Growth Hacking Culture

Today's episode tackles a challenge that's become increasingly relevant in our ever-evolving work landscape: building belonging in a virtual world.
Did you know that over 70% of remote workers feel isolated or lonely? While the flexibility and convenience of remote work are undeniable, the lack of physical connection can take a toll.
This episode is your roadmap to fostering a sense of belonging in your virtual team. We'll be diving deep into the science behind connection, exploring practical strategies for building camaraderie, and uncovering the unexpected benefits of strong virtual relationships.
 
About Kevin Finke
Founder of Experience Willow, he is a highly acclaimed experience consultant renowned for advising business leaders on the crucial role of creating inclusive and belonging-focused workplaces.
Learn more about Kevin Finke on:
www.kevinfinke.com
https://www.experiencewillow.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinfinke/
 
What We Discussed in this Episode about Belonging in a Virtual World:
- Identifying Major Roadblocks in Remote Work Environments- Impact of Loneliness on Remote Workers- Leveraging Neurochemicals for Building Belonging- Fostering Team Spirit in Remote Work- Encouraging Informal Interactions in Remote Teams- Integrating New Team Members in Remote Settings- Designing Inclusive Remote Work Environments
 
Bonus reading on Belonging at Work:
The Need of Belonging at Work: How it Affects Employees and Organizational Success https://www.peoplekult.com/post/the-need-of-belonging-at-work-how-it-affects-employees-and-organizational-success
 
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Sign up for the Simply Human Newsletter (monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com
Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://www.peoplekult.com/podcast-work-culture
Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivanpalomino_
Follow Ivan Palomino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipalomino/ 
 
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 a recent study conducted in 2021, it was revealed that an overwhelming 88% of employees attribute significant influence over company culture to senior leaders. Moreover, a subsequent survey conducted by Robert Half in 2023 shed light on the staggering fact that 60% of workers have contemplated departing from their current roles, citing dissatisfaction with their supervisors as a primary reason.
 
About Dr. Benjamin Ritter
Dr. Benjamin Ritter, renowned for his expertise in leadership development, serves as the founder of Live for Yourself Consulting. He boasts a multifaceted portfolio, excelling as an international leadership and career coach, Senior Talent Management Consultant, and a leading voice in career development and executive coaching on LinkedIn. 
Notably, he is also recognized as an international speaker, a connoisseur of values, an esteemed online instructor, and the host of two insightful podcasts: The Executive Podcast and The Live for Yourself Revolution Podcast.
Benjamin will be launching his book Becoming Fearless [a Journey from self-doubt to self-mastery] in September 2024 - subscribe to his wait list on https://benjamin-ritter.com/
 
Reaching out to Benjamin Ritter:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenjaminritter-leadershipdevelopment/ or on https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com/
 
What We Discussed in the Episode on The Role of Leaders in Creating a Healthy Work Culture:
- What is the biggest risk that you see today regarding work culture?- What are the key characteristics of leaders who foster healthy work cultures?- How can leaders empower employees to have ownership and control over their work?- What are effective ways to encourage open communication and feedback within a team?- What are the skills that we can only learn from a leader and not from training?- What are the psychology books that you would recommend leaders to read?- What are some practical steps leaders can take today to have the mental bandwidth to start improving their work culture?- What role can leaders play in promoting work-life balance and preventing burnout?
 
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Sign up for the Simply Human Newsletter (monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com
Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://www.peoplekult.com/podcast-work-culture
Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivanpalomino_
Follow Ivan Palomino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipalomino/ 
 
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.

According to a report by McKinsey in 2019, a staggering 70% of employees identified ineffective communication as a significant impediment to company performance. Additionally, a Gallup poll conducted in 2022 uncovered that merely 21% of employees strongly agree with the effectiveness of communication by senior leaders.
About Pam Hurley
Pam Hurley stands out as a highly regarded expert in communication. As the founder of Hurley Write, Inc., she has crafted a curriculum that numerous companies rely on to enhance their teams' abilities in writing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
Reaching out Pam Hurley
https://www.hurleywrite.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/Hurleywrite/
 
What We Discussed in this Episode on The Challenges in Communication for Corporates:
- Is communication the elephant in the room in the corporate world? Are corporates better or are there new challenges?- How can companies ensure clear and concise communication within a complex organizational structure?- How can companies measure the effectiveness of their internal communication strategies?- Beyond rhetoric, structure, and syntax in communication - are organizations having challenges bringing an emotional connection to their people? Is storytelling part of the solution?- Are companies using the best way to teach their employees how to communicate? What would you recommend instead of the traditional 2-3 days ‘training’?- Will the rise of generative AI positively impact the future of communication?- How does it look the future of communication in corporates?
 
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Listen in real-time to the voice of your employees 
Culturama Live is an AI system that helps boards and management understand their company’s true state by continuously analyzing crowdsourced employeeopinions, sentiments and ideas in their own words.
Learn more: https://www.peoplekult.com/ai-people-voice-and-culture 
 
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.

From an estimated 7 million pre-pandemic in 2019, the digital nomad population soared to over 15.5 million by 2021, and projections indicate a staggering increase to over 35 million by 2023, marking a fivefold surge in just four years. Beyond their tech-savvy skills, digital nomads exhibit remarkable creativity. Moreover, they prioritize purpose-driven work, seeking opportunities that resonate with their values and provide fulfillment beyond financial remuneration.
 
About Austin Reed, founder of Horizon Dev
Austin is a seasoned digital nomad boasting 8 years of extensive global exploration spanning 26 countries. Through Horizon Dev LLC, his software development agency, Austin specializes in streamlining processes and crafting bespoke digital solutions to empower businesses.
Contact Austin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/automationsexpert/
or in his website https://horizon.dev/
 
What We Discussed in this Episode about Attracting Digital Nomads:
- What Motivates Individuals to Embrace Nomadic Lifestyles?- Distinguishing Factors: Traditional Talent vs. Digital Nomads- Crafting a Robust Remote Work Environment to Enhance Team Bonding and Participation- Optimal Technologies and Resources for Seamless Remote Communication and Cooperation- The Significance of Purpose in Contemporary Work Settings: Insights from Digital Nomads and Remote Employees- Future Work Landscape: Anticipated Trends in Talent Recruitment and Remote Work Frameworks
 
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It is now possible to listen LIVE to the voice of your employees 
Culturama Live is an AI system that helps boards and management understand their company’s true state by continuously analyzing crowdsourced employeeopinions, sentiments and ideas in their own words.
Learn more: https://www.peoplekult.com/ai-people-voice-and-culture 
 
 

In a study conducted by McKinsey & Company in 2019, a significant correlation was identified between feelings of disrespect and employee turnover. The research revealed that employees who perceived being "treated unfairly" were twice as inclined to contemplate leaving their positions in comparison to those who felt valued and respected. Building a Respectful Workplace Culture has become a milestone for human-centric organizations.
About my GHC guest Dr. Veronica Anderson
Dr. Veronica Anderson is a distinguished Ivy-League educated eye surgeon, certified Kolbe and Human Design relationship coach, and bestselling author of "Get The Respect You Deserve: 7 Secrets to Getting Heard in Your Job and in Your Relationship". Dr. Veronica, a Princeton University graduate, combines medical proficiency with relationship coaching, offering valuable insights into earning respect in both professional and personal spheres.
Reach out Veronica Anderson on:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drveronicaanderson/
Website http://drveronica.com/
What We Discussed in this Episode on How to Foster It & Address Disrespect at Work:
- Importance of Respect in Human Psychology
- Coping Strategies for Employees in a Disrespectful Work Environment
- Impact of Personal Actions on How Others Treat Us
- Techniques for Managers to Identify Signs of Disrespect
- How to Foster It & Address Disrespect at Work
 
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Sign up for the Simply Human Newsletter (monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com
Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://www.peoplekult.com/podcast-work-culture
Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivanpalomino
Follow Ivan Palomino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipalomino/
 

In the digital transformation era, employees face a dual landscape of opportunities and challenges. Embracing new technologies promises growth but also highlights a widening skills gap. Studies show automation could impact 60% of job activities. Research indicates that 38% of employees resist change, with job insecurity looming due to automation. Despite concerns, projections suggest creating 9 million new jobs by 2030 in response to technological advancements.
About Lilia Stoyanov
Lilia Stoyanov is the CEO of Transformify, a fintech expert, professor at Zigurat Business School, and an expert evaluator for Horizon 2020 at the European Commission. She has received prestigious awards including the 2013 Coca-Cola Enterprises Finance Excellence Award, the 2017 First Women Award, and the 2018 Female Entrepreneur Enterprise Award in the UK, recognizing her notable contributions to finance, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Reaching out Lilia
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilia-stoyanov-fcca-41972b14/
Insta https://www.instagram.com/transformify2320/
Transformify Website https://www.transformify.org/
 
What We Discussed in the Episode on the People Side of Digital Transformation:
- Key Challenges in Workforce Preparation for Digital Transformation- How to Assess Employee Digital Readiness: Practical Tips for Companies- Building a Culture of Continuous Learning for Embracing New Technologies- Balancing Innovation and Operational Efficiency: Strategies for Digital Transformation- Effective Strategies for Upskilling and Reskilling Employees in the Digital Age
 
Recommended content on digital transformation
The Innovation Paradox: Experiment and Fail Fast 
Building a Customer-Centric Culture: Embracing Agility and Innovation 
 
 
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Sign up for the Simply Human Newsletter (monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com
Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://www.peoplekult.com/podcast-work-culture
Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivanpalomino_
Follow Ivan Palomino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipalomino/ 
 
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.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) often lead to significant employee turnover, morale decline, and productivity loss. Studies reveal that within just 24 months post-M&A, 50% of employees leave, while 70% experience a morale dip. Productivity can plummet by 20-30% in the short term due to heightened uncertainty. Prioritizing employee well-being during M&A is crucial for minimizing disruptions and fostering successful integration.
About Jonathan Bennett
Jonathan Bennett, a seasoned advisor and executive coach, specializes in guiding founders, CEOs, and C-suite leaders towards overcoming their organization's most formidable challenges while staying true to their purpose. 
With a wealth of experience, he founded ClearlyThen, following successful ventures in management consulting and senior executive positions within the healthcare industry. Jonathan's expertise offers invaluable insights for leaders navigating complex business landscapes, ensuring sustainable growth and impactful decision-making.
Reach Out Jonathan Bennett:
On his LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettjonathan/
On his website https://clearlythen.com/
What We Discussed in the Episode on the Human Cost of M&A:
- Unveiling the Human Side of M&A: Understanding Failure from a Human Perspective- Navigating Emotional Turbulence: Employee Phases in M&A and Effective Management Strategies- Transparent Transition: Addressing Employee Concerns in M&A Communication- Merging Cultures: Overcoming Challenges in Work Culture Integration Post-M&A- Roadmap to Success: Essential Steps for Effective Change Management in M&A- Mastering Emotional Agility: Success Stories in M&A Emotional Navigation- Leading with Empathy: Guidance for Safeguarding Employee Well-being in M&A Journeys
 
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Sign up for the Simply Human Newsletter (monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com
Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://www.peoplekult.com/podcast-work-culture
Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivanpalomino_
Follow Ivan Palomino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipalomino/ 
 
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.
 

Developing a robust Continuous Improvement Culture is vital for corporate success but faces significant challenges. Resource constraints such as limited budgets and overloaded employees hinder innovation. Cultural bottlenecks, where employee mindsets affect customer interactions, present additional hurdles. Overcoming resistance to change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are essential steps. By addressing these challenges head-on, corporations can unlock their full potential for innovation and excellence.
About Taner Yildiz [founder of Happ Consulting]
Taner Yildiz is a veteran navigating dual challenges in the realms of culture and resource constraints within employee and customer experiences. He stands as the innovative mind behind one of the pioneering AI platforms designed to live stream signals, facilitating ongoing enhancements in both employee and customer interactions.
As the founder of Happ Consulting Services, Taner spearheads a transformative journey toward optimized experiences for all stakeholders involved.
Reach Taner on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/yildiztaner/
or on Happ Consulting website https://www.happcons.com/
 
What We Discussed in this Episode about Tech for CX and EX:
- Understanding Continuous Improvement Culture: Definition and Importance- Enhancing Customer Experience through Positive Employee Experience: The Direct Connection- Organizational Culture's Role in Shaping Employee and Customer Experiences- Overcoming Barriers to Amplifying the Impact of Employee Experience on Customer Experience- Leveraging Feedback Loops: A Key to Continuous Improvement in EX and CX- Anticipating Tech Trends (ML/AI/NLP) for Accelerated Continuous Improvement- Effective Measurement of Positive Employee Experience Impact on Customer-Centric Outcomes
 
🌟Learn more about The People Agile Experience platform powered by AI and automation https://www.peoplekult.com/agile-employee-customer-experience 
 
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Sign up for the Simply Human Newsletter (monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com
Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://www.peoplekult.com/podcast-work-culture
Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivanpalomino_
Follow Ivan Palomino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipalomino/ 
 
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.

Amid the pandemic, the concept of a human-centric workplace soared in Google searches, with HR institutions posting 2-3 articles weekly on the topic. Studies underscore its importance: PwC notes 83% of executives see it vital for innovation; University of Warwick research shows 12% productivity gains from happy employees; Gallup finds 21% higher profitability in companies with engaged staff. These findings emphasize the significance of prioritizing employee well-being and engagement for organizational success.
 
Despite these numbers many are still unsure that investing on wellbeing is worth.
 
About Reka Deak (founder of Wellbeing Designers)
Reka Deak is the visionary Founder of Wellbeing Designers, a pioneering company dedicated to fostering human-centric organizations through Strategic Wellbeing Education. With a senior advisory role at The Josh Bersin Company and previous experience as a management consultant for industry giants like KPMG and Accenture, Reka brings a wealth of expertise in enabling Wellbeing Culture. 
Reaching Reka Deak
Reka's personal site https://www.rekadeak.com/
Wellbeing Designers https://www.wellbeing.design/
Reka's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rekadeak/
What We Discussed in this Episode on Is Wellbeing a Profit Center or a Sunk Cost?
- Defining Wellbeing in Corporate Settings- Post-COVID Investments in Employee Wellbeing- Unveiling the Science behind Wellbeing Programs- Assessing the Impact of Employee Wellbeing Interventions- Uncovering Truths about Employee Wellbeing- Expert Perspectives on Emerging Trends- Consequences of Ignoring Employee Wellbeing- Profit Center or Expense? The Economic Outlook of Corporate Wellbeing
 
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Sign up for the Simply Human Newsletter (monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com
Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://www.peoplekult.com/podcast-work-culture
Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivanpalomino_
Follow Ivan Palomino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipalomino/ 
 
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 the fast-paced world of technology, a significant gap exists between the skills companies need and the available workforce. This gap arises from various factors: the rapid pace of technological change creates a mismatch in skills among existing employees; there's a global shortage of talent with specific technical skills, leading to fierce competition; and educational institutions often lag behind in preparing graduates for current industry demands. Bridging this gap is essential for ensuring a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of the tech industry.
 
About Vuk Vuckovic
Vuk stands out as a renowned authority in Growth Marketing and CRM, leveraging his expertise as the founder of GrowthOps, previously associated with industry giants like Uber and DeliveryHero.  He's acclaimed for championing tech self-learning techniques within organizations.
Stay updated with his insights through his newsletter https://thegrowthops.substack.com/ and connect with him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/vukvuckovic/.
Explore CRM growth solutions at https://thegrowthops.co/. 
 
Get to know more about how people learn in corporate
What We Discussed in this Episode on Self-learning at Work:
- Essential Skills for Global Corporate Competition- Modernizing with Digital Skills- The Vital Role of Meta-Skills in Corporate Success- Realizing the Vision of Self-Learning Organizations- Empowering Employees to Stay Updated- Fostering Tech Skill Development in Teams- The Cost of Ignoring Tech Skill Gaps in Corporations
 
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Sign up for the Simply Human Newsletter (monthly email newsletter): https://simplyhuman.substack.com
Follow the Growth Hacking Culture Podcast: https://www.peoplekult.com/podcast-work-culture
Follow Ivan Palomino on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivanpalomino_
Follow Ivan Palomino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipalomino/ 
 
 
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.
 
This episode is sponsored by:
PeopleKult [behavioral science, tech and analytics to scale up the next generation work culture]
The Cornerstone Advisory [innovation, performance and growth for future-focused organizations]