Wellbeing Ignites Welldoing

<p>Welcome to the Wellbeing Ignites Welldoing podcast, produced by OOt Social Health, which focuses on exploring the essential elements that drive organizational success—human-centric leadership. Hosted by Sasha Farley and Thyagi DeLanerolle, this podcast explores what leaders can do to foster deeper engagement and a stronger sense of belonging within teams.</p><p></p><p>Each episode features interviews with forward-thinking leaders passionate about their role in developing teams and creating organizations that thrive. The conversations delve into strategies that enhance employee connections, contribute to the bottom line, and advance organizations' missions.</p><p></p><p>Expert guests share a blend of theory and practical techniques, covering all aspects of talent management—from hiring to retirement—with a strong emphasis on equity. These conversations aim to unlock the keys to creating workplaces where employees feel they belong and are more engaged.</p><p></p><p>Join us as we ignite the power of wellbeing and transform it into welldoing in the workplace and beyond!</p>

Innovation at Scale with Andres Angelani

Andres Angelani is a globally recognized tech executive with over two decades of experience leading software engineering innovation across startups and global enterprises. Now CEO of Wizeline, Andres previously held senior leadership roles at Globant, and Speedcast, where he pioneered distributed agile models and built high-performing global teams.At Cognizant Softvision, he played a pivotal role in shaping the digital engineering brand and creating global digital studios. His leadership consistently bridges strategy, technology, and culture—making him a sought-after voice on scaling innovation responsibly.In today’s episode, we’ll discuss why people, not just platforms, are the true drivers of innovation, adaptive teams across geographies, how to create agile models in a global setting, and what it takes to lead digital transformation at scale.

10-15
51:51

Building High-Performance Teams with Mark C. Crowley

Mark C. Crowley is a pioneering voice in the movement to redefine workplace leadership. Known for his bestselling book Lead from the Heart, Mark returns with a bold, research-backed follow-up: The Power of Employee Well-Being. Drawing from Oxford’s 20-million-person global study and his decades of experience as a financial services executive, Mark’s message is clear: outdated metrics like engagement scores aren’t enough.Instead, workplace wellbeing must be the North Star of 21st-century leadership—because people don’t perform at their best unless they feel cared for, connected, and safe. Mark’s work offers a practical, soul-awakening roadmap for leaders who want to build flourishing teams, retain talent, and lead with empathy in a high-pressure world.

09-03
50:15

The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Build Cultures with Zach Mercurio

Zach Mercurio, is one of today’s leading voices in meaningful work, purposeful leadership, and positive organizational culture.He’s the author of The Invisible Leader and The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance. Through decades of research, teaching, and consulting with organizations like Marriott, Delta Airlines, the U.S. Army, and the FDA, Zach empowers leaders to create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and essential.Zach will help us explore how mattering — feeling noticed, needed, and important — is a fundamental human need often overlooked in modern work cultures.Specifically, in this episode, we’ll explore:Why mattering is a basic human need and a competitive advantage How purposeful leadership transforms performance and well-beingPractical ways leaders can embed mattering into daily organizational life Why meaning and connection, not perks, are the true retention strategies today

07-09
56:51

Finding Your Voice with Vatsal Sood

Vatsal Sood is a rising voice in the world of communication—and not just because of his powerful stage presence. As a public speaking coach, keynote speaker, and leadership mentor, Vatsal helps high-achieving professionals transform fear into confidence and speaking into impact.He walks the talk—from impromptu storytelling at Halifax’s first Story Slam to sharing emotional truths on stage at Toastmasters competitions. Whether you’re a nervous speaker or a seasoned presenter, Vatsal brings a compassionate, strategic, and community-first lens to public speaking.In this episode, we’ll explore: ✅ How to conquer public speaking anxiety and unlock authenticity ✅ Why storytelling is a superpower in leadership and life ✅ The role of community in shaping confident communicators

06-08
27:48

The GPS of Employee Wellbeing: with Dave Allman

Dave Allman is on a mission to rewire how organizations think about care. As the founder of Wellbeing @ Work (W@W) and Careots, Dave has built platforms that transform vague wellbeing intentions into data-driven strategies that drive real impact on performance, retention, and engagement.This episode explores how Dave’s “Google Maps” approach to wellbeing helps leaders navigate the complexities of emotional, social, physical, and financial wellbeing—empowering them to meet employees where they are and guide them toward a thriving work life.We’ll discuss how moving from check-the-box wellness programs to personalized, scalable wellbeing maps is not only the future of work—it’s a business imperative.🔍 In this episode, we’ll explore:✅Why wellbeing is more than yoga and fruit bowls—it’s organizational performance ✅ How data helps leaders prove they care in ways employees can see and feel ✅ The link between a thriving workforce and reduced turnover, burnout, and disengagement ✅ Why personalized wellbeing journeys help build resilient, high-performing cultures ✅ How Gallup science and smart tech can operationalize care at scale

06-01
30:42

Relationships Drive Results with George Alifragis

George Alifragis is a trilingual business transformation expert with over 15 years of success in driving growth, delivering transformative results, and cultivating strategic partnerships. As Senior Vice President at Metropolitan Partners Group and a thought leader with the Forbes Business Council, George specializes in building innovative frameworks that align organizational objectives with customer success and employee engagement.Previously, George has held pivotal leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer at Sryas, where he successfully exited, and Chief Customer & Innovation Officer at Altima Telecom, driving customer-centric innovation. His track record includes spearheading global initiatives, implementing change management strategies, and creating cross-functional collaborations that deliver measurable impact.Today, we’ll dive into George’s insights on leveraging human-centric leadership and innovative strategies to transform businesses, empower employees, and achieve sustainable success.

05-23
37:03

Reimagining People Strategy with Dr. Sam Elmi

Dr. Sam Elmi is a rare blend of organizational psychologist and HR strategist with over a decade of experience designing people-first systems inside fast-scaling environments. Most recently, as Director of People Strategy and operations at Nava, a public benefit corporation transforming government services, Sam built a new function from the ground up, anchored in human development, competency frameworks, and inclusion.Throughout his career, from government to healthcare to tech, Sam has redesigned performance systems, developed employee experience programs, and helped leadership teams align around growth, equity, and care.In this conversation, we’ll explore how leaders can turn organizational complexity into human clarity and scale HR in ethical, strategic, and deeply human ways.

05-10
30:41

Transforming Workforce Development with DJ Campbell

DJ Campbell is a seasoned healthcare executive and transformational leader specializing in people strategy. As VP/Chief HR Officer at Sanford Health, DJ oversees nearly 3,800 team members in the Bismarck market while contributing to enterprise-wide strategy for the organization’s 50,000 employees. With a focus on workforce development, employee experience, and organizational effectiveness, DJ plays a pivotal role in driving change and fostering a culture of excellence at Sanford Health.Beyond his professional responsibilities, DJ is deeply invested in the Bismarck-Mandan community, serving on boards such as Make-A-Wish North Dakota, the North Dakota Workforce Development Council, and the State Board of Higher Education. An active member of SHRM and the Society for Diversity, DJ exemplifies a commitment to advancing HR practices and creating inclusive, dynamic workplaces.Today, we’ll delve into DJ’s insights on shaping the future of healthcare workforces, driving impactful change, and creating environments where both employees and organizations can thrive.

05-10
27:24

Bridging Employee Wellbeing with Sheeja Rai

Sheeja Rai is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience across industries such as chemicals, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and IT. As the Global Head of HR for Taste & Wellbeing at Givaudan, Sheeja leads strategic initiatives to drive employee engagement, performance management, and wellbeing for a diverse, global workforce.Her innovative, people-first strategies have earned her recognition as a transformative leader in HR. From pioneering advanced performance management systems to spearheading employee engagement programs, Sheeja combines a strategic focus with a deep commitment to fostering a culture of care.In today’s episode, we’ll explore Sheeja’s journey, her strategies for integrating employee wellbeing into organizational success, and how HR leaders can prepare employees for fulfilling, resilient careers in an ever-changing global landscape.

05-03
37:16

Turning Equity into Action with Michelle Grocholsky

Michelle Grocholsky is a global equity strategist and the founder of Empowered EDI, a consulting firm redefining how organizations approach equity, diversity, and inclusion. With two decades of experience and international accolades—including Canada’s Top 100, and a distinction for progressing gender equality across Canadian corporations—Michelle is known for moving EDI beyond performative talk and into systemic transformation.Her work focuses on changing the way people make decisions. From advising Fortune 500 firms and not-for-profits to leading global strategy at BlackBerry and BMO, she has helped shape cultures where equity is not an afterthought, but a foundational operating principle.Michelle’s philosophy, “lift as you rise,” is more than a tagline—it’s a leadership lens that informs how she coaches, consults, and shows up in the world.In this episode, we’ll explore: ✅ How to embed equity into decision-making systems—not just in values, but in practice ✅ Why metrics matter (and which ones drive change) ✅ What it takes to build workplaces where everyone can thrive, not just survive.

04-27
46:23

From Campus to Career with Dr. Rae Chresfield

In this episode, host Thyagi DeLanerolle sits down with Dr. Rae Chresfield. Dr. Rae is a trailblazing leader in mental health advocacy, education, and organizational development. As the Assistant Vice President of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Dr. Rae is dedicated to fostering a culture of care that equips students with the tools they need to succeed in both academic and professional settings.With a decade of experience in counselling, higher education leadership, and organizational development, Dr. Rae has a proven track record of creating programs that address mental health, resilience, and career readiness. Her innovative approach has included establishing a sober living wellness residence and designing workshops to help students transition from campus to career while maintaining their mental wellbeing.In today’s episode, we’ll discuss Dr. Rae’s journey, her strategies for preparing students for workforce challenges, and the importance of aligning student and employee wellbeing.

04-22
33:34

Humanizing Work with Earl Hoeg

Earl Hoeg is on a mission to humanize work. With over three decades of leadership experience, he helps organizations build cultures of trust, connection, and collaboration—especially in hybrid and distributed teams.Earl brings a people-first philosophy to leadership development, grounded in real-world experience and powered by proven systems used by Fortune 500 companies, including Insights Discovery and the Center for Creative Leadership. He advises leaders on how to move beyond policies and mandates—and instead lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose.During his time in the public sector, Earl led workplace transformation efforts for over 40,000 employees across 425 office buildings—helping teams thrive through massive shifts in how and where we work. Today, he’s a founding member of the Global Future of Work Alliance and an advocate for wellbeing-centred leadership that works.In this episode, you’ll hear Earl’s signature “Give an F” Framework (don’t worry, it’s not what you think), along with practical strategies for building team culture in hybrid environments—and creating workplaces where people can truly thrive.

04-20
32:05

Driving Operational Excellence with Rasheedah Hasan

Rasheedah Hasan is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience spanning industries such as media, entertainment, banking, and technology. Currently serving as VP, Chief of Staff, and Office of CHRO Lead at The New York Times, Rasheedah acts as a trusted advisor to the CHRO, leading critical functions such as operations, program management, HR analytics, and payroll.Her career journey has been marked by transformative roles at organizations like The New York Times, Viacom, and Bank of America, where she has consistently driven operational excellence and organizational transformation.Rasheedah holds a master’s degree in psychology, where her research focused on improving leadership behavior, a passion that informs her people-first approach to leadership. She is dedicated to fostering organizational conditions that value collaboration, respect, and intentional direction while balancing the demands of complex, global enterprises.Today, we’ll explore Rasheedah’s strategies for navigating change, building inclusive cultures, and empowering leaders to achieve operational and human success.

04-20
32:37

The Human Side of Hiring with Kevin Ramalingam

Kevin Ramalingam is a recruitment industry veteran and the founder of Total Match Consulting, where he helps organizations across North America find their ideal match—not just in skills, but in values, culture, and vision. With over 15 years of experience spanning agency, enterprise, and consulting roles, Kevin has built a career around authentic relationships, strategic hiring, and putting people at the center of every staffing solution.Through his work, he’s developed a reputation for delivering transformational hires, cultivating client trust, and mentoring recruiters to approach hiring as a human-first experience—not just a transaction.In this episode, we’ll explore: ✅ What it takes to build meaningful recruiter-candidate relationships in a digital-first world ✅ How to balance speed with fit in high-pressure staffing environments ✅ The role of empathy and listening in the future of recruitment

04-20
34:01

Driving Digital Inclusion & Accessibility at Scale with Neil Milliken

Neil Milliken is a global leader in digital accessibility, inclusion, and assistive technology. As the VP - Global Head of Accessibility at Atos, he spearheads initiatives integrating accessibility into digital transformation strategies for enterprises worldwide.He is also a Board Member at the World Institute on Disability, a Co-Founder of AXSChat, and a Member of the IAAP Global Leadership Council—actively shaping inclusive workplace strategies, digital accessibility policies, and assistive technology adoption.This episode will explore: ✅ The role of digital accessibility in shaping the future of work ✅ How AI and emerging tech can drive true digital inclusion ✅ Practical steps for organizations to embed accessibility into business strategy

04-20
36:08

Mission Driven Leadership with Adriana Peon

Adriana Peón is a trailblazing leader in global business operations, currently serving as the CEO of Decathlon Americas, where she oversees operations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.With over 15 years of experience in eCommerce, retail, financial services, and consulting, Adriana has held pivotal leadership roles at Meta, PayPal, and McKinsey & Company. Her focus on innovation, team empowerment, and business growth has been the cornerstone of her success in diverse markets.Adriana’s passion for building inclusive, high-performing teams shines through her work with organizations like Latinas in Tech and Reinserta, demonstrating her commitment to social impact and employee engagement.Today, we’ll delve into Adriana’s leadership insights her approach to managing complexity in the age of AI.

04-16
32:14

Designing Workspaces that Work with Christian Beaudoin

Christian Beaudoin is not just leading marketing for one of the world’s largest workplace solutions providers—he’s helping redefine how workspaces serve people. As Global Head of Marketing for JLL Work Dynamics, he oversees strategy for a $12B business supporting 80 countries and 1.5 billion square feet of space.But Christian’s approach goes beyond the metrics. Recently, he facilitated a compelling conversation with workplace researcher Connie Noonan Hadley to explore one of the most under-discussed challenges in modern work: loneliness. Together, they unpacked systemic causes and what organizational leaders must do to restore connection.From hybrid realities to human-centric storytelling at scale, Christian brings a powerful perspective at the intersection of real estate, marketing, and workplace wellbeing.In this episode, we’ll explore: ✅ How to scale purpose-driven marketing across global teams ✅ What leaders can do to design spaces and systems that reduce workplace loneliness ✅ How JLL is redefining the modern workplace—turning square footage into belonging.

04-15
29:20

Navigating Strategic HR and Legal Leadership with Eliad Weisberg

In this episode of the Wellbeing Ignites Welldoing, Thyagi DeLanerolle sits down with Eliad Weisberg exploring the intersection of HR strategy, legal expertise, and organizational leadership in driving efficiency, fostering a collaborative culture, and supporting business growth in a global environment. Eliad Weisberg is a seasoned leader at the nexus of human resources, legal expertise, and organizational strategy. As Global VP of HR at Fiverr, Eliad leverages a comprehensive business outlook to lead cross-organizational initiatives that enhance productivity, develop talent, and foster a collaborative culture. With a strong background in legal counsel, Eliad’s career spans roles as Chief of Staff at the Standards Institution of Israel and Chief Compliance Officer at Environmental Services Company Ltd., where he guided strategic partnerships, managed compliance, and led high-stakes negotiations.Eliad’s unique combination of legal and HR expertise has equipped him to navigate complex global challenges while maintaining a people-first approach.Today, we’ll discuss his insights on balancing legal rigor with organizational empathy, fostering innovation in HR, and building resilient global teams.

03-27
15:09

Human Capital Innovation with Dr. Jeanette Winters

In this special episode of the Wellbeing Ignites Welldoing, Adwoa Buahene sits down with Dr. Winters' to explore her extensive leadership experience in human resources, consulting, and talent management, focusing on her philosophy that "people matter" and her approach to driving transformative change through human-centred policies, innovation, and relentless focus on results.Dr. Jeanette Winters, a trailblazer in human resources and talent management whose career has redefined the impact of human capital on business success.As Chief Human Resources Officer at 8x8, Dr. Winters champions a people-first philosophy, driving collaboration, customer satisfaction, and results. Her impressive career includes leadership roles at global giants like Amgen, Pitney Bowes, and American Express, as well as startups and private equity ventures.With over two decades of experience, Dr. Winters has delivered transformational outcomes, from reducing attrition by 50% at Igloo Products to designing strategic talent frameworks at Amgen. As founder of Winters Advisory Group, she has coached leaders, advised equity partners, and served as an interim CHRO, always delivering measurable results.

03-25
39:00

Transforming Talent Development and Engagement with Jay Fortuna

In this episode of the Wellbeing Ignites Welldoing, Thyagi DeLanerolle sits down with Jay Fortuna, to delve into how innovative talent strategies and forward-thinking leadership can drive employee engagement, foster career progression, and create a culture of continuous learning. Highlight Jay’s groundbreaking work in revitalizing organizational processes and leveraging technology in learning and development (L&D).Jay Fortuna is a visionary leader in talent development and organizational transformation with over a decade of experience driving innovation in L&D and employee engagement. As the Senior Vice President of Talent & Operations at GoHealth, Jay spearheads initiatives that redefine the employee experience, blending cutting-edge technology like AI and micro-learning with robust succession planning and leadership development.Jay's work has earned accolades from Workforce Magazine, Brandon Hall, and CLO Learning in Practice. His passion for empowering individuals and organizations shines through his efforts to build high-performing, engaged teams. In addition to his leadership role at GoHealth, Jay serves as a Faculty Member for the Brandon Hall Group, an Advisory Board Member for Corporate Learning Network and Consero, and a member of the OnCon Senior Council.In this episode, we’ll explore Jay’s innovative approach to L&D, his insights on fostering agility in performance, and how he envisions the future of talent development.

03-23
38:32

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