humanscape
In a world that is constantly changing, it’s essential for business leaders to understand how to bring work to life in their organizations, and life to work for their people. The humanscape podcast from humanworks8 shares the innovative and emerging practices that are driving the evolution of people and work. With an abundance of experiential wisdom and an infusion of innovative thinking, business leaders gain a deeper understanding of what their people truly need and how to design people practices that meet those needs now. Join us as we bring together actionable strategies and tangible methods to elevate your people practices and organizational culture. Don’t just adapt – take the lead towards a brighter, more fulfilling future for your team and your business.
Serving Culture by the Slice with Wendy Bushell
Ever wonder how a company makes 3 million pizzas a week and stays a Great Place to Work? In this episode, Shawn and Sarah chat with Wendy Bushell, Chief People Officer at Palermo’s, about the secret sauce behind their people-first culture. From visual training for a workforce speaking 8 languages to personalized learning paths and daily free pizza, Wendy shares how passion, innovation and purpose fuel Palermo’s. Get ready for a flavorful convo on leadership, culture and making work feel like family.
Making Mental Health Everyone’s Business with Julie Preder
What if we treated mental health like a broken arm—something real, urgent, and worth taking care of? In this episode, Shawn chats with Julie Preder from Mental Health America Lakeshore about why mental health is health. They dive into why real conversations matter more than surveys, how workplaces can be way better at supporting people (spoiler: it starts with listening), and why connection is the real secret sauce for thriving teams. Tune in for a fresh take on culture, compassion and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued.
Episode 10: Building Culture Through Connection with Lynell Meeth
Tap shoes, chocolate, and servant leadership? In this episode, Lynell Meeth from Bank Five Nine joins Shawn and AJ for a vibrant convo about how real culture is built—in the little moments, the shared values, and yes, even in joyful things like tap dancing. Lynell shares how her team brings values like passion and humility to life, creates flexible learning paths that actually stick, and keeps connection strong across branches.
It’s a refreshingly human take on leadership, learning, and belonging you won’t want to miss. For leaders focused on culture and people: Take the time to reflect on how you enhance your company culture. Get out of your office and interact with employees to see how they are doing. Don’t have an agenda, just listen. SMILE! And find something to laugh about.
Episode 9: Living Your Values to Shape the Future with Tiffany Tardy
How do you build an organization where values aren’t just words on a wall but a lived experience? Shawn and Sarah are joined by Tiffany Tardy, President and CEO of PEARLS for Teen Girls, as she shares how PEARLS’ values create a culture of empowerment and impact.
Tiffany reflects on the power of personal responsibility, how grace fuels empathy, and why redefining professionalism is crucial for today’s workforce. She also dives into the intergenerational leadership model at PEARLS, the importance of collaboration, and how organizations can create spaces where people show up as their authentic selves. Plus, hear about her journey as a first-time pet parent and her passion for travel that fuels her leadership perspective.
Additional Resources:
Learn more about PEARLS and the Inspired to Lead Gala 🦋
Episode 8: Reclaiming Work, Energy, and Well-Being with Jenny Shufelt
Too often, work feels like a never-ending sprint—but what if you could sustain your energy and success? In this episode, Shawn and Sarah are joined by Jenny Shufelt, Director of Well-Being Programming at Hoffmaster, as she shares how tiny but mighty shifts (like resiliency calls and intentional breaks) can transform workplace culture.
Tune in for fresh insights on the secret to staying engaged without burnout, why psychological safety starts with role clarity and how to reclaim work as a source of purpose and fulfillment
Listen and grab Jenny’s workbook, Reclaim Your Radiance – your guide to staying productive, motivated, and fulfilled!
Episode 7: Navigating Growth and Staying Real with Tom Parks
In this episode, Shawn and AJ chat with Tom Parks, Director of Retirement Plan Services at Annex Wealth Management, to talk about scaling a people-first culture, leading with courage, and why care is never corny. With laughs, insights, and a focus on real leadership, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating growth or looking to inspire their team!
PLUS, Annex offers a diverse selection of educational resources to empower workers of all socioeconomic levels. Here are some samples.
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Episode 6: Wellness Meets Tech with Sarah Troup
Dive into a conversation that blends wellness and technology, revealing how innovative tech can supercharge employee engagement and well-being. Sarah Troup, Director of Engagement Strategy at Motion Connected, shares inspiring stories and practical tips for creating healthier, more empowered workplaces. Tune in for discussion on collaborative ROI, leadership engagement and culture goals.
Episode 5: Innovating Local Government with Caitlin Stene
From administrative services to driving cultural change, Caitlin Stene has crafted a career dedicated to the advancement of local governments. In this episode, Caitlin explains why the City of Sun Prairie is a progressive and economically diverse community where risk-taking and growth are encouraged. She unpacks the city’s transition from traditional management styles to a dynamic coaching culture tied to core values, such as “Show up and Step up” and “Collaborative Heart.” Tune in to learn how Sun Prairie is setting the standard for local government leadership through a values-driven approach.
Episode 4: Change, Growth, and Love-Driven Leadership with Polina Makievsky
Guest Polina Makievsky, President and CEO of Penfield Children’s Center, actively operationalized and created a nurturing environment for employees to thrive. In this episode, Polina shares insightful perspectives on balancing motherhood with a demanding career, the significance of leading with love, and the power of re-teaching organizational values. Polina’s emphasis on growth, impact, and operationalizing values provides a blueprint for creating a thriving workplace.
Episode 3: Nurturing Culture in Construction with Dave Walsh and Jen Bauer
From origami to ballroom dance, Jen Bauer and Dave Walsh from Miron Construction highlight the significance of caring for people, building a resilient workplace culture, and using AI and new technologies to drive growth. In this episode, hosts Shawn Gulyas and Jason Cochran delve into how Miron Construction’s dynamic duo shapes the company’s culture and fosters employee well-being. Jen, an origami-loving introvert, and Dave, a ballroom-dancing former police officer, reveal the importance of integrating core values, promoting diversity, and embracing new technologies. They also touch on recognizing employee contributions, mentoring young project managers, and introducing diversity initiatives such as the allyship program “Build Like a Girl.”