Nick and Zach kick off their podcast series with the wild and wonderful origin story of CultureCon®️: from blizzard-filled roundtables and zero event planning experience, to surprise Vegas marquees and full-on imposter syndrome.

Along the way, they share the heart behind why CultureCon exists: to make work suck less and to build authentic connections that go far beyond job titles. You'll laugh, you'll learn, and you'll get a sneak peek at the incredible stories and topics coming your way. Think AI, DEI, and social entrepreneurship.

This is the start of something big, and a whole lot of fun.

Additional Resources:

Listen to The CultureCon® Podcast!

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Learn more about CultureCon®️

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• CultureCon®️ began with roundtable discussions focused on real workplace challenges.
• Intimate, cross-industry connections fueled the event's success.
• Culture isn't just HR's job. It's everyone's.
• The podcast extends CultureCon®️'s mission year-round.
• Upcoming topics include AI, DEI, employer brand, and social impact.

What if your next "perfect" hire is just a well-programmed bot? AI fraud is here, and it's quietly hijacking your hiring pipeline. 🤖

Gerald Gordon sits down with Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa's Inc., to tackle a hiring crisis no one's prepared for: AI-generated candidates and digital twins fooling their way into your organization. From ghost applicants to automated resume farms, Gerald and Steve dig into how HR and TA leaders can fight back, with human connection at the core.

You'll hear why Steve believes traditional interviews are broken, how LaRosa's built a culture that retains top talent for decades, and why asking better questions, not checking more boxes, is the future of hiring.

If you're hiring, leading, or just tired of robotic recruitment, this one's for you.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

Connect with Gerald on LinkedIn

Learn more about Reference Me

Join the PFN Community!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• AI fraud is reshaping talent acquisition urgency and strategy.
• Authentic conversations outperform traditional, scripted interviews.
• Nuance matters because machines miss human complexity.
• Culture fit starts with how you interview.
• Human-centered vetting strengthens retention and trust.

What if the biggest workplace challenge isn't strategy, skills, or systems, but simply understanding each other? 👀

Amy sits down with Lindsay Boccardo, speaker, coach, and generational expert who makes the complex topic of age gaps feel surprisingly fun. Together they explore why we label each other, how parenting trends shape the leaders we become, and why "kids these days…" has been said for centuries.

Lindsay challenges us to swap judgment for curiosity, reminding us that progress doesn't come from repeating past struggles, but from breaking cycles and building bridges.

Whether you're a leader trying to connect with Gen Z, a millennial caught between two worlds, or a boomer navigating change, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about generations… and about yourself. 💡

Additional Resources:

Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube!

Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community!

Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn

Learn more about Conscious Habit

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Key Takeaways:
• Generational labels are broad strokes, not personal definitions.
• Biases like "kids don't want to work" repeat across history.
• Parenting trends shape workplace expectations.
• Progress means breaking cycles of trauma, not repeating them.
• Curiosity bridges gaps better than judgment.

What if the secret to a thriving workplace culture came down to just five simple leadership behaviors?

Geoffrey sits down with the brilliant Paula Allen, global mental health researcher and champion for workplace wellbeing. Together, they geek out over the five leadership behaviors that shape thriving, resilient teams.

From psychological safety to the magic of gratitude, this episode is packed with actionable insights that are just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you're leading a team or hoping to inspire change in your workplace, this one's a must-listen.

Let's explore the science of being more human, because culture starts with how we lead 💛

Additional Resources:

Connect with Paula on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-allen-2717206/

Learn more about Telus Health: https://www.telushealth.com/en-us/https:/go.telushealth.com/telus-mental-health-index

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Leader behaviors, not titles, define workplace culture.
• Kind, collaborative leadership builds team trust and safety.
• Inclusivity fuels creativity and engagement.
• Purpose-driven leaders inspire extra effort.
• Clear, decisive leadership reduces anxiety.

Think all great salespeople are born talkers with years of experience? Think again.

Matt Poepsel chats with Jim Speredelozzi, who flips the traditional sales script on its head. Jim shares how he went from 90-day quitters to building a thriving 150-person sales team, all by focusing on mindset, process, and hiring based on who people are, not just what they've done.

You'll hear how he uses science to build strong sales teams, why being a "business therapist" might be your ultimate sales superpower, and what every new sales manager needs to know before stepping into leadership.

Whether you're scaling a team or rethinking how you coach your people, Jim's practical, people-first wisdom is guaranteed to leave a mark.

From Our Sponsor:

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

Additional Resources:

Listen to the original episode on Lead the People

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

• Sales is a teachable skill, not innate talent.
• Hire for behavior and mindset, not experience.
• Mindset determines long-term sales success.
• Great sellers often become great leaders.
• One-on-ones are sacred for employee development.

Think one wellness strategy works for everyone? Think again.

Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer unpack why "one size doesn't fit all" when it comes to supporting your people. From co-creating personalized plans to avoiding quick-fix blanket solutions, they share how leaders can better meet employees where they are, without judgment or assumptions.

Through real stories and research-backed insights, Patricia and Katina show that when leaders invest in truly understanding their people, they unlock loyalty, performance, and lasting wellbeing 🌱.

Additional Resources:

Grab your copy of "Leading for Wellness"

Listen to the original episode

Listen to the Leading for Wellness Podcast

Connect with Patricia on LinkedIn

Connect with Katina on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Wellness is unique and shifts over time.
• Person-centered planning builds trust and commitment.
• Co-creating solutions strengthens leader-employee relationships.
• Leaders must avoid assumptions and judgments.
• Employee goals should guide support and development.

🎙️ What if your podcast did more than talk… what if it built a movement?

Nikki and Eric spill the tea on how podcasting can be way more than a mic and a message. It can be the heartbeat of a thriving community. 💓

They dive into how turning listeners into collaborators flips the script from one-way content to two-way connection. From building online spaces where fans become friends, to leveraging strategic partners who fuel momentum, this episode explores how B2B brands can transform podcasting into a powerful growth engine.

If you're dreaming of deeper engagement, natural referrals, and next-level impact, this one's your blueprint.

Additional Resources:

Join the PFN Community

Subscribe to PFN's YouTube Channel!

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Community fosters two-way engagement beyond podcast audio.
• Strategic partners expand reach and operational capacity.
• Podcast communities can drive significant new revenue.
• Audience relationships deepen with ongoing interaction.
• You can't build thriving community alone, collaboration is key.

What if your podcast could be more than just content, and actually become your best sales and marketing engine?

In this live episode from CultureCon® 2025, Nikki and Eric share their secret playbook for turning podcasts into powerful business growth tools.

From claiming your niche and attracting the right guests, to creating inbound momentum and unlocking sponsorship opportunities, they reveal how podcasting, done with intention, can drive brand awareness, new relationships, and even revenue.

Whether you're podcast-curious or looking to maximize your current show, this conversation proves that podcasting isn't just about downloads… it's about results. 🚀

Additional Resources:

Join the PFN Community

Subscribe to PFN's YouTube Channel!

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Define your niche first. Clarity on your ICP drives podcast success.
• Podcasting fuels business development. Guests become authentic connections.
• Lead with value. Invitations beat cold outreach every time.
• Make CTAs meaningful. High-value offers spark inbound engagement.
• Monetize strategically. Sponsorships can turn podcasts into revenue streams.