What Founders Get Wrong About Communication

What Founders Get Wrong About Communication

On this episode of Work Made Human, Nichole Mendez and Jill Veglahn sit down with Gigi Brett, Head of Investments at EWOR, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the human side of building companies. Gigi reflects on a journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, and relationships. Together, they explore the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, what founders often misunderstand about communication, and why vulnerability can become a company's greatest strength. The conversation also dives into co-founder dynamics, navigating conflict with care, and the role empathy plays in building healthy teams and sustainable businesses. At its core, this episode is about what happens when people lead with honesty, self-awareness, and humanity even in high-pressure environments.

Rethinking Trauma Care: Why Therapy Should Be Treated Like Medicine

On this episode of Work Made Human, Nichole Mendez and Jill Veglahn sit down with Sofia Noori, co-founder and CEO of Nema Health, to explore how trauma care is evolving and where traditional models fall short. Sofia shares why therapy should be treated like medicine, how "dose" impacts outcomes, and why more intensive care can lead to faster, more effective recovery. This conversation touches on trust, human connection, and what it really takes to support people through healing.

Why Pediatric Mental Health Is the Future of Work

On this episode of Work Made Human, Nichole Mendez and Jill Veglahn sit down with Kwesi Che, co-founder and president of Handspring, a company rethinking how we approach pediatric mental health. What started as a realization, and a massive issue hiding in plain sight, became the foundation for a company focused on supporting children and families at a critical stage of life. But this isn't just a healthcare story. It's a conversation about what it means to build at the intersection of mission and business. What founders have to navigate when impact and profitability collide. And why the mental health of today's youth is directly tied to the future of our workforce.

Rethinking Remote Work: How to Build Culture Without an Office

On this episode of Work Made Human, Nichole Mendez and Jill Veglahn unpack what actually changed when BAM went fully remote. From expanding access to talent to building more intentional connection, they break down what got better, what got harder, and what most companies still get wrong about culture. This isn't about remote vs. in-office. It's about trust, accountability, and what it really takes to build a team that works. If you're building with intention, this one's worth your time.

How a School Pickup Mistake Built a $Millions Safety Startup | PikMyKid Story

On this episode of Work Made Human, Nichole Mendez sits down with Chitra Kanagaraj, CEO and co-founder of PikMyKid, a startup transforming school safety through technology. What started as a chaotic school pickup moment — where the wrong child was placed in a car — became the spark for a company now helping schools safely reunite thousands of students with their families every day. But this isn't just a startup origin story. It's a conversation about what happens when frustration turns into action. What founders have to unlearn to build something that actually works. And why empathy, trust, and real relationships aren't soft skills; they're the foundation of how better companies get built. If you're building with intention, leading like a human, and focused on solving problems that matter, this one's worth your time.