Culture is an Inside Job

Hosted by Karen Benoy, Scott McGohan, Wendy Roop

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Latest episode

May 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

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29 recent

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 1-800-944-4773LGBTQ+ Support: Visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/ or call 1-866-488-7386Ask 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 Leader06:13 — Obsession Over Luck: Building a Life Around What Matters10:45 — Consistency Modeled: Lessons from Ryan’s Dad18:39 — Children Imitate More Than They Listen23:07 — Say What’s True: Psychological Safety and Real Culture34:54 — The Power of Deep Curiosity49:27 — Doing What You’re Meant To Do53:09 — Build What You’re Obsessed WithConnect 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 resilienceThe difference between emotional data and self-judgmentHow performance and self-worth intertwineWhat it costs us to avoid what we’re feelingA simple way to separate what we can control from what we can’tWhat your younger self might still need from youThis 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

April 24, 2025Episode 2554 min

EP25 - From Marine to Mentor: Mike Ettore on Leading with Service and Trust

In this powerful interview, Mike Ettore—retired Marine Corps officer, former C-level executive, and leadership coach—shares the timeless principles that define truly great leadership. Drawing from over 50 years of experience, Mike reveals how humility, vulnerability, and trust aren’t signs of weakness, but the foundation of effective, service-oriented leadership. Whether leading Marines in combat or corporate teams in crisis, his core philosophy remains the same: leaders exist to serve those they lead.Mike reflects on his "leadership epiphany"—the realization that you don’t need all the answers to lead well. Instead, asking the right questions, creating space for others to contribute, and building a strong culture are what elevate teams from mediocre to exceptional. From transforming a struggling IT department with zero technical experience to writing daily for his grandchildren’s grandchildren, Mike’s approach blends practical wisdom with a clear and lasting vision of leadership impact.Learn more about Mike’s work at: www.fidelisleadership.comFind his leadership books on Amazon.Listen and subscribe to the Fidelis Leadership Podcast on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.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

February 6, 202552 min

EP24 - The Power of Presence: Lisa Arie on Leadership, Horses & Finding Truth

Lisa Arie joins us for an extraordinary conversation on resilience, transformation, and the power of leading with love. Once faced with a terminal illness, Lisa redefined her life’s purpose—trading corporate success for deep self-discovery. Her journey led her to horses, where she uncovered profound lessons in presence, courage, and authentic connection.Through her work at Vista Caballo, Lisa helps leaders embrace their true nature, break free from fear, and step into a more conscious way of living. In this episode, she shares how personal transformation fuels cultural impact and challenges us to ask: What if love—not fear—was our guiding truth?Learn more about Lisa's work at Vista Caballo: https://vistacaballo.com/ or get in touch with Lisa at lisa@vistacaballo.com.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 20, 202447 min

EP23 - Space, Grace & Kindness: Wendy's Guiding Principles

Explore the transformative journey of Wendy Roop, whose life embodies the power of self-love, kindness, and the strength of culture built from within. Wendy shares her story of growing up in a tight-knit family rooted in traditional values, which set the foundation for her career and personal growth. From her childhood dreams to an impactful career in HR, and ultimately stepping into her role as an executive coach, Wendy’s path is a testament to trusting oneself and embracing life’s pivots.In this episode, Wendy dives into the pivotal lessons she’s learned, including her powerful STOP method—self-care, thinking about your thoughts, finding an oasis, and embracing progress over perfection. Wendy emphasizes the importance of giving ourselves "space and grace" to reflect, grow, and show up authentically in our lives and work.Through her experiences navigating career transitions, facing personal loss, and becoming a full-time coach, Wendy highlights the power of kindness—not just to others but to ourselves. With her undefeated optimism, she inspires listeners to lead with vulnerability, challenge their inner critics, and trust the process of becoming their best selves.Whether you’re looking to lead more effectively, create a healthier culture, or simply embrace more kindness in your daily life, Wendy’s story will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and ready to take the next step.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 4, 2024Episode 2240 min

EP22 - From Values to Vision: How Karen Helps Leaders Thrive

What if uncovering your core values could be the key to navigating life's toughest challenges?In this part 2 episode, Karen Benoy Preston, a passionate advocate for values work, returns to share her transformative insights on the power of understanding one's true values. She guides us through the process of peeling back the layers of our beliefs, distinguishing truths from fears, and making authentic decisions in both personal and professional realms.Karen emphasizes the vital role a coach plays in this journey, helping individuals move away from borrowed values and toward their genuine core. Together, we explore the importance of self-love as a foundation for loving others and discuss how externalizing our thoughts can bring clarity and reduce mental clutter. Listen in to learn how articulating and aligning your values can pave the way for personal growth and cultural transformation.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

November 13, 202446 min

EP21 - Pause, Pivot, Pioneer: Karen's Path from Corporate to Coaching

In Part 1 of this special two-part series, we spotlight our co-host, Karen Benoy Preston, and uncover the personal and professional journey that shaped her path to coaching. Raised in North Carolina on dirt bikes and go-karts and rooted in an adventurous spirit, Karen’s early experiences fostered a sense of resilience and independence that continue to guide her today. We explore how the disconnect she felt in the corporate world led her to seek purpose and authenticity in her work, ultimately finding her calling as a coach.From navigating corporate rigidity to working with an empowering mentor in a boutique brokerage, Karen’s story highlights the transformative impact of aligning personal values with professional goals. Join us as Karen reflects on her journey, sharing pivotal moments, insights into the power of trust, and the “pause, pivot, and pioneer” mindset that helped her blaze new trails. This episode is an inspiring look at how personal growth and values-driven leadership intersect, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with courage, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose.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 29, 202429 min

EP20 - Coming Full Circle: Observe, Reflect, Discuss

Could revisiting your childhood passions be the key to bringing more fulfillment to your daily routines, both in life and at work? Join us on our 20th episode milestone as we explore the power of gratitude, not just for grand gestures but for the little comforts that make life sweeter.We dive into the concept of "ikigai"—your reason for being—and discover how reigniting your lost passions can blur the lines between work and play, making every day more rewarding. We tackle generational clashes in the workplace and examine how younger generations’ quest for authenticity contrasts with older generations' more traditional values. Through our own stories and the idea of the learning circle, we emphasize the importance of intergenerational understanding and disciplined personal growth.Struggling with breaking old habits? Whether it’s quitting a 25-year nicotine addiction or managing emotional outbursts, this episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and accountability. Join us and explore how to resolve conflicts and reduce defensiveness to build healthier and more productive relationships across all age groups. When we challenge old patterns of thinking and embrace authenticity, we can unlock our potential.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