Culture Leaders with Dr. Jessica Kriegel

This week, Jessica speaks with Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan Publishers and longtime publishing executive, to explore how books, reading habits, and consumer expectations are evolving in a rapidly changing world. With experience leading major book organizations through growth and transformation, Jon shares a grounded perspective on what it takes to keep reading relevant in an era defined by constant distraction and shifting attention. Jon explains how successful book companies think beyond individual titles and instead focus on building lasting relationships with readers. He walks through the realities of scaling a modern publishing business, from understanding changing consumption patterns to creating experiences that meet readers where they are. He also reflects on the role of leadership in balancing commercial performance with the deeper mission of fostering curiosity, learning, and long term engagement. The conversation also explores how technology, distribution, and audience behavior are reshaping the industry, and why adaptability has become a core requirement for publishers and leaders alike. Jon shares insights on building teams that can operate through uncertainty, staying focused on the customer, and continuing to invest in books as a meaningful and enduring medium. About Jon Yaged Jon Yaged is Chief Executive Officer of Macmillan Publishers. Jon previously served as President, Macmillan Publishers, and President & Publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. During his tenure as CEO and President, the company recorded the highest revenue and operating income in its history. Over the course of his 20-year career in children’s publishing, Jon oversaw the publication of many bestselling books while working with critically acclaimed, award-winning authors and illustrators, including Katherine Applegate, Leigh Bardugo, Angeline Boulley, Eoin Colfer, Taye Diggs, Shane W. Evans, Jimmy Fallon, Jules Feiffer, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Marissa Meyer, Rick Riordan, Mo Willems, and Gene Luen Yang. Jon is passionate about fostering publishing programs that reflect the communities in which we live. He is committed to leading a company that invests in its employees by creating a culture of collaboration, mentorship, inclusion, and innovation. Jon began his publishing career at The Walt Disney Company, reaching the level of Vice President, US Publisher, Disney Book Group. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of a social media marketing company and, before joining Disney, he practiced entertainment and technology law. Jon currently serves on the Boards of the Association of American Publishers, National Book Foundation, and National Coalition Against Censorship. He has a JD from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the George Washington University. Jon lives with his family in New York City. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonyaged/ Website: https://us.macmillan.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sits down with Jerry Golden, Chief Policy Officer at Lyft, for a wide-ranging conversation about how great leaders scale their influence by building teams that multiply results rather than simply adding to them. Drawing on his experience operating at the intersection of government, technology, and community stakeholders, Jerry shares why the most valuable leadership skill is not being the smartest person in the room, but connecting the right people, ideas, and priorities to move complex work forward. Jerry explains the reality of serving as a translator between fundamentally different worlds, fast-moving tech organizations and slow-moving policy environments, and why credibility, active listening, and shared purpose are the only path to lasting alignment. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how rideshare policy is shaped, how Lyft approaches expansion into new global markets, and why the future of mobility will be a hybrid of human drivers, autonomous technology, and new access models designed for underserved populations. The conversation also explores the human side of leadership: gratitude as a daily practice, generosity as a performance advantage, and the responsibility leaders have to create environments where candor and mutual growth are possible. Jerry reflects on social impact initiatives like Lyft Up, the role of transportation in unlocking economic opportunity, and why maintaining independence and flexibility is essential for both drivers and riders in a changing economy. About Jerry Golden Jerry Golden is Lyft’s Chief Policy Officer, leading Lyft’s global policy development, government and public‬ affairs, social impact, and driver and rider advocacy. His team works at the intersection of advanced‬ technology and transportation innovation, shaping the future of mobility with policymakers and‬ stakeholders at the local, state, national, and international levels.‬ Jerry is an accomplished policy leader with a history of using technology to bring people together. Before‬ joining Lyft, he led public policy and government affairs teams at Eventbrite, the Internet Association,‬ Vanguard, and Nationwide, building trusted relationships with policymakers and stakeholders to elevate‬ each organization’s impact. Earlier in his career, he also represented the American Council of Life Insurers‬ and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.‬ Jerry has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond and a Master's degree in International‬ Commerce and Policy from George Mason University. He and his husband live in Washington, DC and have‬ two sons, Boston Terriers named Bertie and Alfie.‬ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrygolden1/ Website: https://www.lyft.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sits down with Naren Aryal, CEO of Amplify Publishing Group, to discuss what it really takes to publish a meaningful book—and the leadership mindset required to let ideas reach their full potential. Naren shares his journey from law to publishing, sparked by self-publishing a children’s book for his daughter and evolving into a career helping thought leaders find the right audience for their work. Naren explains what excites him most about publishing: working with authors who have strong ideas but need guidance on positioning, clarity, and impact. He talks candidly about the creative tension inherent in publishing, the balance between author voice and editorial discipline, and why successful books require both surrender and ownership from the author. The conversation also centers on the publishing journey of Jessica’s new book, Surrender to Lead. Together, Jessica and Naren reflect on the process of shaping the title, refining the message, co-authoring across different perspectives, and deciding when the author must step fully into their own voice. Through this real-time case study, they explore vulnerability, leadership, culture as lived experience, and why letting go of control often produces the strongest results. At its core, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the partnership between author and publisher—and how trust, clarity, and purpose turn ideas into books that matter. As CEO of Amplify Publishing Group, Naren advises industry experts and thought leaders on the opportunities and challenges that exist in the ever-evolving world of publishing. Naren’s visionary leadership has spearheaded a critical disruption of the publishing industry and has legitimized the fastest-growing sector of the market to date. At each turn, he has created more opportunities for deserving authors across genres to not only publish their work, but to publish their work well. He launched Amplify with a single title in 2003 and guided it to what it is today—one of the fastest growing and most respected hybrid publishing companies in the world. At the core of Amplify’s ethos is Naren’s prioritization of innovation. Over the past two decades he has brought new and exciting ways to publish to the fore. Prior to entering the world of books, Naren worked as a lawyer, advising technology companies in the Washington, DC, area. He is a frequent speaker on the publishing landscape, content development and positioning, book production and marketing, and author branding. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/narenaryal/ Website: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Naren Aryal

This week, Jessica sat down with Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco, to explore one of the most consequential leadership challenges of our time: how to advance artificial intelligence at global scale while remaining deeply responsible to humanity. In this wide-ranging conversation, Jeetu shares his belief that AI represents the largest technological shift in human history—surpassing even the Industrial Revolution—while also acknowledging the very real risks around misuse, job displacement, security, and trust. He explains why slowing down innovation isn’t the answer, and why safety, ethics, and security must advance at the same pace as the technology itself. Jeetu also dives into the cultural side of AI adoption, offering a powerful framework for how individuals and organizations move from fear, to awareness, to full integration. He challenges leaders to stop viewing AI purely as a productivity tool and instead see it as a capacity multiplier—one that enables teams to pursue bigger ideas rather than simply cut costs. Beyond technology, the conversation turns deeply human. Jeetu reflects on curiosity, hunger, learning to learn, and the formative experiences that shaped his leadership—from immigrating to the U.S. and waiting tables, to holding his mother as she passed. He shares why legacy is overrated, why improving the lives of people living now matters more, and why adaptability, humility, and presence will remain uniquely human strengths in an AI-driven world. Jeetu Patel is Cisco’s President and Chief Product Officer. He combines a bold vision, steeped in product design and development expertise, operational rigor, and innate market understanding to create high growth businesses. He is relentlessly focused on building world class products that solve Cisco customers’ biggest problems—bringing the power of the Cisco portfolio together to connect and protect every aspect of their organization in the era of AI. Previously he was Cisco’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Security and Collaboration where he led the strategy and development for these businesses and held P&L responsibility for the multibillion-dollar portfolio. In this role, Jeetu led with his creative vision and intense focus on innovation and swift execution. Together with his team, he transformed and positioned our Security and Collaboration portfolios for success and growth. In both areas, he reinvigorated organic innovation, championed key inorganic investments, and drove simplification across these portfolios with a fanatical focus on design and user experience. Jeetu holds a B.S. in Information Decision Sciences from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his family. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeetupatel/ Website: https://www.cisco.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Jeetu Patel

This week, Jessica sat down with Greg Schaefer, founder of Schaefer Enterprises and a committed endurance athlete, to talk about what it really takes to push beyond limits—on the trail and in business. In this conversation, Greg shares how the discipline and mindset forged through endurance sports have shaped his entrepreneurial path. From leaving corporate life to bet on himself, to building a company that reflects his values, Greg opens up about the highs and lows of founder life—and the mental frameworks that help him keep moving forward. He also explores the emotional journey of leadership, how he’s learning to enjoy the climb, and what long-distance racing taught him about business pacing, resilience, and letting go of ego. From start lines to strategy calls, Greg’s story is one of inner drive, calculated risk, and the belief that you can go further than you think. About Greg Schaefer Greg Schaefer has built a life where business, athletics, family, and resilience converge. As founder and president of Schaefer Enterprises, Inc., he grew a boutique Manhattan insurance agency into a nationally respected firm serving industries from healthcare to construction. In 2019, he sold the company to private equity, a milestone reflecting his vision, leadership, and client-first values. As a husband to Dr. Maryann Mikhail and father to sons James and Jax—both elite athletes in soccer and tennis—Greg’s deepest drive comes from setting an example of discipline and heart for his family, whom he calls his “why.” Outside the boardroom, Greg has tested his limits as a 18-time Ironman competitor, including six full-distance races and two coveted starts at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. A former Division I basketball player, he carries lessons of endurance and mental toughness from the court to the marathon finish line, racing not just for himself but to inspire his boys and honor his wife’s unwavering support. Each race reinforces his belief that grit—not circumstance—defines success. In 2023, Greg faced his toughest challenge: a diagnosis of Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Instead of retreating, he leaned into his “dog in the fight” mentality, bolstered by his family’s love—Maryann’s relentless pursuit of the best care and his sons’ reassuring hugs. Today, as a motivational speaker, he shares raw, optimistic stories of resilience, family, and facing adversity head-on. Whether in business, sport, or health, Greg’s message is clear: the race never ends, and we are stronger when we run it together. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-schaefer-cic-cpia-aci-4892027/ Website: https://gregoryschaefer.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Stacy Martinet, Chief Communications Officer at Adobe, a global leader in digital experiences and creativity tools. In this conversation, Stacy reflects on her career journey from journalism to marketing leadership at some of the world’s most influential companies. She shares how her early newsroom experiences shaped her communication style and why trust, transparency, and empathy are essential for modern leaders. Stacy also unpacks how Adobe has maintained brand relevance through constant reinvention, the evolving role of marketers in building community, and what it means to lead through uncertainty—from global crises to organizational change. She offers candid insights on imposter syndrome, work-life integration, and why showing up as your full self isn’t just encouraged—it’s necessary.

This week, Jessica sat down with Max Schwendner and Mike Clifton, co-CEOs of Alorica, a global customer-experience company with 100,000+ employees. In this conversation, they unpack their shared “why”—helping people get better every day—and how a single “one CEO box” model drives decisiveness, accountability, and speed. They break down the operating cadence (small S-curves and quarterly goals) and the three firmwide priorities: lead with digital/AI, invest in talent so everyone improves daily, and perform at the top tier for every client. The duo also makes the case that employee experience and customer experience aren’t either/or, spotlighting concierge-style internal services, a hands-on world tour to align 105k “Aloricans,” and a culture they describe as passionate and strong. Along the way: co-CEO myths, sold-out capacity, growth vs. evolution in the age of AI, and a few dance-and-karaoke admissions that prove culture can be both disciplined and fun. About Max Schwendner Max Schwendner is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and leads Global Finance, Accounting, Tax, Payroll, Billing, and Planning functions for Alorica. Max has been involved with Alorica since shortly after its merger with EGS in 2016, previously serving on the Company’s Board of Directors as a representative of J.P. Morgan. More recently, Max has also served as a senior advisor to Alorica. Prior to joining Alorica, Max spent over a decade on Wall Street, primarily at J.P. Morgan. During this time, he held leadership roles in the Investment Bank and Private Equity divisions of the company serving as Portfolio Manager, Vice President in Corporate Finance/M&A, Chief of Staff to the CEO of Investment Banking, and various other positions. Additionally, he has served in leadership positions on several portfolio company Board of Directors, Chairman of several Limited Partnership Committees, and has co-founded a small film production company. Max graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting and a minor in History. About Mike Clifton Mike is responsible for Alorica’s global IT organization and initiatives, overseeing the design and delivery of Alorica’s digital technologies and strategies. As a proven leader across IT, operations and sales, Mike plays a key role in creating innovative solutions that drive proven results for both clients and employees. Mike offers 30 years of experience in software, technology, operations and sales, having held CIO and CISO titles at numerous companies. He most recently served as Chief Information Officer and as Chief Innovation Technology Officer at Cognizant, one of the world’s leading professional services companies. At Cognizant, Mike led global IT and oversaw the design and implementation of digitization strategies, IT organizational models, new market growth, and service-level management. Before joining Cognizant, he held C-level positions at Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, Hanover Insurance Group, Nobilis Software as well as other organizations. Mike graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts. He also earned an Advanced Certificate for Executives (ACE) in Management, Innovation and Technology from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Max Schendner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-schwendner-3ab15960/ Mike Clifton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-clifton/ Alorica: https://www.alorica.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Mike Dolen, the founder and CEO of Humancore, an AI powered platform designed to help managers lead better in real time. Having spent his career at the intersection of people, science, and performance, Mike has seen a common pattern: we know what makes great leadership, but rarely embed it into the day-to-day workplace. He explains how Humancore uses generative AI and organizational psychology to offer in-the-moment leadership support that’s contextual and personalized for an organization–and why he thinks the process is more practical and effective than the current model of coaching and training. Plus, big questions around AI's role in the future of work, emotional authenticity, and whether people might actually prefer reporting to a chatbot; it’s a conversation full of tough questions and new perspectives on the intersection of humanity and technology. Mike Dolen is co-founder and CEO of Humancore. He brings a wealth of experience in HR Tech, leveraging his expertise to implement hyper-growth sales strategies, scaling business operations, and cultivating high-performance cultures for businesses across the globe. Prior to Humancore, Mike held key leadership positions at notable companies such as LinkedIn, Glint, CEB, and Kenexa, roles in which he had P&L responsibility and broad functional responsibilities. About Mike Dolen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedolen/ https://humancore.ai/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica sat down with Victoria Pelletier, a bold and boundary-breaking executive who became a Fortune 500 COO at just 24 and has been unstoppable ever since. Victoria leads transformation, change, and culture at scale. In this conversation, she shares how she balances clarity and conviction in complex matrixed organizations, how she helps clients embrace AI without abandoning their people, and why emotional intelligence is essential for influencing in today’s workplace. They discuss the shelf life of skills, the rising fear around automation, and how leaders can build buy-in when the future feels uncertain. Victoria also opens up about her personal story. She turned early adversity into her superpower, what it really means to be vulnerable as a leader, and why confidence is her exception to “fake it till you make it.” Victoria Pelletier is no stranger to the corporate board room. By the time she was 24 years old, she was COO of a multinational corporation. Now with 20+ years in corporate leadership, Victoria has held senior roles in companies such as Accenture, IBM, and American Express. Victoria’s message is that we can have it all, as long as we live a life of #NoExcuses. Victoria proves that it IS possible to have a life in which women can succeed as a mom, as a corporate executive, as a spouse, and much more. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/ https://www.kyndryl.com/us/en Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Victoria Pelletier

This week, Jessica sat down with Tendü Yogurtçu, the Chief Technology Officer of Precisely, which powers data integrity for more than 90 of the Fortune 100. They discuss Tendü's non-traditional perspective as a CTO: her leadership blends deep technical knowledge with a human-first mindset, and her approach to innovation is rooted in clarity, connection, and culture. Tendü also explains how to align technical transformation with business goals, how to create momentum in remote environments, and why innovation is only sustainable when it's grounded in empathy. She also shares her views on AI governance, inclusion in data design, and what it takes to move fast without breaking trust. Plus, how she's building software - and also mentoring rising talent, closing equity gaps, and creating cultures where teams thrive. Tendü Yoğurtçu, Ph.D., is Precisely's Chief Technology Officer (CTO). She has 25+ years of software industry experience, including extensive Big Data and Cloud knowledge. As CTO, Tendu directs the company’s technology strategy and innovation, leading all product research and development programs. Tendü is a member of the Forbes Technology Council. She is also an advocate for STEM education for women and diversity, who was recognized as CTO of the Year at the prestigious 2019 Women in IT Awards, and recognized as an Outstanding Executive in Technology for 2018 by Advancing Women in Technology (AWT). LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenduyogurtcu https://www.precisely.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Tendü Yogurtçu

This week, Jessica is joined by Nikesh Arora, the chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks. When he joined the company in 2018, Nikesh had no cybersecurity experience, but he explains how he brought a bold vision, nonlinear thinking, and a relentless belief in culture as the foundation for growth. In this conversation, they discuss how Nikesh inspires people, what makes culture stick, and how trust, fairness, and curiosity have shaped his leadership style. He shares his approach to listening — including the surprising habit of hosting Zoom calls with 50 randomly selected employees every week — and how that access to unfiltered feedback has helped him lead with more clarity and empathy. They also talk about cybersecurity as a culture issue, how to manage acquisitions without diluting your values, and what it means to be a leader who constantly challenges others to become better versions of themselves. Nikesh Arora joined as chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks in June 2018. Before joining Palo Alto Networks, Nikesh served as president and chief operating officer of SoftBank Group Corp. Prior to that, he held a number of positions at Google, Inc. during a 10-year span, including senior vice president and chief business officer, president of global sales operations and business development, and president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Prior to joining Google, Nikesh held the role of chief marketing officer for the T-Mobile International Division of Deutsche Telekom AG. He was chief executive officer and founder of T-Motion PLC, which merged with T-Mobile International in 2002. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikesh-arora-02894670/ https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners About Nikesh Arora

This week, Jessica is joined by Raúl Valentin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at ABM Industries. Raúl explains how his belief in fairness drives his leadership–everything from recruiting policies to acquisition strategy to the way ABM integrates AI into HR operations. He opens up about his early life as the son of a single mother, why he almost went to law school, and how that background fuels his commitment to give every employee a fair shot — even if that doesn’t always mean treating everyone the same. They also discuss what it really takes to scale culture across a workforce of more than 100,000 hourly team members across the world, why humility and collaboration are at the heart of ABM’s identity, and how Raúl is navigating the evolving conversation around DEI without getting lost in political labels. Plus, the tactics of leadership — like what makes an acquisition succeed, how physical workspaces shape behavior, and why AI can’t replace the human side of HR, even if it’s helping us do our jobs better and faster. About Raúl Valentin Raúl joined ABM in 2019 and serves as the people leader and advocate for more than 100,000 dedicated team members across the US and the UK. Raúl is dedicated to cultivating a stronger community by growing and developing our people and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. Raúl has held key HR leadership roles at Coty, Comcast, and Frito-Lay, with more than 30 years of human resources and management experience. He serves on the board of Quanta Services, Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the electric and gas utility, renewable energy, communications, pipeline and energy industries in the United States. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rauljvalentin https://investor.abm.com/management/raul-valentin Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners

This week, Jessica is joined by Dr. Don Wood, CEO of the Inspired Performance Institute and creator of a program to help people reset and reprocess trauma–which he understands as a neurological glitch that impacts health and decision-making, and therefore performance and leadership. Don explains why anxiety, addiction and even autoimmune diseases are often symptoms of unresolved trauma, and how his e-learning program helps people unlock new levels of peace and potential. They also talk about how this applies to the workplace, especially for leaders trying to support younger teams and create cultures where people feel safe, focused, and resilient. About Dr. Don Wood Don Wood is a PhD in clinical counseling, author of "Emotional Concussions" and "You Must Be Out of Your Mind,” and the founder of Inspired Performance Institute, which helps people reframe their trauma and get their lives to a place of high performance. After spending years researching how trauma affects minds and lives, Dr. Wood found that early life experiences continue to play a role in how we experience life in the present. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdonwoodphd/ https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/ Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Instagram: @jess_kriegel Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners