Talking about pay can be uncomfortable—but avoiding it comes at a cost. In this solo episode of the People Success Circle podcast, I share why salary transparency matters more than ever and how it can transform company culture, trust, and employee well-being.

Drawing on my own experience of discovering a 31% pay gap early in my career, I explain how lack of transparency leads to hidden pay inequity, employee frustration, and turnover. I also explore how employers can proactively address these challenges through fair pay practices, clear compensation philosophies, and effective communication strategies that advance workplace equality and inclusion.

From salary negotiation tips to understanding the impact of emerging pay transparency laws, this episode is packed with practical guidance for HR leaders, business owners, and employees who want to build a more equitable workplace.

Key Topics Discussed:

• My personal story of discovering a significant pay gap—and how it shaped my passion for fair pay and workplace fairness
  
  
• Why pay transparency and salary transparency are essential for building trust, reducing bias, and closing pay gaps
  
  
• The current state of pay inequity in the U.S., including statistics on gender and racial wage disparities
  
  
• How salary transparency laws are evolving—and what employers need to know about compliance and disclosure requirements
  
  
• The role of compensation philosophies and salary bands in creating clarity, consistency, and accountability
  
  
• How to benchmark pay using market data and set expectations for career progression and salary negotiation
  
  
• Why salary transparency supports diversity, equity, and inclusion by ensuring employees understand how pay decisions are made
  
  
• The importance of training managers to lead confident, transparent conversations about compensation
  
  
• Why communicating pay guidelines internally—before posting externally—helps protect trust and engagement
  
  
• Actionable tips for employees and job seekers on researching fair pay ranges and advocating for equitable compensation
  
  
  

Listen in and learn how embracing pay transparency can build trust, promote equity, and create a more engaged, inclusive workplace.

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

What if the most powerful tool in leadership wasn’t a strategy—but a conversation?

In this insightful episode of the People Success Circle podcast, executive coach and leadership expert Carissa Gay joins host Mindy East to explore how capacity-building conversations can transform teams, shape workplace culture, and elevate leadership. As the founder of Courageous Leaders and a Master Certified Coach, Carissa shares how neuroscience, trust, and communication intersect to drive real, lasting change.

Listeners will walk away with actionable tools to lead better one-on-ones, give feedback with confidence, and create team environments rooted in safety, ownership, and respect. Whether a seasoned leader or just stepping into management, this conversation reframes communication as the foundation of transformational leadership.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How every conversation sparks a neurochemical response—and why that matters for engagement and trust
  
  
• What makes a conversation truly “capacity-building” and how it empowers creativity, accountability, and connection
  
  
• Barriers that prevent leaders from having courageous conversations (and how to overcome them)
  
  
• Leading with honor, dignity, and respect—even when conversations are difficult
  
  
• Balancing empathy with accountability in performance feedback
  
  
• Coaching case studies that illustrate the power of high-capacity leadership and intentional communication
  
  
• The shift from old-school leadership to transformational leadership models
  
  
• How to use values to anchor culture change during disruption and uncertainty
  
  
• Why title isn’t everything—how influence and conscious communication can come from anywhere in the organization
  
  

This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to improve performance management, tackle tough conversations, or become a more conscious and courageous leader.

Resources & Guest Info:
Learn more: courageousleaderscoaching.com
Connect with Carissa Gay on LinkedIn: Carissa Gay

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

Letting someone go is never easy—but I’ve come to believe it’s one of the most important moments for a company to show what it truly values.

In this solo episode of People Success Circle, I’m sharing both personal and professional insights on what it looks like to let someone go well. I’ve been on both sides of the table—leading layoffs, restructuring, and terminations as an HR leader, and experiencing a layoff myself. That experience shaped everything I now believe about supporting people through transition.

Whether you’re a business owner, HR leader, or someone who just wants to lead with care and clarity, I’m walking you through what outplacement services are, why they matter, and how you can offer them in a way that truly helps employees land on their feet.

Key Topics I Cover:

• What outplacement services really are—and why they’re one of the most underutilized tools in HR
• How layoffs, restructuring, and RIFs impact both the employees who leave and the ones who stay
• Why offering outplacement boosts morale, protects your company’s reputation, and reduces legal risk
• What it felt like when I was laid off as a regional HR leader—and how that experience changed my approach to career support
• How resume support, LinkedIn optimization, interview training, and networking guidance help people move forward faster
• The difference between severance and outplacement—and why offering both can speak volumes about your company’s values
• Why every leader—no matter your company size—should normalize offering outplacement, even on a budget
  
  

Whether you're navigating a restructure or simply preparing for what’s ahead, this episode will give you tools, perspective, and encouragement to lead well—especially in the hard moments.

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

What makes people feel truly connected at work — especially in an increasingly remote, hybrid, or distributed environment? In this episode, I’m joined by community and product expert Becky Davidson, whose career spans UX design, startup innovation, and building thriving online spaces for both customers and teams. We dive into what makes a community "work" inside a company or brand, how to avoid the most common mistakes, and why community isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a critical strategy for retention, engagement, and long-term success.

Whether you're managing a remote team, building a membership, or trying to reignite your culture, this episode offers actionable ideas to bring people together in meaningful ways.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How community development supports both customer experience and employee connection
  
  
• Common missteps companies make when trying to “add” community without intention
  
  
• What thriving internal communities actually look like in remote work environments
  
  
• The link between community engagement and employee loyalty
  
  
• How to increase employee engagement without adding pressure to post or attend constantly
  
  
• Why Slack, HR platforms, or even Facebook groups can still work — if used wisely
  
  
• The importance of psychological safety and shared goals in workplace culture
  
  
• How mentoring and intentional team building shape inclusive workplace environments
  
  
• Tips for choosing the right platform for your virtual team or customer base
  
  
• How leaders can reduce social isolation and improve mental health at work
  
  

Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, or simply looking for better ways to foster connection in a remote world, this conversation is packed with insights to help you create a stronger, more human workplace.

Becky’s Links:

Website: https://www.affinitycollective.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckypierson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildwbecky/

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

Is Fractional Work the Future of Executive Leadership?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kristine Sickels — former corporate marketing leader turned founder of C-Sweet, a thriving fractional leadership firm helping businesses access executive-level talent on a flexible, scalable basis.

Kristine shares her personal journey from leading powerhouse brands like Crock-Pot, Mr. Coffee, and Rubbermaid to launching her own fractional marketing agency that now employs 11 talented women as fractional executives. We explore why more leaders (especially women) are finding freedom, flexibility, and continued impact through fractional roles — and why companies are increasingly tapping into this innovative model.

Whether you’ve heard of fractional marketing officers, fractional CFOs, or fractional chief people officers, this conversation breaks down exactly how fractional contract work is reshaping the future of work.

Key Takeaways:

• What Fractional Really Means: I unpack the difference between fractional positions, part-time executives, and consulting — and why it matters for both talent leaders and companies.
  
  
• Why Mid-Sized Companies Win Big: We discuss why companies between $500M–$3B often benefit most from fractional leadership to access top-tier strategic talent without full-time salaries.
  
  
• The Flexibility Factor: Kristine explains how fractional executive work helps experienced leaders stay in the game while also managing caregiving, entrepreneurship, or passion projects.
  
  
• Development as a Deliverable: I highlight why great fractional executives aren’t just solving problems — they’re mentoring internal teams to ensure lasting growth.
  
  
• The Business Model Shift: We explore why fractional CMO and fractional contract work roles are becoming increasingly common across industries, and how executives can position themselves for success.
  
  
• Tips for Aspiring Fractional Leaders: Kristine shares advice for executives considering a transition into fractional work — including the mindset shift that sets them up for thriving careers.

If you’re curious about fractional positions, contract work, or how entrepreneurship intersects with executive leadership — this is a must-listen primer on one of today’s fastest-growing career paths.

Dr. Kristine's links:

• C-Sweet Website: https://myvirtualcsweet.com/
• Dr. Kristine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kristine-sickels-your-virtual-cmo-and-public-speaker/
• MicDrop : https://micdropworkshop.com/
• Join the monthly Mic Drop Club: https://micdropworkshop.com/club/

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

What if one simple conversation could transform performance, trust, and retention on your team?

In this solo episode of People Success Circle, I dive into one of the most powerful

leadership habits: the one-on-one meeting. After 25+ years in human resources, I’ve seen firsthand how effective one-on-one meetings can dramatically improve employee communication, performance management, and team engagement—if leaders do them well.

Using the story of Brian and Tiffany, I break down how regularly scheduled employee meetings can uncover blind spots, prevent misunderstandings, and create a culture of trust long before performance problems arise. Whether you're wondering how often you should schedule one-on-one meeting frequency or what to include in your one-on-one meeting agenda, this episode gives you a full playbook for doing them right.

Key Takeaways:

Why Consistency Matters: Learn why weekly meetings—or at minimum, bi-weekly—are critical for building trust and keeping communication flowing.

Shared Agendas That Work: Discover how using a collaborative agenda allows both leaders and employees to contribute topics, ask questions, and align priorities.

The Three C’s of Effective One-on-One Meetings: Consistency, Content, and Connection—your formula for stronger employee relationships.

Spotting and Avoiding Pitfalls: Understand the common mistakes managers make (like skipping meetings or dominating the conversation) that can erode trust over time.

Coaching for Growth and Development: See how one-on-one meeting benefits extend far beyond task lists, opening the door for career conversations, corrective feedback, and development planning.

What Great Managers Do Differently: Build psychological safety, create clarity, and foster open dialogue that makes employees feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Whether you're meeting with your manager, building your management responsibility skills, or creating better performance management processes, one-on-one meetings are one of the most important tools in your leadership toolkit.

🎧 Tune in now and start transforming your weekly meetings into the conversations that matter most

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

What if your next big change didn’t have to feel like a battle—but like a seat at the table?

In this practical and empowering episode of People Success Circle, I sit down with Katherine Robinette—consultant, speaker, and founder of Keystone and Raven—to explore what real change management looks like in 2025.

With decades of experience guiding organizations through transformation, Katherine shares her signature 5-step TABLE Framework for intentional, people-first change implementation. From navigating resistance to change to empowering middle managers as true change agents, this episode unpacks the strategies leaders need to approach change with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

We dive into why most change efforts fail, how to rebuild trust, and the critical role of middle management in shaping company culture. Whether you’re undergoing digital transformation, facing organizational restructuring, or rolling out a new strategic initiative—this conversation will shift how you view change at work.

Key Takeaways:

The TABLE Framework for Change: Katherine’s actionable 5-step model for guiding intentional and inclusive transformation, built on trust and clarity.

Build Simplicity, Not Resistance: Learn how small adjustments, simplified messaging, and empathy can overcome resistance to change and foster long-term adoption.

Middle Managers as Culture Builders: Discover how mid-level leaders become key players in culture change and strategic success when properly supported.

Psychological Safety and Trust: Understand how creating a safe space through open communication and consistent one-on-one conversations is essential for change readiness.

Change is Human: Explore why evaluating progress, adjusting along the way, and celebrating milestones are the overlooked essentials in successful change management training.

🎧 Whether you’re managing change at work, implementing a new process, or preparing your team for the future—this episode is your blueprint for leading with empathy, strategy, and confidence.

Katherine's links:

https://keystoneandraven.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-robinette-speaker/

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

What if supporting your team’s mental health was the key to unlocking their full potential?

In this compassionate and eye-opening episode of People Success Circle, I sit down with Nisi Bennett—nurse, speaker, and workplace mental health expert—to explore what it truly means to prioritize well-being at work.

Drawing from nearly two decades in nursing and public health, Nisi shares why mental health isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a leadership imperative. From identifying early warning signs to creating policy that supports—not punishes—employees during difficult times, this episode is packed with practical, human-centered strategies every workplace can start using right away.

You’ll walk away with powerful insights on how to create a culture of belonging, advocate before disciplining, and build systems that care for the whole person—not just their performance.

Key Takeaways:

From Policy to Prevention: Why true culture change starts long before crisis—and how to build it into your onboarding, policies, and daily leadership habits.

Burnout Warning Signs: Learn the 3 stages of mental health decline at work (distraction, disruption, crisis) and how leaders can step in early with empathy.

Advocacy Over Discipline: How to use advocacy models instead of rushing to punitive measures—and why it benefits both people and the business.

Real-World Strategies: From redesigning emergency contacts to making EAPs actually usable, Nisi shares actionable ways to create safety and trust in your team.

Mental Health for Job Seekers: How to care for your emotional well-being during one of life’s most stressful transitions—and why asking for help is a strength, not a setback.

If you’re a people-first leader—or striving to become one—this episode offers a blueprint for creating a workplace where mental health isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a commitment.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to support your team’s well-being from the inside out—and why it will pay off in retention, productivity, and humanity.

Nisi's Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisibennett/

https://www.allheartinitiative.com/

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com