Psychology of Business Podcast

In this episode, Brandon Griffin talks with Alisa Sparks, Founder and CEO of Linden Creek, about her transition from managing multimillion dollar Navy and Marine Corps budgets to building a nationally recognized home staging and design company. Alisa explains how she discovered her niche, how Linden Creek grew from a solo venture into a franchise model, and why she developed Archd to streamline operations for stagers and designers. She also discusses the challenges and lessons of starting a business as a single mother, the role of mentorship and community in her franchise system, and the leadership principles that guide her work today.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dana Hermanson, an accomplished accounting scholar and longtime faculty member at Kennesaw State University. He is widely recognized in the BYU Accounting Research Rankings as one of the field’s most productive researchers of the past several decades, and he has been honored nationally for his contributions to auditing education. Dr. Hermanson is also known for advancing the Fraud Diamond framework with David Wolfe and for his influential work on fraudulent financial reporting, including major studies completed for COSO. Beyond academia, his public commentary often appears in prominent newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.We talk about what makes research relevant, how Model 2 scholarship expands the reach of academic work, the people side of fraud, the challenges of remote auditing, and broader societal questions involving capitalism, socialism, incentives, and public policy. This is a thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in business, governance, and the real-world impact of research.

In today’s episode, I talk with my friend Ethan Jensen, CEO of The Cage, a virtual batting cage experience in Salt Lake City, Utah. We go over how he turned an idea from college into a real business, quit his job, found funding, opened the first location, and built early traction through social media. We also talk hiring, operations, and why Ethan believes courage matters more than capability when you start something new.Connect with Ethan and The CageThe Cage: https://www.thecage-baseball.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cagebaseballEthan: https://www.instagram.com/ep3jensen

In this episode of The Psychology of Business Podcast, I talk with Trina Celeste, Tech CEO, author, and founder of Tech Moms, about what it means to redefine success, resilience, and leadership in today’s workplace.We discuss her transition from a corporate career to building a mission-driven organization that helps women reenter the tech industry, and how her “Life-First” approach reframes work, balance, and purpose.Learn more about Trina Celeste:Website: https://www.trinaceleste.comTech Moms: https://tech-moms.org

“I want the data to explain the theories, but I want the stories to make the lessons stick.” In this video, I talk about the new direction for my channel. I’m shifting from a focus on the academic side of research to the stories that make it meaningful. My goal is to make ideas about management and leadership more personal and practical by showing how scholarship connects to real experiences. Whether you’re an academic, student, or professional, it’s about finding the human side of learning and leadership.

*Please note that this episode discusses sensitive topics, including domestic violence, workplace bullying, harassment, shootings, and other forms of workplace violence. The conversation is conducted in a thoughtful and professional manner, but these issues can still be difficult to hear. Please take care as you listen.In this episode of The Psychology of Business podcast, Dr. Brandon A. Griffin interviews Dr. John Haymore, Assistant Professor at Troy University and a seasoned HR and safety professional. With nearly two decades of experience in human resources and occupational safety, Dr. Haymore shares practical insights on how organizations can better prepare for, prevent, and recover from workplace violence.What you’ll learn in this episode:- The difference between workplace safety and workplace violence.- Common but often overlooked forms of workplace violence: bullying, cyberstalking, domestic spillover, hostile managers, and more.- Warning signs that managers and employees should watch for.- How organizations can plan proactively instead of reacting after a crisis.- The importance of organizational recovery, long-term support, and training.- Tools like Structured Professional Judgment (SPJ) assessments and first aid/response training.- Why leadership commitment and multidisciplinary teams are essential.- Dr. Haymore’s personal “why” for dedicating his career to this field.About the Guest:Dr. John Haymore is an Assistant Professor at Troy University and a consultant specializing in HR, workplace safety, and violence prevention. He works with organizations to design prevention plans, conduct security audits, and deliver corporate training.Learn more about Dr. Haymore’s work: https://drjohnhaymore.com

In this episode of The Psychology of Business podcast, Dr. Brandon A. Griffin interviews historian Dr. John G. Turner (George Mason University) about the life and legacy of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a central figure in Mormon history. This episode marks a new expansion for the channel. While the podcast will continue to focus on contemporary business leaders, lectures, and tutorials, we are also opening space for conversations with historians, thinkers, and cultural figures whose work sheds light on leadership, organization, and influence across time. By examining Joseph Smith’s impact, we connect past dynamics of belief, community-building, and strategy with questions that remain relevant today. The conversation explores: - Smith’s business ventures and financial experiments in Ohio, Missouri, and Nauvoo. - His leadership style and ability to build and sustain communities. - The role of belief, charisma, and organization in shaping the early Mormon movement. - How Joseph Smith fits into the broader context of 19th-century American religion and society. - Why John G. Turner is a historian and what his legacy will be. Dr. Turner is the author of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet (Yale University Press, 2025) and Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet (Harvard University Press, 2014).

Is capitalism sustainable, or is it destroying the planet? In this episode, I sit down with Anara Scott, author and editor of Sustainable Capitalism: Essential Work for the Anthropocene. We explore whether capitalism is inherently harmful, how business can be a force for good, and what a sustainable economic future looks like. From environmental law to corporate responsibility, this conversation challenges assumptions about capitalism and sustainability.Sustainable Capitalism: Essential Work for the Anthropocene – Learn more: https://www.sustainablecapitalismbook.com/

Does society truly value your service? In this episode, Dr. Ellen Reinhart joins me to discuss the surprising research on caregiving vs. volunteering. Why do some helping behaviors get praised while others go unnoticed? We explore the psychology behind contribution, social class, and how we define meaningful service. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion!

In this episode of The Psychology of Business Podcast, Dr. Brandon Griffin interviews Chuck Salvo, former Disney Institute leader, and author of RAVE: How to Respect and Value Everyone. They discuss the importance of workplace culture, effective communication, and how respect and understanding can transform teams. Chuck shares insights from his Disney experience and offers practical tips for improving relationships in business and beyond. Tune in for valuable lessons on leadership and collaboration!Get the book: http://geni.us/ravebook

Welcome to the Psychology of Business podcast! In this episode, Dr. Brandon Griffin interviews Dr. Samantha Paustian-Underdahl, a professor at Florida State University and co-founder of Joyntly, a human capital science and technology startup. Together, they explore groundbreaking research on gender dynamics in leadership, implicit biases, and the challenges women face in the workplace. Sam shares insights from her recent meta-analytic review of 50 years of leadership studies, which reveal significant findings about gender and leadership behaviors. She also discusses her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of personalized leadership development, and how behavioral science can drive long-lasting improvements in workplace dynamics. https://joyntly.com/0:01 - Introduction and guest introduction 1:15 - Dr. Anderdahl’s academic and entrepreneurial roles 3:06 - Gender issues in leadership: Glass ceiling vs. leadership labyrinth 6:03 - Implicit biases and their impact on workplace dynamics 11:52 - Blind auditions and reducing bias in hiring practices 15:00 - The motherhood penalty vs. fatherhood premium 18:18 - Overview of Sam’s recent meta-analytic study 22:10 - Key findings: Gender differences in leadership behaviors 27:01 - Practical applications for organizations and leaders 32:14 - Joyntly: A personalized approach to leadership development 42:17 - Future directions in gender and leadership research 45:44 - Career advice: Pursue your passion to achieve sustained success

00:00 - Introduction to Christine Fiser and Her Work 02:00 - What is Burnout? Definitions and Key Components 06:00 - Burnout on Individual, Team, and Organizational Levels 09:30 - Strategies for Preventing Burnout in the Workplace 17:00 - Post-Pandemic Burnout: The Blurred Boundaries of Work and Life 20:43 - Practical Tips for Managing Burnout Individually 27:00 - How Christine Avoided Burnout During a Busy Semester 30:29 - Final Thoughts on Burnout Prevention and Support In this episode of the Psychology of Business podcast, Dr. Brandon Griffin interviews Christine Fiser, a lecturer at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a Ph.D. student in Leadership. Together, they unpack the complex topic of burnout, exploring its emotional, psychological, and organizational dimensions. Christine shares insights into how stress evolves into burnout, its impact on individuals and teams, and actionable strategies for prevention and intervention. They also discuss the role of leadership, organizational culture, and personal well-being in mitigating burnout risks.

In this episode of the Psychology of Business podcast, Dr. Brandon Griffin interviews Dr. Taya Cohen, a leading researcher in organizational behavior and business ethics from Carnegie Mellon University. They discuss guilt, shame, moral awareness, and the ethical considerations of AI in workplaces. Learn how character traits influence decision-making, leadership, and organizational culture. This episode is perfect for professionals, educators, and anyone interested in ethics and technology.

In this episode of The Psychology of Business Podcast, Dr. Brandon Griffin sits down with Dr. Susan R. Madsen, a globally recognized scholar in women and leadership, to discuss her groundbreaking research and initiatives. From exploring the intricacies of sexism in the workplace to launching the transformative "A Bolder Way Forward" initiative in Utah, Dr. Madsen shares her journey of turning academic insights into actionable change. Whether you're a business leader, educator, or advocate for gender equality, this episode offers valuable strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Utah Women and Leadership Project: utwomen.org A Bolder Way Forward Initiative: abolderwayforward.org

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Join us in this episode as Dr. Vanessa Hills dives into the world of Organizational Change Management and the impact of participatory leadership. Discover practical insights into how involving team members at every level can enhance success, boost innovation, and create lasting change in organizations. Whether you’re leading a small team or managing change in a large company, Dr. Hills offers valuable strategies to make change processes more inclusive and effective. Don’t miss this conversation filled with expert advice on driving positive transformation in today’s dynamic work environments!

Welcome back to the Psychology of Business podcast! In this episode, Dr. Vanessa Hills joins us to share her journey through a PhD in Organizational Change Leadership at Western Michigan University. We discuss why she chose this path, the real challenges she faced—from balancing work and school to dealing with imposter syndrome—and how she turned obstacles into growth. Dr. Hills offers valuable advice for thriving in a PhD program, especially for those balancing academic and real-world demands. Whether you're thinking about a PhD or are just curious, tune in for practical insights and inspiration from her story!

In this episode of the Psychology of Business podcast, Dr. Brandon Griffin sits down with Amanda Jeppesen, a PhD student at Western Michigan University, to explore her passion for access and inclusion in the workplace. Amanda shares her personal connection to these topics and discusses the importance of accommodating diverse needs to foster inclusive environments. They dive into how the COVID-19 pandemic shifted workplace norms, the complexities of equity versus equality, and Amanda’s unique approach to organizational change through adult education. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on building more accessible and equitable organizations! Blog Link: https://psychologyofbusiness.beehiiv.com/p/creating-inclusive-workplaces-access-equity-amanda-jeppesen

Revive Executive Branding: https://reviveexecutivebranding.com/ Blog Link: https://psychologyofbusiness.beehiiv.com/p/what-is-executive-branding-with-jesse-gale-revive-executive-branding In this episode of the Psychology of Business Podcast, I sit down with Jesse Gale, the founder of Revive Executive Branding. We dive into what executive branding is, why it's essential for professionals looking to advance, and how Jesse's company helps executives polish their professional image. We also discuss practical tips for young professionals, common challenges in branding, and how Revive's personalized approach can make a difference. 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast & Guest 01:15 - Starting Revive Executive Branding 02:31 - What is Executive Branding? 04:52 - Who Needs Executive Branding? 05:56 - Success Stories and Recruitment Process 08:46 - Tips for Professionals Building Their Brand 13:40 - Challenges in Executive Branding & Managing Expectations 15:25 - Typical Timeline for Executive Branding Process 16:19 - Conclusion & Final Thoughts

In this conversation, Brandon Griffin and Sara Weissman explore the evolving landscape of higher education, focusing on the rise of micro-credentials as an alternative to traditional degrees. They discuss the appeal of micro-credentials for non-traditional students, the challenges and opportunities they present for traditional educational institutions, and the potential impact on economic mobility. The conversation also touches on the importance of quality assurance in micro-credential programs and the future of higher education in a changing job market. Blog link: https://psychologyofbusiness.beehiiv.com/p/micro-credentials-the-future-of-education-with-sara-weissman-college