In this episode of The COVI Way, host Dave Vent sits down with Teddy Linder, COVI’s VP of Business Operations, to talk about what really creates a thriving workplace—and it’s not pizza parties or ping-pong tables. Teddy brings decades of experience shaping meaningful work environments and dives deep into how culture, clarity, and leadership drive employee engagement.From onboarding to feedback loops, strength-based leadership to radical candor, this conversation unpacks what employees actually need to feel valued and do their best work. It’s not about flashy perks—it’s about purpose, empowerment, and being seen.You’ll hear how small changes in how we listen, coach, and support employees can build lasting trust, loyalty, and performance. Whether you're leading a team or simply want to thrive in your role, this episode offers practical insights and powerful reminders that people—not perks—make workplaces great.🎧 Listen in to rethink how you approach leadership, engagement, and company culture.👥 Subscribe and share with someone who leads (or hopes to).Summary:What makes employees actually want to stay, grow, and thrive at work? In this episode, Covi’s Teddy Linder joins Dave Vent to explore how purpose, culture, and intentional leadership—not perks—create engagement. From onboarding to feedback to StrengthFinder, they unpack what it really means to lead people well.Key Quotes:“You can’t build great culture with perks—you build it with purpose.”“We don’t live in segments. If work isn’t fun, it won’t be meaningful.”“Employees see your company through a 15-inch screen. That experience matters.”“Being nice in the moment can be mean in the long run.”“The best leaders meet people where they are and build from there.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome to The Covi Way• 01:15 – Perks vs. Purpose: What Really Drives Engagement• 04:32 – Why Knowing the “Why” Matters• 08:10 – Strength-Based Leadership in Practice• 12:25 – Building Culture Through Everyday Interactions• 17:40 – What Real Onboarding Should Look Like• 21:00 – Getting to Know Employees Beyond the Résumé• 25:18 – Interviews That Build Trust• 30:05 – Defining “Company” Through Connection• 35:10 – Creating Safe Spaces for Feedback• 38:45 – How Tech Impacts Culture• 44:30 – Listening, Coaching, and Performance• 52:45 – Radical Candor and Real Conversations• 58:00 – Empowering People Through Strength and Clarity• 1:03:22 – Final Thoughts on Leadership & Engagement• 1:06:10 – Outro and Wrap-Up✅ 7. Suggested Focus Keywords (SEO & Social Media Optimization)employee engagementworkplace cultureleadership developmentonboarding experiencestrength-based leadershipradical candorteam communicationemployee feedback loophow to lead wellcompany culture strategy
