In this episode, Mike Zani, CEO of The Predictive Index and author of The Science of Dream Teams, joins the show to break down how behavioral science can transform hiring, culture, and leadership.

From his Olympic sailing background to leading a talent optimization platform used by over 10,000 companies, Mike shares practical insights on what makes teams click and what causes them to fall apart. He explains why most hiring failures aren’t about skills, but about fit, and how leaders can use data to build trust, increase engagement, and lead more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

From Our Sponsor:

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

Additional Resources:

Mike Zani | CEO, The Predictive Index & Author of “The Science of Dream Teams”: 

https://www.predictiveindex.com/blog/author/mike-zani/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikezani/

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/ 

In this episode, Matt Rieck, Chief Human Resources Officer at End Zone Insurance and author of The Employee Retention Bible, joins the show to share proven strategies for keeping your best people. From rethinking turnover as a natural business function to designing better company meetings and succession plans, Matt unpacks practical frameworks to reduce attrition and boost engagement. He also introduces his ABC player model and 3X concept, offering listeners a clear blueprint for cultivating high-performing, future-ready teams. Whether you’re leading a startup or a legacy enterprise, this conversation delivers actionable insights to elevate your retention game.

From Our Sponsor:

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

Key Takeaways:

Retention starts with clarity about purpose, path, and expectations.

Turnover can be healthy if leaders are honest about performance and potential.

Culture is a leadership responsibility, not an HR initiative.

The ABC Player model helps leaders invest time where it matters most.

Succession planning is a powerful tool for engagement and long-term growth.

Additional Resources:

Matt Rieck CHRO, Inszone Insurance & Author, The Employee Retention Bible

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com

Adam Weber has helped grow organizations, lead people-first teams, and navigate the tension between humanity and performance.

In this episode of Lead The People, Adam Weber and Matt Poepsel talks about why real leadership starts with presence. They unpack the dangers of over-indexing on metrics, how burnout is often hidden in high-performers, and why leading with vulnerability isn’t a weakness — it’s the work. From building connected cultures to redefining success beyond KPIs, Adam shares what it means to create space for both results and rest.

If you’ve ever felt torn between driving outcomes and staying human, this conversation is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.

Key Takeaways:

From Our Sponsor:

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

Additional Resources:

Adam Weber Executive Coach & Author of Lead Like a Human: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetadam

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com 

Leigh Elena Henderson spent years in corporate HR — until the system she upheld broke her down.

In this episode, Leigh shares her powerful story of leaving the corporate world behind and using her voice to expose the realities so many employees face in silence. From toxic culture to broken policies, she unpacks the tension between doing what’s “by the book” and doing what’s right. Her viral presence on TikTok isn’t about trends — it’s about truth, transparency, and reclaiming humanity at work. If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for you — or watched it fail someone you care about — this episode is for you. It’s raw, real, and a wake-up call for anyone who believes people come first.

From Our Sponsor:

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

Additional Resources:

Leigh Elena Henderson (aka HRManifesto) Founder and CEO of HRManifesto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighelena/

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

What happens when people don’t feel seen, needed, or valued at work? In this episode, author and researcher Zach Mercurio joins Matt Poepsel for a powerful conversation on mattering — the often-missing ingredient in modern leadership.

They explore why recognition isn’t enough, how to build cultures where people feel irreplaceable, and what happens when leaders prioritize purpose over pressure. From simple check-ins to intentional affirmation, Zach shares research-backed habits that help people feel noticed, affirmed, and essential — every single day.

From Our Sponsor:

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

Additional Resources:

Zach Mercurio Author, The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/ 

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

In this conversation, Stephen Sokoler unpacks the evolving definition of mental health and its impact on the modern workplace. As founder and CEO of Journey, Stephen challenges the outdated, reactive approach to mental well-being and calls for a proactive, daily integration of mental health practices into both our personal and professional lives.

He explores the mental cost of multitasking, the illusion of balance, and how burnout stems from environments that ignore the emotional lives of employees. From the stigma of older generations to the openness of today’s workforce, Stephen emphasizes how leadership can foster cultures of trust, support, and psychological safety.

From Our Sponsor:

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. 

Additional Resources:

Stephen Sokoler Stephen is the Founder & CEO of Journey, the leading proactive mental health solution for modern companies: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensokoler/

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

In this conversation, Marcel Schwantes discusses the profound effects of toxic management on personal health and workplace dynamics. He emphasizes the need for humane leadership characterized by empathy, kindness, humility, advocacy, and trust. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding love in leadership and how it can transform organizational culture. Marcel shares insights from his experiences and research, advocating for a shift from transactional to relational leadership practices that prioritize employee well-being and engagement.

From Our Sponsor:

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

Additional Resources:

Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, acclaimed executive coach, and an Inc. Magazine Contributing Editor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

Why do some people rise while others stay stuck, even though they’re just as talented?

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine and host of the Problem Solvers podcast, to uncover why most people unconsciously sabotage their own growth — and how to stop.

This conversation is packed with insights for anyone who feels like they’ve plateaued, burned out, or outgrown their current role. Whether you’re a founder, creator, or just someone with big goals — this one’s going to hit.

From Our Sponsor:

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

Additional Resources:

Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief, Entrepreneur magazine: https://www.jasonfeifer.com/

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

Scott Parish is the founder and CEO of HireGuide. Before that, he helped build LinkedIn Jobs & ATS.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Scott to explore how AI is revolutionizing the hiring process. Scott introduces a game-changing concept: shifting focus from "quality of hire" to "quality of hiring decision" - and explains why this distinction could transform how organizations approach talent acquisition. From the staggering reality that 25% of managers regret their hiring decisions to how AI can capture 1000x more structured data than traditional methods, this conversation reveals practical strategies for making interviews faster, fairer, and twice as predictive. Scott also addresses the critical balance between leveraging AI's power while preserving the human connection that makes great hiring decisions possible.

From Our Sponsor

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

Key Takeaways

Connect with Scott

Website: Hireguide.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcparish/

Dr. Rosie Ward is a fierce advocate for humanity who is sought-after to help rehumanize workplaces that free, fuel, and inspire people to bring their best selves to work and home each day. She serves as CEO and Founder of Salveo Partners, which was awarded the 2024 Stellar Business Award for best business consulting in the United States, and focuses on future-proofing organizations by strengthening culture and equipping leaders and teams to show up courageously and more effectively navigate change and disruption.

Top 3 Takeaways

From Our Sponsor

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

From the Source

"We tend to have a fear of vulnerability and, you know, that's uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure."

"You set the tone for psychological safety on your team by modeling vulnerability."

"We cannot be comparing our behind the scenes to someone else's highlight reel."

"When we let our humanness show, we connect on a human level and other people see our humanness."

"Instead of ‘help’, say, ‘How can I support you?’ because it feels more equal than that implication that you're less than, you're weaker."

"We grow through those challenges... and when we don't bring people in, we lose creativity. We lose that innovation."

"This is not a solo journey. We're neurobiologically hardwired for connection."

Connect with Rosie

Show Up as a Leader (podcast): https://drrosieward.com/my-podcast/

Future-Proofing Leadership: What it Takes to Thrive Amidst Change and Disruption (whitepaper): https://salveopartners.com/future-proofing-leadership-white-paper/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rward

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrosieward/