Growth Hacking Culture
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.
Episodes

Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Bob Johansen on Getting Ready for the Next Generation Workplace
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
In corporate life, strategy discussions often revolve around current trends, many of which have already being pioneered by startups or competitors. Unfortunately, this approach can sometimes result in playing catch-up rather than driving disruption. What if we could envision unexplored possibilities that lie beyond the current landscape?
Today, my guest is an extraordinary visionary who delves into these untapped opportunities - exploring the potential futures that hold the power to profoundly impact our world.
About Bob Johansen
Bob Johansen has an impressive portfolio of 12 authored or co-authored books, many of which focus in the future of leadership.
His most recent publication, titled Office Shock: Creating Better Futures for Working and Living, explores upcoming trends and proactive measures for preparing the next generation workplace.
Throughout his career, he has held significant roles at IFTF (Institute for the Future) - from research director to president, and currently serves as a Distinguished Fellow.
IFTF is a renowned futures organization globally, providing over five decades of invaluable support to businesses, governments, and social impact organizations. Their services include global forecasts, customized research, foresight education, and training to navigate intricate changes and develop future-ready strategies.
How to connect with Bob Johansen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-johansen/
His book Office Shock: Creating Better Futures for Working and Living: https://www.iftf.org/projects/officeshock/https://www.iftf.org/people/bob-johansen/
What We Discussed in this Episode on Getting Ready for the Next Generation Workplace:
- Anticipating the Future: How Will Organizations Maintain Employee Motivation?- Exploring the Officeverse: Creating a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace- Rethinking Performance Evaluation: Are New Approaches on the Horizon?- The Rise of AI: Revolutionizing Learning and Ending Monotonous Training Sessions?- Future Career Paths: Hybrid Learning and Diverse Curricula vs. Ivy League Education- Predicting Future Culture Challenges for Organizations: What Lies Ahead?
Join the next session of the online live course Unleash the Human Side of Innovation by Zuleka Kaysan and Ivan Palomino
👋 https://maven.com/simply-human/human-innovation

Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
During periods of financial crisis, strong and human leadership plays a vital role. The significance of inspiring and guiding teams amidst uncertainty and difficult situations cannot be overstated. It demands a distinctive approach that encompasses human leadership qualities such as empathy, adaptability, and resilience. These attributes become essential for fostering growth and successfully navigating the turbulent waters of economic turmoil.
The pandemic has brought the psychological needs of employees into sharp focus like never before. Striking a balance between tough decisions and addressing human needs will be crucial for companies to survive this challenging period. It won't be a repeat of the past.
However, the uniqueness of this moment will make it difficult to learn quickly and adapt. In this episode, I have invited Ron Carucci to discuss Human Leadership during times of financial crisis.
About my guest - Ron Carucci (author of To Be Honest)
Ron is a founder and managing partner at Navalent, specializing in transformative change for organizations and leaders. With 30 years of experience, he helps tackle strategy, leadership, and organizational challenges. Ron has worked globally in over 25 countries, authored 9 books, and contributed to Harvard Business Review and Forbes. He is a TEDx speaker and his expertise has been featured in Fortune, Inc., Business Insider, and more.
Learn about his book To Be Honest: Lead with the Power of Truth, Justice and Purpose https://tobehonest.net/
Download this free resource on Leading Transformation: An Owner’s Manual https://www.navalent.com/
Reach out to Ron on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncarucci/
What We Discussed in this Episode on Human Leadership in Times of Financial Crisis:
- Effective prioritization of cost-cutting during a crisis for leaders.- Risks associated with prioritizing "employee protection" as a best practice.- Appropriate methods for evaluating employee contributions and performance.- Boundaries to consider in terms of post-pandemic investments in employee training, perks, and well-being support, and potential cost savings.- Impact of company size on survival during uncertain times.- Building trust as a leader during a financial crisis.- Examples of leaders praised by both shareholders and employees during financial crises.
About the Growth Hacking 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.

Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Fresh news from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) brings attention to a significant issue: an astounding majority of the UAE workforce admits 'quiet quitting.' This revelation, as reported by Gallup, sheds light on a critical concern within the country's labor market but also on the role of leaders on building healthy work cultures.
Gallup's extensive research reveals that low employee engagement is not only a local problem but also a global challenge. Shockingly, the costs associated with diminished work engagement are estimated to reach a staggering $8.8 trillion, equating to approximately 9 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP).
About Dr. Joey Faucette
Dr. Joey Faucette is a highly sought-after expert specializing in company transformation, fostering positive work cultures, and driving increased productivity. As the visionary behind the Work Positive framework, he has established himself as a prominent culture architect, Certified Executive Coach, and author of the best-selling book, "Work Positive in a Negative World: Team Edition."
Dr. Joey Faucette's work has been featured in esteemed publications including Wall St. Journal Money Watch, CNBC, Fox Business News, Entrepreneur Media, and numerous other influential platforms. His transformative strategies and insights have helped countless organizations achieve remarkable growth and success.
He is the host of the Work Positive Podcast
Learn more about Dr. Joey Faucette:
His book Work Positive in a Negative World: Team Edition https://www.workpositive.today/book
Listen to the Work Positive Podcast https://www.workpositive.today/podcast
Connect with Dr. Joey https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoeyfaucette/
What We Discussed in this Episode on How Leaders Can Design a Mindset Made to Build Positive Cultures:
- The Importance of Investing in Employee Mindset Design: Should Companies Prioritize It?- Unlocking Meaning at Work: How Leaders Can Help Employees Find Purpose- Rethinking the Coach as a Leader Approach: Is It Truly Effective in Today's Disconnected Workplace?- After 39 Years of Shaping Positive Work Cultures: What are the Major Trends Observed- Prioritizing Company Focus: Adapting to Gen Z's Priorities Beyond Money and Status- Future-Proofing Leadership: Essential Skills for a Remote and Human-Centric Work Environment
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This episode is hosted by Ivan Palomino - subscribe to the Simply Human Newsletter https://simplyhuman.substack.com/p/learn-with-purpose?sd=pf
Bonus - The Most Important Leadership Actions to Engage Employees
Read this article on https://www.peoplekult.com/post/the-most-important-leadership-actions-to-engage-employees

Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tim Creasey on Do Change Management Models Really Work?
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Most individuals with over 5 years of work experience have encountered at least one significant or minor transition at work. When such changes are at risk of failure, they often seek the assistance of a change management professional. This expert implements various tools and processes to effectively engage individuals in embracing the forthcoming transformation.
The real question to answer in this episode is do we have any proof that these change management models work?
About Tim Creasey (Chief Innovation Office at Prosci)
Tim Creasey, an accomplished Change Management specialist, possesses a profound expertise in enabling change teams to drive adoption and utilization, resulting in successful outcomes. Recognizing the intricacies of the "soft" aspect of change, Tim actively empowers teams to navigate this challenging facet with greater efficacy. His contributions encompass conducting comprehensive research in change management, crafting holistic and user-friendly models, and developing evidence-based tools tailored to managing the human side of change.
Tim's recent endeavors have been remarkable. He assumed a leadership role in Prosci's research and development efforts in change management. Notably, he conceptualized and developed the CMROI (Change Management ROI) model and calculator, a groundbreaking resource.
What We Discussed in this Episode about Change Management Models and its Efficacy:
- Unveiling the Unseen: Insights into Change Management Discoveries Over the Past Decade- The ADKAR Model: A History of Adoption and Unraveling the Reasons for Change Failures- Shifting Organizational Priorities: Evolution of Change Needs in Today's Landscape- Debunking Misconceptions: Identifying False Beliefs Influencing Poor Decision-Making in Change Management- Startups vs. Established Corporations: Assessing the Ease of Change Implementation- A CEO's Magic Wand: Key Questions and Initial Actions for a Fortune 500 Company
Resources
Tim's book on Change Management: The People Side of Change https://www.amazon.com/Change-Management-People-Side-ebook/dp/B00EO81JGS/
Prosci's Change Management resources https://www.prosci.com/resources
Tim Creasey's LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcreasey/
Tim Talks - Short Interviews with Tim Creasey https://www.youtube.com/@ProsciChangeManagement
Bonus - Overcoming the Control Freak Mindset: How to Let Go Micro-Management
Read this article on the PeopleKult site https://www.peoplekult.com/post/overcoming-the-control-freak-mindset-how-to-let-go-micro-management
This episode is hosted by Ivan Palomino - founder of PeopleKult

Monday Jun 05, 2023
Andres Glusman on How to Create Amazing Work Cultures in Startups
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Discover the captivating narratives of startups - their remarkable progress, groundbreaking ideas, and unconventional lifestyles. In this article, we delve into the distinguishing factors that set them apart - their exceptional individuals and progressive mindset.
This episode sheds light on the work culture within startups, the principles of lean startup methodology, and their unwavering commitment to ongoing experimentation.
Our impressive guest: Andres Glusman a veteran of the startup realm since the dot-com bubble, shares invaluable insights today.
About Andres Glusman
Andres Glusman, a seasoned growth driver, played a vital role in the successful launch of Meetup, which was later acquired by WeWork for a staggering $200 million. With a track record of driving growth through experimentation dating back to the 1990s, Glusman now leads DoWhatWorks, an innovative platform that monitors and analyzes AB tests conducted across various websites.
Meetup, established in 2002, is a dynamic social media platform designed for organizing and hosting both in-person and virtual activities, gatherings, and events. It serves as a hub for like-minded individuals and communities, connecting people based on shared interests, hobbies, and professions.
Reach out Andres:
Andres Glusman LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glusman/
The DoWhatWorks website https://dowhatworks.io/
What We Discussed in this episode on How to Create Amazing Work Cultures in Startups:
- Lean Startup: Going beyond innovation to create better work cultures.- Scaling Up Challenges: Insights from tech startups like Meetup, i-traffic, Yahoo...- Creating a Culture of Innovation: Lessons from startups and what not to do.- DoWhatWorks: The Power of Continuous Experimentation in Work Cultures.- Redefining Work Culture: Exploring startup founders like Tony Hsieh and DoWhatWorks
Bonus - The Most Important Element of Human Capital is Work Culture
Read this article on https://www.peoplekult.com/post/the-most-important-element-of-human-capital-is-work-culture

Tuesday May 30, 2023
Aneace Haddad on How AI Could Help Humanize the Workplace
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
According to a cutting-edge study conducted by MIT Sloan Management Review and Boston Consulting Group, an impressive 79% of participants experienced enhanced efficiency, decision-making quality, and overall morale as a direct result of implementing AI. The research further revealed that businesses leveraging AI technology witnessed remarkable advancements in vital cultural aspects such as collaboration, collective learning, role clarity, and team morale.
In this episode Ivan Palomino and Aneace Haddad discuss on How AI Could Help Humanize the Workplace.
About Aneace Haddad
Aneace Haddad is the author of the book "The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar," a compelling and thought-provoking book about reinvention. As a McKinsey certified Transformational Leadership Facilitator and Professional Certified Coach, Haddad expertly combines his extensive background in technology, leadership, mentoring, and coaching to provide readers with a unique perspective. Delve into the captivating narrative that follows a CEO's transformative journey, unveiling the vital truth that genuine leadership surpasses mere answers.
Reach out Aneace on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneace/ or his website https://aneace.com/
Rad his book The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar: A Novel About Personal Transformation In Business Leaders on https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-That-Drank-Hummingbird-Nectar/dp/9811848688
What We Discussed in the Episode on How AI Could Help Humanize the Workplace:
- Unveiling the Role of AI in the Next Generation of Mindful Leaders: Explore the "Five-Part Self-Transformation Journey"- Trusting AI at Work: Navigating the Polarizing Perspectives on AI's Impact on Jobs and Creativity- Demystifying AI: Common Misunderstandings Regular People Have about Artificial Intelligence- Harnessing AI to Address Information Asymmetry at Work: A Powerful Use Case- Empowering Human Skills through AI: Moving Beyond Traditional Knowledge Training- Revolutionizing Employee Mental Health: Can AI Provide Effective Support?- Accelerating Corporate Capabilities for AI Implementation: Strategies for Success
Bonus - Adopting OKRs for Transparency and Performance at Work
Read this article on https://www.peoplekult.com/post/adopting-okrs-for-transparency-and-performance-at-work

Monday May 22, 2023
Monday May 22, 2023
Belonging is an innate human need that is rooted in our biology. Unfortunately, 40% of employees report experiencing isolation in the workplace, which can lead to decreased engagement and commitment. According to a study conducted by BetterUp, a strong sense of belonging can result in a remarkable 56% boost in job performance, as well as a 50% decrease in the risk of turnover and a significant 75% reduction in sick days. It's clear that fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace can lead to positive outcomes for both employees and employers alike.
What We Discussed in this Episode on Belonging at Work:
- Is the Importance of Belonging Overrated? Exploring the Role of Friends and Family- The Power of Transparency and Candor in Cultivating a Culture of Belonging- Nature vs Nurture: Understanding Behavioral Change and Overcoming Brain Resistance- Common Mistakes Organizations Make in Building a Unified and Inclusive Workplace- Growth Hacking Belonging: Quick and Low-Effort Fixes for Leaders to Foster a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace
About Sophia Kristjansson:
Sophia, a published author, is a co-author who contributed a chapter on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to the book titled "The Secret Sauce for Leading Transformational Change." Currently pursuing a PhD in Organizational Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University, Sophia also serves as a faculty member at the University of Denver's College. Her expertise lies in teaching DEI structures, organizational leadership, human resources, and business strategy courses. In 2012, Sophia established Lexicon Lens, a consultancy focused on fostering organizational innovation through practical strategies and initiatives that promote inclusion and belonging.
Connecting with Sophia Kristjansson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiakristjansson/
Subscribe to the monthly Simply Human Newsletter
Unreasonable ideas for great people at work - We talk: growth hacking human-centered performance, innovation and work culture. https://simplyhuman.substack.com/

Monday May 15, 2023
Maria Morukian on Why DEI Programs Don’t Always Work and What To Do Instead
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
In today's episode, we will be discussing why standard diversity training cannot always be effective and we will be exploring alternative approaches to DEI programs. Decades of research have shown that these programs typically produce short-term changes in understanding certain concepts, plans for future behavior, or attitudes, with some studies reporting positive effects and others finding negative effects. Our discussion will focus on biases, including the tendency to feel more at ease with people who are similar to ourselves. Join us to learn more about effective DEI strategies.
What We Discussed in this Episode:
- Are there sustainable alternatives to solely relying on training for effective DEI?- Quantitatively speaking, is there notable progress in DEI, and how long until we reach a satisfactory level?- Overcoming human bias is crucial for fostering an inclusive workplace culture - how can individuals be trained to mitigate the impact of their biases?- Is having a dedicated DEI function correlated with better performance compared to companies without one?- Should DEI training be mandatory or voluntary for employees?- DEI programs may evoke vulnerability in individuals, highlighting their inherent biases.- How can this risk be transformed into an opportunity for growth and progress?
About Maria Morukian
Maria Morukian's upbringing was shaped by her multicultural and multilingual family in the outskirts of Detroit. Her father, an Armenian-Cuban refugee, and her mother, who grew up in a small Polish farming community in northern Michigan, instilled in her a positive mindset, a passion for storytelling, and a strong desire to combat oppression.
As the President of MSM Global Consulting, Maria specializes in fostering holistic organizational change and leadership development while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, she serves as a faculty member at American University, where she teaches graduate-level courses on intercultural communication and training design.
Connecting with Maria Morukian
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-morukian/ Her podcast Culture Stew: https://msmglobalconsulting.com/category/culture-stew-podcast/ Maria's Book Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace https://www.amazon.com/Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-Trainers-Fostering/dp/1953946054
Join the Simply Human Newsletter
Want to receive unreasonable ideas for great people at work - Growth hacking human-centered performance, innovation and work culture. - You are just a click away https://simplyhuman.substack.com/

Monday May 08, 2023
Gopi Krishnaswamy on How Corporates Can Start Mindfulness at Scale
Monday May 08, 2023
Monday May 08, 2023
Many people turn to mindfulness to enhance their mental well-being and productivity. However, companies can also benefit from promoting mindfulness among their employees to boost their performance. One effective way for corporations to implement mindfulness at scale is by integrating it into their workplace culture. In this episode, we'll delve deeper into the impact of mindfulness on work cultures, the scientific evidence supporting it, and strategies for converting even the most skeptical employees. Don't miss out on learning how mindfulness can improve your company's overall performance.
About Gopi Krishnaswamy
Gopi Krishnaswamy is a mindfulness teacher/coach, Zen practitioner, author, and speaker who specializes in helping companies improve their performance through mindfulness practice.
As the founder of L.A.M.A. (The Leadership And Mindfulness Academy), a mindfulness-based training solution for well-being and high performance, Gopi leads a team providing mindfulness training at scale. Additionally, he serves as a certified teacher and the Regional Lead at Google-born SIY Global [Search Inside Yourself Program].
Over the course of his career, Gopi has taught mindfulness to a diverse group of professionals and has helped several large corporate clients develop mindfulness-based leadership capabilities and cultures.
Connecting with Gopi Krishnaswamy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gopikrishnaswamy/LLAMA Website: http://myllama.co/
His book Creativity Unleashed https://gopikrishnaswamy.com/book/
What We Discussed in this Episode:
- The Importance of Mindfulness: Exploring Its Heritage and Recent Rise in Popularity- Debunking the Biggest Misconceptions About Mindfulness- The Origins of Mindfulness in the Workplace: How Tech Companies Led the Way- Overcoming Resistance: The Science Behind Mindfulness and Its Benefits for Employees- Creativity Unleashed: Developing a Culture of Innovation- How Mindfulness Can Transform Your Work Culture- Global Events to Democratize Mindfulness in the Workplace
Join the Mindfulness@Work Dubai Summit
Join us to the next Mindfulness@Work Dubai Summit where Gopi Krishnaswamy and Ivan Palomino will speak and share perspectives on the future of workplace wellbeing.

Monday May 01, 2023
Andi Kacperski on Building the Largest Encyclopedia of Work Culture
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
Wouldn't it be great to get to know the naked truth about some companies' culture? No fluff just whatever it is being said by their employees.
Google searches related to work culture have increased significantly. People are interested in learning more about a company's employee experience, psychological safety, benefits, flexibility, equality, among other things.
While this is great, it can still be time-consuming to delve deeper into cultural challenges and specific companies or industries.
However, a new way of finding this information has emerged - A bunch of tech guys working with artificial intelligence are analyzing everything being said on the internet about corporate's work culture by employees. I got the hint to contact one of the founders of Culturama to discuss the creation of the largest encyclopedia of work culture.
About Andi Kacperski
Andi Kacperski is a Co-Founder of Culturama, an advanced analytics tool for work culture that has been designed to assist leaders and HR teams in improving their people strategy.
Connecting with Andi Kacperski
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacperski/
Trying Culturama
Today you can try their data for free but you can also ask the Culturama guys to benchmark your company at https://culturama.is/
Culturama is a tool, offering insights on 130 work-related problems to help employees make informed career decisions and companies to understand where they stand vs. their competition. Our study covers 32 industries, the largest 1500 global organizations, and is based on automated analysis of 4.8 million employee opinions expressed in natural language.
What We Discussed in the Episode:
- Understanding the purpose of Addressing Work Culture Insights Deficiency- How Culturama Differs from Employer Review Sites- Top Work Challenges on Culturama - Most Sought-After Topics- Gain an Unmatched Edge with Culturama - Learn from Competitor's Strengths and Weaknesses in People Management- Impact of Collaboration in the Workplace - Insights from Culturama's Data- Exploring the Key Traits of Successful Leadership - Insights from Culturama's Data- Enabling Employee Wellbeing in the Workplace - Top Factors Identified - Insights from Culturama's Data- Work Challenges Across Industries - Identifying the Best and Worst Performers - Insights from Culturama's Data
READ ALSO THIS -The Most Important Leadership Actions to Engage Employees an article by PeopleKult >> https://www.peoplekult.com/post/the-most-important-leadership-actions-to-engage-employees