What separates an average manager from a transformational one? According to Brett Hoogeveen and Dr. Kim Hoogeveen, it might be the most overlooked—and misunderstood—decision in business: choosing the right people leaders.

In this episode, the father–son founders of Better Culture unveil their brand-new—and completely free—People Leader Checklist, a practical, research-backed tool that helps organizations identify real leadership potential before someone steps into a management role.

You’ll hear why promoting top performers can backfire, the three core leadership domains that predict success, and the simple criteria any organization can use to select, grow, and coach stronger leaders. With relatable stories, real-world examples, and immediately usable insights, this episode gives CEOs, HR pros, and emerging leaders a clear roadmap for building healthier, higher-performing teams.

Want to elevate your leadership bench? Download the checklist and start developing the kind of leaders people actually want to follow.  The People Leader Checklist - BetterCulture

Brett Hoogeveen shares how addressing the “unspeakable” tensions between two coworkers turned quiet conflict into connection — offering simple tools every leader can use to build trust and teamwork.

In this Leadership FastBlast episode, BetterCulture co-founder and host Brett Hoogeveen tackles one of the stickiest kinds of workplace tension — the unspoken issues that feel too uncomfortable to address.

Through a relatable story about two receptionists whose silent frustrations threatened team harmony, Brett reveals how hidden conflicts quietly drain culture — and how a thoughtful, appreciation-based conversation can turn tension into teamwork.

With practical leadership insights and simple, repeatable ground rules, this episode shows how surfacing the “unspeakables” can build trust, strengthen relationships, and even spark a little laughter along the way. Perfect for leaders looking to create healthier, higher-performing teams, this FastBlast delivers actionable tools you can use right away.

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

What makes today’s young professionals actually want to stay? In this eye-opening episode, host Brett Hoogeveen sits down with Colin Hensel, a rising star who’s lived both sides of workplace culture—the kind that drives you out in six months and the kind that makes you want to stay for years.

Colin pulls back the curtain on what truly matters to modern talent: real appreciation, meaningful relationships, room to grow, and leaders who mean it when they say they care. You’ll hear stories that challenge old-school thinking and reveal the small, authentic actions that make a big difference—from simple recognition to letting employees see how decisions get made.

If you’re serious about keeping your best people (and not just filling roles), this is the gut-check episode you can’t afford to miss. Tune in to see culture the way your employees do—and walk away inspired to build a workplace they’ll never want to leave.

f you’re ready to transform your approach to talent and leadership, this episode is packed with strategic insights and practical steps from one of the top experts in the field. Don’t miss it!

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

Think culture is just HR’s responsibility? Think again.

In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, host Brett Hoogeveen and BetterCulture Senior Consultant Kevin Hensel stir up an honest, energetic debate about who really owns workplace culture. From where HR’s role stops to where leaders at every level must step up, they share bold insights, fresh perspectives, and real-world stories that challenge the status quo.
You’ll walk away with practical takeaways and a new mindset about what it really takes to build — and sustain — a great place to work.

🔥 If you care about culture, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

If you’re ready to transform your approach to talent and leadership, this episode is packed with strategic insights and practical steps from one of the top experts in the field. Don’t miss it!

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

In this BetterCulture Fast Blast, Brett Hoogeveen shares the motivation and impact of including team members in knowledge and decisions being made for and around them.  Brett quickly and directly shares tools, techniques and insights that build trust, pride and ways to help develop team members such as:

The "Inside the Tent" Concept: Great leaders don't hoard information; they invite team members to become insiders, making them feel like valued contributors by bringing them "inside the tent."
Information as Connection, Not Control: Unlike leaders who use information to maintain power, effective leaders democratize knowledge to foster connection and trust.
Language Matters: Pay attention to whether employees refer to the company as "they/them" or "we/us"—the latter indicates a stronger sense of connection and ownership.
Seeking Employee Input: Pulling people inside the tent also means soliciting feedback from all levels—not just the usual decision-makers—to foster belonging and inclusion.
Building Trust and Ownership: These small acts help team members feel seen, valued, and more invested in the company’s success, strengthening overall culture.

If you’re ready to transform your approach to talent and leadership, this episode is packed with strategic insights and practical steps from one of the top experts in the field. Don’t miss it!

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

In this insightful episode, host Brett Hoogeveen sits down with renowned leadership team coach, best-selling author, and TEDx speaker Mike Goldman. The conversation dives deep into the limitations of traditional performance management and introduces Mike’s innovative Talent Density framework, which is designed to help organizations grow people, improve culture, and drive long-term business results.

Key Highlights:
Why Performance Management Needs Fixing:
Only 2% of leaders believe their current performance management system adds real value. Mike shares eye-opening research and explains why outdated reviews and ratings aren’t helping teams grow.
People Growth as a Profit Driver:
Mike and Brett discuss how true profit growth is tied directly to people growth—something that’s often stated but rarely acted on in measurable ways by today’s leaders.
Introduction to the Talent Density System:
Learn about the five-step process to measure and improve talent density, including setting expectations, assessing performance, taking action, accountability, and cascading changes throughout the organization.
Practical Tools for Leaders:
Mike offers actionable advice on how to set clear performance expectations and conduct effective weekly one-on-ones, emphasizing investment in high performers and removing barriers to their success.
Links Mentioned by Mike:
To pre-order or buy Mike's new book, The Strength of Talent, visit: strengthoftalent.com
(Pre-order before October 14, 2025, for over $400 in bonuses and tools. After launch, the site will continue to be a resource and book ordering hub.)
Learn more about Mike Goldman, his coaching, keynotes, workshops, and previous books:
mike-goldman.com

If you’re ready to transform your approach to talent and leadership, this episode is packed with strategic insights and practical steps from one of the top experts in the field. Don’t miss it!

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

Most leaders want a strong workplace culture - but reality often doesn’t match their intentions. In this conversation, Brett Hoogeveen and Dr. Kim Hoogeveen unpack why that gap exists and what leaders can do about it.

You’ll learn:

• The four main reasons culture gaps exist in organizations.
• Why even well-meaning leaders struggle to follow through.
• Simple first steps you can take to start closing your own culture gap.
• What “going all in” looks like when it comes to building a thriving culture.

This gap exists in almost every organization - but the sooner you take action, the sooner your team will feel the results.

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

Welcome to the latest BetterCulture podcast "Leadership Fastblast" in which host Brett Hoogeveen tackles a specific concept in easily digestible 10-minute segments. 

In this Leadership FastBlast episode, Brett tackles common myths around fun in the workplace. From compelling statistics to quotes from credible thinkers like Dwight Eisenhower, Brett lays out the case for fun's role in making a work environment more productive and inviting.

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/
 
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

What’s the actual ROI of employee engagement and workplace culture? Is company culture just a buzzword — or is it a real business driver? Is culture just a “feel-good” initiative, or does it lead to real-world business results?

In this episode of the BetterCulture Podcast, host Brett Hoogeveen, CSP and senior consultant Kevin Hensel tackle the tough questions head-on. They make a compelling, data-backed case that building a stronger culture isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic advantage that directly improves profitability.

✅ What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The real business value of employee engagement
- Why culture is often misunderstood as a "soft" metric
- How better culture = better business
- Practical ideas to start improving your team’s culture today
🔔 New episodes drop every other Tuesday on all major podcast platforms.

🎯 Want to build a high-performing culture at your company?
Book a free 15-minute culture call with Brett:
👉 https://betterculture.com/freecall/

📚 Explore our free leadership tools and culture-building resources:
👉 https://betterculture.com/insights/

🔗 Connect with us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetBetterCulture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterculture/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterculture/

#BetterCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #EmployeeEngagement #BusinessPerformance #organizationalculture #businessvalue

Welcome to the second BetterCulture podcast "Leadership Fastblast" in which host Brett Hoogeveen tackles a specific concept in easily digestible 10-minute segments. 

In this Leadership FastBlast episode, Brett breaks down four types of 'problem employees' that drag down the cultural average of a business. Through this dynamic episode, leaders can learn how to identify these behaviors, how they adversely affect their organization and how to combat those sorts of detractors in the workplace. 

Ready to kick off your company's journey toward a better culture? Schedule a free 15-minute culture call directly with podcast host and BetterCulture co-founder Brett Hoogeveen here: https://betterculture.com/freecall/ 
 
For an extensive library of free BetterCulture leadership and culture-building resources, visit https://betterculture.com/insights/