Because People Matter

Why do we sometimes see the similarities between people and, at other times, focus almost entirely on what makes us different?

On this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan welcomes Dr. Kris Acheson-Clair and Sundae Schneider-Bean to explore The Intercultural Pendulum — a framework for understanding why intercultural growth isn't always a straight line.

Drawing on research, professional experience, and personal stories, Kris and Sundae explain how we can swing between seeing everyone as essentially the same and viewing the world through an “us versus them” lens. These shifts aren't simply a sign that we've failed to grow. Our circumstances, emotions, and experiences can all influence how we interpret cultural differences.

The conversation explores how leaders can recognize these patterns, approach themselves and others without judgment, and use self-awareness, relationships, and intentional self-care to maintain intercultural competence.

Because building stronger relationships across cultures isn't about getting everything right all the time. It's about noticing our reactions, staying curious, and continuing to learn.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why intercultural development is a process of movement rather than a straight line
• How focusing too heavily on similarities or differences can affect our relationships
• Why shame and judgment can make cultural learning more difficult
• How external pressures can pull us away from a balanced perspective
• The role of self-care, diverse relationships, and mindfulness in maintaining intercultural competence

Episode References:

• Because People Matter — Hosted by Dr. Helen Fagan
• Dr. Kris Acheson-Clair — Intercultural communication scholar and educator
• Sundae Schneider-Bean — Intercultural strategist and transformation facilitator (Website)
• 2019 — Representing Intercultural Continuum as a Pendulum
• 2026 — Making Meaning of Intercultural Experiences
• Helen Fagan and Associates

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Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when a great salesperson becomes a leader? Or when a founder realizes that the thing making their company successful is also the thing keeping it from growing?

In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Steve Caton, CEO and Founder of Altezza Solutions and host of Whiskey Is for Closers, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, sales, empathy, culture, and the difficult transitions that come with growth.

Steve shares lessons from decades in sales and leadership, including one particularly unexpected hiring strategy: instead of hiring traditionally trained salespeople to sell software to churches, he hired former pastors and taught them how to sell.

Why? Because they already understood empathy, listening, curiosity, and human connection.

But the conversation goes much deeper than sales.

Steve and Helen explore what happens when a salesperson becomes a sales leader, why founders can become the bottleneck in their own organizations, and why growing a company often requires the founder to grow right alongside it. They also talk about the difference between leading through authority and leading through relationships—and what it really means to “have your people’s backs.”

Steve offers two practical lessons anyone can put into practice immediately: prepare before every important conversation, and become comfortable with silence.

Because sometimes the most powerful thing a leader can do is ask the right question… and then give someone the space to answer.

Episode References:

Helen Fagan and Associates - https://helenfagan.com

Altezza Solutions – https://altezzasolutions.com/

Whiskey Is for Closers – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whiskey-is-for-closers/id1835972747

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Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when women spend so much energy managing everyone else's comfort that they lose sight of their own clarity?

In this international episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan connects from Nebraska with London-based international speaker, corporate trainer, author, coach, and podcast host Lillian Ogbogoh for a powerful conversation about women in leadership, identity, resilience, and what it really means to lead authentically.

Lillian brings a unique perspective to leadership development, using movies, anime, and memorable metaphors to make complex ideas relatable. But beneath the humor and storytelling is a serious conversation about the experiences women—particularly women of color—continue to navigate in professional spaces.

Lillian shares personal experiences with bias and microaggressions, including what it was like to be the only woman or woman of color in the room. She explains why women can find themselves constantly calculating how they will be perceived before they even speak, and why learning to lead authentically requires understanding the stories and expectations that have shaped our identities.

Helen and Lillian also explore a provocative question: Are we asking women to become more resilient when we should be examining the environments that are burning them out?

For Lillian, resilience training cannot be the entire answer. Leaders and organizations must also address the culture and systems creating the problem in the first place.

From “mental board members” and leadership councils to the power of removing “I just” from your language, this conversation offers practical ways to reclaim your voice, honor your boundaries, and step into leadership without giving away pieces of yourself.

Because leadership shouldn't require you to become someone else.

Episode References:

Helen Fagan and Associates – https://helenfagan.com/

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Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when we stop trying to prove ourselves and start leading from who we really are?

In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with longtime friend, entrepreneur, and KidGlov founder Lyn Wineman for a deeply personal conversation about leadership, authenticity, vulnerability, and the challenge of staying grounded in an uncertain world.

Lyn reflects on the evolution of her leadership style—from feeling like she needed to be tough and prove herself to discovering that her strongest leadership comes from respect, authenticity, listening, and recognizing strengths in others. She also opens up about the pressure of entrepreneurship and what it feels like to be "chased by the dragon" when uncertainty, competition, finances, and constant change make it difficult to slow down.

But one of the most memorable lessons comes from an unexpected place: the children's story The Rainbow Fish. Helen and Lyn explore what the story can teach us about generosity, receiving, boundaries, and the importance of not giving away every one of our shiny scales.

Because sometimes leading like people matter also means remembering that you matter, too.

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Episode References:

Helen Fagan and Associates

KidGlov

Untangling Spaghetti: A Branding Fable by Lyn Wineman

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Dell Nared Jr., Chief Workforce Excellence Officer at the Greater Omaha Chamber, to explore his leadership journey and the action and impact he is making across Omaha and Nebraska.

Dell shares how proximity to great leaders accelerated his growth, how asking better questions has shaped his career, and how mentors provided advice, access, and context that expanded what he believed was possible.

That journey continues to influence how Dell leads today. Through his work at the Greater Omaha Chamber, Melanin Market Omaha, and Meraki Montessori Toys, he is creating opportunities, strengthening community, increasing representation, and helping others imagine what they can build for themselves and the people around them.

One question captures the purpose behind so much of his work: “If the world was to look different in five years, what would have been your part in it?”

This episode is a meaningful conversation about leadership, mentorship, belonging, community, and using your influence to create lasting impact.

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Episode References:

Melanin Market: https://www.melaninmarketomaha.com/

Power Conference: https://www.omahachamber.org/events/the-power-conference/

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if one of the most misunderstood leadership concepts today is actually one of the most important?

In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Celeste Warren, founder of Celeste Warren Consulting, former Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Merck, and author of The Truth About Equity, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, inclusion, and creating environments where people can thrive.

Celeste challenges common misconceptions about equity and explains why equitable leadership is not about giving special treatment—it's about understanding individual needs, removing barriers, and helping people access opportunities that allow them to succeed. She shares practical examples from her decades of leadership experience and explains why equity is ultimately about optimizing performance, building trust, and helping teams achieve collective success.

This episode offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to build stronger teams, create inclusive cultures, and lead in a way that truly helps people matter.

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Episode References:

Helen Fagan and Associates

https://helenfagan.com

Celeste Warren Consulting

https://www.crwdiversity.com

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

https://www.shrm.org

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are the moments your team will remember years from now?

In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with leadership expert, entrepreneur, and author Chris Dyer to explore the leadership moments that leave lasting impact. Drawing from his newest book, Moments That Matter, Chris shares why employees often remember only a handful of defining experiences with leaders—and how those moments shape trust, culture, and psychological safety.

Together, Helen and Chris discuss intentional leadership, navigating change, supporting teams during uncertainty, and why the best leaders learn to recognize critical moments before they pass by. Chris also explains his framework for identifying, shaping, and scaling meaningful leadership moments to create stronger teams and healthier workplace cultures.

This conversation is packed with practical insights for leaders who want to build trust, improve communication, and create environments where people truly feel supported.

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Episode References:

Helen Fagan and Associates

https://helenfagan.com

Chris Dyer

https://chrisdyer.com

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if your symptoms aren't the problem—but a message?

In this powerful finale of Because People Matter's special well-being mini-series, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with longtime friend and board-certified functional medicine practitioner Dr. Heather Elton for a conversation about resilience, nutrition, healing, and the importance of understanding the root causes of illness.

Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, Dr. Elton helps patients uncover the deeper stories behind their health challenges. Through functional medicine, she explores how nutrition, gut health, stress, sleep, trauma, and lifestyle all work together to shape physical and emotional well-being.

Together, Helen and Heather discuss why listening matters, how food impacts mental health, the importance of personalized care, and practical ways leaders can improve their health and energy starting today.

This episode is a reminder that taking care of yourself is not separate from leadership—it is leadership.

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Episode References:

Helen Fagan and Associates

https://helenfagan.com

Dr. Heather Elton – Movement Integrative Wellness

https://movementig.com

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when life changes in an instant?

In this deeply moving episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with nonprofit leader, educator, yoga instructor, and family caregiving researcher Dr. Sarah Rasby for a conversation about grief, resilience, self-compassion, and the transformative power of caregiving.

After her twin sister Erin experienced a sudden cardiac arrest that resulted in a severe brain injury, Sarah became her caregiver for more than three years. That experience forever changed her understanding of leadership, compassion, and what it means to show up for the people we love.

Together, Helen and Sarah explore family caregiving, self-compassion, mindfulness, grief, emotional resilience, and the importance of remaining present during life's most difficult moments. Sarah also shares how her personal journey inspired her doctoral research and advocacy work supporting caregivers across the country.

 This powerful conversation is a reminder that caring for yourself is not separate from caring for others—it is part of the work.

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 Episode References:

Helen Fagan and Associates

https://helenfagan.com

Rosalynn Carter Institute

https://www.rosalynncarter.org

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

 This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if massage therapy wasn’t a luxury—but an essential part of healing?

In this episode of Because People Matter, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with licensed massage therapist and Via Medical Massage founder Debbie Dugan for a powerful conversation about recovery, nervous system regulation, body awareness, and the healing power of touch. As part four of Helen’s special mini-series on leadership and well-being, this episode explores why caring for the body is a critical part of sustainable leadership.

Debbie shares how her work with oncology patients and post-surgical recovery transformed her understanding of massage therapy—not simply as relaxation, but as a vital healthcare tool. Together, Helen and Debbie discuss stress, inflammation, diaphragmatic breathing, chronic pain, trauma stored in the body, and why high performers often struggle to slow down enough to heal.

This episode is a powerful reminder that self-care is not indulgent—it’s necessary for leaders who want to continue showing up fully for the people around them.

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Episode References:

Helen Fagan and Associates

https://helenfagan.com

Via Medical Massage

https://viamedmassage.com/

Thanks for listening to “Because People Matter.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.