Family-Led and Future-Focused with Randi Schachter

Family-Led and Future-Focused with Randi Schachter

What happens when you infuse nearly a century of retail tradition with bold, people-first decisions? Shawn and Sarah sit down with Randi Schachter, the dynamic fourth-generation family leader and Chief Marketing Officer of BILTRITE Furniture. Known as the vibrant face of the brand and a powerful presence in Wisconsin retail, Randi shares how tradition, adaptability, and values-driven leadership keep the 98-year-old business thriving. From bold scheduling changes that prioritize employee well-being to community partnerships that extend far beyond transactions, Randi brings the real talk on what it takes to lead with heart in a fast-paced world. She reflects on family dynamics, shares why the showroom experience still matters, and offers insights into raising the next generation of leaders with resilience and purpose. Whether you're in a family business or corporate structure, Randi's story challenges all of us to keep it human and lead like we mean it. Additional Resources: Connect with Randi on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-schachter-946b4b33/] Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-gulyas/] Learn more about humanworks8 [https://humanworks8.com/] Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all] Learn more about PeopleForward Network [https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/] Key Takeaways: * Family values shape business decisions, not the other way. * Leadership is built on flexibility, not perfection. * Customer connection thrives through real, in-person experience. * Giving back isn't strategy, it's culture in action. * Rest fuels results: five-day retail week works.

Culture Captains in Action with Amber Karabegovic

What does it take to truly "do life together" at work? Shawn and Sarah sit down with Amber Karabegovic, Manager of Evans Experience at Evans Transportation, to explore how intentionality, empathy, and structure drive people-first culture. Amber shares how her team turns core values into living language, empowers culture captains across office locations, and keeps remote employees engaged and connected. From walking pods to laminated vision statements, Amber brings both strategic and heartfelt ideas to the table. If you're ready to move beyond surface-level engagement and create culture with pulse, fuel, fire, and foundation, this conversation is your roadmap. Additional Resources: Connect with Amber on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-karabegovic-37b71762/] Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-gulyas/] Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmarshall12/] Learn more about humanworks8 [https://humanworks8.com/] Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all] Learn more about PeopleForward Network [https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/] Key Takeaways: * Culture thrives through intentional actions, not passive traditions. * Leadership presence is a core expectation at Evans. * Culture captains amplify engagement and shared ownership. * Core values become real through actionable language. * Remote inclusion requires fresh, human-centered solutions.

Culture, Clinics, and Clarity with Kurt Gengenbacher

What if the key to leading across 850+ locations isn't control, but clarity? Shawn and AJ sit down with Kurt Gengenbacher of ATI Physical Therapy to unpack how values, leadership, and alignment come to life inside a sprawling, people-first organization. Kurt brings a unique blend of physical therapy roots and leadership development expertise, revealing how ATI empowers local autonomy while staying anchored in consistent values like trust, collaboration, and innovation. From rolling out new values across 900 leaders, to redefining strategic planning through the lens of polarity management, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone looking to scale culture without losing soul. If you're wrestling with how to support leaders, create alignment, and drive development at scale, without burning people out, this conversation is for you. Additional Resources: Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-gengenbacher-8373a59/] Learn more about ATI Physical Therapy [https://www.atipt.com/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=button_VisitWebsite&utm_content=homepage] Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-gulyas/] Connect with AJ on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-kruse/] Learn more about humanworks8 [https://humanworks8.com/] Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all] Learn more about PeopleForward Network [https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/] Key Takeaways: * Autonomy thrives when paired with clear expectations * Values need behavioral definitions to stick * Polarities require managing, not solving * Strategic goals must guide daily decisions * Trust builds through consistent communication

Building Culture Through Connection with Amber Van Allen

What if the key to a thriving workplace isn't another perk, but a person who meets you where you are? In this episode, Shawn and Sarah sit down with Amber Van Allen, Wellness Administrator at the City of Green Bay. With nearly two decades in health and wellness, Amber reveals how meaningful relationships, empathy, and a clear sense of purpose can transform employee wellbeing. From Green Bay's signature Health 1265 program to on-the-ground strategies for connection, resiliency, and burnout prevention, Amber shares how she's building trust across departments, one conversation at a time. Whether she's walking alongside the mayor or coaching a new hire through the city's wellness platform, Amber shows what it really means to bring work to life and life to work. If you care about culture, connection, or building a people-first workplace, this one's for you. Additional Resources: Connect with Amber on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-van-allen-35237467/] Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-gulyas/] Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmarshall12/] Learn more about humanworks8 [https://humanworks8.com/] Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all] Learn more about PeopleForward Network [https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/] Key Takeaways: * Relationships are the foundation of workplace wellbeing * Empathy fosters accountability and trust among employees * Wellness needs to be visible, not just virtual * Leadership participation drives culture change * Small moments can lead to lasting wellbeing impact

Setting the Bar for People-First Leadership with Dan Burnett

What if your company's core beliefs weren't just posters on the wall, but the pulse of every decision, meeting, and leadership moment? Shawn and AJ sit down with Dan Burnett, Director of Talent Development at QPS Employment Group, to explore how beliefs can transform a company from the inside out. From shifting leadership meetings into real-time development labs to building a culture where feedback and celebration are rooted in trust, Dan reveals how QPS "sets the bar" for people-first growth. As an employee-owned company, QPS puts transparency, family spirit, and high-touch communication at the heart of everything they do. If you're looking to infuse more intention into leadership development, communication, and team culture, this episode is your playbook. 💬 Additional Resources: Connect with Dan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danburnett7/] Learn more about Dan's work [https://dan-burnett.com/] Learn more about QPS Employment Group [https://qpsemployment.com/] Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-gulyas/] Connect with AJ on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-kruse/] Learn more about humanworks8 [https://humanworks8.com/] Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all] Learn more about PeopleForward Network [https://www.notion.so/4a0a5ee6e82b4d38bfb1451d90b603c3?pvs=21] Key Takeaways: * Relationships drive performance more than individual effort. * Beliefs should shape feedback, not just celebrations. * Culture must start during the interview process. * Development happens daily, not in isolated events. * Leaders should organize learning, not dominate it.