Growth Hacking Culture

Product Success Secrets from David Fradin: Apple, Customer Focus & Innovation

In this engaging and insightful episode, we sit down with David Fradin, a renowned product management expert and the author of "Building Insanely Great Products" to explore the essential elements of creating products that not only succeed in the market but also foster genuine customer love. David draws upon his extensive experience, including his work with industry giants like Apple and Hewlett-Packard, to provide actionable strategies and a fresh perspective on product development.
We delve into why a customer-centric approach is paramount, emphasizing that prioritizing customer satisfaction often leads to greater long-term profitability than solely focusing on short-term gains. David challenges the "ready, fire, aim" mentality prevalent in some tech circles and advocates for a more thoughtful, research-driven process rooted in design thinking.
Key topics covered in this episode include:
The surprisingly high failure rate of new products and the significant financial losses this represents.
The critical importance of truly understanding customer needs, motivations, and pain points through observation, interviews, and surveys.
Why relying solely on "wisdom of the crowds" and big data analytics can be misleading, and the limitations of social recommendation engines.
Apple's strategic approach to product development, including their focus on unmet needs, careful timing of product launches, and cultivation of customer loyalty.
The crucial role of company values in guiding decision-making and fostering a customer-centric culture within an organization.
The importance of shifting the mindset of employees from simply "selling a product" to genuinely caring about the customer's experience and satisfaction.
This episode is a must-listen for product managers, marketers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone seeking to create innovative and impactful products and build lasting customer relationships.
Connect with David on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfradin/ or listen to the Spice Catalyst Podcast https://spicecatalyst.com/spice-catalyst-podcast/
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Beyond Good Intentions: The Power of Inaction and How to Drive Real Change with Nick Cooney

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into a crucial topic that challenges our understanding of ethical living: the profound impact of inaction. We often believe that having good intentions is enough, but what if the things we don't do carry as much weight—or even more—than our actions?
We explore compelling examples, from global issues like preventable diseases and corporate sustainability to individual habits, to reveal how inaction contributes to suffering and hinders progress. We tackle tough questions like, "Should we even care?" and examine the tension between personal well-being and the urgent need for change.
This episode features an insightful interview with Nick Cooney, a leading expert on effective altruism and the psychology of ethical action, and author of "Change of Heart" and "Why We Love and Exploit Animals".
Reach out to Nick on his website https://nickcooney.com/ or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcooney1/
Tune in to discover:
Why good intentions aren't enough
The psychology of inaction
How to overcome our biases and evolutionary tendencies
Strategies for allocating resources (time, money, energy) to maximize positive impact
The role of individuals and corporations in driving change
Get ready to shift from being a passive observer to an active change-maker. This episode will empower you to move beyond good intentions and take meaningful action to create a better world.
Nick's latest book is What We Don't Do - Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More
Want to learn how to build purpose, human and business growth? Check PeopleKult's Inner Sustainability Accelerator Program

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: AI & the Future of Leadership Training with Sarah Touzani

Are you ready to explore the cutting edge of leadership development? In this insightful episode, we sit down with Sarah Touzani, founder of Waggle AI, to delve into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way organizations cultivate their leaders. We're moving beyond the limitations of traditional, "one-size-fits-all" approaches and embracing a future where leadership training is personalized, data-driven, and profoundly effective.
The world of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. AI is rapidly transforming how we learn, and its impact on leadership training is undeniable. Yet, many organizations are still hesitant to fully adopt these new technologies. Traditional leadership development often falls short, failing to address individual needs and the dynamic challenges of the modern workplace. Studies consistently reveal that companies struggle to create effective leadership pipelines, with a significant gap between current leadership capabilities and future needs.  
 
This is where AI steps in, offering the promise of tailored, data-driven development, capable of providing ongoing support, practice opportunities, and valuable feedback. But how do we harness the power of AI while retaining the essential human touch in leadership development?   
 
In this episode, Sarah Touzani shares her expertise and vision on this critical topic. Sarah's background is impressive, and her company, Lale, is at the forefront of this transformation, providing an AI co-pilot for people who manage people.   
 
We begin by exploring Sarah's journey and the inspiration behind Waggle. Sarah, who grew up in Morocco and studied in France, initially pursued finance, working in banking and insurance. However, her path took a turn when she joined an early-stage Fintech startup in London called CreditSpring. There, she faced the challenge of building a company culture and developing its people. This experience ignited her passion for addressing the widespread issue of ineffective management and leadership development.   
 
A key problem Sarah identified is that leadership development hasn't evolved with the times. Training methods remain rooted in outdated approaches, despite research from as far back as the 19th century demonstrating their ineffectiveness. This realization fueled her determination to find a better way.   
 
We discuss the shortcomings of traditional leadership training, recalling familiar scenarios of lengthy, impersonal training sessions and binders full of rarely used materials. These methods often fail to translate into real behavioral change and lack relevance to the day-to-day challenges faced by leaders.   
 
A central question we tackle is why these ineffective methods persist. Is it due to a lack of effort from HR, or has there simply been a lack of viable alternatives? Sarah argues that it's not laziness but a combination of factors, including the absence of effective solutions and a "content generation mindset" within the Learning and Development (L&D) space.   
 
Historically, training has focused on knowledge transfer, with limited emphasis on practical application and behavioral change. The rise of online learning has often simply replicated this model, replacing in-person lectures with videos. However, advances in behavioral science and AI now offer the potential to move beyond content consumption and drive real impact.   
 
We also address the importance of shifting the focus of L&D teams from content consumption to measurable impact on behavior and organizational outcomes. This requires a change in how success is measured, moving beyond completion rates to actual changes in leadership behaviors.   
 
The conversation then turns to the cost factor. Effective leadership development, with personalized coaching and ongoing support, has traditionally been expensive, limiting its accessibility to senior leaders. AI offers a solution to scale personalized development and make it available to a wider range of employees.   
 
We explore the role of AI coaching and its potential to complement or even replace human coaches. While AI can provide valuable feedback and support, the importance of human connection and trust in coaching relationships is also acknowledged. Lale's approach focuses on AI as a "co-pilot," providing self-awareness and feedback in the flow of work, enhancing but not necessarily replacing human coaching.   
 
Interestingly, we also discuss how different generations perceive and adopt AI. Younger generations may be more comfortable receiving feedback from AI, perceiving it as less judgmental and more objective.   
 
Crucially, we address the ethical considerations of using AI in leadership development, particularly concerning data privacy and bias. Sarah emphasizes the importance of data encryption, user data ownership, and the ability to control when AI is used. The inherent biases in AI, reflecting the biases of its creators and the data it's trained on, are also discussed.   
 
Finally, we paint an ideal picture of leadership development: one that is timely, personalized, safe, and encourages experimentation and learning from failure. We explore how Waggle's AI co-pilot aligns with this vision, providing actionable feedback on behaviors and meeting dynamics, fostering self-awareness, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.   
 
This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone interested in the future of leadership and the transformative power of AI.
 
Highlights:
03:17 - Sarah's Background and the Genesis of Waggle
08:16 - The Problem with Traditional Leadership Training
11:55 - Why Hasn't Leadership Development Evolved?
21:15 - AI Coaching vs. Human Coaching
30:12 - AI and the Human Element in Leadership Development
35:32 - Addressing Biases in AI
41:55 - The Ideal Leadership Development Scenario
45:39 - How Waggle Works: AI as a Co-pilot
51:56 - Measuring Culture with AI
54:47 - AI in Physical Meetings
57:38 - The Importance of Knowing What You're Good At
59:25 - Actionable Feedback from AI
 

The Neuroscience of Smarter Choices with Benjamin Bargetzi - Why We Fall into Decision-Making Traps

Want to unlock the secrets to making smarter choices? This in-depth episode explores the neuroscience of smarter choices with our expert guest, Benjamin Bargetzi. Benjamin is the author of 'Never Again Pointless: The Neuroscience for Better Decisions,' and he joins us to break down the complex science behind how we make decisions every day.
We dive into how our brains process information, often influenced by unconscious biases and emotional responses. Learn about the critical role of neuroscience in understanding why we fall into decision-making traps. Benjamin provides actionable strategies and insights to help you cultivate smarter choices in both your personal and professional life.
Discover how to overcome common cognitive biases like sunk cost bias and confirmation bias, and gain a deeper understanding of how dopamine affects your decision-making processes. We'll also explore the fascinating concept of ikigai, the Japanese secret to finding fulfillment by aligning your passion, skills, values, and income, ultimately leading to better life choices.
This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in:
Neuroscience of decision making
Smarter choices at work
Smarter choices in relationships
Overcoming cognitive biases
The power of self-awareness
Finding purpose and ikigai
If you're ready to enhance your decision-making skills and make smarter choices for a more successful and fulfilling life, this episode with Benjamin Bargetzi is a must-listen!Get his book The End of Emptiness https://www.amazon.de/stores/Benjamin-B.-Bargetzi/author/B0DYF41DZN
Get connected with Benjamin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-b-bargetzi/
His newsletter The Wired for Growth community https://benjaminbargetzi.beehiiv.com/subscribe
 
 
 
 

Mastering Complexity: The Co-Pilot Method for Entrepreneurs and Leaders | Alec Corthay

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Alec Corthay, a professor at Central Supelec and a seasoned consultant, to explore the challenges of uncertainty and complexity in business.
Alec shares his expertise on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape in Switzerland and France, highlighting the cultural differences in dealing with these challenges. Discover Alec's Co-Pilot Method, a powerful approach designed to help business leaders gain control, reduce anxiety, and optimize their operations. Learn how to ask the right questions, identify opportunities, and drive impactful change in your organization.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply interested in the dynamics of Swiss and French business culture, this episode offers valuable insights on achieving sustainable growth and success.
 
Reaching out to Alec: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleccorthay/ or Zerra website https://www.zerra.fr/
Highlights of this episode
1:39 Guest Introduction: Alec Corthay
2:12 Why Alec Started His Business
4:22 The Role of Creativity in Finance
5:40 Uncertainty vs. Complexity
8:38 Asking the Right Questions in Business
10:42 Cultural Differences: France vs. Switzerland
13:58 Entrepreneurship in Switzerland
16:00 Challenges of Doing Business in Switzerland
18:50 The Co-Pilot Method Explained
22:09 The Three Phases: Recon, Explore, Design
25:18 The McKinsey Comparison
28:16 Alec’s Biggest Lesson Learned
29:41 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Why Innovation Catalysts Fail & How to Fix It: Driving Change That Works | Jeppe Hansgaard

Are your innovation initiatives stalling? You might be misusing your innovation catalysts. In this episode of the Growth Hacking Culture podcast, we talk with Jeppe Hansgaard, CEO of Innovisor and author of "Another Change Fiasco! Now What?", to explore why innovation catalysts often fail and how to ensure they drive successful organizational change and transformation.    
 
The pressure to innovate is higher than ever, with the average lifespan of S&P 500 companies shrinking rapidly. Yet, many companies deploy innovation catalysts without the necessary structure, clarity, or cultural readiness. Jeppe Hansgaard provides actionable insights on defining the mission of innovation catalysts, aligning expectations, and applying behavioral science to effectively nudge innovation across your organization.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why innovation catalysts fail and key pitfalls to avoid
Misaligned expectations when hiring innovation catalysts
Essential qualities and skills of successful catalysts
A 30-60-90 day roadmap for catalyst success
How to define clear goals and objectives for innovation roles
Applying behavioral science to increase innovation adoption and impact
How to motivate and retain innovation catalysts
About Jeppe Hansgaard:
Jeppe Hansgaard is an expert in organizational transformation and innovation strategy. As CEO of Innovisor and author of "Another Change Fiasco! Now What?", he helps Fortune 500 companies focus on the human element of change to drive impactful innovation through networks.
 
Connect with Jeppe Hansgaard:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeppehansgaard/
Innovisor Website: https://www.innovisor.com/
Books (including "Another Change Fiasco! Now What?"): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeppe-Vilstrup-Hansgaard/author/B0CRQK8DJY
Organizational Network Club: https://www.innovisor.com/organizational-network-club/
Want to drive innovation that works? Like, subscribe, and share this episode!

ADHD at Work: What Employers Get Wrong (and How to Fix It) | Shell Mendelson on Neurodiversity

Is your workplace truly inclusive of ADHD and neurodivergent employees, or just checking a box?In this powerful episode of Growth Hacking Culture, we’re joined by Shell Mendelson, a seasoned career counselor and ADHD advocate, to explore the overlooked realities of ADHD in the workplace.
With over 4.4% of adults estimated to have ADHD—many of them undiagnosed—most workplaces are unknowingly failing to support a significant portion of their talent. From rigid structures and biased performance evaluations to the ongoing stigma around neurodiversity, Shell shares how companies can move beyond surface-level inclusion to create environments where ADHD professionals can thrive.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
✔ The real prevalence of ADHD in the workplace—and why it’s often hidden✔ The biggest misconceptions companies have about ADHD employees✔ Why traditional performance metrics are misaligned with neurodivergent strengths✔ How ADHD impacts focus, productivity, and role fit in modern work settings✔ Why career coaching is especially impactful for neurodivergent individuals✔ How to define your "must-haves" to find work that fits your brain wiring✔ What practical changes employers can make to support ADHD talent effectively
About Shell Mendelson:
Shell Mendelson is a career counselor, ADHD specialist, and neurodiversity advocate with over 30 years of experience. After navigating her own challenges with ADHD in the workplace, she has guided 700+ individuals toward fulfilling, strength-aligned careers. Shell blends lived experience and clinical training to help others thrive in their professional lives.
How to reach out to Shell Mendelson:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourpassiontocareer/
Her website Passion to Career https://passiontocareer.com/
📌 Empower your career journey with Shell Mendelson’s ADHD-friendly coursebook. This structured approach helps you make informed decisions and create a fulfilling career path. Get her Coursebook Now 
 
🧠 If you're committed to building a truly neuroinclusive workplace, like, subscribe, and share this episode to bring awareness to ADHD at work.
 
ADHD in the workplace, neurodiversity inclusion, supporting ADHD employees, ADHD career coaching, Shell Mendelson insights, workplace accommodations for ADHD, ADHD and job performance, neurodivergent talent strategy, inclusive work culture, ADHD diagnosis in adults
#ADHDAtWork #Neurodiversity #ShellMendelson #InclusiveWorkplace #ADHDCareerSupport #WorkplaceCulture #GrowthHackingCulture

Decoding Culture: The Anthropology of Work | Kristine Gentry on Culture, Talent & Leadership

This episode on "Decoding Culture: The Anthropology of Work" takes you beyond the well-trodden paths of traditional management into the human heart of corporate culture.
In a world where 94% of executives acknowledge the importance of a strong workplace culture, yet only 15% of employees are truly engaged, we explore the complexities of the human element that drives organizational success.
This podcast with Kristine Gentry, an expert in the field of cultural anthropology, illuminates how anthropological methods decode the hidden language of corporate cultures, understand the role of ritual and symbolism, and navigate the challenges of the modern workplace.
We dive into real-world applications of anthropology in the corporate world, exploring the unique methodologies used to understand and nurture corporate culture.
We tackle head-on the common pitfalls of cultural change, offering practical advice for creating more positive and effective workplaces.
Kristine Gentry is an award-winning CEO and cultural strategist with a background in anthropology. As the creator of Culture Grove’s Foundations, she has spent over two decades helping organizations—from nonprofits to multinational corporations—develop intentional workplace cultures.
More about Kristine on
https://www.culturegrove.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-mckenzie-gentry/
Key Themes Include:
The anthropological perspective on culture vs. the psychological perspective.
The importance of rituals and symbolism in shaping workplace culture.
Strategies for navigating resistance to change in organizations.
The impact of remote work on organizational culture and how to foster engagement in a distributed environment.
Real-world examples of companies that have successfully and unsuccessfully implemented culture change initiatives.
Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or simply interested in the dynamics of workplace culture, "Decoding Culture" offers valuable insights and practical strategies for creating a more engaged, productive, and positive work environment.
 
Subscribe to the Growth Hacking Culture Newsletter for more Thought-Provoking Ideas to Scale Human-Centric and Performing Work Cultures.
 
 
 

Scaling Startups & Transforming Businesses: Oliver Durrer's Insights on Innovation and Leadership

In this insightful and engaging interview on the Growth Hacking Culture podcast, we sit down with Oliver Durrer, a seasoned expert in innovation and entrepreneurship, to explore his unique perspectives and experiences. Oliver shares his wealth of knowledge gained from working with a diverse range of organizations, from large enterprises to dynamic startups, across Switzerland and the global stage.
We delve into Oliver's journey, tracing his entrepreneurial roots back to his father's experiences and uncovering the motivations that led him to establish his own company, SwissLeap. He provides actionable insights on how to effectively unleash entrepreneurial potential within any organization, empowering individuals and teams to drive innovation and achieve impactful results.
The conversation also explores the nuances of Swiss entrepreneurial culture, dissecting the differences between the Swiss German and French speaking sides, and examining the factors that contribute to startup success in this unique environment. We discuss the balance between Switzerland's strengths in technology and the need for greater emphasis on scalable business models.
Beyond business strategy, Oliver emphasizes his passion for creating sustainable impact, aligning with organizations that prioritize positive contributions to society and the environment. He also offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs, addressing the often-overlooked importance of mental health and resilience in navigating the challenges of the entrepreneurial journey.
Oliver Durrer is a Swiss global citizen with 20+ years of experience as an intrapreneur and entrepreneur, working with large enterprises, SMBs, and startups in Europe, Asia, and the US, across a broad range of roles and sectors. He is the founder of SwissLeap, a company dedicated to empowering entrepreneurial potential and driving innovation.
Connect with Oliver:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverdurrer/
https://www.swissleap.com/
What we discussed:
Debunking Switzerland Cliches
Oliver’s Motivation for Starting His Company
Empowering Entrepreneurial Potential
Swiss German vs. Swiss French Culture
Entrepreneurial Risk Aversion in Switzerland
Switzerland's Strengths: Technology and Innovation
Oliver's Work: Empowering Organizations and Individuals
Defining Impact: Sustainability and Making a Difference
Advice for Entrepreneurs: Mental Toll and Serenity
Bonus content:
Unreasonable ideas for great people at work - Growth hacking human-centred performance, innovation and work culture. Check our monthly SIMPLY HUMAN NEWSLETTER 
 

Adapting HR Strategies for the New Generation Workforce | Shreya Biswas on Talent and Career Management

Today, we're diving deep into a critical topic: how HR needs to adapt talent and career management for the new generation. The stakes are higher than ever. We're seeing a mass exodus of talent, with employees increasingly willing to explore new opportunities – whether that's with a different company or even forging their own path through entrepreneurship – when they feel undervalued or unsupported. A recent Microsoft Work Trend Index revealed that 53% of employees are actively looking for new jobs or considering leaving their current roles. And it's not just about compensation. A Gallup poll found that a lack of opportunities for growth and development is a leading driver of employee turnover, with 48% saying they'd leave for a role with better career prospects. This trend is further fueled by the rise of the gig economy and the increasing accessibility of resources for starting a business.
These shifting priorities, coupled with rapid technological advancements and evolving business needs, are creating a perfect storm for HR professionals. Traditional talent management strategies simply aren't cutting it anymore.
On today's episode, we'll be tackling the big questions. We'll explore the biggest challenges organizations face in attracting, and especially retaining, top talent in this climate. We'll uncover innovative talent management practices that are proving successful, and we'll look ahead to the key trends shaping the future of work. We'll also delve into what employees really want from their careers right now, from growth opportunities and work-life balance to compensation and impact. And, crucially, we'll discuss whether companies are doing enough to support their employees' career aspirations and prevent them from seeking opportunities elsewhere. Finally, we'll examine the essential skills HR professionals need to cultivate to thrive in this new era.
Key Takeaways:
Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Retention: Understanding the hurdles organizations face in attracting and keeping top talent.​
Innovative Talent Management Practices: Exploring successful alternative strategies in talent development and career progression.​
Future Trends in HR: Identifying emerging trends shaping the future of talent management and employee engagement. AI for assessing culture reputation (the case of culturama)​
Employee Priorities: Delving into what matters most to employees today, including professional growth, work-life balance, and competitive compensation.​
Essential HR Skills: Highlighting critical competencies HR professionals need to thrive in the evolving workplace.​
Advice for Organizations: Offering guidance on embracing innovative talent management strategies to foster a dynamic and committed workforce.​
About Shreya Biswas:Shreya Biswas is an MBA, Six Sigma Green Belt, and Cambridge-certified professional leading product development and research at Gartner. She brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and practical expertise to the world of sales leadership, shaping the future of talent management and organizational growth.
Reach out to Shreya on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-biswas-a4355228/
 
👍 If you're committed to evolving your HR strategies to attract and retain the new generation of talent, give this video a thumbs up, subscribe to Growth Hacking Culture for more expert insights, and share your thoughts in the comments below!
HR talent management strategies, future of work trends, employee retention strategies, modern workforce expectations, HR career management, talent development insights, Shreya Biswas leadership, career growth strategies, HR skills for the future, work-life balance in HR
#TalentManagement #FutureOfWork #EmployeeRetention #HRTrends #ShreyaBiswas #WorkforceDevelopment #LeadershipGrowth