“The intersection of personal and organizational alignment is a key way to unlock potential. ”- Mike Horne

In this episode of The People Dividend podcast, Mike Horne discusses the critical themes of trust and motivation in leadership and organizational culture. He emphasizes that trust is foundational to the People Dividend, which encompasses dignity, kindness, and respect. Horne explores how trust fosters collaboration and innovation, and how motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, plays a vital role in unlocking employee potential. He concludes by highlighting the ripple effects of trust and motivation on organizational reputation and customer satisfaction, urging listeners to assess their workplace dynamics and prioritize these elements for success.

Key Points:

• Transparency is a two-way street.

• Intrinsic motivation is essential for a motivated workforce.

• Aligning values with organizational goals unlocks potential.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

The workforce is evolving—and so must the way we lead, hire, and build inclusive cultures.

In this episode of People Dividend, host Mike Horne sits down with Jesse Guenther, Vice President of Client Delivery at Allegis Global Solutions, to explore the evolving world of talent acquisition and leadership in 2025. Jesse shares his personal leadership journey and the lessons he's learned along the way—from embracing discomfort to viewing failure as a powerful learning tool.

Mike and Jesse discuss the volatility of today’s employment market, the shifting priorities of HR leaders, and the rising importance of cost efficiency. Jesse also emphasizes how organizations can create more inclusive workplaces by aligning diversity initiatives with the real needs of the communities they serve.

The conversation also touches on the gig economy, the growing synergy between HR and finance, and the power of building strong relationships to drive business outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or just beginning your leadership journey, this episode offers timely advice and deep insights into the future of work.

Key Points:

• Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Jesse emphasizes that stepping outside your comfort zone—and even failing—is essential for personal and professional growth.

• The Employment Market Is in Flux: With a rapidly evolving workforce and the rise of the gig economy, HR leaders must stay agile and rethink traditional talent strategies.

• Diversity Must Reflect the Community: Inclusion efforts are most effective when they’re grounded in the real needs and experiences of the communities organizations serve.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Jessi Guenther:

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

https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/

“We do not resist change. We resist the loss of something. We resist the idea of something that we might lose if the change actually happens.” - Martin Lesperance

In this episode of the People Dividend Podcast, Mike Horne and Martin Lesperance discuss the critical concept of momentum in the context of organizational change. They explore the challenges of maintaining momentum amidst rapid changes, the psychological aspects of resistance to change, and the importance of communication and identity in navigating transitions. Martin emphasizes the need for leaders to provide hope and connection to their teams, encouraging small, incremental steps towards change while celebrating progress along the way.

Key Points:
Why momentum is essential for success in organizations.
Why resistance to change often stems from fear of loss.
How leaders can foster hope and connection within their teams.

Links:
Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin
Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com
Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,
LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,
Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Martin Lesperance
martinlesperance.ca
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-lesperance-0355263/

What does it take to lead in today’s ever-evolving world, and how much of that is shaped by who you are versus where you are?

In this episode of The People Dividend, host Mike Horne sits down with Ross Blankenship, consulting psychologist and leadership coach, to explore the deeper layers of leadership, identity, and career evolution. Drawing from his books Everyday Leadership and Assessing CEOs and Senior Leaders, Ross unpacks why a humanistic approach is essential for effective leadership—and how context can be just as influential as character. They also delve into the growing role of AI in executive assessment and what that means for the future of coaching and development at the top.

Key Points:

• Career transitions are deeply tied to identity shifts and successful leaders must navigate both.

• AI is transforming executive assessment, offering new insights but also raising ethical considerations.

• Personal growth in leadership begins with self-reflection and confronting our own assumptions.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Ross Blankenship

https://www.tuesdayadvisors.com/, https://www.rossblankenship.io/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonrossblankenship/

I don't want to be happy two days a week and unhappy five days a week. I'm still finding joy on my Mondays. - Ron Monteiro

In this episode of the People Dividend Podcast, host Mike Horne speaks with Ron Montero, a CPA and speaker, about his journey from a shy finance professional to a passionate trainer and author. They discuss Ron's experiences at Kraft Foods, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of AI on workplace development. Ron introduces his new book, 'Love Mondays', which outlines a four-step process to bring joy back into the workweek and shares leadership principles for fostering a positive workplace culture.

Key Points:

• The importance of a supportive workplace culture

• How creating fun in the workplace improves employee engagement

• How investing in employee development pays dividends for organizations

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Ron Monteiro

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronmonteiro18/, https://www.kictinc.com/about-me, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFCYtKtuMriwMzff-1Jreqg

What it really boils down to is how you are treated by the people you work for and with. That to me is culture. - Jamie Graceffa

In this episode of the People Dividend, host Mike Horne engages with Jamie Graceffa, Vice President of Talent Development, Culture, and Inclusion at Quantarix. They explore the significance of kindness in the workplace, the evolution of talent development, and the importance of creating an inclusive culture. Jamie shares insights on implementing kindness through practical tools and techniques, emphasizing that kindness is a skill that can be developed. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and engagement in fostering a positive work environment, ultimately leading to better employee experiences and organizational success.

Key Points:

• Why employee experience should be prioritized alongside organizational goals

• How kindness can be taught and developed as a skill set

• Utilizing empathy and understanding to create an inclusive culture

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Jamie Graceffa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-graceffa/

https://x.com/jamiegraceffa

getkindcards.com

"One mistake a lot of companies make is they try to hit every single platform and they never develop any roots and any depth on one platform. They're too scattered." - Adam Packard

In this episode of the People Dividend, host Mike Horne talks with Adam Packard from Ninja Prospecting to discuss the importance of building relationships on LinkedIn, evolving strategies for effective networking, and the role of content and video in enhancing engagement.

Adam shares insights on how to differentiate oneself in a crowded market and emphasizes the value of adding value first in networking efforts. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by HR professionals in navigating LinkedIn and the importance of creating meaningful connections.

Key Points:

• The importance of adding value first in networking

• Adapting strategies to align with LinkedIn’s evolving platform

• Networking as a means of creating future opportunities

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Adam Packard

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

When we can reframe these complaints into requests, now we start to become problem solvers and connectors in the organization.- Traci Austin

In this episode of the People Dividend, host Mike Horne interviews HR expert Tracy Austin, who shares her journey from traditional HR roles to impactful leadership in small organizations. Tracy discusses the importance of understanding employee complaints as requests, the need for clear business and people strategies, and the critical role of engagement and retention in the trades. She emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships and trust within teams, the business imperative of diversity, and the invisible yet vital role of HR in fostering a positive organizational culture.

Key Points:

• How understanding complaints as requests can transform HR's role.

• Why strong relationships and trust are essential for a healthy culture.

• Having clear retention strategies that focus on individual employee needs.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Traci Austin

https://elevatedtalentconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-austin/