What if the real reason workplace engagement hasn't budged in 30 years is because we've made leadership too complicated?

In this kickoff to a powerful new content partnership, Nikki introduces Dr. Ryan Darby, organizational psychologist, leadership simplifier, and founder of WorkStrong. Ryan's not here for hype. He's here for habits. Drawing from his deep experience with 34Strong and years of leading large-scale engagement work, Ryan shares why most leadership development fails, and how a simpler, more actionable approach can finally move the needle.

You'll hear the backstory of Work Strong's creation, rooted in real gaps spotted inside thriving companies. You'll also get a sneak peek into the upcoming "Work Doesn't Work (Anymore)" series and why Ryan believes the future of leadership lies in emotional regulation, discipline, and better listening, not more content.

This one's a rally cry for people-first leaders ready to stop admiring the problem and start doing what actually works.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Dr. Ryan Darby on LinkedIn

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Nikki's Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is a skill, not a knowledge dump.
• Engagement won't shift without habit-driven systems.
• Listening is thinking. Learn how your brain hears.
• Simplify leadership: action over theory.
• Good leadership demands emotional regulation and resilience.

What if your biggest redesign obstacle isn't strategy, but silence?

Katherine sits down with Rebecca Ellis, Principal at AlignOrg Solutions, to explore why so many organizational changes fall flat, and what great leaders do differently. With decades of experience guiding Fortune 500s through complex transformations, Rebecca shares actionable insights on what makes change stick: clarity, communication, and courage.

They dive deep into why 70% of redesigns fail, how to become a "clarity crusader," and why passive leadership erodes trust. From tackling AI's role in restructuring to the neuroscience behind timing your message, this episode is a masterclass in navigating organizational change while honoring people and culture.

Whether you're leading a full-blown redesign or shifting your team's strategy, this conversation will help you move from resistance to results with empathy at the core.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn

Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn

Learn more about Borshoff

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

• Clarity is kindness, especially during organizational change.
• Adoption matters more than just great solutions.
• Leaders must actively shape, not just approve, change.
• Communication must be consistent, intentional, and human.
• Celebrate progress to build momentum and trust.

What if the key to transforming data into real change isn't more dashboards, but better storytelling? 📚

Nikki welcomes Kaitlin Henze, a passionate data storytelling strategist from storytelling with data. Kaitlin helps leaders simplify complexity, turning charts into conversations and numbers into narratives that inspire action.

Together, they explore why traditional reports fall flat, how to visualize data so humans actually care, and how storytelling bridges the gap between information and impact. Kaitlin also shares her heart behind launching data literacy programs for kids and the mission of building the next generation of data-minded leaders through creativity and color.

Whether you're overwhelmed by metrics or inspired to connect data with meaning, this episode will reframe the way you communicate your insights, and remind you that data done right moves people.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Kaitlin on LinkedIn

Learn more about storytelling with data

Get the book "Storytelling with Data"

Learn more about Daphne Draws Data

Subscribe to storytelling with data on YouTube!

Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Nikki's Key Takeaways:

• Data alone rarely drives action. Storytelling does.
• Simplicity and clarity are powerful visualization tools.
• Understand your audience before presenting any data.
• Storyboarding transforms how insights are structured.
• Kids need data literacy to thrive in a digital world.