Culture Crush Business LLC

The Importance of Mental Health Programs and “Banning the Box” When it Comes to Company Culture E21

January 18, 2022

We knew going into it, that this show was going to be impactul, and it was exactly that. Both Brad and Michelle have amazing backgrounds that have led them to where they are today. When you listen to the podcast, be ready to pull out a map to track Brad’s amazing background and upbringing, and then you’ll be astonished to hear the longevity and growth that Michelle has had with Televerde.


These two have the passion for supporting the growth of purpose driven companies in two areas that overlap through the entire conversation. The topics of mental health programs and supporting the growth opportunities for incarcerated women were the strong threads through the conversation.


While talking about growing a purpose driven business it is important to also mention the importance of profit at that level as well. People, purpose, and profit can all thrive and grow at the same strong level. This is a principle that both Michelle and Kindra are familiar with through their work and alignment with Conscious Capitalism.


This podcast is a great one for leaders to listen to. It is important to hear and understand the need for mental health programs to support employees. This is not a new topic but a topic that companies are not familiar with talking about, and they need to get over it. When it comes to the topic of diversity and inclusion, then the conversation of hiring previously incarcerated men and women in the workplace should be part of the conversation or companies are not truly hiring in a fully inclusive manner.

Iron Mountain Data Centers

This conversation was deep, honest, passionate, eye opening, and important to share.


In the words of Brad’s amazing late mother, “ The well being of everyone is dependent on the well being of everyone.”


Culture Mindful is a workforce culture nurture and growth mindset coaching platform. Their future of work digital platform is designed upon proven methods to boost workforce performance, mental well-being, build team resiliency and nurture inspired teams.

Brad Kewalramani

Brad Kewalramani is the Founder of Culture Mindful. He has a professional background in Talent, Culture & Employee Experience.


He spent the first decade of his career in the recruitment and staffing agency space, was then headhunted for a leadership role in the home owner association management space, and most recently moved in to the space of office coffee services because he was fascinated to learn that companies justify the spend of money on coffee and snacks for culture.


He is now on a mission to assist organizations cultivate culture mindful workplaces that supports performance and mental well-being.


Connect with Brad on LinkedIn and follow Culture Mindful on Instagram.

Michelle Cirocco

Michelle Cirocco is Chief Social Responsibility Officer for Televerde and the Executive Director of Televerde Foundation. She joined Televerde in 1999 and has held several leadership positions including Chief Marketing Officer.


Michelle was recently named one of the World-Changing Women in Conscious Business by Conscious Company magazine. Her journey of transformation was also featured by Forbes in a two-part interview. Michelle is a strong customer champion with a tireless commitment to using business as a force for good.


Michelle earned her MBA from Arizona State University where she also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Center for Services Leadership. She holds multiple certifications from SiriusDecisions. Michelle is an avid TED fan and organized and hosted TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional, the first TEDx to be held in an Arizona prison. The event looked behind the curtain of incarceration to show the potential that exists in providing second chances.


Michelle dedicates a significant amount of her free time giving back to her local community by volunteering for the Phoenix Rescue Mission and Athena International. She is a member of the National Association of Female Executives and MBA Women International.

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn and Twitter, and follow Televerde on LinkedInFacebookTwitter and Instagram and the Televerde Foundation on LinkedInFacebookTwitter and Instagram.


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Show More
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In this insightful episode of the Culture Crush Business podcast, the concept of culture is explored from various perspectives. Kindra Maples, sets the tone by defining culture as the shared rhythm and essence that emerges when people come together, emphasizing its pervasive influence across all aspects of life. Guests Stephen Smith and Jay Rayhons contribute their experiences in sports and business, discussing the importance of understanding and defining one's culture. The conversation deepens as Jay Rayhons shares his approach to financial work, prioritizing understanding clients' personal goals and values before delving into financial details. This emphasis on recognizing deeper values beyond monetary concerns is connected to leadership and organizational culture. The discussion expands with insights from Stephen Smith on maintaining strong connections within remote or hybrid teams, emphasizing proximity, time, and energy investment. Consistency in leadership is highlighted, drawing parallels to military training and the Ooda loop. Trust within organizations is explored, with mentions of the "Trust Factor" book and its O-factor assessment tool. The episode concludes with the guests encouraging listeners to seek the good in others, contributing positively to organizational culture. The importance of genuine inclusivity, openness, and ongoing improvement is emphasized, providing a holistic exploration of culture in the business context. A few books that were talked about in the conversation: Trust Factor: The Science of Creating High-Performance Companies by Paul J. Zak Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by General Stanley McChrystal , Tantum Collins Creativity, Inc. (The Expanded Edition): Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson and Hugh Delehanty Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin A few finals thoughts to take from the conversation:  Know yourself and include others on the journey. Look for the good in someone and you will find it.
December 12, 2023
This Podcast Episode is on “from the vault.” This episode has a very personal side and connection for Kindra and her guest, Jean Brunson. In this podcast episode, Kindra dives into a candid conversation about the evolution of the podcast and its focus on improving company culture. They reflect on how Jean was the one that pushed Kindra towards a more inclusive approach, emphasizing the significance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB). The conversation touches on the challenge of addressing diversity and inclusion in the workplace, acknowledging the reluctance some individuals may have in expressing their feelings or concerns due to fear of repercussions. The hosts highlight the need for safe spaces to have open conversations about diversity, recognizing the unique struggles faced by different communities. As the discussion weaves through personal experiences and the impact of diversity in various settings, it emphasizes the multifaceted nature of company culture. They share insights on how the podcast evolved to embrace a broader definition of company culture, extending beyond big corporations to encompass small businesses and diverse groups. The episode also delves into the significance of Juneteenth, tying it to the broader conversation on diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The hosts discuss the recent federal recognition of Juneteenth as a holiday and reflect on the importance of acknowledging historical events that have shaped the experiences of black communities. Throughout the episode, there is an emphasis on the power of conversations, the importance of listening, and the need to create spaces where diverse voices can be heard. Kindra and Jean share their personal growth through this journey, illustrating the transformative impact of intentional efforts to embrace diversity and foster inclusivity in both professional and personal spheres. Thank you Jean Brunson for your contribution to the growth of the Culture Crush Business and Podcast.
November 20, 2023
In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Lindsay, a seasoned leader with almost 17 years of dedicated service at Desert Financial Credit Union, and Nikki, a passionate advocate for employee engagement and the driving force behind PeopleForward Network. This conversation, as the others that we have, was open, authentic and natural. The conversation led to examples of both companies leading in a human centered and people focused direction.  Lindsay highlighted the importance Desert Financial places on employee satisfaction and creating a workplace culture that empowers and values its staff. This commitment translates into exceptional service for members, where every interaction is more than a transaction. The organization focuses on connection, community, and service to others. Nikki, from PeopleForward Network, provided insights into their mission of sharing resources and insights with a global community of people-first minded leaders. From podcast production to growth consulting, PeopleForward Network collaborates with partners to make a meaningful impact on business development and marketing. These women are making waves in their industries in order to build companies with great cultures. If you are looking for examples, stories, and support for growing your company culture, then this is an episode for you to listen to.
October 27, 2023
In the modern business landscape, a company’s culture is not just an internal matter. It has evolved into a valuable asset that can significantly impact a company’s success and reputation. We know this! However, having a fantastic company culture is not enough. It’s equally crucial to communicate this culture to the broader community and potential partners. One effective way to achieve this is by partnering with experts that specialize in marketing and telling the story of your company’s exceptional culture, such as achieving recognition as one of the best places to work. Having an outstanding company culture is a remarkable achievement in itself, but it’s not enough if it remains hidden within the walls of your organization. To truly reap the benefits of a great culture, you must share it with your community, industry peers, and potential partners. Many companies face the challenge of being the best-kept secret in terms of culture because they don’t proactively communicate their strengths. We had the chance to highlight two amazing ladies from BestCompaniesAZ to talk about the importance of company culture, the benefits of telling the story of company culture, and discussing the work that led them to this space to help shine the light on other companies. BestCompaniesAZ has the expertise to craft compelling narratives around your culture, highlighting what makes your company unique and showcasing the human side of your organization. They are the cheerleaders that you didn’t know you needed! When potential partners and clients hear stories about your great company culture, they are more likely to view your organization as a desirable partner and provider of goods or services. So let’s start telling more stories about great culture! Are you a company interested in sharing the remarkable story of your outstanding corporate culture? Are you a business seeking to demonstrate to the community just how exceptional your company culture is? Do you specialize in conducting employee engagement surveys that reveal the excellence of your company’s culture?  Are you in search of the perfect awards to highlight and elevate the narrative of your company’s culture? Well, then you should listen to this episode!!!
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