The Great Retention

How do you bridge the gap between high-tech fintech innovation and high-touch human connection at a scale of 7,000+ associates?  In this episode of the Love Your People Podcast, Holly Novak shares her journey of leading the "One Jack Henry" cultural transformation, exploring how putting people first can drive business success. Holly unpacks practical strategies and real-life examples that demonstrate how "Swarm Teams" and "The Jack Henry Way" create a consistent experience for both leaders and clients. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways. 💡 Don’t miss future episodes! Join our community at https://www.itagroup.com/insights for insights and tools to grow as a people-first leader.    Please note: SHRM and HRCI credit codes for episodes beyond two years of their original air date are no longer active. Check our current Love Your People episodes for the latest valid codes.   Resources from this Episode Learn more about Jack Henry: https://www.jackhenry.com/  Connect with Holly Novak: [LinkedIn Profile Link]  Explore Josh Bersin’s "Systemic HR" (Referenced by Holly):   Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can you transform human potential into a genuine competitive advantage?  In this episode of the Love Your People Podcast, Lars Minns, CHRO of Mercedes-Benz USA, shares his journey of moving the HR function from a back-office support role to a strategic catalyst for business transformation. Lars unpacks the "Reshape, Reskill, Recharge" framework and explores how one of the world's most recognizable brands is navigating massive workforce shifts, including the integration of AI and the move to electric vehicles.  Whether you're a seasoned HR leader or a business executive, this conversation will leave you inspired to "hack" your benefits and map the moments that truly matter to your people.  💡 Don’t miss future episodes! Join our community at https://www.itagroup.com/insights for insights and tools to grow as a people-first leader. Resources from this Episode Visit https://www.mbusa.com/en/home  Learn more about SHRM-Atlanta at https://www.shrmatlanta.org/  Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of the Love Your People Podcast, Brent Vander Waal, President and CEO of ITA Group, joins host John Duisberg to pull back the curtain on how a 60-year-old agency walks the talk of its own "people first" philosophy. Brent shares his journey from Controller to CEO and unpacks the tangible strategies ITA Group uses to create a culture of ownership—including the unique "vesting vest" ceremony and a surprise company-wide bonus that reinforced their core values. He also discusses the evolution of HR into a strategic business partner and offers a grounded perspective on balancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Human Intelligence (HI). 💡 Don’t miss future episodes! Join our community at https://www.itagroup.com/insights for insights and tools to grow as a people-first leader. Resources from this Episode Connect with Brent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-vander-waal-3438a59/  Learn more about ITA Group: https://www.itagroup.com  Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, John Duisberg sits down with Julian Lute, Insights and Innovation Strategist at Great Place to Work. Julian brings over 15 years of experience as an innovative operational leader and global trusted advisor, helping to connect the dots between superior business performance and a best-in-class employee experience. You’ll learn how to define and create a high-trust culture, the difference between a good workplace and a great one, and why investing in your people is the best strategy for sustainable business success. With his deep expertise in building high-performing, people-centric cultures, you won’t want to miss this episode with Julian Lute. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform. 💡 Don’t miss future episodes! Join our community at https://www.itagroup.com/insights for insights and tools to grow as a people-first leader. Resources from this Episode For additional resources and to learn more, visit https://www.greatplacetowork.com/  Follow Great Place to Work on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/great-place-to-work-us/ Follow Julian on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianlute/ Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, John Duisberg sits down with Crystal Hanlon, Senior Vice President of Culture and Values at The Home Depot. Crystal’s own journey is a powerful testament to their culture—she started with the company 40 years ago as a part-time cashier and has risen through the ranks to her current executive role, leading culture for over 450,000 associates. Crystal shares how The Home Depot successfully scales its iconic, values-based culture by making leadership local and harnessing the power of storytelling. You'll learn tangible strategies for making culture real across a massive, distributed workforce and understand why creating a shared purpose through community impact is a true game-changer. Tune in for an incredible story of growth and servant leadership. Resources from this Episode Visit https://www.homedepot.com/ Follow Crystal on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-hanlon-3221278/  Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you create a culture where every employee believes in their own breakthrough? In this episode of the Love Your People Podcast, Bettina Deynes, Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Carnival Corporation, shares her inspiring journey from immigrant janitor to C-suite executive, and how she now leads HR strategy for more than 160,000 employees across eight cruise brands. Bettina offers a transparent look at leading through a global crisis, building a consistent company culture across 150+ nationalities, and the importance of kindness, emotional intelligence, and grit in leadership. Her story will challenge and inspire you to rethink how you show up as a leader. Whether you're navigating change, scaling culture globally, or helping your people unlock their potential, this episode is packed with lessons worth sharing. 💡 Don’t miss future episodes! Join our community at Cooleaf.com/resources/podcast for insights and tools to grow as a people-first leader. Resources from this Episode 🌍 Learn more about Carnival Corporation: https://carnivalcorp.com 📚 Learn more about Hogan Assessments: https://www.hoganassessments.com Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, John Duisberg dives into the power of leadership, franchising, and building a thriving culture in business with Mike McFall, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Biggby Coffee. Mike shares his incredible journey from barista to CEO, revealing how Biggby Coffee’s franchise model isn’t just about business growth—it’s about empowering franchisees, fostering community, and unlocking the potential of people at every level. If you’ve ever wondered how to scale a business while staying true to a people-first mission, this episode is packed with insights for you. Don’t miss out on opportunities to grow as a people-first leader! Visit itagroup.com/insights/podcast for upcoming episodes, leadership resources, and tools designed to help you create thriving workplaces.    Resources related to this episode Follow Mike McFall on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikejmcfall/  Visit https://www.biggby.com/    Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to align employee engagement with measurable business success? In this episode of the Love Your People Podcast, Mark Hickman, Chief Human Resources Officer at FirstBank, and Jerrold Hill, Vice President and Head of HR at Fiserv, share their transformative leadership journeys. Together, they explore how prioritizing people-first strategies not only enhances employee engagement but also delivers real business impact. Mark and Jerrold unpack actionable strategies like connecting frontline associates to the company mission, fostering emotional engagement, and leveraging feedback as a tool for growth. They also share real-world examples of leadership programs, innovative listening strategies, and practical approaches to driving cultural and organizational success. Whether you’re leading a small team or a global enterprise, this episode is packed with inspiration and tools to elevate your leadership approach. Don’t miss out on opportunities to grow as a people-first leader! Visit itagroup.com/insights/podcast for upcoming episodes, leadership resources, and tools designed to help you create thriving workplaces. Resources from this Episode Learn more about FirstBank: https://firstbankonline.com Explore Fiserv: https://fiserv.com Dive into employee engagement strategies with ITA Group: itagroup.com/insights Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you operationalize purpose and values to empower your frontline team? In today’s episode, John Duisberg sits down with Kelly Costanza, Chief People Officer at CAVA, to explore how her leadership has transformed the employee experience for over 10,000 team members nationwide. From championing CAVA’s Mission, Values, and Competencies (MVC) to introducing innovative engagement strategies like the “Shoulder to Shoulder” program, Kelly shares actionable insights on building a thriving, people-first culture amid rapid growth. Don’t forget to join our leadership community at https://www.cooleaf.com/resources/podcast to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches. Resources related to this episode CAVA’s Story: https://cava.com/ourstory Connect with Kelly Costanza on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-costanza-7216bb6/ Credits Theme Music 🎵 DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you maintain a people-first culture while scaling a global organization to over 41,000 employees across 50 countries? In today’s episode, John Duisberg sits down with Joe Cronin, Chief Human Resources Officer at ICON, to explore how ICON has grown from a small team of five in Ireland in 1990 to a global leader in clinical research and healthcare intelligence. Joe shares insights into: ICON's Mission: Accelerating the development of life-saving drugs and devices by supporting over 1,300 clinical trials in 2023 alone. Maintaining Culture Through Growth and M&A: How ICON preserves its core values—collaboration, agility, inclusion, and integrity—while integrating over 30 acquisitions, including the significant merger with PRA Health Sciences. 'Own It at ICON' Philosophy: Fostering a culture of ownership that empowers employees to embrace challenges and contribute proactively. Global Initiatives: The annual "Wake Up to Culture" day that unites employees worldwide to celebrate and reinforce ICON's values. Digital Innovation in HR: Leveraging AI and technology to enhance recruitment processes, candidate experience, and streamline HR operations. Joe also discusses the complexities and contradictions in today's workforce, emphasizing the need for flexibility, personalization, and deeper connections in a post-pandemic world. Resources Related to This Episode ICON Website: iconplc.com Connect with Joe Cronin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-cronin-7540073 Learn More About The Cooleaf Podcast: cooleaf.com/resources/podcast Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by Chat With Leaders Media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s live-recorded episode, we're joined by Sonya Tolson, Global Chief People Officer at McLarens. Sonya brings more than 20 years of experience and expertise in HR strategy, talent management, compliance, learning and development, and culture enhancement, serving in leadership roles at companies such as SunTrust Bank, Olympus Corporation of Americas, and the National Christian Foundation. We'll delve into how McLarens aligns its HR strategy with business objectives, the significance of employee engagement, and the development of a compelling employer value proposition to both attract and retain top talent.   If today's conversation resonates with you, please rate this episode and share it with your network. Your engagement helps us inspire and equip more leaders in creating thriving workplaces.   Don’t forget to join our leadership community at https://www.cooleaf.com/resources/podcast to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches.    Resources related to this episode Visit https://www.mclarens.com/ Follow McLarens on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/mclarensglobal/ Visit https://www.cooleaf.com/resources/podcast for more episodes and resources   Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, John Duisberg sits down with Priti Patel, Chief People Officer at G2. Priti leads all aspects of G2’s employee success function including diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as defining the company's business and talent strategy.   In this episode, Priti shares how G2 measures and redefines employee experience, including a new measurement called INPS or “Inclusion Net Promoter Score,” which is a key indicator for how the company aligns their company’s purpose and culture with their more than 500 distributed employees.   Tune in as we delve into the strategies and insights that drive G2's remarkable employee success story. Whether you're an HR professional, a business leader, or simply passionate about fostering a thriving workplace culture, You won’t want to miss this conversation with Priti Patel.   Resources related to this episode Visit www.g2.com Follow G2 on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/g2dotcom  Follow Priti on social media at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritipatel1/ https://twitter.com/_priti_patel_ Subscribe to G2’s LinkedIn newsletter at https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/touch-base-7123756060036710400/ Subscribe to G2’s email newsletter at https://learn.g2.com/learn-newsletter   Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into a transformative discussion originally presented in a recent expert-led session. This episode focuses on the critical influence of HR in advancing both employee welfare and business objectives as we approach 2024 and beyond. John Duisberg hosts our panel of experts who share their insights on harmonizing business growth with fostering a positive organizational environment.   Featured Speakers: Kevin Henry, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, PulteGroup Sylvia Taylor, Chief Human Resources Officer, Safe-Guard Products International   Key Insights: HR and Business Alignment: Learn about the vital role of HR in marrying people-focused strategies with business goals for overall success. Growth Through HR: Discover how to assess the impact of HR initiatives on both the business and its employees, showcasing real returns. Technological Integration in HR: Explore how leaders are using technology to craft personalized and efficient employee experiences. Developing a Dynamic Workplace Culture: Find out the strategies employed by PulteGroup and Safe-Guard to create exceptional workplace environments. Employee Experience Essentials: Get the foremost tip for improving employee experience in the year 2024. Don’t forget to join our leadership community at thegreatretention.com to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches.    Resources related to this episode Visit Cooleaf.com   Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, John Duisberg sits down with Seth Bartholomew, the Head of Employee Experience at Chronosphere. With a rich background in People leadership roles at top companies such as Huly, Disney, and FabFitFun, Seth has a unique perspective on how to create thriving company cultures and empower employees to truly flourish. Discover how Chronosphere operationalizes company values across different geographies and time zones, while maintaining a welcoming, remote-first environment. You'll also learn about the importance of intentionality in acquiring and retaining talent, the role of data in crafting better employee experiences, and the critical best practices shared in Chronosphere's Remote-First Playbook. Tune in to hear Seth and John’s conversation about helping your organization and people flourish in a remote-first work environment.   Don’t forget to join our leadership community at thegreatretention.com to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches.    Resources related to this episode Visit https://chronosphere.io/ Follow Seth Bartholomew at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbartholomew/ Referenced during today’s episode: https://www.donut.com/   Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered how a LinkedIn co-founder approaches trust in the world of remote work? Dive into an intimate conversation between John and Eric Ly, a tech entrepreneur who transitioned from co-founding one of the world's most influential networking platforms, LinkedIn, to redefining background checks with his new venture, KarmaCheck. In this episode, John and Eric explore the heart of organizational culture, focusing on trust and transparency. From the inception of KarmaCheck to its growth as a fully remote and distributed team across the US, Eric delves into the significance of integrating these values. As they navigate through the transformative nature of work, learn about the essentials of daily stand-ups, the role of authenticity in leadership, and strategies for effective remote hiring. As a cherry on top, Eric rounds off with a practical piece of advice for leaders looking to ace the remote work culture. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader in the corporate realm, or just an individual passionate about workplace culture, this episode is packed with insights and real-world experiences that'll inspire and guide. Ready to rethink trust and transparency in your workspace? Tune in!   Don’t forget to join our leadership community at thegreatretention.com to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches.    Resources related to this episode Visit KarmaCheck.com Follow KarmaCheck at Linkedin.com/company/karmacheck Follow Eric at Linkedin.com/in/ericly Follow Eric on X (formerly Twitter) at X.com/KarmaCheckInc   Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the heart of modern corporate culture with Shane Jackson, President of Jackson Healthcare—a multi-billion dollar giant. This episode unravels the unique, purposeful strategies driving Jackson Healthcare's success in an age where employees have an abundance of choices. Shane shares firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities of returning to the office post-pandemic and how they achieve flexibility in such a vast organization. Grasping the intricacies of a multigenerational workforce and navigating the delicate balance between remote and on-site work environments, Shane offers insights that are not only enlightening but also deeply actionable. Anchored in his ethos of "Living and Leading with Intention," Shane's renowned speaking engagements at elite events showcase his call-to-action for leaders: to channel their influence towards positive change and craft legacies that resonate far beyond the confines of boardrooms. In a landscape where job-hopping is the norm, the true art lies in crafting a magnetic culture. Through intentional stewardship and a genuine commitment to service, Shane Jackson showcases how transformative leadership can make all the difference. Dive in and let this episode guide your journey towards purposeful leadership in today's ever-evolving corporate world.   Don’t forget to join our leadership community at thegreatretention.com to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches.    Resources related to this episode Follow Shane Jackson on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanejacksonculture Visit ShaneJackson.com   Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you maintain a sense of culture in a university of more than 40,000 students across over 180 programs, as well as with the faculty and staff? In today’s episode, John sits down with Karen McDonnell, Chief Human Resources Officer at Kennesaw State University (KSU). KSU started 60 years ago as a two-year community college. Today, it is a doctoral university with approximately 43,000 students. Karen enlightened us on the crucial role that company culture plays at KSU, and how they have managed to preserve this unique identity amidst their continuous growth. She shares the innovative strategies they've put in place to counter challenges that arose due to the pandemic and some of the initiatives KSU started that helped their Human Resources team achieve an overall satisfaction level of more than 90% in their customer surveys. Tune in to hear Karen’s fascinating journey into the world of organizational culture, employee engagement, and servant leadership. Don’t forget to join our leadership community at thegreatretention.com to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches.    Resources related to this episode Visit www.kennesaw.edu   Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine having a clear path to your very own 'Emerald City', a shared vision that motivates and inspires every single member of your team. On today’s episode, we sit down with Ron Daugherty, President and CEO of Daugherty Business Solutions, as he reveals just how this can be achieved.   Daugherty Business Solutions has achieved remarkable recognition as a top workplace, ranking 2nd in the nation in the Top Workplaces USA program. Ron shares insights into maintaining a common sense of purpose across their geographically distributed teams and discusses the unique elements of their company culture, including the famous Daugherty Party Band. He unveils his vision for Daugherty's future, aiming to grow the business from $350 million to $1 billion in revenue and eventually transform it into an employee-owned company. Ron also highlights the impactful Access Point program, driving diversity in the technology workforce. Stay tuned for Ron's valuable advice on creating top workplaces. Don’t forget to join our leadership community at thegreatretention.com to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches.   Resources related to this episode Visit https://www.daugherty.com/ Daugherty Business Solutions Awards: https://www.daugherty.com/awards Ron was the 2023 Chairman of the American Heart Association Heart Ball: https://vimeo.com/802872845/945b856c7b  Learn more about Access Point: https://accesspointprogram.com Watch the official “Daugherty Brought The Party” Music Video: https://vimeo.com/712238626/bd1f24e60b  Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does a company with more than 13,000 people create a thriving workplace culture across multiple locations? Today, John Duisberg sits down with Linda Matzigkeit, Chief Administrative Officer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Children’s diverse workforce of over 13,000 people work across three hospitals, eight urgent cares, and many other ambulatory locations across metro Atlanta. Children’s has made a conscious effort to double down on culture and redefine their mission, vision, values, and employee promise. Linda and John discuss the innovative tactics her team employed to reinforce the new Children's Healthcare of Atlanta story, the crucial role that leadership visibility plays in employee engagement, and how investing time in employees and recognizing their efforts can create a positive workplace culture. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiration on empowering managers and sustaining a robust organizational culture, especially during challenging times. Don’t forget to join our leadership community at thegreatretention.com to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches.    Resources related to this episode Visit https://www.strong4life.com/en Follow Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensHealthcareofAtlanta Twitter: https://twitter.com/childrensatl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/children's-healthcare-of-atlanta Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childrensatl/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@childrensatl Follow Linda on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-matzigkeit-b20454/   Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, John Duisberg chats with Demetris White Cheatham, Chief of Staff to the CEO at GitHub. Discover how GitHub's innovative approach to open sourcing knowledge and building a vibrant community is revolutionizing the tech industry's approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Demetris shares insights into GitHub's transition to a fully remote company and how it contributes to their ability to foster diversity and inclusion on a global scale. Learn about the four pillars of their DEI strategy: People, Philanthropy/Social Impact, Policy, and Platform, and how they synergistically work together to achieve better outcomes that have a lasting impact for generations. Explore GitHub's community-driven initiatives, such as ALL IN, an open-source DEI community, and their partnership with stakeholders from across the industry, creating a collective force for positive change. Uncover how GitHub measures progress and accountability through surveys and initiatives like the maintainers listening tour, enabling them to continuously improve and make data-driven decisions. Don't miss this engaging episode that showcases the transformative power of open sourcing knowledge and fostering community to create a more inclusive and equitable tech industry. Don’t forget to join our leadership community at thegreatretention.com to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches.    Resources related to this episode Visit https://socialimpact.github.com/ Learn more about All In Open Source at https://allinopensource.org/ Follow All In Open Source on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AllInOpenSource    Credits Theme Music 🎵DPMusic from Pond5.com Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.