Elevator People

Creative Work in a Measured World

In this episode of Elevator People, PJ Simmons sits down with Kody Dahl, Creative Director at Whiteboard, for a conversation about the tension between creativity and the ever-present pressure of metrics. They explore how "measureship" — leading strictly by the numbers — can flatten creative work, why beauty and meaning still matter in a data-driven world, and how businesses can balance risk and differentiation without losing sight of the humans they serve. From the inspiration behind a stunning short film to the practical ways creative teams navigate client demands, this episode is a deep dive into the heart of modern creative work. Whether you're a designer, strategist, marketer, or entrepreneur, you'll find plenty of insight (and maybe a little encouragement) for working with purpose in a measured world.

Beauty as Strategy: A Redemptive Approach to Leading with Purpose

Join Jason and PJ as they explore the four essential norms from Jason's book Culture Bending Narratives—desires, mindsets, behaviors, and language—all through the lens of building redemptive organizations. Together, they unpack how accountability fuels trust, how thoughtful compromise propels progress without sacrificing core values, and how beauty itself can become a strategic edge in business. This conversation equips leaders with practical habits to sustain a redemptive perspective daily and underscores the power of pursuing intentional growth within teams.

Building Businesses That Don't Break People

In this episode of Elevator People, PJ Simmons sits down with Carl Smith, a seasoned marketing leader and advocate for values-driven business, to unpack the shifting dynamics of modern marketing. Their candid conversation explores how honesty, emotional intelligence, and deep alignment are replacing outdated, high-pressure marketing tactics. Carl shares pivotal stories from his entrepreneurial journey that illustrate the growing importance of relationship-building, community-first strategy, and authentic client engagement. He emphasizes the need to lead with purpose—not just profit—and urges marketers to measure success by meaningful impact rather than vanity metrics or rapid scaling. Listeners will gain insight into: * The evolution of marketing from transactional to transformational. * How to build brand trust through transparency and connection. * Why sustainable growth depends on human-centric leadership. * The role of empathy in navigating changing client expectations. Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or leader seeking more purpose in your work, this episode offers a fresh and inspiring take on what it means to market—and lead—with heart.

Human Centered Marketing in a Metrics Driven World

In this episode of Elevator People, PJ sits down with Koula to explore the intersection of leadership development and the evolving world of marketing. Together, they unpack what it means to lead with both heart and strategy—balancing inspiration with real utility. Koula challenges us to think differently about how we earn attention: not by shouting louder, but by honoring the people we serve and speaking to their actual needs. They dive into the quiet ego that often hides in marketing, and how human-centered communication cuts through noise and builds trust. This conversation isn't just about tactics—it's a vision for marketing with soul. One where clarity, empathy, and creativity aren't just buzzwords, but the blueprint for what's next.

Chaos to Clarity: How Great Teams Make Great Decisions

In this episode of Elevator People, PJ sits down with Teresa Graney - business strategist, focus fixer, and trusted advisor to organizational leaders to unpack the often elusive art of clarity and focus. Teresa shares powerful insights on why so many leaders get stuck in reactive mode, the hidden costs of unclear priorities, and how to realign teams around what truly matters. We explore practical frameworks for better decision making, navigating conflicting priorities, and reclaiming time for strategic thinking. Teresa also opens up about her own leadership journey, offering real world tools to help you shift from working in the business to working on it. Whether you're a founder, executive, or team lead feeling stretched thin, this episode delivers high impact takeaways to help you move with purpose and lead with intention.