Human Capital

In this final episode before pausing production of the Human Capital Podcast, host Jeff Hunt reflects on five incredible years and nearly 100 conversations with some of the most inspiring thought leaders in business. More than a recap, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of the most powerful and recurring themes that emerged—ten core leadership concepts that define what it means to lead with humanity, clarity, and purpose. From authenticity and active listening to feedback, culture, and resilience, Jeff synthesizes lessons that have not only shaped his coaching and consulting practice but transformed his understanding of leadership itself. Drawing on memorable insights from guests like Patrick Lencioni, Xavier Naville, Daniel Harkavy, and Katie Burke, Jeff offers listeners a distilled guide to becoming a better leader—and a better human. If you're a longtime listener or joining for the first time, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom and actionable reflections. Whether you're navigating change, building culture, or simply trying to show up more intentionally each day, this final message is for you. Thank you for being part of this journey. Until next time—lead with clarity, curiosity, and compassion.

In this episode of Human Capital, Jeff Hunt sits down with Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading researcher and author on self-compassion, to discuss how this practice can combat workplace burnout. Burnout is a widespread issue affecting employees and leaders alike, with severe consequences for productivity, well-being, and organizational health. Dr. Neff explains the three core elements of self-compassion—mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness—and how they serve as a foundation for resilience, performance, and stress management. She dispels common myths about self-compassion, such as the belief that it weakens motivation, and instead highlights how it fosters greater accountability, problem-solving, and emotional strength. Drawing from research and personal experiences, she shares insights on how leaders can create healthier work environments and support employees in recognizing and recovering from burnout. She also introduces practical self-compassion exercises that listeners can use to shift from self-criticism to self-support, ultimately improving their professional and personal lives. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to foster self-compassion, enhance workplace culture, and sustain long-term success without sacrificing well-being. Guest Info: Dr. Kristin Neff Kristin's Book: Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout: Tools to Help You Heal and Recharge When You're Wrung Out by Stress Kristin's Upcoming Workshop: Self-Compassion for Work Stress and Burnout

On this episode, Jeff sits down with Robert Glazer, bestselling author and thought leader on workplace culture, to challenge one of the most ingrained practices in professional life: the traditional two-week notice. Robert redefines how organizations can approach employee transitions, advocating for a collaborative, transparent, and trust-building model that he calls the “Open Transition Program.” Together, Jeff and Robert explore the impact of rethinking job departures and how it can transform workplace culture, engagement, and productivity. They delve into practical strategies for addressing employee performance issues by identifying root causes rather than treating symptoms, using a powerful analogy that redefines how leaders can approach problem-solving. The conversation also tackles the critical importance of psychological safety in leadership, explaining how vulnerability and feedback are the foundation for trust and open communication within teams. Throughout the episode, Robert shares real-world examples, actionable insights, and the four core principles that support successful employee transitions. He provides clear steps to implement these ideas while addressing common objections leaders may have. Jeff and Robert also reflect on lessons learned from crises, how leadership influences culture and the need for clarity in defining team roles.

On this replay of episode 83, “Motivation Myths,” Jeff engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jeff Haden, a distinguished author, speaker, and influencer renowned for his expertise in leadership, company culture, and performance. With over 1 million LinkedIn followers and 2.5 million monthly readers of his articles in Inc. magazine, Haden offers profound insights into the mindset and habits that distinguish high achievers. The conversation delves into the core themes of Haden’s book, "The Motivation Myth, challenging conventional beliefs about Motivation". Hunt and Haden explore the concept that motivation often emerges after initiating action, not before. They discuss strategies for building momentum through daily efforts and highlight the importance of small, manageable steps in the pursuit of significant goals. The conversation provides practical advice on cultivating discipline, maintaining motivation, and transforming aspirations into reality. If you are aiming to enhance productivity or achieve long-term objectives, offering valuable insights to guide them on their path to success this episode is for you. Jeff Haden LinkedIn Profile The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win`

This week, we’re replaying an insightful conversation between Jeff and Verne Harnish, renowned author and leadership expert. In this episode, Verne shares timeless wisdom on leadership, values, and navigating change. He highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in today’s fast-evolving business world. Together, Jeff and Verne explore how fostering healthy conflict and open communication within teams leads to better decisions and stronger trust. They also discuss how core values serve as essential guiding principles for leaders and employees, shaping a thriving organizational culture. Packed with actionable strategies and real-world examples, this replay offers valuable tools for driving growth and innovation in any organization.

On this episode, Jeff is joined by AI and technology expert Bernard Marr to discuss the transformative power of artificial intelligence in today’s business landscape. Bernard explains how AI, particularly generative and Agentic AI, is revolutionizing workflows, enhancing human capabilities, and reshaping leadership strategies. He emphasizes the importance of integrating AI without losing the human touch and offers insights into balancing efficiency with employee engagement. Bernard also delves into the risks of AI, such as data biases and ethical concerns, while sharing practical steps for leaders to foster trust and navigate the AI-driven future. Whether you’re an AI novice or an experienced executive, this conversation provides valuable insights into leveraging AI to enhance both organizational performance and human connection. Future of Business and Technology Podcast Bernard Marr's Books

In this insightful episode, Jeff is joined by Scott Allender, author of The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence and co-host of The Evolving Leader podcast. Together, they explore the power of emotional intelligence in the workplace, focusing on how the Enneagram can serve as a transformative tool for self-awareness. Scott unpacks the nine Enneagram types, explaining how each type reflects core motivations, fears, and behaviors that influence our leadership styles and interactions. Across the conversation, Jeff and Scott discuss the importance of recognizing the deeper, often unconscious, aspects of our personality that drive decision-making, relationships, and workplace dynamics. They also delve into how self-awareness can lead to greater empathy, trust, and ultimately, stronger team performance. The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence Scott's LinkedIn profile

In this episode of Human Capital, Jeff is joined again by Dr. Benjamin Ritter, a leadership and career coach, organizational development expert, and founder of Live for Yourself Consulting. Jeff discusses with Benjamin his new book: Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery, they share insights on overcoming fear and self-doubt to achieve personal and professional growth. The discussion delves into the root causes of fear, its impact on our work lives, and how embracing fearlessness can lead to stronger relationships, better performance, and a more fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with career hesitations or looking to take healthy risks, this episode offers practical strategies for building confidence and leading and living with intention. Dr. Benjamin Ritter LinkedIn Live for Yourself (LFY) Consulting

In this insightful episode, Jeff talks with Jeff Haden about the mindset and habits that separate high achievers from the rest. Mr. Haden is a renowned author, speaker, and influencer with over 1 million LinkedIn followers and 2.5 million monthly readers of his articles in Inc. magazine. He's known for his expertise in leadership, company culture, and performance. Jeff has written numerous books, including The Motivation Myth, which Jeff and Jeff explore in depth on the show. Jeff shares how the power of discipline, and how overachievers are often ordinary people who have mastered the art of consistency. They break down how sticking to what you love, one day at a time, can lead to extraordinary success. As the two of them unpack the myths surrounding motivation, it becomes clear that motivation often doesn’t appear until you start taking action. Jeff and Jeff talk about how to build momentum through daily efforts and why the journey to achieving big goals begins with small, manageable steps. Tune in to discover practical strategies for cultivating discipline, maintaining motivation, and ultimately, turning your aspirations into reality. Whether you're looking to boost your productivity or achieve a long-term goal, this episode offers valuable insights to guide you on your path to success. Jeff Haden LinkedIn Profile The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win

In this engaging episode of the Human Capital Podcast, Jeff Hunt returns from a break with his batteries recharged and dives into a profound discussion with Sam Horn, a renowned communication strategist and author of "Talking on Eggshells." Sam shares her career journey, emphasizing the pivotal moments that shaped her expertise in effective communication and leadership. She highlights the significance of her "power three" – close family and friends, meaningful work, and daily nature walks – as the foundation of her gratitude and fulfillment. Sam recounts a critical leadership lesson where self-doubt led her to decline a major managerial role, later realizing her capability to succeed in that position. The conversation explores the vital role of language in fostering a positive workplace environment and the power of listening and situational awareness. Sam and Jeff provide practical strategies for leaders to enhance communication, reduce workplace resistance, and promote genuine collaboration. By shifting from authoritative commands to collaborative asks, they illustrate how leaders can create more dynamic and cooperative workspaces.

This week join Jeff in his engaging conversation with Verne Harnish, an acclaimed author and leadership expert. Verne shares invaluable insights on leadership, values, and change. Drawing from his extensive experience, he emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning and remaining open to change in today's dynamic business landscape. Jeff and Verne delve into the critical role of fostering healthy conflict and open communication within teams to facilitate better decision-making and build trust. They also discuss the significance of core values as guiding principles for both employees and leaders, highlighting their role in shaping organizational culture. This episode offers actionable strategies for driving growth and fostering a culture of innovation within any organization with practical advice and real-world examples.

In this illuminating episode, Jeff delves into the crucial interplay between organizational culture and sales strategy with Alice Heiman, a renowned sales leader and consultant. Together, they navigate the intricate landscape of modern business, highlighting the indispensable value of a strong sales mentality that emphasizes customer relationships, strategic market growth, and clear communication. Alice and Jeff bring the need for a clear exit strategy to the vital importance of aligning team strategies with long-term goals, and dynamics of customer relationships, and stress the necessity of multiple touchpoints. Alice advocates for a structured approach where top-tier clients have direct connections not just with sales, but also with product specialists, engineers, and senior executives, ensuring enhanced customer satisfaction and retention.

In this enlightening and transformative episode, Jeff welcomes Jeanine Turner as his guest. Jeanine is the author of "Being Present." Jeanine is also a Professor at Georgetown University, and she brings over three decades of research into how we use communication technologies and how they, in turn, shape our interactions at work, at home, and beyond. They start by dissecting the concept of "budgeted presence," where tasks often take precedence over relationships. From the challenges of navigating competitive and entitled presence to the importance of creating invitational spaces, Jeanine provides invaluable insights into how our tech habits impact the depth of our connections. Jeff and Jeanine uncover the nuances of persuasive communication while keeping the delicate balance between maintaining focus and fostering dialogues that nurture empathy and understanding. Get Jeanine's book here: Being Present: Commanding Attention at Work Being Present: Commanding Attention at Work