Culture Crush Business LLC

Your Resources, Messaging, and Buy-in that Grows Company Culture E23

March 17, 2022

On the podcast, we love matching a great company with a company or individual that supports company culture. This time we went the route of just focusing on resources to help improve company culture. Stephanie and Larry both dedicate their careers to supporting companies to improve their company culture and they do so both in person and virtually around the world!


When it comes to improving company culture and finding the right person to help (either Larry or Stephanie possibly?) it all starts at the same place- the CEO and leadership HAS to WANT to improve the company culture. Ask the CEO what they want and this will help lead the conversation so they realize that improving company culture is at the root of all of their answers.

They want to make more money? Well, their staff can help increase sales.


They want less turnover? Well, taking care of your staff that are already with the company can help that.


Once you have the leader on board, there are a few first steps on where to look to start improving the company culture;


  • How diverse and inclusive is the company?
  • Is there a purpose in the company that the employees can stand behind?
  • How is the communication within the company?
  • Is it a physiologically safe place for conversation?
  • These are just a few of the first places to look.


Not only did the conversion talk through many of the areas of improvement for companies when they first decide to focus on improving their culture, but it also included some tidbits and takeaways for the listeners as well. Here are just a few to give you an idea, but you really should just listen to the podcast to get the full context on these tips for growing your company culture.


  • Get over yourself.
  • What is the message that you (as the leader) are sending without words.
  • Get a vision and live it.
  • Develop a culture of learning.



Larry and Stephanie are great resources to help leaders improve their company culture. Larry does so through understanding the brain’s role in accelerated performance and coaching leaders through his knowledge and experience Stephanie is an amazing resource and “jacqueline of all trades” when it comes to company support and the use of her Company Culture game (a game which can be played both in person and virtually). These two resources are great for growing your company culture BUT they also gave plenty of tips in the podcast that a listener can grab on to first!

Fasturtle
Stephanie Angelo

Stephanie Angelo works with organizations that want to create a great Company Culture to outlive, outlast and outperform their competition.


With her training, speaking and consulting she helps her clients develop strong cultures by establishing customized in-house programs to create Traction not Transaction™ which helps employees do better on their jobs, decrease turnover and create a high engagement organizations.


In 2020 Stephanie invented the popular board game Company Culture – a Game of Workplace Traction not Transaction® which is an exclusive element in her company culture workshops in analog and digital versions.


Clients include companies like CopperPoint Mutual, Faist GreenTec, Intel and Raytheon and has spoken to numerous conferences and associations such as IFMA and ASIS and SHRM.


Stephanie has been interviewed on all five Phoenix TV channels and has been featured in publications including the Arizona Republic and The Phoenix Business Journal.

Stephanie is an eSpeakers Certified Virtual Presenter, a professional member of National Speakers Association and a member of Society for Human Resource Management. She has served in several leadership roles.


In 2014 she co-created the first-ever board game to address domestic violence – OUTrage™ – A Game to Recognize and Change Abusive Behavior. Stephanie cowrote the true-crime memoir, Serrated, and has spoken all across the U.S. and in Europe. She has won several awards for her work.


Connect with Stephanie on LinkedInFacebookTwitter and Instagram.

Muscular Moving Men

Aperneo is an AN ACHIEVEMENT ACCELERATION COMPANY. Since 99% of people think about what’s ever on their mind and less than 1% know how they think they are in the ‘know how you think’ business. Providing the knowledge, experience, and education on how the brain processes information thus how we think, creates the small difference that makes all the difference.

By understanding the brain’s role in accelerated performance and capitalizing on the recent scientific breakthroughs of the new brain/result paradigm, Aperneo unleashes one’s innate ability to achieve record-breaking performance while living what most are only seeking.


They evaluate, educate, and establish the desired outcomes to unprecedented performance simply by educating associates on how to change their minds. Their workshops, presentations and one-on-ones create a change in performance literally overnight.


Once the entire organization has the knowledge behind how we think and its impact on performance they provided leadership with the how-to-kit on unleashing the creativity and desire within every empowered associate to accomplish company’s new and bodacious vision by accomplishing their personally driven visions.

Larry Olsen

An advisor to Fortune 500 executives, Larry Olsen has invested the last 40 years researching, adapting, and teaching developments in the field of performance-driven neurology.


As a recognized international speaker, best-selling author, executive coach, and Mindset’s Playbook podcast host, Larry’s expertise is based on the hands-on achievement drawn from professional success within major corporations as well as entrepreneurial businesses.


Larry understands that if an organization is to succeed, its people must come first – no shortcuts, no excuses. He tells us, “It’s not the size of the organization that makes it successful, but rather the size of the vision within each individual that makes or breaks a company.”


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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.
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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!!!
Show More
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In a recent episode of the Culture Crush Business podcast hosted by Kindra Maples, Catherine Mattice, CEO of Civility Partners, and Danielle Pener, Principal Attorney at Alta Employment Law Workplace Investigations, collaborated to illuminate the intricate dynamics of tackling toxic workplace cultures.  Throughout their engaging dialogue, Catherine and Danielle explored the nuances of managing workplace culture, emphasizing the dual challenges of reactive responses to crises and proactive strategies for preventing them. They discussed the triggers prompting organizations to seek their expertise, ranging from public scandals to internal acknowledgments of systemic issues, underscoring the complexity of organizational dynamics. Are you looking for a little more guidance in how to tackle improving culture in a toxic workplace? This is your episode to listen to! Kindra Maples and her guests advocated for a comprehensive approach to workplace culture management, advocating for ethical leadership that prioritizes both employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.
June 25, 2024
On the “Culture Crush Business Podcast,” host Kindra Maples introduces Jonathan Bennett, an executive coach from ClearlyThen Inc., and Amy Looper, CEO of Resilient Growth. They delve into the evolving acceptance of mental health discussions in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of bridging generational gaps in leadership understanding and addressing employee needs.  During the interview, Jonathan and Amy explored the challenges of fostering psychological safety and accountability in organizations. They both acknowledge the resistance from some leaders, who often view these initiatives as peripheral to core business goals. The episode makes it clear that transforming leadership and organizational commitment is essential to creating workplaces where employees feel safe, valued, and motivated to do their best. This is a great episode to listen to if you are interested in the importance of building cultures that are safe and strong.
April 25, 2024
This episode of Culture Crush Business is a real deep dive in the space of building communities that help with growing and positive well being. Kindra deep dives into the journeys of Nathan Coury and Ryan Tomita, two entrepreneurs on a mission to build supportive communities and foster personal growth. Nathan kicks things off by sharing his insights into creating human-centered businesses that prioritize the well-being of employees, leading to remarkable retention rates and minimal staffing challenges. Then, Ryan, the brains behind Middlefinger Mantras, opens up about his struggles with mental health and how they inspired him to create safe spaces for men to find support and empowerment.  As if that wasn’t enough, Nathan and Ryan also get into the nitty-gritty of balancing masculine and feminine energies in business. They stress the importance of collaboration and connection, rather than competition, in creating thriving workplace environments. They tackle the stigma head-on and wrap things up with a powerful call to prioritize mental well-being and reach out for support when needed. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to cultivate a culture of care and growth in their personal and professional lives.
March 20, 2024
This episode of the Culture Crush Business Podcast explores the imperative of fostering inclusive company cultures through a fruitful conversation with Elena Joy Thurston and Gabe Hagen. The discussion underscores the need for inclusive leadership, especially with changing workforce demographics, emphasizing small changes to enhance belonging and engagement.  Additionally, the conversation delves into communication challenges in food service businesses, with Gabe using digital checklists to facilitate staff feedback. Elena advocates for non-binary thinking, emphasizing impact over intent, and both guests stress the importance of vulnerability, learning, and adaptation in creating inclusive work cultures. Overall, the episode emphasizes fostering inclusive cultures in corporate settings to attract diverse talent, focusing on communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.
February 14, 2024
This episode of the Culture Crush Business podcast is a real one- are you ready for it? This conversation includes insightful moments on personal journeys, mental health, and workplace culture. Host Kindra Maples and guest co-host Karen Nowicki dive in with guests Mathew Blades and Eric Brooker, to discuss the power of vulnerability in fostering connections and supporting employees through challenges.  They highlight the importance of initiating difficult conversations, building relationship capital, and creating empathetic workplace cultures. Hear impactful stories, like Eric Brooker’s, illustrating the significance of addressing personal struggles promptly, and gaining insights into navigating high-stakes jobs while prioritizing self-care. Join the conversation to learn how to foster resilience and empathy in your workplace today.
February 5, 2024
In the latest Culture Crush Business Podcast episode, host Kindra Maples and guest co-host James Christensen dive into the dynamic intersection of military culture, personal values, and high-performance leadership with esteemed guests Waldo Waldman and Dan Clark. The conversation weaves through a captivating exploration of resilience, identity, and the pivotal role belief plays in shaping organizational culture.  Dan, drawing from his triumph over paralysis, outlines a three-step approach to nurturing a positive culture—expanded belief, elevated expectations, and empowered behavior. He emphasizes the leader’s crucial role in instilling shared beliefs and fostering transparent communication. Waldo chimes in by stressing the significance of mutual support, admitting mistakes, and aligning with team values. The podcast’s second half delves into the art of professional speaking, emphasizing the importance of customization, embracing discomfort for growth, and the role of vulnerability in ineffective leadership. Dan and Waldo passionately advocate for leaders to connect with all levels of employees, address trust and ego challenges, and embrace a culture of continuous improvement. This riveting and enlightening episode delivers a comprehensive view of leadership, seamlessly weaving together military principles, personal narratives, and actionable advice for fostering a positive and growth-centric organizational culture. There is a take away in here for everyone!!
By Kindra Maples January 23, 2024
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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