Growth Hacking Culture

Want to unlock the secrets to making smarter choices? This in-depth episode explores the neuroscience of smarter choices with our expert guest, Benjamin Bargetzi. Benjamin is the author of 'Never Again Pointless: The Neuroscience for Better Decisions,' and he joins us to break down the complex science behind how we make decisions every day.
We dive into how our brains process information, often influenced by unconscious biases and emotional responses. Learn about the critical role of neuroscience in understanding why we fall into decision-making traps. Benjamin provides actionable strategies and insights to help you cultivate smarter choices in both your personal and professional life.
Discover how to overcome common cognitive biases like sunk cost bias and confirmation bias, and gain a deeper understanding of how dopamine affects your decision-making processes. We'll also explore the fascinating concept of ikigai, the Japanese secret to finding fulfillment by aligning your passion, skills, values, and income, ultimately leading to better life choices.
This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in:
Neuroscience of decision making
Smarter choices at work
Smarter choices in relationships
Overcoming cognitive biases
The power of self-awareness
Finding purpose and ikigai
If you're ready to enhance your decision-making skills and make smarter choices for a more successful and fulfilling life, this episode with Benjamin Bargetzi is a must-listen!Get his book The End of Emptiness https://www.amazon.de/stores/Benjamin-B.-Bargetzi/author/B0DYF41DZN
Get connected with Benjamin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-b-bargetzi/
His newsletter The Wired for Growth community https://benjaminbargetzi.beehiiv.com/subscribe
 
 
 
 

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Alec Corthay, a professor at Central Supelec and a seasoned consultant, to explore the challenges of uncertainty and complexity in business.
Alec shares his expertise on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape in Switzerland and France, highlighting the cultural differences in dealing with these challenges. Discover Alec's Co-Pilot Method, a powerful approach designed to help business leaders gain control, reduce anxiety, and optimize their operations. Learn how to ask the right questions, identify opportunities, and drive impactful change in your organization.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply interested in the dynamics of Swiss and French business culture, this episode offers valuable insights on achieving sustainable growth and success.
 
Reaching out to Alec: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleccorthay/ or Zerra website https://www.zerra.fr/
Highlights of this episode
1:39 Guest Introduction: Alec Corthay
2:12 Why Alec Started His Business
4:22 The Role of Creativity in Finance
5:40 Uncertainty vs. Complexity
8:38 Asking the Right Questions in Business
10:42 Cultural Differences: France vs. Switzerland
13:58 Entrepreneurship in Switzerland
16:00 Challenges of Doing Business in Switzerland
18:50 The Co-Pilot Method Explained
22:09 The Three Phases: Recon, Explore, Design
25:18 The McKinsey Comparison
28:16 Alec’s Biggest Lesson Learned
29:41 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Are your innovation initiatives stalling? You might be misusing your innovation catalysts. In this episode of the Growth Hacking Culture podcast, we talk with Jeppe Hansgaard, CEO of Innovisor and author of "Another Change Fiasco! Now What?", to explore why innovation catalysts often fail and how to ensure they drive successful organizational change and transformation.    
 
The pressure to innovate is higher than ever, with the average lifespan of S&P 500 companies shrinking rapidly. Yet, many companies deploy innovation catalysts without the necessary structure, clarity, or cultural readiness. Jeppe Hansgaard provides actionable insights on defining the mission of innovation catalysts, aligning expectations, and applying behavioral science to effectively nudge innovation across your organization.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why innovation catalysts fail and key pitfalls to avoid
Misaligned expectations when hiring innovation catalysts
Essential qualities and skills of successful catalysts
A 30-60-90 day roadmap for catalyst success
How to define clear goals and objectives for innovation roles
Applying behavioral science to increase innovation adoption and impact
How to motivate and retain innovation catalysts
About Jeppe Hansgaard:
Jeppe Hansgaard is an expert in organizational transformation and innovation strategy. As CEO of Innovisor and author of "Another Change Fiasco! Now What?", he helps Fortune 500 companies focus on the human element of change to drive impactful innovation through networks.
 
Connect with Jeppe Hansgaard:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeppehansgaard/
Innovisor Website: https://www.innovisor.com/
Books (including "Another Change Fiasco! Now What?"): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeppe-Vilstrup-Hansgaard/author/B0CRQK8DJY
Organizational Network Club: https://www.innovisor.com/organizational-network-club/
Want to drive innovation that works? Like, subscribe, and share this episode!

Is your workplace truly inclusive of ADHD and neurodivergent employees, or just checking a box?In this powerful episode of Growth Hacking Culture, we’re joined by Shell Mendelson, a seasoned career counselor and ADHD advocate, to explore the overlooked realities of ADHD in the workplace.
With over 4.4% of adults estimated to have ADHD—many of them undiagnosed—most workplaces are unknowingly failing to support a significant portion of their talent. From rigid structures and biased performance evaluations to the ongoing stigma around neurodiversity, Shell shares how companies can move beyond surface-level inclusion to create environments where ADHD professionals can thrive.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
✔ The real prevalence of ADHD in the workplace—and why it’s often hidden✔ The biggest misconceptions companies have about ADHD employees✔ Why traditional performance metrics are misaligned with neurodivergent strengths✔ How ADHD impacts focus, productivity, and role fit in modern work settings✔ Why career coaching is especially impactful for neurodivergent individuals✔ How to define your "must-haves" to find work that fits your brain wiring✔ What practical changes employers can make to support ADHD talent effectively
About Shell Mendelson:
Shell Mendelson is a career counselor, ADHD specialist, and neurodiversity advocate with over 30 years of experience. After navigating her own challenges with ADHD in the workplace, she has guided 700+ individuals toward fulfilling, strength-aligned careers. Shell blends lived experience and clinical training to help others thrive in their professional lives.
How to reach out to Shell Mendelson:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourpassiontocareer/
Her website Passion to Career https://passiontocareer.com/
📌 Empower your career journey with Shell Mendelson’s ADHD-friendly coursebook. This structured approach helps you make informed decisions and create a fulfilling career path. Get her Coursebook Now 
 
🧠 If you're committed to building a truly neuroinclusive workplace, like, subscribe, and share this episode to bring awareness to ADHD at work.
 
ADHD in the workplace, neurodiversity inclusion, supporting ADHD employees, ADHD career coaching, Shell Mendelson insights, workplace accommodations for ADHD, ADHD and job performance, neurodivergent talent strategy, inclusive work culture, ADHD diagnosis in adults
#ADHDAtWork #Neurodiversity #ShellMendelson #InclusiveWorkplace #ADHDCareerSupport #WorkplaceCulture #GrowthHackingCulture

This episode on "Decoding Culture: The Anthropology of Work" takes you beyond the well-trodden paths of traditional management into the human heart of corporate culture.
In a world where 94% of executives acknowledge the importance of a strong workplace culture, yet only 15% of employees are truly engaged, we explore the complexities of the human element that drives organizational success.
This podcast with Kristine Gentry, an expert in the field of cultural anthropology, illuminates how anthropological methods decode the hidden language of corporate cultures, understand the role of ritual and symbolism, and navigate the challenges of the modern workplace.
We dive into real-world applications of anthropology in the corporate world, exploring the unique methodologies used to understand and nurture corporate culture.
We tackle head-on the common pitfalls of cultural change, offering practical advice for creating more positive and effective workplaces.
Kristine Gentry is an award-winning CEO and cultural strategist with a background in anthropology. As the creator of Culture Grove’s Foundations, she has spent over two decades helping organizations—from nonprofits to multinational corporations—develop intentional workplace cultures.
More about Kristine on
https://www.culturegrove.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-mckenzie-gentry/
Key Themes Include:
The anthropological perspective on culture vs. the psychological perspective.
The importance of rituals and symbolism in shaping workplace culture.
Strategies for navigating resistance to change in organizations.
The impact of remote work on organizational culture and how to foster engagement in a distributed environment.
Real-world examples of companies that have successfully and unsuccessfully implemented culture change initiatives.
Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or simply interested in the dynamics of workplace culture, "Decoding Culture" offers valuable insights and practical strategies for creating a more engaged, productive, and positive work environment.
 
Subscribe to the Growth Hacking Culture Newsletter for more Thought-Provoking Ideas to Scale Human-Centric and Performing Work Cultures.
 
 
 

In this insightful and engaging interview on the Growth Hacking Culture podcast, we sit down with Oliver Durrer, a seasoned expert in innovation and entrepreneurship, to explore his unique perspectives and experiences. Oliver shares his wealth of knowledge gained from working with a diverse range of organizations, from large enterprises to dynamic startups, across Switzerland and the global stage.
We delve into Oliver's journey, tracing his entrepreneurial roots back to his father's experiences and uncovering the motivations that led him to establish his own company, SwissLeap. He provides actionable insights on how to effectively unleash entrepreneurial potential within any organization, empowering individuals and teams to drive innovation and achieve impactful results.
The conversation also explores the nuances of Swiss entrepreneurial culture, dissecting the differences between the Swiss German and French speaking sides, and examining the factors that contribute to startup success in this unique environment. We discuss the balance between Switzerland's strengths in technology and the need for greater emphasis on scalable business models.
Beyond business strategy, Oliver emphasizes his passion for creating sustainable impact, aligning with organizations that prioritize positive contributions to society and the environment. He also offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs, addressing the often-overlooked importance of mental health and resilience in navigating the challenges of the entrepreneurial journey.
Oliver Durrer is a Swiss global citizen with 20+ years of experience as an intrapreneur and entrepreneur, working with large enterprises, SMBs, and startups in Europe, Asia, and the US, across a broad range of roles and sectors. He is the founder of SwissLeap, a company dedicated to empowering entrepreneurial potential and driving innovation.
Connect with Oliver:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverdurrer/
https://www.swissleap.com/
What we discussed:
Debunking Switzerland Cliches
Oliver’s Motivation for Starting His Company
Empowering Entrepreneurial Potential
Swiss German vs. Swiss French Culture
Entrepreneurial Risk Aversion in Switzerland
Switzerland's Strengths: Technology and Innovation
Oliver's Work: Empowering Organizations and Individuals
Defining Impact: Sustainability and Making a Difference
Advice for Entrepreneurs: Mental Toll and Serenity
Bonus content:
Unreasonable ideas for great people at work - Growth hacking human-centred performance, innovation and work culture. Check our monthly SIMPLY HUMAN NEWSLETTER 
 

Today, we're diving deep into a critical topic: how HR needs to adapt talent and career management for the new generation. The stakes are higher than ever. We're seeing a mass exodus of talent, with employees increasingly willing to explore new opportunities – whether that's with a different company or even forging their own path through entrepreneurship – when they feel undervalued or unsupported. A recent Microsoft Work Trend Index revealed that 53% of employees are actively looking for new jobs or considering leaving their current roles. And it's not just about compensation. A Gallup poll found that a lack of opportunities for growth and development is a leading driver of employee turnover, with 48% saying they'd leave for a role with better career prospects. This trend is further fueled by the rise of the gig economy and the increasing accessibility of resources for starting a business.
These shifting priorities, coupled with rapid technological advancements and evolving business needs, are creating a perfect storm for HR professionals. Traditional talent management strategies simply aren't cutting it anymore.
On today's episode, we'll be tackling the big questions. We'll explore the biggest challenges organizations face in attracting, and especially retaining, top talent in this climate. We'll uncover innovative talent management practices that are proving successful, and we'll look ahead to the key trends shaping the future of work. We'll also delve into what employees really want from their careers right now, from growth opportunities and work-life balance to compensation and impact. And, crucially, we'll discuss whether companies are doing enough to support their employees' career aspirations and prevent them from seeking opportunities elsewhere. Finally, we'll examine the essential skills HR professionals need to cultivate to thrive in this new era.
Key Takeaways:
Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Retention: Understanding the hurdles organizations face in attracting and keeping top talent.​
Innovative Talent Management Practices: Exploring successful alternative strategies in talent development and career progression.​
Future Trends in HR: Identifying emerging trends shaping the future of talent management and employee engagement. AI for assessing culture reputation (the case of culturama)​
Employee Priorities: Delving into what matters most to employees today, including professional growth, work-life balance, and competitive compensation.​
Essential HR Skills: Highlighting critical competencies HR professionals need to thrive in the evolving workplace.​
Advice for Organizations: Offering guidance on embracing innovative talent management strategies to foster a dynamic and committed workforce.​
About Shreya Biswas:Shreya Biswas is an MBA, Six Sigma Green Belt, and Cambridge-certified professional leading product development and research at Gartner. She brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and practical expertise to the world of sales leadership, shaping the future of talent management and organizational growth.
Reach out to Shreya on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-biswas-a4355228/
 
👍 If you're committed to evolving your HR strategies to attract and retain the new generation of talent, give this video a thumbs up, subscribe to Growth Hacking Culture for more expert insights, and share your thoughts in the comments below!
HR talent management strategies, future of work trends, employee retention strategies, modern workforce expectations, HR career management, talent development insights, Shreya Biswas leadership, career growth strategies, HR skills for the future, work-life balance in HR
#TalentManagement #FutureOfWork #EmployeeRetention #HRTrends #ShreyaBiswas #WorkforceDevelopment #LeadershipGrowth

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.