Embracing Vulnerability: Navigating Personal Journeys and Workplace Culture E39
This episode of the Culture Crush Business podcast is a real one- are you ready for it? This conversation includes insightful moments on personal journeys, mental health, and workplace culture. Host Kindra Maples and guest co-host Karen Nowicki dive in with guests Mathew Blades and Eric Brooker, to discuss the power of vulnerability in fostering connections and supporting employees through challenges.
They highlight the importance of initiating difficult conversations, building relationship capital, and creating empathetic workplace cultures. Hear impactful stories, like Eric Brooker’s, illustrating the significance of addressing personal struggles promptly, and gaining insights into navigating high-stakes jobs while prioritizing self-care.
Join the conversation to learn how to foster resilience and empathy in your workplace today.
Here are a few takeaways to help our listeners to connect and take action:
– Embracing vulnerability can lead to meaningful connections and support in the workplace.
– Initiating difficult conversations and supporting employees through personal challenges fosters empathy and understanding.
– Employers should prioritize addressing personal struggles promptly and providing necessary support.
– Navigating high-stakes jobs requires prioritizing self-care and understanding the long-term effects of grief and trauma.
– Being present in relationships and fostering resilience in communities is vital, emphasizing the value of communication and empathy in overcoming challenges. 
Learn From People Who Lived It is a weekly broadcast that touches people around the world by sharing unimaginable stories. To help face our fears. Own our missteps.
Discover new ways of thinking and being to help forgive, accept, and alleviate stress. Tune in and lean in to experience personal growth. Gain greater understanding and compassion to help you live better.
For 27 years, Mathew Blades entertained audiences in the broadcast industry. As an award-winning radio host, he cares deeply about people and nurturing the success of those around him.
In December of 2021 he decided to leave his successful radio show which caught the attention of Howard Stern. Saying, “Maybe I should take a play from his playbook.”
Through Mathew Blades emotional training, ideation and personal experience, the Learn From People Who Lived It podcast and speaking series were born. This global digital outreach engages audiences on a real, grounded, and inspirational level. Mathew encourages audiences everywhere to find a self care strategy and lean into being a Transitional character.
These days you will find him as the host of the podcasts Learn From People Who Lived it and I NEEDED THAT, with Chris Powell. He is also the founder of Title 1 Tech which serves Title 1 schools. He’s also a 17 year youth hockey coach and created “The Mental Game” a workshop for youth athletes with friend and USA Olympian Lyndsey Fry.
His talks have been well received at Banner Health, Kyrene School District, Willmeng Construction, Panera Bread, The Social Television Network, Keller Williams and the Durango Juvenile Detention Facility.
Connect with Mathew on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Eric Brooker LLC is the parent company of www.ericbrooker.com, Counsel Culture, and the book “You Are Enough: Overcoming Lifelong Doubts of Worthiness.” The company is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations become the best versions of themselves.
The “Counsel Culture” podcast focuses on culture and leadership, featuring guests such as the CEO of Chipotle, the founder of Reebok, and renowned keynote speakers from around the world. The show’s goal is to learn from and share the leadership and cultural lessons and best practices of global leaders, aiming to transform leadership worldwide.
Eric’s book, “You Are Enough: Overcoming Lifelong Doubts of Worthiness,” is a narrative of discovery and healing. Sharing his personal story of a broken marriage and an estranged relationship with his daughter, Abby, Eric also brings forward the experiences of others, including New York Times bestselling authors Waldo Waldman and John O’Leary, and former Starbucks President Jim Alling, to inspire and guide readers on their own journeys to self-acceptance.
Eric Brooker, a dynamic author, keynote speaker and business leader from Minnesota, has made a significant impact in multiple spheres. A devoted husband and proud father of eight, his personal life serves as the foundation of his inspirational journey.
Brooker recently achieved a major milestone with his first book, You Are Enough: Overcoming Lifelong Doubts of Worthiness. Drawing from his own experiences, he shares insights on conquering self-doubt, empowering readers to embrace their inherent worth.
In his successful career in the technology industry Brooker has held prominent leadership roles, leaving a lasting impact on organizations and teams that he has served. Today, as the host of the acclaimed podcast Counsel Culture, he explores culture and leadership, guiding listeners towards personal and professional development.
Through his book, podcast, and charismatic personality, Brooker continues to inspire and empower others, leaving and indelible mark on those fortunate enough to engage with his work.
Connect with Eric on LinkedIn and follow the Counsel Culture podcast on Facebook and 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 are finding 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 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 of 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 for leading 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 subject to approval. Member FDIC.
