What happens when “Enjoy Life” isn’t just a tagline, but the heartbeat of an entire senior living culture? Shawn and Sarah sit down with Kristin Ferge and Gia Mattioli-Tolfa of Capri Communities to explore how compassion, culture, and creativity are transforming the senior living experience. 💡

From empathy-fueled hiring and thoughtful onboarding to surprise moments of gratitude, Kristin and Gia share how Capri puts people first, residents and staff alike.

You’ll hear about their “Four for Five” schedule that’s rewriting the rules of retention, how a stack of CARES cards is powering culture from the ground up, and why a t-shirt at a symposium can symbolize something much bigger. ❤️

Whether you're leading people, navigating change, or just love stories that celebrate connection, this one’s packed with meaningful moments, unexpected insights, and a whole lot of heart.

 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Kristin on LinkedIn

Connect with Gia on LinkedIn

Follow Capri Communities on LinkedIn

Learn more about Capri Communities

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Learn more about humanworks8

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

 

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy and adaptability are essential traits in people-first roles.
• Strong onboarding ties company values to everyday actions.
• Consistent recognition, big and small, fuels engagement.
• Flexible scheduling and financial wellness tools boost retention.
• Small, intentional moments build lasting culture.

In this episode, Shawn and Sarah sit down with the dynamic duo Lori Richards and Cass Bergemann from Mueller Communications, where culture isn’t just talked about, it’s lived every day.   If Mueller had a theme song, Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” accurately represents the organization's energy and momentum, and this humanscape conversation delves into how it all comes together. Lori and Cass share how their team brings humanity to the workplace through their Cultural Canvas, values like “clear is kind,” and the powerful demonstration of celebrating parenthood. You'll hear how mentorship, feedback and fun come together to build a truly people-first culture.   This conversation is a masterclass in making work more human.

 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Lori on LinkedIn

Follow Mueller Communications on LinkedIn

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Learn more about humanworks8

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn 

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

 

Key Takeaways:

• Lead by example—model work-life balance at all levels.
• Define and document your culture clearly.
• Give feedback that’s honest and kind.
• Support new hires through mentorship and trust.
• Reinforce values through everyday practices.

Shawn and Sarah are talking all things culture, care, and community with Peggy Williams-Smith and Christina Cooper from Visit Milwaukee🧀

From handwritten birthday cards to breaking down silos, they’re leading a workplace where uniqueness isn’t just welcomed—it’s celebrated!

Tune in for laughs, heart, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Milwaukee’s people-first pros do it all with purpose ✨

 

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Visit Milwaukee!

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn  

Learn more about humanworks8

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn 

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

 

Key Takeaways:

• A welcoming culture begins with intentional leadership and personal connection
• Peer-to-peer recognition and public celebration are central to employee engagement
• Ongoing feedback and employee surveys drive continuous cultural improvement
• Mental health, wellbeing, and even pet care are priorities for a holistic employee experience
• Leaders must create safe space for conversations around identity, politics, and personal beliefs

Ever wonder how a company makes 3 million pizzas a week and stays a three-time Great Place to Work?🍕

In this episode, Shawn and Sarah chat with Wendy Bushell, Chief People Officer at Palermo’s, about the secret sauce behind their people-first culture. From visual training for a workforce speaking 8 languages to personalized learning paths and daily free pizza, Wendy shares how passion, innovation, and purpose fuel Palermo’s.

Get ready for a flavorful convo on leadership, culture, and making work feel like family. 🎧✨

 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn

Learn more about Palermo’s

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn 

Learn more about humanworks8

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn 

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

 

Key Takeaways:

• Values like passion and opportunity are lived daily through recognition and coaching.
• Simple, low-tech tools make values and feedback accessible to everyone.
• Visual training bridges language barriers and enhances understanding.
• Personalized learning paths support career growth at every level.
• A holistic approach to culture includes meaningful benefits, development, and inclusion.

What if we treated mental health like a broken arm—something real, urgent, and worth taking care of? 🧠✨

In this episode, Shawn chats with Julie Preder from Mental Health America Lakeshore about why mental health is health. They dive into why real conversations matter more than surveys, how workplaces can be way better at supporting people (spoiler: it starts with listening👂), and why connection is the real secret sauce for thriving teams.

Tune in for a fresh take on culture, compassion, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Learn more about humanworks8

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn 

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

 

Key Takeaways:

• Mental health is ongoing and must be treated as essential health.
• Psychological safety is a prerequisite for honest conversations and sustainable cultural change.
• Employee voices are more valuable than surveys—listen actively and take action.
• Grief and caregiving are often hidden, but critical to support in the workplace.
• Small seeds of trust, dialogue, and values alignment are what grow lasting culture.

Tap shoes, chocolate, and servant leadership? Yes, please! 💃🍫

In this episode, Lynell Meeth from Bank Five Nine joins Shawn and AJ for a vibrant convo about how real culture is built—in the little moments, the shared values, and yes, even in joyful things like tap dancing.

Lynell shares how her team brings values like passion and humility to life, creates flexible learning paths that actually stick, and keeps connection strong across branches.

It’s a refreshingly human take on leadership, learning, and belonging you won’t want to miss 💡💬

For leaders focused on culture and people: Take the time to reflect on how you enhance your company culture. Get out of your office and interact with employees to see how they are doing. Don’t have an agenda, just listen. SMILE! And find something to laugh about.

 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Learn more about humanworks8

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn 

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

 

Key Takeaways:

• Joy Drives Energy: Rediscovering personal passions like tap dancing can fuel workplace energy and engagement.
• Values in Action: Passion, integrity, respect, and humility are lived daily, not just listed on a wall.
• Tailored Learning: Leadership development isn’t one-size-fits-all—custom paths and microlearning win.
• Servant Leadership: Culture is shaped by leaders who prioritize support and service.
• Wellbeing with Choice: A flexible, “choose your own path” approach makes wellness meaningful for all.

How do you build an organization where values aren’t just words on a wall but a lived experience? ✨

Shawn and Sarah are joined by Tiffany Tardy, President and CEO of PEARLS for Teen Girls, as she shares how PEARLS’ values create a culture of empowerment and impact.

Tiffany reflects on the power of personal responsibility, how grace fuels empathy, and why redefining professionalism is crucial for today’s workforce. She also dives into the intergenerational leadership model at PEARLS, the importance of collaboration, and how organizations can create spaces where people show up as their authentic selves.💕

Plus, hear about her journey as a first-time pet parent and her passion for travel that fuels her leadership perspective.🌎

 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn

Learn more about PEARLS

Learn more about the Inspired to Lead Gala 🦋

Volunteer with PEARLS

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Learn more about humanworks8

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn 

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

 

Key Takeaways:

• Personal Responsibility starts with self-awareness. Leaders must first focus on their inner growth before expecting change in others.
• Empathy requires grace. Leaders must extend the same understanding and flexibility they expect from others.
• Redefining professionalism is necessary. Younger professionals are challenging outdated norms, and organizations need to listen and evolve.
• Values must be actionable. At PEARLS, values are embedded in meetings, performance reviews, and daily operations—not just on a poster.
• Culture thrives on consistency. Building a strong team means reinforcing values in every people touchpoint—onboarding, recognition, and leadership development.

💭 Engaged and energized? Or engaged and exhausted?

Too often, work feels like a never-ending sprint—but what if you could sustain your energy and success?

Today, Shawn and Sarah are joined by Jenny Shufelt — Director of Well-Being Programming at Hoffmaster— as she shares how tiny but mighty shifts (like resilience calls and intentional breaks) can transform workplace culture.

Tune in for fresh insights on:

• The secret to staying engaged without burnout
• Why psychological safety starts with role clarity
• How to reclaim work as a source of purpose and fulfillment

🎧 Listen now + grab Jenny’s workbook, Reclaim Your Radiance—your guide to staying productive, motivated, and fulfilled! Link below! 🚀

 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn

Get the “Reclaim Your Radiance” workbook!

Learn more about Hoffmaster

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn  

Learn more about humanworks8

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn 

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

 

Key Takeaways:

• Engagement isn’t a steady state; it ebbs and flows. Leaders should focus on sustaining energy, not just pushing for engagement.
• Tiny but mighty changes—like resilience calls, intentional breaks, and rethinking customer service training—can have a huge impact on workplace culture.
• Psychological safety is foundational. Employees need role clarity, autonomy, and trust to thrive.
• Work should be reclaimed. When done right, it’s a source of purpose, connection, and fulfillment—not just a to-do list.

In this episode, Shawn is joined by his teammate AJ Kruse, and they chat with Tom Parks — Director of Retirement Plan Services at Annex Wealth Management — to talk about scaling a people-first culture, leading with courage, and why care is never corny. With laughs, insights, and a focus on real leadership, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating growth or looking to inspire their team! 🚀

PLUS, Annex offers a diverse selection of educational resources, both in terms of topics as well as the manner of delivery (radio, YouTube, webinar, in-person, etc.) to empower workers of all socioeconomic levels. Here are some samples.

 

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Annex Wealth Management

Follow Annex Wealth Management on FaceBook

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Connect with AJ Kruze on LinkedIn

Learn more about humanworks8

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

 

Key Takeaways:

• People First: Growth is about relationships, not just revenue. Annex’s success lies in its focus on individuals—both employees and clients.
• Core Values: Courage and integrity are foundational, guiding decisions and maintaining authenticity in leadership.
• Balancing Broad and Narrow Focus: Leadership requires expanding vision while also bringing focus to priorities.
• Open Communication: Radical candor is crucial, but it must rest on a foundation of mutual respect and care.

Welcome back to the humanscape podcast! 🎙

Shawn is joined by not one, but two Sarahs—Sarah Marshall from humanworks8 and guest Sarah Troup from Motion Connected!

Dive into a conversation that blends wellness and technology, revealing how innovative tech can supercharge employee engagement and well-being. Sarah Troup shares inspiring stories and practical tips for creating healthier, more empowered workplaces.

Tune in for laughs, leadership insights, and actionable takeaways!

 

Additional Resources:

Connect with Sarah Troup on LinkedIn

Follow Motion Connected on LinkedIn

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Connect with Sarah Marshall on LinkedIn

Learn more about humanworks8

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn 

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

 

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Engagement Matters: Success in wellness programs hinges on active leader participation and recognition of employees' efforts.
• Collaborative ROI Approach: Achieving a meaningful return on investment in wellness requires a partnership between tech providers and employers, focused on integrated metrics.
• Simplicity in Action: Proven, straightforward strategies like encouraging physical activity (e.g., achieving 6,000 steps a day) can decrease healthcare costs and improve well-being.
• Fun and Culture: Integrating creative, fun activities (e.g., workplace ‘Amazing Race’ challenges) can enhance team culture and morale.