Vibecast

In this episode, Andy Robinson, owner and lead consultant at LFG Mindset Consulting, joins Kristi Skutvik to share the story behind his mindset coaching practice. Andy grew up in a military town in New Jersey and knew from the age of 15 that he wanted to be a Marine. After joining the Marine Corps and deploying twice to Iraq, his second deployment in 2006 ended when his truck was hit by a roadside bomb. Three Marines in the vehicle died that day. Andy survived but broke his neck, ribs, and legs and spent seven months in the hospital. At 23, everything he associated with his identity was gone. Rather than building his future around his limitations, Andy chose to focus on what he wanted his life to look like. He surrounded himself with other veterans who had chosen differently, learned to drive, went to college, started a family, and eventually landed a job in capital markets with no finance background, cold calling Fortune 500 CFOs and treasurers at companies like Amazon, Ford, and Coca-Cola. When he realized his fulfillment was no longer in finance, he discovered mindset coaching and recognized he had been living its principles for years without knowing the language. Now he helps people step into the next version of themselves by reprogramming their self-image, rewriting the stories they tell themselves, and building a vision for the life they actually want. Additional Resources: Connect with Andy Robinson on LinkedIn Follow LFG Mindset Consulting on LinkedIn Subscribe to Kristi's YouTube for more Vibecast content! Learn more about Skutvik Consulting Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Everything in your life is a reflection of the self-image you once held, change the image and the results follow Your subconscious only operates in the present tense, so the language you use about your goals and circumstances directly shapes what you experience The people you surround yourself with influence the choices you make, seek out those who are living the kind of life you want Start reprogramming your mindset with a blank notebook: write about the life you want as if it is already happening, based purely on desire rather than current circumstances Busy is a choice, not a badge of honor, there are people just as successful who are not busy, because they have trained themselves to think differently about time and priorities

What if the real reason your workplace is struggling isn't performance, but a lack of respect? Kristi sits down with Gregg Ward, bestselling author of "The Respectful Leader" and founder of the Center for Respectful Leadership, for a conversation that starts with tragedy and ends with transformation. From losing his high school sweetheart in a devastating accident to creating breakthrough leadership trainings using improv and storytelling, Gregg's path is anything but linear. He shares how understanding moral injury reshaped his mission, why Gen Z refuses to tolerate toxic leaders, and how a simple mindset shift can change your workplace vibe forever. This isn't just another leadership chat. It's a masterclass in empathy, science, and the soul-deep need we all have to feel respected. If you're leading people and want to keep them, this episode is a must. Additional Resources: Connect with Gregg on LinkedIn Learn more about The Center for Respectful Leadership Get your copy of "The Respectful Leader" Watch Gregg's TEDx Talk Subscribe to Kristi's YouTube for more Vibecast content! Learn more about Skutvik Consulting Learn more about workvibes Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Respect is a feeling, not just a concept. Practice the "platinum rule," not the golden one. Moral injury impacts leadership behavior and empathy. Neuroscience proves respect influences brain chemistry. Listen first! Respect begins with understanding others' perspectives.

What happens when a broken ankle, a breakup, and a business plan collide? Kristi sits down with her longtime friend and stylist-turned-salon-owner Laura Foster to talk all things energy, leadership, and big leaps. From sitting in a recliner post-injury to building two booming Vici Salons in just seven months (yes, 39 chairs and 200+ daily clients), Laura shares how trusting her gut and leading with heart turned a vision into a reality. They go deep into why your workplace vibe is everything, how to create a space people never want to leave, and what happens when you care more about people than profit. ✨ Whether you're leading a team or building something from scratch, this episode will light a fire in your soul. 💇‍♀️ Additional Resources: Learn more about Vici Salon Follow Vici Salon on Instagram @vicisalon Learn more about Skutvik Consulting Learn more about workvibes Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: People feel vibes instantly. Valued employees create strong culture. Low points can launch big transformations. Hire for fit, not just skill. Presence and intuition guide great leadership.

What happens when you stop grinding through corporate life and finally build the work vibe you want? ✨ Kristi sits down with longtime friend and disruptor in the accounting and finance recruiting space, Jen McCasland, founder of DisruptiX Talent Solutions. With 25+ years of experience and a CPA designation, Jen has worked with startups and Fortune 500s, but what sets her apart is her commitment to transparency, authenticity, and building real relationships. Jen opens up about her journey from struggling through the traditional CPA path to finding her true calling in staffing and talent solutions, where she thrives on helping people and organizations align with their authentic vibe. She shares the challenges of corporate structures, the freedom of entrepreneurship, and how small mindset shifts can create big impact. This conversation is a reminder that success isn't about titles or rigid career paths, it's about showing up as your true self, fostering trust, and cultivating relationships that last. 🌟 Additional Resources: Connect with Jen on LinkedIn Learn more about DisruptiX Talent Solutions Learn more about Skutvik Consulting Learn more about workvibes Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Your vibe is your authentic self; alignment builds trust. Transparency makes recruiting faster and stronger. Startups thrive by keeping things simple and flexible. Relationships are long-term assets worth cultivating. Small mindset shifts can transform your energy and impact.

What if the secret to better leadership isn't in a strategy doc—but in your vibe? ⚡️ Kristi sits down with Zoe Walters—global HR exec, business psychologist, and transformation guru—to talk about the power of energy, intention, and being radically real in your leadership. Zoe opens up about walking away from her "dream job," navigating burnout, and why knowing your vibe (and managing it) is everything. She shares what it means to take radical accountability, how to harmonize your full self, and why AI is only as soulful as the human using it 🤖💡 Packed with wisdom, heart, and real-world tools, this convo will leave you rethinking how you show up. Because leadership isn't just what you do, it's the energy you bring ❤️ Additional Resources: Connect with Zoe on LinkedIn Learn more about The Outplacers Follow Empowrd AI on LinkedIn Learn more about Skutvik Consulting Learn more about workvibes Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Your vibe is your energy—manage it with intention. Own your growth through radical accountability. Balance all dimensions of self for lasting transformation. Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement. Daily breathwork and gratitude can shift your mindset fast.

What's the vibe at your workplace—an irresistible aroma or a stink you can't shake? 👃 Holly McIlwain, Chief Navigator at Narrow Spaces and Founder of The Brave Women Project, joins Kristi to unpack how presence, discipline, and values shape our work environments. From scrubbing toilets on service trips to coaching execs through tough truths, Holly drops wisdom on becoming a "vibe custodian" and leveling up to a "vibe architect." Whether you're new to leadership or seasoned at the top, this episode will challenge you to ask: What kind of vibe are you leaving behind? 🌟 Additional Resources: Connect with Holly on LinkedIn Learn more about Narrow Spaces Learn more about Skutvik Consulting Learn more about workvibes Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Vibe = Culture: It's the "aroma" people take with them after leaving work. Discipline Builds Culture: Presence, punctuality, and consistency are non-negotiable for leaders. Custodian vs. Architect: Culture work starts with service and matures into intentional design. Harmony Over Balance: Integrated living beats the illusion of perfect balance. Early Lessons Matter: Life experiences in adolescence shape future leadership behaviors.

What's the vibe where you work—and how do you shift it for the better? Culture expert Tim McCleary joins Kristi to unpack how trust, involvement, and a little bit of neuroscience can totally transform your team. From his days at NBC and GE to launching his movement Be Human, Tim brings stories, insights, and simple actions that help people-first leaders create workplaces that feel good and perform. Let's build better vibes—one human moment at a time. ✨ Additional Resources: Connect with Tim on LinkedIn Learn more about The Involvement Practice Be Human - Today!! Learn more about Skutvik Consulting Learn more about workvibes Check Your Vibe Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Culture forms with or without intention—leaders must be proactive in shaping the environment they want. Trust is the foundation of high-performing teams and is deeply tied to psychological safety and openness. Involving employees in change fosters ownership, localization, and long-term success. Small, human gestures like smiling, listening, and being candid create ripple effects in team culture.

What happens when you mix AI, virtual reality, and HR? You get Matt Burns. 🤖💼 In this episode, Matt shares how atlas copilot is transforming the workplace—making it more human, more efficient, and way more fun. From hosting a global VR summit to helping HR pros create better vibes at work, he's all about using tech to level up the employee experience. Curious about what the future of work really looks like? Tune in and get inspired. 🚀 Additional Resources: Connect with Matt on LinkedIn Learn more about Skutvik Consulting Learn more about workvibes Check Your Vibe Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: AI and immersive technologies like VR are tools to enhance, not replace, human connection at work. Personalized employee experiences are now possible at scale through AI, improving both engagement and efficiency. HR's role is evolving from policy enforcers to strategic architects of meaningful work experiences. The key to leveraging AI effectively is co-creation with employees and intentional integration, not top-down enforcement.