Gut + Science

Latest Episodes:

Dynamic Delegation with Steve Perkins Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Delegation isn't just about offloading tasks—it's about unlocking your team's potential! 🚀

In this episode of The Roots Up Approach, Steve and Nikki dive into Dynamic Delegation, a game-changing approach that makes delegation easier, smarter, and way more effective.

Steve shares the story of Marla, a leader on the brink of burnout, who transformed her team (and her sanity!) by learning to delegate the thinking first. 🎯 If you've ever felt like "It's faster if I do it myself" or "What if they mess it up?", this episode is for you.

Tune in for real-world delegation hacks, insightful coaching moments, and the secret to finally getting things off your plate—without losing control. 🎧🔥

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Dynamic Delegation

Take the RootsUp Quiz!

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

Listen to the RootsUp Podcast!

Learn more about Greenhouse Coaching

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

Delegation is one of the greatest tools for engagement and trust—it shows your team you believe in them.
Leaders often resist delegation due to time constraints, fear of mistakes, or thinking it's easier to do it themselves.
The most effective leaders practice Dynamic Delegation, which includes 3 levels:
1. Delegate the thinking – Let them create the plan.
2. Delegate the task – Guide them as they execute.
3. Delegate the outcome – Fully hand over ownership.
Co-creation is key—when people have ownership in the process, they perform at a higher level.

299: Being In Community With Others with Amanda Medlen Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

💡 One "yes" can change everything!

In this episode, Amanda Medlen, CEO of IDO Incorporated, shares how a last-minute decision to attend an event led her to meeting her CFO (talk about serendipity! ✨). She dives into why community, connection, and collaboration are game-changers for both leadership and mental health.

From intentional networking to building a culture where people thrive, Amanda's insights will have you rethinking how you show up—and why it matters.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

Saying yes opens doors – Opportunities often come from the moments you almost skip. Being present can lead to unexpected, game-changing connections.
Community fuels well-being – Leaders thrive when they prioritize relationships, both personally and professionally.
Collaboration strengthens teams – Open communication, regular check-ins, and shared workload create a culture where people support each other.
Balance is essential – Prioritizing both personal well-being and professional relationships leads to long-term success.

Weekly Planning Rhythms with Steve Perkins Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like your team is always busy but not actually moving the needle? You're not alone.

In this episode of The Roots Up Approach, Steve and Nikki unpack the secret to cutting through the chaos: the Weekly Planning Rhythm—a simple, game-changing system to set clear priorities, stay focused, and actually get things done.

Steve shares how this rhythm transformed his own business (and sanity), why Monday meetings are the worst, and how one leadership team went from total disorganization to seamless execution in just one week.

Ready to ditch the overwhelm and lead with intention? Tune in now and grab the Roots Up Quiz to build your custom action plan! 🚀

Additional Resources:

Take the RootsUp Quiz!

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

Listen to the RootsUp Podcast!

Learn more about Greenhouse Coaching

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

Clarity beats chaos. Most teams struggle because they don't have a clear way to define and communicate priorities.
One priority, not five. The word priority means one—choosing a single main focus each week creates real momentum.
Planning should happen before Monday. Friday is an ideal time to set priorities, so Monday is spent executing, not figuring out what to do.
The best teams have rhythms. Whether you call them rituals, routines, or ceremonies, consistent planning rhythms help teams move from reactive to intentional.

298: Awareness of Fit with Matt Poepsel Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Ever felt like something at work just wasn't clicking—but you couldn't put your finger on why? 🤔 Enter Awareness of Fit, the secret sauce behind thriving teams and seamless collaboration!

In this episode, Matt Poepsel, VP of Talent Optimization at Predictive Index, joins Nikki to break down how understanding fit—across strategy, culture, and team dynamics—can make or break success.

From surprising insights on self-awareness to why promoting your top performer might be a terrible idea, this convo is packed with eye-opening moments. Plus, Matt shares how a quick six-minute assessment can reveal game-changing insights about you and your team.

🎧 Listen in and grab the free behavioral assessment to see what makes YOU thrive!

Additional Resources:

Connect with Matt Poepsel on LinkedIn

Listen to Lead the People

Take the Free Behavioral Assessment

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

Self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership—it's a muscle that must be built continuously.
Fit isn't one-dimensional—it includes strategy fit (role alignment), culture fit (values alignment), and team fit (collaborative compatibility).
Behavioral assessments provide clarity on why teams thrive—or struggle—and help pinpoint areas of misalignment.
Promotions shouldn't be automatic—high performers in one role may not be suited for leadership, and leaders must be intentional in career pathing.
Team dynamics improve when leaders build self-awareness rituals—making self-reflection and team assessments a regular part of the culture.

Simple 1:1s with Steve Perkins Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

🗓️ Hate one-on-one meetings? You're not alone. But what if they could actually be energizing, productive, and something you look forward to?

In this kickoff episode of The Roots Up Approach, Steve Perkins from Greenhouse joins Nikki to share how simple tweaks can turn one-on-ones into a leadership superpower. No more boring status updates—learn how to build trust, spark growth, and make every meeting count.

🎧 Tune in and say goodbye to dreaded one-on-ones forever!

Additional Resources:

Leading Better 1:1s

Take the RootsUp Quiz!

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

Listen to the RootsUp Podcast!

Learn more about Greenhouse Coaching

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

One-on-ones are crucial for engagement, alignment, and problem-solving—but most people haven't learned how to do them effectively.
Consistency matters. Having a regular cadence (biweekly or monthly) prevents communication breakdowns.
One-on-ones should be a two-way conversation. Both the leader and the team member should bring topics to discuss.
Leaders must create safety for feedback. If employees don't feel safe sharing honest feedback, they'll disengage.

In the Loop: Communicating Fast and Slow with Katherine Coble and Sue Finkam Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Great leadership starts with great communication! 🚀

In this episode of In the Loop, Katherine is joined by Sue Finkam — Mayor of Carmel, IN — as she shares her best tips for casting vision, overcoming resistance to change, and handling public criticism like a pro. From storytelling to soundbites, she reveals how leaders can communicate with impact—whether in the boardroom or city hall.

Tune in for real talk, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way!

Additional Resources:

Connect with Sue on LinkedIn

Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn

Learn more about Borshoff

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

Vision Casting is Non-Negotiable – If your team doesn't know where you're going, don't be surprised when they don't follow.
Repetition = Retention – When you're tired of saying it, they're just starting to hear it.
Storytelling Wins – Facts fade, but a good story sticks. Use them to inspire and connect.
Handle Criticism with Grace – Stay grounded in your values, filter the noise, and focus on what matters.

297: Intentional Connection with Charlie Saffro Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you look beyond someone's job title? 🌟

On this episode, Nikki sits down with Charlie Saffro, CEO & Founder of CS Recruiting, to explore the magic of intentional connection. From quirky team rituals (think sticky notes and Frosty coupons!) to authentic feedback using the FBI model, Charlie shares her secrets for creating people-first workplaces where everyone feels seen and valued.

Tune in for leadership tips, heartfelt stories, and a whole lot of inspiration!

Additional Resources:

Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

Intentional Connection: Know your team members beyond their titles; focus on what truly matters to them.
Rituals Define Culture: Small acts of gratitude, like notes or recognition, ripple into cultural transformations.
Leverage Technology: Platforms for employee engagement fuel consistency and connection in one-on-ones.
Lead with Emotion: Expressing vulnerability fosters deeper trust and connection with teams.

296: The Purpose Story with Marshall Lockton Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

What's your purpose story?

On this episode, Nikki is joined by Marshall Lockton, entrepreneur and Partner of Knight Agency, takes us on a journey from his family's business at Lockton Companies to his passion for purpose-driven leadership. Marshall shares how crafting meaningful stories fuels performance, builds connection, and brings purpose to life.

🎙️Also, Marshall tees up the launch of his new podcast, The Third Layer, where he gets to share these stories with people from all over!🎉

Get ready for insights on vulnerability, navigating life's seasons, and sparking a culture that thrives. Don't miss this one—it's packed with heart, purpose, and practical tips!

Additional Resources:

Connect with Marshall on LinkedIn

Listen to The Third Layer

Learn more about Knight Agency

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

Purpose Stories Drive Performance: Personal and organizational purpose stories capture the unique essence and inspire people to do their best work.
Crucible Moments Are Transformative: Major challenges often clarify our purpose and drive future growth.
Words Matter in Purpose Statements: Crafting a precise focus statement ensures it becomes a living guide, not just wall art.
Storytelling Builds Culture: Leaders use stories to connect people to purpose, culture, and each other.

295: Mental Health CARE is a Necessity, Not a Nicety with Azizi Marshall Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Gut + Science, Nikki sits down with Azizi Marshall, a workplace mental health expert and international speaker, to tackle the bold truth: mental health care is a must-have, not a nice-to-have.

From startling stats (1 in 4 adults face mental health challenges!) to ripple effects in workplace culture, Azizi shares actionable insights on turning data into strategies, creating impactful training programs like de-escalation workshops, and building a culture of care that fosters resilience.

Tune in to learn how to lead better, care smarter, and make work a place where people truly thrive.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Azizi on LinkedIn

Check out Azizi's website!

Learn more about Center for Creative Arts Therapy

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

Mental health care is vital: Addressing mental well-being is not a luxury but a necessity for individual and organizational success.
Data informs strategy: Workplace culture assessments can identify trends, like caregiving challenges or burnout, and tailor solutions effectively.
Proactive training is critical: De-escalation workshops help employees handle conflict while maintaining emotional balance.
Resource visibility matters: Provide easy access to mental health, financial, and caregiving support with clear, regular communication.
Cultural accountability: Creating norms where employees support and correct each other fosters a healthier environment.

In the Loop: Making Core Values Mean Something with Katherine Coble Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Core values: are they driving your culture or just filling up wall space?

Katherine Coble unpacks how to make your values real—think Chick-fil-A-level real. From hiring and onboarding to tough decisions that protect your culture, Katherine dives into what it takes to walk the talk.

Ready to transform words on a wall into actions that inspire? Let's dive in!

Additional Resources:

Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn

Learn more about Borshoff

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

Core values must reflect who you already are. Aspirations belong in the vision, not in the values.
Leaders set the tone for living the values. If leaders aren't modeling them, employees won't follow.
Embed values into every aspect of the business. From recruitment to recognition, values should guide decision-making.
Tough decisions uphold credibility. Failing to address misalignment damages trust, even with high performers.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected