Team Building Saves The World

Angela Lewis joins the podcast to share her journey from Division I athlete and pro basketball player to leadership coach and Head of Operations at Speaker Hub. She reflects on the power of sports to build confidence, open doors, and teach lifelong lessons about teamwork, trust, and resilience. Angela dives into what it means to lead with empathy, the importance of play in team building, and how great leaders know when to pass the ball. With stories that span from St. Louis to Colombia, she reminds us that personal growth always starts with curiosity—and sometimes, a good slice of pizza.

In this episode, we sit down with Scot Wirth, Director of Operations at Little Free Library, to explore how a simple idea—a box of books—sparked a global movement (yes, including Antarctica!). Scot shares the origin story of Little Free Library, how it grew from one small structure into a worldwide network, and the powerful ways these little libraries bring people together. We also swap favorite reads and reflect on the unique role books play in building community, connection, and conversation.

In this episode, we chat with Josh Robinson—professional percussionist, teaching artist, and founder of Drumming Up A Team. Josh shares how he uses rhythm as a powerful tool to build connection, process grief, and foster teamwork. From schools to corporate retreats, Josh leads engaging drumming workshops that help people express themselves, break down barriers, and heal through sound. With a background rooted in personal transformation and decades of performance and teaching, Josh brings a unique perspective on how drumming can unite and uplift.

In this episode, we sit down with Haley Grayless, Founder & CEO of Växa Collective, to talk about the power of gratitude in the workplace. With a background in organizational development and over a decade of nonprofit experience, Haley shares how simple acts of appreciation can drastically improve employee retention, morale, and performance. We dive into real strategies companies can use to create healthier, more engaging work cultures. If you're looking to boost your team's connection and commitment, this one's for you.

Emmy Award-winning host and improv pro Mark DeCarlo joins Rich to explore how improv sparks happier, more connected teams. From The Second City to voicing Hugh Neutron on Jimmy Neutron, Mark shares fun stories and practical tips that reveal why happy teams are the most productive and innovative ones.

Storytelling isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a proven way to engage audiences, influence decisions, and make messages more memorable. In this episode, Rich sits down with sales and communications expert Robert Mattson to explore the power of business storytelling and how it can transform sales, leadership, and communication. Learn key techniques, including the “33 rule” for keeping attention, balancing detail with brevity, and using emotional connections to drive action.

Whether you're pitching an idea, leading a team, or closing a sale, this episode is packed with tips to help you communicate more effectively and influence decision makers within and outside of your organization.

Season 6 of Team Building Saves the World is here! In The Impact of Great Teams, we’re exploring how engaged teams and strong leadership create a ripple effect beyond the workplace. Host Rich Rininsland shares what’s in store this season, from insightful conversations to expert perspectives on the real-world impact of teamwork.

This week, host Rich sits down with inclusion activist Ash Beckham for a discussion on leadership and inclusion in the workplace. Ash explains the consequences for leaders who don’t prioritize inclusion and authenticity through a business lens and a human lens. The pair discuss inclusive leadership practices, including ways to foster allyship within teams and ensure inclusive policies are put into action—not just on paper. They emphasize the importance of seeing coworkers as layered individuals rather than just their job title. Join Rich and Ash for expert tips on how to foster an inclusive culture and genuine employee connections.

On this episode of Team Building Saves the World, Rich welcomes Kory Kogon, FranklinCovey’s VP of Content Development and senior leadership consultant, for a deep dive into workplace efficiency. Kory, a facilitator of the new 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course, shares key leadership habits, discusses the importance of building team synergy, and explores how consulting strategies can drive impactful business results. They also unpack FranklinCovey's memorable slogans like “see, do, get” and “change, choice, and principles,” offering practical ways to incorporate these principles for a more productive, fulfilling work life.