Combating Loneliness and Strengthening Workplace Culture Through Authentic Connection

In this “Culture Crush” episode, host Kindra Maples talks with Charley Lapomarda, Founder of Sparkleworks, and Hansen Hunt, Connection Designer of Connection Crew by Covve. The discussion revolves around how meaningful interactions and community building can enhance company culture, especially amid challenges like the loneliness epidemic.

Charley and Hansen share personal stories about their journeys toward fostering connection, underscoring the necessity of empathy and support in the workplace. They explore practical tools and innovative approaches, such as those from Cove, that facilitate seamless networking and relationship-building at events.

As the conversation progresses, the trio delves into how vulnerability can deepen workplace relationships, stressing that genuine connections should not feel transactional. All three agree that cultivating authentic connections can lead to greater workplace resilience and productivity.

This episode also has a special guest in the studio – wolf dog Odin- that makes multiple appearances on the camera and through the audio. We hope you enjoy his guest appearance through the deep conversations of connection.

Sparkleworks is a company dedicated to transforming organizational culture through the power of creativity and authentic self-expression. Sparkleworks hosts Sparkshops—dynamic workshop experiences designed to invigorate remote and in-person teams alike. Through these interactive sessions, they help teams uncover new approaches to problem-solving, using emotions as guiding signals to identify root challenges. Sparkleworks’ approach encourages a flow state of curiosity and collaboration, resulting in sustainable, actionable solutions for organizations seeking a boost in morale, cohesion, and productivity.

The Sparkle Methodology is at the heart of Sparkleworks—a framework that celebrates human connection and the creative energy that emerges when individuals feel seen and heard. Each Sparkshop combines storytelling, hands-on activities, and playfulness, fostering an environment where participants can engage their whole selves and tackle work challenges from a fresh perspective.

Sparkleworks aims to bring a sense of awe and wonder to workplace culture, leaving teams energized and empowered. Their approach supports organizational goals and enriches the lives of the individuals they serve, helping companies build cultures that embrace innovation, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose.

Charley “Sparkle” Lapomardo (they/them) is a dynamic Experience Facilitator and the visionary Founder of Sparkleworks. With a mission to help humanity realize its potential, Charley co-creates transformative workshops, events, and spaces that inspire connection and authentic self-expression. Drawing from over five years of experience as a Community Culture Manager and User Researcher at Wayfair, Charley designs employee experiences that balance creativity with strategic insight, all while fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels safe to “sparkle.”

Holding a BBA in Marketing, Theater, and Media Literacy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Charley brings a unique blend of artistry and empathy to their work, seamlessly integrating curiosity and play into each session. Based in sunny San Diego, CA, they are committed to building spaces of empowerment, connection, and joy that uplift individuals and organizations alike.

Through Sparkleworks, Charley reimagines workplace culture, creating experiences that invite participants to embrace awe, curiosity, and collaboration. Their work encourages teams to see challenges from new perspectives, transforming the every day into spaces of possibility and collective growth.

Connect with Charley on LinkedIn and follow Sparkleworks on LinkedIn.

The Connection Crew by Covve is the Olympic training team for connection professionals. A community of people passionate about connection and inspired to take action to flatten the loneliness epidemic curve. Leveraging our diverse skill sets, we come together to learn from and amplify each other’s impact on the world. We grow together and are stronger by sharing wisdom and having a team to go through this journey.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Hellen Keller

Hansen Hunt is the Head of Community at Covve and Founder of Certified Mastery. He is a community strategist and connection designer from San Diego on a mission to co-create a deeply connected and loving world by bringing people together. After hitting rock bottom, he made the courageous decision to transform his life into a thriving marathoner, community builder, and mental health advocate. He loves family, his B-Side Racing Team, his partner Sara, and dogs Obi-Wan and Norman, tacos, meaningful connections, and supporting men to do their inner work as a member and facilitator of The Jungle (A ManKind Project circle).

Hansen is currently leading the Connection Crew by Covve, a group of connection professionals on a mission to flatten the loneliness epidemic curve.

Connect with Hansen on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and follow Covve on LinkedIn, Instagram.

About Culture Crush

At Culture Crush, culture isn’t just a corporate buzzword. It’s a key factor that can either boost your company or lead to its failure.

We’re culture consultants, with a focus on leadership, appreciation, communication, processes, accessibility, mental health, diversity, inclusion, and creating a dynamic workplace.

As a growing company:

Culture Crush Business is your hub for company culture resources. With deep cultural insights and years of expertise, we evaluate your company’s needs and connect you with the precise resources to cultivate a thriving culture.

We work with CEOs, founders, HR Directors, or Culture Leaders of companies or teams, who value company culture and understand its impact on their business success. With Culture Crush you’ll learn how to transform your workplace into a place of unity, efficiency, and growth. Don’t just fix your company culture – transform it with Culture Crush Business.

On this podcast:  We focus on everything surrounding businesses with good company culture. We will talk with company leaders to learn about real-life experiences, tips, and best practices for creating a healthy work environment where employees find joy and satisfaction in their work while also striving and growing within the company. We share the resources to help improve company culture and showcase them on the podcast with their tips and tricks for growing culture.

About the Host

Kindra Maples is a spartan racer, past animal trainer, previous magician’s assistant, and has a weakness for Oreo cookie shakes. Her journey working with people actually started working with animals as a teenager (don’t worry we won’t go that far back for her bio).

She worked for over 15 years in the zoo industry working with animals and the public. Her passion for working with animals shifted into working with people in education, operations and leadership roles. From there her passion of leadership and helping people develop has continued to grow.

Then came the opportunity to lead the Culture Crush Business Podcast and she jumped on it. Leadership, growth, and strong company cultures are all areas that Kindra is interested in diving into further.

Thank you for our Sponsor!

This episode is sponsored by Gateway Bank, a community bank in Arizona that specializes in serving small businesses across the Valley and the country.

When you work with Gateway, you don’t have to call an 800 number for support, or submit your loan application and wait weeks or months for an answer. You get fast, personal service from a team who knows you and cares about you.

When Gateway was founded in 2007, the team had a vision of building a hometown bank that prioritizes people over profits. Over 15 years later, they’re proud to still be one of the highest-performing AND highest-rated community banks around.

Whether you need a loan or banking services for your business, Gateway is here to help. Visit gcbaz.com/culturecrush for details and a free consultation with bank President James Christensen.

All loans are subject to approval. Member FDIC.