How do values move from words on a wall to ways of working that truly shape a culture?

In this conversation, Bev Attfield Partner at Within People sits down with Madeleine Drake Director of People and Culture at Stok and Sabrina Banadaga VP of Marketing at Shift, to explore how values come alive in real workplaces. Together, they talk about what it takes to turn shared ideals into everyday behaviors, and how leaders can nurture belonging and purpose by living their values out loud.

From using technology thoughtfully to keep values relevant, to keeping things simple and human, this episode offers practical insights for anyone looking to bring more meaning into how their organization works and grows.

Listen in to discover:

How values act as a compass for decision-making and belonging

Why the most transformative values are the ones that feel lived, not written

The role leaders play in making values thrive day-to-day

Why simplicity and creativity matter in bringing values to life

Two years ago, we asked if AI could write your purpose and values. Our answer: It can mimic the words, but not the meaning.

In this episode, Emily and Laurie pick up where they left off — this time looking at AI’s role in creating vision and strategy. With 71% of companies now using or exploring AI, it’s no longer niche. But can it really give you direction, or does it just reflect back what you already know?

We talk about:

• How AI can act as a “mirror” for your existing thinking
• The risks of skipping human participation in strategy-making
• Why collective buy-in matters more than a perfect plan
• Practical ways to use AI as a starting point, not the final word
• Creative and collaborative approaches to building a vision your team owns

We leave you with two questions to reflect on:

• Would your team recognize themselves in an AI-written strategy?
• Are you aligned in belief, or just in language?

Don’t let a compelling plan distract you from the conversation that should have shaped it.

In This Episode:

What does it look like to lead with courage in an era of backlash? Jeff Melnyk and Carol Kondo revisit past conversations that still resonate - from DEI and social justice to war, Pride, and legacy. This episode challenges leaders to stop sitting on the sidelines and start showing up.

Podcasts Featured:

The role of leadership in social justice: 3 actionable insights

Pride was a riot: Creating social change from within

Ukraine and social crises: How do business leaders respond

Referenced Articles:

Why Corporate America Is Running From DEI – Psychology Today

Pride events face budget shortfalls – AP News

Performative Allyship: What It Is and Why It Hurts – Diversity Certification

Ukraine Business Initiative – U.S. Chamber of Commerce

To learn more about Within People and the work we do click here

In this episode, Within People co-founder Jeff Melnyk is joined by partner Carol Kondo for a grounded and honest conversation about what’s really getting in the way of high performance at work. It’s not strategy - it’s presence.

Together, they unpack what mindfulness really means in a business context, how distraction is showing up in meetings, and why connection, intention and even phone-free boardrooms might just be the unlock for better collaboration and critical thinking.

Tune in for practical tips, thoughtful reflection, and a few laughs as Jeff and Carol explore what it means to show up fully and lead with presence.

Click here more information about Within People and the work we do

In this episode, Laurie Bennett sits down with Rory Capern, COO of Redbrick, to reflect on a decade of building and evolving a thriving business. As Redbrick has grown from a single-brand tech company into a portfolio of digital businesses, Rory has seen firsthand what it takes to scale with purpose and lead through change.

Together, they explore the lessons learned along the way—the leadership qualities that sustain long-term growth, the challenges of navigating uncertainty, and the role of culture in shaping a resilient, innovative company. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about growth and transformation, this conversation offers valuable insights on what it takes to build a business that lasts.

Learn more about Within People and the work we do here.

For more information about Redbrick and the work they do, go to rdbrck.com

In this special episode celebrating Within People’s 10th anniversary, Jeff Melnyk sits down with Dan Hegarty, a seasoned entrepreneur and COO at Kuda, to reflect on a decade of building and growing businesses. Dan shares his journey, the pivotal lessons he’s learned along the way, and what it really takes to create a company that lasts. Together, they dive into the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of culture and leadership, and finding purpose in the world of Tech.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone passionate about business and innovation, this conversation offers real-world insights and inspiration on navigating the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.

Description:

In this special annual trends episode of Reimagining Work from Within, Jeff Melnyk and Carol Kondo explore what it means to step into 2025 with intention. From Carol’s personal journey of starting over in a new country to Jeff reflecting on entering a new decade of life, they discuss the power of letting go as a form of growth. They dive into four key trends shaping leadership this year—bringing cultures together, redefining growth on your own terms, the ongoing evolution of flexible work, and the role of AI in human-centered leadership. Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation on how leaders can navigate change, embrace uncertainty, and create space for something new.

Show Notes:

• [00:00] Carol’s journey of moving countries and what it means to start over
• [04:00] Why letting go—not just setting goals—can be the most powerful way to grow
• [09:15] Trend #1: Bringing cultures together—why DEI is shifting and what leaders need to let go of
• [16:30] Trend #2: Redefining growth—breaking away from outdated success metrics
• [21:00] Trend #3: Rethinking connection in hybrid and flexible work environments
• [26:07] Trend #4: AI and leadership—how embracing technology can make leadership more human
• [34:00] Key takeaways—how leaders can step into 2025 with intention and courage

In the latest episode in our series celebrating a decade of business at Within People, Jeff Melnyk reconnects with Meriem Bouamrane, an environmental economist and Senior Advisor for Nature-Based Solutions Partnerships at UNESCO. Together, they discuss her transformative work with UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Program and her personal journey as a leader in sustainability. From their shared experiences in the field to stories of resilience, connection, and shared purpose, Meriem shares powerful insights on vulnerability, the importance of community, and the value of leading with authenticity. Tune in to learn about the power of storytelling in environmental work, the evolution of sustainability, and Meriem's hopes for the next generation of leaders.

Fostering Global Sustainability Through Storytelling and Leadership

In this podcast episode, host Jeff interviews Meriam, an expert in environmental economics and a long-time advocate for the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program (MAB). They discuss their initial meeting in Sweden, collaborations around the world, and the transformational impact of the MAB program on promoting sustainable development. Meriam shares her career journey, starting from her field research in agroforestry in Indonesia, to her significant contributions within UNESCO. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and communication in engaging stakeholders and highlights the evolving awareness and actions towards sustainability. The conversation also explores our 8 Essential qualities for 21 century leadership, the significance of vulnerability and authenticity, and the shift in global consciousness regarding environmental issues. Meriam reflects on her future aspirations, focusing on personal growth and continuing her commitment to sustainability through local actions like permaculture.

UNESCO, Man and Biosphere Program, sustainability leadership, biodiversity, environmental advocacy, ecosystem preservation, global community, storytelling, purpose-driven leadership, human connection, cross-cultural collaboration, hope, resilience, vulnerability, authenticity, empowerment, sustainability evolution, climate action, positive impact, legacy, shared purpose

• Insights on how vulnerability and authenticity shape impactful leadership
• The evolution of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program and its role in global sustainability
• How storytelling bridges scientific data with public engagement to drive environmental change
• Shifting narratives in sustainability to bring a broader audience into the conversation
• Leadership lessons on staying hopeful and resilient amid challenges
• Meriem’s reflections on cultivating purpose-driven connections within communities worldwide
• Inspiring future leaders to make positive contributions to the planet through shared values

• Vulnerability as Strength: Meriem emphasizes that showing vulnerability as a leader can build trust, foster connection, and encourage a culture of openness and authenticity.
• Storytelling as a Tool for Change: Meriem and Jeff reflect on the importance of translating scientific knowledge into relatable stories that engage and empower communities to take action on biodiversity and sustainability.
• Sustainability’s Expanding Reach: Over her career, Meriem has seen sustainability discussions move from scientists and activists to include business leaders, finance professionals, and a global audience—creating a wider commitment to environmental action.
• Creating Global Connection through Shared Values: The Man and Biosphere Program unites diverse ecosystems and cultures under a shared purpose of protecting the planet, showing that common values can bridge differences and foster...