In this episode of In the Loop, Katherine is joined by Fred Payne, CEO and President of United Way of Central Indiana, and they’re discussing all things leadership, community, and the power of storytelling!

Fred shares his journey from practicing law to leading workforce initiatives and overcoming personal health challenges, all while staying true to his mission of empowering others.

Tune in to learn why listening beats being brilliant, how vulnerability fuels leadership, and how small wins create big impact. This episode is a feel-good reminder of the power of people-first leadership! 🎙️✨

Additional Resources: 

Connect with Fred on LinkedIn

Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn

Learn more about Borshoff

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Leadership Foundations: Leadership often emerges when you focus on doing your best with what’s in front of you and uplifting others.
• Intentional Communication: Be mindful of when to speak, when to listen, and how to adapt to your team’s needs.
• Empathy and Vulnerability: Authenticity and shared stories can inspire teams and foster deeper connections.
• Mission-Driven Leadership: Empowering people through community support can create lasting impact.

Get ready for a storytelling masterclass!

Nikki sits down with Danielle Krischik - Partner at Knight Agency and host of the new show The Story Effect - to reveal why storytelling is the ultimate connection hack. From captivating beginnings to real, relatable moments, Danielle shares her simple storytelling formula that any leader can master. Packed with inspiration and practical tips, this episode will have you weaving unforgettable tales and building deeper connections in no time.

Tune in and start crafting stories that truly stick!

Additional Resources:

Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn

Learn more about The Story Effect

Listen to The Story Effect’s pilot episode!

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways

• Storytelling Builds Connection: Stories spark emotions, making them a powerful tool for creating meaningful relationships and engaged teams.
• Simple Storytelling Formula:
  • Captivate: Grab attention with something unexpected.
  • Relate: Share real, relatable experiences.
  • Motivate: Inspire action or new thinking.
• Go Beyond the Surface: Take time to ask deeper questions that reveal what defines people, not just what describes them.
• Prioritize Stories: Slow down to let meaningful stories unfold—they’re worth the time and space.

🎙️ What if disagreements could bring us closer?

In this episode, Justin Jones-Fosu, CEO of Work. Meaningful, flips the script on conflict with humor, heart, and actionable insights. He shares the five pillars of bridging the divide and why respect isn’t earned—it’s a choice.

Learn how to transform clashes into collaboration and discover the power of seeking the gray.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Respectful Disagreement is a Choice: Respect stems from valuing humanity, not agreement.
• The Five Pillars of Bridging the Divide:
  • Challenge your perspective.
  • Be the student: focus on listening and learning.
  • Cultivate curiosity.
  • Seek the gray to find common ground.
  • Agree to respect instead of agreeing to disagree.
• Make Respect a Habit: Incorporate principles like the "out the door" policy and Circles of Grace Challenge to build empathy and connection.
• Practice the Power of Three: Dive deeper into conversations by actively listening to at least the third level.

It’s a special Gut + Science episode with Borshoff celebrating 40 years of people-focused leadership. Nikki chats with Borshoff partners Karen Alter, Jennifer Dzwonar, and Katherine Coble about building a company that’s all heart, hustle, and a whole lot of history.

Listen in as the trio breaks down the “3 C’s of Legacy Leadership”—Culture, Connection, and Commitment—that have shaped Borshoff’s success story. Expect stories of teamwork, fearless pivots, and a legacy rooted in founder Myra Borshoff’s mantra of always putting people first.

Here’s to celebrating #40andForward 🥳

Additional Resources:

Connect with Jennifer Dzwonar on LinkedIn

Connect with Karen Alter on LinkedIn

Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Culture Defines Success: Borshoff's inclusive and safe environment supports its entrepreneurial and growth-driven team members. Karen shared, “Companies don’t grow, people do.”
• The Power of Connection: Authentic relationships are at the core of Borshoff’s legacy. Jennifer spoke about the firm's focus on meaningful community engagement, from joining local boards to providing mentorship.
• Commitment and Consistency: Katherine highlighted the importance of commitment to both employees and fiscal responsibility, noting, “We take time to make the right decisions for a stable and enduring business.”

In this episode, Nikki chats with Eddie Geller, Founder and CEO of SKOR, the ultimate culture measurement platform.

Eddie’s passion for data and people shines as he reveals how SKOR helps organizations move their cultures beyond gut feelings and standard employee surveys, to real, actionable insights. Learn why culture isn’t just about pizza parties and pep talks but about measurable, strategic growth built on cohesion, clarity, and courage. Which are all linked to profit and organizational productivity.

Tune in to find out how your company can get its own culture SKOR and either start winning at the culture game or accelerate it!

Additional Resources:

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Connect with Eddie on LinkedIn

Follow SKOR on LinkedIn  

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Three Pillars of Culture: Each organization’s culture SKOR is based on cohesion, clarity, and courage, essential for measuring and improving workplace culture.
• Leader-Centric Assessment: SKOR focuses on inputs of people leaders, ensuring culture is measured among those who build it, with a business case correlating organizational improvements to potential profit
• Beyond Surveys: SKOR complements traditional employee surveys by addressing the leading indicators of culture rather than lagging symptoms.

In this episode, Katherine tackles one of the top fears (and no, it’s not death!)—public speaking!

Let’s dive into practical tips for leaders who want to engage their teams and build trust every time they step up to speak. Whether it’s a team meeting or a town hall, Katherine covers how to keep your message clear, connect emotionally, and boost your speaking confidence.

Ready to turn those nerves into leadership superpowers? Tune in and let’s make speaking fun and impactful!

Additional Resources:

Listen to Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk 

Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn

Learn more about Borshoff

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Preparation is Key: Good public speaking starts with clear goals and understanding the audience's concerns. Practice, simplicity, and alignment with values make the difference.
• Clarity and Simplicity: Avoid technical jargon and keep the message accessible. Break down complex ideas to ensure everyone can follow along and stay engaged.
• Engage Emotionally: Appeal to both the rational and emotional sides of the audience, creating a connection and relevance to drive the message home.
• Warmth Before Competence: Prioritize warmth and trust-building, then reinforce competence. This approach helps leaders create lasting influence and respect.

Katie Donovan, founder of Camp Digital, joins Nikki to discuss creating a workplace culture fueled by genuine care and connection. Sharing her “GAS” philosophy—"Give a Sh*t"—Katie reveals how this core value drives her “three-legged stool” approach, balancing employee well-being, customer satisfaction, and company health. From family-style lunches to designing spaces for connection, Katie’s insights offer a practical roadmap for leaders looking to build a culture rooted in meaning and community.

Tune in to discover how “giving a sh*t” can transform your workplace.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Katie Donovan on LinkedIn

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• GAS: Give a Sh*t Philosophy: This principle underpins Camp Digital’s hiring, training, and daily practices. Passion, care, and meaning are essential traits, and GAS is a non-negotiable component of their culture.
• The Three-Legged Stool: A balanced focus on employees, customers, and company health prevents a one-sided culture and ensures that each stakeholder's needs are addressed in daily operations.
• Creating Intentional Community: Family-style meals, welcoming spaces, and a central entry point help build connection and create “belonging moments” that are invaluable in a people-first culture.

Nikki speaks with Nisha Smales, a true leader in workforce strategy, to unpack one big idea: why upskilling isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s an absolute must in today’s lightning-fast world. Nisha’s career spans continents and industries (nonprofits, McKinsey, and beyond), but one thing has stayed consistent: her passion for learning. Together, Nikki and Nisha explore the rapid-fire adoption of new technologies (hello, ChatGPT!) and what it means for your people and your business.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Nisha on LinkedIn

 Key Takeaways: 

• Upskilling is critical in a world of rapid technological change – The pace of tech adoption, exemplified by ChatGPT reaching 100 million users in just two months, highlights the need for continuous learning.
• Leaders must provide structured learning opportunities – Strategic workforce education isn’t just about offering courses but aligning learning programs with future business needs and employee career paths.
• Employer responsibility is growing – Companies need to fill the gap as traditional education systems can’t keep pace with skill requirements in today’s workforce.

What if AI isn’t about replacing jobs, but about making work more human? That’s the focus of this episode, where Nikki talks with Greg Verdino, Founder and COO of CognitivePath. With over 30 years of experience working with brands like AT&T, Coca-Cola, and IBM, Greg explains how AI can eliminate mundane tasks and allow people to focus on the strategic, creative work that truly matters. Learn to avoid common mistakes when adopting AI and how to use it to enhance—not replace—teams.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Greg Verdino on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways: 

• AI’s Role in Human Transformation: AI enhances productivity by automating routine tasks, freeing humans for more strategic, creative, and meaningful work.
• Mindset Shift in Leadership: Leaders must move away from measuring success solely by productivity and focus on uniquely human skills like empathy, creativity, and critical thinking.
• AI as a Tool for Scalability: AI can help scale processes but should complement, not replace, the human touch—especially in areas like insights and client relationships.

In this episode of In the Loop, we’re discussing something every leader dreads but inevitably faces: crisis. Whether it’s sudden or a slow burn, how you communicate can make all the difference. So, how do you lead through a crisis?

That’s where guest, Jennifer Dzwonar, comes in. Jennifer is a crisis communication expert with over 30 years under her belt at Borshoff.

Listen for practical tips on leading through tough times, from preparing a crisis plan to communicating even when you don’t have all the answers.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Jennifer Dzwonar on LinkedIn Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways: 

• Internal communication should be the top priority in any crisis. Employees are often overlooked, yet they are crucial to managing the situation.
• Consistent messaging for internal and external audiences is vital in today’s connected world. The “mixed internal” communication approach ensures transparency.
• Trust is built long before a crisis hits—regular, honest communication strengthens this foundation.
• Timing matters: leaders must act swiftly in a crisis, providing accurate updates even if full details aren’t yet available.
• Pre-crisis planning is essential. Have a plan, practice it, and ensure your employees know it exists.

What happens when a mission trip transforms your perspective, your relationships, and even your approach to leadership? In this episode, Nikki takes us on a journey through her life-changing experience with Homes of Hope, an organization that's built over 8,000 homes in 30 countries. Joined by the founders, Sean Lambert and Andrea East, Nikki explores how service doesn’t just uplift communities—it has the power to recalibrate how we think, work, and connect with others.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Homes of Hope International Websight Contact Andrea to discuss next steps: [email protected] Promotional Video Homes of Hope family story Our pricing model for Homes of Hope in Mexico

 Key Takeaways: 

• Transformative Power of Service: Serving others not only helps those in need but creates a deep bond and sense of purpose among those who give.
• Connection Through Immersive Service: A mission trip creates stronger relationships between coworkers by uniting them in a meaningful cause.
• Purpose and Impact in Leadership: Today’s workforce seeks purpose beyond a paycheck—serving as a team fulfills that deeper desire for meaning and trust.