What if thriving at work wasn’t a nice-to-have, but a human right? 💡

Mauren “Mo” Berkner Boyt, founder of The Moxie Exchange, joins Matt Poepsel to unpack the power of inclusion—backed by neuroscience, real data, and lots of heart.

From “amygdala hijacks” to why your phone habits can actually help build belonging 📱, this episode is packed with insights for people-first leaders ready to make inclusion part of every day.

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

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Key Takeaways:

• Thriving is the true north—beyond engagement, it's about psychological safety and inclusion.
• Inclusion is not abstract; it's a set of small, consistent behaviors leaders can learn and apply.
• The business case for belonging is real—leaders should personalize ROI through tools and data.
• Microaggressions have neurological consequences; inclusion reduces amygdala hijack and increases innovation.
• Frontline leaders have the greatest influence on culture and need specific tools to succeed.

We’re introducing a NEW series here on Fringe: Leading for Wellness with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer! 🎙️

Patricia and Katina kick things off by digging into why workplace wellness really matters—and why most companies are doing it wrong. From “Generators” who light up teams to “Extinguishers” who drain the energy, they share research, real talk, and personal stories to show how true wellness goes way beyond yoga classes and step challenges.

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a “hope you’re well” email… this one's for you 😅

Additional Resources:

Grab your copy of "Leading for Wellness"

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• True wellness goes beyond programs; it’s embedded in daily culture and leadership behaviors.
• Employees want to be treated as whole human beings, with individualized needs.
• Productivity and wellness are not opposing forces—they’re deeply interconnected.
• Leaders often unknowingly adopt “extinguisher” behaviors that hinder wellness.
• Organizations must act on burnout data, not just collect it.

Live from CultureCon 2024 🎙️ Nikki chats with Michelle Naples, Chief Integration Officer at Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. They dive into what servant leadership really looks like in practice—from trauma-informed care for everyone to creating cultures of co-creation and courageous conversations.

Michelle also challenges how we talk about “overhead” and why the words we choose matter more than we think. This one’s packed with fresh perspective, real-world wisdom, and plenty of heart ❤️

Additional Resources:

CultureCon 2025

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• Titles and words matter—use language that reflects your culture and purpose.
• Servant leadership starts with internal service: supporting your colleagues first.
• Co-creation gives every employee a voice in strategy and innovation.
• Trauma-informed care isn't limited to client-facing roles—everyone benefits.
• Recognizing and revaluing internal support teams is essential for people-first leadership.

Goats, graduate degrees, and Glassdoor—yep, they’re all part of Amber Cerone’s leadership journey! From project manager to Senior Director of Talent and Doctor of Psychology, Amber’s path is proof that “searching” is part of the process.

In this episode, Amber joins Matt Poepsel to talk about the power of career exploration, why leadership is more about influence than titles, and how trust—not office time—drives engagement in a virtual world 💻✨

Whether you're just starting out or navigating change, Amber’s story offers real talk, big laughs, and powerful lessons about owning your path and leading with heart ❤️

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:

• Career clarity often comes from eliminating paths, not just finding the right one.
• Today’s talent market is candidate-driven—employer brand and internal mobility matter more than ever.
• Leadership is about influence, not headcount.
• Change management is critical in a post-pandemic, virtual world.
• Trust is the #1 driver of virtual employee engagement.

🎧 In another episode live from CultureCon, Nikki chats with Melissa Sanchez from Duck Creek Technologies—and trust us, this one’s packed with 💡 aha moments!

Melissa breaks down how they’re flipping the script on employee engagement by starting before day one, treating team members like VIP clients, and building a culture that people don’t just join—they own 🦆💙.

From remote connection tips to stories that’ll give you all the feels, this episode is a people-first leadership playbook in action. Tap in!

Additional Resources:

CultureCon 2025

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• Employee retention should mirror client retention—start engaging early, communicate clearly, and build trust.
• Consistent internal communications and platforms like newsletters are essential for connecting remote teams.
• ERGs play a critical role in belonging and personal growth; employees thrive when supported holistically.
• Small moments—like one conversation or warm welcome—can catalyze lasting engagement and ownership.

Live from CultureCon, Jasmine Bellamy chats with the powerhouse Bryetta Calloway about meritocracy, marginalization, and why inclusion isn’t just a checkbox.

Bryetta shares her personal journey, spicy truths about workplace culture, and why the “just work hard” narrative doesn’t cut it anymore. From unspoken rules to emotional labor and allyship that actually means something, this convo is full of “wait... wow” moments.

Tune in for real talk, laughs, and the kind of insights that make you rethink your 9–5. ✨💼

Additional Resources:

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CultureCon 2025

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• Meritocracy often hides deeper structural exclusions based on cultural sameness
• Inclusion must precede diversity and equity efforts for meaningful impact
• Marginalized employees often carry invisible labor and trauma that leaders overlook
• Allyship means being emotionally affected by injustice, not just intellectually aware
• Pausing to notice emotional shifts and team dynamics is a crucial leadership skill
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for empathy and culture transformation

Get ready to travel the world—without leaving your headphones! 🌍✈️

In this episode of “Lead the People,” Matt Pepssel chats with Chris Failla, a leadership coach who's been to 50+ countries and is on a mission to create healing, human-centered workplaces.

They unpack why being seen, known, and loved at work isn't just nice—it's necessary. Add in some global stories, leadership wisdom, and even a surprise geography game—you’re in for a joyful ride!

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:

• Healing and healthy workspaces should be a leadership obligation, not just an opportunity.
• Seeing and knowing people goes beyond performance—it speaks to humanity.
• Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s how we sustain energy and show up fully.
• Leaders must model presence and intentionality to create true impact.
• Joy and freedom in leadership come from aligned missions and human-first interactions.

Live from CultureCon, Nikki sits down with Ann Newman, Director of Learning at Goodwill Greater Milwaukee and Chicago, to talk about all things purpose, people, and the magic that happens when those two align 💫.

Ann shares her take on the “secret sauce” that makes work feel meaningful, how to interview with purpose in mind, and her go-to tools like “rug checks” and “glows, grows, and gravities” that keep teams thriving. Whether you’re hiring, leading, or just looking to connect on a deeper level, this convo is packed with ah-ha moments and energizing insights 🙌.

Additional Resources:

CultureCon 2025

CultureCon on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

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• Purpose alignment is a major driver of engagement and energy at work.
• Leaders should model vulnerability and self-awareness to open up meaningful conversations.
• Interview processes should be built around uncovering candidate purpose alignment.
• “Rug checks” and consistent cultural norms can deepen psychological safety.
• Leaders must be intentional about creating connection—especially in remote or hybrid environments.