What happens when we place humans at the center of every workplace decision? Anne-Catherine Nielsen, founder of Equo Magna, brings her rich experience from the hospitality industry to tackle this question in a conversation that couldn't be more timely.

In a post-pandemic world where employees are reevaluating their relationship with work, Nielsen offers invaluable insights into what truly matters. "There's been a search for meaning since the pandemic," she notes, highlighting how today's workforce seeks purpose beyond a paycheck. This shift has created both challenges and opportunities for employers.

Anne Catherine's perspective on leadership transformation is particularly compelling. "The market conditions are going to create better leaders," she observes, explaining the need for organizations to move toward more human-centered approaches. The conversation explores how toxic workplace cultures simply cannot sustain themselves and how accountability balanced with recognition creates environments where people can thrive authentically.

The discussion goes beyond theory, offering practical insights on team dynamics, leveraging technology while preserving human connection, and creating psychologically safe spaces where feedback—even "grumbling"—becomes a powerful tool for improvement. Anne Catherine's background in both hospitality and HR creates a unique lens for understanding how treating employees well directly translates to customer satisfaction and business success.

Whether you're a leader seeking to transform your organization's culture or an employee navigating today's changing workplace landscape, this conversation provides actionable wisdom for creating more human-centered workplaces. As Anne Catherine reminds us, at the end of every decision, product, or service, there's always a human being.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, hosts Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore welcome back returning guest Eimear Zone to explore one of the most universally challenging yet empowering topics in personal and professional life: setting boundaries. Building on her course The Elegant No, Eimear dives into how boundaries are not acts of rejection but reflections of values, connection, and self-respect. The conversation uncovers how resentment, conflict avoidance, and people-pleasing often stem from unspoken needs, and how authenticity and clarity are essential to forming meaningful relationships at home and at work.

Together, the hosts and guest examine why boundaries are often difficult to express, especially when power dynamics are at play, and how practicing “elegant no’s” allows us to show up with integrity and preserve trust. With insights rooted in empathy, values-alignment, and self-awareness, the episode invites listeners to rethink boundaries not as walls, but as bridges to deeper, healthier connections. Eimear also shares practical tips for articulating boundaries clearly and compassionately, making this a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim their energy, voice, and authenticity.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, hosts Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore explore the intersection of authenticity, community, and well-being with guest Michael Niyompong, Chief Engagement Officer at the Mental Health Center of Denver. The conversation opens with reflections on what it means to live authentically, not as a curated version of oneself but as a full expression of who we are. Michael shares his personal journey of rediscovering well-being, rooted in relationships, mentorship, and community support. His story highlights how his professional and personal paths converged through a network of trusted connections that led him to his current role—one that aligns with his core values of service and joy.

Throughout the episode, Michael expands on how the Mental Health Center of Denver prioritizes community-defined well-being. He describes innovative initiatives like the Dahlia Campus urban farm and permanent supportive housing, which go beyond clinical mental health services to address food security, housing, and access—critical social determinants of health. The conversation also explores the challenges of maintaining well-being within caregiving professions, the impact of the pandemic on connection and access, and the organization's efforts to support staff through intentional practices like catalytic coaching and modeling self-care. Ultimately, the episode offers a moving and practical blueprint for embedding authenticity, community, and compassion into leadership and organizational culture.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex welcome Mirko Maccarrone, founder of The Mastery Hub, for a deep conversation about conscious leadership and the concept of "coachsulting"—a powerful blend of coaching and consulting. Mirko shares his personal journey from a demanding corporate career to building a purpose-driven global platform focused on empowering individuals and organizations through values-based growth. Together, they explore the 4C Framework (Consultation, Conversation, Coaching, Circle Back) and discuss how integrating multiple life dimensions—leadership, communication, mindfulness, sleep, and parenting—can elevate human potential.

The episode dives into themes of authenticity, self-discovery, and the necessity of aligning personal values with professional impact. Mirko offers candid reflections on the pain of disconnection, the creative spark that comes from frustration, and how embracing vulnerability can unlock deeper fulfillment. Cristina and Alex also reflect on their own journeys as multi-passionate creators, underscoring the importance of human connection, freedom, and continuous self-inquiry. This rich conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in transforming how we live, lead, and connect—starting from within.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex chat with Matt Ley—consultant, former pastor, and author of Manager Gaps: Reclaiming the Awesomeness of Management. Matt shares lessons from his diverse career path and how it shaped his view on the critical, often overlooked role of middle management.

Matt explains that great managers do more than delegate—they multiply value, build culture, and support people through clarity, communication, consistency, and care. He goes into the importance “fulfillment ROI” and how leveraging the Six Types of Working Genius model by the Table Group shows how energy and strengths can be aligned to make work more sustainable and joyful.

With humor and sharp metaphors (including a tubing analogy you won’t forget), Matt helps reframe management as a human-centered craft. He warns against “golden rule burnout” and encourages practicing the “platinum rule”—leading people based on their needs and strengths.

Whether you’re a new manager or a senior leader rethinking your org design, this episode offers practical insight into what it really means to support others—and yourself—at work.

In this episode, Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore dive into the often overlooked art of facilitation and the real impact of effective training. Reflecting on their experiences creating and delivering leadership programs, they explore what makes training successful—and why it’s never just about memorizing content.

We unpack why every change in an organization is, at its core, a behavioral change—and how facilitation helps people not only understand but internalize those changes. From navigating the unpredictability of live sessions to the profound personal growth that comes from teaching, Cristina and Alex share insights on what it takes to turn training into transformation.

Whether you're a leader, facilitator, or team member stepping into something new, this episode will reshape how you think about change, learning, and human connection.

In this heartfelt episode of Uncover the Human, hosts Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore explore the quiet power of individual impact—how one person’s presence, choices, and energy can meaningfully shape environments, relationships, and even entire systems. They reflect on professional and personal moments when someone’s arrival or departure deeply shifted dynamics, drawing from their experiences in coaching, leadership programs, and even fostering kittens to illustrate the emotional and energetic ripple effects we leave behind.

The conversation highlights the importance of being intentional with how we show up, tuning into our internal signals, and practicing gratitude and awareness in the present moment. Cristina and Alex also discuss how sustaining our own energy and connection to purpose is vital when working for long-term change, especially in a world that often feels too large or chaotic to influence. Whether it’s sharing appreciation, paying attention to how our presence changes a room, or noticing how we feel in our bodies, the episode invites listeners to recognize that each of us matters more than we often realize—and that the impact we choose to make is entirely up to us.

How do we balance technological innovation with human authenticity? In this episode, we sit down with Chuck DeVries, a technologist with a deeply human-centered perspective, to explore the intersection of AI, leadership, and the future of work. Chuck shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to working at the forefront of AI, offering insights on how technology can enhance—not replace—our humanity.

We discuss the evolving role of AI, the importance of maintaining curiosity, and how leaders can support their teams through rapid change. Chuck also shares his thoughts on authenticity in leadership and why embracing uncertainty is key to innovation. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or simply curious about the future, this conversation offers a refreshing, optimistic take on technology and human connection.