In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with Heather Stewart, the Director of Employee Learning and Development at College of the Canyons, where she leads initiatives designed to strengthen employee growth, engagement, and organizational culture.

Heather brings a powerful perspective on how a people-focused approach can elevate performance, build trust, and create meaningful impact at every level of an institution.
Drawing from her extensive experience in learning and development, she highlights why investing in people is not just beneficial — it’s essential for long-term success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How people-first strategies reshape organizational performance
• The role of continuous learning in creating empowered teams
• Why understanding employees' needs builds a stronger workplace culture
• Practical ways leaders can support development and morale
• How people-focused initiatives translate into measurable impact
• The importance of empathy, communication, and purpose-driven alignment
Heather’s insights demonstrate how the future of organizational success lies in elevating people — not just processes.

🔗 Connect with Heather Stewart:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherkstewart/

🎙️ Episode Title:
Driving Impact Through a People-Focused Approach

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray sits down with Keith Powers, an experienced Executive Coach and Leadership Advisor, to explore how transparency in leadership fuels trust, team alignment, and sustainable growth.
Keith shares valuable insights on creating open communication cultures, handling tough conversations with honesty, and building teams that thrive on accountability and mutual respect. From leadership authenticity to strategic decision-making, this discussion highlights the real-world impact of leading with openness and integrity.
If you’re interested in leadership development, team trust, and organizational growth, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiring takeaways for leaders at every level.

✨ Key Takeaways:
How transparent leadership drives engagement and growth
Building trust through open communication and consistency
Empowering teams with clarity and purpose
Why authenticity is the foundation of strong leadership

🔗 Connect with Keith Powers:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithppowers/

📺 Subscribe to Interaction for more insightful conversations on leadership, trust, and organizational transformation.
👉 Like, comment, and share to join the conversation and help more leaders grow forward.

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this insightful episode of Interaction, host John Kandray welcomes Dr. Frank Gonzalez, a respected Leadership Coach and Organizational Psychologist, to discuss how leaders can navigate chaos with honesty, positivity, and authentic connection.
Dr. Gonzalez shares practical strategies on maintaining clarity and integrity in times of uncertainty, fostering trust within teams, and turning disruption into opportunity. From building emotional resilience to leading with empathy and optimism, this conversation uncovers what it truly takes to guide people through change while staying grounded in purpose.
If you’re passionate about leadership mindset, emotional intelligence, and positive organizational culture, this episode offers powerful lessons for leading through turbulence.

✨ Key Takeaways:
Leading with honesty and optimism during uncertain times
Turning chaos into clarity through communication and trust
Building emotionally intelligent leadership teams
Creating cultures rooted in authenticity and accountability

🔗 Connect with Dr. Frank Gonzalez:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgonzaleziv/

📺 Subscribe to Interaction for more thought-provoking conversations on leadership, culture, and human potential.
👉 Like, comment, and share if this episode inspired your leadership journey!

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with Robert Resnick, a leading Leadership Development Expert and Executive Coach, to explore how leadership simulations are transforming the way people learn, grow, and lead.
Robert shares his expertise on using experiential learning tools and simulation-based training to build real-world leadership skills. From creating safe spaces for leaders to practice decision-making to designing immersive experiences that mirror complex organizational challenges, this conversation dives into how learning by doing drives lasting transformation.
If you’re passionate about leadership development, experiential learning, or innovative training design, this episode will give you fresh perspectives on how simulation can turn leadership theory into practice.

✨ Key Takeaways:
How leadership simulations enhance learning and retention
Designing immersive learning experiences that build real-world skills
The power of feedback and reflection in leadership growth
Why experiential learning is the future of leadership development

🔗 Connect with Robert Resnick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robresnick/

📺 Subscribe to Interaction for more conversations with leading voices in leadership, learning, and innovation.
👉 Like, comment, and share to keep the dialogue growing!

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this powerful episode of Interaction, host John Kandray is joined by Dr. Kristal Walker, a distinguished Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, and Learning & Development Expert, to unpack what it truly means to champion organizational culture and lead proactively in an era of constant change.
Dr. Walker shares her insights on how great leaders cultivate learning mindsets, empower teams through intentional development, and create cultures where innovation thrives. From reimagining leadership as a continuous learning journey to fostering authenticity and empathy at every level, this episode delivers transformative takeaways for modern professionals.
If you’re passionate about leadership growth, organizational learning, and building cultures of purpose, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

✨ Key Takeaways:
How proactive leadership drives sustainable culture change
The future of Learning & Development in leadership
Creating organizations that learn, adapt, and thrive
Why empathy and curiosity are the new leadership superpowers

🔗 Connect with Dr. Kristal Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristalwalker/

📺 Subscribe to Interaction for more conversations with leading voices in leadership, learning, and innovation.
👉 Like, comment, and share to keep the dialogue growing!

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this episode of Interaction, host John Kandray speaks with Timothy Tolino, the Global Director of Benefits, Mobility, and Wellness at Hunter Douglas, where he leads large-scale employee programs that support an evolving global workforce.
With extensive experience designing benefits and wellness strategies across borders, Timothy offers a unique viewpoint on how workplaces have transformed not just structurally, but culturally, technologically, and in terms of human expectations.

From shifts in employee priorities to the rise of flexible work models, Timothy shares how organizations can remain adaptable and supportive in a rapidly changing environment.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 • How the modern workplace has evolved over the last decade
 • The changing expectations employees have from employers
 • Why benefits, mobility, and wellness programs now play a strategic role
 • The influence of technology on global workforce experience
 • How companies can support well-being and productivity simultaneously
 • What leaders must understand to build workplaces that attract and retain talent

Timothy offers a clear, practical lens on the past, present, and future of work and what businesses must embrace to stay relevant.

🔗 Connect with Timothy Tolino:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ttolino/

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this powerful and insightful conversation, John Kandray sits down with Elyssa Campo, Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Ceres, to discuss how to develop, implement and measure strategic DEI initiatives across talent management, event planning, programming and talent development. 

Connect with Elyssa on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyssacampo/

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Necko Fanning, a DEI and Culture Leader, writer, and editor whose career has been dedicated to driving meaningful organizational change through inclusion, empathy, and storytelling. With over a decade of experience leading diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, Necko brings a thoughtful perspective on how companies can navigate change, build stronger cultures, and empower people to bring their full selves to work.

Our conversation explores how inclusive leadership fuels business growth, why authentic storytelling matters in shaping workplace culture, and what it takes to create lasting impact in times of transformation.

Connect with Necko on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/necko-fanning-735511144/?skipRedirect=true&restoreScroll=true&miniProfileUrn=null&enhance=null

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this inspiring conversation, John Kandray sits down with Peter Mostachetti, Senior Director of Employee Experience, Learning, and Inclusion at Ipsy.

They discuss Peter’s journey, his approach to building inclusive workplace cultures, and how employee experience and continuous learning are shaping the future of work. Tune in to hear insights on leadership, authenticity, and creating environments where people truly belong.

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.

In this inspiring conversation, John Kandray sits down with Christine Alba Quaranto, Director of Learning and Talent Development, to explore the impact of effective leadership development and learning strategies in today’s workplace. Christine shares her insights on aligning corporate initiatives with talent programs, fostering a culture of continuous growth, and designing engaging training that motivates and empowers teams. 

Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caquaranto/

I hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss new uploads!
- John 

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kandray/

Visit the John Kandray Consulting website here: https://johnkandrayconsulting.com/

Listen to Interaction on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRyAOtxD4kcILBLR90GJs
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interaction/id1815701458
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/021f1171-6809-44fa-8ac4-17ca01eff6cf/interaction

#InteractionPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ResilientLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeWellbeing #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceBelonging #LeadingWithEmpathy
The Interaction Podcast hosted by John Kandray dives into the evolving world of leadership and workplace culture. With a focus on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, resilience, and authentic connection, each episode brings you conversations with forward-thinking leaders and experts. Together, we explore practical strategies for creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, shaping culture, or simply curious about the human side of high performance, this podcast offers insights to help you navigate change with confidence and impact.