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.

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 🦋

Volunteer with PEARLS

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.

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.

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.”

Steve Sorenson has carved a niche in cultivating a high-performance culture within Johnsonville, guiding over 3500 global team members. As the Senior Director of Learning and Culture, Steve shares his profound insights on integrating coaching culture, the influence of technology on communication, and the core strategies for team member autonomy and innovation. In this enlightening episode, Steve delves into the “Johnsonville way” of consistency, candid communication, and nurturing talent, alongside host Jason Cochran. Their discussion not only unpacks the challenges of remote work and the importance of an inclusive culture but also highlights Johnsonville’s approach to leadership and continuous member engagement.

Dave Kapic has strategically navigated through varied business landscapes, bringing his people-focused leadership to the forefront at Stella and Chewy’s. As COO, Dave delves into the intricacies of managing a dynamic team with host Jason Cochran on this episode of humanscape. He emphasizes the critical role of embracing technology for enhanced communication, transforming leadership through accountability, and fostering a culture where employees thrive on autonomy and innovation. Join Dave and Jason as they explore practical tactics for reducing operational chaos, the implications of linguistic diversity in workplace communication, and the future of workplace efficiency.