The Cultivate Podcast

In this episode of Cultivate, Alicia Moody, HR Director at MicroAir Surgical Instruments, shares her journey in human resources and the importance of a people-centric strategy. She discusses the balance between empathy and business needs, navigating change and resistance, and the significance of community and accountability in the workplace. Alicia emphasizes the role of HR in organizational strategy, the need for continuous learni...

In this episode of Cultivate, Erica Gil, Chief People Officer at GOOD RANCHERS, shares her journey from education to leadership, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the mindset of 'getting to' lead rather than 'having to'. She discusses the challenges of managing change in a growing company, the significance of building a community over a family in the workplace, and the necessity of balancing people care with performance....

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Juliette Dupré, Chief People Officer at OtherSide Entertainment, exploring her journey in leadership and change management. Juliette shares pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of human behavior in organizational change, the challenges of scaling culture globally, and the importance of aligning aspirational values with operational practices. The conversation emphasize...

In this episode of Cultivate, Elizabeth Hoffman, HR Director for the City of Fort Wayne, shares her journey in human resources, emphasizing the importance of empowering employees and creating a supportive work environment. She discusses her career path, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges of balancing organizational needs with individual employee needs. Elizabeth also highlights the importance of work-life balance, n...

In this episode of Cultivate, Pinky Keswani, Chief People Officer at Sustainable Conservation, shares her journey from the for-profit sector to the non-profit world, emphasizing the importance of passion and mission in her work. She discusses the unique challenges faced in non-profit HR, the significance of building a people-first culture, and the balance between personal and professional life. Pinky highlights the value of collabo...

In this episode of Cultivate, Aaron Marshall discusses the transformative power of intentional leadership. He shares personal experiences that shaped his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of being intentional in a noisy and distracting world. Aaron highlights common leadership traps, the significance of creating cohesive teams, and the challenges of decision-making in high-pressure environments. He also stresses the need...

In this episode of Cultivate, Ganna Yegiazarova, Director of People and Culture at Habitat for Humanity Seattle, shares her journey from Moscow to leading a nonprofit organization focused on affordable housing. She discusses the importance of understanding employee needs, the challenges of nonprofit leadership, and the balance between business needs and genuine care for employees. Ganna emphasizes the significance of proactive conv...

In this episode of Cultivate, host Wendy engages with Billie Wright, Chief People Officer at the Recycling Partnership. They discuss Billie's journey into human resources, the importance of servant leadership, and the challenges of navigating change within organizations. Billie shares valuable insights on creating a culture of connection, setting realistic expectations, and maintaining resilience in leadership roles, especially in ...

In this episode of Cultivate, Mira Zhivkova, COO of Community Partners of South Florida, shares her inspiring journey in nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of empowerment, community development, and data-driven decision-making. She discusses the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector, particularly in mental health and affordable housing, and highlights the significance of diversity, inclusion, and critical thinking ...

In this episode of Cultivate, Michele Freeman, Chief People Officer at Thinkery, shares her insights on leadership, empowerment, and the nonprofit sector. She discusses the importance of lifelong learning, the joy of working in a mission-driven organization, and how parenting influences her leadership style. Michele emphasizes the collective responsibility of workplace culture and the need for curiosity and engagement within teams....

In this episode of Cultivate, Lelia Case, HR Director at the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, shares her insights on relational leadership, the role of HR in nonprofits, and the importance of proactive strategies in managing employee needs. She emphasizes the significance of understanding the business, building trust, and empowering teams to create a lasting impact in the organization. Lelia also discusses the challenges faced in...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Izaba Paras, CEO - Paras Consulting Group. They discuss Izaba's personal journey, the importance of employee morale, and how HR can align with broader business objectives. Izaba emphasizes the significance of authenticity in leadership, the challenges of diversity and inclusion, and the need for organizations to create inclusive workplaces that reflect society. The conversatio...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Janet Diodato, HR Director at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). They discuss the importance of leadership in nonprofit organizations, focusing on communication, integrity, and the need for empathy in leadership roles. Janet shares her experiences in fostering a supportive work environment, empowering team members, and navigating the challenges of serving a community in ...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Patti King, an HR and Operations Executive at the National Funeral Directors Association. They discuss the importance of relational leadership, understanding the 'why' behind actions, and the challenges of employee turnover in the nonprofit sector. Patti shares her journey into HR, the significance of communication and stakeholder alignment, and strategies for overcoming resis...

In this episode of Cultivate, host Wendy F. Adams speaks with Paula Ayala, HR Director at MNC Inspiring Success, about her journey in the nonprofit sector, the importance of servant leadership, and the challenges faced in the ever-changing landscape of nonprofit work. They discuss the significance of core values, employee motivation, community engagement, and the need for strategic planning and funding to ensure sustainability. Pau...

In this episode of Cultivate, host Wendy F. Adams speaks with Paula Ayala, HR Director at MNC Inspiring Success, about her journey in the nonprofit sector, the importance of servant leadership, and the challenges faced in the ever-changing landscape of nonprofit work. They discuss the significance of core values, employee motivation, community engagement, and the need for strategic planning and funding to ensure sustainability. Pau...

In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams speaks with Daniel Farrell, Chief Operating Officer at Help USA, a national nonprofit focused on homelessness and housing. Daniel shares his personal journey into the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'why' behind their work. The conversation explores the significance of supporting staff to ensure they can effectively serve clients, the need for creating h...

In this episode of the Cultivate podcast, host Wendy F Adams speaks with Marco Alonso Schmidt-Salcedo, a leader at Hiawatha Homes, about the importance of relational leadership in the nonprofit sector. They discuss the mission of Hiawatha Homes, the significance of understanding stakeholder engagement, and the challenges faced by nonprofits, including staff shortages and funding issues. Marco shares insights on celebrating achievem...

Welcome to the first episode of The Cultivate Podcast! 
In this episode, Wendy F. Adams speaks with Lindsey Holland, Senior Director of HR at MAP International, about the organization's mission, values, and the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals. They discuss the challenges and strategies in nonprofit leadership, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, and the significance of sustainability in th...