Culture From the Heart

Leading Virtual Team Culture with Emotional Intelligence featuring Hugo E. Gomez

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Hugo E. Gomez, founder and CEO of HispanicMarketing.com, about “culture from the heart” as leading with emotional intelligence. Hugo explains that in a mostly remote company this means being present digitally, reading tone and body language, and regularly checking alignment with the company mission while recognizing whether team members are emotionally capable of handling small-business “valleys.” He describes hiring for resilience and lived adversity, filtering for comfort with failure and autonomy through questions about failed projects, and operating a performance-based, data-oriented culture using EOS-style scorecards. For virtual teams, he recommends intentional in-person gatherings, building trust through stronger screening, and using objective accountability systems with measurable metrics, response-time expectations, and meeting readiness as indicators for when someone may be struggling, followed by empathetic check-ins.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Emotional intelligence is the foundation of leadership — it's not about making people happy, but ensuring they're aligned with the company's mission.
Emotional capability matters more than credentials — the ability to handle failure and adversity is a better hiring indicator than an Ivy League degree.
Hire for resilience, not pedigree — candidates who've faced and overcome hardship bring the grit small businesses actually need.
Failure is built into growth — 90% of experiments will fail; a leader's job is to find the 10% breakthrough and double down on it.
Remote culture demands intentional in-person connection — virtual teams must schedule regular gatherings (at least annually) to sustain real culture.
Trust + accountability systems = remote success — metrics, scorecards, and red/green/yellow dashboards replace the visibility you lose in a physical office.
Autonomy to fail is a cultural asset — empowering team members to make decisions and fail independently is undervalued in small businesses.
Before assuming disengagement, ask questions — a culture-from-the-heart leader checks in on the person behind the performance.

QUOTES

"People are your biggest leverage in a business. If you know how to work with people on the people level, you're going to get the most out of them."
"All the lights on the dashboard have to be green — stable income, predictable days, good relationships at home. You have to remove as much dissonance from your life to be a high performer."
"Our job is not to make sure they're happy — it's to make sure their version of peace is aligned with the mission of our company."
"Have you seen the worst happen, and have you come out on the other side? If the answer is yes, then we really need to talk."
"Getting punched in the face is when you learn the most."
"If you can't measure it, you can't manage to it."
"You could still have a great culture even if your employees aren't connected every day. You just have to work harder on it."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Hugo E. Gomez.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilingualmarketing/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

Culture in a People-First AI Organization featuring Rob Levin

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Rob Levin, chairman and co-founder of Work Better Now, about building “culture from the heart” through values-led leadership in a fully remote company spanning two continents and 15+ countries. Rob explains that their culture reflects the shared values of the founders, including putting talent first, pursuit of excellence, transparency and integrity, and an ownership mentality, and notes they plan to reexamine values this year. He describes reinforcing values through weekly meetings and peer-nominated “W awards,” plus operational structure via EOS, L10 meetings, KPIs, rocks, and a focus on creating “wow experiences.” Rob also outlines Work Better Now’s move to become AI-first while staying people-first, positioning AI as a multiplier that frees time, requires human oversight, and is supported by training, experimentation, and clear communication to reduce fear.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture starts with core values — and those values must be lived daily, not just posted on a wall
In a remote, distributed team, over-communication is not optional — it's the glue that holds culture together
Clarity is the operating system of culture: articulate what "good" looks like so people can deliver it
Going AI-first doesn't mean people-last — AI is a people multiplier, freeing humans for higher-order thinking
Leaders must personally build something with AI to truly understand its potential and lead transformation
Recognize and reinforce values publicly — programs like "W Awards" make culture visible and repeatable
Core values should be revisited periodically as the company evolves — what fit five years ago may need updating

QUOTES

"AI is a people multiplier — it's not about putting AI before people, it's about leveraging AI so people can contribute more." — Rob Levin
"Core values are there to help you make a decision when the decision is not clear." — Rob Levin
"Whether somebody's in Peru or Peoria, it's the Work Better Now culture that matters." — Rob Levin
"Every CEO needs to build something with AI — not just use it — to unleash what's possible in their mind." — Rob Levin
"Technology today becomes the bridge builder to culture." — Larry Levine
"Culture is the heartbeat of every organization." — Darrell Lambe

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Rob Levin.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertslevin/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

Leading with Mental Health in Mind featuring Dr. Wayne Chappelle

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700

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 daily habits that make ordinary excellence possible. He discusses workplace realities of anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, and stigma, encouraging leaders to normalize mental-health care, provide resources, model openness, and be intentional about personal well-being and home life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Get comfortable being uncomfortable — growth only happens when you put yourself in challenging situations
Fear not getting better, not failure itself — failure is inevitable; the real danger is not learning from it
Expect the unexpected — when you anticipate uncertainty, you respond with less panic and more clarity
Sift through the mud to find the diamonds — even the hardest experiences contain lessons and strengths you didn't know you had
Focus on the controllables — who you are, how you think, and how you respond are always within your power
Nobody rises to the occasion; we fall to the level of our training — proactive preparation beats reactive crisis management
Do the ordinary with excellence every day — the foundation of extraordinary performance is consistent, disciplined daily habits
Mental health is a continuum, not a binary — everyone struggles at some point; leaders who normalize this create psychologically safer cultures
You don't have to be suffering to benefit from mental conditioning — train your mind like your body, before the storms hit
Home life shows up at work — you can't be a great leader if your personal life is falling apart; intentionality in both is essential

QUOTES

"Culture from the heart is creating an atmosphere that's consistent with and in alignment with the values that are most important to you."
"Never fear failure. Fear not getting better."
"When you focus on what you can control versus what you cannot, you become extraordinary."
"Nobody ever rises to the occasion — we always fall to the level of our training."
"You have to do the ordinary with excellence every day in order to be extraordinary."
"You don't have to be suffering in order to benefit from mental strength and conditioning."
"If you've failed as a husband, a father, a mother, a wife — that's going to eat at you. Be intentional in both."
"Who you are today should be different than who you were a year ago."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Dr. Wayne Chappelle.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-chappelle-3990b6185/

Dr. Wayne Chappelle’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Hurting-Mind-Depression/dp/0310366747

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

REWIND: Challenges and Solutions in Real Estate featuring Joe Killinger

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700

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 aspects of the commercial real estate industry to create a thriving, collaborative culture at his company.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Culture: The significance of establishing and living a genuine company culture that reflects in day-to-day operations.
Top-Down Approach: The creation and enforcement of culture should come from the top of the organization.
Collaboration and Trust: Building trust and collaboration among employees and even with competitors can be a major differentiator.
Investing in Employees: Ongoing training, support, and genuine investment in employee growth can create a highly motivated workforce.
Recognition and Rewards: Regular acknowledgment and rewarding of employees for their contributions fosters a supportive work environment.
Adaptive Leadership: Being open to changing industry norms and continually seeking better ways to operate.

QUOTES

"Alignment. It's hiring alignment. It's like, Hey, here's the culture. Here's the culture we've developed inside this company. It's either going to align to your values and your work ethic, or it's not, but y'all are going to sniff this out pretty fast."
"It's about recognizing that somebody in your company is doing something for somebody else and then rewarding it."
"Just because things are the way they are doesn't mean that's the way they're going to be forever. And it's up to leaders to search out and look for better ways to do things."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Joe Killinger.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-killingerrealestate/

REWIND: Leadership Through Influence and Impact Featuring Tim Lupinacci

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700

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 to a broader audience. The episode highlights key elements like courage, resilience, and purpose-driven service as foundational to effective leadership and thriving organizational culture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Invest in Leadership: Tim emphasizes the importance of self-investment to understand and grow as a leader.
Influence and Impact: Leadership is about influence; every individual can lead by impacting and inspiring others.
Authentic Relationships: Building trust and authenticity within an organization is crucial for effective leadership and handling difficult conversations.
Community Engagement: The firm focuses on community service and creating a unified approach to philanthropy through initiatives like Baker Cares.
Leadership Aroma: Leaders must be conscious of their demeanor and presence, as it significantly impacts those around them.
Courage in Leadership: Effective leadership requires showing up with confidence, resilience, and a willingness to encourage and uplift others.

QUOTES

"Everybody's a leader, in the context when you think about influence and impact."
"The more you know your people, the more you can grow with your people."
"You have to make tough decisions in the best interest of the organization, even if it's impacting negatively, somebody that you have a very close relationship with."
"How we show up really matters."
"Leadership aroma means you can be really energized, optimistic, encouraging your colleagues, or you can go around with your head down."
"Be a courageous leader and show up."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Tim Lupinacci.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lupinacci/
https://everybodyleads.org/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

People First Recruiting: Growth Mindset, and Go-Giver Culture featuring Ryan Hogan

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700

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 how the team reinforces values through weekly Friday “fireside” meetings and peer shoutouts tied to specific values. Ryan contrasts recruiting norms with Talent Harbor’s “quality over quantity” approach and discusses culture fit as the hardest—and most important—part of hiring, advocating for simple, clear core values and an EOS-inspired keep/kill/combine exercise to refine them.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture starts with people first - Focus energy on developing your team, and business problems solve themselves
Growth mindset is foundational - Accept failure as part of learning; create psychological safety for risk-taking
Leaders must align words with actions - Don't just talk about embracing failure; demonstrate it through how you respond to mistakes
Quality over quantity wins - Deep vetting of candidates (hundreds reviewed for one quality hire) creates better long-term fits
Go-giver philosophy drives success - Give value without expectation; the universe rewards authentic generosity
Core values should be 3-5 maximum - Simplicity allows for clarity and actionable implementation
Culture is the make-or-break in hiring - Every hiring mistake stems from misaligned values, not lack of skills
Peer recognition reinforces culture - Weekly team shoutouts tied to core values create organic learning
Right person beats right resume - Cultural fit and values alignment matter more than credentials alone

QUOTES

"If I focus my energy, my effort, my time on the people that are solving those problems, everything else just seems to take care of itself."
"Good learning comes through failure. And you can only fail if you have an open mind that failure is a part of the journey."
"You can tell someone it's okay to fail, but if you're scolding somebody for making an error, you're sending mixed signals."
"We have this deep intrinsic belief that if all we do is give into the universe, everything else will take care of itself."
"Every time I got hiring wrong, it's because I brought the wrong person through the door... their values probably align more with a different organization."
"The Navy taught me that simplicity is best. The more clear you can get about what are the foundational core values, that's where you're gonna see success."
"The hardest thing you can do is vet candidates for your culture as they're going through the interview process."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Ryan Hogan.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

Building a Remote Culture with Humility, Passion, and Transparency featuring Brian Dosal

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700

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 20,000 organizations running EOS on its platform, the company’s “goose” spirit animal, and the challenges of remote culture, including avoiding instant-message noise. He outlines intentional practices like asynchronous updates, automated check-ins, annual in-person gatherings, monthly company updates, and an eNPS survey that returned all tens, with feedback requesting more in-person time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture starts with authentic leadership - CEOs must exemplify their organization's core values through transparency and genuine self-expression
Core values (Humble, Passionate, Good) should guide every hiring and firing decision to maintain cultural integrity
Small teams with the right people create exponential impact - one plus one equals ten when values align
Remote culture requires intentional connection through over-communication, regular check-ins, and strategic in-person gatherings
Transparency builds trust - share everything possible with your team except what would be detrimental to progress
EOS provides the framework, but culture requires additional "soft" elements like emotional connection and consistent communication

QUOTES

"Culture from the heart is the CEO, the founders, whoever's leading the organization needs to be who they are, their authentic self. And then the culture kind of feeds off of that."
"We hire by values. We fire by values. It's simple as that."
"Let's make those 40 hours like the most fun they can be and the most productive."
"If everyone has as much information as they can have, they're rowing the same way, everything's going faster."
"Just always opt to honesty. Always everyone can sniff out BS... You can never go wrong by being honest."
"To know thyself, is to know thy values."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Brian Dosal.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdosal/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

REWIND: Building a Culture of CARE featuring Steve Preston

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700

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 leadership, the significance of communication, and recognizing and celebrating employee contributions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Leadership by Walking Around: Engaging directly with team members shows genuine care.
Role of Care in Culture: The acronym CARE (Communicate, Awareness, Responsibility, Energy) is central to the company’s values.
Building Authentic Relationships: Regularly engaging, listening, and showing empathy to employees creates stronger bonds and trust.
Recognizing Positive Behaviors: Celebrating small wins and positive behaviors reinforces the desired culture.
Consistency and Visibility: Leaders must consistently embody and communicate core values to instill them in the organization.

QUOTES

"Leading by example, showing up means a lot more to people than dictating to them what you want them to do."
"It's all about giving a rip about your people."
"Feedback is a blessing."
"Do the right thing when nobody else is watching."
"Energy is very contagious, positively and negatively."
"If your employees are happy at what they do, that's going to spill over to the customers."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Steve Preston and his works.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-preston-45194494/

https://www.performancefoodservice.com/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Caring, Shared Purpose, and Building Culture That Lasts featuring Chris Polek

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0800

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 be nice to people. Chris discusses practical leadership habits such as walking around to connect with everyone in the organization and the “three coin technique” to ensure daily positive recognition. He reflects on taking over the founder-led business about 26–27 years ago, shifting from centralized decision-making to empowering employees with autonomy, pushing them to bring solutions, and accepting mistakes as part of growth. He shares that a heart surgery absence tested the company’s culture, and operations continued smoothly because people knew how to handle challenges, with support available from outside resources. Chris attributes significant leadership and cultural development to more than 25 years in the CEO peer group Vistage, where he gained ideas, perspective, and friendships, and he recounts joining after his father declined and a humorous missed first meeting due to a Yankees rainout. He gives an example of involving employees in decisions by piloting a four-day workweek with a bonus program to address overtime fatigue and absenteeism, which employees chose to keep after three months. Chris closes by emphasizing that culture work is ongoing, evolves over time, requires continual attention and refocusing, and is never “done.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture from the heart means caring with shared purpose—supporting your people personally and professionally while aligning around a common mission
The three-coin technique: Start each day with three coins in one pocket, transfer one each time you say something positive to a team member—it's harder than it sounds
Give team members autonomy to make decisions and get comfortable with them making mistakes—micromanagement prevents organizational growth
Culture work is forever—it requires ongoing attention, periodic refocusing, and continuous investment, not a one-time initiative
Personal business philosophy guides leadership decisions: work hard, bring value, be nice to people

QUOTES

"Culture from the heart is caring with shared purpose."
"The three-coin technique sounds simple, but you try it. You'll probably get by lunchtime and find you've got all three coins still in that pocket."
"My personal business philosophy: I work hard, I bring value, and I'm nice to people."
"People are very capable. They can make decisions. And even when they go wrong, the company is not gonna implode."
"The worst case scenario is if you try something and it doesn't work out, you can always go back to what you were doing before."
"This work is forever. It's ongoing, it never ends. It evolves over time—it's not just a quick fix."
"It's kind of like putting in a new, fresh set of batteries and things shine brightly again."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Chris Polek.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-polek-871205a/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

REWIND: Building a Caring Culture featuring Kip Miller

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0800

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 and maintaining intentionality, consistency, and discipline. This episode is a masterclass in operationalizing empathy and compassion within a corporate environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Focus on Caring: Creating a culture centered on caring for employees, clients, community, country, and global cultures is vital for long-term success.
Intentional Actions: Initiatives like chaplaincy services, emergency assistance funds, and community involvement are practical ways to demonstrate care.
Personal Growth: Leaders must look inward and be vulnerable to set an example for their teams.
Perseverance: Overcoming difficult times and persevering builds character and shapes a stronger organizational culture.
Consistency and Intentionality: Commitment to consistent actions and intentionality in caring ensures that a heartfelt culture thrives over time.

QUOTES

"Do you really love your neighbors as you do yourself? And do you look after their interests just like you look after your own?"
"We want to care for people in our company. How can they be the best version of themselves that they can be?"
"It's about being vulnerable and admitting flaws—people relate to leaders who are genuine and open."
"We can work on building a world-class culture, which we're not there yet. But you can take good and go to better and go to great."
"Intentionality and consistency in caring actions can transform and uplift organizational culture."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Kip Miller.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kip-miller/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

REWIND: Creating a Culture of Transparency and Learning featuring Damon Lembi

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0800

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 CEOs on cultivating a learning environment and leading with empathy and purpose.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Lead with Integrity: Always be transparent, set clear visions, and assist your team in achieving goals.
Importance of Difficult Conversations: Address tough issues promptly to avoid a toxic culture.
Practicing Tough Conversations: Rehearse difficult conversations to handle them effectively.
Transparency with Boundaries: Share relevant and important information but with measured boundaries.
Living the Values: Leaders must model the behaviors and values they expect from their team.
Learning Culture: Encourage continuous learning to adapt to rapid changes and foster personal and professional growth.
Emotional Intelligence: Essential for effective leadership and building a supportive, transparent culture.

QUOTES

"Your culture is going to erode if you don't address and have these hard conversations."
"Lead with integrity, be transparent, and set a clear vision."
"Transparency with a little bit of boundaries is critical."
"You have to be adaptable and you have to be willing to grow to go and move forward."
"The more you invest, the more you collect as a CEO, as a leader."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Damon Lembi and his works.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/

https://www.learnit.com/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Scaling Empathy and Kindness featuring Claude Silver

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0800

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.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Culture is built in micro-moments - Not grand gestures like foosball tables, but daily human interactions like saying hi in the hallway or acknowledging someone's engagement

• Kind candor over harsh feedback - Combining kindness with honest accountability creates forward momentum and trust

• Employees are humans first - Recognizing that everyone has a full life outside work is essential to creating psychological safety

• Retention through belonging - Creating a culture where people feel seen, valued, and safe leads to loyalty, innovation, and organic referrals

• Scale empathy through culture champions - Identify people with "heart to help" DNA in every office who can extend care and connection

• The cost of masking - Hiding your authentic self at work has a real personal and organizational cost

QUOTES

"Culture isn't built in these grand moments. We don't need to have a foosball table. We're gonna be human."
"It's very rare that you'll ever hear me use the word employee. It's because we're human."
"What is it costing you to put your real self in your backpack and put on a mask and walk through the door? Because it is costing you something."
"We're building the single greatest human organization in the history of time."
"I want every single person in this company to trust you, and I want you to create safety for every single person in the company."
"People stay when they're happy. What's not the ROI of taking care of your humans?"
"Kind candor - kindness is who we are. The candor is the accountability, the honesty."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Claude Silver.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

Practical Tools for Heart-Centered Leadership featuring Justin Ricklefs

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 09:58:07 -0800

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 cultivate a culture of empathy, connection, and trust.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Heart-centered leadership requires personal work - Leaders must understand their own hearts, pain, and challenges before building authentic culture

• Curiosity over certainty - Leading with compassionate curiosity and sourcing team perspectives creates better outcomes than command-and-control approaches

• Structured heart connection - Implementing regular "Perspectives" meetings (biannual 90-minute sessions) helps surface important team issues that wouldn't emerge through open-door policies alone

• Story is the ultimate sales strategy - Humans connect through stories, not facts and figures; brands that position customers as heroes (not themselves) build loyalty

• Heart work is hard work - Building heart connectivity is more difficult than surveillance and control, but essential for authentic leadership and healthy culture

QUOTES

• "It's really, really challenging to lead well from a shallow heart."

• "Story is the greatest sales avenue ever created. Story is the best sales strategy period."

• "I've never regretted sourcing the perspective of my team."

• "The heart connectivity piece is really difficult. Don't fool ourselves. It's hard work. It's much easier to try to command and control and surveil people."

• "The distance between the head and the heart feels like a mile away, even though it's 18 inches."

• "You can't have culture from the heart if the leadership team isn't doing their own work to understand their own journey, their own pain."

• "The brand thinks of itself far too highly. The customer is the hero of the story."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Justin Ricklefs.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinricklefs/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

REWIND: Serving Truth and Love at Chick-fil-A featuring Michael Harding

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0800

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 truly seen, valued, and empowered to excel.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture is defined by what you repeatedly do to intentionally love and support the people around you.
The "Cared for people, care for people" principle shows that employee engagement directly correlates with guest satisfaction.
Hiring "Grade A" talent is worth the wait; it is better to run short-staffed than to compromise on cultural fit.
Methodical onboarding is essential, using intentional touchpoints over the first year to eliminate chaos and build trust.
Leaders should leverage unique personal skills—from baking to writing notes—to show genuine, personalized appreciation.
Authentic leadership supports the "whole person," including their lives, challenges, and celebrations outside the workplace.

QUOTES

“Culture for the heart is how are we intentionally and consistently loving on the people around us.”
“We are not in the chicken business. We're in the people business.”
“Cared for people, care for people.”
“Our team members will never treat their guests better than they are treated.”
“If you can love on your people... they will actually run through a brick wall.”
“The more you know about your people, the more you grow with your people.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry. Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/ Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Michael Harding. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelharding/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now! https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Discover How To Unlock the Hidden Growth Inside Your Sales Team. Access The Sales Blindspots in the C-Suite: Four Critical Risks You Can't Afford to Ignore, recording here: https://webinar.salesindex.ai/home-page-222146-313544

Celebrating Heart-Centered Leadership: A Year in Review

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0800

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 listeners, reiterating their commitment to continue showcasing leaders who practice heart-centered leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Leading with heart and authenticity transforms organizations and empowers people.
Love, care, and vulnerability are essential for building strong workplace cultures.
Investing in people and culture yields long-term success, even in challenging times.
True leadership means serving others, listening deeply, and fostering trust.
Culture is intentional—shape it, don’t leave it to chance.

QUOTES

“We’re not in the chicken business, we’re in the people business.”
“You can’t take the human away… it’s going to take people, it’s going to take culture, it’s going to take heart.”
“Using people to build a business versus using a business to build people.”
“If you could love on your people, they will actually run through a brick wall.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

REWIND: The Power of Vulnerability and Self-Discovery in Leadership featuring Patrick Lencioni

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0800

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 trust. This timeless discussion offers profound insights on how knowing your own heart is essential to loving and leading your team effectively.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Vulnerability drives trust: Organizational health and strong relationships are impossible without the courage to be vulnerable.
Success requires peace: High achievement without internal peace leads to burnout; leaders must address their own wounds to lead from a place of abundance.
Start with self-knowledge: Effective leadership begins with understanding who you are and how you are wired, using frameworks like Working Genius.
Love requires knowing: You cannot truly love or lead your employees if you do not take the time to deeply know their unique personalities and struggles.
Selling is serving: Authentic sales involve loving the customer enough to walk away from a deal if it isn't in their best interest.

QUOTES

"Every company is smart enough... but what differentiates is what's the heart look like?"
"Success without peace is different."
"My virtue affects the company and my vices affect the company."
"It's hard to love others, especially as a leader, if you struggle to love yourself."
"If you really want to be good at [sales], love your customer... Selling is serving."
"Leadership requires that we know ourselves and can be vulnerable with those we lead."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.
Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/
Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Patrick Lencioni. https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING. https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!
https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Guarding Your Heart: Cultivating an Elite Culture featuring Ryan Wall

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0800

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 and leadership in promoting and maintaining a strong, compassionate culture within the company.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Guarding your own heart is foundational to leading others and shaping organizational culture.
Leaders must be relentless storytellers, cascading values and purpose throughout the organization.
You cannot give what you do not have—self-care and personal growth are essential for effective leadership.
Organizational culture thrives when purpose, vision, values, people, continuous improvement, and strategy are clearly defined and protected.
Small, intentional daily practices (like solitude, gratitude, and reflection) replenish leaders and set the tone for their teams.

QUOTES

“How you treat your own heart will eventually be how you treat the heart of other people.”
“You cannot give what you do not have.”
“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”
“If you want an elite mind, you must first have an elite heart.”
“Schedule the times with yourself with the same tenacity and level of priority that you would a multimillion dollar client.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Ryan Wall.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-wall-420a8a/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

Building a Culture of Delight featuring Lisa Nichols

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0800

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 recently published book, 'Something Extra,' which draws inspiration from her daughter and focuses on leveraging individual gifts for broader impact. This episode is a heartfelt exploration into leading with love and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and invested in mutual success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture must be built intentionally; it doesn’t happen by accident.
Core values should be lived out, not just displayed on a wall or in a handbook.
Elevating your people is the first step to elevating your leadership.
Alignment and constant communication are essential for a thriving culture.
Leaders must care for and love their people; leadership is about service.
Trust and transparency are foundational to a strong organizational culture.
Everyone is in the “feelings business”—how people feel matters deeply.
Inclusion, team-building, and giving back to the community strengthen culture.
Leadership starts with self-awareness and personal growth.

QUOTES

“If you think you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re probably in the wrong room.”
“You cannot lead others until you have figured out how to lead yourself.”
“If you don’t love people, you probably should not be a leader.”
“Core values can’t just be words on a wall. They truly need to be lived out.”
“You cannot love the individual to the point where it’s unloving to the organization.”
“Everyone’s in the feelings business.”
“Start by elevating the people that have been entrusted to you.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Lisa Nichols.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholslisa/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

Eradicating Marketing Mediocrity featuring Jamie Shaver

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800

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. Practical examples include Amped's core values and screening processes, which emphasize grit, ownership, and a solution-oriented mindset. This episode provides valuable lessons for leaders aiming to cultivate a heart-centered culture in their organizations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture from the heart means leading with love, expressed through action and clarity.
Authentic company culture is defined by what employees and clients experience, not just what leaders say.
Intentional management and alignment of core values are essential to building trust and eradicating mediocrity.
Accountability, ownership, and grit are core to high-performing teams.
Regularly reviewing and living out core values ensures congruency and authenticity.
Great leadership starts with leading oneself and modeling the desired culture.

QUOTES

"Love is not a feeling. Love is action."
"A brand is not what you say it is; it's what your consumer says it is. The same is true with culture."
"Are the leaders congruent? Does the walk match the talk?"
"Being clear is loving."
"You cannot eradicate mediocrity if you yourself are mediocre."
"If our own behavior was duplicated hundreds of thousands of times, what kind of impact would that have on the business?"
"Great cultures start with the heart."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Jamie Shaver.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-shaver-amped/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

Co-Creating a Unified Culture featuring Dr. Christopher Phelps

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:26:06 -0800

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, and simplifying communication to create a cohesive and high-performing work environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Co-creation builds commitment and unity in company culture.
True persuasion is about giving people choice and agency.
Use “we” language to foster togetherness and shared purpose.
Public commitments increase accountability and follow-through.
Effective communication is about both what you say and the order you say it.
Understanding the root causes of “no” is essential for influence.
Simplicity and clarity in core values help reinforce culture.

QUOTES

“A culture of the heart is enveloping persuasion and co-creating as many things as possible with people.”
“Divided we fall, united we stand.”
“Automatically asking for somebody’s advice forces them to put themselves into your position, into your shoes.”
“Just because you know how to persuade and influence, should you?”
“The more things you have to focus on, the less likely you are to focus on any of them.”
“When everybody knows you said you were going to do something and we’re going to meet back to talk about it, that accountability piece—that’s a powerful commitment.”
“You can’t influence those to say yes unless you truly understand the root causes behind no.”

SPECIAL OFFER FOR CULTURE FROM THE HEART LISTENERS

Use the code CULTURE (all caps) at checkout to save $500 on any ticket experience listed. As an added bonus, your registration also includes the option to bring one guest at no additional cost. This can be a colleague, business partner, team member, or even a young adult in your life (ages 18–25) who would benefit from the experience.

https://cialdini.com/decevent

Once your ticket purchase is completed, Dr. Phelps’ team will personally reach out to welcome you and confirm the details of the guest you'd like to bring.

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Dr. Christopher Phelps.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-christopher-phelps-2b48b718/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Stop gambling on interviews. Combine analytics with a sales recruiting system to screen out non-performers so you only interview candidates that can become great salespeople.

https://hiringguide.salesindex.ai/

Empowering Leadership: Embracing Change and Humanizing Workplaces featuring James Keyes

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800

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, coupled with his belief in the transformative power of education, provides valuable lessons on leading with heart and creating resilient, successful organizations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Change equals opportunity: Embracing change leads to growth and innovation.
Fear is the main obstacle to progress; overcoming it unlocks potential.
Lifelong learning and adaptability are essential for leadership and business success.
Human qualities—compassion, empathy, character—are irreplaceable, even in a tech-driven world.
Clarity and confidence are critical for navigating change and leading teams.

QUOTES

“I never lose. I win or I learn.” — Nelson Mandela (quoted by James Keyes)
“Change equals opportunity. The acronym CEO is what it’s all about.”
“The most valuable resource in any company is the human resource.”
“Technology will never have heart. That’s our competitive advantage as humans.”
“Confidence can be learned. You can actually reprogram your mind.”
“Great cultures start with the heart.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from James Keyes.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-keyes-a0947215/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Too many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.

https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

Core Values: Living is Giving featuring Dan Strull

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800

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, setting Good Suite apart as a leader in IT print and office systems solutions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Living is giving: True success comes from giving back, not just financially but with time, energy, and heart.
Core values and rituals are foundational to building a strong, authentic company culture.
Continuous development is encouraged for all—personal growth is as important as professional growth.
Boutique level of service and proactive care set the company apart in a competitive industry.
Onboarding should make new team members feel celebrated and welcomed.

QUOTES

“If at the end of the day you're tired, you're either in the wrong position or you're at the wrong company.”
“You're not living if you're not giving.”
“We don't go through life together. We grow through life together.”
“All leaders are readers.”
“Culture is the heartbeat of every organization.”
“Living is giving and so we do it.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Dan Strull.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dstrull/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Too many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.

https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

Executing on Promises and Hustle Culture featuring Jeffrey Lerma

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 have been pivotal to his business's success. The episode provides valuable insights and inspiration for business leaders and entrepreneurs committed to creating an impactful and human-centered work environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Authenticity and trust are foundational to building a strong company culture.
Execution—following through on commitments—is as important as authenticity.
Growth and disruption are core values; being willing to go against the grain sets a company apart.
Hustle and grit are essential differentiators, especially for small businesses.
Placing people in roles where they can thrive is critical for long-term success.
Human-to-human connection remains vital, even in a digital and AI-driven world.
Leaders must be transparent and lead by example, as employees closely observe their actions.
A culture that avoids blame and encourages teamwork fosters growth and low turnover.

QUOTES

“Hustle’s the one thing that is the differentiator. Not a lot of people have it, and that’s what makes it the most important verb in the world.”
“If you don’t have an authentic heart and you’re not able to get that message across to your customers, you can’t set yourself apart.”
“People still want to deal with people. The human connection’s never going to go away.”
“It’s better for me to be authentic and transparent with people so they know what to expect.”
“As a small business, your only advantage is you can move faster than everybody else.”
“Disruption. I would say disruption is the one word for Supply Solutions.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Jeffrey Lerma.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-lerma-51138929/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Too many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.

https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

The Importance of Serving in the Hospitality Industry featuring Bruce Osterhaven

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 create a thriving organizational culture, especially during generational transitions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Building a business with heart means serving both employees and customers with passion and authenticity.
Family businesses face unique challenges, especially during generational transitions; clear planning and open communication are essential.
Coachability and willingness to learn are core values that drive company culture and success.
Dependability and quality are critical in the food industry, where one mistake can impact many.
Seeking advice, learning from peers, and staying open-minded are vital for leadership growth.

QUOTES

“If we think we got it figured out, then we're gonna get bit, have a big head too much.”
“Being able to go to a peer group, you know, bouncing ideas and issues with other people is priceless.”
“The heart has to be all the way through… make products that are delicious and great, but also being able to serve everybody in a way that works for everybody on all levels.”
“If I wouldn't eat this product… I want them to be able to get the message through all the systems so that we're able to produce what people want all the time.”
“Coachability… once somebody's not coachable, then you can't keep going.”
“If we think we got it figured out, then we're gonna get bit… I need to get outside myself and listen to podcasts and read books to keep myself on track and to think bigger.”
“You got to earn some respect from the people… If they know their processes and what they're doing, then you're gonna get a lot more respect and a lot better feedback.”
“Great cultures start with the heart.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Bruce Osterhaven.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-osterhaven-571624121/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Too many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.

https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

Systematizing Connections and Building Culture featuring Darryl Lyons

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 navigating tough times. Tune in to gain valuable insights on creating a thriving, heart-centered organizational culture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Authenticity is essential for a healthy, heart-centered culture.
Systematizing personal connections helps leaders foster deeper relationships.
Love and effort are intertwined in effective leadership.
True inspiration is rooted in hope and the greater good.
Optimism is essential for leaders, especially in uncertain times.
Leaders should intentionally prepare to be optimistic during tough times.
A culture of kindness and respect requires ongoing effort.

QUOTES

"Me being disingenuous in the way I lead creates a very unhealthy culture."
"The idea behind having a good culture is living from a place of authenticity."
"Love and effort dance with each other."
"The harder thing is to inspire; actually, manipulation's pretty easy."
"I never met a successful pessimist."
"You inspire me just by being you."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Darryl W. Lyons.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrylwlyons/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Too many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.

https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

Building People Through Business featuring Sam Thevanayagam

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 significance of being a dynamic leader and maintaining a 'sticky culture,' one that is both inclusive and resilient in the face of change. The conversation also covers Sam's personal journey, influenced by his upbringing, faith, and readings, and how these elements contribute to his philosophy on culture and leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture must be intentionally created and protected—it doesn’t happen by accident.
Use your business to build people, not just people to build your business.
A “sticky” culture is one where people feel they belong and want to stay.
Allyship and meritocracy can coexist—give people opportunities and second chances.
Leadership is about stewardship and creating environments for others to reach their potential.
Culture is dynamic and must adapt as organizations grow and change.
Home ownership, job opportunities, healthcare, and training are foundational for transforming lives.

QUOTES

“I’m using a business to build people, not people to build a business.”
“Culture doesn’t happen by accident. You have to be intentional about it.”
“I want people who are committed to their work as their worship.”
“You don’t have a culture without people, and people can be fickle.”
“My responsibility is to create an environment where others can achieve their God-given potential.”
“Culture can be messy, and as leaders, we need to leave room for that.”
“To whom much is given, much is also required.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Sam Thevanayagam.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samthevanayagam/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Too many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.

https://webinar.salesindex.ai/

Creating an Inspirational Workplace featuring Brian Turner

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 to stay relevant. Brian underscores the power of enabling employees and customers to see themselves in the company’s narrative, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Human progress happens through people, not to people.
Curiosity, creativity, confidence, and courage are essential leadership qualities.
Vulnerability and intentionality in leadership foster trust and growth.
Empowering employees and listening to every voice leads to better decisions and culture.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for inspiring and driving change.
Leaders should spend time where value is created, not just in meetings.

QUOTES

"Let's drive human progress through people and not to people."
"If I understand what motivates you, I can change my story so that you can see yourself in the story."
"Every voice matters."
"You gotta go where value gets created."
"Vulnerability and intentionality are mission critical in times of uncertainty."
"The essence of storytelling is to infuse energy."
"Check where you're spending your time... you have an obligation to change where you're putting your energies."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Brian Turner.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-n-turner/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Too many leaders hide behind numbers that don’t matter. Authentic growth begins with clarity. Join Darrell Amy to learn the one metric that truly drives results.

Building a Culture of Trust and Safety featuring Jamine Moton

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 the future of security and inspiring her team to realize their dreams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Security is not just a business—it's an emotion rooted in care, trust, and connection.
Embedding a heart-centered culture in the workplace requires authenticity, self-reflection, and genuine care for people.
Leadership is about understanding and expressing love in the workplace, not just managing performance.
Building a strong culture starts with how you treat, hire, and even let go of people.
Employees thrive when they feel seen, heard, and cared for—love and security are foundational needs.
True growth and success come from aligning personal purpose with organizational mission.

QUOTES

“Security is an emotion. Last time I checked, security was an emotion. We've made it a business, but it is an emotion.”
“We have to get people in the workplace used to understanding that I can love you and not be intimate with you.”
“If you had all the money in the world, all the time in the world, what would you be doing right now?”
“I don't use the word discipline and I don't use the word terminate. I remove people from the roster.”
“You can't live life without feeling safe. And so we take that as our mission and our purpose.”
“If we no longer care for the community, we are too big.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Jamine Moton.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaminemoton/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Discover How To Unlock the Hidden Growth Inside Your Sales Team. Access The Sales Blindspots in the C-Suite: Four Critical Risks You Can't Afford to Ignore, recording here: https://webinar.salesindex.ai/home-page-222146-313544

Authenticity, Trust, and Conscious Capitalism featuring Curtis Hite

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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, its commitment to trust and accountability, and various initiatives under its 'Improving Cares' program. Curtis concludes with practical advice on fostering trust and maintaining a higher purpose in business, making it a must-listen for those interested in heart-centered leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Authenticity and care are foundational to heart-centered leadership.
Companies should define values based on who they truly are, not just aspirations.
Trust is an ongoing, intentional practice—broken trust can be rebuilt step by step.
Conscious capitalism means business is a force for good, with purpose beyond profit.
Changing perceptions—of industries and professions—can drive higher purpose and impact.

QUOTES

“We didn’t choose values that we aspire to be. We chose values that we were known for.”
“Profit is the air that businesses breathe, but they also need to remember that it is not the end purpose of a company just to make profit.”
“Assume good intent, or at least don’t assume bad intent when something happens.”
“You always want to give a path for people to maintain their dignity even when they’re wrong.”
“Our ambition is to change the perception of our industry.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Curtis Hite.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-hite-a7b228/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Ruthless to Heartful Leadership featuring Jonathan Keyser

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 and care above all. This episode is a powerful reminder that heart and disruption can go hand in hand, emphasizing that true success comes from leading with love.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Authentic, heart-centered leadership is essential for building a strong, lasting company culture.
You don't have to be ruthless to succeed in business; selflessness and service can drive both personal and organizational success.
True disruption starts with inner transformation—leaders must first change themselves before changing their company or industry.
Excellence in service and genuine care for people are at the core of sustainable business growth.
Building trust and loving people leads to deeper relationships and better outcomes.

QUOTES

"You don't have to be ruthless to win."
"Selfless is selfish—if you're playing the long game, loving and serving as many people as possible is the best way to succeed."
"The hardest part about having a culture from the heart is that it has to be authentic."
"If you just come from a place of love and focus your energies on helping others get what they want, giving shall come true."
"It's like a love contest—who can out love each other, and that's a fun game to play versus who can out screw each other over."
"Great cultures start with the heart."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Jonathan Keyser.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankeyser/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Building a Loving and Belonging Culture featuring Garry Ridge

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 for removing fear, embracing learning moments, and maintaining integrity, ultimately advocating for a culture that generates positive, lasting memories while achieving business success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

True organizational culture is built on belonging, purpose, and consistent values—not just strategy or products.
Leaders must balance being tough-minded and tenderhearted; the genius is in the middle.
Culture is not a “microwavable event”—it requires daily, disciplined, and courageous effort.
Empowerment comes from a clear, hierarchical set of values that guide decisions at every level.
Removing fear and reframing failure as “learning moments” fosters growth and engagement.
Coaching, not managing, helps people become the best version of themselves.

QUOTES

“Culture equals values plus behavior times consistency.”
“Happy people create happy companies, happy companies create happy communities, and happy communities create a happy world.”
“You can have a balance between being tough minded and tenderhearted.”
“We manage our bank account. We don’t manage people. We are there to coach people to their best performance.”
“You cannot sprinkle fairy dust on an organization with one or two training programs. You have to live it from the top down.”
“We didn’t make mistakes, we had learning moments.”
“If a company that puts oil in a can can create positive, lasting memories, anyone can do it.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Garry Ridge.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Discover How To Unlock the Hidden Growth Inside Your Sales Team. Access The Sales Blindspots in the C-Suite: Four Critical Risks You Can't Afford to Ignore, recording here: https://webinar.salesindex.ai/home-page-222146-313544

Cultivating a Culture of Love and Care at Chick-fil-A featuring Michel Harding

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 provides valuable insights for leaders looking to enhance their organizational culture by focusing on the well-being and development of their people.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture is about consistently and intentionally loving on people, not just serving products.
Employees who feel genuinely cared for are more engaged and provide better service.
Hiring for attitude and cultural fit is prioritized over simply filling positions.
Personal touchpoints and recognition (like birthday desserts) foster a sense of belonging.
Leadership means serving and supporting employees through both challenges and celebrations.
Start building culture with small, intentional steps—refine and add over time.

QUOTES

“We are not in the chicken business. We're in the people business.”
“Cared for people, care for people.”
“If you can love on your people, they will actually run through a brick wall.”
“Our team members will never treat their guests better than they are treated.”
“Just start with one thing. It's not all or nothing.”
“The more you know about your people, the more you grow with your people.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Michel Harding.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelharding/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Caring for Your People featuring Kate Volman

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:25:43 -0700

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 dive into creating a supportive work environment where everyone is encouraged to dream and strive for their best selves.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Caring for your people is the foundation of a strong culture.
Leaders who help employees achieve personal dreams create more engaged teams.
Culture is felt through energy, not perks or benefits.
Simple, consistent care for people leads to organizational and personal growth.
Dream Manager programs unlock engagement by encouraging people to dream.
Everyone has dreams—leaders should ask and support their teams in pursuing them.
A mission-driven, supportive team culture drives success and fulfillment.

QUOTES

“Simple care for your people. They will care for you.”
“Your organization can only become the best version of itself to the extent that your people are becoming better versions of themselves.”
“If you pour into your people, they'll pour into you.”
“Culture is not about ping pong tables and perks—it lies in the heart of your organization.”
“The one thing that connects everyone in the world: we all have dreams.”
“When you start to help your people focus on their dreams, they become more engaged, confident, and happy.”
“If you think it, ink it—just get it on the page.”
“Great cultures start with the heart.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Kate Volman.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katevolman/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Building Culture in a Remote Environment featuring Andrew Cohen

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 role culture plays in driving organizational success. The exchange also emphasizes the importance of onboarding processes, continuous engagement, and recognizing contributions to foster a cohesive and motivated team.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Treat your people well—they’ll treat your clients well.
Core values and culture must be intentional and constantly reinforced.
Recognize and celebrate employees who embody company values.
Building culture in remote, distributed teams requires creativity and effort.
“Remote talent” should be integrated as true team members, not just task-doers.
Care, integrity, and transparency are foundational for trust and success.
Culture cascades beyond your company to clients and partners.
Leadership is about intentionality and leading with heart.

QUOTES

“It’s how you treat your people that’s gonna determine how they’re gonna treat your clients.”
“The line that brings us together is much stronger than the line that can separate us.”
“If you’re not pushing your culture or your core values, there still will be a culture. It’s just not one that’s designed by you.”
“Put our talent first. With that, they’re gonna put our clients first.”
“Make them a part of your team. Don’t think of them as a cog in a wheel, because if you do, that’s what they’ll be.”
“Culture is the heartbeat of every organization, and as Andrew has reminded us today, it is about intentionality.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Andrew Cohen.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cohen-a4b77113/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Creating Unforgettable Customer Experiences featuring Joe Thornton

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Leading with empathy, love, and authenticity creates a powerful, heart-centered culture.
Simple, memorable core values (integrity, love, humility, courage) help scale culture across large organizations.
Emotional connection at the store level is the true differentiator—great managers can overcome strategy gaps.
Consistency in customer experience, even in brief interactions, builds loyalty and community.
Leaders must be master storytellers and invite feedback to inspire and align teams.
Local ownership and community ties deepen loyalty and cultural impact.

QUOTES

"You must be a master storyteller as a CEO."
"A great store manager can make up for a bad strategy, a bad owner, a bad district manager, a bad whatever, because that's where the emotional connection happens."
"I want people to bring their whole self to work, flaws and all."
"Love is a strong word. Most companies don't even dare use the word love. We lean into it."
"When love is present, you don't have to say it as much because people feel it."
"We always try to solve these world problems and forget that the root cause is often the person who is running the store."
"Grow big and stay small."
"Culture is the heartbeat of every organization."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Joe Thornton.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerobertthornton/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Fostering Growth and Excellence featuring Duane Guidry

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 08:00:47 -0700

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 of aligning personal and organizational values to build a successful and inspiring workplace.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture from the heart is intrinsic and defines who you are.
Excellence is measured by the excellence you help others achieve.
Trust is the foundation for everything in business.
Consistency breeds trust and open communication.
Growth happens when you help others grow.
Operational excellence enables fun and meaningful work.
Leadership is about empowering, not managing, people.

QUOTES

“At the end of the day, our measure of excellence sits below and is dependent upon the excellence we help others achieve.”
“If you have culture from the heart, it’s something that’s intrinsic. It’s who you are. It’s a definer.”
“Everything begins with trust, and if you can earn somebody’s trust, everything else just really starts to fall in line.”
“Everybody loves a good leader. Nobody wants to be managed.”
“Growth is continuing to take on more challenges, learning more, and giving that back to others because I feel that I grow when others grow.”
“When you pour into your people, when you connect at a heart level, they will run through brick walls.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Duane Guidry.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-guidry-809a9437/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

The Role of Space in Creating Culture featuring Ian Stickland

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 and enhance their organization's culture, ultimately supporting their mission and vision.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture of Support: Charcoalblue emphasizes creating a supportive environment that allows employees to take risks and potentially fail to foster innovation.
Listening to Understand: Leadership involves truly understanding the context and motivations behind what team members are communicating.
Flexible and Personalized Spaces: Effective workspace design should facilitate personalization, making employees feel ownership and comfort.
Shared Experiences: Collaborative and shared physical spaces are crucial for building a strong company culture.
Cherished Guests: Ensuring everyone who steps into a workspace feels welcome and valued is foundational to creating a positive culture.

QUOTES

"You have to understand someone to be able to really listen to them.”
"Willful opportunism...you actively look for opportunities and when they arrive, you make the most of them."
"We want everyone to feel like a cherished guest in this moment, that people are using their leisure time or they're using...everyone's time is valuable."
"The culture is about supportiveness. It's about not pushing people hard. It's about giving them the support to go and achieve what they can achieve."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Ian Stickland.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianstickland/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Embracing Vulnerability and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership featuring Patrick Lencioni

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 authenticity, trust, and emotional health in business environments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Leadership involves loving and understanding the people you manage.
Vulnerability and trust are fundamental to building strong relationships and organizational culture.
Knowing oneself and others deeply leads to more effective and peaceful leadership.
Personal growth and self-understanding can significantly impact professional leadership and organizational culture.
Embracing one's true self and managing according to individual strengths and preferences can prevent burnout and improve overall satisfaction.

QUOTES

"When you're a CEO or a head of sales, you are called to love the people under your charge."
"Trust is at the heart of all human relationships."
"Selling is serving, but it requires that we're actually willing to say, I love you enough to do something that would be hard for me."
"Success without peace is different."
"Leadership requires that we know ourselves and can be vulnerable with those we lead."
"It's hard to love others, especially as a leader, if you struggle to love yourself."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Patrick Lencioni.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Building a Culture of Love and Authenticity featuring Amy Bruske

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:19:46 -0700

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 episode ends with practical advice for leaders on how to cultivate similar environments in their organizations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Emphasizing clarity in individual strengths and roles can significantly enhance team performance and reduce micromanagement.
Leaders should focus on creating an environment where employees can frequently be "in the zone" or in a state of flow to increase productivity and job satisfaction.
Authentic and heart-centered leadership involves understanding and valuing the individual differences and strengths of team members.
Developing a mission-driven culture helps in making clear and ethical decisions that align with the organization's core values.

QUOTES

"We get paid for results, not for effort."
"As leaders, we deserve the freedom to be ourselves and not be working against what's natural all the time."
"Our number one value is mission-driven: helping people discover their instinctive strengths."
"Always grateful, never satisfied."
"As a leader, I'm way more focused on getting clarity on who you are and then helping you self-manage."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more from Amy Bruske.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybruske/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

At Culture from the Heart, we believe trust starts with people. That’s why we’ve partnered with Titus Talent to help organizations hire for heart—not just for resumes.

https://culturefromtheheart.com/talent

Titus Talent Strategies' Core Values with Jonathan Reynolds

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:25:17 -0700

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 organizational cultures. The episode highlights the importance of genuine care, listening, and consistent intentionality in creating thriving, people-first workplaces.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Intentional Culture Creation: Jonathan Reynolds emphasizes the need for intentional efforts in shaping and maintaining a company culture, drawing parallels to nurturing a marriage.
People-First Leadership: Effective leadership is characterized by prioritizing the well-being and development of employees, which subsequently benefits customers and profits.
Transparency in Hiring: At Titus Talent Strategies, candidates are encouraged to speak with current employees to verify the company's values, ensuring a genuine cultural fit.
Support During Hard Times: A strong culture recognizes the personal challenges employees face and provides support to help them through difficult periods.

QUOTES

"People come first, then our partners or our customers, and then profits."
"The best thing you can do in life is live in the service of other people."
"Intentionality looks like if you say it upfront, is it continued through and lived out habitually?"
"Everything rises and falls on leadership."
"If you don't like what you are hearing about your culture, it requires you to pivot and change."
"We don't want to sugarcoat our culture; we want candidates to see if it’s true from the inside."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Jonathan Reynolds.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanreynolds/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

The Impact of Open Book Management with John Costello

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 accountability across the organization. This episode is a testament to the belief that true success stems from authenticity, trust, and engaged leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Core Values: Cher's Industrial Equipment Corporation prioritizes core values in hiring and firing decisions.
Transparency: The company practices an open book policy, sharing financial information with all employees to foster engagement and accountability.
Employee Involvement: Employees are deeply involved in decision-making, from financial management to operational improvements.
Leadership from the Heart: CEO John Costello emphasizes leading with transparency, humility, and emotion, which has significantly impacted company culture.
Longevity and Loyalty: The company's cultural values have led to long tenures, with several employees marking multiple decades of service.
Trust and Empowerment: Building a culture of trust and empowerment has improved employee morale and engagement, leading to better business outcomes.

QUOTES

"We hire and fire based on core values."
"With lack of information, people create their own stories."
"If you're leading your life with that and you're leading the business with that, as long as you're aligning with the core values, you can't go wrong."
"I always thought that, that there was a different way to run a company."
"You can't be partially honest. If you're gonna open up, you're gonna open up to everything."
"Every employee here knows that they get to push the buttons and pull the levers with all of us."
"We're all human at the end of the day. We're all gonna make some mistakes."
"Leaders who lead with their heart soon develop a group of sellers who sell from the heart."
"Great cultures start with the heart."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about John Costello.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-j-costello-9b58b821/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Ripple Effect of Good Deeds in Business with Jeffrey Jaime

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700

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 and giving back within a business context, highlighting the ripple effect of good deeds in both individual lives and company culture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Heart-Centered Leadership: Jeffrey Jaime emphasizes the importance of leading with trust, transparency, and authenticity in creating a culture from the heart.
Role Models: Jaime draws inspiration from his grandfather and leaders like Tony Hsieh from Zappos to shape his leadership approach.
Community Involvement: Torrien's culture strongly focuses on giving back to the community, fostering a sense of collective well-being and service among employees.
Impact of Kindness: Acts of generosity, such as adopting families through the Angel Tree Prison Ministry, can transform individuals and inspire others to act similarly.
Sustainable Culture: Regularly scheduled give-back events and the creation of a culture book help employees live out the company's core values consistently.

QUOTES

"You don't have to do some big parade. Just take one person and show 'em that you care about him."
"I tell people I want the person who woke up to be the one who shows up."
"Transparency to me is just really being authentic and not trying to pretend you're a different version of yourself."
"You don't even have to be that bright of a light in a big, dark place."
"In the dark places you can be a light."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Jeffrey Jaime.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyjaime/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Building Authentic Organizational Culture with Brandon West

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Brandon West, the founder and Chief Purpose Officer of PHOS Creative, a marketing agency dedicated to cultivating trust and awareness online. The conversation dives deep into the meaning of 'Culture From the Heart' and the importance of authenticity in leadership. Brandon emphasizes the significance of embodying core values such as love, integrity, and community, and explains how his personal journey and faith guide his leadership philosophy. He shares powerful anecdotes about fostering a genuine company culture, the challenges of integrating love and authenticity into business, and the overarching mission of FOSS Creative to launch care centers worldwide combating poverty and sex trafficking. This inspiring episode is a call to leaders to prioritize people and purpose alongside profit to create lasting positive impact.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Authentic Leadership: Leadership should be genuine and visible behind closed doors, reflecting true character and care.
Learning and Doing: Balancing education and action is critical to avoid stagnation.
Core Values: Leadership, love, integrity, creativity, and community should be lived out, not just displayed.
Purpose-Driven Business: Cultivating a higher purpose beyond profit fosters a meaningful and impactful work culture.
Importance of Humility: Leaders should model humility and be willing to acknowledge and correct their mistakes.
Intentional Love: Daily intentional actions to show care and affection can significantly boost company morale
Employee Engagement: Recognizing and celebrating small acts of love and care within the team strengthens the cultural fabric.
Eternal Return on Investment (EROI): Focusing on eternal and deeper impacts of business actions alongside financial returns.
Community Impact: Making a tangible difference in local and global communities underpins a purposeful company vision.

QUOTES

"Culture is how we live out authentically every day, behind closed doors."
"Learning and doing are like taking a step with your left foot and your right foot. You learn, and you do."
"Love is wildly inefficient. If you think the greatest value is always to drive more efficiency, you won't love people."
"I want my business, my leadership, and my influence to matter in people's lives and eternally."
"Maybe we can construct a better reason for people to come to work than just trading their soul for a salary."
"Leaders need to set the pace... in love, care, compassion, and our people will follow us."
"I have to lift my eyes off my to-do list and set them on people."
"I rebranded from CEO to CPO to focus more on purpose than just execution."
"Leadership is to impact and influence, helping people see and achieve things they don't think they can do on their own."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Brandon West.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmichaelwest/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Embracing Culture and Net Weaving with Mark Murphy

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Mark Murphy, CEO of Northeast Private Client Group. They explore pivotal leadership concepts such as the importance of growing people, the irreplaceable role of culture, and the distinctive philosophy of net weaving over networking. Mark shares insights from his vast experience, highlighting the significance of emotional fitness and continuous learning within an organization. He also names influential figures like Dan Sullivan who have shaped his journey. This episode delves into how fostering a service-oriented mindset and a strong, supportive culture can drive business success and enterprise value.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Focus on People: Success derives from growing people, not just the business.
Culture is Key: The CEO's primary responsibility lies in shaping and maintaining the company culture.
Net Weaving vs. Networking: Lead with giving to build transformational relationships rather than transactional ones.
Continuous Learning: Always strive to learn and grow, fostering a culture where employees do the same.
Emotional Fitness: Emphasize resilience and a positive attitude in dealing with challenges and interpersonal relations.
Enterprise Value: Build enterprise value by empowering employees and differentiating through unique business practices.

QUOTES

"You don't really grow a business. You grow people."
"The good ones tell, the great ones ask, and whoever asks the best questions wins.
"I prefer to invest in people and not come at them, but come from underneath them and lift them up."
"Remember, good leaders great followers, greater the great leaders."
"The gift is always in the giving."
"When I'm net weaving, I'm adding things."
"The only person you can change is yourself."
"People aren't our biggest expense; they're our biggest and most important investment."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Mark Murphy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-murphy/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

The Working Genius Model with Trace Blackmore

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Trace Blackmore, President of Blackmore Enterprises, to discuss the profound impact of culture in business. Trace emphasizes the role of culture in achieving profit, detailing how understanding employee aspirations and maintaining open communication set the tone for a supportive workplace. He shares insights from his mixed experiences in various companies and highlights the importance of aligning work with employee strengths through tools like the Working Genius model. This enlightening conversation reveals how a heart-centered approach to leadership can drive both personal fulfillment and business success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Culture Matters: Culture is essential for driving company values and success, directly influencing employee satisfaction and productivity.
Leadership Impact: Leaders play a crucial role in fostering a positive culture by understanding and supporting their team's goals and aspirations.
Communication is Key: Open and honest communication from day one helps set the tone for a supportive and collaborative work environment.
Employee Engagement: Understanding individual strengths and working genius can help keep employees energized and reduce burnout.
Ongoing Effort: Consistent reinforcement of cultural values and principles is necessary to embed them deeply into the organization.

QUOTES

"Culture is the why that allows us to make profit."
"If I don't know what somebody's goals and aspirations are, as the leader, I can't help them get there. What is the point?"
"When somebody comes on day one and within the first hour, we're having a conversation like that, that sets the tone for what our culture is like."
"Leaders are repeaters; if we're not constantly bringing that language into the culture, into every conversation, it's gonna evaporate."
"Employees spend more time with their teammates than with their families. If that's not an enjoyable experience, what is the point?"

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Trace Blackmore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceblackmore/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Identifying Informal Influencers with John Howe

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 19 May 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by John Howe, the CEO of American Pipe and Supply, a wholesale distributor of pipe, valves, fittings, plumbing fixtures, and fire sprinkler materials. John shares his journey with the company over the past 12 years, emphasizing the critical role that a positive company culture plays in performance improvement. He discusses the importance of hiring the right people, recognizing and developing informal influencers, and promoting from within. John also highlights their successful internal promotion and retention strategies, including the implementation of a sales and management training program. He emphasizes giving back to the community as a vital component of their culture. Throughout the conversation, John provides valuable insights and practical advice on building a heart-centered workplace that not only retains talent but also serves clients and uplifts communities. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable strategies for leaders looking to cultivate a thriving, inclusive, and productive culture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Culture: John's experience shows that company performance improves as the culture improves
Identifying Influencers: Recognizing and working with informal influencers within an organization is crucial.
Internal Promotions: Promoting from within boosts employee morale and retention.
Employee Development: Investing in employee training and development pays off in the long run.
Community Engagement: Giving back to the community enhances company reputation and employee satisfaction.
Leadership Mentorship: Early mentoring in John's career helped shape his leadership approach

QUOTES

"And the key is doing what you say you're gonna do."
"If you make one bad hiring decision and you don't recognize it quickly... one person can bring 10 down quickly."
"It all starts and ends with culture."
"We're looking for if they fit with our culture and if they are someone everyone likes working with."
"Promoting from within enables you to keep your folks and show the rest of the team that they too have opportunities for growth."
"Growth occurs from the inside out."
"I do not feel better ever in my work life than walking out of that school every week."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about John Howe.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-howe-528a133/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Cultivating a Craftsman Culture and Servant Leadership with Caleb Woods

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 12 May 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Caleb Woods, CEO and Senior Software Craftsman at Role Model Software. Caleb discusses the unique culture at his company, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership and a craftsman mindset. He shares how Role Model Software fosters a collaborative environment, supports continuous learning, and encourages constant experimentation to drive growth and excellence. Caleb also highlights the significance of mentoring and the impact of strategic book discussions on team development. The episode concludes with a reflection on trust and credibility as foundational elements in building a thriving organizational culture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Servant Leadership: Integral to fostering a collaborative and sustainable work environment.
Craftsman Culture: Empowers employees to focus on excellence through continuous improvement and learning.
Experimentation Culture: Emphasizes learning and adapting without fear of failure, fostering innovation.
Team Collaboration: Two sets of eyes review all production code, enhancing quality and accountability.
Growth through Mentorship: Continuous development supported by structured mentorship programs.
Dynamic and Adaptable: Business thrives on solving real client problems with a flexible approach.

QUOTES

"There are no failed experiments. There's only more data."
"Your development as a technical engineer has a certain growth path through the mid-levels. That is the thing you need to focus on. Focus on becoming excellent."
"We want to always be trying new things that we can do to get better."
"It's leading by example. So being willing to get your hands dirty and do the basics."
"We have this mantra that two sets of eyes will review every bit of production code that goes out because we think we see better quality of what comes from that."
"People and relationships are both how our business grows and how we deliver things for our clients."
"We want to focus on service. Like we are a serving organization that delivers to our clients, and we want to do that excellently."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Caleb Woods.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebwoods/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Building a People-Centric Culture with Jon Kronemeyer

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Tue, 06 May 2025 06:38:16 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Jon Kronemeyer, President of dahl Valve. Jon shares insights into creating a people-centric culture that emphasizes intent, purpose, and strong values. The discussion delves into the importance of understanding employees' challenges, maintaining an open-door policy, and fostering trust within the organization. Jo also highlights the innovative role of marketing in promoting internal culture. Practical strategies, such as town halls and social events, are discussed to reinforce the company's core values of teamwork, growth, service excellence, and integrity. The conversation underscores the continuous evolution of culture and the importance of heart-centered leadership in driving organizational success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

People-Centric Leadership: Focus on understanding and addressing employees' needs and challenges to build a strong culture.
Core Values: Emphasize integrity, teamwork, growth, and service excellence.
Open Door Policy: Encourage open communication and trust between leadership and staff.
Visibility and Engagement: Use creative marketing strategies internally to keep the company’s values and mission visible and engaging.
Conflict Resolution: Implement innovative approaches to conflict resolution, making it a memorable and impactful experience for employees.
Department Collaboration: Encourage cross-departmental collaboration to foster better communication and integration of company values.
Social and Educational Events: Regular social events and educational seminars to reinforce culture and encourage team building.

QUOTES

On culture: "Culture is never, never finished. It's never static. It is fluid and we have to continue to build."
On leadership: "We hire based on our four values, we fire based on our four values."
On employee engagement: "You really think you know how to deal with conflict and problems until you hear that there's options and theories and strategies."
On open communication: "We have an open door policy here that, that people must have. If my door is open, anybody can walk in."
On marketing engagement: "It's impactful when marketing can spice it up and drive it home."
On legacy: "If somebody says, I don't know who did it, but this culture and this company is amazing, that's, that to me, would make me the most happiest."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Jon Kronemeyer.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkronemeyer/

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How Core Values Drive Success with Josh Hendrickson

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Josh Hendrickson, president of Wilson Lumber Company. Josh shares his company's core values, hiring practices, and management system, emphasizing the importance of trust, accountability, and authentic leadership. He outlines how Wilson Lumber integrates its core values into daily operations and decision-making processes, particularly through the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). The conversation also touches on the challenges of cultivating a positive company culture and the value of investing in employees to drive organizational success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Core Values: Wilson Lumber's core values emphasize treating others well, getting all the facts, being responsible for actions, challenging oneself to grow, and doing the right thing.
Hiring and Firing: The company hires and fires based on cultural fit, highlighting the importance of core values in their operations.
Power of Communication: Effective and transparent communication is crucial to maintaining and growing a positive culture.
Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): Implementing EOS helped transform sales meetings and fostered a culture of planning and collaboration.
Trust and Accountability: Trusting employees and holding them accountable leads to a more committed and productive workforce.
Leadership and Support: Leaders at Wilson Lumber focus on mentoring, coaching, and supporting their employees, helping them grow and succeed.

QUOTES

"Accountability is a decision that someone makes to do what's required of them.
"Our core values are inherent to being a good person."
"It's not what happens in the halls; it's what happens in the halls that actually makes the difference."
"EOS allows everyone to be part of the process and understand their value."
"Trust your people... if you don't trust your people, then they're going to see right through it.
"You get more respect from people when they see that side of you as well.

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Josh Hendrickson.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-hendrickson-wilson-lumber/

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https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Leadership, Influence, and Heart-Centered Culture Featuring Tim Lupinacci

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0700

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Invest in Leadership: Tim emphasizes the importance of self-investment to understand and grow as a leader.
Influence and Impact: Leadership is about influence; every individual can lead by impacting and inspiring others.
Authentic Relationships: Building trust and authenticity within an organization is crucial for effective leadership and handling difficult conversations.
Community Engagement: The firm focuses on community service and creating a unified approach to philanthropy through initiatives like Baker Cares.
Leadership Aroma: Leaders must be conscious of their demeanor and presence, as it significantly impacts those around them.
Courage in Leadership: Effective leadership requires showing up with confidence, resilience, and a willingness to encourage and uplift others.

QUOTES

"Everybody's a leader, in the context when you think about influence and impact."
"The more you know your people, the more you can grow with your people."
"You have to make tough decisions in the best interest of the organization, even if it's impacting negatively, somebody that you have a very close relationship with."
"How we show up really matters."
"Leadership aroma means you can be really energized, optimistic, encouraging your colleagues, or you can go around with your head down."
"Be a courageous leader and show up."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Tim Lupinacci.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lupinacci/
https://everybodyleads.org/

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Creating a Culture of Personal Development Featuring John Marvin

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by John Marvin, President and CEO of Texas State Optical in Houston, Texas. John shares his insights on building a company culture rooted in sincerity, authenticity, and personal growth. He discusses his approach to fostering trust and open communication within his team, and the importance of personal growth plans for both leaders and employees. John's leadership philosophy is profoundly influenced by thought leaders like John C. Maxwell and Dale Carnegie, and he emphasizes leading by example and holding meaningful conversations with team members. This episode offers valuable lessons for leaders looking to cultivate a heart-centered workplace culture.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Building an authentic company culture starts with the leader’s personal values and beliefs.
Effective leadership involves engaging in sincere, vulnerable conversations with team members.
Growth-focused company cultures encourage employees to create and pursue personal growth plan
Trust is a crucial element fostered by consistent, compassionate interactions within the team.
Leading by example and being real and authentic can significantly impact employees’ personal and professional development.

QUOTES

"The culture you create in your company is an expression of your own values and your personal beliefs."
"It's better to deal with it early. No one sits around in denial, do it with compassion."
"How I handle difficult situations reassures and creates an environment or culture of confidence and trust."
"Sitting down, having a cup of coffee and just learning about people and figuring out how I can best help you is the way you start by building a culture of trust and personal development."
"Leaders lead first, and you gotta show all of this by leading by example."
"We require everyone to sit down and write a written personal growth plan."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about John Marvin.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmarvin/

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https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Why Putting Customers First is the Ultimate Business Strategy? Featuring Coley Herrin

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:00:11 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Coley Herrin, President and CEO of PDI in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The discussion focuses on establishing and maintaining a heart-centered culture in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of putting people first, integrity, and consistent communication. Coley shares insights on the values instilled by PDI's founders, the significance of being true to oneself, and strategies for extending a positive company culture across multiple locations. Key highlights include the role of visibility and presence in leadership, the impact of small daily improvements, and the importance of living, rather than just promoting, company values.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

People First Philosophy: Emphasizing the importance of putting people—employees, customers, vendors—first and prioritizing their well-being in every business interaction.
Culture and Integrity: The critical role of culture in fulfilling business vision and how integrity drives long-term succes
Authentic Leadership: Leading by example and being genuinely who you are helps in fostering a true culture.
Value-Driven Action: Consistent reinforcement of core values like commitment, integrity, teamwork, and loyalty
Everyday Improvement: The significance of small, daily improvements and wins over time in achieving larger success.

QUOTES

"Doing the right thing may not always be the most profitable thing. But it will always be the right thing.
"It's more important to us to be living it every day than promoting it."
"You can't overdo it. The more you practice what you preach, the better you're gonna be."
"I can't breed a culture into an organization that is not truly me, that is not who I am.
"Our goal here is, you know, are we better today than we were yesterday in everything that we do and culture's important."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry.

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Coley Herrin.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/coley-herrin-82073435/

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https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

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https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Honoring Heritage and Leading with Intentionality featuring Doug McNamee

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Daryl Amy engage with Doug McNamee, President of Field and Stream. Doug emphasizes the importance of honoring the history and heritage of the brand while focusing on modernizing operations. He discusses the evolving culture at Field and Stream, highlighting intentionality in leadership, investment in employee onboarding and training, and the balancing act of innovating within a century-old brand. Doug also shares insights on managing a remote workforce across multiple time zones, urging leaders to celebrate successes, facilitate open communication, and provide clear direction. The conversation underscores the critical role of intentionality in creating a culture that values and nurtures its people.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Balancing Heritage and Modernization: Doug McNamee highlights the importance of honoring the history of Field and Stream while modernizing operations to stay relevant in today’s market.
Intentional Leadership: Leadership at Field and Stream is deliberate, focusing on developing a culture that is intentional and values its people.
Employee Investment: There's a strong emphasis on investing in employee onboarding and training to ensure a thriving, skilled workforce.
Innovation within Tradition: Doug discusses the challenge of innovating within a century-old brand, maintaining tradition while fostering innovation.
Managing Remote Teams: Managing a remote workforce spread across multiple time zones requires celebrating successes, promoting open communication, and providing clear direction.
Culture of Nurturing: The episode stresses the importance of cultivating a culture that nurtures and values employees as a key driver for success.

QUOTES

"People appreciate over time if you invest in them, if you nurture them."
"Your job as a leader is to go out and to get the very best and brightest, support 'em, give 'em the resources they need, give 'em clear direction, and get outta the way and let them go do their job."
"Difficult conversations in a remote capacity have to occur... if there's not intentionality in terms of the way that you connect with other folks from a remote perspective, you're gonna struggle."
"If you're not careful and you force all of that... those challenging conversations into the in-person time... you can create a dynamic where your team almost comes to dread that."
"People are our greatest asset... the quality and the character and the competency of people you surround yourself with ultimately dictate outcomes."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Doug McNamee.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougmcnamee/

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Building a Culture of Investment, Rewarding, and Giving featuring Reid Hutchison

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Reid Hutchison, COO of HOH Water Technology, to explore the company's values and long-term vision. Reid delves into the importance of intentionality in creating a rewarding environment that fosters growth and trust within the organization. He also shares how HOH intertwines its core values of investing, rewarding, and giving to create impactful relationships with clients, coworkers, and the community. The episode highlights strategies for open-book management, the significance of transparency during tough times, and the role of faith in shaping the company's culture. Reid leaves listeners with valuable advice on staying authentic and aligning personal dreams with professional goals for lasting success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Long-Term Vision: HOH Water Technology employs a long-term investment strategy focused on the development and wellbeing of employees and the business’s sustainable growth.
Core Values: The company's culture is built around three main activities—investing, rewarding, and giving—that aim to leave a lasting impact.
Open Book Management: HOH utilizes open book management to align employees with the company’s financial goals and to create a transparent culture.
Generosity: Encouraging a culture of giving among employees, supporting various charities, and promoting generous behavior both within and outside the company
Authenticity and Faith: The leadership integrates their own faith and values into their business practices but prioritizes shared core values for all employees.
Impact Focus: The long-term impact of their work, especially in water treatment and community support, is a driving factor for the company.

QUOTES

“We really have organized the impact that we make on the three groups of clients, coworkers, and community.”
“From our clients' perspective, if we weren't here, I think there would be a gap in certain parts of the industrial water treatment market.
“I like having an open score so people can see, because without that, there can be just a lot of assumptions made.”
“It was a way of starting to educate and help people continue to trust the organization in a time where otherwise they might've had reason to distrust
“I would encourage people to start with, what are your dreams personally?
“For leaders that are listening in, any of what we're trying to do with culture, if that sounds appealing to you, just know none of it will work if it's not coming from an authentic, genuine place.”

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Reid Hutchison.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reid-h-3a329431/

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https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Fostering Creativity and Culture in Business Leadership featuring Jordan Buning

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jordan Buning, CEO of DDM Marketing and Communications, to delve into the interplay between creativity and company culture. The discussion explores how intentionality and discipline can balance operational excellence with a creative work environment. Buning shares insights on how to cultivate a meaningful and collaborative workplace and offers practical advice for leaders looking to inspire creativity within their teams, regardless of their industry. The conversation underscores the importance of elevating others and the role of leadership in fostering a culture that supports creativity and innovation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Culture in Creativity: Emphasizing how culture can either foster or stifle creativity within an organization.
Intentionality and Discipline: Highlighting that creativity thrives within structures that provide intentionality and discipline.
Leadership and Empowerment: The role of leaders in elevating their teams and providing the space for creativity to flourish.
Trial and Error: Acknowledging that creativity can often emerge through trial and error and learning from mistakes.
Collaboration and Open-Mindedness: The value of having a collaborative, open-minded culture that encourages sharing of ideas and voices.
Adapting Leadership Skills: Understanding that leaders need to continually adapt and learn to teach and facilitate creative environments.

QUOTES

"Everybody has some form of creativity within them."
"Intentionality becomes the necessity of an organization."
"Creativity is something you either have or you don't is a myth; there is discipline to creativity."
"Creating space and time for people to ideate and generate great solutions is crucial."
"As leaders, we need to give people space or give them the encouragement to take advantage of the space that's above them."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Jordan Buning.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbuning/

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https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

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https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Building a Caring Culture featuring Kip Miller

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0700

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Focus on Caring: Creating a culture centered on caring for employees, clients, community, country, and global cultures is vital for long-term success.
Intentional Actions: Initiatives like chaplaincy services, emergency assistance funds, and community involvement are practical ways to demonstrate care.
Personal Growth: Leaders must look inward and be vulnerable to set an example for their teams.
Perseverance: Overcoming difficult times and persevering builds character and shapes a stronger organizational culture.
Consistency and Intentionality: Commitment to consistent actions and intentionality in caring ensures that a heartfelt culture thrives over time.

QUOTES

"Do you really love your neighbors as you do yourself? And do you look after their interests just like you look after your own?"
"We want to care for people in our company. How can they be the best version of themselves that they can be?"
"It's about being vulnerable and admitting flaws—people relate to leaders who are genuine and open."
"We can work on building a world-class culture, which we're not there yet. But you can take good and go to better and go to great."
"Intentionality and consistency in caring actions can transform and uplift organizational culture."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Kip Miller.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kip-miller/

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https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

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https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Empowering Employees Through Heart-Led Leadership featuring Brent Pohlman

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 11:48:55 -0800

In this episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Brent Pohlman, CEO of Midwest Labs and author of 'Leaders Look Within.' Brent shares insights on how authentic leadership and a focus on positive experiences for employees and clients can shape a company's culture. He emphasizes the importance of respect, clear communication, and setting examples as key elements of a thriving workplace environment. The discussion highlights actionable strategies to improve company culture and the profound impact of starting each day with gratitude.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Experience: Experience is a crucial part of company culture and can have significant positive or negative impacts on business outcomes.
Leadership's Role: The culture of an organization mirrors the behavior and attitude of its leaders.
Inner Work: Personal practices such as gratitude and reflecting on one's purpose can positively influence leadership.
Employee and Customer Focus: Improving employee experience directly enhances customer experience.
Trust and Communication: Building a culture of trust and open communication leads to stronger team dynamics.
Defining Culture: Explicitly defining the culture can align the organization and reinforce core values.

QUOTES

"How you show up as a CEO has a direct reflection on how your people show up."
"Culture is you, you bring the culture as a leader. Every time you walk in the door."
"Experience is how you make people feel."
"If your culture is off, it's a signal that something else is off."
"The way you start your morning and how you lead with gratitude... helps set your mind in a good place."
"Trust again is you can get trust into a culture. I mean, you're going to go really further and faster."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Brent Pohlman.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpohlman/

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https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

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https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Leading a Business Turnaround featuring Sandi Ratcliff

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0800

In this episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Sandi Ratcliff, CEO of the Fischer Group, to discuss how prioritizing culture can lead to transformative success. Sandi shares her experiences and strategies for rehabilitating a struggling organization by fostering trust, authenticity, and a supportive work environment. Tune in to hear inspiring insights on leading with heart, the importance of investing in people, and actionable advice for CEOs stepping into challenging roles. Discover the true impact of a heart-centered leadership approach on employee satisfaction and business performance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Prioritize Culture: Leading with culture can drive significant turnaround in organizations.
Consistency: Consistently showing up and treating people well builds trust and respect over time.
Employee Focus: Putting employees first helps them feel valued and leads to better organizational outcomes.
Adversity as a Teacher: Difficult experiences with poor leadership can teach invaluable lessons on what not to do.
Long-Term Vision: Successful turnarounds require patience and sustained effort, often taking years to fully realize.

QUOTES

"When people believe that you see them and you value them, listening to them and you have their best interests at heart, great things start to happen."
"Just because you might be friends with someone doesn't mean that they share in your beliefs."
"I believe as an employer, our job is to make everybody the best version of themselves."
"It's not a coincidence if you find yourself in that spot; I believe that you were put there."
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast."
"When people see you show up in a different manner and it's done consistently, it's not just a couple days, but it's day in and day out, week in and week out, they start taking notice."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Sandi Ratcliff.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-d-ratcliff-cec/

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https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Challenges and Solutions in Real Estate featuring Joe Killinger

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0800

In this 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 aspects of the commercial real estate industry to create a thriving, collaborative culture at his company.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Culture: The significance of establishing and living a genuine company culture that reflects in day-to-day operations.
Top-Down Approach: The creation and enforcement of culture should come from the top of the organization.
Collaboration and Trust: Building trust and collaboration among employees and even with competitors can be a major differentiator.
Investing in Employees: Ongoing training, support, and genuine investment in employee growth can create a highly motivated workforce.
Recognition and Rewards: Regular acknowledgment and rewarding of employees for their contributions fosters a supportive work environment.
Adaptive Leadership: Being open to changing industry norms and continually seeking better ways to operate.

QUOTES

"Alignment. It's hiring alignment. It's like, Hey, here's the culture. Here's the culture we've developed inside this company. It's either going to align to your values and your work ethic, or it's not, but y'all are going to sniff this out pretty fast."
"It's about recognizing that somebody in your company is doing something for somebody else and then rewarding it."
"Just because things are the way they are doesn't mean that's the way they're going to be forever. And it's up to leaders to search out and look for better ways to do things."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Joe Killinger.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-killingerrealestate/

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https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

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https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement featuring Kevin Hambrice

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:30:00 -0800

In this episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Kevin Hambrice, CEO of TerraSource Global. Kevin shares his experiences and strategies in creating a thoughtful, sincere, and genuine workplace culture. He emphasizes the importance of meeting employees where they are, engaging in meaningful conversations, and focusing on employee development and well-being. Kevin highlights various practices such as personal orientation sessions, sending welcome cards, and introducing a future leaders program to foster innovation and empowerment within his organization. The conversation underscores the belief that culture is not a project but an ongoing journey that requires daily commitment and genuine care for the people. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders looking to build authentic and successful company cultures.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Meeting Employees Where They Are: Emphasizing the significance of understanding and connecting with employees at their current stage of development.
Continuous Cultural Development: Culture isn’t a one-time project; it's an ongoing process that requires daily attention and nurturing.
Innovation as a Broader Concept: Innovation extends beyond R&D to include processes, analytics, and everyday business practices.
Leadership as Influence: Effective leadership is rooted in influence, personal engagement, and fostering trust among employees.
Employee Engagement and Empowerment: Engaging employees through surveys, orientation, and personalized communication fosters a culture of trust and ownership.

QUOTES

"Culture from the heart is thoughtful, sincere, and genuine."
"It's pretty hard to make a plan unless you have a firm understanding of where your people are right now."
"Changing culture is not just happening; culture is the people that you have."
"Leadership is not a position or a title; it is influence."
"Stay the course of leadership and influence and know that your people are wanting you to do this."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Kevin Hambrice and his company.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhambrice/

https://terrasource.com/

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Leading with CARE: Communication, Awareness, Responsibility, and Energy featuring Steve Preston

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 08:03:26 -0800

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Leadership by Walking Around: Engaging directly with team members shows genuine care.
Role of Care in Culture: The acronym CARE (Communicate, Awareness, Responsibility, Energy) is central to the company’s values.
Building Authentic Relationships: Regularly engaging, listening, and showing empathy to employees creates stronger bonds and trust.
Recognizing Positive Behaviors: Celebrating small wins and positive behaviors reinforces the desired culture.
Consistency and Visibility: Leaders must consistently embody and communicate core values to instill them in the organization.

QUOTES

"Leading by example, showing up means a lot more to people than dictating to them what you want them to do."
"It's all about giving a rip about your people."
"Feedback is a blessing."
"Do the right thing when nobody else is watching."
"Energy is very contagious, positively and negatively."
"If your employees are happy at what they do, that's going to spill over to the customers."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Steve Preston and his works.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-preston-45194494/

https://www.performancefoodservice.com/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Innovative and Unconventional Culture in the Publishing Industry featuring David Hancock

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0800

In this episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by David Hancock, founder of Morgan James Publishing, to discuss the development of an innovative and unconventional culture in the publishing industry. David shares his intentional approach to building a remote work environment, emphasizing love, authenticity, and purpose in leadership. He details challenges overcome, such as industry acceptance, and highlights the importance of maintaining strong relationships and communication among remote teams. The episode includes practical advice for CEOs on fostering a people-first culture and underscores the power of staying true to core values to achieve success and transformation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Intentional Culture: David Hancock emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining an intentional culture that aligns with the company's mission.
Innovation in Leadership: Bringing in people with diverse backgrounds and unconventional approaches can lead to significant innovations.
Financial Efficiency: Transitioning to a remote work environment can save substantial costs and help sustain the business.
Employee Empowerment: Treating employees as entrepreneurs and making them feel part of the larger mission fosters dedication and innovation.
Persistence: Staying true to your vision and mission, even when facing industry resistance, is crucial for long-term success.

QUOTES

“Are you staying on purpose?” – An essential question for leaders about maintaining intentionality.
“It's about fostering resilience, connection, and growth.” – Emphasizing the importance of a supportive learning culture.
“You've got to keep focused on your original goal, and that's serving your client base.” – On overcoming challenges and staying true to your mission.
“If you can get past that imposter syndrome, that's when the magic happens.” – On the importance of perseverance in the face of doubt.
“Love on your people and watch what starts to happen.” – Highlighting the impact of caring for employees on company success.

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about David Hancock and his works.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlhancock/

https://www.morgan-james-publishing.com/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

LearnIt CEO Damon Lembi Shares His SECRET to Leading with Integrity

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:28:36 -0800

In this episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy engage in 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 CEOs on cultivating a learning environment and leading with empathy and purpose.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Lead with Integrity: Always be transparent, set clear visions, and assist your team in achieving goals.
Importance of Difficult Conversations: Address tough issues promptly to avoid a toxic culture.
Practicing Tough Conversations: Rehearse difficult conversations to handle them effectively.
Transparency with Boundaries: Share relevant and important information but with measured boundaries.
Living the Values: Leaders must model the behaviors and values they expect from their team.
Learning Culture: Encourage continuous learning to adapt to rapid changes and foster personal and professional growth.
Emotional Intelligence: Essential for effective leadership and building a supportive, transparent culture.

QUOTES

"Your culture is going to erode if you don't address and have these hard conversations."
"Lead with integrity, be transparent, and set a clear vision."
"Transparency with a little bit of boundaries is critical."
"You have to be adaptable and you have to be willing to grow to go and move forward."
"The more you invest, the more you collect as a CEO, as a leader."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Damon Lembi and his works.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/

https://www.learnit.com/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Leading with Empathy: The Heart of Enviro-Master's Corporate Culture featuring Tod Bierling

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:49:51 -0800

In the inaugural episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Tod Bierling, President and CEO of EnviroMaster Services, to discuss building a people-centric corporate culture. Tod emphasizes the importance of active listening, empathy, and humility in leadership. He shares how EnviroMaster has established strong core values such as teamwork, continuous improvement, and celebrating wins. Tod outlines the significant role of culture in driving the company's success and growth, and provides insights into maintaining and nurturing a positive and effective organizational culture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Key Leadership Traits: Emphasizing the importance of active listening, empathy, emotional intelligence, humility, and vulnerability in leadership.
Core Values: Reinforcing the significance of core values like "We win and work together," continuous improvement (Kaizen), urgency versus hustle, and enjoying the journey.
Culture-Building: Highlighting the necessity of creating and maintaining a healthy culture through core values and team alignment.
Celebration of Success: Stressing the importance of recognizing and celebrating wins to foster a positive work environment.
People-Centric Approach: Understanding that the right people and a strong culture can drive a company's success.

QUOTES

"If the answer to the question doesn't involve people, then I question why you asked."
"We win and work together."
"Always Kaizen – continuous improvement."
"Actions speak louder than words."
"We drive through the windshield and not the rearview mirror."
"Having a healthy culture is where a successful company starts."
"Everything is people and everything is the right people."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Connect and learn more about Tod Bierling and his works.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tod-bierling-60840617/

https://enviro-master.com/

Ready to begin realizing the full potential of your sales team? Hire Great Salespeople with Confidence. SCHEDULE YOUR EXECUTIVE BRIEFING.

https://sellingfromtheheart.net/hiring

Unlock The Power of Team Growth with Learnit’s Live Training Platform. CLAIM your 45-day trial of unlimited training now!

https://www.learnit.com/lp/culture

Introduction to Culture From The Heart

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0800

In the inaugural episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy discuss their mission to showcase heart-centered business leaders who build authentic, trust-based cultures. They emphasize the profound impact of leading from the heart on revenue, employee retention, and client loyalty. They recount their journey from the Selling From The Heart Podcast and how the concept of heart-centered leadership transcends departmental boundaries, shaping the very culture of organizations. Listeners are introduced to inspiring conversations with CEOs who exemplify leading with compassion and integrity, creating work environments where employees and customers thrive. Join Larry and Darrell as they explore real-world stories of heart-centered leadership and its transformative effects.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Heart-Centered Leadership: The podcast aims to highlight leaders who incorporate compassion, authenticity, and trust into their business cultures.
Impact on Business Metrics: Emphasizes that a heart-centered culture significantly improves revenue, profits, client retention, and employee retention.
Authenticity and Trust: These values are essential for building a company culture that inspires and motivates both employees and customers.
Practical Insights: The series will offer practical advice from CEOs who successfully implemented heart-centered practices in their organizations.
Community Building: The podcast intends to create a community around heart-centered leadership, sharing success stories and practical tips.
Audience Engagement: Encourages listeners to interact by subscribing, following, and nominating heart-centered CEOs.

QUOTES

"Leaders who lead from the heart and develop a culture from the heart will soon develop sellers who sell from the heart."

"People will run through a brick wall for companies and leaders who lead from the heart, who actually care."
"You can't fake nice. You can't fake authenticity."
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast."
"We're giving a voice to people who desperately want to share their story."
"In a world full of bad news, we want to share the good news of companies that make a difference by valuing their people and clients."

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

Culture from the Heart Trailer

Darrell Amy and Larry Levine — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 09:04:01 -0800

Welcome to the Culture from the Heart Podcast, on the From the Heart Business Network.

In a business world where employees and customers crave authenticity and trust, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are on a mission to find and showcase heart-centered executives and the companies they lead.

You are about to hear an inspiring conversation with a visionary leader that’s bringing heart into the workplace—empowering employees, serving their clients, and uplifting communities--all to create true success.

This is Culture from the Heart! The movement starts here.