Culture From the Heart

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX. Claude discusses the principles of 'kind candor' and emotional intelligence, emphasizing the importance of creating a workplace culture rooted in empathy, authenticity, and human connection. She shares personal stories and practical strategies for how leaders can foster an environment where employees feel valued and safe. Claude also introduces her new book, 'Be Yourself At Work,' which offers actionable advice for individuals and teams to cultivate genuine self-awareness and a sense of belonging.KEY TAKEAWAYS• Culture is built in micro-moments - Not grand gestures like foosball tables, but daily human interactions like saying hi in the hallway or acknowledging someone's engagement• Kind candor over harsh feedback - Combining kindness with honest accountability creates forward momentum and trust• Employees are humans first - Recognizing that everyone has a full life outside work is essential to creating psychological safety• Retention through belonging - Creating a culture where people feel seen, valued, and safe leads to loyalty, innovation, and organic referrals• Scale empathy through culture champions - Identify people with "heart to help" DNA in every office who can extend care and connection• The cost of masking - Hiding your authentic self at work has a real personal and organizational costQUOTES"Culture isn't built in these grand moments. We don't need to have a foosball table. We're gonna be human.""It's very rare that you'll ever hear me use the word employee. It's because we're human.""What is it costing you to put your real self in your backpack and put on a mask and walk through the door? Because it is costing you something.""We're building the single greatest human organization in the history of time.""I want every single person in this company to trust you, and I want you to create safety for every single person in the company.""People stay when they're happy. What's not the ROI of taking care of your humans?""Kind candor - kindness is who we are. The candor is the accountability, the honesty."Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Claude Silver.https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureStop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Justin Ricklefs, the founder and CEO of the Guild Collective. They discuss the importance of incorporating heart-centered leadership within organizations. Justin shares his personal journey of transitioning from a head-focused to a heart-focused leadership style. They explore practical strategies such as curiosity-driven dialogues and structured feedback sessions for understanding employee perspectives. Justin emphasizes the significance of storytelling as a powerful tool for sales and building authentic connections with both employees and customers. The episode highlights actionable advice for leaders aiming to cultivate a culture of empathy, connection, and trust.KEY TAKEAWAYS• Heart-centered leadership requires personal work - Leaders must understand their own hearts, pain, and challenges before building authentic culture• Curiosity over certainty - Leading with compassionate curiosity and sourcing team perspectives creates better outcomes than command-and-control approaches• Structured heart connection - Implementing regular "Perspectives" meetings (biannual 90-minute sessions) helps surface important team issues that wouldn't emerge through open-door policies alone• Story is the ultimate sales strategy - Humans connect through stories, not facts and figures; brands that position customers as heroes (not themselves) build loyalty• Heart work is hard work - Building heart connectivity is more difficult than surveillance and control, but essential for authentic leadership and healthy cultureQUOTES• "It's really, really challenging to lead well from a shallow heart."• "Story is the greatest sales avenue ever created. Story is the best sales strategy period."• "I've never regretted sourcing the perspective of my team."• "The heart connectivity piece is really difficult. Don't fool ourselves. It's hard work. It's much easier to try to command and control and surveil people."• "The distance between the head and the heart feels like a mile away, even though it's 18 inches."• "You can't have culture from the heart if the leadership team isn't doing their own work to understand their own journey, their own pain."• "The brand thinks of itself far too highly. The customer is the hero of the story."Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Justin Ricklefs.https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinricklefs/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureStop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

Let’s revisit a powerful conversation on the Culture From the Heart Podcast with hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy, featuring Michael Harding, an owner-operator at Chick-fil-A. In this rewind episode, Michael shares the transformative power of heart-centered leadership, including his “51/49” philosophy of out-serving his team and why he encourages employees to bring their full selves—emotions and all—to work. From intentional onboarding touchpoints and personalized dinners to his wife’s famous homemade birthday desserts, this conversation highlights how consistent acts of love drive high engagement and guest satisfaction. It’s a masterclass in building a culture where people feel truly seen, valued, and empowered to excel.KEY TAKEAWAYSCulture is defined by what you repeatedly do to intentionally love and support the people around you.The "Cared for people, care for people" principle shows that employee engagement directly correlates with guest satisfaction.Hiring "Grade A" talent is worth the wait; it is better to run short-staffed than to compromise on cultural fit.Methodical onboarding is essential, using intentional touchpoints over the first year to eliminate chaos and build trust.Leaders should leverage unique personal skills—from baking to writing notes—to show genuine, personalized appreciation.Authentic leadership supports the "whole person," including their lives, challenges, and celebrations outside the workplace.QUOTES“Culture for the heart is how are we intentionally and consistently loving on the people around us.”“We are not in the chicken business. We're in the people business.”“Cared for people, care for people.”“Our team members will never treat their guests better than they are treated.”“If you can love on your people... they will actually run through a brick wall.”“The more you know about your people, the more you grow with your people.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry. Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/ Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Michael Harding. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelharding/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now! https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureDiscover How To Unlock the Hidden Growth Inside Your Sales Team. Access The Sales Blindspots in the C-Suite: Four Critical Risks You Can't Afford to Ignore, recording here: https://webinar.salesindex.ai/home-page-222146-313544

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy reflect on their first year of interviewing visionary heart-centered leaders. They discuss the importance of authenticity, love, and trust in the workplace. The episode revisits inspiring conversations with CEOs who have created exceptional company cultures focused on empowering employees, serving clients, and uplifting communities. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of nurturing genuine relationships, fostering emotional security, and the role of leadership in cultivating a supportive and loving work environment. As they move into the next year, the hosts express gratitude to their guests, sponsors, and listeners, reiterating their commitment to continue showcasing leaders who practice heart-centered leadership.KEY TAKEAWAYSLeading with heart and authenticity transforms organizations and empowers people.Love, care, and vulnerability are essential for building strong workplace cultures.Investing in people and culture yields long-term success, even in challenging times.True leadership means serving others, listening deeply, and fostering trust.Culture is intentional—shape it, don’t leave it to chance.QUOTES“We’re not in the chicken business, we’re in the people business.”“You can’t take the human away… it’s going to take people, it’s going to take culture, it’s going to take heart.”“Using people to build a business versus using a business to build people.”“If you could love on your people, they will actually run through a brick wall.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureStop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

In this special from the vault rewind episode of the Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy revisit their inspiring conversation with Patrick Lencioni, founder and president of The Table Group. They discuss the critical intersection of personal healing and professional leadership, exploring how a leader's internal life dictates organizational culture. Patrick opens up about his personal journey, moving from a mindset of constant achievement to finding true inner peace. The conversation explores the concept of "starting here"—using tools like Working Genius to understand one's true self—and why vulnerability is the gateway to trust. This timeless discussion offers profound insights on how knowing your own heart is essential to loving and leading your team effectively.KEY TAKEAWAYSVulnerability drives trust: Organizational health and strong relationships are impossible without the courage to be vulnerable.Success requires peace: High achievement without internal peace leads to burnout; leaders must address their own wounds to lead from a place of abundance.Start with self-knowledge: Effective leadership begins with understanding who you are and how you are wired, using frameworks like Working Genius.Love requires knowing: You cannot truly love or lead your employees if you do not take the time to deeply know their unique personalities and struggles.Selling is serving: Authentic sales involve loving the customer enough to walk away from a deal if it isn't in their best interest.QUOTES"Every company is smart enough... but what differentiates is what's the heart look like?""Success without peace is different.""My virtue affects the company and my vices affect the company.""It's hard to love others, especially as a leader, if you struggle to love yourself.""If you really want to be good at [sales], love your customer... Selling is serving.""Leadership requires that we know ourselves and can be vulnerable with those we lead."Learn more about Darrell and Larry. Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/   Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/ Connect and learn more from Patrick Lencioni. https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth/ Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING. https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!  https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture 

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Ryan Wall, CEO of FHI. They discuss the profound impact of having a heart-centered culture within an organization. Ryan shares the key principles guiding FHI, structured around the metaphorical 'four chambers of the heart,' encompassing purpose, vision, values, people, continuous improvement, and strategy. He emphasizes the importance of leaders guarding their hearts, offering practical advice on how to maintain a healthy and elite heart to positively influence business culture and performance. The episode also highlights the significant role of storytelling and leadership in promoting and maintaining a strong, compassionate culture within the company.KEY TAKEAWAYSGuarding your own heart is foundational to leading others and shaping organizational culture.Leaders must be relentless storytellers, cascading values and purpose throughout the organization.You cannot give what you do not have—self-care and personal growth are essential for effective leadership.Organizational culture thrives when purpose, vision, values, people, continuous improvement, and strategy are clearly defined and protected.Small, intentional daily practices (like solitude, gratitude, and reflection) replenish leaders and set the tone for their teams.QUOTES“How you treat your own heart will eventually be how you treat the heart of other people.”“You cannot give what you do not have.”“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”“If you want an elite mind, you must first have an elite heart.”“Schedule the times with yourself with the same tenacity and level of priority that you would a multimillion dollar client.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Ryan Wall.https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-wall-420a8a/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureStop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Lisa Nichols, CEO of Technology Partners, about the intentional creation of company culture. Lisa emphasizes the importance of core values, which should be more than just words on a wall but lived principles that guide behavior. The company uses the acronym DELIGHT to encapsulate their values, aiming to delight clients, employees, and communities. Lisa also talks about the significance of having hard conversations, as well as the power of communication and alignment within the organization. Additionally, Lisa discusses her podcast and recently published book, 'Something Extra,' which draws inspiration from her daughter and focuses on leveraging individual gifts for broader impact. This episode is a heartfelt exploration into leading with love and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and invested in mutual success.KEY TAKEAWAYSCulture must be built intentionally; it doesn’t happen by accident.Core values should be lived out, not just displayed on a wall or in a handbook.Elevating your people is the first step to elevating your leadership.Alignment and constant communication are essential for a thriving culture.Leaders must care for and love their people; leadership is about service.Trust and transparency are foundational to a strong organizational culture.Everyone is in the “feelings business”—how people feel matters deeply.Inclusion, team-building, and giving back to the community strengthen culture.Leadership starts with self-awareness and personal growth.QUOTES“If you think you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re probably in the wrong room.”“You cannot lead others until you have figured out how to lead yourself.”“If you don’t love people, you probably should not be a leader.”“Core values can’t just be words on a wall. They truly need to be lived out.”“You cannot love the individual to the point where it’s unloving to the organization.”“Everyone’s in the feelings business.”“Start by elevating the people that have been entrusted to you.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Lisa Nichols.https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholslisa/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureStop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jamie Shaver, CEO and founder of AMPED, a full-service strategic marketing agency. Jamie shares her insights on integrating love and core values into the workplace to create an authentic and trustworthy culture. She discusses the importance of clear communication, accountability, and intentional management of both brand and culture. The conversation also touches on the need for leaders to be congruent and authentic in their actions and to foster a work environment where employees feel valued and aligned with the company's mission. Practical examples include Amped's core values and screening processes, which emphasize grit, ownership, and a solution-oriented mindset. This episode provides valuable lessons for leaders aiming to cultivate a heart-centered culture in their organizations.KEY TAKEAWAYSCulture from the heart means leading with love, expressed through action and clarity.Authentic company culture is defined by what employees and clients experience, not just what leaders say.Intentional management and alignment of core values are essential to building trust and eradicating mediocrity.Accountability, ownership, and grit are core to high-performing teams.Regularly reviewing and living out core values ensures congruency and authenticity.Great leadership starts with leading oneself and modeling the desired culture.QUOTES"Love is not a feeling. Love is action.""A brand is not what you say it is; it's what your consumer says it is. The same is true with culture.""Are the leaders congruent? Does the walk match the talk?""Being clear is loving.""You cannot eradicate mediocrity if you yourself are mediocre.""If our own behavior was duplicated hundreds of thousands of times, what kind of impact would that have on the business?""Great cultures start with the heart."Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Jamie Shaver.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-shaver-amped/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureStop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Dr. Christopher Phelps, CEO of the Cialdini Institute, about developing a heart-centered business culture through co-creation and ethical influence. Dr. Phelps emphasizes the importance of giving employees choice and involving them in the process to foster commitment and unity. He shares practical advice on using unitizing language, asking for advice instead of opinions, and making public commitments to enhance employee engagement and efficiency. The discussion also delves into the significance of understanding the root causes behind 'no' responses, maintaining ethical standards, and simplifying communication to create a cohesive and high-performing work environment.KEY TAKEAWAYSCo-creation builds commitment and unity in company culture.True persuasion is about giving people choice and agency.Use “we” language to foster togetherness and shared purpose.Public commitments increase accountability and follow-through.Effective communication is about both what you say and the order you say it.Understanding the root causes of “no” is essential for influence.Simplicity and clarity in core values help reinforce culture.QUOTES“A culture of the heart is enveloping persuasion and co-creating as many things as possible with people.”“Divided we fall, united we stand.”“Automatically asking for somebody’s advice forces them to put themselves into your position, into your shoes.”“Just because you know how to persuade and influence, should you?”“The more things you have to focus on, the less likely you are to focus on any of them.”“When everybody knows you said you were going to do something and we’re going to meet back to talk about it, that accountability piece—that’s a powerful commitment.”“You can’t influence those to say yes unless you truly understand the root causes behind no.”SPECIAL OFFER FOR CULTURE FROM THE HEART LISTENERSUse the code CULTURE (all caps) at checkout to save $500 on any ticket experience listed. As an added bonus, your registration also includes the option to bring one guest at no additional cost. This can be a colleague, business partner, team member, or even a young adult in your life (ages 18–25) who would benefit from the experience.https://cialdini.com/deceventOnce your ticket purchase is completed, Dr. Phelps’ team will personally reach out to welcome you and confirm the details of the guest you'd like to bring.Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Dr. Christopher Phelps.https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-christopher-phelps-2b48b718/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureStop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by James Keyes, former CEO of Blockbuster and 7-11. James shares his insights on overcoming fear and inertia in business, leveraging the unique human qualities of compassion, empathy, and character in an era increasingly dominated by technology. He emphasizes how change, though often daunting, presents immense opportunities for growth and innovation. The discussion highlights practical strategies like fostering a culture of continuous learning and maintaining clarity in communication to navigate and capitalize on change. James’ inspirational journey from humble beginnings to leadership, coupled with his belief in the transformative power of education, provides valuable lessons on leading with heart and creating resilient, successful organizations.KEY TAKEAWAYSChange equals opportunity: Embracing change leads to growth and innovation.Fear is the main obstacle to progress; overcoming it unlocks potential.Lifelong learning and adaptability are essential for leadership and business success.Human qualities—compassion, empathy, character—are irreplaceable, even in a tech-driven world.Clarity and confidence are critical for navigating change and leading teams.QUOTES“I never lose. I win or I learn.” — Nelson Mandela (quoted by James Keyes)“Change equals opportunity. The acronym CEO is what it’s all about.”“The most valuable resource in any company is the human resource.”“Technology will never have heart. That’s our competitive advantage as humans.”“Confidence can be learned. You can actually reprogram your mind.”“Great cultures start with the heart.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from James Keyes.https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-keyes-a0947215/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureToo many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Dan Strull, CEO of Good Suite. Dan discusses the core values that drive his company's culture, including 'Living is Giving' and 'Continuous Development.' He shares insights on creating a supportive and proactive work environment through traditions, rituals, and a focus on integrity. The conversation covers actionable strategies for developing a boutique level of service and the importance of onboarding in embedding company culture. The episode highlights how living by these principles not only enhances employee satisfaction but also retains clients, setting Good Suite apart as a leader in IT print and office systems solutions.KEY TAKEAWAYSLiving is giving: True success comes from giving back, not just financially but with time, energy, and heart.Core values and rituals are foundational to building a strong, authentic company culture.Continuous development is encouraged for all—personal growth is as important as professional growth.Boutique level of service and proactive care set the company apart in a competitive industry.Onboarding should make new team members feel celebrated and welcomed.QUOTES“If at the end of the day you're tired, you're either in the wrong position or you're at the wrong company.”“You're not living if you're not giving.”“We don't go through life together. We grow through life together.”“All leaders are readers.”“Culture is the heartbeat of every organization.”“Living is giving and so we do it.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Dan Strull.https://www.linkedin.com/in/dstrull/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureToo many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jeffrey Lerma, President & CEO at Supply Solutions and Soap2o, a full-line distributor of janitorial supplies, packaging supplies, and office products. Jeffrey shares the incredible journey of his company over the past 20 years, from its humble beginnings with just a cargo van and a garage to becoming a large player in the market. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, swift execution, and hustle in cultivating a thriving company culture. Jeffrey explains how maintaining transparency and focusing on personal and team growth have been pivotal to his business's success. The episode provides valuable insights and inspiration for business leaders and entrepreneurs committed to creating an impactful and human-centered work environment.KEY TAKEAWAYSAuthenticity and trust are foundational to building a strong company culture.Execution—following through on commitments—is as important as authenticity.Growth and disruption are core values; being willing to go against the grain sets a company apart.Hustle and grit are essential differentiators, especially for small businesses.Placing people in roles where they can thrive is critical for long-term success.Human-to-human connection remains vital, even in a digital and AI-driven world.Leaders must be transparent and lead by example, as employees closely observe their actions.A culture that avoids blame and encourages teamwork fosters growth and low turnover.QUOTES“Hustle’s the one thing that is the differentiator. Not a lot of people have it, and that’s what makes it the most important verb in the world.”“If you don’t have an authentic heart and you’re not able to get that message across to your customers, you can’t set yourself apart.”“People still want to deal with people. The human connection’s never going to go away.”“It’s better for me to be authentic and transparent with people so they know what to expect.”“As a small business, your only advantage is you can move faster than everybody else.”“Disruption. I would say disruption is the one word for Supply Solutions.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Jeffrey Lerma.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-lerma-51138929/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureToo many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Bruce Osterhaven, President of Big O Smokehouse. Bruce shares insights on the values and culture that guide his family-owned business, focusing on the importance of authenticity, customer service, and employee engagement. He discusses the challenges and rewards of taking over a family business, the significance of mentorship and peer groups, and the vital role of being coachable. Bruce also underscores the necessity of continuous learning and self-improvement as a leader. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how heart-centered leadership can create a thriving organizational culture, especially during generational transitions.KEY TAKEAWAYSBuilding a business with heart means serving both employees and customers with passion and authenticity.Family businesses face unique challenges, especially during generational transitions; clear planning and open communication are essential.Coachability and willingness to learn are core values that drive company culture and success.Dependability and quality are critical in the food industry, where one mistake can impact many.Seeking advice, learning from peers, and staying open-minded are vital for leadership growth.QUOTES“If we think we got it figured out, then we're gonna get bit, have a big head too much.”“Being able to go to a peer group, you know, bouncing ideas and issues with other people is priceless.”“The heart has to be all the way through… make products that are delicious and great, but also being able to serve everybody in a way that works for everybody on all levels.”“If I wouldn't eat this product… I want them to be able to get the message through all the systems so that we're able to produce what people want all the time.”“Coachability… once somebody's not coachable, then you can't keep going.”“If we think we got it figured out, then we're gonna get bit… I need to get outside myself and listen to podcasts and read books to keep myself on track and to think bigger.”“You got to earn some respect from the people… If they know their processes and what they're doing, then you're gonna get a lot more respect and a lot better feedback.”“Great cultures start with the heart.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Bruce Osterhaven.https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-osterhaven-571624121/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureToo many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Darryl Lyons, co-founder and CEO of PAX Financial Group. The discussion focuses on the importance of authenticity in leadership and the impact it has on company culture. Darryl shares his strategies for fostering a heart-centered culture through intentional actions, systematic approaches, and leading with love and effort. He also explores the challenges and rewards of being an optimistic leader in a fear-driven industry. Darryl emphasizes the significance of inspiration over manipulation and highlights the role of faith and historical lessons in navigating tough times. Tune in to gain valuable insights on creating a thriving, heart-centered organizational culture.KEY TAKEAWAYSAuthenticity is essential for a healthy, heart-centered culture.Systematizing personal connections helps leaders foster deeper relationships.Love and effort are intertwined in effective leadership.True inspiration is rooted in hope and the greater good.Optimism is essential for leaders, especially in uncertain times.Leaders should intentionally prepare to be optimistic during tough times.A culture of kindness and respect requires ongoing effort.QUOTES"Me being disingenuous in the way I lead creates a very unhealthy culture.""The idea behind having a good culture is living from a place of authenticity.""Love and effort dance with each other.""The harder thing is to inspire; actually, manipulation's pretty easy.""I never met a successful pessimist.""You inspire me just by being you."Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Darryl W. Lyons.https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrylwlyons/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureToo many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Sam Thevanayagam, CEO at Parts Life, Inc. Sam discusses his unique approach to leadership, which focuses on using the business to build people rather than using people to build the business. He emphasizes the importance of intentionally creating and protecting a company culture that fosters growth, allyship, and a strong sense of purpose. Sam shares stories of how Parts Life supports employees in achieving their God-given potential, from aiding first-time homebuyers to developing a robust workforce development program. He underscores the significance of being a dynamic leader and maintaining a 'sticky culture,' one that is both inclusive and resilient in the face of change. The conversation also covers Sam's personal journey, influenced by his upbringing, faith, and readings, and how these elements contribute to his philosophy on culture and leadership.KEY TAKEAWAYSCulture must be intentionally created and protected—it doesn’t happen by accident.Use your business to build people, not just people to build your business.A “sticky” culture is one where people feel they belong and want to stay.Allyship and meritocracy can coexist—give people opportunities and second chances.Leadership is about stewardship and creating environments for others to reach their potential.Culture is dynamic and must adapt as organizations grow and change.Home ownership, job opportunities, healthcare, and training are foundational for transforming lives.QUOTES“I’m using a business to build people, not people to build a business.”“Culture doesn’t happen by accident. You have to be intentional about it.”“I want people who are committed to their work as their worship.”“You don’t have a culture without people, and people can be fickle.”“My responsibility is to create an environment where others can achieve their God-given potential.”“Culture can be messy, and as leaders, we need to leave room for that.”“To whom much is given, much is also required.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Sam Thevanayagam.https://www.linkedin.com/in/samthevanayagam/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureToo many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Brian Turner, Vistage Chair and former CEO of Point B, to discuss the importance of creating a culture centered around human progress through people. Brian shares his insights on leadership, storytelling, and fostering curiosity within organizations. He revisits lessons from his mentor Ava and the founders of Point B, emphasizing the significance of vulnerability, intentionality, and empowerment in driving meaningful change. The discussion also delves into the impact of AI on workplace culture and the necessity of leaders adapting their approach to stay relevant. Brian underscores the power of enabling employees and customers to see themselves in the company’s narrative, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic environment.KEY TAKEAWAYSHuman progress happens through people, not to people.Curiosity, creativity, confidence, and courage are essential leadership qualities.Vulnerability and intentionality in leadership foster trust and growth.Empowering employees and listening to every voice leads to better decisions and culture.Storytelling is a powerful tool for inspiring and driving change.Leaders should spend time where value is created, not just in meetings.QUOTES"Let's drive human progress through people and not to people.""If I understand what motivates you, I can change my story so that you can see yourself in the story.""Every voice matters.""You gotta go where value gets created.""Vulnerability and intentionality are mission critical in times of uncertainty.""The essence of storytelling is to infuse energy.""Check where you're spending your time... you have an obligation to change where you're putting your energies."Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Brian Turner.https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-n-turner/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureToo many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jamine Moton, the founder and CEO of Skylar Security, Skylar App, and Skylar Robotics. Jamine shares her journey from being a police officer to starting her own security company with a focus on emotional intelligence, community love, and innovative safety solutions. The conversation delves into how culture from the heart can change lives both personally and professionally, and the importance of embedding love, care, and emotional security in the workplace. Learn how Jamine's unique approach to leadership and culture is reshaping the future of security and inspiring her team to realize their dreams.KEY TAKEAWAYSSecurity is not just a business—it's an emotion rooted in care, trust, and connection.Embedding a heart-centered culture in the workplace requires authenticity, self-reflection, and genuine care for people.Leadership is about understanding and expressing love in the workplace, not just managing performance.Building a strong culture starts with how you treat, hire, and even let go of people.Employees thrive when they feel seen, heard, and cared for—love and security are foundational needs.True growth and success come from aligning personal purpose with organizational mission.QUOTES“Security is an emotion. Last time I checked, security was an emotion. We've made it a business, but it is an emotion.”“We have to get people in the workplace used to understanding that I can love you and not be intimate with you.”“If you had all the money in the world, all the time in the world, what would you be doing right now?”“I don't use the word discipline and I don't use the word terminate. I remove people from the roster.”“You can't live life without feeling safe. And so we take that as our mission and our purpose.”“If we no longer care for the community, we are too big.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Jamine Moton.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaminemoton/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureDiscover How To Unlock the Hidden Growth Inside Your Sales Team. Access The Sales Blindspots in the C-Suite: Four Critical Risks You Can't Afford to Ignore, recording here: https://webinar.salesindex.ai/home-page-222146-313544

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Curtis Hite, CEO of Improving. Curtis shares his insights on classic capitalism and the importance of focusing on values, authenticity, and care in leadership. He discusses how his company, Improving, embodies its true identity through the values chosen by both employees and stakeholders. Curtis emphasizes the significance of conscious capitalism, detailing its aspects such as a stakeholder model, purpose beyond profit, and conscious leadership and culture. The episode delves into the company's mission to change the perception of the IT industry, its commitment to trust and accountability, and various initiatives under its 'Improving Cares' program. Curtis concludes with practical advice on fostering trust and maintaining a higher purpose in business, making it a must-listen for those interested in heart-centered leadership.KEY TAKEAWAYSAuthenticity and care are foundational to heart-centered leadership.Companies should define values based on who they truly are, not just aspirations.Trust is an ongoing, intentional practice—broken trust can be rebuilt step by step.Conscious capitalism means business is a force for good, with purpose beyond profit.Changing perceptions—of industries and professions—can drive higher purpose and impact.QUOTES“We didn’t choose values that we aspire to be. We chose values that we were known for.”“Profit is the air that businesses breathe, but they also need to remember that it is not the end purpose of a company just to make profit.”“Assume good intent, or at least don’t assume bad intent when something happens.”“You always want to give a path for people to maintain their dignity even when they’re wrong.”“Our ambition is to change the perception of our industry.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Curtis Hite.https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-hite-a7b228/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureDiscover How To Unlock the Hidden Growth Inside Your Sales Team. Access The Sales Blindspots in the C-Suite: Four Critical Risks You Can't Afford to Ignore, recording here: https://webinar.salesindex.ai/home-page-222146-313544

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jonathan Keyser, Managing Partner of Keyser Commercial Real Estate, who shares his journey of transforming the cutthroat commercial real estate industry into a heart-centered business. Jonathan discusses the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and selflessness in building a successful company culture. He highlights his firm's unique values, the necessity of loving and serving others, and explains why disrupting industry norms starts by changing oneself. Jonathan also elaborates on his personal transformation and how it led to creating a company that places service and care above all. This episode is a powerful reminder that heart and disruption can go hand in hand, emphasizing that true success comes from leading with love.KEY TAKEAWAYSAuthentic, heart-centered leadership is essential for building a strong, lasting company culture.You don't have to be ruthless to succeed in business; selflessness and service can drive both personal and organizational success.True disruption starts with inner transformation—leaders must first change themselves before changing their company or industry.Excellence in service and genuine care for people are at the core of sustainable business growth.Building trust and loving people leads to deeper relationships and better outcomes.QUOTES"You don't have to be ruthless to win.""Selfless is selfish—if you're playing the long game, loving and serving as many people as possible is the best way to succeed.""The hardest part about having a culture from the heart is that it has to be authentic.""If you just come from a place of love and focus your energies on helping others get what they want, giving shall come true.""It's like a love contest—who can out love each other, and that's a fun game to play versus who can out screw each other over.""Great cultures start with the heart."Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Jonathan Keyser.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankeyser/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureDiscover How To Unlock the Hidden Growth Inside Your Sales Team. Access The Sales Blindspots in the C-Suite: Four Critical Risks You Can't Afford to Ignore, recording here: https://webinar.salesindex.ai/home-page-222146-313544

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company, and bestselling author of 'Any Dumb Ass Can Do It.' Garry discusses how to build a culture that balances tough-mindedness with tenderheartedness, underscoring the importance of authenticity, values, and belonging in the workplace. He shares practical insights into creating a values-driven organization where employees feel appreciated, connected, and engaged. Key themes include the need for hierarchical values, the role of leadership in maintaining culture, and the significance of consistency. Garry also highlights strategies for removing fear, embracing learning moments, and maintaining integrity, ultimately advocating for a culture that generates positive, lasting memories while achieving business success.KEY TAKEAWAYSTrue organizational culture is built on belonging, purpose, and consistent values—not just strategy or products.Leaders must balance being tough-minded and tenderhearted; the genius is in the middle.Culture is not a “microwavable event”—it requires daily, disciplined, and courageous effort.Empowerment comes from a clear, hierarchical set of values that guide decisions at every level.Removing fear and reframing failure as “learning moments” fosters growth and engagement.Coaching, not managing, helps people become the best version of themselves.QUOTES“Culture equals values plus behavior times consistency.”“Happy people create happy companies, happy companies create happy communities, and happy communities create a happy world.”“You can have a balance between being tough minded and tenderhearted.”“We manage our bank account. We don’t manage people. We are there to coach people to their best performance.”“You cannot sprinkle fairy dust on an organization with one or two training programs. You have to live it from the top down.”“We didn’t make mistakes, we had learning moments.”“If a company that puts oil in a can can create positive, lasting memories, anyone can do it.”Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Connect and learn more from Garry Ridge.https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiringUnlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!https://www.learnit.com/lp/cultureDiscover How To Unlock the Hidden Growth Inside Your Sales Team. Access The Sales Blindspots in the C-Suite: Four Critical Risks You Can't Afford to Ignore, recording here: https://webinar.salesindex.ai/home-page-222146-313544