Growth Hacking Culture

Why do most companies struggle with innovation? Because they don’t have a system to execute it.
Let's be honest, how many times have you heard a corporate leader talk about the importance of innovation, only to see absolutely nothing change? Innovation has become a buzzword, thrown around in boardrooms and strategy meetings, but often lacking any real substance. It's like everyone agrees it's crucial, yet most companies struggle actually to do it. A recent McKinsey report found that while 84% of executives say innovation is crucial for growth, only 6% are satisfied with their innovation performance. Think about that – 84% know it's essential, but only 6% are actually good at it. That's a massive gap, and it points to a fundamental problem: we're not just lacking good ideas; we're lacking a system for executing them.
And that's precisely what we're tackling today. My guest, Marcelo Calbucci, isn't just another talking head spouting platitudes about innovation. He's a battle-tested entrepreneur, innovator, and technologist who's been in the trenches at companies like Microsoft and Amazon, and who has founded several start-ups of his own. He's seen what works and, more importantly, what doesn't when it comes to fostering a culture of innovation. He's going to pull back the curtain on a powerful framework, the PRFAQ (Press Release and Frequently Asked Questions), which is a core part of the "Amazon secret" for driving innovation. This isn't some theoretical concept; it's a practical, proven method that can help your organization move beyond just talking about innovation and actually doing it.
We're going to get real about the obstacles that stifle innovation within large organizations, from internal politics and bureaucratic red tape to a lack of clear communication and a fear of failure. We’ll explore the insidious nature of "narrative gaps," those disconnects between what leadership thinks is being communicated and what employees actually understand. And we'll dive deep into the PRFAQ framework, with Marcelo sharing concrete examples of its successful implementation and walking us through the steps involved. We'll also discuss how to overcome resistance to change and build a long-term culture of innovation, one that's embedded in the DNA of your organization. So, if you're a leader who's tired of the innovation lip service and ready to see real results, then buckle up. This episode is for you.
 
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode on How to Build a System for Execution of Innovation:
✔ The biggest obstacles stopping innovation in large organizations✔ How “narrative gaps” kill innovation before it even starts✔ What the PRFAQ framework is and how Amazon uses it to drive execution✔ Step-by-step process for developing & implementing PRFAQ for innovation✔ How to overcome resistance and get leadership buy-in for new ideas✔ How PRFAQ builds a long-term culture of innovation beyond one-off projects
About Marcelo Calbucci:
Marcelo Calbucci is an entrepreneur, innovator, and technologist with over 30 years of experience in software engineering, product development, UX, and AI. He has led teams at Microsoft (Bing, Exchange Server) and Amazon (People eXperience & Technology), founded six startups, launched multiple tech projects, and holds 11 patents. With his expertise in scaling innovation, he reveals how companies can stop talking about innovation and start executing it.
How to reach Marcelo:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelocalbucci/
His website https://calbucci.com/
Check his book The PRFAQ Framework https://www.theprfaq.com/
 
Ready to turn innovation into action? Like, subscribe, and share this episode to bring real change to your organization.
 
 

The world of work is in constant flux. We're facing challenges unlike any seen before: rapid technological advancements, shifting demographics, and a growing demand for purpose-driven work.
The average employee experiences 12 organizational changes per year. (Source: SHRM)
73% of employees feel overwhelmed by the amount of change at work. (Source: Capterra)
That's a staggering number, highlighting just how difficult it is for organizations to adapt and thrive in this environment. And the cost of not changing? Potentially catastrophic.
But what if there was a better way? What if we could move beyond reactive fixes and instead proactively design the evolution of work within our organizations? That's exactly what we're exploring today on the Growth hacking Culture Podcast. We're diving into the practical aspects of organizational change with our guest, Elvira Kalmar, We'll be discussing how to shift from outdated, mechanistic approaches to a more organic, evolutionary view of organizations.
We'll be tackling some critical questions, including: How can we redefine organizational design to become an ongoing process? What are the "parallel realities" within organizations, and how do they impact agility? How can understanding the influence of context empower individuals in their roles and careers? And, most importantly, what are the actionable steps you can take today to start designing the work evolution within your own organization?
 
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:✔ How organization design (OD) differs from traditional approaches and why it should be an ongoing process✔ The concept of parallel realities and their impact on organizational agility✔ Why traditional, mechanistic views fail and how to adopt an organic, evolutionary approach✔ How understanding context empowers individuals to navigate their roles more effectively✔ Practical steps to start designing work evolution in your organization today
About Elvira Kalmar:
With over 20 years of experience in organization design and development, Elvira Kalmar is the founder of the Go Beyond Project, which helps companies build more adaptable and agile organizations. Her expertise bridges strategy, design, and human behavior to drive meaningful change.
To know more about her upcoming book Go Beyond: Solution-focused Pocket Mentor for Work Evolutionists: https://www.gobeyond-project.com/book
Become an expert in (continuous) Transformations and an internationally acknowledged Certified Organisation Design Professional. The native in change program https://www.gobeyond-project.com/native-in-change
Free Resources:
Plan for Growth at High-performing Teams Course https://www.superflowtalent.com/flows/high-performing-teams
Managing Team and Work Evolution Course https://ol.surfersfactory.ch/courses/managing-team-and-work-evolution
Ready to transform your organization’s future? Like, subscribe, and share this episode to bring practical change strategies to your team and peers.

Is your workplace truly psychologically safe? Or is it just another corporate buzzword?
In this episode of Growth Hacking Culture, we dive into the reality of psychological safety in the workplace with Nogol Madani, an expert in leadership development and organizational culture. Despite companies claiming to prioritize psychological safety, research shows most employees don’t feel it—and that disconnect is costing organizations innovation, trust, and performance.
Nogol breaks down why most companies fail at creating genuine psychological safety and provides a real, actionable framework to implement it effectively—without the corporate fluff.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode on Implementing Psychological Safety:
✔ Why 75% of executives claim psychological safety matters, but only 25% of employees feel it✔ The real cost of a psychologically unsafe workplace—turnover, mistakes, and stagnation✔ Why superficial solutions like workshops & trust exercises don’t work✔ How power imbalances & cultural friction destroy workplace trust✔ Practical, research-backed strategies to create real psychological safety✔ How to get leadership buy-in and make psychological safety a core part of your company’s culture
About Nogol Madani:
Nogol Madani is an expert in organizational culture, leadership development, and team dynamics. With years of experience coaching companies on how to implement psychological safety that actually works, she helps leaders foster high-trust, high-performance environments that drive business success. She is the founder and CEO of Glee Factor, a company dedicated to enhancing team dynamics through psychological safety and experiential learning. 
Reach out Nogol on Linkedin
Check your Leadership Practices for Psychological Safety Scorecard
If you’re serious about fixing psychological safety in your organization, like, subscribe, and share this episode to start the conversation.

Tired of bad hires? Learn how to hire top performers with science-backed strategies.
In this episode of Growth Hacking Culture, hiring expert David Cohen reveals proven methods to build a high-performing team. Forget outdated interviews—discover how evidence-based hiring can transform your recruitment process.
Hiring the right people is crucial for any organization's success, yet many companies still rely on outdated methods that simply don't work.
Did you know that traditional interviews, often the cornerstone of the hiring process, are shockingly poor predictors of on-the-job success? 
Research shows they have a predictive validity of only around 14%, meaning they're worst than a coin flip.  That's a costly gamble.  But what if there was a better way? What if you could use science to identify and hire those elusive top performers? 
In this episode, we're diving into the science of hiring, exploring evidence-based strategies that actually work. We'll be tackling some critical questions:  Is there a universal definition of a top performer, and what does science tell us about it?  Why are traditional interviews so flawed? What are the core principles of behavioral interviewing, and how can organizations effectively implement it?  How do cognitive ability and personality fit into the equation? And what exciting new trends are shaping the future of talent management?  
Get ready to ditch the guesswork.  This episode is your guide to building a team of true top performers.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why traditional interviews fail to predict success
- How to use behavioral interviewing to find top talent
- The role of cognitive ability and personality assessments in hiring
- The latest science-based hiring trends shaping the future of recruitment
David Cohen, founder of DS Cohen & Associates and author of The Talent Edge, shares actionable insights from 30+ years of experience helping organizations hire smarter.
Reaching out to David Cohen:
DS Cohen & Associates https://sagltd.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-s-cohen-0b0191/
 
 

How is longevity science transforming businesses and employee well-being?
In this episode of Growth Hacking Culture (Swiss Made Edition), we sit down with Pierre-Edouard Sottas, Founder & CEO of xLongevity, to explore the future of longevity science, entrepreneurship, and business transformation in Switzerland.
Pierre-Edouard shares his journey from medtech innovation to leading xLongevity, a company committed to democratizing high-end rejuvenation techniques. We also discuss the challenges of scaling a purpose-driven company, maintaining company culture, and fostering employee well-being in today’s workplace.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
✔ What inspired Pierre-Edouard Sottas to launch xLongevity✔ How longevity science is impacting businesses and employee well-being✔ The biggest challenges of leading a medtech and wellness-focused startup✔ How company culture and values evolve as a business scales✔ Strategies to motivate employees and maintain engagement long-term✔ What sustainability means in the context of longevity and innovation✔ xLongevity’s unique impact on the world in under two minutes
 
Longevity is not about adding years to life but adding life to years. 
About Pierre-Edouard Sottas:
Pierre-Edouard Sottas is the Founder & CEO of xLongevity, dedicated to advancing rejuvenation science for accessible, high-end longevity solutions. He has also founded Biostarks and Biokaizen, two pioneering medtech companies. His career includes roles as Chief Scientific Officer & Director of Europe at CoreMedica Laboratories and Senior Advisor at the World Anti-Doping Agency. He holds a PhD in Computer Science & Life Sciences from EPFL and an MSc in Biology from Université de Lausanne.
Find out more about XLongevity: https://xlongevity.com/
Connect with Pierre-Edouard Sottas https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-edouard-sottas-a65986/
 
🚀 If you’re excited about the intersection of longevity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, like, subscribe, and share this episode to bring more insights to your network!
 

Are your company’s leaders failing? Discover why traditional leadership development is broken—and how to fix it.
In this episode of Growth Hacking Culture, leadership expert Chris Trout exposes the flaws in outdated corporate leadership programs. With over 30 years of experience, including a prominent role at Disney, Chris shares practical strategies for unlearning ineffective leadership methods and building programs that actually develop successful leaders.
 
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:✔ The biggest mistakes companies make in leadership development✔ Why we need to unlearn traditional leadership practices✔ Lessons from Disney that can transform leadership in any industry✔ How to use technology to scale leadership training effectively✔ The difference between training leaders vs. regular employees✔ What happens when companies fail to adapt their leadership programs✔ Essential skills today’s leaders need that weren’t on the radar 5 years ago
 
Chris Trout, founder of Donlon, is a renowned leadership coach, speaker, and author who has helped organizations across technology, healthcare, and financial services to drive transformational change.
Wanting to reach out to Chris Trout?
His website https://donloninsights.com/
or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-trout-a39a433/
The Big Mistakes: Why Traditional Leadership Development is Failing Us
Let's face it, traditional leadership development programs are often more focused on ticking boxes than igniting transformation. They're like those infomercial products that promise to solve all your problems but end up gathering dust in the attic. Here are some of the biggest mistakes companies make, according to Chris:
Treating Leadership Development as an Afterthought: Many companies fail to strategically integrate leadership development into their overall talent development efforts. It's like trying to bake a cake without a recipe; you might end up with something edible, but it won't be pretty.
Static Content and Delivery: The world is changing at a dizzying pace, yet many leadership development programs are stuck in a time warp. They're like those old VHS tapes you find in your parents' basement – outdated and irrelevant.
Ignoring the Human Experience: Traditional programs often prioritize knowledge over emotional intelligence and human connection. It's like trying to build a house without a foundation; it might look impressive, but it won't stand the test of time.
Unlearning the Old Rules: Embracing a Human-Centered Approach
To truly develop effective leaders, we need to hit the reset button. We need to unlearn the outdated rules of traditional leadership development and embrace a new mindset that prioritizes human connection, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning.
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Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you’re ready to challenge outdated leadership practices and drive real change in your organization.
Bonus Leadership Development Content:
How to Learn a New Culture (How Neuroscience Can Help
Top 10 Qualities of Effective AI Leaders in the Tech Era

Are you a CEO or business leader struggling to innovate like a startup? In this insightful episode of Growth Hacking Culture, we welcome Vladimer Botsvadze, a top-ranked global thought leader in digital transformation and innovation, to tackle the critical question: Why do so many corporate innovation initiatives fail, and how can enterprises learn from startup agility?
Discover how to bridge the innovation gap and foster a culture of disruptive growth. Vladimer shares actionable strategies to transform your organization's approach to innovation.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Understanding the Innovation Disconnect:
Why 70% of corporate innovation projects fail and common misconceptions.
The stark differences in risk and failure mindsets between startups and established companies.
Transforming Corporate Culture:
How rigid corporate processes stifle innovation and how to adapt them for agility.
Practical steps to cultivate a culture of experimentation and intrapreneurship.
How to build a culture of digital transformation.
Future-Proofing Your Business:
Essential future skills your company needs to thrive in a rapidly changing market.
Expert advice for CEOs to drive transformative innovation and close the innovation gap.
Vladimer Botsvadze's Expertise:
Learn from a #1 Global Marketing, Social Media, and Retail Thought Leader (Thinkers360, 2023).
Gain insights from 15+ years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and startups.
Key Topics Discussed:
Overcoming corporate innovation challenges.
Building a culture of intrapreneurship and agile innovation.
The importance of digital transformation strategy.
Developing future skills for sustainable growth.
Leadership strategies for closing the innovation gap.
Connect with Vladimer Botsvadze:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimerbotsvadze/
His website https://www.vladimerbotsvadze.com/About
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vladimerbotsvadze/
Ready to revolutionize your organization's innovation strategy?
👍 Like this episode and subscribe to Growth Hacking Culture for more insights on innovation, digital transformation, and leadership -> Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7283793344915206144 
🚀 Share this episode with leaders who are committed to driving disruptive innovation.
✍️ Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway from this episode!
 
#CorporateInnovation #DigitalTransformation #InnovationStrategy #Intrapreneurship #StartupCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #AgileInnovation #BusinessGrowth #VladimerBotsvadze #ChangeManagement #InnovationMindset #DigitalLeadership

How is AI transforming workforce management in Swiss industries? Discover Gaël de Fourmestraux’s entrepreneurial journey and the future of workforce solutions.
This episode of the Swiss Made Edition Podcast is hosted by Ivan Palomino and Michel Heizmann and has a guest Gaël de Fourmestraux, the visionary entrepreneur behind Falkop and Kyma, to discuss his path from chemical engineering to entrepreneurship and how his companies are driving AI-powered workforce solutions.
Gaël shares how Kyma converts temporary jobs into permanent roles using AI and psychometric analysis, while Falkorp helps organizations optimize productivity through human-centered strategies. He also offers insights into the Swiss startup ecosystem, the cost of entrepreneurial freedom, and the future of AI in workforce management.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
✔ Gaël’s entrepreneurial journey and key lessons from his experience
✔ How Kyma uses AI and psychometrics to drive workforce alignment
✔ How Falkorp boosts organizational productivity with AI-driven strategies
✔ Insights into the Swiss business culture and its impact on startups
✔ The personal cost of freedom and how Gaël balances work and life
About Gaël de Fourmestraux:
Gaël de Fourmestraux is an accomplished entrepreneur and founder of Kyma and Falkorp, two companies pioneering the use of AI, psychometrics, and human-centered strategies to help Swiss businesses achieve sustainable performance and workforce alignment.
🔗 Connect with Gaël de Fourmestraux:
🌐 Kyma: https://www.kyma-aas.ch/
🌐 Falkorp: https://www.falkorp.ch/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaeldefourmestraux/
 
Here's how Gael is making a difference:
Prioritizing Employee Well-being: Gael passionately believes that businesses thrive when they prioritize the well-being of their employees, fostering a sustainable and fulfilling work environment. He believes that true success is not just about profits, but about creating a positive impact on the lives of those we work with.    
 
Leveraging Technology to Enhance Human Connection: Gael's companies use AI and psychometric solutions to understand the unique needs and motivations of individuals, building stronger teams and more resilient organizations.    
 
Embracing the Entrepreneurial Journey: Gael openly discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of resilience and perseverance.
 
Redefining Success: Gael challenges us to look beyond financial metrics and prioritize personal well-being, work-life balance, and pursuing one's passions.
✔️ Subscribe to Growth Hacking Podcast for weekly insights from top experts in productivity, resilience, and work culture.
   
 
 

Welcome to the Growth Hacking Podcast podcast! Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stuck in the cycle of burnout while trying to stay productive? You're not alone.
Here's the thing: we live in a culture that glorifies "hustle" and constant productivity. We're bombarded with "life hacks" and "optimization strategies" promising to squeeze every last drop of efficiency out of our day. But what if this relentless pursuit of productivity is actually fueling the burnout fire?
In this episode, Marisol Solarte-Erlacher, a therapist and resilience expert, reveals science-backed strategies and practical hacks to help you:
✅ Stay productive without compromising your health.
✅ Recognize the early warning signs of burnout.
✅ Redefine what productivity means in a healthy, sustainable way.
 
Join us to learn how to achieve your goals without sacrificing your well-being. It's time to stop glorifying "hustle culture" and start prioritizing what truly matters: your mental health and long-term success.
Key Takeaways on Productivity without Burnout:
📌 What Really Causes Burnout (And How to Avoid It).
📌 Why Overworking Doesn't Equal Productivity.
📌 The Surprising Link Between Technology and Burnout.
📌 How to Build a Resilient Mindset to Handle Stress.
📌 Are Popular Productivity Hacks Secretly Harming You?
📌 Easy Steps to Design a Work-Life Balance That Works for You.
 
About Our Guest - Marisol Solarte-Erlacher:
Marisol Solarte-Erlacher, M.A., LPC, is a trauma expert, speaker, and resilience consultant. Through her Resilience and Resistance podcast, she empowers communities, especially BIPOC women, to overcome trauma and build sustainable success. Marisol specializes in stress management, burnout prevention, and organizational resilience.
Reach out Marisol on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisol-solarte-erlacher/
Listen to her Resilience and Resistance Podcast https://www.marisolerlacher.com/podcast
 
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✔️ Subscribe to Growth Hacking Podcast for weekly insights from top experts in productivity, resilience, and work culture.
 
#ProductivityHacks #BurnoutPrevention #SustainableProductivity #MentalHealthTips #Resilience #WorkLifeBalance

Developing a Culture of Accountability is often discussed in leadership circles, but few truly understand how to build a culture where it thrives. Research from the Harvard Business Review reveals that 70% of employees believe accountability is critical to their organization's success.
Cultivating a culture of accountability can drive engagement, boost productivity, and improve profitability. In this episode, we’re joined by Egils Boitmanis, a tech founder, AI advisor, and advocate of stoicism, to explore how leaders can foster accountability, empower teams, and create an environment where ownership and excellence are the norm. Leaders, discover transformative insights to elevate your leadership.
About Egils Boitmanis
Egils Boitmanis is a seasoned entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and AI advisor with over 20 years of experience helping businesses scale and succeed. As the founder of a thriving digital marketing agency, he has managed multi-million-dollar budgets and advised over 1,000 clients. Today, Egils focuses on empowering coaches and consultants to unlock their potential through AI-driven strategies and a holistic approach to growth that integrates community, personal development, and meaningful work.
Reach out Egils on:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/egilsboitmanis/
https://fullmarketing.me/
What We Discussed in this Episode on Culture of Accountability:
The biggest challenges organizations face when creating a culture of accountability.
How the principles of stoicism, including personal responsibility, can be applied to build accountability within teams.
Strategies for creating systems that encourage accountability while allowing room for experimentation and learning from mistakes.
The critical role of feedback in fostering accountability and tips for giving and receiving feedback effectively.
How leaders can promote a growth mindset that encourages accountability and continuous improvement.
Stoic practices like journaling and mindfulness and how they help leaders build accountability in themselves and others.
Actionable advice for leaders aiming to establish a culture of accountability rooted in stoic principles.
Subscribe to the Growth Hacking Culture Newsletter for Thought-Provoking Ideas to Scale Human-Centric and Performing Work Cultures.
About the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast
The Growth Hacking Culture Podcast is a series of insightful interviews with prominent experts on mindsets, skills and mental resources to grow individually, lead motivated teams and create human-centric work cultures. These episodes are about thought-provoking ideas to scale up and growth hack human-centric and performing work cultures. Hosted by Ivan Palomino