Culture From the Heart

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Dr. Wayne Chappelle, founder and lead psychologist at PsyOptimal and co-author of Healing Your Hurting Mind, to talk about building a culture aligned with core values. Dr. Wayne shares values like integrity, honesty, resilience, and a strong mindset, emphasizing getting comfortable being uncomfortable, not fearing failure but fearing not improving, expecting the unexpected, finding “diamonds” in hardship, and focusing on controllables. He illustrates thriving under pressure with special-ops pool training and applies these principles to leaders facing uncertainty, urging proactive growth and...

In this rewind episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Joe Killinger, co-founder of Commercial Brokers International. Joe discusses the importance of company culture in the workplace, emphasizing the need for alignment with employee values and work ethics from the top down. He shares his insights into building a supportive and positive work environment in an industry often lacking in trust and collaboration. He highlights the importance of active hiring practices, employee appreciation, and continuous training. The conversation also delves into how Joe has actively sought to fix broken...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Tim Lupinacci, chairman and CEO of Baker Donelson, one of the nation's largest law firms. Tim elucidates his approach to leadership, focusing on influence, impact, and authenticity. He discusses the importance of investing in individuals and building trusted relationships within the organization. The conversation covers Tim's journey into leadership, insights from John Maxwell's teachings, and how Baker Donelson aims to serve both its clients and community. Tim also introduces his upcoming book 'Everybody Leads,' which extends his philosophy of leadership...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Ryan Hogan, founder and CEO of Talent Harbor, about “Culture From the Heart” as a people-first focus on developing those who solve the organization’s problems. Drawing from 24 years in the U.S. Navy, Ryan describes how observing leadership taught him that belief in mission and purpose drives performance, and he emphasizes learning through an accepted tolerance for failure that leaders must reinforce with consistent actions. He shares Talent Harbor’s core values, including a “go-giver” philosophy of giving without expectation, and explains...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Brian Dosal, CEO of Strety, about building culture through authentic leadership, core values, and transparency. Brian defines “culture from the heart” as leaders being their authentic selves so the organization’s culture reflects who they are, and shares his core values—humble, passionate, and good—which he realized were also his personal values. He explains operationalizing values by hiring (and firing) by them, reinforcing them through frequent communication, and using EOS as a shared language. Brian describes Strety’s rally cry to reach 20...

In this episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Steve Preston, the president of Performance Food Service, Fairfield, Ohio. Steve discusses his leadership philosophy focused on genuine engagement and care for employees. He emphasizes the importance of eye contact, listening, and leading by example. Steve explains the acronym 'CARE,' standing for Communicate, Awareness, Responsibility, and Energy, and how it serves as a guiding principle for creating a positive and engaged company culture. The conversation covers practical strategies for implementing and maintaining a caring culture, including the role of...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Chris Polek, CEO of Polek & Polek, a distributor of copier and printer supplies to office equipment dealers across the U.S., about “culture from the heart.” Chris defines it as “caring with shared purpose,” describing caring as supporting team members personally and professionally by creating growth opportunities and challenges. He explains the shared purpose as supporting the dealer network to help them be more profitable and align work with a leader’s personal business philosophy, sharing his own: work hard, bring value, and...

In this episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Kip Miller, CEO of Eastern Industrial Supplies. Kip shares his journey from starting his career in the 1980s to leading a company that emphasizes caring for employees, customers, communities, and cultures. He introduces the 'four C's' strategy for building a heart-centered workplace culture, discusses the implementation of chaplain services, and recounts the significant impact of community involvement both locally and internationally. Kip offers practical advice for leaders on how to develop a caring culture by starting with small, actionable steps...

In this rewind episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, we revisit a thought-provoking conversation with Damon Lembi, CEO of LearnIt. The discussion centers around building a heart-centered culture within organizations, emphasizing the importance of leading with integrity, practicing transparency, and setting a clear vision. Damon shares his experiences and strategies for handling tough conversations, fostering emotional maturity, and maintaining a practice mindset. He also delves into the significance of a learning culture, highlighting the need for continual personal and professional development, and the role of management in driving this culture. The episode concludes with actionable advice for...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX. Claude discusses the principles of 'kind candor' and emotional intelligence, emphasizing the importance of creating a workplace culture rooted in empathy, authenticity, and human connection. She shares personal stories and practical strategies for how leaders can foster an environment where employees feel valued and safe. Claude also introduces her new book, 'Be Yourself At Work,' which offers actionable advice for individuals and teams to cultivate genuine self-awareness and a sense of belonging.

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Justin Ricklefs, the founder and CEO of the Guild Collective. They discuss the importance of incorporating heart-centered leadership within organizations. Justin shares his personal journey of transitioning from a head-focused to a heart-focused leadership style. They explore practical strategies such as curiosity-driven dialogues and structured feedback sessions for understanding employee perspectives. Justin emphasizes the significance of storytelling as a powerful tool for sales and building authentic connections with both employees and customers. The episode highlights actionable advice for leaders aiming to...

Let’s revisit a powerful conversation on the Culture From the Heart Podcast with hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy, featuring Michael Harding, an owner-operator at Chick-fil-A. In this rewind episode, Michael shares the transformative power of heart-centered leadership, including his “51/49” philosophy of out-serving his team and why he encourages employees to bring their full selves—emotions and all—to work. From intentional onboarding touchpoints and personalized dinners to his wife’s famous homemade birthday desserts, this conversation highlights how consistent acts of love drive high engagement and guest satisfaction. It’s a masterclass in building a culture where people feel tr...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy reflect on their first year of interviewing visionary heart-centered leaders. They discuss the importance of authenticity, love, and trust in the workplace. The episode revisits inspiring conversations with CEOs who have created exceptional company cultures focused on empowering employees, serving clients, and uplifting communities. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of nurturing genuine relationships, fostering emotional security, and the role of leadership in cultivating a supportive and loving work environment. As they move into the next year, the hosts express gratitude to their guests, sponsors, and...

In this special from the vault rewind episode of the Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy revisit their inspiring conversation with Patrick Lencioni, founder and president of The Table Group. They discuss the critical intersection of personal healing and professional leadership, exploring how a leader's internal life dictates organizational culture. Patrick opens up about his personal journey, moving from a mindset of constant achievement to finding true inner peace. The conversation explores the concept of "starting here"—using tools like Working Genius to understand one's true self—and why vulnerability is the gateway to trus...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Ryan Wall, CEO of FHI. They discuss the profound impact of having a heart-centered culture within an organization. Ryan shares the key principles guiding FHI, structured around the metaphorical 'four chambers of the heart,' encompassing purpose, vision, values, people, continuous improvement, and strategy. He emphasizes the importance of leaders guarding their hearts, offering practical advice on how to maintain a healthy and elite heart to positively influence business culture and performance. The episode also highlights the significant role of storytelling...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Lisa Nichols, CEO of Technology Partners, about the intentional creation of company culture. Lisa emphasizes the importance of core values, which should be more than just words on a wall but lived principles that guide behavior. The company uses the acronym DELIGHT to encapsulate their values, aiming to delight clients, employees, and communities. Lisa also talks about the significance of having hard conversations, as well as the power of communication and alignment within the organization. Additionally, Lisa discusses her podcast and...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jamie Shaver, CEO and founder of AMPED, a full-service strategic marketing agency. Jamie shares her insights on integrating love and core values into the workplace to create an authentic and trustworthy culture. She discusses the importance of clear communication, accountability, and intentional management of both brand and culture. The conversation also touches on the need for leaders to be congruent and authentic in their actions and to foster a work environment where employees feel valued and aligned with the company's mission...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Dr. Christopher Phelps, CEO of the Cialdini Institute, about developing a heart-centered business culture through co-creation and ethical influence. Dr. Phelps emphasizes the importance of giving employees choice and involving them in the process to foster commitment and unity. He shares practical advice on using unitizing language, asking for advice instead of opinions, and making public commitments to enhance employee engagement and efficiency. The discussion also delves into the significance of understanding the root causes behind 'no' responses, maintaining ethical standards...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by James Keyes, former CEO of Blockbuster and 7-11. James shares his insights on overcoming fear and inertia in business, leveraging the unique human qualities of compassion, empathy, and character in an era increasingly dominated by technology. He emphasizes how change, though often daunting, presents immense opportunities for growth and innovation. The discussion highlights practical strategies like fostering a culture of continuous learning and maintaining clarity in communication to navigate and capitalize on change. James’ inspirational journey from humble beginnings to leadership, co...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Dan Strull, CEO of Good Suite. Dan discusses the core values that drive his company's culture, including 'Living is Giving' and 'Continuous Development.' He shares insights on creating a supportive and proactive work environment through traditions, rituals, and a focus on integrity. The conversation covers actionable strategies for developing a boutique level of service and the importance of onboarding in embedding company culture. The episode highlights how living by these principles not only enhances employee satisfaction but also retains clients...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jeffrey Lerma, President & CEO at Supply Solutions and Soap2o, a full-line distributor of janitorial supplies, packaging supplies, and office products. Jeffrey shares the incredible journey of his company over the past 20 years, from its humble beginnings with just a cargo van and a garage to becoming a large player in the market. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, swift execution, and hustle in cultivating a thriving company culture. Jeffrey explains how maintaining transparency and focusing on personal and team growth...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Bruce Osterhaven, President of Big O Smokehouse. Bruce shares insights on the values and culture that guide his family-owned business, focusing on the importance of authenticity, customer service, and employee engagement. He discusses the challenges and rewards of taking over a family business, the significance of mentorship and peer groups, and the vital role of being coachable. Bruce also underscores the necessity of continuous learning and self-improvement as a leader. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how heart-centered leadership can...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Darryl Lyons, co-founder and CEO of PAX Financial Group. The discussion focuses on the importance of authenticity in leadership and the impact it has on company culture. Darryl shares his strategies for fostering a heart-centered culture through intentional actions, systematic approaches, and leading with love and effort. He also explores the challenges and rewards of being an optimistic leader in a fear-driven industry. Darryl emphasizes the significance of inspiration over manipulation and highlights the role of faith and historical lessons in...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Sam Thevanayagam, CEO at Parts Life, Inc. Sam discusses his unique approach to leadership, which focuses on using the business to build people rather than using people to build the business. He emphasizes the importance of intentionally creating and protecting a company culture that fosters growth, allyship, and a strong sense of purpose. Sam shares stories of how Parts Life supports employees in achieving their God-given potential, from aiding first-time homebuyers to developing a robust workforce development program. He underscores the...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Brian Turner, Vistage Chair and former CEO of Point B, to discuss the importance of creating a culture centered around human progress through people. Brian shares his insights on leadership, storytelling, and fostering curiosity within organizations. He revisits lessons from his mentor Ava and the founders of Point B, emphasizing the significance of vulnerability, intentionality, and empowerment in driving meaningful change. The discussion also delves into the impact of AI on workplace culture and the necessity of leaders adapting their approach...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jamine Moton, the founder and CEO of Skylar Security, Skylar App, and Skylar Robotics. Jamine shares her journey from being a police officer to starting her own security company with a focus on emotional intelligence, community love, and innovative safety solutions. The conversation delves into how culture from the heart can change lives both personally and professionally, and the importance of embedding love, care, and emotional security in the workplace. Learn how Jamine's unique approach to leadership and culture is reshaping...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Curtis Hite, CEO of Improving. Curtis shares his insights on classic capitalism and the importance of focusing on values, authenticity, and care in leadership. He discusses how his company, Improving, embodies its true identity through the values chosen by both employees and stakeholders. Curtis emphasizes the significance of conscious capitalism, detailing its aspects such as a stakeholder model, purpose beyond profit, and conscious leadership and culture. The episode delves into the company's mission to change the perception of the IT industry...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jonathan Keyser, Managing Partner of Keyser Commercial Real Estate, who shares his journey of transforming the cutthroat commercial real estate industry into a heart-centered business. Jonathan discusses the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and selflessness in building a successful company culture. He highlights his firm's unique values, the necessity of loving and serving others, and explains why disrupting industry norms starts by changing oneself. Jonathan also elaborates on his personal transformation and how it led to creating a company that places service...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company, and bestselling author of 'Any Dumb Ass Can Do It.' Garry discusses how to build a culture that balances tough-mindedness with tenderheartedness, underscoring the importance of authenticity, values, and belonging in the workplace. He shares practical insights into creating a values-driven organization where employees feel appreciated, connected, and engaged. Key themes include the need for hierarchical values, the role of leadership in maintaining culture, and the significance of consistency. Garry also highlights strategies...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Michel Harding, the owner-operator of Chick-fil-A, to discuss the foundational principles behind Chick-fil-A's renowned company culture. Michael reveals the intentional strategies and touchpoints he uses to foster a loving and supportive environment for his employees, emphasizing that the restaurant is in the people business, not just the chicken business. From personalized team member dinners and birthday desserts to intentional onboarding practices, Michael shares how his dedication to caring for his team has led to high engagement and exceptional service. This episode...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Kate Volman, the CEO of Floyd Consulting. The discussion centers on fostering a heart-centered company culture through the Dream Manager program, which helps employees achieve their personal dreams. Kate emphasizes the importance of caring for employees and describes how this simple yet profound strategy can lead to higher engagement and mutual growth for both individuals and the organization. Listeners learn about the Dream Manager certification process and how it positively impacts both personal and professional development. The episode offers a deep...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Andrew Cohen, the co-founder and CEO of Work Better Now. The discussion delves into the significance of creating a strong, mission-driven company culture led by core values such as compassion, service, integrity, transparency, and continuous learning. Andrew shares how intentional efforts to nurture an inclusive and supportive work environment lead to empowered employees who, in turn, provide excellent service to clients. Through narratives of team achievements and strategies for managing a distributed workforce across multiple countries, the episode highlights the vital...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Joe Thornton, CEO of Scooter's Coffee. They explore how Thornton infuses empathy, love, integrity, and humility into the workplace culture, impacting both employees and customers. The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling, authentic leadership, and creating an emotional connection in driving business success. Thornton shares practical strategies for maintaining a heart-centered culture across a franchise network and emphasizes the role of store managers in sustaining these values. Listeners are encouraged to lead with their hearts to build thriving, authentic workplace cultures.<...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Duane Guidry, Principal at Chrane Food Service Solutions. The discussion delves into how intrinsic culture and heart-centered leadership play crucial roles within Chrane's organization. Duane emphasizes the importance of consistency, trust, and growth, both personally and professionally, and shares insights on how Chrane prioritizes excellence by helping others achieve their goals. Through the EOS model and fostering open communication, Chrane creates an empowering environment for both employees and clients, leading to a thriving business culture. The episode highlights the transformative power...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Ian Stickland, CEO of Charcoalblue, to explore the essence of heart-centered leadership and its impact on organizational culture. Ian shares insights into how Charcoalblue's mission to create exceptional spaces for storytelling and experience sharing influences their global company culture. Emphasizing the importance of supportiveness and active listening, Ian discusses the role of physical and collaborative environments in fostering a sense of belonging, collaboration, and creativity within teams. The episode delves into practical tips for leaders on designing spaces that align with...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Patrick Lencioni, founder and president of The Table Group. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in leadership and how understanding one's own heart can transform organizational culture. Patrick shares his personal journey of self-discovery and the impact it had on his life and leadership style. The conversation covers key topics such as the role of emotional intelligence, the importance of loving and understanding employees, and the significant advantages of creating a heart-centered workplace. This episode is rich with insights on fostering...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Amy Bruske, President and Integrator at Kolbe Corporation. Amy highlights the importance of aligning employees' roles with their instinctive strengths to foster engagement and productivity. She discusses the significance of creating an authentic and caring workplace culture, where leaders understand and make decisions based on individual strengths rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Amy also touches on how Kolbe Corp's mission and values guide their business practices and how maintaining a 'mission-driven', 'problem-solver', and 'always improving' mindset sustains their cultural integrity. The...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jonathan Reynolds, CEO of Titus Talent Strategies. The discussion delves into the essence of heart-centered culture, emphasizing intentionality in leadership. Reynolds shares his British roots, deeply ingrained values of caring for others, and the influence of his parents, who devoted their lives to service. He elaborates on the high-performance yet compassionate culture at Titus Talent, where employees are prioritized first, followed by partners and profits. Reynolds provides insights into talent acquisition strategies, urging leaders to take a sober assessment of their...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by John Costello, President and CEO of Cherry's Industrial Equipment Corporation. John shares his journey of transforming the company's culture from a harsh, internally conflicted environment to one that's open, transparent, and values-driven. He emphasizes the importance of leading with heart, living one's values both at home and in the workplace, and the transformative power of an open-book management style. Discover how Cherry's Industrial Equipment involves all employees in understanding and impacting the company's financial health, fostering a sense of ownership and...

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jeffrey Jaime, CEO of Taurean. Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of trust, transparency, and authenticity in leadership. He shares how his company’s values, such as 'Family First' and 'Give Back,' are practiced, not just preached. The episode includes inspiring stories of giving back and how these actions foster a unified and motivated team. Jeffrey also discusses his upcoming book, 'From Glow to Glue,' which explores servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and neuroleadership. This episode underscores the transformative power of caring an...