Gut + Science - Real Talk With Ceos On Culture, Data, And Decision-making

What if your greatest leadership move isn't climbing the ladder, but choosing to show up differently, every single day? Nikki sits down with Wesley Bender, a leadership coach who believes the most powerful leaders aren't defined by titles or personality types, but by their actions. Together, they unpack the bold idea that leadership is a choice, grounded in behavior and built through self-efficacy: the belief that your actions can shape outcomes. Wesley brings a refreshing challenge to traditional frameworks and dives into why admired leaders stand out: not just because they drive performance, but because people actually want to follow them. From personal stories to practical takeaways, this episode is a masterclass in what it means to model the way, at home, in the workplace, and everywhere in between. Tune in to rethink what leadership really looks like.

What if the most powerful tool in your leadership toolkit isn't strategy or structure, but love? Nikki sits down with Mark Mears, bestselling author, speaker, and former C-suite executive. to explore his revolutionary new framework: LOVE (Listen, Observe, Value, Empower). After a career shake-up that sparked deep personal insight, Mark redefined what it means to lead and thrive at work. From high-stakes boardrooms to heartfelt human moments, Mark shares how love in its most actionable form can transform culture, inspire growth, and re-engage teams in a world desperate for purpose-driven leadership. This isn't fluff, it's the fuel that moves people and results alike. ❤️ Tune in and discover how to build not just a culture, but a true community.   Additional Resources: Get Mark's Book! "LOVE@WORK" Take the LOVE@WORK Assessment Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

What if the only thing standing between you and your big dream was… just starting? Nikki and David tackle the excuses, fears, and perfection traps that keep us stuck on the sidelines. From the myth of "not being ready yet" to the fear of failing in front of others, they share real stories and reframes that prove you're good enough to start right now. You'll hear why momentum builds confidence, how failure is really just feedback, and why declaring your goals out loud creates unstoppable energy. Whether it's launching a podcast, building a business, or finally chasing that thing you've been putting off, this conversation is your nudge to stop waiting and start doing.

What if chasing profit is actually killing your team's potential?

Ever feel like you're doing everything right, but still stuck? It's not your strategy…it's your subconscious. Nikki chats with transformational speaker and coach Roya Mattis, creator of the Trifecta Method. Roya dives deep into the invisible forces that hold high performers back, those hidden subconscious blocks formed before we even turned seven.

What's the real reason some leaders instantly command a room while others struggle to connect? Katherine unpacks the secret sauce behind authentic leadership: executive presence. But don't mistake it for just charisma or a polished look. This is about substance over style, connection over performance, and leading with confidence, clarity, and calm. She explores why presence, not just words, shapes how people trust, respect, and follow you. You'll learn how to shift from filler words to powerful pauses, how to read a room and adapt with empathy, and why showing up with grounded confidence builds psychological safety for your team. Whether you're leading a team meeting or navigating high-stakes moments, this episode offers practical, people-first strategies to grow your presence, without losing your authenticity.

What if your next-level leadership has nothing to do with spreadsheets, strategy, or AI, and everything to do with your emotions? Emotional intelligence coach and EQ-i 2.0 Master Jamelle Lindo joins Nikki to reveal why emotional empowerment is the real superpower for leaders navigating today's fast-paced, tech-heavy world. Jamelle unpacks how to turn emotions from a liability into a leadership asset that fuels clarity, courage, and connection. From real-life transformation stories to practical frameworks, you'll learn how to pivot from emotional avoidance to engagement and build emotional skills that actually move the needle.   Additional Resources: Connect with Jamelle on LinkedIn Start leading with Emotional Empowerment today! Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Emotions are data, not distractions. Self-awareness is foundational for emotional growth. Emotional empowerment

What if the secret to high-performing teams isn't more strategy, but more alignment?

What do pets, perks, and productivity have in common? Nikki teams up once again with Michelle Yates of PetPartners, bringing in the dynamic Mark Rosenthal to shake up how we think about employee benefits. They dive into why "nice-to-have" benefits are now need-to-have, and how understanding your people (and their furry family members

What if working less could actually make your business more successful?

Ever been stuck in a “meh” moment, unsure if it’s a yes or a no?

Great leadership isn’t just bold moves and big speeches. The real magic is in the quiet habits, clear communication, and meaningful connections the best leaders learn to make. Those were the themes of this year’s Global Leadership Summit, a two-day event packed with world-renowned leadership experts. Katherine Coble is joined (finally) by her husband and business coach, Greg Coble, to recap their favorite moments from this year’s Summit. From Craig Groeschel’s call for consistency over charisma, to Nick Saban’s surprising take on psychological safety, to Juliet Funt’s bold message about reducing the noise, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and fresh energy for people-first leaders. Hit play for a fun, fast-paced breakdown you won’t want to miss!   Additional Resources: Get the GLS Resource Guide! Follow Concentric Leadership Group on LinkedIn Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key T

Forget the one-mentor model! What if you had a team of people championing your growth? Melanie Stuber shares how designing your personal board of directors can be a game-changer for your career and personal growth. After 25+ years in corporate leadership, Melanie stepped into entrepreneurship, and quickly realized the power of intentionally surrounding herself with people who challenge, support, and champion her. From knowing your values to identifying the roles every growth-minded person needs (mentor, coach, sponsor, expert, and more), she breaks down how to build and sustain this dynamic circle. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just getting started, you’ll walk away with real tools to build a board that grows with you, and never feel like you’re doing it alone again.

Employee engagement metrics have barely moved in over a decade, but what if we're measuring the wrong things? Nikki sits down with Joshua Freedman, CEO of Six Seconds and author of the soon-to-drop “Emotion Rules”. Together, they go deep on why engagement isn’t about snacks in the breakroom or slick surveys. It’s emotional, and it’s human. They unpack why “leave emotions at the door” might be the worst business advice ever, what true caring leadership looks like, and how love, trust, and boundaries create high-performing cultures where people actually want to show up. If you’re ready to trade performative leadership for authentic connection, this episode is your roadmap.

Why is finding great talent harder than ever… even with AI at our fingertips? Nikki sits down with Gerald Gordon, Co-Founder & CTO of Reference Me, to unpack how technology is reshaping hiring in ways that often make things messier, not easier. From flawless AI-generated resumes to overwhelming applicant pools, Gerald reveals why human discernment and cultural fit matter more than any algorithm. He also introduces a game-changing idea: professional certified references, a way to bring trust, truth, and confidence back into hiring decisions. Get ready for a candid conversation that will make you rethink how you evaluate candidates, balance AI with human judgment, and build teams that truly multiply culture.

What if your AI tools were more like teammates than tech? AI isn’t coming for your job, it’s coming to take the busywork off your plate. Jason and Nikki crack open how the PeopleForward Network team is weaving AI into their daily workflows without ditching what makes them... them. F rom using ChatGPT for parenting convos to building sales proposals, onboarding guides, and culture content, they’re showing how AI can augment your team, not replace it. Expect lightbulb moments and a roadmap for using AI to go further faster while keeping your values and people at the center

What if more play is the key to better work? This episode flips the script on what it means to be "professional." Nikki sits down with Mike Montague, author of Playful Humans, to explore why play isn’t just for kids or weekends. In fact, it might be your team's biggest untapped superpower. From challenging hustle culture to reimagining how we measure productivity, Mike brings humor, heart, and a whole lot of wisdom. They unpack the three types of work, dive into the magical "Five P’s" that fuel thriving workplaces, and get real about why forced fun just doesn’t cut it. If you're ready to ditch the burnout and build work cultures where people actually want to show up, hit play.

Ever feel like no one’s really listening to you as a leader? Like your message isn’t landing, even though your intentions are solid? That’s not just frustrating. It’s a credibility problem. Katherine sits down with communications powerhouse Jenni Field, author of “Nobody Believes You: Become a Leader People Will Follow.” Together, they dive into why great leadership isn’t just about charisma or good intentions, it's about credibility, and yes, that can be learned. With 20+ years in global comms roles and now leading her consultancy, Redefining Communications, Jenni breaks down her signature 8 practices of leadership credibility. From integrity to visionary thinking, she shares real-world stories, laugh-out-loud insights, and tips leaders can implement tomorrow. If you’ve ever wondered why your team isn’t “getting it,” or felt like you’re doing all the right things but still not moving the needle, this episode’s for you.

What if HR stopped being the department of “no” and became the heartbeat of transformation in your business? Nikki is joined by Raina Fryer of Titus Talent Strategies to flip the script on what HR should be. Broadcasting live from the PeopleForward Network studio at CultureCon® 2025, this episode dives into how people leaders can ditch outdated playbooks and embrace a bold, modern approach to leading humans. Raina challenges us to rethink everything, from the language we use to how we train, hire, and retain our teams. She brings fresh insights on cross-functional leadership, performance-based hiring, and how to actually treat HR as a strategic partner, not just a rule enforcer. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to building people-first cultures.   Additional Resources: Connect with Raina Learn more about Titus Talent Strategies Reach out to Titus Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForwa

What happens when a former high school math teacher turned builder decides to stop flying by the seat of his pants, and actually runs his business on a real system? Nikki chats with Loren Wood of Loren Wood Builders, who shares the raw, before-and-after story of implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)