Growth Hacking Culture
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.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
Tough conversations are critical yet often dreaded parts of leadership. Studies show that over 70% of employees avoid difficult discussions, and 53% choose to ignore toxic situations altogether—a recipe for organizational dysfunction.
But what if these challenging conversations were the key to fostering trust, resolving conflicts, and strengthening team culture? In this episode, Chris Dyer, a renowned CEO, bestselling author, and expert in building exceptional company cultures, shares actionable insights on mastering tough conversations to create thriving, high-performing teams.
About Chris Dyer
Chris Dyer is a celebrated CEO, leadership speaker, and bestselling author with a proven track record of building award-winning company cultures. His leadership has earned multiple companies recognition as “Best Workplaces” and a spot on Inc. Magazine’s Fastest-Growing Companies list five times. Chris is passionate about helping leaders navigate tough conversations to drive trust, engagement, and success—even in the complexities of remote work.
Chris is the bestseller author of the book: The Power of Company Culture: How Any Business can Build a Culture that Improves Productivity, Performance and Profits
Get in touch with Chris Dyer:
In LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdyer7/
In his website https://chrisdyer.com/
What We Discussed in this Episode on Decoding Tough Conversations for Leaders:
The clearest signs that a tough conversation is necessary and how to recognize them.
How proactive tough conversations can prevent bigger issues and what these conversations should address.
Common cognitive biases, like confirmation and anchoring biases, that derail tough conversations and how leaders can overcome them.
Adapting communication styles in tough conversations to connect effectively with different personality types.
Actionable takeaways leaders should aim to achieve at the conclusion of a tough conversation.
Lessons learned from real-life tough conversations, including Chris Dyer’s own experiences as a leader.
Recommended resources and tools to help leaders improve their ability to handle tough conversations effectively.
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

Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Hybrid work has become one of the most debated topics in the workplace today. With 90% of companies planning to adopt some form of hybrid model, according to McKinsey, and 74% of employees seeing it as the future (Gartner), the role of the traditional office is under the microscope. Yet, research from the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research reveals that 55% of workers report being more productive at the office. Is the office on the brink of extinction, or is it simply evolving? In this episode, we’re joined by Angelique Slob, a leading expert on the future of work, to explore the challenges, opportunities, and the potential transformation of workplaces in the hybrid era.
About Angelique Slob
Angelique Slob is the founder of Hello Monday Club, a think tank reimagining the role of work in our lives. She is also associated with Workplaced, a platform revolutionizing hybrid work environments by optimizing workplace experiences. With a forward-thinking approach, Angelique is at the forefront of reshaping how businesses and employees adapt to the new realities of work.
Where to reach Angelique Slob:
On LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeliqueslob/
On Workplaced https://www.workplaced.com/home
On Hello Monday Club https://hellomondayclub.com/
What We Discussed in this Episode about Hybrid Work
Misconceptions about hybrid work and its impact on the traditional office.
The question of whether the office is dying or transforming.
Key factors driving the global shift toward hybrid work models.
Industries and roles that thrive best in a hybrid work environment.
Strategies for maintaining strong company culture in hybrid setups.
Insights into whether hybrid work genuinely boosts productivity or has hidden drawbacks.
Best practices for fostering collaboration and communication in hybrid teams.
How to measure the effectiveness of hybrid work models and their success.
The exciting possibilities hybrid work brings for the future of work.
Actionable advice for companies transitioning to hybrid work models.
Subscribe to the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast Newsletter for Thought-Provoking Ideas to Scale Human-Centric and Performing Work Cultures.

Monday Jan 20, 2025
Rose Ann Garza on How to Engage and Retain Long-Term Employees
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Employee engagement and retention often center on attracting new hires, but keeping long-term employees motivated and thriving is just as crucial. A Work Institute study found that 25% of employees who leave their roles have been with their company for over five years, underscoring the need for strategies that support experienced team members. In this episode, Rose Ann Garza shares actionable insights on how organizations can better engage long-term employees, leverage their expertise, and foster a culture of loyalty and growth.
About Rose Ann Garza
Rose Ann Garza is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Kerbey Lane and a recognized leader in the HR field. With extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Rose Ann brings a wealth of expertise to her role in fostering workplace excellence. She also serves on the Texas SHRM Executive Council, where she advocates for HR professionals and champions best practices in employee engagement and retention.
Reach out to Rose Ann on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseanngarza/
What We Discussed in the Episode on Long-Term Employee Retention
Key differences between long-term employees and newer hires, and how these impact engagement strategies.
How leaders can communicate effectively with long-term employees to make them feel valued and supported.
Strategies to leverage the knowledge and experience of long-term employees to mentor and develop newer team members.
Proven approaches to keep long-term employees motivated, prevent stagnation, and promote ongoing growth.
Insights into how long-term employees handle organizational change and how leaders can guide them through transitions.
Steps organizations can take to build a culture that values, retains, and celebrates the contributions of long-term employees.
Actionable advice for HR leaders and managers to ensure long-term employees thrive and continue driving success.
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🤍 Ivan Palomino's book 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 is Now Available on 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

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
In today’s fast-changing business landscape, conscious leadership is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a critical need. Organizations that embrace conscious leadership see tangible benefits, like a 30% increase in employee engagement and a 15% boost in productivity, according to a Deloitte study. But conscious leadership goes beyond numbers; it’s about ethical decision-making, social responsibility, and fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels valued. In this episode, Irene Riad shares her expertise on cultivating the next generation of conscious leaders and equipping them with the tools to navigate complexity and thrive in uncertain times.
About Irene Riad
Irene Riad is a transformative author, speaker, and certified coach with three decades of experience guiding individuals toward self-mastery. Combining expertise in neuroscience, trauma recovery, Jungian psychology, and creative expression, Irene empowers people to unlock their potential and lead lives of purpose and fulfillment. Her approach integrates the science and art of human experience to help leaders discover their core being and build impactful, meaningful careers.
Find more about Irene Riad on:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-riad/
https://sightcet.com/
What We Discussed in this Episode on Conscious Leadership:
The definition of conscious leadership in today’s business landscape and what sets it apart.
Key traits and skills that define conscious leaders and why they’re essential in the modern workplace.
How companies can build a culture that fosters conscious leadership at every level.
Innovative approaches to leadership development, focusing on self-awareness, ethical decision-making, and social responsibility.
What are the biggest challenges companies face in developing conscious leaders, and how can they overcome them?

Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to transform businesses, but many organizations face hurdles in turning their AI vision into measurable results. From navigating complex implementation challenges to addressing employee apprehension and fostering a supportive company culture, the path to successful AI adoption is far from straightforward. In this episode, we discuss with Ricardo Arce how businesses can overcome these challenges, craft effective strategies, and unlock AI’s power to drive innovation and growth.
About my Guest: Ricardo Arce
Ricardo Arce is the Managing Director of Prediqt - Data to AI, a company specializing in helping organizations with complex data environments transform data into actionable insights using AI. With a stellar career spanning McKinsey, IBM, and PwC, Ricardo brings a wealth of expertise in leveraging AI to deliver enterprise value.
Reaching Ricardo Arce on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardoarceclaux/
on Prediqt: https://prediqtdata.com/en/
What we covered on Turning AI Vision into Enterprise Value
What are the most common pitfalls businesses face when trying to move from an AI vision to measurable results, and how can they avoid them?
With terms like Gen AI, AI, and ML often causing confusion, how can we simplify these concepts for a broader audience?
When starting an AI initiative, should companies begin with a pilot project (POC), a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), or another approach?
What are the essential steps for successfully implementing AI, from identifying opportunities to tracking impact?
How critical is fostering a company culture that supports AI discovery, and what are effective ways to achieve this?
How can organizations train employees to understand and effectively utilize AI in their daily roles?
What are some of the most transformative AI use cases you’ve observed across various industries?
How can businesses measure the ROI of their AI initiatives, and what key metrics should they focus on?

Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
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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Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
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

Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
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

Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
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

Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
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