In this episode of Elevate, Mihae Ahn sits down with Lara Pagano, a meteorologist turned Senior Employee Experience Analyst at the National Weather Service, to talk about the people side of the workplace.

Lara shares how her journey began with Hurricane Bob sparking a love for meteorology, and how that path eventually led her to focus on employee experience and building healthier workplace cultures. Along the way, she reflects on her proudest moments, the mentors who shaped her career, and why supporting employees in both their professional and personal lives makes all the difference.

Together, Mihae and Lara explore the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and reducing pain points across the employee journey, all while creating a culture where people feel connected, supported, and able to thrive.

If you’re curious about how one leader brings both science and heart to improving the way we work, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Music: "Ramaramaray" by Aiyo (via Epidemic Sound)