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  • In this energizing episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast, Nicole Greer sits down with creativity expert and leadership consultant Dr. Amy Climer, author of Deliberate Creative Teams: How to Lead for Innovative Results. Together, they unpack what makes teams truly innovative and how leaders can clear the path for creativity.

    You’ll discover Amy’s three-part model for team innovation, why most brainstorming fails, and how to use a proven, research-backed creative problem-solving process that actually works. Plus, Amy shares real-world stories—from manufacturing floors to city council chambers—where creative thinking transformed results.

    Get ready to spark your team’s creativity, eliminate idea killers, and finally make innovation part of your everyday culture.

    Highlights from this episode:

    [00:07:07] – What creativity actually means (hint: novelty + value).[00:12:49] – The Deliberate Creative Teams model: Purpose, Team Dynamics, and Creative Process.[00:27:27] – The four-stage creative problem-solving process: Clarify, Ideate, Develop, Implement.[00:35:29] – Creativity and change management: how they’re tightly intertwined.[00:37:54] – Clearing the path for creativity by eliminating meetings, tasks, and outdated processes.[00:47:33] – Final nugget: “Be deliberate to be creative. It will not happen by accident.”

    Get Amy's book, Deliberate Creative Teams: https://a.co/d/cGgRt9D

    Also mentioned in this episode:
    Your Creative Power by Alex Osborn https://a.co/d/j8aICLI

    Connect with Amy:
    Website: https://climerconsulting.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyclimer/
    X: https://x.com/amyclimer

    Listen today at www.vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!
    Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

  • In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole Greer sits down with Bryon Beilman, CEO of iuvo Technologies and author of Leadership at the Edge. Bryon introduces his innovative "Hyperloop Mindset"—a high-speed, low-friction approach to culture and leadership that propels business forward. Together, they unpack how to hire A+ players, empower leaders at every level, and embed change into your weekly rhythms.

    Bryon shares how his award-winning IT consulting firm builds culture intentionally, supports employee growth, and maintains excellence through transparency, feedback, and strategic delegation. Whether you're scaling a business or coaching emerging leaders, this episode is packed with practical tools for leading from the edge.


    Highlights from this episode:

    [00:04:43] – What is the Hyperloop Mindset? A metaphor for building a business that moves at high speed with low friction—emphasizing simplicity, speed, and continuous improvement.

    [00:06:29] – Hire the Best People (Don’t Settle). Great hiring isn’t about filling seats—it’s about aligning with values, culture, and long-term fit.

    [00:09:08] – Culture-Driven Interviewing. Final interview includes a passion presentation to assess cultural fit and authenticity—any employee can veto a candidate.

    [00:13:36] – Eagles Know Eagles. Why employee referrals and constant recruiting are cornerstones of hiring success.

    [00:17:25] – Let Go to Scale. Managers must transition to coaches, letting go of control and empowering others to think, act, and own results.

    [00:21:54] – Make Time for Change. Change shouldn't be reactive. It must be scheduled and embedded into the rhythm of the business.

    [00:24:29] – Entrepreneurial Energy Lives in Everyone. Leaders must cultivate this spark and build cultures where innovation and ownership thrive.


    Get Bryon's book, Leadership At The Edge: https://a.co/d/91fLxn2

    Also mentioned in this episode:
    Traction by Gino Wickman https://a.co/d/bcpV5fL
    Good to Great by Jim Collins https://a.co/d/apHCLtE

    Connect with Bryon:
    Website: https://beilman.com//
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbeilman/
    X: https://x.com/bbeilman

    Listen today at www.vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!
    Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

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  • What if innovation wasn’t just for Research & Development? What if every employee had permission—and a process—to contribute game-changing ideas? In this episode of Build a Vibrant Culture podc, Nicole Greer sits down with Ben Bensaou, professor, innovation expert, and author of Built to Innovate, to explore the systems, habits, and cultural practices that embed innovation into a company’s DNA.

    Together, they dive into:

    What it means to build an “innovating engine” alongside an “execution engine”How global companies like Bayer and WL Gore institutionalize innovationWhy giving employees “permission” is a non-negotiable for an innovative cultureThe power of listening not only to the voice—but the silence—of the customerWhy small ideas can spark massive organizational transformation

    If you’re a leader wondering how to shift your culture from status quo to breakthrough thinking, this episode is your blueprint.


    Connect with Ben!
    Book: https://a.co/d/7JOb1ZU
    Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-m-bensaou/
    FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ben-M-Bensaou/100075875050792/
    X: https://x.com/BenBensaou
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@benm.bensaou7167

    Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

  • What if the secret to building a vibrant culture starts with redesigning your own life? In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture host Nicole Greer sits down with visionary Ryan Rigterink, author of Redesign Life, to explore how purpose, passion, and personal transformation can shape both individual lives and organizational culture. A tech entrepreneur and thought leader in human-centered AI, Ryan shares the powerful framework behind his Redesign Life process and how leaders can tap into their people’s potential through reflection, alignment, and intention.

    Together, Nicole and Ryan unpack the six core habits for redesigning life, discuss how talent ecosystems and AI are reshaping leadership, and offer actionable strategies for helping people move from burnout to brilliance. Whether you're leading a team or redefining your personal mission, this episode is full of inspiring insights and practical takeaways to help you ignite purpose and lead with clarity.


    Highlights from this episode:

    [04:49] – From Toxic to Thriving: Ryan’s journey through burnout, reinvention, and purpose management.

    [10:55] – Superhero vs. Zombie Mindset: How imagination and choice impact our life path.

    [15:00] – The Six-Step Framework: Prepare, Discover, Understand, Fit, Focus, Balance.

    [22:22] – Turn to Wonder: Cultivating curiosity as a leadership and life skill.

    [46:59] – Passion Is Strategy: Why igniting passion is the most underutilized success tactic in organizations.

    Ryan's book: Redesign Life by Ryan Rigterink: https://a.co/d/5lFryDQ

    Also mentioned in this episode:
    The Path by Laurie Beth Jones: https://a.co/d/3veka2O
    The Ultimate Secret to Getting Absolutely Everything You Want by Mike Hernacki: https://a.co/d/imOE4VN
    Unique Ability 2.0 by Strategic Coach (created by Dan Sullivan): https://a.co/d/3q6YvT5
    Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://a.co/d/1nUqFpI
    Books by Howard Thurman: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Howard-Thurman/author/B000APVW8Y?ref=ap_rdr&a

    Darryl Bellamy's website: https://fearlessinside.com/
    The Fearless Revolution by Sandy Gledhill: https://a.co/d/bx54yli

    Connect with Ryan:
    Website: https://www.leadersops.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rigterink-1596107/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.rigterink

    Listen today at www.vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!
    Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

  • In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast, Nicole sits down with people-first HR leader Carrol Ostendorf to talk about building leadership from the inside out. Carrol shares her bold vision for Delta |v| University, a homegrown development platform that’s energizing engineers, elevating young talent, and reinforcing culture across five states. With a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and a heart for people, Carrol brings humor, insight, and a blueprint for HR teams that want to make real impact.

    From onboarding and recognition to mentorship and retention, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom for building a vibrant, people-centric workplace.

    Vibrant Takeaways from this episode:

    [00:09:00] Why Engineers Are Geeking Out Over Training: It’s not just training—it’s ownership. Carrol reveals how involving technical teams in content creation has transformed engagement.

    [00:12:00] People Are the Product: Discover why recognizing the value of people—not just process—is the real driver of Delta |v|’s culture and retention.

    [00:18:00] Cohort Culture & Live Learning: Hear about Delta |v|’s unique leadership cohort model and why creating connection across states is a game-changer.

    [00:24:30] Rethinking Recruiting: Carrol shares a fresh, relational approach to hiring that emphasizes transparency, trust, and the power of proximity.

    [00:34:00] How to Handle Mistakes Like a Leader: A candid story of an error—and how owning it with grace and accountability turned into a leadership moment.

    Connect with Carrol:
    Website: https://www.deltavinc.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrolostendorf/


    Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!
    Learn more about Nicole Greer and Build A Vibrant Culture: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

  • Welcome to the Build A Vibrant Culture Podcast, where clarity, energy, and results collide! This week, Nicole Greer dives into the world of compensation with Jason Smith, Principal Compensation Consultant at Gallagher's Compensation and Rewards Consulting practice. With a career journey that started behind the bar at Applebee’s and led to becoming a recognized expert in compensation strategy, Jason is here to pull back the curtain on the complex world of pay structures, transparency, and fairness.

    In this high-energy conversation, Jason shares how to balance internal equity with market competitiveness, the critical difference between pay equity and pay equality, and the evolving trends in compensation strategy post-pandemic. Whether you’re an HR leader, business owner, or team leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you pay your team right.

    Highlights from this episode:

    [00:09:52] Pay Equity vs. Pay Equality Explained: Jason clearly defines the difference between pay equity (eliminating wage disparities) and pay equality (ensuring no discrimination). Understanding these concepts is critical for fair compensation practices.[00:19:08] Evolution of Compensation Strategy Post-Pandemic: Jason discusses how compensation strategies have evolved over the last five years, from remote work challenges to pay transparency becoming an industry standard.[00:27:41] Navigating Pay Transparency Laws: Jason provides practical advice for HR professionals preparing for pay transparency regulations, including the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date salary ranges.[01:03:31] Don’t Try to Do It All Yourself: Jason’s closing advice to HR professionals is powerful—don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether navigating compensation strategies, compliance, or pay transparency, experts can provide the support you need.

    Connect with Jason:
    Email: [email protected]
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/compenjason/

    Listen today at www.vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!
    Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

  • What happens when you combine mentorship, emotional intelligence, and people-first leadership? You get the award-winning culture of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. In this episode, Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach, sits down with two transformational healthcare leaders: Kendra Bowman, Radiology Manager and engagement award-winner, and Gary Blabon, President and COO of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

    Together, they dive into what it really takes to create a workplace where people thrive—from remembering names to empowering frontline workers to rise into leadership. With heart, humor, and wisdom, Kendra and Gary share stories of growth, resilience, and the power of seeing potential in others.

    Whether you're in healthcare or any high-impact industry, this conversation will ignite your passion for leadership with purpose.

    Highlights from this episode:

    [04:36] – “Be Better Tomorrow Than You Are Today” – Kendra reveals her personal leadership philosophy rooted in resilience, growth, and mentoring those who may not have had a strong foundation.

    [08:47] – "Listening and Taking Action:" Kendra shares how simple acts of presence and empathy led to the highest employee engagement score in Novant’s Greater Charlotte region.

    [20:43] – “You Should Run the Practice”: Gary tells the emotional story of the unexpected mentor who first saw leadership potential in him—and how it changed the trajectory of his life.

    [28:05] – “Care for Your Team First” – Gary challenges the traditional patient-first model by emphasizing the importance of investing in your team before you can deliver exceptional patient care.

    [33:57] – “It’s the Connections”: Gary reveals the real “secret sauce” to career growth—and it’s not just talent. It's about respect, relationships, and showing up for people.

    Connect with Kendra:
    Email: [email protected]
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-bowman-a9a914266/

    Connect with Gary:
    Email: [email protected]
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-a-blabon-42835676/


    Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!
    Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

  • What if the secret to stronger teams, better performance, and real engagement isn’t a new system—but a more human approach to leadership? In this powerful episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole Greer sits down with Genevieve Retzlaff, a certified transformational coach and organizational development expert with a background as colorful as her insights—including a stint with Cirque du Soleil! Genevieve brings her passion for people and performance to the forefront as she breaks down what it means to lead with a human-centric mindset in today’s workplace.

    Together, Nicole and Genevieve dive into why the traditional command-and-control model of leadership is outdated, and how the best leaders today are those who are self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and willing to adapt. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a new team leader, this conversation will inspire you to pause, reflect, and take actionable steps toward leading with more heart, clarity, and vision.

    Highlights from this episode:

    [00:02:22] – Self-Awareness is Step One - Genevieve’s assessment tool helps leaders reflect on their mindset, behavior, and impact.

    [00:13:00] – Ask for Feedback to Build Trust - When leaders invite honest feedback, it fosters connection, builds trust, and creates a ripple effect.

    [00:34:52] – Coach, Don’t Command - Adopting a coach-like leadership style elevates individuals and the entire team.

    Take Genevieve's assessment here: https://www.grow-better-together.com/blog/leadership-selfassessment

    Genevieve's website: https://www.grow-better-together.com/

    Find Genevieve on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-retzlaff/

    Also mentioned in this episode:

    CliftonStrengthsÂź 34: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403127/cliftonstrengths-34-report.aspx

    Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman: https://a.co/d/6EC4GMq

    Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!
    Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

  • Are your hiring practices building a vibrant culture—or inviting lawsuits? What if you could create a workplace people never want to leave? In this episode of Build a Vibrant Culture, Nicole Greer sits down with Adam Kemper, founder of The Workplace Law Firm, to unpack the full employee lifecycle—from attracting top talent to letting someone go—with practical legal advice every business leader needs. With humor, clarity, and loads of real-world experience, Adam reveals the dos, don’ts, and downright dangerous HR moves companies make. Whether you're a business owner, HR leader, or culture-focused executive, this conversation delivers powerful strategies to protect your business and elevate your people.

    In this episode, Nicole and Adam discuss how to write legally sound and attractive job postings; the best way to onboard and retain top talent; why performance conversations should never be a surprise; and so much more!

    Vibrant Takeaways from this episode:

    [00:04:20] Think of your employment ad as an "opportunity ad". Adam explains how job ads create a company’s first impression and how language, aesthetics, and compliance set the stage for attracting top candidates legally.

    [00:12:31] The Golden Rule of Interviewing. Adam breaks down why staying laser-focused on qualifications—and steering clear of personal questions—keeps you legally safe and ethically sound.

    [00:20:43] “You can’t unsee what you see.” Learn the risks of screening candidates on social media and why partnering with reputable vendors for background checks is critical.

    [00:33:33] Recruitment Never Ends. Hiring isn’t the finish line—retention is. Proactive engagement and feedback fuel long-term employee success and reduce turnover.

    [00:51:45] How to Fire with Integrity (and Without Lawsuits). Before you let someone go, Adam explains why timing, transparency, and legal counsel make all the difference.


    Connect with Adam:
    Website: https://theworkplacelawfirm.com/
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (561) 805-3529
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorkplaceLawFirm
    IG: @adkthegreat
    X: @kemperlaborlaw
    YouTube: @TheWorkplaceLawFirm
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kemper-b9599349/

    Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!
    Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

  • Are your internal emails building trust—or fueling confusion? Is poor communication quietly killing your company culture? In this vibrant conversation, host Nicole Greer sits down with Alejandra Ramirez, a seasoned internal communication strategist and founder of Ready Cultures. With two decades of experience and a passion for creating thriving organizational cultures, Alejandra shares her signature "3H Framework"—Head, Heart, and Hands—a powerful approach for crafting clear, connected, and actionable internal messages.

    Together, Nicole and Alejandra dive deep into the importance of communication as a culture-building tool, explore how to establish trust and alignment across teams, and offer real-life stories, practical tips, and ready-to-use tools. Whether you're rolling out a new system, navigating change, or just tired of seeing those dreaded one-letter replies to thoughtful emails (yes, we're talking about that infamous “k”), this episode will inspire you to level up your messaging game and build a more vibrant, connected workplace.

    Vibrant Takeaways from this episode:

    [00:04:40] Craft with intention: Every message should clarify the facts (head), connect emotionally (heart), and direct next steps (hands).

    [00:22:26] Communication builds trust: Transparency isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing you care and sharing what you know.

    [00:30:33] Process matters: Good communication requires not just good words, but a thoughtful system for how and where messages are delivered.

    [00:34:46] The 3H Framework works beyond email: Whether you’re speaking at a town hall or dropping a quick Slack message, applying Head, Heart, and Hands ensures your message lands with clarity and impact.


    FREE DOWNLOAD from Alejandra:
    https://www.readycultures.com/3h-framework

    Connect with Alejandra:
    Website: https://www.readycultures.com/
    Email: [email protected]
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malejandraramirez/

    Also mentioned in this episode:
    Change by John Kotter https://a.co/d/5kgfYT9
    Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman https://a.co/d/5kgfYT9

    Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform! Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

  • In this episode, Nicole sits down with Karl Sakas, a seasoned leadership advisor and operations expert for creative businesses, to explore his latest book, Calm the Chaos. They dive into what it really takes to lead a thriving business or agency without losing your mind—or your weekends. Karl shares powerful insights about managing your energy, delegating intentionally, building strong teams, and yes, surviving meetings that could’ve been emails. He also tackles:

    Why leaders must prioritize their own well-being (and how Karl learned the hard way)How to stop being the bottleneck in your businessCreating a culture that balances warmth with competenceA hilarious take on “swoop and poop” leadershipWhy bad meetings are the enemy (and how to fix them)

    Whether you run an agency, a hospital, or a small business, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to stop spinning your wheels and start leading with focus and purpose.

    Highlights from this episode
    [07:53] Take Care of Yourself First. “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.” Karl shares how his team staged an intervention about his workload—and how that wake-up call changed everything. Start here if you feel burnout creeping in.
    [14:19] Stop Being the Sole Answer Person. Delegation isn’t a bumper sticker—it's a complex process. Karl breaks down how to stop being the "go-to" for everything and why that mindset limits your team and your growth.
    [24:48] Create the Work Environment You Always Wanted. High warmth, high competence. Karl unpacks a powerful framework to help leaders build culture intentionally. Plus, the difference between being a good boss and just being “nice.”

    Karl's book: https://sakasandcompany.com/lp/calm-the-chaos-book/

    Connect with Karl:
    Karl's website: https://sakasandcompany.com/
    Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlsakas/
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/karlsakas/
    FB: https://www.facebook.com/karlsakas
    X: https://x.com/KarlSakas

    Other books mentioned in this episode:
    The Human Brand https://a.co/d/1Yu76uU
    Radical Candor https://a.co/d/2S9FwV4
    Traction https://a.co/d/4LHm4RG

    We are grateful to Karl for bringing his passion for leadership and workplace culture to the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast! Listen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast app!

  • In this energizing episode of Build A Vibrant Culture, host Nicole Greer sits down with virtual assistant guru and author Melissa Smith to demystify the world of virtual assistants (VAs). Whether you’re an overwhelmed entrepreneur, a high-performing exec, or someone just tired of doing it all, Melissa offers empowering advice on how the right VA can give you time back, increase your energy, and even save your sanity.

    From the myths of delegation to the magic of friction-free productivity, Melissa breaks it all down with warmth and wisdom. Plus, she shares exactly how to find, hire, and build a lasting relationship with your ideal VA. (Spoiler: You don’t need another “you”—you need your complementary opposite.)

    She’s the author of Hire the Right Virtual Assistant and Become a Successful Virtual Assistant, and she's got the receipts—20+ years of experience, a top 10 inspiring woman in business, and a 98% VA match success rate.


    Highlights from this episode:
    [00:02:46] You don’t need to be a pro delegator to hire a VA—just have a clear vision. “If you can share your vision, expectations, and walk through things once, the right VA will take it from there.”
    [00:06:01] Your productivity problem is actually an energy problem. Tasks that drain your energy are stealing your momentum. A VA can handle the friction points—like sending newsletters or booking meetings—so you stay in your zone of genius.
    [00:34:50] You need someone who complements you. The perfect VA isn’t a clone of you. They’re someone who loves what you loathe and thrives where you stall. That’s the magic of a powerful partnership.


    Melissa's books:
    Hire the Right Virtual Assistant
    Become a Successful Virtual Assistant

    FREE COMPLIMENTARY WORKBOOK: https://thepva.com/complimentary-workbook/


    Connect with Melissa:
    Website: https://thepva.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/

    Email: [email protected]

    Also mentioned in this episode:

    Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

    Unique AbilityÂź 2.0: Discovery - Define Your Best Self
    The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results
    Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't

    Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!

    Please leave us a 5-star review and drop a love note for Melissa in the comments!

    Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

  • What happens when you walk into a workplace filled with chaos? In this episode, Nicole sits down with the powerhouse author, leadership expert, and former deputy mayor, Irma J. Neal, for a jaw-dropping conversation about Leading in Chaos — the title of her book and the essence of her leadership journey.


    Irma shares real, raw stories from her time leading a government department in Washington, D.C. under extreme dysfunction—and how she brought it back to life with structure, empathy, and fearless leadership. From handling fish-frying, gossiping, couch-surfing chaos to confronting political pressure and addiction in the workplace, Irma drops 20 powerful management insights you won’t want to miss.

    Key Highlights from this episode:

    [00:03:04] – Why every leader should lead with love, empathy, and vision

    [00:09:13] – How there's always somebody who is benefiting from the chaos of a dysfunctional workplace

    [00:14:05] – Why administrative assistants are your most powerful allies in navigating organizational power

    [00:32:18] – How coaching misfits into becoming strong contributors pays off big

    [00:41:22] – Just because you solved a problem once doesn’t mean it won’t return


    Irma's book: Leading in Chaos
    FREE RESOURCE: Self Assessment for a Thriving Workforce

    Connect with Irma:
    website: www.onyx2rise.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irma-j-neal-082739118/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadinginchaos/
    FB: https://www.facebook.com/LeadingInChaos/

    Also mentioned in this episode:

    Life’s Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown

    Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, MD


    Don’t Forget:

    Like what you heard? Leave us a 5-star review and drop a love note for Irma in the comments!Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/
  • Could saving your organization thousands (or even millions) of dollars affect the vibrant culture you're working to build? How about your ability to hire or retain the right people? In this episode of Build a Vibrant Culture, Nicole sits down with Robert L. Day, founder of WeAudit.com and author of The Great American Heist: How Credit Card Processors Steal Businesses' Profits. With over 30 years of experience in finance and merchant processing, Robert shares eye-opening insights on how businesses can identify and eliminate hidden fees, protect their bottom line, and ultimately safeguard jobs.

    They discuss why cost savings are just as critical as revenue growth, how businesses unknowingly lose millions due to unethical credit card processing fees, and why HR professionals should care about financial efficiency. Plus, Robert shares his personal journey—from an unsettled childhood to becoming a leader in financial auditing—and why he’s passionate about saving companies and families alike.


    In this episode, Nicole and Robert discuss:
    [00:05:55] The hidden cost of ignoring savings
    [00:18:52] Why saving a dollar is more powerful than earning a dollar
    [00:37:29] Why HR & leadership must care about cost savings

    Robert's books:
    The Great American Heist https://a.co/d/87pScgl
    Successonomics https://a.co/d/7WKEXQL
    Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude https://a.co/d/fmYk71i

    Robert's website: weAudit.com
    Follow Robert at:
    X: https://x.com/Robert_L_Day
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlday/

    We are so grateful to Robert for joining us at the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast!

  • Are workplace stressors hijacking your mind, body, and soul? Today's guest has written a book to help you gain back your mindfulness and become a better leader, employee, and all-around person! Listen to Nicole and Mitch Russo as they unlock the key to accelerating your business success while cultivating a happier, more productive team using Mitch's book, Sacred Profits.

    Mitch Russo co-founded Timeslips Corp in 1985 and sold it for eight figures nine years later. He then partnered with Tony Robbins to build a successful company and became a best-selling author of three business books. Recently, Mitch underwent a profound spiritual awakening that revealed the power of applying spiritual practices to everything from sales and marketing to finance, leadership and relationships. In addition to his work as a business strategist, Mitch helps organizations rewire their company culture for maximum impact.

    Today, Nicole and Mitch talk about:

    [00:06:11] The Power of Mindfulness in Business

    [00:19:21] Resilience vs. Stubbornness

    [00:28:44] Ethical Leadership and Integrity

    [00:40:13] The Role of Heart-Based Decisions


    Mitch's books:
    Sacred Profits https://a.co/d/dfBlNRn
    Power Tribes https://a.co/d/4zyKorR

    Connect with Mitch:
    website: www.mitchrusso.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchrusso/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmitchrusso
    X: https://x.com/mitchpodcasts
    FB: https://www.facebook.com/BreakthroughResults/

    Also mentioned in this episode:
    Unique Ability by Dan Sullivan https://uniqueability.com/the-book/
    The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron https://a.co/d/3jBhahg
    The Artist's Way at Work by Julia Cameron https://a.co/d/gOYPbNI
    Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine https://a.co/d/aIzp18L

    Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!

  • What if everything you thought about DEI was wrong? Is your organization truly inclusive, or are you just checking a box? Join us at the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast as Nicole sits down with Grant Harris, Certified Diversity Executive and author of Unlocking Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Success. Grant takes us on a journey from compliance to community, sharing how organizations can move beyond check-the-box DEI efforts to create truly inclusive workplaces.

    In This Episode, We Cover:
    [00:09:09] The real meaning behind diversity, equity, inclusion & accessibility (DEIA)
    [00:24:54] Why DEI training alone isn’t enough—and what to do instead
    [00:33:39] The power of neurodiversity in the workplace (and why it’s the future!)
    [00:40:10] Practical actions HR professionals & leaders can take right now

    Plus, Nicole and Grant break down the #WeNotMe mindset and why it's essential for building vibrant, high-performing cultures.

    Connect with Grant Harris:
    Website: www.compliancetocommunity.com

    Book: https://a.co/d/ejKQOPO
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grantharris555

    Tune in now at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform and take your DEI strategy from theory to action!

  • If you've ever struggled with the process of adding quality people to your team, you will love this episode! Hiring can be a make or break activity in any organization, but especially in small- to medium-sized businesses. Our guest today, Ryan Englin, is passionate about supporting growing businesses to build amazingly productive companies by hiring the right people. Growing up, he saw his own father working 12-hour shifts and weekends as an owner/operator, witnessing firsthand the struggles that companies have in hiring quality frontline employees. Ryan was determined to find a better way. As the CEO and Founder of Core Matters, Ryan and his team partner with blue-collar business owners to help them implement and manage their employees.

    Ryan's best-selling book, Hire Better People Faster, will change the way you look at your recruiting and retention processes. Using his proven process, the Core Fit Hiring System, small and midsize businesses learn how to start hiring better people, faster. With almost a decade in the business, Ryan has helped numerous business owners achieve their goals by hiring the right people.


    In this episode, Nicole and Ryan discuss:
    [00:06:20] How a good employee experience is just as important as a good customer experience
    [00:19:26] How to create a core story for your organization that will get your employees to recruit for you
    [00:34:15] How to interview for a culture fit rather than for a position fit
    [00:39:58] How to implement Ryan's three-step onboarding process

    Ryan's FREE book offer: corematters.com/freebook
    Ryan's website: corematters.com

    Follow Ryan on:
    LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin/
    LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corematters
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@corefithiring
    X: https://x.com/corematters

    We are grateful to Ryan for bringing his passion for hiring and workplace culture to the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast! Listen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast app!

  • Want to create a dynamic people culture at your organization? Using human behavioral research, our latest guest will help us discover how to do just that. This week on the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast, we have author Hugh Massie with us! As CEO of DNA Behavior International, Hugh has over 60,000 hours of experience and mentored millions of people, including the leaders of more than 2,500 businesses and 200,000 advisors in 123 countries to be Behaviorally SMART for achieving greater self-empowerment so they can unlock their human potential and live with meaning. Hugh, author of Leadership Behavior DNA, has also authored numerous publications on behavioral finance, human behavior, and business-related topics. Look him up!

    In this episode, Nicole and Hugh discuss:

    ‱ How our DNA affects our leadership

    ‱ 8 factors and 16 traits of DNA behavior

    ‱ How being aware of others' DNA behavior can affect workplace culture

    Hugh's books:

    Leadership Behavior DNA https://a.co/d/0YTPfTK

    Financial DNA https://a.co/d/2aQITqR

    Take Hugh's DNA assessment here: https://discovery.dnabehavior.com/talent/Sales/1226/72

    Find Hugh at:

    Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hughmassie/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hugh.massie

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DNABehavior

    Other books mentioned in this episode:

    The Situational Leader by Paul Hersey https://a.co/d/bT9Zczr

    Thanks for listening to the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast!

  • Whether you're an employee, leader, or HR manager, at some point in your career you may (probably) have thought, "Ugh, this job..." Today we have Lisa Even on the show, and guess what? Joy really is her job! Lisa is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author of Joy Is My Job: A book to spark joy filled mindset, moments, and experiences! Lisa believes that leadership is more than hitting metrics or chasing numbers. True leadership is about creating environments where people choose to show up, engage, and make an impact.

    Lisa believes that if you wait around for JOY to come, it will never happen. That is why she believes that JOY is your J-O-B. Listen today as Lisa and Nicole discuss how to become more inspired to create JOY in your life AND work - even through the tough times, the busy times, the stressful times, and everything in between.

    In this episode, Nicole and Lisa discuss:
    [00:03:33] How joy often comes from "hard stuff"
    [00:12:39] Why we all need reinforcements when things get tough
    [00:25:23] Why it's important to know what makes you a better human
    [00:39:18] How it's even more fun when you get others involved in your joy

    Lisa's book: https://a.co/d/flehUgZ
    Your FREE joy resources: https://www.lisaeven.com/freejoy

    Find Lisa at:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-even-have-good-ripple-effect-0778b112/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisaeven11
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaeven_/

    Also mentioned on this episode:
    Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://a.co/d/gSw8Giw

    We are grateful to Lisa for bringing her joy to the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast!

  • Hello, podcast listeners -- do we have a fun episode for you today! If you've ever struggled with stress or burnout while trying to lead with purpose, you will appreciate everything Mel Kettle has to say on the subject. Mel is an author, podcaster, and highly sought-after speaker and trainer whose clients include leaders, teams and organizations that want to achieve real connection and sustained engagement.

    At the heart of everything Mel does is a commitment to self-leadership. She has an overarching belief that we need to lead ourselves first before we can lead others. This view came after she survived the debilitating effects of work-related loneliness, stress and burnout in her late 20s, and was reinforced when she had a life-threatening melanoma in her early-40s. In her spare time, Mel loves to cook, go to the beach, dance around the house and read crime thrillers.

    In this episode, Nicole and Mel talk about:
    [00:05:44] How Mel learned the hard way to prioritize herself in work and life
    [00:19:48] How it's important to trust your leaders, but also to trust yourself
    [00:32:48] How the modern workforce is increasingly based on the quality of our relationships
    [00:36:21] How being self-aware can seriously impact your health

    Mel's website: www.melkettle.com

    Mel's books:
    Fully Connected https://a.co/d/00A8gz1
    The Social Association https://a.co/d/fjSt1xY

    Also mentioned in this episode:
    Vendetta by Sarah Barrie https://a.co/d/cOu5wWt
    Traction by Gino Wickman https://a.co/d/1GPBgEw
    The Likeability Factor by Tim Sanders https://a.co/d/j0zU8sa

    Thanks for listening, and please take a minute to like, comment and subscribe to Build a Vibrant Culture podcast!