Growth Hacking Culture

Today, we’re tackling a critical issue that continues to challenge workplaces globally: the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Despite their qualifications and proven capabilities, women often face deeply ingrained biases and systemic barriers that hinder their advancement. In this episode, we dive into the data exposing this leadership gap, explore the psychology behind gender stereotypes and implicit bias, and uncover actionable strategies for women to overcome these challenges. We’ll also discuss how men can be effective allies in creating inclusive environments that empower women to thrive and lead.
About Julia Snedkova
Our guest today, Julia Snedkova, is a powerhouse in leadership coaching, dedicated to empowering ambitious women to break through the glass ceiling. As the founder of Leaders are Us, Julia leverages her 16 years of senior leadership experience in Fortune 500 companies, an MBA from INSEAD, and cross-cultural expertise across 30+ international markets to guide women toward reaching their full leadership potential. Her mission is to help women navigate corporate challenges, shatter biases, and lead with confidence in today’s competitive landscape.
More on Julia Snedkova on https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasnedkova-leadershipcoaching/
 
The Questions on the Biases on Women as Leaders
What hard data or research best illustrates the disparity women face in achieving leadership roles?
Are there studies showing that women outperform men in specific leadership qualities or abilities? What myths does this data dispel?
What specific cognitive abilities or traits do women consistently excel in, and how do these contribute to effective leadership in modern organizations?
From a psychological perspective, why are women often overlooked for leadership roles despite having the necessary skills and qualifications?
How are certain behaviors or communication styles perceived differently when exhibited by women versus men in leadership positions?
What actionable steps can women take to navigate systemic barriers and increase their chances of advancing to leadership roles?
How can male leaders become effective allies in advocating for gender equality and learning from women’s leadership styles?
What systemic changes are necessary in organizations and society to create a level playing field for women in leadership?
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Creating a workplace where things just flow—where employees are engaged, productive, and genuinely enjoy coming to work—can feel elusive for many leaders. Today, we explore practical strategies for fostering such a culture, one where teams can thrive without the friction that often bogs down productivity.
Studies show that only 36% of employees are actively engaged at work, leading to lost productivity and high turnover. In this episode, we uncover actionable insights with Magi Graziano to help leaders build a high-performance culture from the inside out.
About Margaret (Magi) Graziano
Magi Graziano is a renowned leadership coach, organizational culture expert, and best-selling author who empowers leaders and teams to achieve outstanding results. With a journey marked by resilience—from being a single mother at 19 to running a thriving consultancy—Magi embodies the power of reinvention.
As the author of Ignite Culture: Empowering and Leading a Healthy, High-Performance Organization from the Inside Out, she combines experiential coaching, science-backed tools, and actionable strategies to guide organizations through cultural transformation.
Connect with Magi on her website https://www.margaretgraziano.com/
Take her Organizational Culture Assessment https://keenalignment.scoreapp.com/
Her LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretgraziano/
What We Discussed in this Episode on Shifting Work Culture from Friction to Flow:
What are the biggest obstacles organizations face when shifting their workplace culture?
How does data and measurement aid in understanding and evolving organizational culture? What are some recommended tools for this?
What common mistakes do leaders make when trying to initiate cultural change?
How can leaders uncover the root causes of friction in their organization’s culture? What are typical sources of these issues?
What are effective tactics for overcoming resistance to change within an organization?
How can companies measure the impact of cultural shifts on employee engagement, productivity, and business outcomes?
What emerging trends in organizational culture should leaders be aware of today?
 
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🤍 Ivan Palomino's book 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 is Now available in Amazon
Launching a business isn't about a brilliant idea. It's about executing that idea brilliantly. And that takes a certain mindset, a certain set of human skills... and 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬.Get your copy at https://amzn.eu/d/hPL6Ajp
 

Leading across cultures can feel like conducting an orchestra without knowing the melody—different communication styles, values, and ways of getting things done can challenge even seasoned leaders. In this episode, "Beyond Borders: Leadership in a New Culture," we explore effective strategies for cross-cultural leadership, helping leaders navigate and thrive in new cultural landscapes.
About Peter Murphy Lewis
Peter Murphy Lewis is a global marketing leader, entrepreneur, and expert in cross-cultural business dynamics. With a wealth of experience in Latin America and international markets, Peter brings a unique perspective on building brands and fostering growth across borders. As the CEO and founder of Strategic Pete, a fractional CMO firm, he helps businesses of all sizes reach their marketing goals with a global mindset.
Reach out Peter Murphy Lewis
https://strategicpete.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis/
What we discussed on Leading in a New Culture
What key cultural aspects should leaders understand about Mediterranean and Latin cultures?
What are common misconceptions leaders have about Mediterranean and Latin cultures, and how can these be addressed?
How can leaders adapt their communication style for success in Mediterranean and Latin cultures? What verbal and nonverbal cues are important?
Why is relationship-building essential for leadership in Mediterranean and Latin cultures, and how can leaders build trust and rapport effectively?
What motivates individuals in Mediterranean and Latin cultural settings, and how can leaders offer constructive feedback that respects these values?
How is time viewed and managed in Mediterranean and Latin cultures, and how can leaders adjust their expectations to align with these norms?
How will cultural awareness shape the future of global leadership, and what role could technology play in this evolution?
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🤍 Ivan Palomino's book 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 is Now available in Amazon
Launching a business isn't about a brilliant idea. It's about executing that idea brilliantly. And that takes a certain mindset, a certain set of human skills... and 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬.Get your copy at https://www.ivanpalomino.net/book-step-zero-before-the-hustle
 

Compassionate communication in the business world often gets a bad rap, seen as naive, idealistic, or even a sign of weakness. Many mistakenly believe that focusing on empathy and understanding makes one ill-equipped for the tough decisions that business demands. However, research consistently shows that employees who feel heard and understood are more engaged and satisfied in their roles.
 
In fact, a study by Catalyst found that 76% of people who experienced empathy from their leaders felt engaged, compared to just 32% who reported less empathy. When organizations neglect compassionate communication, it can lead to a culture dominated by fear, blame, and unhealthy competition.
 
About Maria Arpa
Maria Arpa, a renowned expert in workplace dynamics and compassionate communication, is reshaping the way organizations handle conflict and build strong relationships. As the founder of the Centre for Peaceful Solutions, Maria has led numerous mediation initiatives and continues to pioneer innovative approaches to creating harmony in the workplace.
Her website Centre for Peaceful Solutions  https://centreforpeacefulsolutions.org/
Her LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaarpa/
 
What We Discussed in this Episode on Compassionate Communication
- What inspired Maria Arpa to focus on compassionate communication in the workplace?
- How is compassionate communication different from traditional conflict resolution methods?
- What is the best way to learn compassionate communication skills in the workplace?
- How do empathy and compassionate communication affect brain chemistry and behavior?
- What are the top strategies to promote a culture of compassionate communication at work?
- What are common mistakes people make when practicing compassionate communication?
- Which companies have successfully implemented compassionate communication strategies?
 
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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

Understanding Generation Z's unique expectations and values is essential for businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. This generation has distinct priorities that influence their career choices and workplace satisfaction. Companies that understand Gen Z's values can create a more appealing workplace culture, boost employee engagement, enhance their reputation as an employer of choice, and drive innovation by harnessing the creativity and problem-solving skills of Gen Z employees.
About Hannah
Hannah MacDonald-Dannecker is a Gen Z expert, public speaker, and advocate for bridging generational gaps in the workplace. As a member of Gen Z, she provides valuable insights on recruiting, managing, and retaining young talent. Hannah is the author of Well Shit: Time To Grow Up, a memoir that explores her journey of self-growth, tackling issues like imposter syndrome and navigating adulthood. She also hosts the popular podcast "Workish," where she discusses topics relevant to young professionals.
Learn more about her book Well Shit: Time To Grow Up https://a.co/d/gjwnIDa
Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-kay-macdonald/
Her business website https://bettertogethergroup.com/
 
What we discussed with Hannah on The Ideal Work Culture for Gen Z
What are the most common misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace?
How do Gen Z's expectations and values differ from previous generations at work?
What are the key features of a workplace culture that appeals to Gen Z employees?
How can companies build a culture of inclusivity and belonging for Gen Z talent?
What can Gen Z do to effectively communicate their needs and expectations to employers?
What advice do you have for managers working with Gen Z employees for the first time?
What risks do companies face if they don't adapt their workplace to meet Gen Z's needs?
How does technology shape Gen Z's ideal work environment?
BONUS
Watch this video on What GenZ expect from your work culture
 https://youtu.be/N2IgamLhGJ8?si=TG5jHVpM1i_UQMNQ
 
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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
 

In this episode, Utkarsh Narang shares how fear, often seen as a barrier, can actually fuel bold decision-making, drive innovation, and help shape resilient leaders. We’ll explore how leaders can embrace fear as a tool for growth and uncover strategies to use fear constructively in leadership.
About Utkarsh Narang
Utkarsh Narang is a seasoned Learning Consultant, Executive Coach, and Facilitator with a passion for understanding human behavior. Based in Melbourne, he uses his diverse global experience to design leadership programs that help organizations unlock their potential and foster courageous leadership.
Watch his inspiring TedTalk on Can Fear Push Us to be Courageous? https://youtu.be/5aj0btxnBLo?si=6ZyrB_M8cxCCU3qJ
Reaching Utkarsh:
On his company website IgnitedNeurons https://www.ignitedneurons.me/ 
On Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang/
 
What We Discussed in this Episode on How Fear Can Fuel Bold Leadership in Organizations
The Courage Paradox: Utkarsh explained how fear can be transformed into courage in leadership and shared insights on how to embrace this paradox.
Common Misconceptions: We discussed the common pitfalls leaders face when trying to use fear to drive courageous actions.
Types of Fear: Utkarsh helped us differentiate between paralyzing fear and fear that propels leaders forward.
Building a Culture of Courage: We explored how leaders can foster a workplace environment where acknowledging fear is safe and constructive.
Strategic Courage: Utkarsh provided strategies for ensuring that fear-driven actions are not reckless but are thoughtful and strategic.
Real-Life Examples: He shared stories of leaders who effectively used fear to fuel their courage and achieve bold outcomes.
Neuroscience and Fear: We also touched on how leaders can understand their brain's response to fear and use that awareness to make more courageous decisions.
Bonus
📌 Read my latest article on The Entrepreneurial Operating System: Learning "How to Learn"
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

In this episode, we explore the fascinating link between chaos theory and corporate performance, inspired by Maria Carpenter’s TED Talk, "The Medicine of Chaos." While chaos may seem like the enemy of productivity, Maria sheds light on how embracing unpredictability and decentralized control can actually foster innovation and agility in businesses. By changing the environment rather than the people, and allowing systems to self-organize, organizations can unlock new pathways to growth and success. We'll dive into the strategies that leaders can use to harness chaos for better decision-making, stronger networks, and faster responses.
About Maria P Carpenter
Maria Carpenter, a Cypriot-South African strategist, has an impressive background spanning software development, management consulting, executive leadership, and entrepreneurship. She is known for leading international tech teams and developing a unique framework that transforms team dynamics and fosters business success.
Listen to her inspiring TedTalk on The medicine of chaos https://youtu.be/KgJc40Fw7xg?si=sVdWYHZBKme0rQMz
Maria's website https://www.mariapcarpenter.com/
Her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mariapcarpenter/
 
What We Discussed in this Episode on Chaos and Innovation 
Understanding Chaos: We defined chaos in the context of business and explored common misconceptions that often lead to resistance in corporate environments.
Chaos and Innovation: Maria shared how large organizations can leverage the unpredictability of chaos theory to foster creativity and innovation.
Leadership Strategies: We explored specific strategies and tools leaders can use to create environments that encourage innovation amidst chaos.
Balancing Structure and Flexibility: Maria discussed the risks and rewards of applying chaos theory in a corporate setting and how to balance structure with the freedom to experiment.
Real-World Application: Maria shared personal stories where applying chaos theory led to breakthrough innovations in her career.
Emerging Trends: We discussed the latest developments in chaos theory and how they are shaping the future of corporate innovation.
 
News on Ivan Palomino:
🎉 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧 to share that my book, "Step Zero Before the Hustle," is now a #1 Best Seller in TWO categories on Amazon! 🎉Writing a book is no walk in the park – it takes dedication, countless hours, and a whole lot of coffee. But seeing it resonate with readers like this makes every moment worth it."Step Zero" was born out of my mission to help aspiring entrepreneurs build a rock-solid foundation for their future businesses. It's packed with actionable steps to equip you with the knowledge, mindset, and strategies needed to turn your dreams into reality.If you're ready to take that leap, grab your copy and let's get started! 🙏 https://a.co/d/7wqY4St
 
 
 
 

Change is the only constant, especially in the corporate world, with 70% of change initiatives failing due to employee resistance and lack of management support. Beneath the surface of strategic plans, there's a complex human element that often goes unaddressed. In this episode, we explore the hidden challenges of change management, the real reasons transformations fail, and what truly makes change stick. Joining us is Karen Ball, an expert in change management and the ADKAR model, who will share her extensive knowledge on tackling resistance and ensuring successful change initiatives.
About Karen Ball
Karen Ball is a Senior Fellow at Prosci and a former Executive Vice President of Research, Product, and Marketing. With over 40 years of experience, she is a seasoned change management practitioner and author of The ADKAR Advantage: Your New Lens for Successful Change. Karen is also a Certified Change Management Professional™ (CCMP™), Prosci executive instructor, and advisor.
About her book The ADKAR Advantage https://a.co/d/huYUmdc
Karen's LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenball26/
Karen's Publications with Prosci https://www.prosci.com/blog/author/karen-ball 
What We Discussed in the Episode
What contradictions do you often see in organizations that claim to value innovation but struggle with change?
How can leaders effectively manage subtle forms of resistance to change?
What strategies can organizations use to combat misinformation during change initiatives?
How can leaders create a supportive environment to help employees adopt new behaviors and break old habits?
How can organizations address hidden costs like employee stress and burnout during change?
What can organizations do to maintain momentum and prevent "change fatigue" after multiple transformations?
How can companies sustain change long-term and avoid reverting to old habits when faced with challenges?
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BONUS: My book 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 is Now available in Amazon
Launching a business isn't about a brilliant idea. It's about executing that idea brilliantly. And that takes a certain mindset, a certain set of human skills... and 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬.Get your copy at https://www.ivanpalomino.net/book-step-zero-before-the-hustle
 
 

In this episode, we dive into the common barriers that prevent joy in the workplace, from toxic cultures and burnout to unrealistic expectations. More importantly, we’ll explore actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles and create a work environment where joy and fulfillment can flourish. Whether you're a leader or an employee, you’ll find valuable insights to help remove the barriers to joy and enhance well-being in your own work life.
About Sammy Burt
Sammy is the founder of Backpack and founding consultant of Farleigh Performance, two consultancies that specialize in cultural and strategic development. As a systems coach and consultant, Sammy works with organizations, teams, and leaders to foster positive work cultures that support joy, growth, and success. 
Connect with Sammy
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammyburt/ 
Facebook Author https://www.facebook.com/sammyburtauthor 
Instagram Author https://www.instagram.com/sammy_burt_backpack_author/ 
Farleigh Performance www.farleighperformance.com 
The Grown up Book https://www.yourbackpack.co.uk/whatisagrownupanyway
 
What We Discussed in the Episode
What are the most common misconceptions about workplace joy, and how can these be addressed?
How do you define "joy" in the context of work—happiness, fulfillment, or something else?
What are the biggest barriers to joy in the workplace that you've observed or encountered?
How can organizations create a more joyful and supportive work environment for their employees?
What practical strategies can individuals use to boost their own joy and satisfaction at work?
What role do leaders play in fostering a culture of joy and well-being within their teams?
Can you share examples of companies that have successfully prioritized workplace joy and the strategies they’ve implemented?
What trends or emerging technologies do you think will shape the future of workplace joy and employee well-being?
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BONUS: My book 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 is Now available in Amazon
Launching a business isn't about a brilliant idea. It's about executing that idea brilliantly. And that takes a certain mindset, a certain set of human skills... and 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬.Get your copy at https://a.co/d/7Ir3zEx
 

The traditional methods of fostering employee loyalty—like offering perks such as free snacks and game rooms—are no longer enough to meet the needs of today's workforce. Modern employees seek deeper connections, a sense of purpose, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Leaders must now adopt unconventional strategies to build lasting loyalty. Drawing inspiration from iconic brands like Harley-Davidson, known for its deeply loyal community of Harley Owners Group (HOG) members, offers valuable insights into creating long-term employee engagement and advocacy.
About Ken Schmidt
Ken Schmidt, former Director of Communications at Harley-Davidson, is the author of Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance. His book draws on the metaphor of a motorcycle ride to explore how brands can cultivate customer loyalty, using a three-question approach: What do your customers say about you? What do you want them to say? How can you get them to say it?
More about Ken Schmidt on https://kenspeaks.com/ or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-schmidt-5b08115/
 
What We Discussed in the Episode
What are some common mistakes leaders make that unintentionally erode employee loyalty?
What qualities make a leader effective in building employee loyalty and advocacy?
How important is it for leaders to empower employees as brand advocates on social media? What tips can encourage this?
How do you measure the success of employee loyalty and advocacy programs? What key metrics should be tracked?
How can brands align their employee engagement efforts with their identity and culture, like Harley-Davidson has done?
How does adopting an unconventional leadership style impact employee loyalty compared to traditional methods?
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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