Season 2 — Emerging Leaders, Loud & Leading

Spotlighting innovators who don’t just think outside the box—they stand on it with a megaphone and call their people up.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Cultivate Experience—where bold, emerging leaders rewrite the rules in real time. These are the builders and bridgers who amplify possibility, spark movement, and invite their teams into their best work. Through high support + high challenge conversations, we explore how they mentor talent, motivate momentum, and mobilize mission—without losing heart or clarity.

Lean in for candid stories, practical tools, and a contagious charge to lead out loud.

Press play—and step onto the box with us.

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Shai Burzynski, a People Services Director at UW Health Rehabilitation Hospital. They discuss the significance of relational leadership, the importance of understanding individual motivations in the workplace, and the challenges of navigating organizational change. Shai shares personal stories of vulnerability and growth, emphasizing the need for empathy and connection in leadership. The conversation also touches on building a positive workplace culture, celebrating employee contributions, and the legacy of leadership. Shai's insights on servant leadership and the importance of laughter in the workplace provide a refreshing perspective on cultivating a supportive environment.To learn more about UW Health:https://www.uwhealth.org/The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperienceThe Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!https://cultivateforgood.com/

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Shai Burzynski, a People Services Director at UW Health Rehabilitation Hospital. They discuss the significance of relational leadership, the importance of understanding individual motivations in the workplace, and the challenges of navigating organizational change. Shai shares personal stories of vulnerability and growth, emphasizing the need for empathy and connection in leadership. The conversation also touches on building a positive workplace culture, celebrating employee contributions, and the legacy of leadership. Shai's insights on servant leadership and the importance of laughter in the workplace provide a refreshing perspective on cultivating a supportive environment.

To learn more about UW Health:
https://www.uwhealth.org/

The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!
http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience

The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!

https://cultivateforgood.com/

YouTube Video UExSdjY5bXN5TXlZbHRud3Z0aUVsMUdLUFViZC1udmdnMy4zQzFBN0RGNzNFREFCMjBE

S02 E10 - Cultivating Resilient Leadership | Shai Burzynski on Cultivate

October 14th

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams engages with Gita Poudel, Director of Human Capital at Maganti IT Resources, discussing the essence of leadership, the importance of community engagement, and the role of collaboration in effective leadership. Gita shares her journey, emphasizing the significance of teamwork, employee well-being, and a people-first strategy in human resources. The conversation explores navigating organizational change, fostering inclusivity, and balancing compliance with human relations. Gita expresses hope for a healthier work environment and the importance of valuing every individual in the workplace.To learn more about Maganti IT:https://mitresource.com/The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperienceThe Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!https://cultivateforgood.com/

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams engages with Gita Poudel, Director of Human Capital at Maganti IT Resources, discussing the essence of leadership, the importance of community engagement, and the role of collaboration in effective leadership. Gita shares her journey, emphasizing the significance of teamwork, employee well-being, and a people-first strategy in human resources. The conversation explores navigating organizational change, fostering inclusivity, and balancing compliance with human relations. Gita expresses hope for a healthier work environment and the importance of valuing every individual in the workplace.

To learn more about Maganti IT:
https://mitresource.com/

The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!
http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience

The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!

https://cultivateforgood.com/

YouTube Video UExSdjY5bXN5TXlZbHRud3Z0aUVsMUdLUFViZC1udmdnMy4xOTEzQzhBQzU3MDNDNjcz

S02 E09 - Leadership Through Engagement | Gita Poudel on Cultivate

October 7th

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Aubrey Scheppske, Director of Human Resources at Gordon Feinblatt LLC. They discuss the importance of relational leadership, focusing on people-centered approaches, navigating change, and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Aubrey shares insights on mental health, community engagement, and the significance of mentorship and self-care in leadership. The conversation highlights the value of authenticity and learning from challenges, as well as innovative ideas for enhancing employee engagement.To learn more about Gordon Feinblatt:http://www.gfrlaw.comThe Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperienceThe Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!https://cultivateforgood.com/

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Aubrey Scheppske, Director of Human Resources at Gordon Feinblatt LLC. They discuss the importance of relational leadership, focusing on people-centered approaches, navigating change, and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Aubrey shares insights on mental health, community engagement, and the significance of mentorship and self-care in leadership. The conversation highlights the value of authenticity and learning from challenges, as well as innovative ideas for enhancing employee engagement.

To learn more about Gordon Feinblatt:
http://www.gfrlaw.com

The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!
http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience

The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!

https://cultivateforgood.com/

YouTube Video UExSdjY5bXN5TXlZbHRud3Z0aUVsMUdLUFViZC1udmdnMy40QTA3NTU2RkM1QzlCMzYx

S02 E07 - Empathy and Mental Health in Leadership | Aubrey Scheppske on Cultivate

September 23rd

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Debbie Stein, an HR director with over two decades of experience. They discuss the importance of people-first strategies, managing via influence, and the role of transparency in leadership. Debbie shares her insights on building an inclusive workplace culture, balancing employee advocacy with business needs, and mentoring emerging leaders. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to be accountable, direct, and courageous in their decision-making, while also fostering trust and clarity in their organizations.To learn more about Olen Properties:https://olen.com/The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperienceThe Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!https://cultivateforgood.com/

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Debbie Stein, an HR director with over two decades of experience. They discuss the importance of people-first strategies, managing via influence, and the role of transparency in leadership. Debbie shares her insights on building an inclusive workplace culture, balancing employee advocacy with business needs, and mentoring emerging leaders. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to be accountable, direct, and courageous in their decision-making, while also fostering trust and clarity in their organizations.

To learn more about Olen Properties:
https://olen.com/

The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!
http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience

The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!

https://cultivateforgood.com/

YouTube Video UExSdjY5bXN5TXlZbHRud3Z0aUVsMUdLUFViZC1udmdnMy5CMEQ2Mjk5NTc3NDZFRUNB

S02 S06 - Navigating HR Challenges | Debbie Stein on Cultivate

September 16th

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams engages with Shari Chernack, Chief People Officer at Isaacson, Miller, to explore the intersection of purpose-driven leadership and transformation in the nonprofit sector. They discuss the importance of understanding one's 'why', maximizing impact, and the human elements of change management. Shari emphasizes the need for humility, trust, and self-awareness in leadership, as well as the significance of prioritization and coaching through resistance. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face in a fast-paced world and the necessity of creating authentic connections within organizations.To learn more about Isaacson, Miller:https://www.imsearch.com/The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperienceThe Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!https://cultivateforgood.com/

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams engages with Shari Chernack, Chief People Officer at Isaacson, Miller, to explore the intersection of purpose-driven leadership and transformation in the nonprofit sector. They discuss the importance of understanding one's 'why', maximizing impact, and the human elements of change management. Shari emphasizes the need for humility, trust, and self-awareness in leadership, as well as the significance of prioritization and coaching through resistance. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face in a fast-paced world and the necessity of creating authentic connections within organizations.

To learn more about Isaacson, Miller:
https://www.imsearch.com/

The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!
http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience

The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!

https://cultivateforgood.com/

YouTube Video UExSdjY5bXN5TXlZbHRud3Z0aUVsMUdLUFViZC1udmdnMy45RjNFMDhGQ0Q2RkFCQTc1

S02 E05 - The Intersection of Purpose and Impact | Shari Chernack on Cultivate

September 9th

In this episode of Cultivate, Keith Harris, Chief People Officer at Operation HOPE, shares his insights on leadership, emphasizing the importance of personal conviction, authentic relationships, and adapting leadership styles across different ecosystems. He discusses the significance of staying grounded in values, building a culture that retains employees, and the role of AI in enhancing leadership. Keith also highlights the importance of mentoring emerging leaders and the need for courage in leadership, especially in addressing societal issues like poverty through education.To learn more about Operation HOPE:https://operationhope.org/The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperienceThe Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!https://cultivateforgood.com/

In this episode of Cultivate, Keith Harris, Chief People Officer at Operation HOPE, shares his insights on leadership, emphasizing the importance of personal conviction, authentic relationships, and adapting leadership styles across different ecosystems. He discusses the significance of staying grounded in values, building a culture that retains employees, and the role of AI in enhancing leadership. Keith also highlights the importance of mentoring emerging leaders and the need for courage in leadership, especially in addressing societal issues like poverty through education.

To learn more about Operation HOPE:
https://operationhope.org/

The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms!
http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience

The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together!

https://cultivateforgood.com/

YouTube Video UExSdjY5bXN5TXlZbHRud3Z0aUVsMUdLUFViZC1udmdnMy43NDhFRTgwOTRERTU4Rjg3

S02 E04 - The Power Of Authentic Relationships | Keith Harris on Cultivate

September 2nd

S02 E03 - Balancing Empathy With Efficiency | Evelin Babos on Cultivate

August 26th

S02 E02 - The Role of Culture in Human Resources | Lauren Holmes on Cultivate

August 19th