Lead the People

Mike Zani, CEO of The Predictive Index and author of The Science of Dream Teams, dives into the intersection of behavioral science and team dynamics. He reveals that most hiring failures stem from poor fit rather than lack of skills. Leaders can leverage data to enhance trust, engagement, and communication. Zani emphasizes the importance of personalized leadership development and cultivating a culture of feedback. Ultimately, talent optimization is a leadership responsibility, crucial for any organization aimed at growth.

In this episode, Matt Rieck, Chief Human Resources Officer at End Zone Insurance and author of The Employee Retention Bible, joins the show to share proven strategies for keeping your best people. From rethinking turnover as a natural business function to designing better company meetings and succession plans, Matt unpacks practical frameworks to reduce attrition and boost engagement. He also introduces his ABC player model and 3X concept, offering listeners a clear blueprint for cultivating high-performing, future-ready teams. Whether you’re leading a startup or a legacy enterprise, this conversation delivers actionable insights to elevate your retention game. 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. Key Takeaways: Retention starts with clarity about purpose, path, and expectations. Turnover can be healthy if leaders are honest about performance and potential. Culture is a leadership responsibility, not an HR initiative. The ABC Player model helps leaders invest time where it matters most. Succession planning is a powerful tool for engagement and long-term growth. Additional Resources: Matt Rieck CHRO, Inszone Insurance & Author, The Employee Retention Bible 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

Adam Weber has helped grow organizations, lead people-first teams, and navigate the tension between humanity and performance. In this episode of Lead The People, Adam Weber and Matt Poepsel talks about why real leadership starts with presence. They unpack the dangers of over-indexing on metrics, how burnout is often hidden in high-performers, and why leading with vulnerability isn’t a weakness — it’s the work. From building connected cultures to redefining success beyond KPIs, Adam shares what it means to create space for both results and rest. If you’ve ever felt torn between driving outcomes and staying human, this conversation is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed. Key Takeaways: Real leadership starts with being present, not just being productive. Burnout often hides in your top performers — don’t mistake output for wellbeing. Vulnerability is a strength that builds trust and psychological safety. Culture is created in the daily interactions, not just the big moments. The best leaders balance being people-first and performance-driven. 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: Adam Weber Executive Coach & Author of Lead Like a Human: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetadam 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 

Leigh Elena Henderson spent years in corporate HR — until the system she upheld broke her down. In this episode, Leigh shares her powerful story of leaving the corporate world behind and using her voice to expose the realities so many employees face in silence. From toxic culture to broken policies, she unpacks the tension between doing what’s “by the book” and doing what’s right. Her viral presence on TikTok isn’t about trends — it’s about truth, transparency, and reclaiming humanity at work. If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for you — or watched it fail someone you care about — this episode is for you. It’s raw, real, and a wake-up call for anyone who believes people come first. 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: Leigh Elena Henderson (aka HRManifesto) Founder and CEO of HRManifesto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighelena/ 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/ Key Takeaways: HR isn’t broken because of bad policies — it’s broken because people are afraid to speak up. Doing what’s right at work often means going against what’s written in the handbook. Culture isn’t defined by perks — it’s revealed in how people are treated when things get hard. Telling the truth at work can cost you your job, but staying silent can cost you your health. Real change starts when we stop protecting systems and start protecting people.

What happens when people don’t feel seen, needed, or valued at work? In this episode, author and researcher Zach Mercurio joins Matt Poepsel for a powerful conversation on mattering — the often-missing ingredient in modern leadership. They explore why recognition isn’t enough, how to build cultures where people feel irreplaceable, and what happens when leaders prioritize purpose over pressure. From simple check-ins to intentional affirmation, Zach shares research-backed habits that help people feel noticed, affirmed, and essential — every single day. 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: Zach Mercurio Author, The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/  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/ Key Takeaways: People don’t just want to succeed — they want to matter. Mattering isn’t a feeling, it’s a result of being noticed, affirmed, and needed. High-performing cultures are built on trust, not just metrics. You don’t need a title to lead — you just need to make someone feel seen. Small, intentional acts of care can change how people see themselves — and their work.

In this conversation, Stephen Sokoler unpacks the evolving definition of mental health and its impact on the modern workplace. As founder and CEO of Journey, Stephen challenges the outdated, reactive approach to mental well-being and calls for a proactive, daily integration of mental health practices into both our personal and professional lives. He explores the mental cost of multitasking, the illusion of balance, and how burnout stems from environments that ignore the emotional lives of employees. From the stigma of older generations to the openness of today’s workforce, Stephen emphasizes how leadership can foster cultures of trust, support, and psychological safety. 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: Stephen Sokoler Stephen is the Founder & CEO of Journey, the leading proactive mental health solution for modern companies: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensokoler/ 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/ Key Takeaways: Mental health isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about strengthening what’s already working. The workplace should support your well-being every day, not just after burnout hits. Multitasking isn’t efficiency — it’s emotional self-sabotage. Leaders who model emotional openness create cultures of trust and resilience. Proactive mental health is the new baseline for sustainable performance.

In this conversation, Marcel Schwantes discusses the profound effects of toxic management on personal health and workplace dynamics. He emphasizes the need for humane leadership characterized by empathy, kindness, humility, advocacy, and trust. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding love in leadership and how it can transform organizational culture. Marcel shares insights from his experiences and research, advocating for a shift from transactional to relational leadership practices that prioritize employee well-being and engagement. 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: Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, acclaimed executive coach, and an Inc. Magazine Contributing Editor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes 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/ Key Takeaways: Toxic management can lead to severe health issues. Empathy in leadership fosters trust and connection. Organizations often view employees as mere functions. Leadership must evolve to meet the needs of modern workers. Love in leadership is about actionable care for others.

Why do some people rise while others stay stuck, even though they’re just as talented? In this episode, we sit down with Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine and host of the Problem Solvers podcast, to uncover why most people unconsciously sabotage their own growth — and how to stop. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone who feels like they’ve plateaued, burned out, or outgrown their current role. Whether you’re a founder, creator, or just someone with big goals — this one’s going to hit. 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: Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief, Entrepreneur magazine: https://www.jasonfeifer.com/ 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/ Key Takeaways: You never outgrow the fundamentals — you just forget how much they matter. Rehearsing isn’t for amateurs — it’s how pros stay sharp. Every new level of success demands a new version of you. If you can’t maintain it, it’s not worth building. Do the things only you can do — and delegate the rest.

Scott Parish is the founder and CEO of HireGuide. Before that, he helped build LinkedIn Jobs & ATS. In this episode, Matt sits down with Scott to explore how AI is revolutionizing the hiring process. Scott introduces a game-changing concept: shifting focus from "quality of hire" to "quality of hiring decision" - and explains why this distinction could transform how organizations approach talent acquisition. From the staggering reality that 25% of managers regret their hiring decisions to how AI can capture 1000x more structured data than traditional methods, this conversation reveals practical strategies for making interviews faster, fairer, and twice as predictive. Scott also addresses the critical balance between leveraging AI's power while preserving the human connection that makes great hiring decisions possible. 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. Key Takeaways Shift Your Focus. Move from measuring "quality of hire" (which includes factors outside TA control like management and compensation) to "quality of hiring decision" (which focuses on process, content, and data quality that recruiters can actually control). Human + AI Beats AI Alone. The most effective approach isn't replacing human decision-makers with AI, but using AI as a "copilot" - similar to how the best chess players with AI outperform AI alone. AI Enables Hyper-Personalization. Modern AI can create truly customized interview content by incorporating company websites, job descriptions, and specific organizational values, moving beyond generic templates to genuinely tailored assessments. Connect with Scott Website: Hireguide.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcparish/

Dr. Rosie Ward is a fierce advocate for humanity who is sought-after to help rehumanize workplaces that free, fuel, and inspire people to bring their best selves to work and home each day. She serves as CEO and Founder of Salveo Partners, which was awarded the 2024 Stellar Business Award for best business consulting in the United States, and focuses on future-proofing organizations by strengthening culture and equipping leaders and teams to show up courageously and more effectively navigate change and disruption. Top 3 Takeaways Fear Not. Leaders often isolate themselves due to fear of vulnerability and outdated beliefs that leadership means having all the answers. Know the Costs. Going it alone creates costly ripple effects: decreased efficiency, stifled innovation, and missed growth opportunities for entire teams. Lead the Way. Modeling vulnerability as a leader creates psychological safety and stronger team connections, not weakness. 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. From the Source "We tend to have a fear of vulnerability and, you know, that's uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure." "You set the tone for psychological safety on your team by modeling vulnerability." "We cannot be comparing our behind the scenes to someone else's highlight reel." "When we let our humanness show, we connect on a human level and other people see our humanness." "Instead of ‘help’, say, ‘How can I support you?’ because it feels more equal than that implication that you're less than, you're weaker." "We grow through those challenges... and when we don't bring people in, we lose creativity. We lose that innovation." "This is not a solo journey. We're neurobiologically hardwired for connection." Connect with Rosie Show Up as a Leader (podcast): https://drrosieward.com/my-podcast/ Future-Proofing Leadership: What it Takes to Thrive Amidst Change and Disruption (whitepaper): https://salveopartners.com/future-proofing-leadership-white-paper/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrosieward/