Two years ago, we asked if AI could write your purpose and values. Our answer: It can mimic the words, but not the meaning.

In this episode, Emily and Laurie pick up where they left off — this time looking at AI’s role in creating vision and strategy. With 71% of companies now using or exploring AI, it’s no longer niche. But can it really give you direction, or does it just reflect back what you already know?

We talk about:

• How AI can act as a “mirror” for your existing thinking
• The risks of skipping human participation in strategy-making
• Why collective buy-in matters more than a perfect plan
• Practical ways to use AI as a starting point, not the final word
• Creative and collaborative approaches to building a vision your team owns

We leave you with two questions to reflect on:

• Would your team recognize themselves in an AI-written strategy?
• Are you aligned in belief, or just in language?

Don’t let a compelling plan distract you from the conversation that should have shaped it.

In This Episode:

What does it look like to lead with courage in an era of backlash? Jeff Melnyk and Carol Kondo revisit past conversations that still resonate - from DEI and social justice to war, Pride, and legacy. This episode challenges leaders to stop sitting on the sidelines and start showing up.

Podcasts Featured:

The role of leadership in social justice: 3 actionable insights

Pride was a riot: Creating social change from within

Ukraine and social crises: How do business leaders respond

Referenced Articles:

Why Corporate America Is Running From DEI – Psychology Today

Pride events face budget shortfalls – AP News

Performative Allyship: What It Is and Why It Hurts – Diversity Certification

Ukraine Business Initiative – U.S. Chamber of Commerce

To learn more about Within People and the work we do click here

In this episode, Within People co-founder Jeff Melnyk is joined by partner Carol Kondo for a grounded and honest conversation about what’s really getting in the way of high performance at work. It’s not strategy - it’s presence.

Together, they unpack what mindfulness really means in a business context, how distraction is showing up in meetings, and why connection, intention and even phone-free boardrooms might just be the unlock for better collaboration and critical thinking.

Tune in for practical tips, thoughtful reflection, and a few laughs as Jeff and Carol explore what it means to show up fully and lead with presence.

Click here more information about Within People and the work we do

In this episode, Laurie Bennett sits down with Rory Capern, COO of Redbrick, to reflect on a decade of building and evolving a thriving business. As Redbrick has grown from a single-brand tech company into a portfolio of digital businesses, Rory has seen firsthand what it takes to scale with purpose and lead through change.

Together, they explore the lessons learned along the way—the leadership qualities that sustain long-term growth, the challenges of navigating uncertainty, and the role of culture in shaping a resilient, innovative company. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about growth and transformation, this conversation offers valuable insights on what it takes to build a business that lasts.

Learn more about Within People and the work we do here.

For more information about Redbrick and the work they do, go to rdbrck.com

In this special episode celebrating Within People’s 10th anniversary, Jeff Melnyk sits down with Dan Hegarty, a seasoned entrepreneur and COO at Kuda, to reflect on a decade of building and growing businesses. Dan shares his journey, the pivotal lessons he’s learned along the way, and what it really takes to create a company that lasts. Together, they dive into the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of culture and leadership, and finding purpose in the world of Tech.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone passionate about business and innovation, this conversation offers real-world insights and inspiration on navigating the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.

Description:

In this special annual trends episode of Reimagining Work from Within, Jeff Melnyk and Carol Kondo explore what it means to step into 2025 with intention. From Carol’s personal journey of starting over in a new country to Jeff reflecting on entering a new decade of life, they discuss the power of letting go as a form of growth. They dive into four key trends shaping leadership this year—bringing cultures together, redefining growth on your own terms, the ongoing evolution of flexible work, and the role of AI in human-centered leadership. Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation on how leaders can navigate change, embrace uncertainty, and create space for something new.

Show Notes:

• [00:00] Carol’s journey of moving countries and what it means to start over
• [04:00] Why letting go—not just setting goals—can be the most powerful way to grow
• [09:15] Trend #1: Bringing cultures together—why DEI is shifting and what leaders need to let go of
• [16:30] Trend #2: Redefining growth—breaking away from outdated success metrics
• [21:00] Trend #3: Rethinking connection in hybrid and flexible work environments
• [26:07] Trend #4: AI and leadership—how embracing technology can make leadership more human
• [34:00] Key takeaways—how leaders can step into 2025 with intention and courage

In the latest episode in our series celebrating a decade of business at Within People, Jeff Melnyk reconnects with Meriem Bouamrane, an environmental economist and Senior Advisor for Nature-Based Solutions Partnerships at UNESCO. Together, they discuss her transformative work with UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Program and her personal journey as a leader in sustainability. From their shared experiences in the field to stories of resilience, connection, and shared purpose, Meriem shares powerful insights on vulnerability, the importance of community, and the value of leading with authenticity. Tune in to learn about the power of storytelling in environmental work, the evolution of sustainability, and Meriem's hopes for the next generation of leaders.

Fostering Global Sustainability Through Storytelling and Leadership

In this podcast episode, host Jeff interviews Meriam, an expert in environmental economics and a long-time advocate for the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program (MAB). They discuss their initial meeting in Sweden, collaborations around the world, and the transformational impact of the MAB program on promoting sustainable development. Meriam shares her career journey, starting from her field research in agroforestry in Indonesia, to her significant contributions within UNESCO. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and communication in engaging stakeholders and highlights the evolving awareness and actions towards sustainability. The conversation also explores our 8 Essential qualities for 21 century leadership, the significance of vulnerability and authenticity, and the shift in global consciousness regarding environmental issues. Meriam reflects on her future aspirations, focusing on personal growth and continuing her commitment to sustainability through local actions like permaculture.

UNESCO, Man and Biosphere Program, sustainability leadership, biodiversity, environmental advocacy, ecosystem preservation, global community, storytelling, purpose-driven leadership, human connection, cross-cultural collaboration, hope, resilience, vulnerability, authenticity, empowerment, sustainability evolution, climate action, positive impact, legacy, shared purpose

• Insights on how vulnerability and authenticity shape impactful leadership
• The evolution of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program and its role in global sustainability
• How storytelling bridges scientific data with public engagement to drive environmental change
• Shifting narratives in sustainability to bring a broader audience into the conversation
• Leadership lessons on staying hopeful and resilient amid challenges
• Meriem’s reflections on cultivating purpose-driven connections within communities worldwide
• Inspiring future leaders to make positive contributions to the planet through shared values

• Vulnerability as Strength: Meriem emphasizes that showing vulnerability as a leader can build trust, foster connection, and encourage a culture of openness and authenticity.
• Storytelling as a Tool for Change: Meriem and Jeff reflect on the importance of translating scientific knowledge into relatable stories that engage and empower communities to take action on biodiversity and sustainability.
• Sustainability’s Expanding Reach: Over her career, Meriem has seen sustainability discussions move from scientists and activists to include business leaders, finance professionals, and a global audience—creating a wider commitment to environmental action.
• Creating Global Connection through Shared Values: The Man and Biosphere Program unites diverse ecosystems and cultures under a shared purpose of protecting the planet, showing that common values can bridge differences and foster collaboration.
• Hope and Positivity as Drivers of Action: Rather than focusing solely on the urgency of environmental crises, Meriem advocates for an approach that highlights positive solutions and models for change, inspiring a hopeful outlook.
• Embracing a Non-Hierarchical Leadership Approach: By stepping away from conventional power dynamics, Meriem has fostered a collaborative and respectful atmosphere, empowering communities to share their knowledge and experiences freely.
• A Vision for Lasting Change: Meriem believes that true leadership comes from empowering individuals to make choices that align with their values, contributing to a legacy of kindness, respect, and care for each other and the earth.

Meriem Bouamrane Bio:

Meriem Bouamrane is an environmental economist and Senior Advisor for Nature-Based Solutions Partnerships at UNESCO, where she focuses on developing cross-sectoral partnerships to advance climate action and biodiversity conservation. She manages relationships with key partners, including LVMH. Previously, she served as Chief of Section for research and policy on biodiversity within UNESCO's Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, as part of the MAB Programme, where she worked since 2001. She also coordinated the EuroMAB Network, the oldest and largest network in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, and led research and training programs on biodiversity access and use, participatory approaches, and collaboration, using biosphere reserves as research and demonstration sites. She has organized numerous workshops applying various participatory techniques and tools and was involved in research programs focused on socio-ecological system resilience. She served as UNESCO's focal point for IPBES and biodiversity and was a member of the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC).

DESCRIPTION

In this special edition of the Reimagining Growth From Within podcast, we celebrate Within People’s 10th anniversary with a conversation featuring Tom Tapper, co-founder of the creative agency Nice and Serious. Tom shares candid insights on the journey of building a purpose-driven agency, balancing profit with impact, navigating challenges like imposter syndrome, and staying true to the agency’s core values over the last decade. This episode delves into leadership, creativity, and how to remain focused on making the world a better place through meaningful work.

SHOW NOTES

Tom Tapper from Nice and Serious, a creative agency focused on sustainability issues, reflects on his journey over the past 10 years alongside Within People co-founder Jeff Melnyk. 

Through the years Nice and Serious have shifted their focus from providing creative services to becoming creative problem solvers, working on broader challenges like brand strategy and campaigning for change. They also implemented a moral compass to guide their decision-making process and ensure alignment with their values. While they have turned down lucrative projects that didn't align with their ethics, they believe that staying true to their purpose will lead to long-term success and impact. 

Tom Tapper reflects on his experience as a leader and the challenges he has faced, including imposter syndrome and the pressure to follow patterns of growth of other agencies. He discusses how he has grown more comfortable with uncertainty and trusting his own instincts. Tom also shares his thoughts on Within’s 8 Qualities of Human-centered Leadership, highlighting Conviction as his strength and Patience as his biggest stretch. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and the need to balance ambition with staying true to the agency's values. 

Looking ahead, Tom envisions Nice and Serious evolving in response to the changing needs of clients and society, while maintaining its focus on sustainability.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• What it takes to grow a purpose-driven creative agency
• How to use decision making criteria to choose impactful work that matters to your creative team
• How to bring awareness to and manage imposter syndrome
• The qualities of leadership required to stay true to your values in challenging times
• Evolving and adapting your services as an agency to meet clients where they are at as you lead in a sector

KEYWORDS

Nice and Serious, creative agency, sustainability, film production, creative services, creative problem solvers, brand strategy, change, moral compass, decision-making, ethics, impact, imposter syndrome, leadership, conviction, patience, empathy, creativity, growth, sustainability

Join us for a special episode of "Reimagining Growth From Within" as we celebrate Within People's 10th birthday! Co-founders Jeff Melnyk and Laurie Bennett reflect on a decade of building a self-managed organization, sharing the highs, lows, and lessons learned.

From dreaming on a rooftop in Barcelona to running a purpose-driven company, they offer insights for founders and businesses on balancing growth and sustainability.

Tune in for a conversation full of wisdom and inspiration. Whether you're an entrepreneur, part of a growing company, or just curious about the evolving landscape of work, there's something here for you.

Learn more about Within People and the work we do here.

In this episode Jeff Melnyk and Carol Kondo share personal insights and a practical three-step process for addressing social justice issues in the workplace:

1. Listen: They stress the importance of creating a safe space for open dialogue and encourage leaders to genuinely listen to their employees' feelings and perspectives on social issues. This isn't just about hearing words—it's about fostering an environment where healthy debate and diverse viewpoints are welcomed and respected.

2. Show Support: Leaders need to show genuine allyship. This means taking actions that align with the company's core values and choosing which issues to support thoughtfully. Jeff and Carol remind us that it's okay not to tackle every issue—focus on those that truly resonate with your organization's mission and values.

3. Change Your Business: Finally, they advocate for making strategic changes that reflect your company's values and long-term goals. Jeff and Carol emphasize the importance of considering the broader impact of these changes, ensuring they lead to lasting, positive outcomes.

Learn more in our latest blog and about Within People the work we do here.