeman***In this episode, I’m joined by drama researcher and NY Times best selling author, Cy Wakemen. In our conversation, Cy shares stories of both a great friend and a great boss. She shares that the key to a great relationship is the ability to “love each other up AND call each other up.” We talk about the key to being more resilient. And we unpack why we should all be more willing to vocalize our appreciation and bids for connection with others. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 The transformative power of female relationships and the importance of a supportive network, especially during tough times.👉 How validating someone’s suffering without validating their sense of victimhood can foster both compassion and accountability.👉 Effective strategies for managers to balance holding space and taking action, including practicing curiosity and using self-reflection.👉 The significance of making bids for connection, showing genuine appreciation, and cultivating heartfelt communication in professional relationships.👉 How relationships act as mirrors reflecting valuable lessons, emphasizing the need to be a good student and learn from these reflections.***Cy Wakeman is a drama researcher, NY Times Bestselling Author and recipient of the #1 Global Leadership Guru award for three years running.Deemed “the secret weapon to restoring sanity to the workplace and the worldplace.” Cy Wakeman works with organizations globally to ditch the drama, hardwire accountability in their teams and turn excuses into results.She has published four best-selling books, the latest of which is Life’s Messy, Live Happy: Things Don't Have to Be Perfect for You to Be Content (2022). Cy shares her latest leadership insights on the Reality-Based Leadership podcast where she offers practical ways to modernize how leaders evolve their teams beyond the challenges they face.Connect with Cy:Website: http://www.realitybasedleadership.com/meet-our-team/cy-wakeman/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cywakeman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cywakeman ***Get access to the Relationship Reflection Exercise here: https://forms.gle/tSt34KguHL6iFHGH6 ***Episode sponsor: Inspiring Workplaces Join the free global community at https://www.inspiring-workplaces.com/ ***Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity.***Download the 18 Great Questions for Check-In Conversations cheat sheet here: https://www.checkintothrive.com/18-great-questionsIf you'd like more content like this delivered straight to your email box, sign up for my email list here: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f***Follow and connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonlauritsenwww.JasonLauritsen.com

In this straight-talking solo episode of Unlocking High Performance, Jason Lauritsen tackles one of the most difficult leadership challenges CEOs, HR leaders, and managers face: what to do about the “brilliant jerk.” These are the high performers who deliver results on paper but create dysfunction, erode trust, and quietly damage the people around them.Jason explains why tolerating toxic high performers can slow decisions, weaken team dynamics, drive disengagement, and hold entire organizations below their true potential. If you’ve ever felt trapped by someone you think you “can’t afford to lose,” this conversation offers a clearer way forward.Key highlights from the conversation include:👉 Why “brilliant jerks” are so hard to address, especially when they’re top performers or senior leaders whose results make leaders feel dependent on them👉 The hidden organizational costs leaders often miss, including executive team dysfunction, slower decision-making, morale damage, disengagement, and the loss of strong people who quietly opt out or leave👉 Why leaders almost always wait too long to act, and why the most common response after finally making the call is: I wish I hadn’t waited so long👉 Jason’s practical framework for handling the situation: get specific about the problematic behavior, confront it directly, set clear expectations in writing, define a timeline for change, and make consequences unmistakably clearIf you’re leading a team, supporting leaders in HR, or trying to build a healthier performance culture, this episode is a timely reminder that high performance should never come at the expense of your people.JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://schedule.jasonlauritsen.com/w...--Connect with Jason Lauritsen:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/#UnlockingHighPerformance #JasonLauritsen #Leadership #PeopleLeadership #HRLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeExperience #ManagerEffectiveness #OrganizationalHealth

Jason Lauritsen has spent more than two decades helping leaders build organizations where people and performance both thrive. In this special episode, he introduces the next chapter of his podcast, now called Unlocking High Performance, and shares the thinking behind the change, what listeners can expect going forward, and why this work matters more than ever.The relaunch is more than a name change. It is a recommitment to a central idea that Jason has been building toward for his entire career: you do not have to choose between taking care of your people and driving strong results. This episode sets the foundation for everything that follows, and it is worth a listen whether you are new to the show or have been along for the ride from the beginning.Key highlights from the conversation include:👉Why Jason renamed the show from Check-In with Jason Lauritsen to Unlocking High Performance and what that shift says about the podcast’s sharper mission moving forward👉 The leadership myth that organizations must choose between high performance and caring for people, and why Jason argues that belief is at the root of burnout culture👉 A real-world example from Jason’s management experience where doubling down on people led to doubled revenue per employee and lower turnover at the same time👉 Jason’s core philosophy that performance doesn’t come from pushing people harder, it emerges when leaders create the right conditions for people to thrive If you lead people or support those who do, this episode is a strong starting point. Jason lays out the premise, the promise, and the practical focus of the show in a way that is grounded, honest, and worth your time. This is a podcast built for leaders who are ready to stop choosing between results and people and start building something better. JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://schedule.jasonlauritsen.com/widget/form/X0TvQvV1hu3kDlyy6fRe --Connect with Jason Lauritsen:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/ --#UnlockingHighPerformance #Leadership #HRLeaders #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCulture #ManagerEffectiveness #PeopleAndPerformance #FutureOfWork #BurnoutPrevention

Join Jason for an insightful, heartfelt conversation with his daughter Bailey, a high school senior and returning guest who brings a fresh, next-generation perspective on work, communication, and the rapidly changing world of careers. As the year comes to a close, Bailey returns to reflect on her early work experiences, lessons in workplace culture, and what the future holds. As a member of Gen Z looking towards college and preparing for a career in the age of AI, she offers valuable insight into the expectations of tomorrow’s workforce. Bailey shares her takes on what makes for a good work experience, what she looks for when considering a part-time job (including the "vibe" of the place), and how she and her peers are thinking about their career prospects beyond high school graduation.  Some highlights from Bailey's perspective include: 👉 Prioritize people and communicate consistently; your hardest workers check out long before you notice if you neglect to follow up or show genuine care.👉 Authentic happiness at work matters; employees can sense when colleagues are “putting on a show” versus truly enjoying their environment.👉 Candidates evaluate your culture (the “vibes”) from the moment they interact with your organization, make it a two-way street, not just an act for outsiders.👉 Today’s young workers are practical and pragmatic. They’re weighing their education and career choices against a backdrop of cost, job stability, and AI disruption.👉 Teach and encourage healthy skepticism: critical thinking is now a survival skill when technology can fabricate reality at scale. ** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...  ** Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

Join Jason for a thought-provoking episode as he welcomes Shalynne Jackson, Chief Culture and Engagement Officer and CEO of Sonder Strategies. Shalynne is renowned for her commitment to building workplaces where people feel seen, connected, and valued. In this episode, Jason and Shalynne dive deep into how organizations can foster meaningful human connection at work, especially in times when disconnection and loneliness are all too common. The conversation unpacks actionable strategies for cultivating workplace cultures rooted in trust, psychological safety, and accountability. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or hands-on advice, this discussion is full of practical wisdom for anyone looking to elevate their organization’s employee experience. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 Mentorship and peer circles are high-impact vehicles for building relationships across departments and roles, fostering trust and growth.👉 Intentionally connecting people over lunch or informal interactions can give rise to lasting relationships and unexpected support networks.👉 Connection isn’t proximity. Being physically present doesn’t guarantee meaningful workplace relationships; true connection is built intentionally.👉 Leaders should ask themselves, “Would I want me as my manager?” Empathy and accountability go hand in hand, shaping how people experience their work.👉 Privilege and inclusion demand curiosity, humility, and active listening. Leaders can’t just treat others as they wish to be treated, they need to learn how others want to be cared for. ** Connect with Shalynne:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalynnejackson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalynnejackson/?hl=en Website: https://www.shalynnespeaks.com/  ** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...  ** Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

"I'm going to enjoy my life now. If there is no golden goose at the end of this, no pot, there's no money at the end of this rainbow, I'm just going to enjoy my life now." - Tess Brigham speaking about the Gen Z perspective on work **Join Jason Lauritsen for an insightful episode featuring Tess Brigham, licensed therapist, certified coach, and TEDx speaker. Tess brings over 20 years of expertise in guiding young people to understand themselves and build fulfilling lives.  In this episode, Jason and Tess dive deep into the realities facing Gen Z in the workplace and at home. If you’re an HR leader seeking practical ways to attract, engage, and retain young talent while fostering a healthier work culture, this conversation is loaded with relevant, actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives. Discover why understanding Gen Z’s mindset matters and how rethinking your approach can improve organizational success and employee well-being. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 Start with curiosity over judgment. Many workplace frustrations with young employees come from our own biases and assumptions. Pause. Ask. Listen.👉 The future of work depends on leaders' role modeling healthy boundaries, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to rethink “the way it’s always been.”👉 Stop solving, start coaching. For both parents and managers, the best path is asking more questions and letting them wrestle with the answers, rather than swooping in with “advice.”👉 Gen Z puts mental health and boundaries first because the work “contract” is broken. If we want loyalty and engagement, we have to recognize and support that.👉 You can’t rely on “what worked for me at that age.” Gen Z’s reality is shaped by economic uncertainty, skyrocketing costs, and social media—completely different contexts than previous generations. ** Connect with Tess:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessbrigham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tess_brigham/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EuYiwREu0fiQ8hrFwUNFU?si=1ca9799100344f40 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gen-mess-with-tess/id1797064230 Website: https://tessbrigham.com/ TEDx Talks: https://youtu.be/2nNEMBsf8e4?si=9ld4lpFhsKEcoxKC** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...  ** Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

Most people avoid silence, it feels uncomfortable.But what if silence is actually where the most meaningful conversations begin? In this episode, join Jason as he shares a simple but powerful practice called spacious listening, the art of using silence to build deeper connection, trust, and understanding.You will learn how to:Use silence as a leadership and communication toolListen in a way that helps others feel truly seen and heardCreate space for more honest, human conversations at workIf you’ve ever wondered why silence feels so hard, or how to use it to become a better listener and leader, this episode is for you. Because sometimes, the most powerful thing a leader can do… is say nothing at all.** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...  ** Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/  #PowerOfSilence #ListeningSkills #Leadership #HumanLeadership #Communication #JasonLauritsen #SpaciousListening #EmotionalIntelligence #MindfulLeadership

"The essence of what we do is making sure that people all over the country, in all 50 states, when they're in a moment where they need care, medical care, there are the right caregivers in the right place at the right moment." - Shane Jackson**Join Jason for a compelling conversation with Shane Jackson, President of Jackson Healthcare, a dynamic leader at the helm of one of America’s most recognized healthcare workforce organizations. He is an author of two influential books and the leader of an organization celebrated for its workplace culture. In this episode, Jason and Shane delve deep into the work of building cultures that truly attract and retain talent. Together, they unpack the realities behind “purpose-driven” workplaces, clarify the vital role of authentic leadership, and share practical wisdom about embedding values at the center of organizational life. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 Leaders have a disproportionate influence on culture; how they treat others sets the expectation for everyone else.👉 Purpose can’t be fabricated or performed. Real engagement comes when leaders clearly articulate their authentic purpose and allow people to self-select in.👉 Codifying a culture through values and beliefs isn’t enough, they must be modeled by leaders and reinforced consistently, down to who gets hired and fired.👉 The most effective (and hardest) tool for keeping values central: holding people accountable, even if it means walking away from someone who isn’t a cultural fit.**Connect with Shane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanejacksonculture/ Website: https://shanejackson.com/ **JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...  ** Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

"𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯." - Topaz Adizes**Join Jason for a deeply insightful conversation with Topaz Adizes, Emmy-winning filmmaker, author, and the founder of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio renowned for its innovative approaches to exploring human connection.In this episode, Jason and Topaz explore how understanding the patterns of meaningful connection so vital in our personal lives can transform the way we lead, manage, and design experiences at work. Topaz brings a unique perspective to the intersection of storytelling, experience architecture, and workplace relationships. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 Why leaders must shift from having all the answers to becoming guides who facilitate curiosity and growth within their teams.👉 The vital importance of acknowledging power dynamics by stating your intention as a leader, not just your agenda, to encourage authentic participation.👉 Why leaders must shift from having all the answers to becoming guides who facilitate curiosity and growth within their teams.👉 How the right connective questions at work, crafted for the unique “and” of a workplace context, unlock empathy, understanding, and shared meaning, even amid conflict or difference.**Connect with Topaz:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/topazadizes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_skindeep/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSkinDeep **JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...  ** Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

"𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳?" - Jessica Adams**Join Jason for an invigorating conversation with Jessica Adams, Chief People and Culture Officer at The Krazy Coupon Lady, a forward-thinking HR leader recognized for her expertise in scaling teams, building culture, and driving retention in fully remote organizations. Jason and Jessica unpack the power of modern benefits, discuss building connected remote teams, and explore how intentional HR strategies can transform the employee experience from onboarding to ongoing engagement. Together, they dive deep into how HR professionals can think beyond checklists and compliance to craft cultures employees genuinely love.Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 Small, creative perks can have an outsized impact on engagement and retention.👉 Benefits are more than just cost and utilization; they’re culture carriers that shape how employees feel about work, even if rarely used.👉 Providing flexible, supportive work environments complete with office stipends, asynchronous communication, and local volunteering, empowers people to show up as their best selves.👉 Communication is essential; regularly gathering employees’ feedback ensures your benefit offerings match people’s real needs and aspirations.**Connect with Jessica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalgadams/ **JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c... **Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯." - Joe Dicianno**Join Jason for a compelling conversation with Joe Dicianno, Director of Talent Management and Organizational Development at UPMC and a Professor of HR People Analytics at the University of Pittsburgh. Joe shared how leaders can create more human-connected, engaging workplaces by demonstrating genuine care for their employees. His frontline work in healthcare (one of the most challenging leadership arenas) and his book, A Busy Leader’s Guide to Caring Leadership, uniquely position him to break down what it means to lead with care in every context.Together, they explore what it really takes to build human-centered workplaces where people feel recognized, appreciated, and genuinely supported. They break down both the day-to-day challenges and the powerful impact of leading with care. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 Caring leadership is about helping people become the best version of themselves, for themselves, not just for the organization.👉 Trust, psychological safety, and performance all rest on a foundation of care. If people feel cared for, engagement and retention soar.👉 Caring leadership is accessible to everyone; it costs nothing and isn’t limited by your boss or your org chart. It starts with your daily choices.👉 Managers can operationalize care through consistent small habits: knowing team members’ names, asking about their lives, and making time for true human connection, not just ticking boxes.***Connect with Joe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dicianno-ph-d-mba-ab822668/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joedicianno/ ***JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c... ***Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: / @jasonlauritsenvideo   LinkedIn: / jasonlauritsen Instagram:  / jasonlauritsen  

"𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘱𝘶𝘵, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤." - Ross Hecox***Join Jason Lauritsen for a compelling episode as he welcomes Ross Hecox, Chief People Officer at Synergy ECP. Ross discussed innovative approaches to building people-centric workplaces and shared practical strategies for creating connection and a great employee experience even in highly constrained environments. Jason and Ross explored the evolution of recruiting into a more human-centered role through the idea of People Partners. Together, they unpacked how this approach challenges traditional HR models and could reshape employee experience, leadership effectiveness, and the future of work. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 People Partners extend their care well beyond the offer letter, acting as a bridge between employees and managers to foster understanding and trust.👉By knowing employees’ stories, needs, and motivators, people partners can deliver resources and encouragement that matter most, fueling both growth and retention.👉 An innovative perspective is shared on navigating the complexities of federal contracting—such as highly restricted work environments and fragmented cultures—while still delivering a strong employee experience.👉 Unique challenges of supporting employees working remotely across diverse client sites with limited communication, as well as creative strategies to close those gaps.👉 How investing in deep, ongoing relationships with employees boosts retention, psychological safety, and referrals.  *** Ross Hecox has built a reputation as a people‑centric leader who blends HR expertise, innovative founder drive, and people-focused leadership to create workplaces that thrive. At Synergy ECP and beyond, he’s recognized for turning empathy and purpose into measurable growth and engagement, always with an eye on the long game. Connect with Ross:Website: www.synergyecp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosshecox/  ***Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity. *** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. 📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...  ***Connect with Jason:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

“Oftentimes in HR, we are looking at and supporting others. We don’t pay attention to kind of what we need for ourselves... So I would say ask for what you want.” - Kathy Claytor***In this episode, Kathy Claytor, a long time CHRO at multiple organizations, opens up about her career journey from her “origin story” as an accidental HR pro to leading global HR transformations. She reveals why she believes now is a pivotal time for HR’s impact.Together, Jason and Kathy unpack the changing demands of the CHRO role, mentorship, and how technology and AI are reshaping the work of people leaders everywhere.Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 Be intentional about mentorship, identify and invite those you admire to share their wisdom (and don’t be afraid to start with a simple coffee ask).👉 Modern CHROs need financial savvy, business strategy awareness, and a commitment to becoming voracious learners, beyond the traditional HR practices.👉 Data proficiency and tech skills are table stakes, but the real value-add? Learning to influence across the enterprise, especially when helping steer AI and digital adoption beyond the HR function.👉 Advocate for yourself as fiercely as you advocate for others. Don’t assume leaders know your ambitions. Raise your hand!***Kathy Claytor has built a career defined by leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to advancing the human resources profession. As an accomplished Chief Human Resources Officer and the current Board Chair at HRCI, she has become a trusted voice in shaping the future of HR. Her professional journey spans influential roles at organizations such as Delta Dental, Northwinds Technology, and One Mind Health India. Connect with Kathy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyclaytor/ ***Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity***JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f ***Connect with Jason:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

Join Jason for an eye-opening and hopeful conversation with Will Matthews, the Director of Learning and Engagement (aka “Team Hearts and Minds”) at G Adventures.  Will shares offers fresh insights on how we can better recognize and activate the hidden leaders on our teams. Together, Jason and Will dive deep into the origins and nuances of “reluctant leaders”, those talented individuals who opt out of leadership because of limiting stories or outdated models of what a leader should be.  Key highlights from the episode include:👉 True leadership isn’t about being loud, social, or front-and-center; it’s about making others better, going first, and creating space for growth. 👉 Managers can unlock incredible results by seeking out reluctant leaders, investing in human-centered development for all, and recognizing that leadership is a collective, evolving practice. 👉 Discover how G Adventures uses innovative programs and clear messaging to ensure every team member, from office to remote guide, feels empowered to lead and connect. 👉 Learn concrete techniques for identifying overlooked talent, inviting introverted and non-traditional employees into growth pathways, and reframing “leadership” as essential human skills. *** Connect with Will:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wbmatthews/ *** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f *** Connect with Jason:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/ #Leadership #PeopleFirst #CompanyCulture #FeedbackLoop #WorkplaceExcellence

Join Jason for a provocative episode as he welcomes Jessica Winder, Senior Vice President of People, Colab Software. She brings a fresh, no-nonsense perspective to employee experience and workplace culture.  Jason and Jessica explore what it means to lead with fairness. Together, they unpack why fairness isn’t about treating everyone the same, how transparency fits into the equation, and what it takes to balance people and performance.It’s a real-world conversation for anyone who’s ever wrestled with making the right call when the answer isn’t black and white. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 Fairness isn’t about treating everyone the same. It’s about making consistent decisions that align with your values, even when you can’t share all the details.👉 Lack of transparency breeds mistrust: Overshare what you can, set clear expectations, and be honest when you can’t disclose everything.👉 Employee perceptions of fairness are shaped as much by how you treat them as by the outcomes you deliver.👉 Employees feeling unfairly treated should clarify their concerns, gather specifics, and approach the conversation thoughtfully to drive productive dialogue.  *** Connect with Jessica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadwinder/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddengemcoach/Website: https://www.hiddengemcareercoaching.com/  *** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f *** Connect with Jason:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/ #Leadership #PeopleFirst #CompanyCulture #FeedbackLoop #WorkplaceExcellence

Join Jason for a dynamic conversation with Carolina Terrazas, Vice President of Talent Management and Development at Schneider Electric, global HR leader, and host of the “Leading Yourself” podcast.  Carolina provides an illuminating view into the organization’s innovative group mentoring program. Moving beyond traditional one-to-one mentorship, their approach leverages small group mentorship to cultivate peer learning, accelerate skill development, and deliver positive business impact at scale. Key highlights from this episode include:👉 Group mentoring amplifies learning by harnessing the diverse perspectives and experiences of peers, enabling participants to both teach and learn within a trusted cohort.👉 Group mentoring reinforces a culture of inclusivity, curiosity, and openness. It encourages collaboration, builds confidence, and helps employees recognize their shared challenges and aspirations.👉 How group mentoring outperforms traditional models by fostering connection, peer learning, and diverse perspectives beyond one-on-one setups.👉 This approach is accessible with the right intention and structure, any organization can begin building a dynamic group mentorship offering, regardless of size or resources. *** Connect with Carolina:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdearriba/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-yourself/id1476733586Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadingyourselfpodcast/  *** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f *** Connect with Jason:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/ #Leadership #PeopleFirst #CompanyCulture #FeedbackLoop #WorkplaceExcellence

Join Jason for a thoughtful and deeply moving conversation with Dr. Jenna Sage, Director of Organizational Wellness and Well Being, Ultimate Medical Academy, and executive coach, author, and passionate advocate for whole-person employee support. Jenna discusses how organizations can truly support employees navigating grief, loss, and caregiving. Having walked alongside a loved one through terminal illness, Jenna knows firsthand the weight leaders often carry in silence. She believes it’s time for organizations to normalize conversations around loss, bereavement, and mental wellness, by design, not just in reaction. Key highlights from this episode include:👉 Start normalizing discussions about loss, grief, caregiving, and mental health at work.👉 As a manager, you’re not expected to be a therapist; what’s needed is grace, flexibility, and understanding, not answers or solutions.👉 Respect and support boundaries, understand that networking events or after-hours obligations might not be a fit for caregivers, and that’s not a lack of commitment.👉 Rethink bereavement that true compassion looks like flexibility and recognizing the many forms of loss an employee might face. Connect with Jenna:Website: https://www.beself.ist/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-sage-phd-bcba/  ***JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f ***Connect with Jason:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/ #Leadership #PeopleFirst #CompanyCulture #FeedbackLoop #WorkplaceExcellence

Join Jason to learn about building an award-winning culture through storytelling in this episode with John McHugh, Vice President of External Affairs at Kwik Trip.  John shares how Kwik Trip has harnessed the power of storytelling to create low turnover, high morale, and exceptional customer experiences, all in an industry notorious for high attrition. He shares practices for how they have scaled a culture of exceptional service and customer commitment within an organization of 39,000 “co-workers”.  Key highlights from this episode include: 👉 Practical interview questions that find candidates hardwired for compassion and purpose. 👉 Why every meeting at Kwik Trip starts with an emotional real-world story and how this practice fuels engagement at every level. 👉 How sharing thousands of unsolicited customer compliments each year has become the secret sauce behind both customer loyalty and employee satisfaction. 👉 How Kwik Trip’s profit-sharing and recognition programs help every employee feel like an owner, resulting in industry-leading retention rates. *** Connect with John:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mchugh-37056513/  *** JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f *** Connect with Jason:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/ #Leadership #PeopleFirst #CompanyCulture #FeedbackLoop #WorkplaceExcellence

In this mini-episode, Jason announces the launch of the Human Connection Study, a new research initiative created in partnership with Ingenuity Design. This ambitious project aims to understand how people today are experiencing connection and disconnection at work and in everyday life.Jason shares why he feels this study is both necessary and vitally important. And, he asks for your help. In the episode, Jason invites you to take the Human Connection Survey and then share it with your friends and colleagues. Take the sruvey here: https://www.thehumanconnectionstudy.com/***JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f***Connect with Jason:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

Join Jason for a powerful conversation with Wendy Rummler, Chief People Officer at Credit Acceptance. Wendy shares the inside story of how their organization transformed from a conventional, in-office workplace to a high-performing, remote-first organization, while earning multiple workplace awards year after year. The secret, she says, is fostering a culture where listening leads to meaningful action, and where transparency and feedback are non-negotiable. Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:👉 True “listening cultures” require managers to close the feedback loop every time. Either by implementing suggestions, explaining their reasoning for declining, or seeking more information. 👉 Organizational change is a long-term journey. The best results occur when leaders approach engagement as a continuous and rigorous discipline. 👉 Transparency about “why” decisions are made, especially about difficult topics, builds trust, even when the answer isn’t what people want to hear. 👉 The most valuable employee feedback often points to operational obstacles, not just perks or benefits. Addressing these issues directly enables your people to do their best work. 👉 Remote work success hinges on proactive onboarding, strong mechanisms for relationship-building, and frequent, meaningful leader check-ins with every team member. 👉 Strong cultures assume positive intent. Leaders who communicate trust and aspire to help everyone succeed redefine performance expectations and team cohesion. ***Connect with Wendy:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-rummler-69777611/ ***JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.Subscribe to our newsletter:https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f ***Connect with Jason:Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/ #Leadership #PeopleFirst #CompanyCulture #FeedbackLoop #WorkplaceExcellence