Culture is an Inside Job

Hosted by Karen Benoy, Scott McGohan, Wendy Roop

Business Management Education Health Fitness

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Latest episode

Sep 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Culture is an Inside Job: The podcast on building an authentic, engaging, and Inspiring culture. At Coaching For Culture, we believe building work culture starts with executive leaders. If you are ready to get real and dig deep into your own self-awareness, determine how you want to show up in the world, understand HOW to do that, AND take aligned action to transform your leadership and those around you, then this podcast is for you! In our Culture Is An Inside Job Podcast, we help executive leaders answer the question: how am I showing up in the world? Co-hosts Karen Benoy Preston, Wendy Roop, Scott McGohan get to the heart of leadership, exploring the notion that teams and businesses thrive when they’re being led from a place of authenticity. And authentic leadership starts by knowing yourself. Join us as we share powerful leadership tools and insights from interviews with experts as we explore: Empowered leadership, building work culture starting with self awareness, navigating VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world. Questions? - cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

Listen to episodes

35 recent

September 10, 202653 min

EP35 – Step Outside: How Nature Grounds and Restores Us with Pam Lowe Cho

What changes when we step outside, become still, and give ourselves space to think and feel without distractions and demands? In this episode of Culture is an Inside Job , we welcome Pam Lowe Cho , founder of Trek Global Executive Coaching, outdoor executive coach, and ANFT-Certified Forest Therapy Guide with more than three decades of experience in senior corporate leadership and executive coaching. Pam shares how the strain of coaching through a screen during the pandemic led her to begin meeting clients outdoors. As they walked side by side through parks and along nature trails, the conversations became deeper, her clients felt more relaxed, and the outcomes improved. Today, she conducts all of her executive coaching outdoors. Together, we explore: What forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku , is and how the practice began in Japan What happens to our minds and bodies when we spend time outside How nature can calm the nervous system, soften the stress response, and restore focus and clarity Why being still in nature can help our best answers and ideas emerge How outdoor coaching can help people relax, lower their guard, and connect in a different way Why some of Pam’s most profound forest bathing walks have taken place in the rain How teams can use time outside to strengthen connection and support clearer strategic thinking How plants, natural materials, and fractal patterns can bring some of nature’s calming effects indoors Pam’s vision for bringing forest therapy to healthcare workers, veterans, cancer patients, older adults, and others who could benefit from time in nature Whether it is for 30 seconds, three minutes, or 30 minutes, this conversation invites us to step outside, listen to the birds, feel the wind on our skin, look up at the sky, and experience the hope, joy, and restoration nature has to offer. Continue the conversation by visiting Pam’s website , connecting with her on LinkedIn , or following her forest bathing work on Instagram . Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

August 24, 202653 min

EP34 – Driving Enterprise Value: The Six Things Only a CEO Can Do with Karen Posey

A company can be profitable, meet its targets, and still fall short of building value that lasts. In this episode of Culture is an Inside Job , we welcome Karen Posey , Enterprise Value Architect, Certified Board Director, and CEO and Managing Partner of KP Strategies , for a conversation about the connection between CEO effectiveness, workplace culture, and sustainable enterprise value. Drawing on decades of experience leading and advising organizations, Karen introduces the six things only a CEO can do: create vision clarity, build the first team, strengthen personal effectiveness, engage stakeholders, create strategic organizational alignment, and engage the board. Together, we explore: Enterprise value as the intersection of strategy, leadership, operating models, and capital decisions. The CEO’s responsibility to build a unified “first team” focused on the organization’s biggest challenges. The four dimensions of CEO personal effectiveness: time and energy, leadership model, personal brand, and health and wellness. The importance of reinforcing core values through hiring, orientation, recognition, and personnel decisions. Skip-level employee conversations, customer conversations, and advisory councils as ways to understand stakeholder perspectives. The relationship between clear priorities, decision velocity, and knowing what the organization needs to stop doing. Karen’s reflections on purpose, intentional living, what gives us energy, what depletes it, and the legacy we leave through our lives and leadership. Continue the conversation by visiting KP Strategies or connecting with Karen on LinkedIn , where you can follow her CEO Corner Office newsletter and explore resources on CEO effectiveness. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

August 7, 202657 min

EP33 – Presence Over Pace: Joe Morgan on Dialogue & Empathy

What changes when we lead with presence instead of pace? In this episode, executive advisor and former CEO Joe Morgan joins us for a thoughtful conversation about the human side of leadership. Drawing on decades of leading organizations through growth, transformation, and change, Joe shares why leading with empathy, staying curious, and creating space for honest dialogue can transform the way we connect with and lead others. Together we explore: Why fear keeps the "middle voice" silent How kindness and directness can exist together What empathetic listening actually looks like The power of presence in leadership Joe's Dialogue Miles movement and why walking changes conversations Coaching through skimming stones, high tide, low tide, and the horizon His S4 framework for leadership and life Why work ethic, curiosity, and humility never go out of style From boardrooms to walking trails, Joe reminds us that the conversations that change us begin with curiosity, empathy, and the choice to be fully present. Connect with Joe: Continue the conversation by visiting Safe Inspired You , following Joe's Dialogue Miles journey on LinkedIn , or subscribing to his Pebble in the Pond newsletter. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

July 23, 202646 min

EP32 – Your Wound Reveals Your Greatest Gift with Tony Miltenberger

Your wound doesn't have to define you. It may be the very thing that reveals your greatest gift. In this episode of Culture is an Inside Job , we welcome executive coach, speaker, author, and Follow2Lead Podcast host Tony Miltenberger for a conversation about self-awareness, emotional awareness, and the inner work that shapes authentic leadership. Drawing from the principles behind his book Wisdom in the Wound , Tony shares how prolonged stress has a way of turning small cracks into canyons, and how exploring those canyons with curiosity is the path to to wisdom, healthier relationships, and more intentional leadership. Together, we explore: How our wounds shape the way we lead, communicate, and respond under pressure. Why feelings are "decision points, not decision makers." The Emotional Intensity Scale and Tony's practical "above a six" framework for increasing self-awareness. How emotional awareness influences workplace culture, trust, and leadership effectiveness. The role of values, disciplines, and intentional habits in leading with consistency. Why grace begins with curiosity and empathy for both ourselves and others. Whether you lead an organization, a team, your family, or simply want to better understand yourself, this discussion offers practical tools and meaningful reflection to help you respond with greater intention, strengthen your relationships, and cultivate a healthier culture from the inside out. Continue the conversation by visiting Tony's website , exploring the Emotional Intensity Scale , or reading Wisdom in the Wound . Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

July 10, 202652 min

EP31 – The Water We Swim In: Creating a Culture of Love with Laura Putnam

The culture we create is the water we all swim in. Just as healthy fish need healthy water to thrive, people flourish in environments rooted in love, belonging, and genuine care. In this episode, we're joined by Laura Putnam , workplace wellbeing expert, author of Workplace Wellness That Works , CEO of Motion Infusion , and Cofounder of Upli . Drawing on her experience working with more than 500 organizations, Laura explores the critical role leaders play in shaping workplace culture and why the daily experiences of employees matter far more than any wellness program ever could. Laura explains why we're "creatures of culture" more than creatures of habit, how managers influence employee wellbeing, engagement, and performance, and why small, intentional leadership behaviors have the power to transform an entire team. Through memorable stories, practical leadership insights, and her simple Multiplier Method—Do. Speak. Create.—she offers a practical framework for helping people feel supported, connected, and equipped to do their best work. In this episode, we discuss: Why culture matters more than wellness perks The "fish and water" analogy for organizational culture Love, belonging, and workplace performance Why managers have an outsized impact on wellbeing The Multiplier Method: Do. Speak. Create. Managing energy through restoration instead of burnout Small leadership habits that create lasting cultural change Whether you lead an organization, manage a team, or simply want to make a positive impact on the people around you, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the culture we create shapes the lives we live. Continue the conversation by connecting with Laura on LinkedIn , visiting her website , or reading Workplace Wellness That Works . Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

July 1, 202648 min

EP30 – Energy is Contagious: Building Awareness that Leads to Change with Douglas Herbert

In this episode, we sit down with Douglas Herbert, founder of CoreShift and creator of Work Day Awareness®, a framework designed to help leaders and organizations better understand how energy, mindset, and participation influence workplace culture. Douglas challenges traditional approaches to engagement and productivity by exploring a simple but powerful idea: awareness leads to change. Together, we discuss why energy is contagious , how leaders and teams can move beyond external accountability alone and build greater awareness, ownership, and intentionality, and what happens when individuals become more deliberate about how they show up at work each day. Douglas shares practical insights on creating better conversations, building trust, recognizing disengagement before it becomes a larger problem, and fostering cultures where people feel connected to purpose and contribution. Whether you're leading a team, influencing culture, or simply reflecting on your own work experience, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the role awareness plays in creating meaningful and lasting change. Connect with Douglas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-herbert/ Subscribe to The Energy Shift Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-energy-shift-7331147985143164929/ Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

May 11, 202647 min

EP29 – Your Why Matters: Reflection, Gratitude & Purpose

Description: A quick note: This episode was recorded earlier and comes from our archives. You may hear references to preparing for 2025, but the insights on reflection, gratitude, and purpose remain timeless. What if the mess in your life is trying to teach you something? In this episode we explore how reflection helps us slow down, learn from what feels messy, and reconnect with what matters most. We unpack the importance of understanding your why, examining where your motivation truly comes from, and why external pressure rarely creates lasting results. Wendy also shares her practical STOP Model —Self-Care, Think About Your Thinking, Oasis, and Progress Over Perfection—as a framework for pausing and realigning. Through honest stories and practical wisdom, we reflect on “cleaning your garage,” sitting with discomfort, practicing gratitude, and making the small mindset shifts that lead to sustainable change. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from purpose, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and begin again. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

December 9, 202548 min

EP27 – You Are Not Alone: A Raw Conversation on Grief and Mental Health

In this deeply personal episode, Wendy opens up about her mental health journey and the emotional weight approaching the anniversary of her former husband’s passing. What unfolds is an honest, unfiltered conversation about grief, trauma, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to ask for help, whether you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts or simply carrying more than you’ve let others see while trying to be “the strong one.” Karen, Scott and Wendy reflect on how trauma lives in the body, how seasons of heaviness can resurface unexpectedly, and why community, empathy, boundaries, and self-compassion matter now more than ever. If you’re navigating a hard season or supporting someone who is, remember that your struggles don’t make you weak and you never have to face them alone. If you’re in need of support, these FREE (and confidential) resources are available 24/7 to help: 988 Crisis Lifeline: Visit https://988lifeline.org/ or call or text 988 for free, confidential support. Veterans press 1 after dialing. Postpartum Support: Visit https://postpartum.net/get-help/ or call 1-800-944-4773 LGBTQ+ Support: Visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/ or call 1-866-488-7386 Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

September 17, 202556 min

EP26 - The Score That Really Matters: Ryan Hawk on Truth, Tenacity & Curiosity

What does it really take to lead with impact? In this episode, Ryan Hawk —former college quarterback, bestselling author, and host of The Learning Leader Show —joins us for a rich, real conversation on the values that shape great leaders from the inside out. We explore the power of curiosity, the importance of modeling the behavior you hope to see, and why consistency, truth-telling, and doing hard things matter more now than ever. From family legacy to company culture, Ryan opens up about the moments, mindsets, and mentors that have shaped his leadership path—and why culture always starts within. Whether you're a parent, an executive, or someone navigating your own purpose, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with more clarity, intention, and truth. Chapters: 00:00 — From Dayton Roots to Learning Leader 06:13 — Obsession Over Luck: Building a Life Around What Matters 10:45 — Consistency Modeled: Lessons from Ryan’s Dad 18:39 — Children Imitate More Than They Listen 23:07 — Say What’s True: Psychological Safety and Real Culture 34:54 — The Power of Deep Curiosity 49:27 — Doing What You’re Meant To Do 53:09 — Build What You’re Obsessed With Connect with Ryan: https://learningleader.com/ Get Ryan’s latest book, The Score That Matters : https://learningleader.com/the-score-that-matters/ Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com

June 25, 202541 min

EP28 – Grief and Joy: Learning to Let them Coexist

Why do grief and joy often show up at the same time? How do we hold both emotions without minimizing one or rushing past the other? In this episode, we explore what it means to sit with grief and joy simultaneously and why real growth happens in the “and,” not in choosing sides. At some point in life, we all face a universal human truth: hard things and good things often happen at the same time. Disappointment and gratitude. Fear and hope. Exhaustion and love. Instead of trying to fix what we feel, we ask what it looks like to stay present long enough to learn from it. Together, we talk about: Why sitting in the mess builds emotional resilience The difference between emotional data and self-judgment How performance and self-worth intertwine What it costs us to avoid what we’re feeling A simple way to separate what we can control from what we can’t What your younger self might still need from you This conversation is honest and unscripted. It’s about being real when life feels heavy. It’s about giving yourself space and grace. It’s about moving through difficulty — not around it. Because unless we can sit in our own grief and joy, we can’t fully show up for others. Sometimes, meeting ourselves in the “and” is the most courageous thing we do. Ask questions and share feedback with us HERE . Interested in hearing from a specific guest on our podcast? Feel free to share with us HERE . Connect with your Culture Insiders: cultureisaninsidejob@gmail.com