Believe.Behave.Become - A Pennant Group Podcast

23. Culture Starts with Who: Lessons from Kinder Hearts


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In this episode of Believe, Behave, Become, Travis Jones shares his leadership journey from physical therapy to healthcare administration and how the principle of “First Who, Then What” shaped his approach to building strong teams and thriving cultures. Travis reflects on lessons learned, the importance of finding the right people, and practical strategies like peer interviews that create lasting impact. He also discusses why slowing down the hiring process and leveraging internal networks can transform organizational success.


What You’ll Learn:

  • How “First Who, Then What” is the foundation of great leadership
  • The difference between building the right team and the wrong team
  • How your best people bring your next best people
  • Why peer interviews create buy-in and stronger onboarding
  • Strategies for slowing down the hiring process to get it right

Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation offers actionable insights on building trust, fostering growth, and creating a culture where people thrive.


Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts02:18 Travis Jones’ Professional Journey05:42 Discovering Pennant and Transitioning to Leadership09:15 What “First Who, Then What” Really Means14:32 Why the Right People Matter More Than Strategy18:50 Finding Leaders in Your Community and Internal Network23:40 Peer Interviews The Overlooked Hiring Practice29:12 Slowing Down the Hiring Process for Better Results34:55 Building a Tribe and Creating Buy-In40:20 Lessons from Kinder Hearts and Team Culture47:18 One Last Thing Advice for New Leaders52:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations


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Believe.Behave.Become - A Pennant Group PodcastBy The Pennant Group