Shows
Culture From the HeartScaling Fast by Investing in People and Leadership Influences featuring Chris SundIn this episode of the Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Chris Sund, the President and COO of Uniti Med, GQR Healthcare, and Nebula, where he leads high-growth organizations at the intersection of healthcare staffing and AI-driven talent solutions. Under his leadership, Uniti Med grew 12x in revenue in just two years and earned the #3 ranking on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the Midwest.A Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker and Coach, Chris is passionate about helping leaders build high-performing cultures where people choose...
2026-07-0727 min
Culture From the HeartCreating a Culture of Accountability featuring Josh MastelCulture as the Competitive Advantage: High Standards, Accountability, and WinningIn this episode of the Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Darrell Amy and Larry Levine sit down with Josh Mastel. Josh argues that in competitive markets, culture is the primary differentiator because employee performance sets a company apart. Training and directives aren’t enough without an internal culture of high standards, which enables sustained behavior and “generations” of high performers. They explain that their organization intentionally built a culture of high performance and high acc...
2026-06-3025 min
The Small Business Association of Michigan's Small Business Weekly PodcastBuilding High-Performance Sales Teams Through Analytics and DiagnosticsOn today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Daryn Lawson, an expert with SalesIndex and a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. His organization helps businesses optimize their revenue by applying data-driven diagnostics to the sales process using a specialized three-step methodology involving analysis, coaching, and training. "The analytics give us really a target, call it an MRI or a diagnostic like an auto mechanic would use, to really pinpoint exactly what each person in the sales role does," he says. "The analysis comes from the kind of an assessment that gives us the behavioral psychology and...
2026-06-0912 min
Culture From the HeartCulture in a People-First AI Organization featuring Rob LevinIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Rob Levin, chairman and co-founder of Work Better Now, about building “culture from the heart” through values-led leadership in a fully remote company spanning two continents and 15+ countries. Rob explains that their culture reflects the shared values of the founders, including putting talent first, pursuit of excellence, transparency and integrity, and an ownership mentality, and notes they plan to reexamine values this year. He describes reinforcing values through weekly meetings and peer-nominated “W awards,” plus operational structure via EOS, L10 meetings, KPIs, ro...
2026-05-0528 min
Culture From the HeartBuilding a Remote Culture with Humility, Passion, and Transparency featuring Brian DosalIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Brian Dosal, CEO of Strety, about building culture through authentic leadership, core values, and transparency. Brian defines “culture from the heart” as leaders being their authentic selves so the organization’s culture reflects who they are, and shares his core values—humble, passionate, and good—which he realized were also his personal values. He explains operationalizing values by hiring (and firing) by them, reinforcing them through frequent communication, and using EOS as a shared language. Brian describes Strety’s rally cry to reach 20...
2026-03-1727 min
Culture From the HeartScaling Empathy and Kindness featuring Claude SilverIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX. Claude discusses the principles of 'kind candor' and emotional intelligence, emphasizing the importance of creating a workplace culture rooted in empathy, authenticity, and human connection. She shares personal stories and practical strategies for how leaders can foster an environment where employees feel valued and safe. Claude also introduces her new book, 'Be Yourself At Work,' which offers actionable advice for individuals and teams to cultivate genuine self-awareness and a sense of belonging.
2026-01-2027 min
Culture From the HeartPractical Tools for Heart-Centered Leadership featuring Justin RicklefsIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Justin Ricklefs, the founder and CEO of the Guild Collective. They discuss the importance of incorporating heart-centered leadership within organizations. Justin shares his personal journey of transitioning from a head-focused to a heart-focused leadership style. They explore practical strategies such as curiosity-driven dialogues and structured feedback sessions for understanding employee perspectives. Justin emphasizes the significance of storytelling as a powerful tool for sales and building authentic connections with both employees and customers. The episode highlights actionable advice for leaders aiming to...
2026-01-0728 min
Culture From the HeartREWIND: Serving Truth and Love at Chick-fil-A featuring Michael HardingLet’s revisit a powerful conversation on the Culture From the Heart Podcast with hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy, featuring Michael Harding, an owner-operator at Chick-fil-A. In this rewind episode, Michael shares the transformative power of heart-centered leadership, including his “51/49” philosophy of out-serving his team and why he encourages employees to bring their full selves—emotions and all—to work. From intentional onboarding touchpoints and personalized dinners to his wife’s famous homemade birthday desserts, this conversation highlights how consistent acts of love drive high engagement and guest satisfaction. It’s a masterclass in building a culture where people feel tr...
2025-12-3027 min
Culture From the HeartCelebrating Heart-Centered Leadership: A Year in ReviewIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy reflect on their first year of interviewing visionary heart-centered leaders. They discuss the importance of authenticity, love, and trust in the workplace. The episode revisits inspiring conversations with CEOs who have created exceptional company cultures focused on empowering employees, serving clients, and uplifting communities. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of nurturing genuine relationships, fostering emotional security, and the role of leadership in cultivating a supportive and loving work environment. As they move into the next year, the hosts express gratitude to their guests, sponsors, and...
2025-12-2328 min
Culture From the HeartGuarding Your Heart: Cultivating an Elite Culture featuring Ryan WallIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Ryan Wall, CEO of FHI. They discuss the profound impact of having a heart-centered culture within an organization. Ryan shares the key principles guiding FHI, structured around the metaphorical 'four chambers of the heart,' encompassing purpose, vision, values, people, continuous improvement, and strategy. He emphasizes the importance of leaders guarding their hearts, offering practical advice on how to maintain a healthy and elite heart to positively influence business culture and performance. The episode also highlights the significant role of storytelling...
2025-12-0927 min
Culture From the HeartBuilding a Culture of Delight featuring Lisa NicholsIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Lisa Nichols, CEO of Technology Partners, about the intentional creation of company culture. Lisa emphasizes the importance of core values, which should be more than just words on a wall but lived principles that guide behavior. The company uses the acronym DELIGHT to encapsulate their values, aiming to delight clients, employees, and communities. Lisa also talks about the significance of having hard conversations, as well as the power of communication and alignment within the organization. Additionally, Lisa discusses her podcast and...
2025-12-0227 min
Culture From the HeartEradicating Marketing Mediocrity featuring Jamie ShaverIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jamie Shaver, CEO and founder of AMPED, a full-service strategic marketing agency. Jamie shares her insights on integrating love and core values into the workplace to create an authentic and trustworthy culture. She discusses the importance of clear communication, accountability, and intentional management of both brand and culture. The conversation also touches on the need for leaders to be congruent and authentic in their actions and to foster a work environment where employees feel valued and aligned with the company's mission...
2025-11-2526 min
Culture From the HeartEmpowering Leadership: Embracing Change and Humanizing Workplaces featuring James KeyesIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by James Keyes, former CEO of Blockbuster and 7-11. James shares his insights on overcoming fear and inertia in business, leveraging the unique human qualities of compassion, empathy, and character in an era increasingly dominated by technology. He emphasizes how change, though often daunting, presents immense opportunities for growth and innovation. The discussion highlights practical strategies like fostering a culture of continuous learning and maintaining clarity in communication to navigate and capitalize on change. James’ inspirational journey from humble beginnings to leadership, co...
2025-11-1430 min
Culture From the HeartCore Values: Living is Giving featuring Dan StrullIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Dan Strull, CEO of Good Suite. Dan discusses the core values that drive his company's culture, including 'Living is Giving' and 'Continuous Development.' He shares insights on creating a supportive and proactive work environment through traditions, rituals, and a focus on integrity. The conversation covers actionable strategies for developing a boutique level of service and the importance of onboarding in embedding company culture. The episode highlights how living by these principles not only enhances employee satisfaction but also retains clients...
2025-11-0426 min
Culture From the HeartExecuting on Promises and Hustle Culture featuring Jeffrey LermaIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jeffrey Lerma, President & CEO at Supply Solutions and Soap2o, a full-line distributor of janitorial supplies, packaging supplies, and office products. Jeffrey shares the incredible journey of his company over the past 20 years, from its humble beginnings with just a cargo van and a garage to becoming a large player in the market. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, swift execution, and hustle in cultivating a thriving company culture. Jeffrey explains how maintaining transparency and focusing on personal and team growth...
2025-10-2827 min
Culture From the HeartSystematizing Connections and Building Culture featuring Darryl LyonsIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Darryl Lyons, co-founder and CEO of PAX Financial Group. The discussion focuses on the importance of authenticity in leadership and the impact it has on company culture. Darryl shares his strategies for fostering a heart-centered culture through intentional actions, systematic approaches, and leading with love and effort. He also explores the challenges and rewards of being an optimistic leader in a fear-driven industry. Darryl emphasizes the significance of inspiration over manipulation and highlights the role of faith and historical lessons in...
2025-10-1427 min
Culture From the HeartBuilding People Through Business featuring Sam ThevanayagamIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Sam Thevanayagam, CEO at Parts Life, Inc. Sam discusses his unique approach to leadership, which focuses on using the business to build people rather than using people to build the business. He emphasizes the importance of intentionally creating and protecting a company culture that fosters growth, allyship, and a strong sense of purpose. Sam shares stories of how Parts Life supports employees in achieving their God-given potential, from aiding first-time homebuyers to developing a robust workforce development program. He underscores the...
2025-10-0728 min
Culture From the HeartBuilding a Culture of Trust and Safety featuring Jamine MotonIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jamine Moton, the founder and CEO of Skylar Security, Skylar App, and Skylar Robotics. Jamine shares her journey from being a police officer to starting her own security company with a focus on emotional intelligence, community love, and innovative safety solutions. The conversation delves into how culture from the heart can change lives both personally and professionally, and the importance of embedding love, care, and emotional security in the workplace. Learn how Jamine's unique approach to leadership and culture is reshaping...
2025-09-2327 min
Culture From the HeartAuthenticity, Trust, and Conscious Capitalism featuring Curtis HiteIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Curtis Hite, CEO of Improving. Curtis shares his insights on classic capitalism and the importance of focusing on values, authenticity, and care in leadership. He discusses how his company, Improving, embodies its true identity through the values chosen by both employees and stakeholders. Curtis emphasizes the significance of conscious capitalism, detailing its aspects such as a stakeholder model, purpose beyond profit, and conscious leadership and culture. The episode delves into the company's mission to change the perception of the IT industry...
2025-09-1628 min
Culture From the HeartRuthless to Heartful Leadership featuring Jonathan KeyserIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jonathan Keyser, Managing Partner of Keyser Commercial Real Estate, who shares his journey of transforming the cutthroat commercial real estate industry into a heart-centered business. Jonathan discusses the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and selflessness in building a successful company culture. He highlights his firm's unique values, the necessity of loving and serving others, and explains why disrupting industry norms starts by changing oneself. Jonathan also elaborates on his personal transformation and how it led to creating a company that places service...
2025-09-0929 min
Culture From the HeartBuilding a Loving and Belonging Culture featuring Garry RidgeIn this episode of Culture From the Heart Podcast, hosts Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company, and bestselling author of 'Any Dumb Ass Can Do It.' Garry discusses how to build a culture that balances tough-mindedness with tenderheartedness, underscoring the importance of authenticity, values, and belonging in the workplace. He shares practical insights into creating a values-driven organization where employees feel appreciated, connected, and engaged. Key themes include the need for hierarchical values, the role of leadership in maintaining culture, and the significance of consistency. Garry also highlights strategies...
2025-09-0232 min