In this episode of Gut + Science, Nikki sits down with Azizi Marshall, a workplace mental health expert and international speaker, to tackle the bold truth: mental health care is a must-have, not a nice-to-have.

From startling stats (1 in 4 adults face mental health challenges!) to ripple effects in workplace culture, Azizi shares actionable insights on turning data into strategies, creating impactful training programs like de-escalation workshops, and building a culture of care that fosters resilience.

Tune in to learn how to lead better, care smarter, and make work a place where people truly thrive.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Azizi on LinkedIn

Check out Azizi’s website!

Learn more about Center for Creative Arts Therapy

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

• Mental health care is vital: Addressing mental well-being is not a luxury but a necessity for individual and organizational success.
• Data informs strategy: Workplace culture assessments can identify trends, like caregiving challenges or burnout, and tailor solutions effectively.
• Proactive training is critical: De-escalation workshops help employees handle conflict while maintaining emotional balance.
• Resource visibility matters: Provide easy access to mental health, financial, and caregiving support with clear, regular communication.
• Cultural accountability: Creating norms where employees support and correct each other fosters a healthier environment.

Core values: are they driving your culture or just filling up wall space?

Katherine Coble unpacks how to make your values real—think Chick-fil-A-level real. From hiring and onboarding to tough decisions that protect your culture, Katherine dives into what it takes to walk the talk.

Ready to transform words on a wall into actions that inspire? Let’s dive in!

Additional Resources:

Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn

Learn more about Borshoff

Take the SKOR Snapshot

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Core values must reflect who you already are. Aspirations belong in the vision, not in the values.
• Leaders set the tone for living the values. If leaders aren’t modeling them, employees won’t follow.
• Embed values into every aspect of the business. From recruitment to recognition, values should guide decision-making.
• Tough decisions uphold credibility. Failing to address misalignment damages trust, even with high performers.

Work and life don’t have to compete!

In this exciting kickoff to a new partnership with Steve Perkins of Greenhouse Coaching, Nikki and Steve discuss the "Roots Up" approach—a fresh way to grow the life and team you want. Learn how to ditch the chaos, design with intention, and create thriving cultures where work works for you. It’s practical, inspiring, and packed with insights you can start using today.

Dive in!

Additional Resources:

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

Take the RootsUp Quiz!

Learn more about Greenhouse Coaching

Take the SKOR Snapshot

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

• Roots First, Growth Follows: Leaders often focus on surface results but overlook foundational habits. The "Roots Up" methodology emphasizes starting with the right foundational practices.
• Vision as the Anchor: A clearly defined vision acts as the north star for personal and organizational success.
• Dynamic Delegation: Empower teams by delegating responsibility and thinking, creating trust and engagement.
• Integration Over Balance: Shift from balancing work and life to intentionally integrating them in a way that fulfills both.

What happens when leaders lose their spark, their confidence, and their sense of direction? Enter Work Twisties—a concept Ify Walker brings to life in this episode of Gut+Science.

Inspired by Simone Biles' "twisties," Ify shares her raw, emotional story of grief, self-doubt, and rebuilding after losing her biggest champion.

Through tears and powerful truths, Ify reveals how leaders can navigate these moments of feeling lost and how we can better support one another. This isn’t burnout—it’s deeper. And trust us, you’ll walk away with insights that stick.

Grab your headphones and maybe some tissues—you won’t want to miss this one. 🎧

Additional Resources:

Connect with Ify on LinkedIn

Take the SKOR Snapshot

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

• Work Twisties Defined: Losing one’s sense of purpose, place, and protection. It’s not burnout; it’s deeper, longer, and requires intentional healing.
• Signs to Look For: Changes in behavior, increased isolation, anger, and indecisiveness. Leaders may mask it well, but look closely.
• Surround Yourself: Find people who are unreasonably invested in you and reflect who you truly are when you forget.
• It’s a Long Road: Small steps—like completing tiny, manageable tasks—are part of the rebuilding process.
• Take Time: Leaders often wait for permission to step away. Save yourself first; the rest can wait.

In this episode, Nikki chats with Michelle Yates, EVP at Pet Partners, about the magic of pet-friendly perks in the workplace. 🐾

From “pawternity” leave to pet photo contests, discover how honoring our furry friends boosts connection, engagement, and happiness at work. Whether you're a dog lover, a cat cuddler, or just admire from afar—this episode is for you!

🐶 Ready to make your workplace pawsitively amazing? Hit play!

Works Cited:

• KRC Research conducted an online survey on behalf of OnePack Plan by Pet Partners among n=1,000 employed US adults 18-65. The sample included n=750 pet owners and n=250 non-pet owners. The study was fielded between August 19 - August 22, 2024.
• Cohen Research Group in conjunction with OnePack Plan by PetPartners and the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) conducted an online survey over a two-week period from February 22 to March 7, 2024, with 1,021 HR professionals working for medium or large companies in the United States and Canada. By design, half of the respondents work at companies currently offering pet health insurance to their employees and half did not offer it to them.

For terms and conditions visit: www.petpartners.com/sample-policies. Products are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, (NAIC #26581), and produced by PetPartners, Inc. (NPN #7612549; CA license #0F27261 PPI Pet Insurance Agency, Inc.).

Additional Resources:

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn

The PFN “Barketing” Team

Take the SKOR Snapshot

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

• Pet-friendly doesn’t mean chaotic: Employers can support pets without allowing them in the office, through policies like pet insurance or “pawternity” leave.
• The power of pets: Pets build connection, increase engagement, and improve mental health, making them integral to people-first workplaces.
• Customizable programs: Every workplace can adopt pet perks tailored to its culture, from virtual events to subsidized pet insurance.
• Pets bridge gaps: Even non-pet owners appreciate workplaces that support furry family members, showing inclusivity and care.

2024 flew by, and Nikki is here to wrap it up with a bang! 💥

In this heartfelt solo episode, she shares six powerful lessons—from focusing on progress over perfection to building life-giving relationships and protecting your vibe. Packed with practical tips and good vibes, this episode is your nudge to reflect, recharge, and take on 2025 with intention.

Let’s win today and every day, and Happy Holidays from People Forward Network!

Additional Resources:

Take the SKOR Snapshot

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

• Progress Over Perfection: Keep moving forward; progress matters more than perfection.
• Win Today: Focus on the present with grounding routines and intentional priorities.
• Perspective from the Universe: Embrace life’s vastness and let go of what you can’t control.
• Build a Winning Team: Surround yourself with supportive, growth-minded people.
• Protect Your Energy: Guard your mindset and radiate the energy you want to receive.
• Learn and Embrace Lessons: Reflect on the year’s teachings and carry them into the next.

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.