The People Dividend Podcast

Hosted by Mike Horne, Ph.D

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Episodes

261

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The People Dividend Podcast, a platform where meaningful dialogues, diverse perspectives, and inspiring stories come together to redefine the world of human capital. Every week, we sit down with industry experts, thought leaders and innovative professionals across various sectors to discuss the most pressing issues concerning people and work. Our goal is to change the narrative of business, emphasizing that people are not just resources but the most valuable assets who drive growth, innovation, and success.

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60 recent

September 8, 2026Episode 13520 min

Episode 135: Why Strategy Fails Without Execution Discipline

In this week's episode, host Mike Horne sits down with Founder & CEO of Miller Advisory Partners, Jason Miller, to explore how organizational success hinges not on strategy alone, but on effective execution. Jason shares practical insights, system designs, and leadership behaviors that drive consistent performance and sustainable results. Key Points: Many organizations mistakenly believe they have a strategy problem when, in fact, they face challenges with execution. Execution drift, decision friction, and accountability variability are significant barriers to achieving optimal performance. The "execution gap" is a critical concept that highlights the financial impact of poor execution on businesses. Changing and reinforcing leadership behavior is essential for achieving desired results. Small, continuous "one-degree redirects" are crucial for maintaining long-term alignment within an organization. Links: Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike Learn More about Jason Miller: linkedin.com/in/jrmiller21

September 1, 2026Episode 13423 min

Episode 134: Calm Authority: Leading Without Adding to the Noise

In this week's episode, host Mike Horne explores how leaders can thrive amidst rapid change, ambiguity, and emotional turbulence. He emphasizes the importance of "calm authority"—a leadership style grounded in judgment, steadiness, and humanity—to create environments where people can perform their best despite uncertainty. Key Points: Leadership is shifting from a focus on activity to a focus on judgment and environmental influence. Traditional leadership qualities can fall short in modern complexity. "Calm Authority" offers a disciplined and intentional approach to leadership. Leaders' emotional states influence the organizational climate. Leaders must create clarity even when the future is uncertain. Trust and effective conditions help teams perform at their best. The environment shapes both leadership behavior and organizational culture. Judgment, discernment, humility, and curiosity are qualities that cannot be outsourced. Links: Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

August 25, 2026Episode 13311 min

Episode 133: REPLAY: 2026 Trends: Unlocking the People Dividend in Leadership and Culture

In this week's episode, we're revisiting the inaugural episode of Season 10 of People Dividend Podcast as well as the 100th episode of the show, Episode 100: 2026 Trends Unlocking the People Dividend in Leadership and Culture. The topics discussed by host Mike Horne such as the critical role of people in driving growth, innovation, and success are still extremely relevant as we approach the end of 2026. He emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven leadership, the shift from engagement to belonging, and the evolution of leadership development in a hybrid work environment. Mike calls for organizations to invest in their people and create cultures that foster thriving, innovation, and meaningful connections. Key Points: People are the dividend that keeps paying off, as investing in people leads to greater organizational success. Purpose-driven leadership is essential in 2026 as employees increasingly demand leaders who create meaning and inspire action. Leadership development focuses on self-awareness and emotional agility. Ensuring psychological safety is crucial in creating belonging, which in turn enhances innovation and collaboration. Links: Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

August 18, 2026Episode 13225 min

Episode 132: REPLAY: From Struggle to Strength: Lessons in Leadership

This week, we're revisiting Episode 91: From Struggle to Strength: Lessons in Leadership with leadership development expert Therese Miclot. Host Mike Horne sat down with Therese to uncover what it really takes to lead with authenticity in today's fast-changing world. Their discussions on how today's most effective leaders navigate self-doubt, embrace empathy, and develop the emotional intelligence needed to guide teams through uncertainty and change is still pertinent. From overcoming imposter syndrome to mastering facilitation skills, this episode is packed with practical leadership insights you can apply right away. Whether you're an executive, team leader, or aspiring manager, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone serious about authentic leadership, resilience, and growth-focused communication. Key Takeaways: Leadership is about people, not power or process. Empathy and clarity are critical for building trust and driving performance. Great leaders ask better questions and stay curious. Facilitation skills help leaders support teams through complex change. Managing your inner voice is step one to leading others effectively. Links: Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike Learn More about Therese Miclot https://www.theresemiclot.com/

August 11, 2026Episode 13121 min

Episode 131: REPLAY: Lessons from the Congo Basin: Transforming Leadership

In this week's episode of The People Dividend podcast, we're revisiting Episode 93: Lessons from the Congo Basin: Transforming Leadership with Maria Brinck. Leadership is often discussed in terms of tools and techniques, but this conversation reminds us that perspective matters just as much. Maria shares lessons from her work and travels that challenge conventional leadership thinking, exploring the power of a strengths-based approach, authentic engagement, and the wisdom found in indigenous leadership traditions. It's a timely reminder that great leadership starts with self-awareness and creating environments where people and ideas can thrive. Key Points: Leadership must shift from traditional models to human-centered approaches to meet modern challenges. Indigenous leadership principles offer valuable lessons for inspiring and guiding modern organizations. Understanding your core values, purpose, and strengths is essential for effective leadership. Fostering diversity of thought is crucial for enhancing innovation and improving decision-making. Balancing feminine and masculine energies can lead to more effective leadership. Leading with authenticity and purpose is a journey that can start today. Links: Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike Learn More about Maria Brinck https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabrinck/ https://www.mariabrinck.com/

August 4, 2026Episode 13032 min

Episode 130: REPLAY: Feeling Unfulfilled at Work? Here's What to Do

In this week's episode, we're revisiting Episode 86: Feeling Unfulfilled at Work? Here's What to Do with career coach Michelle Schafer. This conversation remains as relevant as ever. We often think fulfillment is a personal issue, but it is also shaped by the organizations we work in. Leadership, culture, growth opportunities, and purpose all play a role in how fulfilled we feel at work. Whether you're considering a career change, exploring new opportunities, or redefining success on your own terms, Michelle shares practical insights to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Key Takeaways: - Organizational culture plays a pivotal role in shaping individual fulfillment and overall job satisfaction. - Employee disconnection impacts team productivity and has broader implications for company performance. - Understanding the 'why' behind work is essential for both employees and employers in achieving meaningful outcomes. - Personal fulfillment is a powerful driver of engagement and retention, contributing to a thriving workplace environment. - The organizational consequences of employee disengagement highlight the importance of addressing these challenges proactively. Links: Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike Learn More about Michelle Schafer: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/

July 28, 2026Episode 12911 min

Episode 129: The Ideas That Still Shape Leadership

In this episode, host Mike Horne reflects on recurring themes that shape effective leadership and organizational performance. Drawing from conversations with diverse industry leaders, he highlights critical insights on organizational drift, the importance of trust, and managing growth in complex environments, emphasizing practical takeaways for leaders aiming to foster resilient, high-performing teams. Key Points: Organizations often drift before any noticeable decline, making it crucial for leaders to recognize early warning signs. Trust plays a vital role in enhancing operational performance and should be considered a key performance variable, not just a cultural element. Scaling and managing complexity present significant challenges, requiring intentional systems and effective communication. Clarity and accountability are essential for driving successful execution within organizations. Leading through uncertainty and rapid change demands providing clarity amid ambiguity to maintain direction and focus. Links: Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

July 21, 2026Episode 12821 min

Episode 128: Inclusion Doesn't Drive Results—Until It Changes Decisions

In this episode, host Mike Horne talks with returning guest Norm Jones, CEO of Integrated Diversity, about how organizations can move beyond surface-level diversity metrics to create truly inclusive cultures that drive performance and sustainability. Discover actionable strategies to embed DEI into core business processes and decision-making. Key Points: Organizations often misunderstand diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and how it enhances core work. It is crucial to integrate DEI into organizational strategy rather than treating it as peripheral or separate initiatives. Focusing solely on demographic representation can hinder real inclusion and cultural shifts. Diverse perspectives have the transformative power to enhance organizational culture and innovation. Inclusion should be viewed as a journey rather than a static goal, emphasizing ongoing reflection and adaptation. Leaders can take immediate actions, such as fostering conversations about wants and needs at work, to strengthen relationships and performance. Links: Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike Learn More about Norm Jones: https://www.normjonesphd.com/ integrateddiversity.org

July 14, 2026Episode 12722 min

Episode 127: Leadership and Performance: Why Teams Avoid Conflict—and Pay for It

In this episode, host Mike Horne talks with leadership expert Liane Davey about how organizations can overcome common team dysfunctions such as conflict avoidance, misalignment, and the impact of thought load on performance. Discover practical strategies for fostering healthy conflict, clear decision-making, and achieving true alignment within teams. Key Points: Most organizational issues stem from alignment problems, not talent deficiency. Teams often avoid conflict, which can significantly hamper their performance. Understanding the difference between productive tension and friction is essential in managing team conflicts. Leaders should focus on three pillars: activity, output, and outcome. Conflict debt can develop over time, leading to costly impacts on teams. Clear roles and obligations to engage in conflict are necessary for effective deliberation. Links: Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike Learn More about Liane Davey: linkedin.com/in/lianedavey lianedavey.com

July 7, 2026Episode 12621 min

Episode 126: Leadership and Performance: Why Behavior Is the Real Driver

In this episode, host Mike Horne is joined by psychologist and human behavior expert Pete Sacco to explore how understanding behavior unlocks organizational performance. They dive into the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and aligning culture with authentic actions to foster a thriving workplace. Key Points: Control perceptions significantly shape leadership and organizational culture. Distinguishing intention from behavior is crucial for effective organizational dynamics. AI profoundly impacts decision-making and enhances human discernment. Leaders can enhance behavior and culture by leveraging practical strategies like the power of pause. Conscious awareness and neuroplasticity are essential for effective behavior change. Navigating organizational currents effectively requires going with the flow rather than resisting it. Links: Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, LinkedIn Mike's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike Learn More about Pete Sacco: linkedin.com/in/petertsacco petesacco.com