Growth Hacking Culture

Are you feeling stuck, stressed, or completely burned out by your job? You're not alone. With a staggering 77% of professionals experiencing burnout, the modern workplace can often feel like a minefield of exhaustion and dissatisfaction. But what if you had the power to fundamentally change your relationship with work, starting today?
In this episode, we sit down with workplace experience expert and author Lindsay Barnett to discuss the empowering, evidence-based methods from her book, "Working Hell to Working Well." Lindsay provides a roadmap for taking back control of your happiness and building a professional life that is fulfilling and sustainable.
This isn't about waiting for your company to change; it's about making intentional choices to reshape your own experience from the ground up.
In this episode, you will learn:
The Truth About Mindfulness: Discover what mindfulness at work really is (hint: it's not about yoga mats and meditation) and how to use it as a powerful tool to create space between a trigger and your response.
The Art of Being Genuine: Learn how to draw the line between being your authentic self and maintaining your professional image, using connection and intention as your guide.
Practical Habit Building: Uncover simple, actionable ways to weave moments of mindfulness into your busiest days, using "habit bundling" to create powerful micro-habits that stick.
What is "Job Crafting"?: Explore the transformative concept of proactively crafting your current role into something you love. Lindsay breaks down the first essential step: identifying your core needs (like her "three I's"—Interaction, Intellectual Challenge, and Impact).
Navigating HR and Difficult Conversations: Get an insider's perspective on the role of Human Resources and how to advocate for yourself effectively within the corporate structure.
This conversation is for anyone ready to move from feeling powerless to feeling empowered. If you're ready to stop surviving and start thriving in your career, this is the episode you need to hear.
Find More from Lindsay Barnett:
Book Website & Free Resources: https://workinghelltoworkingwell.com/ 
Coaching & Consulting: https://barnettcoaching.com/ 
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaykbarnett/ 
 
This episode is sponsored by INSPO, the social network for thought leadership - https://www.inspo.expert/ 
 

In this powerful episode of The Growth Hacking Culture podcast, host Ivan Palomino interviews Dr. Apollo Emeka, an expert in leadership and organizational culture, to dissect one of the most persistent and costly challenges in business: the massive gap between a brilliant strategy and its execution. Dr. Emeka reveals that between 70% and 90% of strategies fail not because they are bad ideas, but due to poor implementation. Companies lose billions in wasted resources, missed opportunities, and burned-out teams because they focus on "the what" instead of "the how".
Dr. Emeka introduces a transformative framework that challenges conventional strategic planning. He argues that traditional strategic plans, with their multiple, disparate elements like vision, values, mission, and objectives, can be paralyzing for individuals. Instead of setting vague goals, he advocates for making clear, bold "decisions".
A good decision, he explains, is like a toddler's run-on sentence—it's complex and connects to things that people genuinely care about. By crafting a decision that encompasses not just revenue targets, but also things like positive community impact or improved team culture, organizations can create a shared purpose that lights people up. This approach makes planning easier and eliminates analysis paralysis by focusing on a handful of activities that must happen to meet all criteria simultaneously.
Drawing from his unique background in military intelligence and the FBI, Dr. Emeka shares how his experience in war gaming and threat assessment taught him to proactively identify potential failures. He applies this same rigorous, logical process to business strategy, encouraging leaders to ask, "What must we do?" and "What would damn near guarantee success?" to cut through the "busy trap" of things they "could" or "should" do.
The conversation also delves into the critical role of self-awareness and the surprising limitations of coaching. Dr. Emeka, a coach himself, believes the true value of coaching lies in helping organizations develop a culture of clear decision-making. He asserts that many communication and accountability problems are not what they seem; they are, in fact, "decision problems". When a decision is big and clear, communication and accountability become almost automatic.
 
This episode is a must-listen for leaders, innovators, and anyone looking to move beyond the talk and start executing. Dr. Emeka's insights provide a clear and actionable path to building a resilient, purpose-driven organization where everyone feels ownership of the results.
 
Key Takeaways:
The majority of strategies fail due to poor execution, not bad ideas.
Focus on making big, bold "decisions" that inspire action, rather than just setting goals.
A good strategic decision is complex and connects to multiple aspects that people care about, such as revenue, community impact, and team well-being.
Borrow from military intelligence: identify "must-haves" and "game-changers" to avoid wasting resources on non-essential activities.
True accountability starts with a clear, inspiring purpose and a well-defined decision.
Many corporate problems, including communication issues, are actually symptoms of a "decision problem".
 
 
📍Learn more about Dr Apollo Emeka at https://www.apollostrategy.com/
 
#StrategyExecution #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #GrowthHacking #OrganizationalCulture #Accountability #DrApolloEmeka #BusinessGrowth #StrategicPlanning #LeadershipDevelopment
 
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In this episode, we're joined by Barry Labov, author of "The Power of Differentiation," to challenge the traditional pillars of competition. For decades, the business playbook has focused on innovating your product, slashing prices, or outspending competitors on marketing. Barry argues that the most powerful and sustainable competitive advantage isn't something you advertise, but something you build within your own walls: a strong company culture.
Discover why companies with highly engaged employees achieve 21% greater profitability and 10% higher customer ratings. Learn about the "perfect trap" that keeps leaders from making progress and the importance of vulnerability and continuous learning.
Barry shares powerful stories, including the Rev Ambulance employee who realized he wasn't just building wire harnesses—he was saving lives. We also explore how a compelling company story can motivate employees to become brand catalysts, making them the most authentic and cost-effective advertisers you can have.
If you're a leader or entrepreneur looking to build a brand that defies comparison, this episode will provide a refreshing and human-centric approach to business growth.
Connect with Barry LaBov
His website https://www.barrylabov.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-labov-6965241/
His book The Power of Differentiation

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Ute Liersch, author of "A Minimalist Guide to Becoming Resilient," joins us to discuss how we can build mental fortitude without the overwhelm. We dive into the science behind a resilient brain, the power of neuroplasticity, and why emotions like anger and sadness aren't "negative." Dr. Ute challenges our conventional ideas of success and happiness, offering practical, minimalist strategies to help modern leaders and creators thrive under pressure and find clarity.
Key Discussion Points:
Redefining resilience and moving beyond the "demolition derby" mindset.
The connection between minimalism, Stoicism, and resilience.
Why the pursuit of "happiness" might be overrated.
The importance of listening to your body's signals to prevent burnout.
Understanding neuroplasticity and how to create new mental pathways.
The unique challenges of building resilience as a neurodivergent person.
The surprising concept of "toxic resilience" and how to avoid it.
The single smallest step you can take today to begin building strength.
Connect with Dr. Ute:
Find her book, "A Minimalist Guide to Becoming Resilient" https://a.co/d/3k7fSEF 
Check her profile on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drute/ or access for free her masterclasses https://www.youtube.com/@DrUteLiersch 
 

From technological disruptions to evolving work models, organizations are in a perpetual state of transition. Yet, leading teams through these significant shifts is one of the most formidable challenges in modern business. While many leaders focus on frameworks and methodologies, they often overlook the most critical element: the human-centric skills that foster a resilient and adaptive work culture. This episode of The Growth Hacking Culture Podcast speaks about the heart of successful change management, revealing why traditional approaches often fail and how a more intuitive, people-focused leadership style is the key to navigating transformation effectively.
A significant part of the discussion addresses a persistent issue in the corporate world: the underrepresentation of women in senior leadership roles. Globally, women hold just over a third of senior management positions, and at the current rate of progress, gender parity in top roles may not be achieved for decades. This isn't just a matter of equality; it's a matter of missing out on a vast pool of talent equipped with the very skills needed for modern leadership. So, what happens when women do lead these major projects? Research and experience suggest they bring a highly effective, transformational approach to the table.
My guest: Camilla Calberg, with over two decades of experience leading major change programs across various industries, sheds light on the most significant obstacle in any change initiative: the premature jump to the "how." Many organizations, driven by a relentless push for results and milestones, immediately focus on the mechanics of a project without taking the time to deeply understand the "why" and the "what." This rush to action, often fueled by metrics that prioritize speed over sustainability, leads to vague project briefs and teams operating without a clear purpose. The result is a high rate of project failure, where initiatives reach a destination, but not the one the business truly needed.
The conversation explores whether this action-oriented-at-all-costs approach is tied to specific leadership styles. It challenges the notion of simple gender-based biases, suggesting the real issue lies deeper, in whether a leader operates from their ego or from a place of service and purpose. When leadership is driven by ego, the focus is on ticking boxes and achieving personal metrics. In contrast, when it's driven by a desire to serve customers and create a lasting impact, the entire dynamic shifts. This requires leaders to have the courage to challenge assumptions, ask probing questions, and slow down to ensure the direction is correct, even when pressured by a hierarchy that expects compliance.
This is where leadership traits often labeled as "feminine"—such as empathy, collaboration, intuition, and communication—are not just beneficial but essential. These skills are pivotal for creating a healthy, positive work culture, which is the bedrock of any smooth transformation. The discussion differentiates between leading with sympathy and leading with empathy. Sympathy involves becoming enmeshed in the emotions of others, which can derail a project. Empathy, however, is about holding space for others' emotions without being consumed by them, allowing for clear, compassionate, and rational decision-making.
Furthermore, the episode champions the power of intuition in leadership. The most successful leaders listen to their intuition before making critical decisions. However, intuition can only surface when leaders dare to slow down, cut through the noise of corporate pressure, and connect with their inner sense of what is right. This leads to a powerful conclusion: perhaps the focus shouldn't be on learning more change management methodologies, but on leaders learning to manage themselves.
The ultimate path to successful change lies in cultivating emotional intelligence. This isn't just about managing one's anger or stress; it's about being intelligent with one's emotions. It’s the ability to pause, recognize an emotional response, and choose a rational course of action rather than reacting impulsively. This skill improves decision-making, enhances one's ability to influence others, and builds the resilience needed for long-term success. The most effective change leaders see themselves not as the change itself, but as facilitators of change. Their primary role is to ask the right questions and empower their teams to succeed, creating a truly transformational and sustainable impact on the organization.
More on Camille Calberg:
Her Website https://www.calbergcoaching.com/
Her LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillacalberg/
 
 

In a corporate world that praises hustle, we’re told that a packed schedule is a sign of success. But what if being "busy" is actually the biggest threat to your performance? This episode dismantles the myth that equates constant activity with productivity and reveals why the most effective leaders aren't the busiest—they're the most well-rested.
We are facing a silent crisis: 56% of leaders are battling burnout, and a shocking 70% of top executives have considered quitting for their well-being. The problem isn't a lack of ambition; it's a fundamental misunderstanding of what drives high performance.
Join us for a transformative conversation with Dr. Erin Wilson, a leading voice on leadership resilience and creator of the game-changing NAP Framework (Nurture, Assess, Prioritize). She shares her powerful journey from experiencing a stress-induced seizure to developing a revolutionary approach to integrating rest into the most demanding schedules.
In this episode, you will discover:
The crucial difference between "rest" and "sleep," and why watching a show or connecting with friends can be a powerful form of recovery.
The science of how chronic stress sabotages the brain's decision-making and emotional regulation centers.
Actionable micro-strategies, like the 90-second stillness break, that can reset your nervous system between meetings.
How to conduct a daily energy audit by asking two simple questions: "What fueled me today?" and "What drained me today?"
Why you must protect your energy with the same ferocity you protect your financial assets.
If you feel like you're constantly running on empty and that your life is out of your control, this episode is your first step toward reclaiming your time, energy, and passion for leadership. Stop the glorification of exhaustion and learn to lead from a place of clarity, creativity, and strength.
Reach out to Dr. Erin Wilson:
LinkedIn 
Her book Strategic Rest in Leadership: The NAP Framework 
He professional website Design Ideal Consulting

What does it truly take to build a successful, lasting business in Switzerland? In this episode, we sit down with Henri Martin, a seasoned entrepreneur whose career spans over three decades, to uncover the secrets of the Swiss entrepreneurial spirit.
Since starting his first venture in 1989, Henri has navigated the evolution of the business world, becoming a trusted digital transformation co-pilot for major European corporations and, now, a champion for the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of the Swiss economy.
Tune in to learn:
The core principles of a human-centered approach to digital transformation and why it's more about people than tools.
How the challenges for entrepreneurs have both changed and remained the same over the last 30 years.
The unique power of Switzerland's multicultural business environment and how it drives innovation.
Why simplicity, focus, and asking "why" are the most powerful tools in a consultant's arsenal.
Henri's actionable insights on building sustainable, resilient, and impactful businesses without getting lost in complexity.
This conversation is a masterclass in pragmatic business strategy, resilience, and the art of staying focused on what truly matters. Whether you're a business leader, an aspiring founder, or simply curious about the Swiss model for success, this episode is packed with invaluable wisdom.📍Connect with Henri Martin:
Damoa Website
Henri's LinkedIn profile
 
Transform your work culture. Get weekly, daring and actionable ideas.
👉 Subscribe to the Growth Hacking Culture YouTube Channel
or Follow Ivan Palomino on LinkedIn
 

Is your company trying to solve the employee engagement crisis with surface-level perks and fleeting parties? The latest data suggests this common approach is not only failing but contributing to a colossal economic problem, with an estimated $8.9 trillion in lost productivity globally. Only 23% of the workforce feels truly engaged, while the rest are either coasting or actively disengaged, creating a silent drain on resources, innovation, and morale. The issue isn't a lack of effort; it's a fundamental misunderstanding of what happiness at work truly is. This is not a "soft" HR issue; it's a critical business imperative that directly impacts your bottom line.
In this in-depth episode of the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast, we go beyond the corporate buzzwords with Matt Phelan, the co-founder and CEO of The Happiness Index and author of "Freedom to Be Happy." As a leading expert who has dedicated his career to measuring emotional culture and its impact on performance, Matt brings a data-driven, evidence-based perspective to one of the most vital conversations in business today. He helps us untangle the complex web of employee well-being, challenging long-held assumptions and providing a clear, actionable framework for leaders who are serious about building a thriving, high-performance organization.
The conversation begins by tackling a critical distinction rooted in neuroscience: the difference between pleasure and happiness. Are your corporate initiatives merely chasing temporary dopamine spikes, leaving the deeper needs of the human brain unmet? Matt explains the ancient Greek concepts of hedonism (the pursuit of pleasure) and eudaimonia (a state of genuine, underlying fulfillment). We explore the "hedonistic treadmill," where the joy from a raise, a bonus, or a new perk quickly fades, leaving employees right back where they started. True, sustainable happiness—the kind that fuels creativity, loyalty, and discretionary effort—is built on an entirely different foundation.
So, what is this foundation? Matt reveals that a company cannot make an employee happy. Happiness is an individual choice and state of being. However, a company is absolutely responsible for creating the environmental inputs necessary for happiness to flourish. Like a gardener preparing the soil, a leader's primary role is to cultivate a culture where people can thrive. Based on data from over 190 countries, Matt identifies the universal drivers of workplace happiness:
Psychological Safety: This is the bedrock. Without a sense of safety, employees operate from a state of fear. Fear is a vital survival instinct but is toxic to creativity, collaboration, and honest communication. When people feel safe to be themselves, to voice opinions, and to make mistakes without fear of reprisal, they can truly engage and perform at their best. We discuss how traditional, high-pressure interview tactics and management styles often backfire by inducing fear, preventing you from ever seeing the real person.
Connection & Relationships: Humans are wired for connection. Surface-level networking and forced team-building events rarely create the deep bonds that matter. The episode delves into how authentic, vulnerable conversations—like the one the host and Matt had upon first meeting—are what forge relationships that last. These strong relationships create a support system that helps employees navigate challenges and fosters a powerful sense of belonging.
Freedom & Autonomy: Micromanagement is a soul-crushing practice that signals a deep lack of trust. Granting employees the freedom and autonomy to own their work is one of the most powerful ways to show acknowledgement and respect. This freedom allows individuals to leverage their unique skills and find the most effective ways to achieve their goals, boosting both their engagement and their output.
Acknowledgement: It’s not just about saying "thank you." True acknowledgement is about recognizing an individual's effort and contribution in a meaningful way. When employees feel seen and valued, their motivation soars.
We also confront the "so what" question. Many companies collect data through annual pulse surveys, only for it to sit in a folder, leading to inaction that breeds cynicism and makes employees feel worse than before. Matt provides a clear guide on how to use data not as a report card but as a conversation starter. The goal isn't just to identify problems but to get to the root cause by speaking directly with your people and co-creating solutions.
Read Matt's book The Happiness Index: Why Today's Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success
Discover how your people truly think and feel. Use The Happiness Index platform – for free 
This episode is a masterclass for any CEO, HR professional, or team leader who wants to move beyond the feel-good fluff and build a quantifiable, performance-driven culture of well-being. It provides practical steps for both organizations and individuals, including a free, university-backed course you can take to deepen your own understanding and application of these principles. Tune in to learn how to stop participating in the $8.9 trillion problem and start building a workplace where both your people and your business can achieve unprecedented growth.

In this episode of the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast, Salvatore Manzi explores one of the most overlooked yet mission-critical drivers of organizational success: trust and openness in the workplace.
Join us as we sit down with a leading communication strategist to unpack what truly builds — and breaks — trust inside modern organizations. From startup teams to enterprise leadership, the ability to communicate with clarity, empathy, and consistency is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s essential.
We tackle some of the biggest questions facing leaders today:
Why are employees losing trust in leadership — and how do you reverse the trend
What role does vulnerability play in building credibility?
How do you communicate through uncertainty without eroding morale?
Why is cadence more powerful than charisma when building long-term connection?
How can trust be measured beyond generic engagement surveys?
You’ll also learn actionable frameworks to build psychological safety, lead with presence, and improve the way your team connects and communicates.
Here are some ways to connect with Salvatore Manzi: on LinkedIn or check out his book Clear and Compelling Playbook 
This episode is packed with insights for HR professionals, managers, and executives who are navigating fast change, managing hybrid teams, or simply trying to create a culture where people feel safe, heard, and engaged.
💡 Ideal for leaders ready to ditch performative communication and embrace authenticity that actually builds momentum.
 
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Subscribe to the Growth Hacking Culture YouTube Channel

In this episode of the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast, host Ivan engages in a transformative conversation with change expert Natasha Todorovic, author of Making Change Work and a recognized authority on human systems and organizational dynamics.
Why do so many change initiatives fail? The answer isn’t poor execution—it’s misdiagnosis. Natasha explains why leaders often misunderstand the human side of transformation, leading to wasted resources, burnout, and failed strategies. She introduces a deeper approach to managing change using the principles of Spiral Dynamics and systems thinking to decode resistance, build resilience, and guide real, lasting change.
This episode dives into the psychology behind resistance to change, how deeply embedded codes in our culture and relationships shape our response, and how leaders can move from checklist-based change to human-centered design. Natasha also explores the importance of timing, motivation, and behavioral alignment in ensuring transformation is sustainable—not just temporary.
Whether you’re a CEO, HR leader, organizational consultant, or someone passionate about workplace culture and people development, this conversation delivers eye-opening insights and practical tools for leading effective change in today’s complex world.
🔑 Key topics covered:
Why self-diagnosis leads to failed transformation
The myth of resistance to change
How culture, values, and unconscious codes shape organizational behavior
Why overselling change backfires
Designing change strategies that align with people—not against them
How to build resilience and adaptability into your leadership team
What “elegant” change looks like and how to create it
This is a must-listen for anyone tired of surface-level solutions and ready to create real, human-centered change.
📍 Connect with Natasha: On her website Spiral Dynamics or on LinkedIn
📍Read her book Making Change Work 
 
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