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When we’re drowning in Slack notifications and back-to-back Zooms, most of us just try to "productivity-hack" our way out of it. But Jessica DeAngelo, founder of Hike to Become, says we’ve got it all backward. We don’t need a better app; we need to leave the phone in the car and hit the dirt. In this episode, Matt Poepsel chats with Jessica about her book, The Wild Advantage. They dig into why your best business ideas usually happen after 30 minutes in the woods, how to beat the "convenience paradox" that’s making us all feel isolated, and the "Wet Butt Big Idea" that changed Jessica’s life. If you've ever felt like you’re "losing the plot" on your work or your life, this conversation is the wake-up call you need. In this episode, you’ll learn: The "HIKE" Method: A simple daily ritual to stop the "drift" and get your focus backYour Brain on Nature: The neuroscience of why fresh air actually makes you a better problem solverUnplugged Leadership: Why the best "whiteboarding session" might actually be a 45-minute trail walkThe 30-Minute Reclaim: How stepping away from your desk actually gives you two hours back in your day Highlights: (00:19) Meet “Chief Hiking Officer” Jessica DeAngelo (00:10) The wake-up call: "Mom, put down your phone" (06:22) Beautiful offices are still “boxes”  (13:16) The "Wet Butt Big Idea"  (15:51) "HIKE" Challenge rules (20:48) 30 minutes to reset your brain (24:11) Taking the boardroom to the trail Resources: Follow Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-deangelo-mba/ Visit Jessica’s official website: https://jessicadeangelo.com/book Get the book: The Wild Advantage: Why Your Brain on Nature is Your Boldest Business Move Join the challenge: Text HIKE to 33777 Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow Predictive Index on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-predictive-index/ Subscribe on YouTube: The Predictive IndexYouTube · The Predictive Index1.8K+ followers Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

When bravery is mistaken for fearlessness, leaders often feel like frauds the moment they experience a racing heart or sweaty palms. But according to U.S. Marine Corps veteran and leadership expert Jill Schulman, bravery isn't the absence of fear, it’s the willingness to act in spite of it. In this episode, Dr. Matt Poepsel sits down with Jill to discuss the science behind The Bravery Effect. They explore how bravery is a physical muscle that can be trained, the biological "activation energy" that comes from being told you can't succeed, and why the modern obsession with comfort is actually a causal predictor of anxiety and depression. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Science of Scared: Reframing fear as "rocket fuel" that prepares your body for peak performance.The Mentor Mindset: Why the kindest act for a team is balancing high standards with unwavering support.The Neurological Workout: How acting in the presence of fear physically reshapes and strengthens your brain.The Comfort Trap: Why "experiential avoidance" and seeking ease are direct predictors of anxiety and depression.Activation Energy: Using external discouragement as a catalyst to prove others wrong and fuel your goals.The 75-Year-Old Mentor: A simple mental exercise to bypass immediate fear by consulting your future self. Highlights:(00:00) Meet Jill Schulman(00:10) Bravery isn’t fearlessness(03:50) The “watch me” catalyst(10:10) High expectations aren’t mean(17:10) Stress can be fuel for performance(20:15) The comfort trap(25:20) Doing it scared Resources: Follow Jill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillaschulman/ Jill’s website: https://www.jillschulman.com Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow Predictive Index on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-predictive-index/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/ 

In this episode, Matt Poepsel sits down with Daphne to discuss The Leadership Trilogy, a three-book collection designed to help leaders at every level lead with clarity and confidence. They explore the critical shift from “tasking” to “coaching,” empowering a stressed team through simple changes in conversation, and commanding executive presence regardless of one’s official title. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Coaching Mindset: How to move beyond task-checking & spark real growth Getting employees to buy-in by connecting daily work to the big picture Commanding a room and building credibility, title or no title Helping everyone understand the way the business actually works Highlights: (00:00) What Coaching Really Means(00:49) Meet Daphne B. Latimore(02:01) The employee journey as an ecosystem(07:16) Relate and equate(12:46) Behavior as the driver of culture(16:03) Coaching mindset for managers(23:13) Demystifying executive presence(23:26) Leading without a title Resources: Follow Daphne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphneblatimore/Daphne’s website: https://dblatimore.com/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow Predictive Index on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-predictive-index/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

Jevon Wooden, CEO of BrightMind Consulting Group, is a speaker, coach, and author of two books, including From Functional to Phenomenal. A Bronze Star recipient and Army veteran, his expertise in leadership and business strategy has been featured in Forbes, Inc., and Fast Company. Key Takeaways: Many new managers are promoted for technical excellence but receive little leadership training. Empathy and emotional intelligence are essential for navigating pressure from both executives and teams. Uncertainty becomes opportunity when leaders focus on what they can control and stay curious. Clarity starts by defining the real problem and accurately labeling emotions before acting. Strong cultures are built by understanding people’s motivations, communication styles, and sense of belonging. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Jevon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jevonwooden/ Follow Jevon on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jevonspeaks From Functional to Phenomenal (book): https://jevonwooden.com/functionaltophenomenal/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Alaina G. Levine, CSP, is a professional speaker, corporate comedian, science writer, coach, and author of books, including Networking for Nerds, which beat out Einstein for an award (REALLY!), and Create Your Unicorn Career. As an expert in STEM workforce and career development, she travels the planet collaborating with organizations who want to recruit, retain, and grow their STEM talent and leverage the power of their STEM unicorns. NASA said she is worth her weight in gold! She has spoken 1000+ times for clients in 35 US states, 16 nations and on 5 continents, and has written 500+ articles for publications like Scientific American, National Geographic News Watch, and the World Economic Forum. Alaina is the winner of over 20 business awards, including the Tucson Leader of the Year award (previously bestowed upon a former US Surgeon General), and the Johnson Lecturer in Science Communications at Penn State University. She studied Arabic, Egyptology, and mathematics at the American University in Cairo as a US Department of Defense Boren Fellow, and holds bachelors degrees in mathematics and anthropology from the University of Arizona. And here's a fun fact: as an undergraduate, she was a championship billiards player and competed in national tournaments under her nickname, Lady Dyn-o-mite. Key Takeaways: New managers need support and permission to lead with empathy. Leaders often default to outdated or ineffective management styles. Safe, people-first cultures lead to better team performance. Accountability and kindness can go hand in hand. Simple tools help managers gain confidence and clarity. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Alaina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainaglevine/ Follow Alaina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaina.levine Follow Alaina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alainaglevine/  Visit her website: https://alainalevine.com/  Take a look at her book: https://www.amazon.com/Create-Your-Unicorn-Career-Practical/dp/B0GDRNNG8G/ Email Alaina: [email protected] Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Daria Rudnik is a Team Architect and Executive Leadership Coach, author of CLICKING, and co-author of The AI Revolution. A former Chief People Officer and ex-Deloitte professional, she brings over 15 years of international executive experience. Having lived in three countries and worked with clients across six continents, Daria has helped leaders from Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing startups navigate global financial crises, wars, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Daria helps leaders build high-performing teams in a world of rapid change and disruption. She does this through a mix of team and leadership coaching, and an AI-powered coaching tool she developed. Key Takeaways: Daria emphasizes that HR should be viewed as a strategic partner, not just an administrative function. She shares how building trust and understanding business needs are essential for HR to add value. The importance of giving and receiving feedback is discussed as a growth opportunity. Daria reflects on how career transitions can be powerful moments for reflection and alignment. She highlights the need to balance structure with adaptability when building people strategies. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Daria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariarudnik Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Cristina Amigoni is a leadership, culture, and team transformation expert, author of The Authenticity Upgrade: Rebooting Leadership for Real Humans, and co-founder of Siamo, a human-centric leadership and culture consultancy. Her work focuses on helping leaders and teams communicate more effectively, navigate change with less friction, and build cultures grounded in trust, clarity, and connection. Cristina brings together emotional intelligence, deep listening, and real-world organizational experience to help leaders understand how human behavior shapes performance. She is the creator of the LAVA communication framework (Listening, Acknowledging, Validating, Asking Open-Ended Questions) and integrates tools like Working Genius to strengthen team cohesion and collaboration. She is also the co-host of the podcast Uncover the Human, where she explores authenticity, leadership, and what it takes to build workplaces that work for real humans. Alex Cullimore is the co-founder of Siamo and co-host of the podcast "Uncover the Human," both of which explore how to work with human nature rather than against it. Through a winding career path through writing, consulting, coaching, coding, and even comedy, Alex has focused on finding the truth and humor in life to help everyone live a little better. When he is not coaching, consulting, or writing, Alex enjoys learning new languages, traveling, painting, creating acronyms, and caring for his six cats. Key Takeaways: Slowing down creates space for reflection and intentional action. Psychological safety is key to authentic contribution and trust. Leaders grow by staying present instead of fixing everything. Coaching helps align values with behavior. People perform better when they feel heard and trusted. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Cristina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-amigoni/  Follow Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcullimore/ Visit their website: https://www.wearesiamo.com Listen to their podcast: https://www.wearesiamo.com/our-podcast Check out their book: https://a.co/d/6ECOZys Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Faisal Hoque is a best-selling author, serial entrepreneur, and futurist focused on guiding leaders through transformation and disruption. In this episode, he explores the intersection of mindfulness, innovation, and sustainable leadership, drawing on decades of experience building companies, writing influential books, and navigating systems change. Faisal emphasizes the importance of aligning internal purpose with external impact, grounding leadership in awareness and resilience, and staying adaptive amid rapid change. Through thoughtful dialogue and powerful stories, he shares how leaders can cultivate clarity, foster trust, and move from reactivity to intentionality in both business and life. Key Takeaways: Mindfulness creates the foundation for sustainable leadership. Leaders must align inner clarity with external impact. Disruption is constant resilience and adaptability are critical. Purpose-driven innovation leads to long-term transformation. Trust and emotional awareness are essential for leading change. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Faisal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisalhoque/ Visit Faisal’s website: https://faisalhoque.com/ Listen to Faisal’s podcast: https://faisalhoque.com/podcasts/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Dr. Jeffrey Yip is a business school professor at Simon Fraser University and a leadership scholar known for his Listen and Build approach to leading change. Through his work with executive leaders and organizations, Jeffrey helps people rethink resistance, not as something to push through, but as a signal that something meaningful is happening beneath the surface. In this episode, he explores how resistance shows up in the nervous system when change feels threatening, and why anxiety and exhaustion are at the heart of so much organizational pushback. Drawing on real-world leadership examples, he introduces the concept of “pain storming” and shows how listening first creates clarity, trust, and momentum. With a grounded and human-centered perspective, Jeffrey offers leaders a practical way to navigate change by understanding people before trying to move them. Key Takeaways: Resistance is a signal, not a flaw, it shows where something feels unsafe or unresolved. Change feels hardest when it threatens security, competence, or control. Listening first helps leaders move faster with less friction. Real progress starts by understanding the problem before jumping to solutions. Effective change comes from leading people, not just managing process. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Jeffrey Yip, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Simon Fraser University: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yipjeffrey/ Check out Listening Works: https://www.listeningworks.ca/ Take a look at Jeffrey’s blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/nz/blog/listen-and-build Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

JM Ryerson is a leadership and performance coach, international speaker, and host of the Let’s Go Win podcast. Through his Win From Within coaching framework, JM helps growth-minded leaders and teams align their values, master their mindset, and make intentional choices that drive both business success and personal fulfillment. With experience building and selling multiple companies, JM blends real-world entrepreneurship with powerful self-leadership strategies, focusing on the pillars of strength, energy, love, and freedom. His practical approach empowers professionals to double revenue, build thriving cultures, and achieve true harmony in work and life. Key Takeaways: Winning starts with aligning actions to core values. Self-leadership is the foundation of sustainable success. High performance depends on clarity, consistency, and energy. Vulnerability builds stronger leadership and deeper trust. You can win in business without losing at life. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: JM Ryerson, CEO/Founder, Let's Go Win: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jm-ryerson/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Ashley Herd is the founder of Manager Method, a platform designed to help new and experienced leaders navigate the complexities of people management with confidence and clarity. Drawing from her background in law, HR, and corporate leadership, Ashley brings a practical, human-centered approach to managing teams. In this episode, she shares strategies for setting boundaries, delivering feedback, and navigating difficult conversations, especially for leaders who feel overwhelmed by the emotional demands of management. Ashley emphasizes the importance of scripting, preparation, and self-awareness in developing confidence, helping leaders balance authenticity with clarity. With actionable tips and real-world examples, Ashley empowers managers to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and build trust within their teams. Key Takeaways: Setting boundaries helps managers protect their energy and lead with confidence. Preparing what to say in advance makes tough conversations easier. Feedback builds trust when it’s clear, specific, and kind. Overwhelm is common for new managers but can be reduced with mindset shifts. Clarity and kindness can go together in effective leadership. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/ Visit Ashley’s website: http://managermethod.com/ Take a look at Ashley’s book: http://managermethod.com/book Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Sophie Wade is a work futurist, thought leader, and author focused on evolving workplaces for today’s dynamic environment. Through her advisory, writing, and speaking, she helps leaders navigate the shift toward empathy-led business practices and flexible, human-centric work models. Drawing on her global business background and research, Sophie emphasizes the importance of trust, connection, and intentionality in leading modern teams. She works with companies to build inclusive cultures, empower diverse talent, and embrace the fluidity of today’s workforce realities. Her insights guide leaders in designing work environments where people and performance thrive together. Key Takeaways: Empathy is a crucial leadership skill in the modern workplace. Flexibility and adaptability help businesses stay competitive. Human-centric work models improve engagement and retention. Trust and connection are foundational for team success. Future-ready leaders embrace continuous learning and change. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Follow Sophie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-sophie-wade/ Check out Modern Work Life: https://www.modernworklife.co/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/  

Nancy Burger is a thought transformation expert, keynote speaker, and executive coach who helps leaders and teams rewire limiting thought patterns to unlock breakthrough performance. A former Wall Street banker turned professional writer, Nancy blends neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and storytelling to show how changing our inner dialog changes everything from collaboration to culture to results. Her work centers on helping leaders build awareness around emotions, replace default thought patterns with intentional choices, and create environments grounded in trust, curiosity, and growth. Through her coaching, workshops, and keynote experiences, Nancy equips executives and managers with practical tools to navigate overwhelm, challenge imposter thinking, and model vulnerability in ways that strengthen team connection and drive healthier, more sustainable performance. Key Takeaways: Leaders cannot control feelings, but they can choose their thoughts and responses. Vulnerability builds trust. Ask your team “more of, less of, start, stop.” Reframe problems as learning and growth opportunities. Rewiring thought patterns takes consistent practice for about 2 to 6 weeks. In difficult moments, stay curious and ask for examples before responding. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI, including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels, across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Nancy Burger, Speaker, Thought Transformation Expert & Executive Coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-burger-commstrategist/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Subscribe to The Predictive Index on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@thepredictiveindex?si=zyj8aS18Z_1HMrVp Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Malissa Clark is a Professor of industrial/organizational (I-O) psychology at the University of Georgia, where she has been on faculty since 2013. Currently, she serves as Head of the department of psychology and director of the Healthy Work Lab. Recently selected as a member of the 2024 Thinkers 50 Radar list and a finalist for the 2025 Thinkers50 Radar Award, Malissa is a recognized expert on the topics of workaholism, overwork, burnout, and employee well-being. Her first book, Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business and How to Fix It, was published in February 2024. Never Not Working has been recognized as one of the top management books of 2024, including being named one of Adam Grant’s 12 New Idea Books to Launch in 2024 and top 5 Porchlight Books Best Management and Workplace Culture Books of 2024. Key Takeaways: Workaholism is not the same as working long hours True workaholism stems from an uncontrollable internal drive Overworking often leads to burnout and reduced productivity Cultural norms can glamorize unhealthy work habits Leaders must model and support healthy boundaries From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: Malissa Clark, Author, “Never Not Working” https://a.co/d/e5HSRpd Follow Malissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malissa-clark-phd/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

George Pesansky is a recognized leader in Operational Excellence, with a career spanning more than 30 years in performance optimization, executive coaching, and systematic improvement. He has trained and coached over 10,000 professionals across six continents and helped Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits alike drive measurable results. He is the founder of Capacity2Care, a nonprofit encouraging Superperformers to donate their talent—not just their time—to improve outcomes in their communities. Known for his clarity, candor, and hands-on approach, George is now bringing his best practices to readers everywhere with Superperformance. George is also a member of Forbes Coaches Council as well as Fast Company Executive Board. Key Takeaways: Superperformance grows from aligning vision, strategy, and action with the people doing the work The golden hour shows when performance peaks and how to extend it Zero loss is about sustaining ideal performance, not perfection Friction comes from communication gaps, variation, and rework Studying what goes right is as important as fixing what goes wrong From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: George Pesansky, President, MyBlendedLearning.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliberateimprovement/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/