What if your biggest leadership roadblock isn’t the problem… but how you see it? Nikki sits down with Chris Bassett—founder of Green Bean Consulting Group—to flip your problem-solving approach on its head.

What does abstract art have to do with business challenges? And how does soaking a walnut help teams break through stuck thinking?

Chris takes us on a journey through neuroscience, philosophy, and real-world consulting wins to show how our brains often mislead us, and how leaders can use perception as a powerful tool for change. From spotting red flags of overconfidence 🚩 to building high-functioning teams through de-familiarization and pairing structures, this episode is packed with fresh thinking and practical tools.

Whether you're leading a team, solving complex issues, or just tired of running in circles, this conversation is your invitation to slow down, zoom out, and see differently.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Learn more about Green Bean Consulting Group

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn 

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Certainty is a red flag—pause and dig deeper.
• Perception is shaped by memory as well as our senses.
• Familiar problems often need a fresh frame.
• Align teams by defamiliarizing and collaborating.
• Use structured methods to solve, test, and learn.

Ready to break free from program fatigue and culture initiatives that fizzle out fast?

Nikki sits down with Heather Haas, CEO of Advisa, as she shares why so many culture efforts flop and how HR professionals can finally make the shift from being stuck in a silo to leading true transformation.

They dive into the game-changing A.T.L.A.S. framework—think executive activation, trust, leadership development, people data, and killer systems—all designed to drive results and get your team rowing in the same direction.

If you’re an HR leader who’s done with the fluff and ready for a proven system that sticks, this convo is your new playbook 💡.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Get your Culture Check!

Learn more about Advisa

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn 

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• HR needs executive buy-in, culture change isn’t a solo act.
• Define behaviors, not buzzwords.
• Use data to shift from tactical to strategic.
• Develop leaders aligned to culture goals.
• Systems must support, not sabotage, change.

Is your HR strategy stuck in the past while AI races ahead? 🤖 It’s time to catch up and lead the charge. On this episode, Nikki is joined by the brilliant Cara Brennan Allamano—Chief People Officer, advisor, and founder of People Tech Partners—for a fast-paced, energizing convo about the future of HR leadership in an AI-first world.

Cara brings her front-line insights from tech-forward companies like Lattice to show how HR can move beyond admin tasks and step fully into its role as a strategic driver of transformation. From building trust in AI to leveling up employee experience, this episode is packed with real talk, bold vision, and actionable steps for HR leaders ready to embrace what’s next.

Don’t just survive the AI shift… lead it! 🚀

Additional Resources:

Connect with Cara on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleTech Partners

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn 

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• HR is shifting from admin to strategic transformation leadership.
• Trust in AI is employees’ top concern, and HR must lead education.
• AI frees HR to focus on strategic, high-impact work.
• Prioritize by targeting admin-heavy workflows and leveraging vendor support.
• Future HR leaders will be data-driven, people-first growth partners.

What if the secret to staying focused, aligned, and genuinely excited about your goals wasn’t a 20-page annual plan, but a simple monthly sprint? Nikki and Jason pull back the curtain on how PeopleForward Network uses OKRs and monthly sprint goals to spark team momentum. 📈

They demystify what OKRs really are, how sprint goals drive alignment and energy, and why failing fast can actually fuel success. Packed with real-life examples and people-first leadership insights, this episode delivers practical tips and a dose of workplace magic. 💡

Whether you're leading a team or just trying to keep the main thing the main thing, this episode is your playbook for unlocking strategic progress—one sprint at a time. 🏃‍♀️

Additional Resources:

Join the PFN Community!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• OKRs bring focus and clarity to what really matters.
• Monthly sprints keep goals agile and actionable.
• Team alignment grows with regular goal check-ins.
• A safe, feedback-rich culture powers real progress.
• Agility isn't optional—it's a must for modern teams.

What if your wellness program is actually making burnout worse? 😮

In this episode, Nikki teams up with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer—organizational psychologists, authors of “Leading for Wellness,” and co-founders of Workr Beeing. They dive into what workplace wellness really means (hint: it’s way more than yoga and meditation apps) and how leaders play a critical role in making it stick.

With research-backed insights and real-world stories, they challenge us to ditch the quick fixes and build people-first cultures that fuel performance and well-being 🌿📈.

Additional Resources:

Get their book - “Leading for Wellness”

Connect with Katina on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia on LinkedIn

Learn more about Workr Beeing

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn 

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Wellness is holistic – It’s emotional, mental, physical, and life-balance—not just perks.
• Leaders matter most – Leadership drives day-to-day wellness impact.
• Tailor to individuals – One-size-fits-all doesn't work; personalization is key.
• Wellness = ROI – Healthy teams perform better and stay longer.
• Leaders need care too – Burned-out leaders can’t build healthy cultures.

Ready to supercharge your leadership communication with a little help from AI? 🤖 In this episode, Katherine gets real about how leaders can use AI tools to amplify their voice, not replace it.

Katherine breaks down a simple, human-centered framework based on clarity, consistency, and connection to help you integrate AI into your daily workflow. From drafting heartfelt thank-you notes to simplifying board reports or even brainstorming creative staff recognition ideas, this episode is packed with smart, real-life examples that make AI feel approachable. 💬

So if you’ve been curious about AI but a little overwhelmed, this episode is your nudge to start small, stay intentional, and let tech support your leadership superpowers.💡💻

Additional Resources:

Download this PDF for Sample Prompts to help you with leadership communication!

Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn

Learn more about Borshoff

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Simplify complex messages with AI for better clarity.
• Use AI to stay consistent in team communication.
• Personalize messages efficiently with AI support.
• Always edit AI drafts to reflect your authentic voice.
• Balance AI use with empathy and context awareness.

Get ready for a fresh twist on Gut+Science! 🎉 Nikki teams up with internal comms expert Katherine Coble for a live episode all about using podcasting to transform how leaders connect with their teams. 💬

They explore why your culture is your brand, how to lead with authenticity, and why storytelling beats stale emails every time. Whether you're curious about internal podcasts or ready to launch, this episode is packed with real talk, strategy, and inspiration to make your message matter.

Let’s go behind the mic and into the heart of your culture 💥

Additional Resources:

Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn

Listen to In the Loop with Katherine Coble

Learn more about Borshoff

Join the PFN Community!

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn 

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Lead with Human Connection: Authentic storytelling fosters trust and alignment in internal communication.
• Culture Shapes Brand: Internal culture directly influences external brand perception.
• Podcasting Scales Voices: Podcasts amplify leadership and peer insights organization-wide.
• Leverage Evergreen Content: Use recorded stories for onboarding and consistent alignment.
• Start with Strategy: Define goals and audience before choosing tools like podcasting.

Get ready to have your mindset stretched and your leadership toolkit expanded! 💡

Nikki sits down with Jon Mayo, culture transformer and founder of Waymaker. They dive deep into purpose-driven leadership, how culture starts with YOU, and why being a conduit (not a solutionist!) can transform your team from the inside out. 🌟

From the STRIVE methodology to real stories of team turnarounds, Jon brings passion, practicality, and a refreshing take on what it means to lead with intention. Whether you're scaling a business, building a culture from scratch, or just trying to keep your team aligned, this convo is your next spark. 🔥

Don’t miss it!

Additional Resources:

Connect with Jon on LinkedIn

Become a WayMaker!

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn 

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Culture is always present, and it’s your responsibility to shape it.
• Leaders are conduits: they guide and amplify, not dictate.
• Shared language is critical for sustaining culture.
• Feedback should be consistent and constructive, not reactionary.
• Excellence must be a non-negotiable value in people-first leadership.

Work’s changing fast—hybrid setups, flexible perks, and even pets making boardroom appearances 🐶💼.

Michelle Yates from Pet Partners joins Nikki to dig into why intentional culture design (with a pet twist!) is the new frontier for engagement and retention. From pet insurance to office mascots, discover how the joy of animals is shaping the future of meaningful work 🐾✨.

Additional Resources:

The Power of Pet Perks - Research with HABRI (Human Animal Bond Research Institute)

Learn how to create pet-friendly workspaces with the Dogs at Work Guide!

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn

Learn more about OnePack Plan by PetPartners

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Pets at work boost morale and mental health.
• Culture design must be intentional and people-first.
• Personalized benefits like pet insurance drive retention.
• Even non-pet owners value pet-inclusive workplaces.

Works Cited:

• KRC Research conducted an online survey on behalf of OnePack Plan by Pet Partners among n=1,000 employed US adults 18-65. The sample included n=750 pet owners and n=250 non-pet owners. The study was fielded between August 19 - August 22, 2024.
• Cohen Research Group in conjunction with OnePack Plan by PetPartners and the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) conducted an online survey over a two-week period from February 22 to March 7, 2024, with 1,021 HR professionals working for medium or large companies in the United States and Canada. By design, half of the respondents work at companies currently offering pet health insurance to their employees and half did not offer it to them.

For terms and conditions visit: www.petpartners.com/sample-policies. Products are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, (NAIC #26581), and produced by PetPartners, Inc. (NPN #7612549; CA license #0F27261 PPI Pet Insurance Agency, Inc.).

🎉 We’re celebrating 7+ years of Gut+Science!

In this special anniversary episode, Nikki pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving podcast and people-first culture.

From trust and autonomy to finding your rhythm and aligning strengths, Nikki shares powerful insights and heartfelt shoutouts to the all-star team behind the scenes. 💪🎙️

It’s real talk about leadership, meaningful work, and the magic of doing life with people who just get it.

Ready to be inspired? Hit play and celebrate with us! 🚀✨

Additional Resources:

Join the PFN Community!

Meet the team at PeopleForward Network!

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn 

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• People-first is a mindset; People-forward is action.
• Longevity is fueled by trust, autonomy, and values alignment.
• Remote work thrives when leadership trusts team members and empowers them through asynchronous, flexible processes.
• Leaders should spend time in deep, open-ended conversations and prioritize relationship advancement.