If you're the person in your organization responsible for developing everyone else — who's developing you?

In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Nakisha Hicks, founder and president of The ElevateHer LLC, to talk about one of the most overlooked gaps in most organizations — the development, support, and empowerment of HR leaders themselves. Nakisha brings nearly two decades of HR executive experience to this conversation, and she does not hold back. We talk about what HR leaders actually need to thrive, how to stop shrinking in high-stakes rooms, and what it really looks like to own your seat at the table. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in HR — or anyone who leads people and wants to show up with more confidence and impact.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why Nakisha started The ElevateHer LLC in 2020 and what the question "who is HR for HR?" really means
• The three things HR leaders need most — community, development, and exposure — and why most organizations aren't providing any of them
• Why HR must learn to speak the language of the business and understand its financial drivers to be taken seriously as a strategic partner
• The three levels of communication and why moving to level three — conviction, risk, and recommendation — is what executive presence actually looks like
• How to show up more confidently in meetings even as an introvert, starting with just one powerful sentence
• Why business acumen and AI literacy are the two most critical skills HR leaders need to develop right now
• The real cost of a bad hire — and how HR can flip the narrative from cost center to strategic contributor
• Why workplace trauma is real and how it can cause leaders to lose their voice over time

Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're an HR professional, a people leader, or anyone who wants to lead with more presence and purpose.

About Kisha Hicks:

Nakisha Hicks is a beacon of empowerment, devoted to helping women of color in the dynamic realm of human resources soar to extraordinary heights. Known as the Career Path Finder, Nakisha has ignited a fire within countless ambitious HR professionals, guiding them towards their dream jobs and unlocking their full potential. As the driving force behind The ElevateHer LLC, she has earned a stellar reputation for transforming mindsets, turbocharging careers, and unleashing exponential earnings growth. With nearly two decades of trailblazing experience in top-tier HR executive roles, Nakisha stands tall as an industry luminary whose insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal and countless podcasts and publications nationwide.

Connect with Nakisha Hicks:
Website: nakishahicks.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nakisha-hicks

Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school

Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

What if the key to better communication, less conflict, and higher engagement at work wasn't another process — it was actually understanding the people?

In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober, also known as Enneagram Ashton, community psychologist and Enneagram expert, to talk about one of the most powerful — and underutilized — tools for building stronger workplace cultures. Ashton shares how the Enneagram goes far beyond personality labels to uncover the motivations behind why people do what they do, and how that insight can change the way we lead, communicate, and collaborate at work. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for leaders, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs alike.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What the Enneagram is, how it differs from other personality tools like Gallup Strengths and DISC, and why understanding motivation matters more than behavior
• Why tests are only about 60% accurate — and the better approach to discovering your true Enneagram type
• How one company reduced turnover dramatically in just six months after implementing the Enneagram with their team
• Why employee engagement jumps from 32% to 77% when people feel truly understood and valued at work
• How leaders can use the Enneagram to manage individuals on a personal level instead of assuming everyone is wired the same way
• The right way to implement the Enneagram at work — and why a one-time workshop is never enough
• How entrepreneurs can use the Enneagram to understand their own strengths and blind spots, and even serve their clients better
• Ashton's three books on the Enneagram and her program, The Enneagram Advantage, for those who want to go deeper

Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're leading a team, building a business, or just trying to understand yourself a little better.

About Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober:

Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober is a Community Psychologist, certified Enneagram coach, speaker, and author known as Enneagram Ashton. With a master's degree in community psychology and social change, Ashton helps individuals, teams, and organizations use the Enneagram to understand the motivations behind why they do what they do — so they can communicate better, build stronger relationships, and create real, lasting change. She has led 150+ workshops and speaking events, helped more than 6,000 people, and published four books on the Enneagram. Ashton speaks to corporate teams, organizations, and communities, making self-awareness feel accessible, practical, and genuinely fun.

Connect with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober:
Website: enneagramashton.com
Instagram: @enneagramashton
The Enneagram Advantage Program: enneagramashton.mykajabi.com/advantage
Free Self-Assessment: truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test
Books: The Enneagram for Relationships, The Enneagram Made Simple, and A Little Bit of Enneagram — available on Amazon

Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school

Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

What if the thing that's hurting your performance, your patience, and your focus at work isn't your workload — it's your sleep?

In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Michele Kreuzer, keynote speaker and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of workplace performance — sleep. Michele shares her journey from special education teacher to sleep expert, and unpacks the science, the habits, and the mindset shifts that can help professionals finally get the rest they need. This conversation is packed with practical strategies you can start using right away — and a few surprising truths about sleep that just might change how you think about your own.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Michele's work with children and families led her to discover the profound ripple effect that poor sleep has on behavior, performance, and wellbeing
• Why the way we think and talk about our sleep has a direct effect on how well we actually sleep
• What insomnia really looks like — and why so many people don't realize they have it
• The dangers of clock-watching in the middle of the night and the one simple habit that can help
• What CBTI (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) is, how it works, and why just six to eight sessions can change everything
• The daily habits that either help or hurt your sleep — from meal timing and exercise to light exposure and alcohol
• What leaders can do to model healthy sleep boundaries and create a culture where their team isn't burning out in the dark
• Why one in three people in your workforce are sleep deprived right now — and what to do about it

Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — because better sleep is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your performance, your health, and your leadership.

About Michele Kreuzer:

Michele Kreuzer is a keynote speaker and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist who helps organizations and professionals improve performance and well-being through evidence-based sleep strategies. As a teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michele hit a wall she couldn't power through — waking night after night at 2 or 3 a.m., exhausted but unable to sleep. It was watching the children she worked with regress due to poor sleep that changed everything, revealing the ripple effect that one person's sleep has on an entire family, team, and workplace. That experience led her back to school to become a Certified Behavioral Sleep Practitioner — and now she helps businesses see what exhaustion is really costing them. Michele offers corporate keynotes, team workshops, and 1:1 coaching, delivering science-backed strategies that spark real change.

Connect with Michele Kreuzer:
Website: michelekreuzer.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-public-speaker/ 

Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school

Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

What if the clutter in your workspace — and your mind — is costing you more than you think?

In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Michelle Shinagawa, Reiki master teacher and KonMari organizing consultant, to explore two powerful Japanese practices that can help professionals reduce stress, release mental clutter, and create more space for joy — both at work and in life. Michelle shares her own journey from a shy girl in Osaka to a keynote speaker teaching mindfulness and intentional living, and walks us through practical techniques you can start using right away. This conversation is packed with fresh perspectives on burnout prevention that go far beyond the usual advice.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What Reiki is and how it works as an energy healing practice — including a live demonstration of a calming technique you can try right now
• Why releasing stress before layering on positive affirmations makes all the difference
• The KonMari method and how focusing on what sparks joy — rather than what to throw away — changes everything
• How physical clutter increases cortisol levels and quietly contributes to burnout, disengagement, and lost productivity
• Why the average American worker spends forty hours a year just looking for things — and what to do about it
• How to apply the KonMari method beyond your home: your office, your calendar, your meetings, and even your network
• Why leaders need to look inward first before they can help their teams reduce overwhelm and reconnect with their work

Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're leading a team or simply trying to create more breathing room in your day.

About Michelle Shinagawa:
Michelle Shinagawa helps professionals protect their energy, reduce stress, and create space, physically, mentally, and emotionally, so they can show up fully for their work and the people they serve. Originally from Japan, Michelle brings a mindfulness-based workplace solutions perspective to her speaking and training, combining modern stress-reduction strategies with the grounding practices of Reiki and the transformational clarity of KonMari. Through this integrated approach, she equips organizations and individuals with practical tools to prevent burnout, sustain performance, and build healthier workplace cultures — without sacrificing well-being.

Connect with Michelle Shinagawa:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school

Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

Are you waiting for your career to move forward — or are you actively making it happen?

In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Alexis King, keynote speaker, author, LinkedIn learning and development professional, and entrepreneur, to talk about what it really takes to navigate career transitions, stay relevant, and become unignorable at work. Alexis shares her journey from banking to corporate training to tech — and how each unexpected turn actually prepared her for the next one. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for anyone who wants to take ownership of their career, build multiple income streams, and show up with more intention.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Alexis's career journey from bank teller to LinkedIn Learning — and the pivotal layoff that changed everything
• Why being laid off in 2012 led her to uncover what she actually loved doing — and how a great coach made all the difference
• The power of LinkedIn for career growth and why it is still one of the most underutilized tools for professionals
• How Alexis built a real estate investment business during the pandemic and what that taught her about entrepreneurship and multiple income streams
• Why you don't have to quit your job to start something on the side — and what ruthless prioritization actually looks like in practice
• The five P's framework from her book The Career Ninja Mindset: Plan, Prioritize, Practice, Persistence, and Passion
• What it means to become unignorable at work — and why visibility plus relationships is the formula that creates real opportunity

Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're looking to grow where you are or take your career in a whole new direction.

About Alexis King:

Alexis King, MBA, CPTD®, is a keynote speaker, leadership strategist, executive coach, and Amazon Best-Selling Author who helps organizations navigate rapid, disruptive change—especially in the age of AI—so their people stay engaged, adaptable, and driving results instead of falling behind. Drawing from a career spanning banking, tech leadership, entrepreneurship, real estate investing, and talent development, Alexis equips audiences with actionable tools they can immediately apply during periods of uncertainty and transition. Her work focuses on helping individuals and teams move from overwhelmed and reactive to agile, proactive, and high-performing contributors.

Connect with Alexis King:
Website: alexiskingconsulting.com
Book: The Career Ninja Mindset — available on Amazon

Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school

Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

Have you ever had a boss who saw more in you than you saw in yourself — and pushed you to become it?

In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Karen King, my former boss at McDonald's Corporation, to explore an extraordinary 40-plus year career that took her from crew member to Chief Field Officer. Karen shares the leadership lessons, the candid advice from mentors, and the personal sacrifices that shaped her path — including being the first woman in multiple roles at McDonald's and what it really took to break through. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom on mentorship, advocacy, and what it means to lead with personal power instead of just positional power.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Karen's path from 19-year-old crew member to Chief Field Officer, including 14 relocations across her career
• The pivotal advice from a McDonald's US president that shaped how Karen led: build personal power, not just positional power
• Negotiating her own advancement before agreeing to a stretch role — and why women especially need to speak their goals into truth
• Being a "first" in multiple roles at McDonald's, and the pay gaps and biases that came with it, including being demoted during pregnancy
• Why Karen considers developing and advocating for talent the most meaningful part of her legacy
• How her late husband Matt's support at home was the anchor that allowed her career to thrive
• The role of networking and saying yes to opportunities in building a personal and professional development strategy
• Why authentic, people-first leadership — not just operational excellence — is what people remember most

Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away.

About Karen King:

Karen King began her career at McDonald's Corporation in 1975 as a crew member in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and went on to build one of the most accomplished leadership journeys in the company's history. Over more than four decades, she relocated 14 times, rising through operations and franchising into executive leadership roles including Regional Manager, East Division President, Chief People Officer, and ultimately Chief Field Officer — overseeing the entire U.S. business outside of marketing and product development. Karen was a trailblazer for women at McDonald's, becoming the first female restaurant manager, supervisor, and consultant, and she is widely known for her commitment to developing and advocating for talent throughout her career. Since retiring from McDonald's, she has continued to share her leadership insights through board service and mentorship, helping the next generation of leaders — particularly women — find their own path forward.

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn 

Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school

Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

Is summer slowing down your networking? It shouldn't be.

In this short solo episode, Mindy East makes the case that summer is one of the best-kept secrets in professional networking — and shares a simple, no-overwhelm plan to help you stay connected all season long.

With the end of Q2 and the start of Q3 landing right in the middle of summer, now is not the time to go quiet. Mindy breaks down why the season works in your favor and exactly what to do about it.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why summer gives you a competitive networking edge
• The one simple opener that works every time this time of year
• Creative, low-pressure ways to connect that fit into your summer schedule
• How to use travel, community events, and even parenting as natural conversation starters
• How to stay visible on LinkedIn when everyone else goes quiet
• A simple four-part action plan to keep your network warm all summer long

Your Summer Networking Action Plan:

• One to two casual meetups per month — a walk, a coffee, an outdoor lunch
• One to two LinkedIn posts per week to stay top of mind
• One reconnect message per week to someone already in your network
• One thing you are already doing that you can invite someone else to

You cannot cram relationships. You have to build them before you need them. Summer is not your pause — it is your head start.

Free Resource:

Ready to connect with the right people on LinkedIn? Download Mindy's free guide, How to Find Your Ideal Connection on LinkedIn, and start building relationships that actually move the needle.

Download the free guide here.

Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school

Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Dana Skaggs to talk about a topic that impacts all of us personally and professionally: boundaries.

Many of us hear the word boundaries and immediately think of saying “no” or shutting people out. But Dana challenges that idea and shares a different perspective: boundaries are not barriers—they’re tools that help us protect our energy, strengthen relationships, and create sustainable success.

We discuss why high performers often struggle with boundaries, how burnout and overwhelm can quietly build over time, and practical ways leaders and employees can create healthier workplace habits. We also unpack why boundaries affect not only our work lives, but our personal lives as well—and why both are pulling from the same “gas tank.”

Whether you're an HR professional leading teams, a manager trying to support employees, or someone who constantly feels like you're carrying too much, this conversation offers practical tools you can start using right away.

What’s Included in This Episode:

• I explore why Healthy Boundaries at Work are not about saying “no” to everything, but about learning how to say “yes” to what matters most.

• I talk with Dana about why high performers are often especially vulnerable to overwhelm and employee burnout, even when they genuinely love their work.

• I discuss practical strategies for setting boundaries at work, including how to communicate limits in a way that is respectful, clear, and productive.

• I unpack how personal life and professional life pull from the same energy source—and why both affect our ability to show up fully at work.

• I explore how workplace boundaries can strengthen trust, improve communication, and create healthier relationships between leaders, employees, and teams.

• I share insights on preventing burnout at work by recognizing overload early, prioritizing effectively, and creating sustainable habits instead of pushing through exhaustion.

• I discuss how leaders can create open conversations around workload, priorities, and support before employees reach a breaking point.

About Dana Skaggs

Dana Skaggs, also known as the “Queen of Boundaries,” is a psychotherapist, speaker, and boundary expert with more than 15 years of experience helping people create healthier relationships and protect their wellbeing. Through both personal experience and years in private practice, Dana discovered that many personal and professional challenges are rooted in unhealthy boundaries. Specializing in anxiety, trauma, and adjustment issues, she is passionate about helping people stop carrying what doesn’t belong to them, say “no” without guilt, and create healthier, more sustainable lives through practical tools and strategies that lead to greater peace and freedom.

Resources & Links Mentioned

•  Dana Skaggs Website: www.DanaSkaggs.com
•  Free Boundary Quiz: www.DanaSkaggs.com/quiz
•  Dana Skaggs LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dana-skaggs-b73bb487

Want to learn more about building healthier boundaries, preventing burnout, and creating stronger workplace relationships? Listen to the full episode of The People Success Circle for more practical insights and actionable takeaways.

Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school

Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

In this episode of People Success Circle, I sit down with Corrie LoGiudice to talk about something so many professionals, leaders, and caregivers are experiencing right now: overwhelm.

Corrie shares her deeply personal story of navigating multiple life-altering challenges while leading at a high level in business—and how those experiences led her to develop a practical framework for reducing overwhelm before it turns into burnout. We discuss the connection between leadership, emotional capacity, workplace engagement, and mental load, and why so many individuals and teams are struggling to keep up in today’s world.

Corrie introduces her “Five Culprits of Overwhelm” framework and explains how issues like lack of clarity, confidence, community, conditioning, and consistency can impact both personal wellbeing and workplace performance. We also explore how leaders and organizations can create healthier cultures by improving communication, setting clearer expectations, supporting employee wellbeing, and reducing unnecessary mental load.

This conversation is filled with practical insights for HR professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who feels stretched too thin while trying to balance work, life, leadership, and personal growth.

In this episode, we cover:

•  The difference between overwhelm and burnout—and why prevention matters 
•  Corrie’s personal journey through trauma, leadership, and rebuilding her life 
•  The “Five Culprits of Overwhelm” framework and how it applies to individuals and teams 
•  Why lack of clarity creates stress, disengagement, and misalignment 
•  How confidence, imposter syndrome, and emotional abuse impact leadership and decision-making 
•  The role community and relationships play in reducing overwhelm 
•  Why physical and mental wellbeing directly affect workplace performance 
•  How systems, routines, and SOPs reduce mental load and improve consistency 
•  The connection between employee engagement, belonging, and workplace culture 
•  Practical ways leaders can create psychologically safe environments for their teams 
•  How organizations can proactively support employees before burnout happens 
•  Corrie’s new book and the research behind her work with overwhelmed professionals and working moms 

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stretched, or unsure how to better support yourself or your team, this episode offers practical tools and a powerful reminder that overwhelm doesn’t have to be your normal.

About Corrie LoGiudice

Corrie LoGiudice is a speaker, coach, TEDx speaker, and author who helps individuals and organizations reduce overwhelm, increase capacity, and create sustainable success. Drawing from her own personal experiences and years of leadership in business, Corrie developed the “Five Culprits of Overwhelm” framework to help people identify what’s keeping them stuck and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Resources & Links

• Corrie’s Website
• Corrie's LinkedIn 
• Pre-Order Corrie’s Book

Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school

Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

In this episode of People Success Circle, I sit down with Kelly Lichtenberger to talk about something every leader and team is navigating right now: the balance between emotional intelligence in the workplace and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.

Kelly shares her journey from decades in sales leadership to writing her book Prospect Like a Girl, where she explores how emotional intelligence—not just technology—is what truly drives connection, trust, and results. We dive into how leadership has evolved from having all the answers to asking better questions, and why human connection is becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven world.

What stands out most is this: while AI can give us data, speed, and efficiency, it can’t replace the human side of leadership. The ability to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and build real relationships is what sets great leaders apart—and it’s what will continue to matter most.

This conversation is all about how to embrace AI without losing the human element, and how leaders can use both to build stronger, more effective teams.

In this episode, we cover:

•  The difference between emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence—and why both matter 
•  How leadership has shifted from having answers to asking better questions 
•  Why emotional intelligence in the workplace is a competitive advantage 
•  How AI is changing the way we work, hire, and communicate 
•  The risk of over-relying on technology and losing human connection 
•  Why curiosity and resilience are essential leadership skills today 
•  How to use AI to enhance—not replace—your leadership effectiveness 
•  What younger employees are experiencing with tech overload and how to support them 
•  Why relationships and trust still drive success, especially in sales and leadership 

AI can make us faster and more efficient—but emotional intelligence is what makes us effective. When you learn to use both together, you strengthen your leadership, improve team performance, and create a workplace where people actually want to engage and grow.

About Kelly Lichtenberger

Kelly Lichtenberger is the Global Vice President of Sales Development at Silverfort, the leader in Identity Security. She brings more than 25 years of experience across sales development, marketing, leadership, and inside sales, with a proven track record of building and scaling revenue driven teams.

Kelly is a recognized industry leader and is known for her practical approach to developing high performing SDR and inside sales teams that consistently deliver pipeline and revenue impact.

Prior to Silverfort, Kelly held senior leadership roles at HiBob and Check Point Software Technologies, and founded her own consulting firm, The Inside Out Technologies Company, where she advised organizations on sales development strategy, execution, and team transformation.

Kelly is also the author of Prospect Like a Girl: Winning in Sales Using Your Emotional Intelligence Over Artificial Intelligence, where she challenges traditional sales thinking and advocates for a modern, human centered approach to prospecting and growth.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Bentley University and is a frequent speaker on sales leadership, emotional intelligence, and building resilient, high impact revenue teams.

Resources & Links

Website: prospectlikeagirl.com
Book: Prospect Like a Girl (available on Amazon)
LinkedIn: Kelly Lichtenberge

Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school

Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com