In this episode, Nicole sits down with Karl Sakas, a seasoned leadership advisor and operations expert for creative businesses, to explore his latest book, Calm the Chaos. They dive into what it really takes to lead a thriving business or agency without losing your mind—or your weekends. Karl shares powerful insights about managing your energy, delegating intentionally, building strong teams, and yes, surviving meetings that could’ve been emails. He also tackles:

• Why leaders must prioritize their own well-being (and how Karl learned the hard way)
• How to stop being the bottleneck in your business
• Creating a culture that balances warmth with competence
• A hilarious take on “swoop and poop” leadership
• Why bad meetings are the enemy (and how to fix them)

Whether you run an agency, a hospital, or a small business, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to stop spinning your wheels and start leading with focus and purpose.

Highlights from this episode
[07:53] Take Care of Yourself First. “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.” Karl shares how his team staged an intervention about his workload—and how that wake-up call changed everything. Start here if you feel burnout creeping in.
[14:19] Stop Being the Sole Answer Person. Delegation isn’t a bumper sticker—it's a complex process. Karl breaks down how to stop being the "go-to" for everything and why that mindset limits your team and your growth.
[24:48] Create the Work Environment You Always Wanted. High warmth, high competence. Karl unpacks a powerful framework to help leaders build culture intentionally. Plus, the difference between being a good boss and just being “nice.”

Karl's book: https://sakasandcompany.com/lp/calm-the-chaos-book/

Connect with Karl:
Karl's website: https://sakasandcompany.com/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlsakas/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/karlsakas/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/karlsakas
X: https://x.com/KarlSakas

Other books mentioned in this episode:
The Human Brand https://a.co/d/1Yu76uU
Radical Candor https://a.co/d/2S9FwV4
Traction https://a.co/d/4LHm4RG

We are grateful to Karl for bringing his passion for leadership and workplace culture to the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast! Listen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast app!

In this energizing episode of Build A Vibrant Culture, host Nicole Greer sits down with virtual assistant guru and author Melissa Smith to demystify the world of virtual assistants (VAs). Whether you’re an overwhelmed entrepreneur, a high-performing exec, or someone just tired of doing it all, Melissa offers empowering advice on how the right VA can give you time back, increase your energy, and even save your sanity.

From the myths of delegation to the magic of friction-free productivity, Melissa breaks it all down with warmth and wisdom. Plus, she shares exactly how to find, hire, and build a lasting relationship with your ideal VA. (Spoiler: You don’t need another “you”—you need your complementary opposite.)

She’s the author of Hire the Right Virtual Assistant and Become a Successful Virtual Assistant, and she's got the receipts—20+ years of experience, a top 10 inspiring woman in business, and a 98% VA match success rate.

Highlights from this episode:
[00:02:46] You don’t need to be a pro delegator to hire a VA—just have a clear vision. “If you can share your vision, expectations, and walk through things once, the right VA will take it from there.”
[00:06:01] Your productivity problem is actually an energy problem. Tasks that drain your energy are stealing your momentum. A VA can handle the friction points—like sending newsletters or booking meetings—so you stay in your zone of genius.
[00:34:50] You need someone who complements you. The perfect VA isn’t a clone of you. They’re someone who loves what you loathe and thrives where you stall. That’s the magic of a powerful partnership.

Melissa's books:
Hire the Right Virtual Assistant
Become a Successful Virtual Assistant 

FREE COMPLIMENTARY WORKBOOK: https://thepva.com/complimentary-workbook/

Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://thepva.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmiththepva/

Email: [email protected]

Also mentioned in this episode:

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

Unique Ability® 2.0: Discovery - Define Your Best Self
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't 

Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!

Please leave us a 5-star review and drop a love note for Melissa in the comments!

Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

What happens when you walk into a workplace filled with chaos? In this episode, Nicole sits down with the powerhouse author, leadership expert, and former deputy mayor, Irma J. Neal, for a jaw-dropping conversation about Leading in Chaos — the title of her book and the essence of her leadership journey.

Irma shares real, raw stories from her time leading a government department in Washington, D.C. under extreme dysfunction—and how she brought it back to life with structure, empathy, and fearless leadership. From handling fish-frying, gossiping, couch-surfing chaos to confronting political pressure and addiction in the workplace, Irma drops 20 powerful management insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Highlights from this episode:

[00:03:04] – Why every leader should lead with love, empathy, and vision

[00:09:13] – How there's always somebody who is benefiting from the chaos of a dysfunctional workplace

[00:14:05] – Why administrative assistants are your most powerful allies in navigating organizational power

[00:32:18] – How coaching misfits into becoming strong contributors pays off big

[00:41:22] – Just because you solved a problem once doesn’t mean it won’t return

Irma's book: Leading in Chaos
FREE RESOURCE: Self Assessment for a Thriving Workforce

Connect with Irma:
website: www.onyx2rise.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irma-j-neal-082739118/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadinginchaos/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/LeadingInChaos/

Also mentioned in this episode:

Life’s Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown

Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, MD

Don’t Forget:

• Like what you heard? Leave us a 5-star review and drop a love note for Irma in the comments!
• Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!
• Learn more about Nicole Greer, the Vibrant Coach: https://www.vibrantculture.com/

Could saving your organization thousands (or even millions) of dollars affect the vibrant culture you're working to build? How about your ability to hire or retain the right people? In this episode of Build a Vibrant Culture, Nicole sits down with Robert L. Day, founder of WeAudit.com and author of The Great American Heist: How Credit Card Processors Steal Businesses' Profits. With over 30 years of experience in finance and merchant processing, Robert shares eye-opening insights on how businesses can identify and eliminate hidden fees, protect their bottom line, and ultimately safeguard jobs.

They discuss why cost savings are just as critical as revenue growth, how businesses unknowingly lose millions due to unethical credit card processing fees, and why HR professionals should care about financial efficiency. Plus, Robert shares his personal journey—from an unsettled childhood to becoming a leader in financial auditing—and why he’s passionate about saving companies and families alike.

In this episode, Nicole and Robert discuss:
[00:05:55] The hidden cost of ignoring savings
[00:18:52] Why saving a dollar is more powerful than earning a dollar
[00:37:29] Why HR & leadership must care about cost savings

Robert's books:
The Great American Heist https://a.co/d/87pScgl
Successonomics https://a.co/d/7WKEXQL
Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude https://a.co/d/fmYk71i

Robert's website: weAudit.com
Follow Robert at:
X: https://x.com/Robert_L_Day
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlday/

We are so grateful to Robert for joining us at the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast! 

Are workplace stressors hijacking your mind, body, and soul? Today's guest has written a book to help you gain back your mindfulness and become a better leader, employee, and all-around person! Listen to Nicole and Mitch Russo as they unlock the key to accelerating your business success while cultivating a happier, more productive team using Mitch's book, Sacred Profits.

Mitch Russo co-founded Timeslips Corp in 1985 and sold it for eight figures nine years later. He then partnered with Tony Robbins to build a successful company and became a best-selling author of three business books. Recently, Mitch underwent a profound spiritual awakening that revealed the power of applying spiritual practices to everything from sales and marketing to finance, leadership and relationships. In addition to his work as a business strategist, Mitch helps organizations rewire their company culture for maximum impact.

Today, Nicole and Mitch talk about:

[00:06:11] The Power of Mindfulness in Business

[00:19:21] Resilience vs. Stubbornness

[00:28:44] Ethical Leadership and Integrity

[00:40:13] The Role of Heart-Based Decisions

Mitch's books:
Sacred Profits https://a.co/d/dfBlNRn
Power Tribes https://a.co/d/4zyKorR

Connect with Mitch:
website: www.mitchrusso.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchrusso/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmitchrusso
X: https://x.com/mitchpodcasts
FB: https://www.facebook.com/BreakthroughResults/

Also mentioned in this episode:
Unique Ability by Dan Sullivan https://uniqueability.com/the-book/
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron https://a.co/d/3jBhahg
The Artist's Way at Work by Julia Cameron https://a.co/d/gOYPbNI
Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine https://a.co/d/aIzp18L

Listen today at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform!

What if everything you thought about DEI was wrong? Is your organization truly inclusive, or are you just checking a box? Join us at the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast as Nicole sits down with Grant Harris, Certified Diversity Executive and author of Unlocking Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Success. Grant takes us on a journey from compliance to community, sharing how organizations can move beyond check-the-box DEI efforts to create truly inclusive workplaces.

In This Episode, We Cover:
[00:09:09] The real meaning behind diversity, equity, inclusion & accessibility (DEIA)
[00:24:54] Why DEI training alone isn’t enough—and what to do instead
[00:33:39] The power of neurodiversity in the workplace (and why it’s the future!)
[00:40:10] Practical actions HR professionals & leaders can take right now

Plus, Nicole and Grant break down the #WeNotMe mindset and why it's essential for building vibrant, high-performing cultures.

Connect with Grant Harris:
Website: www.compliancetocommunity.com

Book: https://a.co/d/ejKQOPO
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grantharris555

Tune in now at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast platform and take your DEI strategy from theory to action!

If you've ever struggled with the process of adding quality people to your team, you will love this episode! Hiring can be a make or break activity in any organization, but especially in small- to medium-sized businesses. Our guest today, Ryan Englin, is passionate about supporting growing businesses to build amazingly productive companies by hiring the right people. Growing up, he saw his own father working 12-hour shifts and weekends as an owner/operator, witnessing firsthand the struggles that companies have in hiring quality frontline employees. Ryan was determined to find a better way. As the CEO and Founder of Core Matters, Ryan and his team partner with blue-collar business owners to help them implement and manage their employees. 

Ryan's best-selling book, Hire Better People Faster, will change the way you look at your recruiting and retention processes. Using his proven process, the Core Fit Hiring System, small and midsize businesses learn how to start hiring better people, faster. With almost a decade in the business, Ryan has helped numerous business owners achieve their goals by hiring the right people.

In this episode, Nicole and Ryan discuss:
[00:06:20] How a good employee experience is just as important as a good customer experience
[00:19:26] How to create a core story for your organization that will get your employees to recruit for you
[00:34:15] How to interview for a culture fit rather than for a position fit
[00:39:58] How to implement Ryan's three-step onboarding process

Ryan's FREE book offer: corematters.com/freebook
Ryan's website: corematters.com

Follow Ryan on:
LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin/
LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corematters
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@corefithiring
X: https://x.com/corematters

We are grateful to Ryan for bringing his passion for hiring and workplace culture to the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast! Listen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or your favorite podcast app!

Want to create a dynamic people culture at your organization? Using human behavioral research, our latest guest will help us discover how to do just that. This week on the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast, we have author Hugh Massie with us! As CEO of DNA Behavior International, Hugh has over 60,000 hours of experience and mentored millions of people, including the leaders of more than 2,500 businesses and 200,000 advisors in 123 countries to be Behaviorally SMART for achieving greater self-empowerment so they can unlock their human potential and live with meaning. Hugh, author of Leadership Behavior DNA, has also authored numerous publications on behavioral finance, human behavior, and business-related topics. Look him up!

In this episode, Nicole and Hugh discuss:

• How our DNA affects our leadership

• 8 factors and 16 traits of DNA behavior

• How being aware of others' DNA behavior can affect workplace culture

Hugh's books: 

Leadership Behavior DNA https://a.co/d/0YTPfTK

Financial DNA https://a.co/d/2aQITqR

Take Hugh's DNA assessment here: https://discovery.dnabehavior.com/talent/Sales/1226/72

Find Hugh at:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hughmassie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hugh.massie

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DNABehavior

Other books mentioned in this episode:

The Situational Leader by Paul Hersey https://a.co/d/bT9Zczr

Thanks for listening to the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast! 

Whether you're an employee, leader, or HR manager, at some point in your career you may (probably) have thought, "Ugh, this job..." Today we have Lisa Even on the show, and guess what? Joy really is her job! Lisa is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author of Joy Is My Job: A book to spark joy filled mindset, moments, and experiences!  Lisa believes that leadership is more than hitting metrics or chasing numbers. True leadership is about creating environments where people choose to show up, engage, and make an impact.

Lisa believes that if you wait around for JOY to come, it will never happen. That is why she believes that JOY is your J-O-B. Listen today as Lisa and Nicole discuss how to become more inspired to create JOY in your life AND work - even through the tough times, the busy times, the stressful times, and everything in between.

In this episode, Nicole and Lisa discuss:
[00:03:33] How joy often comes from "hard stuff"
[00:12:39] Why we all need reinforcements when things get tough
[00:25:23] Why it's important to know what makes you a better human
[00:39:18] How it's even more fun when you get others involved in your joy

Lisa's book: https://a.co/d/flehUgZ
Your FREE joy resources: https://www.lisaeven.com/freejoy

Find Lisa at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-even-have-good-ripple-effect-0778b112/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisaeven11
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaeven_/

Also mentioned on this episode:
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://a.co/d/gSw8Giw

We are grateful to Lisa for bringing her joy to the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast! 

Hello, podcast listeners -- do we have a fun episode for you today! If you've ever struggled with stress or burnout while trying to lead with purpose, you will appreciate everything Mel Kettle has to say on the subject. Mel is an author, podcaster, and highly sought-after speaker and trainer whose clients include leaders, teams and organizations that want to achieve real connection and sustained engagement.

At the heart of everything Mel does is a commitment to self-leadership. She has an overarching belief that we need to lead ourselves first before we can lead others. This view came after she survived the debilitating effects of work-related loneliness, stress and burnout in her late 20s, and was reinforced when she had a life-threatening melanoma in her early-40s. In her spare time, Mel loves to cook, go to the beach, dance around the house and read crime thrillers.

In this episode, Nicole and Mel talk about:
[00:05:44] How Mel learned the hard way to prioritize herself in work and life
[00:19:48] How it's important to trust your leaders, but also to trust yourself
[00:32:48] How the modern workforce is increasingly based on the quality of our relationships
[00:36:21] How being self-aware can seriously impact your health

Mel's website: www.melkettle.com

Mel's books:
Fully Connected https://a.co/d/00A8gz1
The Social Association https://a.co/d/fjSt1xY

Also mentioned in this episode:
Vendetta by Sarah Barrie https://a.co/d/cOu5wWt
Traction by Gino Wickman https://a.co/d/1GPBgEw
The Likeability Factor by Tim Sanders https://a.co/d/j0zU8sa

Thanks for listening, and please take a minute to like, comment and subscribe to Build a Vibrant Culture podcast!