Welcome back to Beneath the Transaction.

This week we sit down with Alix Prassas — an organizational effectiveness leader with more than two decades of experience in People & Culture, global organizational development, DEI, and change management.

But this conversation isn’t about frameworks.

It’s about the moments that shape culture quietly and powerfully.

Alix shares her journey from working in a family business to leading large-scale transformation efforts, and what she’s learned about trust, vulnerability, and accountability along the way.

Together, we explore:

• Why culture is formed beneath the surface

• How small leadership moments shape belonging

• Why vulnerability is a prerequisite for trust

• What accountability looks like when it’s rooted in relationship

• Why conversations around diversity require courage and openness

• And what it means to “have the conversation anyway”

This episode is honest. It’s practical. And it reminds us that transformation isn’t about bold declarations — it’s about consistent courage.

It takes a Tribe to practice transformation.

Let’s practice this together.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Culture Change

01:58 Alix's Background and Journey

06:32 The Importance of Culture in Retail

14:34 Building Trust and Vulnerability

20:25 Navigating Difficult Conversations

30:58 The Role of Accountability in Leadership

40:28 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned

50:11 Final Thoughts on Culture Transformation

Welcome to Beneath the Transaction.

This episode marks a new beginning—not just for the podcast, but for how we want to show up in these conversations moving forward.

We start by naming something we’ve both been feeling for a while: how quickly life moves, and how easy it is to slip into a way of living and leading that’s driven by efficiency, outcomes, and transactions rather than relationship and meaning.

From personal moments of reflection to experiences that reshaped how we understand community and leadership, we share why this work feels urgent—and why transformation can’t wait until “someday.”

We talk about indigenous wisdom that has deeply influenced our thinking, including the idea that transformation is shared, breathed in together, and sustained through community. This is where the language of Tribe comes from—not as a buzzword, but as a reminder that none of us are meant to do this work alone.

We also introduce the Seven Conditions of Transformation, which guide much of our work and will continue to shape future episodes:

• Purpose

• Commitment

• Common Language

• Vulnerability

• Consistency

• Deep, Trusting Relationships

• Safe Space

These aren’t steps to complete. They’re conditions we return to again and again—at home, in leadership, and in community.

Throughout the episode, we reflect on the small moments that often get overlooked, but quietly shape who we’re becoming. The conversations we avoid. The relationships we rush past. The opportunities we have—right now—to choose intentionality instead of autopilot.

This podcast will feature conversations with leaders from organizations, communities, families, and faith spaces—but it will always come back to the same question: What’s being formed beneath the transaction?

• Why this podcast needed a re-beginning

• How transactional living slowly disconnects us from what matters

• Why transformation is a journey, not a destination

• The role of community in sustaining change

• How the Seven Conditions show up in everyday life

• Why urgency doesn’t mean panic—but presence

• What it means to build a Tribe rooted in belonging

This episode ends with an invitation—not to have it all figured out, but to begin paying attention. To stop wasting minutes that matter. To practice living beneath the transaction together.

If something in this conversation resonated with you, we hope you’ll stay with us. Share it with someone in your Tribe. And join us as we continue this journey—one honest conversation at a time.

Chapters: 00:00 A New Beginning 03:51 Life Is Moving Fast 09:18 Breaking the Transactional Cycle 12:48 Indigenous Wisdom & Shared Breath 16:11 The Seven Conditions of Transformation 21:01 Transformation as a Journey 25:03 The Power of Human Connection 41:37 An Invitation to the Tribe

Thank you for listening to The Rooted Leadership Podcast!

Today, we are honored to have Ryan Marshall with us, an experienced school counselor and dedicated advocate for student well-being. With a deep commitment to supporting students and educators through the challenges they face, Ryan has been at the forefront of crisis response and transformational leadership in his school district.

His work emphasizes the power of relationships, vulnerability, and truth-telling in the education system, and he’s been a key figure in driving meaningful change to better support both students and staff.

In today’s episode, Ryan will share his insights on navigating crises in schools, the shift from transactional to transformational approaches in education, and how the Groundwork program has played a role in enhancing the outcomes for educators and students alike. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that delves into the heart of what it means to connect, grow, and lead through times of fear and grief. This conversation explores the themes of crisis response in education, the importance of transformational leadership, and the need for deeper relationships between educators and students.

Chris and Ryan discuss the impact of recent crises on their school community and how their experiences have shaped their understanding of grief, loss, and the necessity for effective communication and support systems. They emphasize the importance of equipping educators with the tools and time needed to foster meaningful relationships with students, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes and community engagement.

Thanks for watching!

🚀 Ready to Ignite Your Leadership Journey? 🚀

At Groundwork Leadership Institute, we’re all about transforming leadership to create a real impact. 🌟

Our vibrant courses and local cohorts in Salem are designed to supercharge your growth—whether you’re aiming to elevate your personal leadership or boost your organization’s potential.

🔥 Exciting News! We’re launching a brand-new cohort on October 25th! This dynamic hybrid program kicks off with an in-person, one-day transformational workshop, followed by 5 powerful coaching calls. Get ready to start the new year with unstoppable momentum and transformative goals!

💥 Dive into our self-driven Transformational Leadership Accelerator course, uncover the SECRET to unlocking your best leadership self, and build a foundation for lasting, positive change.

Don’t miss out—join us and share this episode with a friend who’s ready to take their leadership to the next level! 🙌✨