What happens when clarity, belief, and intention collide? You get a leadership framework so simple it's unforgettable, literally, it's the ABCs.

Nikki is joined by JM Ryerson, coach, speaker, and founder of Let's Go Win, to unpack the "ABCs" of transformational leadership: Align, Believe, and Choose. Together, they explore how alignment creates a cultural backbone, belief fuels personal and professional breakthroughs, and conscious choices keep teams moving forward, even in tough times.

From the power of simplicity and the danger of misaligned values to 4-day work weeks, this episode is full of actionable insights and real-life stories. Whether you're reworking your company values or reigniting your own leadership flame, this one will challenge you to upgrade, not change.

Additional Resources:

Connect with JM on LinkedIn

Watch Let's Go Win on YouTube

Listen to Let's Go Win wherever you get your podcasts!

Learn more about Let's Go Win

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:

• Alignment begins with clarity around core values and behavior.
• Belief shapes outcomes more than strategy ever could.
• Simplicity drives consistency, especially during change.
• Leaders must choose how they show up daily.
• Upgrade mindsets before expecting performance transformation.

What if HR's true power isn't just policies and programs, but its position as a strategic driver of culture and communication?

Katherine sits down with Ashima Kapur, Chief People Officer at Allied Solutions, to explore the leadership mindsets and behaviors that drive sustainable growth. From growing Allied from 500 to nearly 2,000 employees to building an HR function that earns a seat at the table, Ashima shares a people-first blueprint for organizational success.

She reveals how HR and communication go hand-in-hand to shape culture, why transparency and authenticity aren't optional anymore, and how leaders can empower teams by being real, clear, and consistent.

Ashima's leadership philosophy is direct, human-centered, and refreshingly honest, exactly what's needed in today's evolving workplaces. Whether you're building a talent strategy or redefining your leadership style, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for leaders who care about their people and want to lead with intention.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Ashima 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:

• HR must earn its seat through business understanding
• Culture is defined by consistent leadership behavior
• Communication must be authentic, transparent, and repeated
• Right person, right seat, right support equals success
• Growth demands people strategy aligned with business goals

What if the real secret to building leaders, not followers, was simply honesty paired with care?

Nikki sits down with Steve Sorenson, Senior Director Learning and Culture at Johnsonville, to explore a leadership model rooted in humble candor, empowerment, and intentional coaching. Known for replacing "managers" with "coaches" and fostering autonomy through frameworks like the ABC Decision Method and the Simon Principle, Steve walks the talk when it comes to building trust, elevating teams, and modeling people-first leadership.

This conversation is packed with tangible tools, soul-shifting moments, and the kind of clarity that challenges old norms and makes culture come alive. Whether you're trying to turn the ship or sharpen your edge, this one will shift how you lead.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

Learn more about Johnsonville

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:

• Empowerment grows when autonomy and clarity align.
• Humble candor blends honesty with deep care.
• Coaches build leaders, not followers.
• Shared language strengthens trust and culture.
• Model the behavior you want repeated.