Culture Archives - Business RadioX ®

Thor Legvold on Nordic Leadership, Purpose, and Pricing

August 6, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Thor Legvold on Nordic Leadership, Purpose, and Pricing

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Thor Legvold on Nordic Leadership, Purpose, and Pricing (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 141)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, Thor Legvold joins host John Ray to talk about how the way we lead ourselves, our clients, and our firms shapes how others understand our value. Drawing from the Nordic leadership model, Thor explains how values like trust, purpose, and shared responsibility are not soft concepts. They’re strategic levers that affect how we build businesses, lead people, and price our services.

The conversation underscores the close connection between pricing and values. When your firm is clear on its purpose and leads with integrity, pricing becomes less about what the market will bear and more about what your work is worth.

Topics covered include:

The core ideas behind Nordic leadership
Why purpose and values must inform business decisions
How solo and small-firm professionals can reset when they’ve burned out or hit a wall
Why empowerment matters, both internally and in client work
How to price with purpose, not apology

This episode is particularly aimed at professionals who struggle to balance their values with the need to charge appropriately for their work. It’s not a tradeoff; on the contrary, it’s a path forward.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of the Business RadioX® podcast network.

Key Takeaways You Can Use from This Episode

Nordic leadership works. Values like empowerment and purpose drive real business results.
Purpose guides everything. It shapes decisions, culture, and how others perceive your value.
Feeling lost? Return to your values. Burnout or transition is a cue to recenter on what truly matters.
Empowerment means ownership. Don’t just assign tasks; delegate real responsibility.
Co-create with clients. Better outcomes come from collaboration, not prescriptions.
Purpose supports premium pricing. Clients pay more when they believe in your “why.”
Culture is your leadership in action. Your behavior sets the tone more than your policies.
Your legacy extends beyond visibility. Trust that your impact reaches further than you can see.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to The Price and Value Journey
00:09 Exploring Leadership and Value Perception
00:25 Guest Introduction: Tor Legvold
00:32 Understanding Nordic Leadership
03:08 Nordic Leadership Principles
07:33 Applying Nordic Leadership in the US
10:48 Purpose and Values in Professional Services
14:50 Recalculating: Navigating Career Transitions
19:41 Balancing Purpose and Practicality
23:07 Purpose-Driven Organizations and Integrity
29:36 The Power of Integrity in Business
30:29 Empowerment and Delegation in Nordic Leadership
34:53 Collaborative Client Relationships
37:14 Building Strong Company Culture
44:11 Values and Purpose-Driven Business
52:01 Balancing Premium Pricing with Purpose
55:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

Thor Legvold, Legvold Consulting

Thor Legvold empowers organizations to navigate leadership challenges, cross-cultural collaboration, and post-merger integration through proven Nordic leadership principles. With global expertise in organizational psychology, Thor ensures leadership alignment, cultural synergy, and long-term growth. Whether serving as an executive coach or leading full-scale integrations, he helps clients build resilient teams and drive effective outcomes in dynamic environments.

Legvold leads with integrity, collaboration, sustainability, and a global mindset. Thor’s work is grounded in trust, honesty, and respect for human dignity, empowering people and teams to achieve lasting impact. By embracing a systems-oriented approach, he designs solutions that honor interconnected ecosystems and prioritize balance and inclusivity. With a passion for cross-cultural engagement, Thor helps leaders and organizations innovate and thrive in a connected world.

In over twenty years of consulting for businesses and organizations, he’s had the opportunity to work across a wide range of industries, including tech, finance, entertainment, industrial/manufacturing, and retail, as well as the public sector. Thor has extensive experience successfully working with entrepreneurs and startups, family businesses, AI organizations and companies ranging from midsize to Fortune 500. Wherever people are involved, Thor has a proven track record of delivering value.

Website | LinkedIn

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Author of The Generosity Mindset and Host of The Price and Value Journey — John Ray, Author of *The Generosity Mindset* and Host of *The Price and Value Journey*

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John owns Ray Business Advisors, a business advisory practice. John’s services include business coaching and advisory work, as well as advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their pricing. John is passionate about the power of pricing for business owners, as changing pricing is the fastest way to change the profitability of a business. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, consultants, coaches, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

In his other business, John is a podcast show host, strategist, and the owner of North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their podcast using The Generosity Mindset® Method: building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John is also the host of North Fulton Business Radio. With over 880 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in its region like no one else.

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 national best-selling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

If you are a professional services provider, your goal is to do transformative work for clients you love working with and get paid commensurate with the value you deliver to them. While negative mindsets can inhibit your growth, adopting a different mindset, The Generosity Mindset®, can replace those self-limiting beliefs. The Generosity Mindset enables you to diagnose and communicate the value you deliver to clients and, in turn, more effectively price to receive a portion of that value.

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, marketing or branding professional, business advisor, attorney, CPA, or work in virtually any other professional services discipline, your content and technical expertise are not proprietary. What’s unique, though, is your experience and how you synthesize and deliver your knowledge. What’s special is your demeanor or the way you deal with your best-fit clients. What’s invaluable is how you deliver outstanding value by guiding people through massive changes in their personal lives and in their businesses that bring them to a place they never thought possible.

Your combination of these elements is unique in your industry. There lies your value, but it’s not the value you see. It’s the value your best-fit customers see in you.

If pricing your value feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you, this book will teach you why putting a price on the value your clients perceive and identify serves both them and you, and you’ll learn the factors involved in getting your price right.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

The Role of Human Capital in Successful Business Exits, with Steve Keck and Maria Forbes

June 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

The Role of Human Capital in Successful Business Exits, with Steve Keck and Maria Forbes

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The Role of Human Capital in Successful Business Exits, with Steve Keck and Maria Forbes (The Exit Exchange, Episode 24)

In this episode of The Exit Exchange, host John Ray sits down with experts Steve Keck, President of Span the Chasm, and Maria Forbes, President and Founder of FIREPOWER Teams, to discuss the significance of human capital in planning for business exits. Steve and Maria, both members of XPX Atlanta, delve into how understanding and optimizing human capital can impact the exit process. They offer insights into how cultural data and human performance science are vital in preparing a business for sale, highlighting the importance of addressing owner dependency and role clarity within organizations. The discussion emphasizes the collaboration of financial and human capital assessments to enhance business value and address potential buyer needs, ultimately improving both financial outcomes and overall satisfaction with the exit process.

The host of The Exit Exchange is John Ray, and the show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®. John Ray is a Gold Sponsor of XPX Atlanta.

Maria Forbes, FIREPOWER Teams

Maria Forbes is the Founder and President of FIREPOWER Teams. Maria’s thirty-year consulting career serves privately held business owners in financial services and related fields across the U.S. Our mission is to integrate financial capital with human capital in planning for organizational growth and continuity. Maria’s work frames the long-term trajectory of business growth and succession through people-powered structures that enable an ongoing positive impact of talent through all business life cycles.

Maria and her teams provide expertise in expanding internal capacity through creative alignment of human values, making it possible for owners and key decision-makers to lead both their people and their businesses confidently toward the future. As a committed strategic partner to her clients, Maria makes visible the arrangement of human strengths as part of an innovative business strategy. This work optimizes organizational performance and builds transferable value as owners look toward a role transition and business succession.

Maria conducts a summer mentor program for college graduates and seasoned professionals who are navigating career transitions. The mentor process develops personal advantage in the career marketplace and fosters confidence in communicating the best roles for a successful new career.

Maria is a Kolbe Certified Consultant, Faculty member of The Life Transitions University™, mentor, and member of the Catholic Charities Atlanta Georgia Leadership Program.

Steve Keck, Span the Chasm

Steve Keck is the President of Span the Chasm, a company that uses a cultural data science methodology to integrate people data and data science for executive talent management, team alignment, and sales execution strategy development. Since December 2018, he has led efforts in team assessments, talent management, sales training, and executive coaching for high-growth companies. In addition to his role at Span the Chasm, Steve serves as Chief Revenue Officer at BoltCare, where he manages go-to-market strategy and sales initiatives.

He has also held leadership roles such as Chief Growth Officer at zPaper and Chief Navigation Officer at SRCC, focusing on aligning departments for growth and helping business owners implement ideas effectively. Earlier in his career, Steve was a Senior Training Architect at Payscape, designing sales training programs and managing learning systems. He has extensive experience in banking, having managed branches and business development at institutions like PNC, SunTrust Bank, and Atlantic States Bank.

A Georgia Tech graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Finance, Steve is certified in BestWork Data Assessment and Salesforce, among other credentials. He combines expertise in sales strategy, talent optimization, and executive coaching to drive sustainable business growth and improve sales team performance.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Show Overview
02:00 Meet the Guests: Steve Keck and Maria Forbes
02:17 Understanding Human Capital in Exit Planning
04:35 Identifying Company Shortfalls and Owner Dependency
10:42 The Role of Data in Team Dynamics
18:10 Engagement Process and Strategic Goals
22:43 The Importance of Human Capital in Business Succession
23:58 Defining Culture, Management, and Environment
26:27 The Real Meaning of Alignment and Optimization
28:28 ROI and the Impact on Business Exits
33:30 The Role of Human Capital in Due Diligence
39:45 The Emotional Transition from Business Owner to CEO
41:48 The Value of Collaboration in XPX Atlanta
43:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta (XPX) is a diverse group of professionals with a common goal: working collaboratively to assist business owners with a sale or business transition. XPX Atlanta is an association of advisors who provide professionalism, principles, and education to the heart of the middle market.

Their members work with business owners through all stages of the private company life cycle: business value growth, business value transfer, and owner life and legacy. Their vision: to fundamentally change the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States. XPX Atlanta delivers a collaboration-based networking exchange with broad representation of exit planning competencies. Learn more about XPX Atlanta and why you should consider joining our community by following this link.

The host of The Exit Exchange is John Ray, and the show is produced by North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®, in Alpharetta. The show archive can be found by following this link.

John Ray is a Gold Sponsor of XPX Atlanta.

Championing Synergetic Culture® with Adam Bieber

March 19, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Championing Synergetic Culture® with Adam Bieber

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Championing Synergetic Culture® with Adam Bieber (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 855)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Adam Bieber, Director of Business Development at Logic Speak and Founder of The Synergetic Culture® Company. Adam shares insights on his dual roles in managed IT and cybersecurity, and his consulting firm focused on building effective sales processes and improving company cultures. He discusses the importance of building trust between founders and their sales teams, strategies for young professionals to maximize their influence and impact, and how he uses his podcast as a business development tool. Tune in to learn how businesses can move past growth plateaus and foster a positive and effective organizational culture.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Adam Bieber, The Synergetic Culture® Company

Adam Bieber is the founder & CEO of The Synergetic Culture® Company, a fractional sales leadership consulting firm. Their mission is to empower organizations to WIN.

Adam is the host of the Synergetic Culture® podcast that exists to help young professionals maximize their influence and impact! Adam also serves as the Director of Business Development at Logic Speak, a managed IT and cybersecurity company.

Most importantly, Adam is the husband to an amazing wife, Katie. And Dad to the most brilliant 6-year-old, Benji.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:33 Guest Introduction: Adam Bieber
00:42 Sponsor Message: Renaissance Bank
01:32 Adam Bieber’s Background and Roles
03:16 Joining Logic Speak: A Perfect Fit
05:23 Community Involvement and Networking
08:18 The Synergetic Culture Company: Origin and Mission
10:28 Podcasting as a Business Development Tool
14:32 Sales Process and Founder-Led Sales
21:42 Young Professionals: Influence and Impact
27:25 Identifying Business Needs and Success Stories
32:35 Conclusion and Contact Information
33:51 Host’s Closing Remarks

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 850 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, host of *North Fulton Business Radio*, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Enhancing Talent Acquisition, with Brooke Wheeler, Restoration Talent Solutions

February 25, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Enhancing Talent Acquisition, with Brooke Wheeler, Restoration Talent Solutions

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Enhancing Talent Acquisition, with Brooke Wheeler, Restoration Talent Solutions (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 846)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Brooke Wheeler, founder of Restoration Talent Solutions. Brooke discusses her journey from corporate talent acquisition to starting her own fractional recruitment company, emphasizing the importance of authentic culture, effective use of recruitment tools, and networking for both employers and job seekers. She shares insights on the benefits of fractional talent acquisition for small and medium-sized businesses, strategies for improving recruitment processes, and tips for job seekers navigating a challenging job market. Additionally, Brooke highlights her company’s success in helping businesses build internal recruiting functions and improve hiring efficiency.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Brooke Wheeler, Talent Restoration Solutions

With over 25 years in corporate recruiting, Brooke has had the privilege of recruiting and advising across diverse industries like fintech, data analytics, and engineering. Her passion lies in crafting and refining talent acquisition strategies that not only attract top talent but also cultivate a positive organizational culture. She’s successfully placed thousands of high-caliber candidates in roles that fuel innovation and drive business success.

Now she’s built her company, Restoration Talent Solutions, to do the same for growing businesses that want to create a recruiting function in order to attract and hire the best talent for their team, without the overhead of a full-time talent acquisition executive. Fractional talent acquisition means she provides expert recruitment services on a part-time, flexible basis.

If you want to start making smarter hires, Brooke is here to help.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:29 Guest Introduction: Brooke Wheeler
02:04 Brooke’s Background and Career Journey
06:08 The Value of Fractional Talent Acquisition
09:19 Importance of Company Culture
12:04 Challenges in Talent Acquisition
15:02 Advice for Job Seekers
19:58 Ideal Clients and Success Stories
26:07 Conclusion and Contact Information
26:56 Host’s Final Remarks

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Unleashing Potential: Revolutionizing HR Strategies

April 5, 2024 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Unleashing Potential: Revolutionizing HR Strategies

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Unleashing Potential: Revolutionizing HR Strategies

In this lively episode of Phoenix Business Radio, Karen Nowicki kicks off the conversation by inviting the Disrupt HR Tucson team to the mic, sparking a vibrant discussion on revamping workplace cultures and bringing HR into the modern age. Kindra Maples shares her journey with Culture Crush Business, stressing the need for resources to transform company dynamics. Tamica Sears and Holly Norton champion human-centered HR practices that prioritize employee well-being and trust. Ashley Bright shares her take on HR innovation, advocating for adaptation to meet workforce challenges head-on. Together, they unpack the unique format of Disrupt HR events, highlighting their role in building connections and sharing a tapestry of HR insights.

As the discussion flows, the team shifts gears to the importance of integrating HR into strategic business decisions and fostering a workplace that embraces personal challenges. This episode celebrates the evolving role of HR in shaping workplace culture, showcasing the transformative power of Disrupt HR events in redefining HR practices for the future.

DisruptHR is an innovative information exchange designed to energize, inform, and empower people in the HR field. It’s a series of fast-paced events where speakers get 5 minutes each to share their fresh ideas on how to shake up the traditional HR landscape.

Sears Coaching helps create inclusive, innovative, and authentic organizations through one-on-one coaching, group coaching, workshops, and retreats. Through their work, they create profitable organizations that welcome people as they are and treat people with compassion, empathy, and kindness.

Tamica Sears is an HR consultant and Executive coach as well as a volunteer for DisruptHR Tucson.

She has 20 years of Human Resources experience including organizational development, talent management, coaching, and training.

She has held HR leadership roles in organizations ranging from small veterinary hospitals to major media outlets like The USA Today Network.

As a PCC level Certified Executive Coach, she believes that the keys to leadership development are self-awareness, inclusion, and authenticity. She holds certifications in Change Management, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Everything DiSC, The Five Behaviors, and is a Human Resources Certified Professional.

Identifying self-esteem as a common issue with many leaders, Tamica published “You Are Enough”, a book of motivational quotes designed to increase self-esteem in 30 days and a leadership development book, “How to Tell if You’re an A**hole Boss”.

Connect with Tamica on LinkedIn.

Strunk Group, an employee benefit and HR consulting firm, providing a complete range of health insurance and employee benefit resources and services. They help business care for their people.

If you’re an organization with ten employees or thousands, and you’re tired of navigating the murky waters of employee benefits, compliance, and HR alone, Strunk Group is here.

Employers want to provide the best employee benefits customized to your company’s unique needs. They support that pursuit of providing the best for their people. Strunk Group provides their clients with corporate benefits, human resources, technology and payroll consulting, and 401(k)s.

Working in the best interests of people – and organizations

Strunk Group leads the way in committed advocacy – the practice of consistently acting in the best interests of an organization and their people. Committed Advocacy creates engaged environments by encouraging collaboration and openness. As a result, cultures flourish, health improves and happiness is increased – at work and in life.

Holly Norton is not your average HR Executive. As the driving force behind Strunk HR, a division of the Strunk Insurance Group, she is redefining what it means to be in human resources.

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter HR strategies; Holly is a visionary leader, constantly innovating and inspiring change in the people operations space. With over two decades in HR and top-tier industry certifications, she has discovered a better way in her relentless pursuit of revolutionizing HR.

Holly empowers and supports leaders and business owners to create a work culture that is nothing short of stellar. Her philosophy? Employees who feel valued don’t just work—they thrive, collaborate, and elevate the entire team’s performance.

Holly’s approach to hiring and onboarding isn’t just about filling positions. It’s about crafting lasting relationships from day one, fostering a work environment that transcends mere compliance. She’s not about ticking boxes; she’s about creating bespoke HR experiences that resonate deeply with every client. But Holly knows that a company’s true strength lies in its people.

As a key player in DisruptHR Phoenix and Tucson, Holly’s influence extends beyond her immediate sphere. She’s bringing together bold, innovative voices in HR from across the globe, reshaping the industry’s landscape.

Living in North Phoenix with her teenage son, significant other, and beloved dog. Holly’s life outside the workplace mirrors her professional ethos—dynamic, unconventional, forward-thinking, and infused with a blend of humor. This blend of wit and wisdom not only sets her apart but also exemplifies her belief that the workplace can be both a place of serious achievement and genuine enjoyment.

Connect with Holly on LinkedIn and follow Strunk Group on Facebook and Instagram.

The Message Fixer is on a mission to help purpose-driven leaders break through barriers and gain support for their ideas. We work with individuals, companies, and organizations at the intersection of technology, education, and community to make a positive impact.

Our IMPACT Speaking Method was designed to equip leaders with communication skills and stage presence to attract attention, resources, and allies to their cause. Our founder brings almost two decades of experience pitching ideas to Fortune 500 companies and we’ve distilled those learning into this methodology to ensure success for our clients.

We offer personalized 1:1 coaching to address individual communication challenges and group workshops on storytelling, public speaking, relationship building, and overcoming status quo bias. Whether starting a new business or launching a product, training a sales team, or pitching to an investor we ensure our clients gain the communication skills they need to get results.

Ashley Bright is The Message Fixer.

Clients hire him to bring clarity, boldness, and impact to their communication.

As a former Creative Director, presenting to companies like Apple, Target, and AT&T he knows how to leverage storytelling and empathy to break through listener resistance and status-quo thinking to get buy-in for life-changing ideas.

United Way, Kimberley-Clark, and the University of Arizona are among the many clients who rely on Ashley’s IMPACT Speaking Method to teach their people how to present with confidence, increase their influence, and build meaningful relationships to ensure they get results.

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Culture Crush Business is your premier destination for building thriving company cultures. We are dedicated to revolutionizing the way companies approach their people and culture strategies.

At Culture Crush Business, we understand the importance of cultivating a workplace environment where employees thrive. Our three step approach is comprehensive, focusing on three levels of support and always focusing on our eight key areas that form the foundation of vibrant cultures. We have over 200 partners across the country that bring experience and expertise in the areas of:

Leadership/Professional Development
Employee Recognition/Employee Appreciation
Conscious Communication and Connection
Fundamentals: Pay and Medical Benefits
Mental Health and Wellness
Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Accessibility
Systems and Processes
Fun/Excitement in the Workplace

Kindra Maples, Founder of Culture Crush Business, brings a unique journey to the business world. With a background in animal behavior and over 15 years in the zoo industry, Kindra transitioned her passion from training animals to empowering people. From polar bears to individuals, she seamlessly blends diverse experiences.

Her skills encompass business relations, operations management, strategic planning, and team building. Dedicated to fostering growth, she is passionate about supporting leaders and cultivating exceptional company cultures.

Through the events, podcast, partnerships, and three levels of support for companies- Kindra connects businesses to the culture resources they need to build thriving cultures and thriving people.

Kindra is dedicated to revolutionizing the way companies approach their people and culture strategies and does this through assessments, events, and supporting companies in a Fractional Chief People Officer role.

Outside the business realm, Kindra finds joy in paddleboarding, conquering Spartan races, and embarking on adventurous pursuits to continually embrace new challenges.

Connect with Kindra on LinkedIn and follow Culture Crush Business on Instagram.

Company Culture and Diversity E22

February 21, 2024 by Karen

Changing the Perception of Blindness

Company Culture and Diversity E22

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Company Culture and Diversity E22

Kicking off this episode of “Changing the Perception of Blindness,” host David Steinmetz shares insights from his 19-year journey at Arizona Industries for the Blind, underscoring the importance of challenging misconceptions about blindness and promotes inclusivity in the workforce.

Joined by Kindra Maples, president of Culture Crush Business, they delve into the evolving landscape of work culture, emphasizing the necessity of understanding individual needs and tailoring inclusive environments to diverse abilities. The conversation highlights the positive impact of remote work on accessibility and productivity while emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches to inclusion, recognizing the unique needs of individuals with disabilities in the workforce.

Throughout the episode, Steinmetz and Maples explore the shifting perception of blindness and disability in professional settings, advocating for a paradigm shift towards embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. Their discussion underscores the value of recognizing and accommodating individual abilities, challenging traditional norms, and prioritizing inclusivity as a cornerstone of modern work culture.

As they navigate through these topics, they emphasize the ongoing need for dialogue, reflection, and action to create truly inclusive work environments that empower individuals of all abilities to thrive professionally and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

As an enterprise nonprofit organization, Arizona Industries for the blind is a role model for the business community. Emphasizing the importance of understanding team members’ needs and providing the right training, right technology and the right attitude that allows individuals who are blind to be successful in the workplace and in the community.

Listen to this episode to gain valuable insights on fostering inclusivity, challenging misconceptions, and navigating the evolving landscape of work culture to empower individuals of all abilities in the workforce.

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.

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.

ASSESS: Gain insights into your company’s culture by identifying gaps and areas that need improvement through a comprehensive assessment.
PLAN: Kindra and her team will tailor a unique strategy for your company, connecting you with the right resources based on your specific needs.
THRIVE: Experience a transformed workplace where everyone flourishes, powered by the successful implementation of culture-enhancing strategies.

Your company culture plays a pivotal role in its success. Whether you’re trying to address high turnover and low productivity, or seeking to enhance an already positive environment, nurturing your culture is crucial.

As a leader, you may have tried team activities, incentives, and strategies to address this, but it’s not easy coming up with the right solution.

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.

Kindra Maples, Founder of Culture Crush Business LLC and dynamic host of the Culture Crush Business Podcast, brings a unique journey to the business world.

With a background in animal behavior and over 15 years in the zoo industry, Kindra transitioned her passion from training animals to empowering people. From polar bears to individuals, she seamlessly blends diverse experiences.

Kindra’s expertise spans various audiences, including animals, children, adults, veterans, and elders. Her skills encompass business relations, operations management, strategic planning, and team building. Dedicated to fostering growth, she is passionate about supporting leaders and cultivating exceptional company cultures.

In October 2020, Kindra launched the Culture Crush Business Podcast, channeling her experiences into a valuable resource. Celebrating its one-year mark, she established Culture Crush Business LLC in October 2021—a central hub for company culture resources, dedicated to enhancing workplace environments and supporting leaders.

Connect with Kindra on LinkedIn and follow Culture Crush on Facebook and Instagram.

About Your Host

As the manager of Community and Public Relations, David Steinmetz uses his expertise, education, and personal experiences to “change the perception of blindness.”

Diagnosed with RP, a blinding retinal disease, at the age of 19, David uses his personal story to drive change that leads to improved employment outcomes and community integration for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Mr. Steinmetz graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics. Additionally, Steinmetz has continued his education by graduating from the Business Management Training (BMT) program provided by Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia.

In 2008, David was the national recipient of the National Industries for the Blind Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement award. This prestigious award recognized Mr. Steinmetz for his career achievements and community service work.

David Steinmetz is a member of the Governors’ Council on Blindness & Visual Impairments, is a Board Member at the Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) and serves his community through the Chandler Lions Club.

Connect with David on LinkedIn and Instagram.

About the Show

Changing the Perception of Blindness; One Conversation at a Time is dedicated to breaking down barriers, de-mystifying blindness and promoting real world solutions that empower people who are blind to live a full and inclusive life.

Host, David Steinmetz connects with organizations, industry professionals and thought leaders who are working to bridge the gap that creates a world accessible for all.

About Arizona Industries for the Blind

Arizona Industries for the Blind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. It’s employees, more than half of whom are blind, deliver a variety of products and services, including a full-service Warehousing and Distribution Center, confidential Digital Data Scan (DDS) services for private businesses and government and the operation of Base Supply Centers located at each of Arizona’s three military bases under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Labor’s AbilityOne program.

Follow AIFB on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Embracing Vulnerability: Navigating Personal Journeys and Workplace Culture E39

February 12, 2024 by Karen

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Phoenix Business Radio

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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.

Building Legacies: Empowering Communities and Thriving Workplaces E36

November 13, 2023 by Karen

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Phoenix Business Radio

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Building Legacies: Empowering Communities and Thriving Workplaces E36

In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Lindsay, a seasoned leader with almost 17 years of dedicated service at Desert Financial Credit Union, and Nikki, a passionate advocate for employee engagement and the driving force behind PeopleForward Network.

This conversation, as the others that we have, was open, authentic and natural. The conversation led to examples of both companies leading in a human centered and people focused direction.

Lindsay highlighted the importance Desert Financial places on employee satisfaction and creating a workplace culture that empowers and values its staff. This commitment translates into exceptional service for members, where every interaction is more than a transaction. The organization focuses on connection, community, and service to others.

Nikki, from PeopleForward Network, provided insights into their mission of sharing resources and insights with a global community of people-first minded leaders. From podcast production to growth consulting, PeopleForward Network collaborates with partners to make a meaningful impact on business development and marketing.

These women are making waves in their industries in order to build companies with great cultures. If you are looking for examples, stories, and support for growing your company culture, then this is an episode for you to listen to.

From podcast production and distribution to creative services and growth consulting, PeopleForward Network’s mission is to share resources and insights with their global community of leaders, connectors, and creators to inspire and build workplaces where people thrive.

Partners collaborate with us to make business development and marketing impact by sharing their knowledge with our ever growing audience of people-first minded leaders. Our network is composed of hundreds of thousands of leaders in mid-market and enterprise organizations who influence the vision and strategy of employees.

We are relationship building experts who love to innovate and create the best way to add value to partners’ target contacts. Podcasting is our cornerstone as it has proven to be our most reliable and efficient way to build new relationships and create evergreen, multi-purpose content.

Nikki Lewallen Gregory believes that the workplace is a mission field to use our strengths and maximize our lives.

Nikki’s passion is devoted to employee engagement/employee experience; to help all people experience meaningful work.

Nikki lives in Indianapolis with her husband David, 4 step sons and English Bulldog, Cardi, who she is currently training to skateboard.

Nikki is involved in many philanthropic organizations as contribution and service are her WHY.

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Desert Financial Credit Union, the largest local credit union in the state of Arizona, has a history that spans nearly 85 years. It all began with a humble start, when 15 dedicated educators pooled together a mere $78.75 to establish a financial institution.

Since those modest beginnings, Desert Financial Credit Union has grown to become a cornerstone of the Arizona community. Their commitment extends beyond banking services, as they actively engage in initiatives that leave a lasting impact on the lives of its members and the communities it serves.

One of the hallmarks of Desert Financial Credit Union is its dedication to community impact. Through various charitable endeavors, educational programs, and community events, the credit union continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals. By investing in local organizations and partnering with community initiatives, Desert Financial Credit Union cements its reputation as a trusted and caring financial partner.

The credit union’s commitment doesn’t stop at the community level. It extends to the experiences of both its employees and members. Desert Financial Credit Union places a high value on creating a workplace culture where employees feel valued and empowered to excel. This dedication to employee satisfaction translates into exceptional service for members, as knowledgeable and passionate staff are readily available to provide expert guidance and support.

For members, every interaction with Desert Financial Credit Union is designed to be more than just a financial transaction; it’s an opportunity to receive personalized assistance and financial expertise in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Members are not just account holders but valued individuals, and the credit union is committed to helping them achieve their goals.

In summary, Desert Financial Credit Union, born from the vision of educators with only $78.75, has evolved into Arizona’s largest local credit union. Its legacy is defined not just by its financial services but by its significant community impact and unwavering commitment to enhancing the experiences of both employees and members.

Lindsay Martin is a seasoned leader in the financial industry, with a dedicated history at Desert Financial Credit Union. With nearly 17 years of unwavering commitment to the credit union, Lindsay has consistently demonstrated her passion for serving both members and the community at large. In her current role as Market Manager, she oversees the North Peoria market, managing multiple branch locations.

Throughout her career, Lindsay has honed her expertise in financial services and has become a respected leader known for her ability to build and lead successful teams. Her commitment to excellence is evident in the positive impact she has had on the credit union’s operations, as well as the lasting relationships she has cultivated with both colleagues and members.

Lindsay’s professional journey is marked by a steadfast dedication to servant leadership and service, a passion for community engagement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her leadership within Desert Financial Credit Union is a testament to her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional financial solutions while enriching the lives of those she serves.

Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn.

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:

About the Host

The Vital Role of Sharing Your Company’s Great Culture with the Community E35

October 23, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

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The Vital Role of Sharing Your Company’s Great Culture with the Community E35

In the modern business landscape, a company’s culture is not just an internal matter. It has evolved into a valuable asset that can significantly impact a company’s success and reputation. We know this!

However, having a fantastic company culture is not enough. It’s equally crucial to communicate this culture to the broader community and potential partners. One effective way to achieve this is by partnering with experts that specialize in marketing and telling the story of your company’s exceptional culture, such as achieving recognition as one of the best places to work.

Having an outstanding company culture is a remarkable achievement in itself, but it’s not enough if it remains hidden within the walls of your organization. To truly reap the benefits of a great culture, you must share it with your community, industry peers, and potential partners. Many companies face the challenge of being the best-kept secret in terms of culture because they don’t proactively communicate their strengths.

We had the chance to highlight two amazing ladies from BestCompaniesAZ to talk about the importance of company culture, the benefits of telling the story of company culture, and discussing the work that led them to this space to help shine the light on other companies.

BestCompaniesAZ has the expertise to craft compelling narratives around your culture, highlighting what makes your company unique and showcasing the human side of your organization. They are the cheerleaders that you didn’t know you needed!

When potential partners and clients hear stories about your great company culture, they are more likely to view your organization as a desirable partner and provider of goods or services. So let’s start telling more stories about great culture!

Are you a company interested in sharing the remarkable story of your outstanding corporate culture?

Are you a business seeking to demonstrate to the community just how exceptional your company culture is?

Do you specialize in conducting employee engagement surveys that reveal the excellence of your company’s culture?

Are you in search of the perfect awards to highlight and elevate the narrative of your company’s culture?

Well, then you should listen to this episode!!!

BestCompaniesAZ is a boutique agency that specializes in employer branding. With more than 30 combined years of industry experience in marketing and human resources, BestCompaniesAZ elevates award-winning organizations through digital marketing, events, social media and award consultation services.

Denise Gredler is the state’s preeminent thought leader and visionary in employer branding and award consultation. Denise is best known for establishing large-scale workplace awards programs, including the Best Places to Work in the Valley, Arizona’s Most Admired Companies, and Top Companies to Work for in Arizona.

Before founding BestCompaniesAZ, Denise was the vice president of human resources for a commercial finance company headquartered in Arizona. There, she helped to build a human resources department for a small subsidiary into a decentralized human resources function for a public company with more than 1,500 employees nationwide.

Working closely with the CEO, Denise nurtured and promoted the company’s dynamic work culture, landing the company in the #12 and #16 spots on Fortune Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work for in America in 1999 and 2000, the first Arizona public company to top this list. She created work/life initiatives, recruitment and retention strategies, managed HR surveys and employee communications to build an outstanding employer brand.

In 2017, Denise was named as one of the “Most Influential Women in Arizona” published by AZ Business magazine. In 2023, BestCompaniesAZ was recognized as one of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics finalists. Denise also serves on the board for Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona and was nominated to the Executive and Nominating Committees.

In her spare time, Denise likes to travel with husband Karl and son Max, and tries her best to enjoy the workout and healthy eating program she’s committed to.

Connect with Denise on LinkedIn.

Kari Trummel has worked over 20 years in the marketing and advertising industry helping clients and companies grow their businesses. Her expertise spans from technology and finance, to sports marketing and working with Fortune 100 companies.

She has the experience and connections to help take your employer brand and candidate flow to the next level. Kari has proven her ability to help her clients succeed in marketing their businesses in new and innovative ways in Arizona and California.

Her many strengths which include process implementation, account management, high attention to detail and excellent customer service skills, will be instrumental in helping all BestCompaniesAZ clients exceed their talent sourcing and employer branding goals for the future.

On a personal note, Kari is a Chicago native and moved to Arizona to attend college at GCU and Arizona State. She has lived in the Valley for over 20 years. When she is not being a mom to her young son, Greyson, you can find her on her yoga mat or hiking one Arizona’s beautiful mountains.

Follow BestCompaniesAZ on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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:

About the Host

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.

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.