Ever feel like your team is always busy but not actually moving the needle? You’re not alone.

In this episode of The Roots Up Approach, Steve and Nikki unpack the secret to cutting through the chaos: the Weekly Planning Rhythm—a simple, game-changing system to set clear priorities, stay focused, and actually get things done.

Steve shares how this rhythm transformed his own business (and sanity), why Monday meetings are the worst, and how one leadership team went from total disorganization to seamless execution in just one week.

Ready to ditch the overwhelm and lead with intention? Tune in now and grab the Roots Up Quiz to build your custom action plan! 🚀

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• Clarity beats chaos. Most teams struggle because they don’t have a clear way to define and communicate priorities.
• One priority, not five. The word priority means one—choosing a single main focus each week creates real momentum.
• Planning should happen before Monday. Friday is an ideal time to set priorities, so Monday is spent executing, not figuring out what to do.
• The best teams have rhythms. Whether you call them rituals, routines, or ceremonies, consistent planning rhythms help teams move from reactive to intentional.

Ever felt like something at work just wasn’t clicking—but you couldn’t put your finger on why? 🤔 Enter Awareness of Fit, the secret sauce behind thriving teams and seamless collaboration!

In this episode, Matt Poepsel, VP of Talent Optimization at Predictive Index, joins Nikki to break down how understanding fit—across strategy, culture, and team dynamics—can make or break success.

From surprising insights on self-awareness to why promoting your top performer might be a terrible idea, this convo is packed with eye-opening moments. Plus, Matt shares how a quick six-minute assessment can reveal game-changing insights about you and your team.

🎧 Listen in and grab the free behavioral assessment to see what makes YOU thrive!

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• Self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership—it’s a muscle that must be built continuously.
• Fit isn’t one-dimensional—it includes strategy fit (role alignment), culture fit (values alignment), and team fit (collaborative compatibility).
• Behavioral assessments provide clarity on why teams thrive—or struggle—and help pinpoint areas of misalignment.
• Promotions shouldn’t be automatic—high performers in one role may not be suited for leadership, and leaders must be intentional in career pathing.
• Team dynamics improve when leaders build self-awareness rituals—making self-reflection and team assessments a regular part of the culture.

🗓️ Hate one-on-one meetings? You’re not alone. But what if they could actually be energizing, productive, and something you look forward to?

In this kickoff episode of The Roots Up Approach, Steve Perkins from Greenhouse joins Nikki to share how simple tweaks can turn one-on-ones into a leadership superpower. No more boring status updates—learn how to build trust, spark growth, and make every meeting count.

🎧 Tune in and say goodbye to dreaded one-on-ones forever!

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Leading Better 1:1s 

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• One-on-ones are crucial for engagement, alignment, and problem-solving—but most people haven’t learned how to do them effectively.
• Consistency matters. Having a regular cadence (biweekly or monthly) prevents communication breakdowns.
• One-on-ones should be a two-way conversation. Both the leader and the team member should bring topics to discuss.
• Leaders must create safety for feedback. If employees don’t feel safe sharing honest feedback, they’ll disengage.

Great leadership starts with great communication! 🚀

In this episode of In the Loop, Katherine is joined by Sue Finkam — Mayor of Carmel, IN — as she shares her best tips for casting vision, overcoming resistance to change, and handling public criticism like a pro. From storytelling to soundbites, she reveals how leaders can communicate with impact—whether in the boardroom or city hall.

Tune in for real talk, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way!

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• Vision Casting is Non-Negotiable – If your team doesn’t know where you're going, don’t be surprised when they don’t follow.
• Repetition = Retention – When you’re tired of saying it, they’re just starting to hear it.
• Storytelling Wins – Facts fade, but a good story sticks. Use them to inspire and connect.
• Handle Criticism with Grace – Stay grounded in your values, filter the noise, and focus on what matters.

What happens when you look beyond someone’s job title? 🌟

On this episode, Nikki sits down with Charlie Saffro, CEO & Founder of CS Recruiting, to explore the magic of intentional connection. From quirky team rituals (think sticky notes and Frosty coupons!) to authentic feedback using the FBI model, Charlie shares her secrets for creating people-first workplaces where everyone feels seen and valued.

Tune in for leadership tips, heartfelt stories, and a whole lot of inspiration!

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• Intentional Connection: Know your team members beyond their titles; focus on what truly matters to them.
• Rituals Define Culture: Small acts of gratitude, like notes or recognition, ripple into cultural transformations.
• Leverage Technology: Platforms for employee engagement fuel consistency and connection in one-on-ones.
• Lead with Emotion: Expressing vulnerability fosters deeper trust and connection with teams.

What’s your purpose story?

On this episode, Nikki is joined by Marshall Lockton, entrepreneur and Partner of Knight Agency, takes us on a journey from his family’s business at Lockton Companies to his passion for purpose-driven leadership. Marshall shares how crafting meaningful stories fuels performance, builds connection, and brings purpose to life.

🎙️Also, Marshall tees up the launch of his new podcast, The Third Layer, where he gets to share these stories with people from all over!🎉

Get ready for insights on vulnerability, navigating life’s seasons, and sparking a culture that thrives. Don’t miss this one—it’s packed with heart, purpose, and practical tips!

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• Purpose Stories Drive Performance: Personal and organizational purpose stories capture the unique essence and inspire people to do their best work.
• Crucible Moments Are Transformative: Major challenges often clarify our purpose and drive future growth.
• Words Matter in Purpose Statements: Crafting a precise focus statement ensures it becomes a living guide, not just wall art.
• Storytelling Builds Culture: Leaders use stories to connect people to purpose, culture, and each other.

In this episode of Gut + Science, Nikki sits down with Azizi Marshall, a workplace mental health expert and international speaker, to tackle the bold truth: mental health care is a must-have, not a nice-to-have.

From startling stats (1 in 4 adults face mental health challenges!) to ripple effects in workplace culture, Azizi shares actionable insights on turning data into strategies, creating impactful training programs like de-escalation workshops, and building a culture of care that fosters resilience.

Tune in to learn how to lead better, care smarter, and make work a place where people truly thrive.

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• Mental health care is vital: Addressing mental well-being is not a luxury but a necessity for individual and organizational success.
• Data informs strategy: Workplace culture assessments can identify trends, like caregiving challenges or burnout, and tailor solutions effectively.
• Proactive training is critical: De-escalation workshops help employees handle conflict while maintaining emotional balance.
• Resource visibility matters: Provide easy access to mental health, financial, and caregiving support with clear, regular communication.
• Cultural accountability: Creating norms where employees support and correct each other fosters a healthier environment.

Core values: are they driving your culture or just filling up wall space?

Katherine Coble unpacks how to make your values real—think Chick-fil-A-level real. From hiring and onboarding to tough decisions that protect your culture, Katherine dives into what it takes to walk the talk.

Ready to transform words on a wall into actions that inspire? Let’s dive in!

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• Core values must reflect who you already are. Aspirations belong in the vision, not in the values.
• Leaders set the tone for living the values. If leaders aren’t modeling them, employees won’t follow.
• Embed values into every aspect of the business. From recruitment to recognition, values should guide decision-making.
• Tough decisions uphold credibility. Failing to address misalignment damages trust, even with high performers.

Work and life don’t have to compete!

In this exciting kickoff to a new partnership with Steve Perkins of Greenhouse Coaching, Nikki and Steve discuss the "Roots Up" approach—a fresh way to grow the life and team you want. Learn how to ditch the chaos, design with intention, and create thriving cultures where work works for you. It’s practical, inspiring, and packed with insights you can start using today.

Dive in!

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Take the RootsUp Quiz!

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• Roots First, Growth Follows: Leaders often focus on surface results but overlook foundational habits. The "Roots Up" methodology emphasizes starting with the right foundational practices.
• Vision as the Anchor: A clearly defined vision acts as the north star for personal and organizational success.
• Dynamic Delegation: Empower teams by delegating responsibility and thinking, creating trust and engagement.
• Integration Over Balance: Shift from balancing work and life to intentionally integrating them in a way that fulfills both.

What happens when leaders lose their spark, their confidence, and their sense of direction? Enter Work Twisties—a concept Ify Walker brings to life in this episode of Gut+Science.

Inspired by Simone Biles' "twisties," Ify shares her raw, emotional story of grief, self-doubt, and rebuilding after losing her biggest champion.

Through tears and powerful truths, Ify reveals how leaders can navigate these moments of feeling lost and how we can better support one another. This isn’t burnout—it’s deeper. And trust us, you’ll walk away with insights that stick.

Grab your headphones and maybe some tissues—you won’t want to miss this one. 🎧

Additional Resources:

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Take the SKOR Snapshot

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• Work Twisties Defined: Losing one’s sense of purpose, place, and protection. It’s not burnout; it’s deeper, longer, and requires intentional healing.
• Signs to Look For: Changes in behavior, increased isolation, anger, and indecisiveness. Leaders may mask it well, but look closely.
• Surround Yourself: Find people who are unreasonably invested in you and reflect who you truly are when you forget.
• It’s a Long Road: Small steps—like completing tiny, manageable tasks—are part of the rebuilding process.
• Take Time: Leaders often wait for permission to step away. Save yourself first; the rest can wait.