Professional success is often seen as the ultimate measure of a fulfilling career, but what if achievement alone isn't enough? In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb welcomes Jeff Westphal, former CEO of Vertex Inc., entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author of A Work Life Worth Living: Your Guide to Creating a Meaningful Career. Jeff shares the personal experiences that shaped his leadership journey and inspired his mission to help others create more meaningful work lives.

Jeff reflects on growing up in a family of hardworking entrepreneurs, navigating a complicated relationship with his father, and discovering how learning to truly listen transformed both his leadership and his life. Together, Tammy and Jeff explore the power of workplace culture, personal responsibility, and the importance of understanding what truly brings meaning to work.

Whether you're rethinking your career, leading a team, or searching for greater fulfillment in your professional life, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical wisdom. Jeff reminds listeners that while organizations can foster supportive environments, each individual has the opportunity to create a work life that is rooted in purpose, connection, and meaning.

In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about:

• How childhood experiences shape leadership
• Why success alone does not create fulfillment
• The leadership power of listening first
• Building a culture where people thrive
• Taking ownership of your own career satisfaction
• Finding meaning regardless of your job title
• The lessons that transformed Jeff's relationship with his father
• Why meaningful work starts from the inside out

Learn more about Jeff:

• Read: A Work Life Worth Living: Your Guide to Creating a Meaningful Career
• Visit: meaningsphere.com
• Visit: jeffwestphal.org
• Follow Jeff on LinkedIn
• Follow Jeff on Facebook
• Follow Jeff on Instagram

Additional resources noted during the podcast:

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• Tech Humanist: How You Can Make Technology Better for Business and Better for Humans by Kate O’Neill
• Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership by Joseph Jaworski

Stay Connected:

• Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn
• Buy Me A Coffee
• Work From The Inside Out Website
• Subscribe to the newsletter
• Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Dr. Shawn Andrews and Michael O'Brien, co-authors of The 5 Levels of Male Allyship: A Guide to Building Better Teams Through Real Inclusion. Together, they explore how allyship can help create more inclusive workplace cultures and stronger professional relationships.

Drawing on their research and experiences, Shawn and Michael discuss why many men want to be allies but often struggle to know where to begin. They explain the five levels of allyship, the importance of awareness and courage, and how individuals can move from good intentions to meaningful action.

The conversation also examines the differences between allies, mentors, and sponsors, the role leaders can play in fostering cultures of inclusion, and the challenges created by workplace dynamics such as "bro culture." Shawn and Michael share practical tools from their book that help individuals assess their allyship and identify potential advocates within their organizations.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how allyship benefits everyone, strengthens workplace culture, and creates opportunities for people to thrive together.

In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about:

• The definition of allyship and why it matters
• The five levels of male allyship
• Why awareness is the foundation of allyship
• The role of courage in supporting others
• How allyship differs from mentorship and sponsorship
• The impact of workplace culture on inclusion
• Common barriers that prevent men from becoming allies
• The influence of "bro culture" in organizations
• Practical tools for identifying and developing allies
• Why allyship benefits both individuals and organizations

Learn more about Michael and Shawn:

• Read: The 5 Levels of Male Allyship: A Guide to Building Better Teams Through Real Inclusion
• Take the assessment: 5 Levels of Allyship Assessment
• Visit drshawnandrews.com/5levelsofallyship
• Follow Shawn Andrews on LinkedIn
• Visit michaelobrienshift.com/
• Follow Michael O’Brien on Linkedin

Stay Connected:

• Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn
• Buy Me A Coffee
• Work From The Inside Out Website
• Subscribe to the newsletter
• Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Heather Hansen O'Neill, a keynote speaker, coach, leadership expert, author, and former professional dancer whose career journey has been defined by reinvention, resilience, and curiosity. Heather shares how dance became her safe place from a young age, leading her to a professional performing career before a devastating injury abruptly changed her path forever.

Heather reflects on the difficult transition that followed losing the career she loved, the years she spent searching for direction, and the powerful “what if?” question that ultimately helped her rediscover joy and purpose. She discusses how her experiences shaped her work helping leaders and organizations create more human-centered cultures, build meaningful connections, and rethink the way they approach sales, leadership, and career fulfillment.

Tammy and Heather also explore the importance of listening to your inner voice amid life’s noise, embracing reinvention at every stage of life, and staying resilient through rejection and uncertainty. Heather shares lessons from the dance world that continue to guide her today, including why sometimes not getting the role you wanted may lead you to the one that truly fits.

In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about:

• How Heather’s professional dance career shaped her identity and leadership style
• What happened after a career-ending injury changed the direction of her life
• Why curiosity and asking “what if?” can open new possibilities
• How human connection transforms leadership, sales, and workplace culture
• The importance of listening to your inner voice amid external noise
• Why many professionals feel disconnected from their work—and how to reconnect
• How Heather transitioned from sales into coaching, speaking, and authorship
• Lessons about resilience, rejection, and persistence from the dance world
• Why reinvention often begins with letting go of old expectations
• How setbacks can ultimately lead to more meaningful opportunities

Learn more about Heather:

• Visit: heatherhansenoneill.com
• Follow Heather on LinkedIn
• Listen: From Fear to Fire Podcast
• Read: Teams on Fire! Transforming your group into a more productive, profitable and motivated team
• Read: Find Your Fire at Forty: Creating a Joyful Life During the Age of Discontent
• Read: Where's the Office?: Moving Today's Leaders from What IS to What CAN BE
• Read: Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales
• Watch: Become Conscious -You Must & Can Change the World
• Watch: Let go and let fly!

Stay Connected:

• Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn
• Buy Me A Coffee
• Work From The Inside Out Website
• Subscribe to the newsletter
• Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb