“You have to help your leaders understand that the organization is not a machine. The organization is a living organism.” - Ernesto Gomez

In this episode of The People Dividend, host Mike Horne sits down with Ernesto J. Gomez, executive leader and author of Regrowth, to explore how companies can reignite growth by scaling human potential—not just systems.

Together, they discuss what really stalls organizational momentum, why stewardship beats leadership in today’s world of work, and how embracing a humanistic, people-first approach to leadership creates a thriving culture of innovation and sustainable growth.

Whether you're in HR, talent development, or executive leadership, this conversation offers actionable strategies to help your team unlock performance, drive engagement, and view your organization as a living, evolving system.

Key Points:

• Why a humanistic approach to leadership creates lasting results

• How to unlock employee potential and boost workplace productivity

• The difference between leadership and stewardship—and why it matters

• Practical steps for HR and business leaders to prevent stalled growth

• Why treating your organization like a living system leads to better decisions

Links: 

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at [email protected]

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

Learn More about Ernesto Gomez: 

Website: https://aspenmindset1.com/

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernesto-g%C3%B3mez-arzapalo-8783ab43/

Ernesto’s Book Regrowth on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Regrowth-Organizations-Overcome-Unlocking-Potential/dp/1959009176/

“Even if an airplane can go at a thousand kilometers an hour, we're still really interested as humans in how fast a human can run.” – Nellie Wartoft

In this episode of The People Dividend podcast, host Mike Horne speaks with Nellie Wartoft, CEO and founder of Tigerhall, about the future of organizational communication, the real drivers of change management, and what it means to lead with a people-first mindset.

Nellie shares her journey from Sweden to Singapore and her mission to disrupt traditional internal communications strategies. Together, they explore how to engage employees during change initiatives, why generic frameworks fail, and how companies can focus on outcomes over remote work policies.

With the rise of AI and remote teams, Nellie offers strategic guidance for people and culture leaders on tailoring communication, understanding employee needs, and driving meaningful, measurable transformation.

Key Points:

• Traditional internal communications have alarmingly low engagement rates—leaders must rethink their approach.

• Outcome-based strategies are more effective than rigid remote work policies in driving transformation.

• People-first communication means understanding your audience and solving real business problems—not just applying generic frameworks.

Links: 

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at [email protected]

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

Guest Links – Nellie Wartoft

linkedin.com/in/nelliewartoft

tigerhall.com

Can joy actually make you a better leader? Joel Zeff thinks so—and he’s got the stories (and laughs) to prove it.

In this episode of The People Dividend podcast, host Mike Horne sits down with Joel Zeff—keynote speaker, humorist, and author—to explore how joy, humor, and improvisation can transform your leadership style and elevate workplace culture.

Drawing on years of experience working with teams across industries, Joel shares how improv principles help leaders embrace change, stay engaged, and lead with empathy and resilience. He emphasizes that creating a positive workplace starts with supporting your team, asking what they need to succeed, and fueling their passion through appreciation.

This episode is packed with laughs, leadership wisdom, and actionable tips for improving team engagement, communication, and culture—no matter your industry or leadership level.

Key Points:

• Improv is a powerful leadership tool that teaches adaptability, collaboration, and presence in the moment.

• Positive support and appreciation are critical to building high-performing, passionate teams.

• Great leaders ask, “What do you need to succeed?”—and then actively support their team’s success.

Links: 

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at [email protected]

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

Learn More about Joel Zeff

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joelzeff  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiOqpNYF4qZZoYByIlLGuog  

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394278954  

https://www.joelzeff.com

What if midlife isn't a crisis, but a powerful opportunity to give back, grow, and lead the next generation?

In this episode of The People Dividend podcast, host Mike Horne welcomes Dr. Deborah Heiser, applied developmental psychologist and founder of The Mentor Project, to explore the powerful role of mentorship in the workplace and the concept of generativity in midlife.

Dr. Heiser challenges outdated views of aging by framing midlife as a time of leadership, contribution, and fulfillment. She explains how organizations can tap into the value of midlife employees by supporting their desire to give back through mentorship. The episode explores the importance of organic, meaningful connections between mentors and mentees—and how HR leaders can create environments that nurture employee development, positive aging, and purpose at work.

Whether you're an executive, HR professional, or mid-career leader, this episode offers actionable insights on mentorship, retention, and workplace wellbeing.

Key Points:

• Generativity is a natural and powerful stage in midlife where people seek to give back to others and find deeper meaning.

• Mentorship thrives when driven by intrinsic motivation and genuine connection—not just formal structure.

• Coaching and mentoring serve different purposes but are both essential tools for personal and professional development.

Links: 

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at [email protected]

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

Learn More about Deborah Heiser

http://www.mentorproject.org/, https://deborahheiser.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-heiser-phd/

In this episode of The People Dividend, host Mike Horne sits down with Jen Hahn, founder and CEO of J Recruiting Services, to explore what it takes to create meaningful connections between talent and opportunity.

Jen shares her expertise on strategic hiring practices, the power of generalist experience, and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. The discussion highlights how companies can scale effectively by improving their recruitment strategy, investing in workplace culture, and putting employee retention at the center of their growth plan.

With actionable insights on proactive hiring, streamlined recruitment processes, and leadership’s impact on retention, this episode is essential listening for business leaders, HR professionals, and founders looking to grow the right way.

Key Points:

• Strategic scaling starts with proactive hiring that anticipates future needs, not just current roles.

• Streamlining the recruitment process boosts hiring efficiency and improves candidate experience.

• Employee retention is directly shaped by leadership quality, culture, and how people are treated.

Links: 

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at [email protected]

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

Learn More about Jenn Hahn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-hahn-5698b66a/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jrecruitingservices

https://www.facebook.com/JRecruitingServices

https://jrecruitingservices.com/

In this episode of the People Dividend podcast, host Mike Horne explores the complexities of the modern workplace with organizational researcher Craig Mattson. They discuss the evolving definition of work environments, the phenomenon of digital overwhelm, and the importance of effective communication in a digital age. The conversation delves into finding meaning in work, the art of persuasion, and the role of indirect communication. Matson emphasizes the need for flexibility in navigating digital tools and the importance of moving from mere coping to flourishing in both professional and personal realms.

Key Points:

• Why Modern workplaces require thinking about modes of relationship and engagement.

• How Digital overwhelm arises from the intersection of technology and emotional presence.

• Why communication in the workplace must adapt to digital platforms.

Links: 

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at [email protected]

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

Learn More about Craig Mattson

https://www.digitaloverwhelm.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-mattson-bb861445/

“The intersection of personal and organizational alignment is a key way to unlock potential. ”- Mike Horne 

In this episode of The People Dividend podcast, Mike Horne discusses the critical themes of trust and motivation in leadership and organizational culture. He emphasizes that trust is foundational to the People Dividend, which encompasses dignity, kindness, and respect. Horne explores how trust fosters collaboration and innovation, and how motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, plays a vital role in unlocking employee potential. He concludes by highlighting the ripple effects of trust and motivation on organizational reputation and customer satisfaction, urging listeners to assess their workplace dynamics and prioritize these elements for success.

Key Points:

• Transparency is a two-way street.

• Intrinsic motivation is essential for a motivated workforce.

• Aligning values with organizational goals unlocks potential.

Links: 

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at [email protected]

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

The workforce is evolving—and so must the way we lead, hire, and build inclusive cultures.

In this episode of People Dividend, host Mike Horne sits down with Jesse Guenther, Vice President of Client Delivery at Allegis Global Solutions, to explore the evolving world of talent acquisition and leadership in 2025. Jesse shares his personal leadership journey and the lessons he's learned along the way—from embracing discomfort to viewing failure as a powerful learning tool.

Mike and Jesse discuss the volatility of today’s employment market, the shifting priorities of HR leaders, and the rising importance of cost efficiency. Jesse also emphasizes how organizations can create more inclusive workplaces by aligning diversity initiatives with the real needs of the communities they serve.

The conversation also touches on the gig economy, the growing synergy between HR and finance, and the power of building strong relationships to drive business outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or just beginning your leadership journey, this episode offers timely advice and deep insights into the future of work.

Key Points:

• Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Jesse emphasizes that stepping outside your comfort zone—and even failing—is essential for personal and professional growth.

• The Employment Market Is in Flux: With a rapidly evolving workforce and the rise of the gig economy, HR leaders must stay agile and rethink traditional talent strategies.

• Diversity Must Reflect the Community: Inclusion efforts are most effective when they’re grounded in the real needs and experiences of the communities organizations serve.

Links: 

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at [email protected]

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

Learn More about Jessi Guenther: 

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

https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/

“We do not resist change. We resist the loss of something. We resist the idea of something that we might lose if the change actually happens.” - Martin Lesperance

In this episode of the People Dividend Podcast, Mike Horne and Martin Lesperance discuss the critical concept of momentum in the context of organizational change. They explore the challenges of maintaining momentum amidst rapid changes, the psychological aspects of resistance to change, and the importance of communication and identity in navigating transitions. Martin emphasizes the need for leaders to provide hope and connection to their teams, encouraging small, incremental steps towards change while celebrating progress along the way.

Key Points: Why momentum is essential for success in organizations. Why resistance to change often stems from fear of loss.  How leaders can foster hope and connection within their teams.

Links:  Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at [email protected] Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,  LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,  Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

Learn More about Martin Lesperance martinlesperance.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-lesperance-0355263/

What does it take to lead in today’s ever-evolving world, and how much of that is shaped by who you are versus where you are?

In this episode of The People Dividend, host Mike Horne sits down with Ross Blankenship, consulting psychologist and leadership coach, to explore the deeper layers of leadership, identity, and career evolution. Drawing from his books Everyday Leadership and Assessing CEOs and Senior Leaders, Ross unpacks why a humanistic approach is essential for effective leadership—and how context can be just as influential as character. They also delve into the growing role of AI in executive assessment and what that means for the future of coaching and development at the top.

Key Points:

• Career transitions are deeply tied to identity shifts and successful leaders must navigate both.

• AI is transforming executive assessment, offering new insights but also raising ethical considerations.

• Personal growth in leadership begins with self-reflection and confronting our own assumptions.

Links: 

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at [email protected]

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

Learn More about Ross Blankenship 

https://www.tuesdayadvisors.com/, https://www.rossblankenship.io/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonrossblankenship/