Episodes

Culture Isn’t HR’s Job: Building Work That Feels Human with Nick Lombardino & Zach Blumenfeld What if culture wasn’t something you rolled out—but something you practiced, person by person, day by day? In this episode of Human Side Up, host Natasha Nuytten sits down with Nick Lombardino and Zach Blumenfeld, co-founders of CultureCon (a certified B Corp), to unpack what actually makes workplace culture stick. From their origin story (Madison roots, high school connections, and an “accidental” comm...

Let AI Do the Work: Becoming “Manager of One” in the Age of AI with Ajay Malik What if the future of work isn’t about replacing humans—but upgrading what we’re here to do? In this episode of Human Side Up, host Natasha Nuytten talks with Ajay Malik—CEO of StudioX-AI, former Head of Architecture & Engineering for Google’s worldwide corporate network, and holder of 100+ patents—about his mission to “let AI do the work so humans can do the thinking, feeling, and creating.” Ajay shares how his love ...

Reentry Isn’t a Moment—It’s a System: Designing Support That Works with Alexa Starks What if “welcome back” wasn’t the plan—just the starting line? In this episode of Human Side Up, host Natasha Nuytten sits down with Alexa Starks—Founder & Chief Strategist of Executive Moms and host of The Reentry Room—to unpack how organizations can move beyond good intentions to build practical, repeatable frameworks that retain high-performing parents. Drawing from her own return-to-work experience and a ...

Humans, AI, and the “Magnificent Middle” with Russell Kern What happens when you stop “managing” and start growing people—while inviting AI to help? In this episode of Human Side Up, host Natasha Nuytten sits down with Russell M. Kern—Founder & CEO of Kern & Partners—to explore how neuroscience, habit-formation, and AI can unlock what he calls the magnificent middle of managers. From selling jellybeans at 19 to scaling a 400-person creative agency and now advising global enterprises (SAP, AmEx, ...

High Urgency, Hyperfocus, and Human Leadership with Matt Watson What happens when ADHD isn’t a limitation—but a leadership engine? In this episode of Human Side Up, host Natasha Nuytten sits down with Matt Watson—serial entrepreneur and CEO of Full Scale—for a conversation about obsession, grit, and redefining how teams scale. From selling his first company, VinSolutions, for $150M at just 29, to growing Full Scale from 0 to 300+ developers in the Philippines (with plans for 500), Matt has built...

Seeing Differently, Leading Generously: Dyslexia, Venture, and Human Connection with David Hornik What happens when a venture capitalist builds a career not on transactions, but on relationships—and embraces dyslexia as a lifelong advantage? In this episode of Human Side Up, host Natasha Nuytten sits down with David Hornik—Founding Partner of Lobby Capital—for a conversation that blends venture capital, art, and humanity. David shares openly about growing up dyslexic, the resourcefulness it forc...

Listening First, Leading Better: Authentic Leadership & Upstream Care with Beth Houck What happens when a CEO leads with listening—and builds a company that catches crises before they happen? In this episode of Human Side Up, host Natasha Nuytten sits down with Beth Houck—CEO of SonarMD—for a candid conversation about authenticity, context, and the kind of leadership that actually changes outcomes. Beth shares the moment she realized she could bring her whole self (humor included) to high-stakes...

From ICU to Finish Lines: Redefining Strength with Michelle Boyd What happens when life forces you to stop—and you choose to come back stronger? In this powerful episode of Human Side Up, host Natasha Nuytten sits down with Michelle Boyd—Director of Health Careers & Workforce Development at Atrium Health and National Board President of Tri It For Life—for a conversation that’s as real as it is inspiring. Michelle shares her journey from a corporate mom pushing through pregnancy in high heels to ...

Reflective, Intentional, and Human-First: Redefining Leadership with Dennis Richter What if leadership wasn’t about following a prescribed path, but about weaving together lived experiences, values, and the courage to do it differently? In this insightful episode of Human Side Up, Natasha Nuytten sits down with Dennis Richter—Chief of People at Fullscript—for a conversation that is as candid as it is deeply human. From growing up in one of the poorest zip codes in the U.S. to serving in the mili...

Rooted, Radical, and Real: Leading Movements for Justice with Yamani Yansa What if the call to lead wasn’t a choice, but a responsibility you couldn’t turn away from? In this powerful episode of Human Side Up, Natasha Nuytten sits down with Yamani Yansa—activist, strategist, and Executive Director of Groundswell Fund—for an unfiltered conversation about movement leadership, collective care, and creating lasting change in the face of systemic inequities. From grassroots organizing to shaping n...

Outed, Honest, and Home: Leading with Courage and Connection with Meagan O’Nan What if the hardest conversation you’ve ever had… made you the leader you were meant to be? In this deeply human episode of Human Side Up, Natasha Nuytten sits down with Meagan O’Nan—award-winning speaker, author, and founder of The Unify Experience—for an unflinching look at vulnerability, identity, and what it really means to lead from truth. Meagan was outed in college. Rejected by her community. Told to leave Miss...

Zig-Zag Careers, Smart Cuts, and Story-Driven Leadership with Shane Snow What if the best path forward isn’t a ladder—but a sideways leap? In this episode of Human Side Up, Natasha Nuytten is joined by Shane Snow—award-winning journalist, bestselling author (Smartcuts, Dream Teams), entrepreneur, and Broadway producer—for a rich and energetic conversation on unconventional careers, curiosity as a leadership superpower, and the real power of storytelling at work. From exploring abandoned subway t...

What if true leadership isn’t about being fearless—but being real? In this episode of Human Side Up, Natasha Nuytten is joined by Dr. Tonya Jackman Hampton—executive coach, author of The Myth of the Fearless Leader, and organizational change expert—for a candid and thought-provoking conversation on leadership, vulnerability, and doing the inner work. Drawing from decades in human resources, organizational development, and DEI leadership, Dr. Hampton shares how navigating fear, embracing personal...

Queer Wisdom & Transformational Leadership: A Deeper Conversation with Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown In this powerful follow-up episode, Natasha sits down once again with Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown—cultural strategist, organizational transformation expert, and author of The Souls of Queer Folk—for a deep exploration of what leadership can learn from queer wisdom. This conversation builds on part one by turning insight into action. Together, Natasha and Dr. Brown unpack the cultural values, lived experien...

Breaking Barriers: Leadership, Bias & the Business of Being Human What does it take to lead with conviction—when the world would rather see you fail? In this episode, Natasha Nuytten sits down with Kenneth Williams, former MLB Executive VP and current Executive Chairman of CLARA, for a powerful, no-filter conversation on leadership, legacy, and the weight of being “the first.” From decades in professional sports to breaking into tech, Kenny shares the untold stories behind building championsh...

From Metrics to Meaning: Reinventing Leadership Through Connection hat if the key to better performance isn’t found in KPIs or dashboards—but in deeper human relationships? In this episode, Natasha Nuytten sits down with Jason Lauritsen, employee engagement expert and CEO of Check-In To Thrive, for a powerful conversation about rebuilding leadership from the ground up—starting with how we treat one another at work. Jason has spent his career challenging outdated management models and advocating ...

From Dorm Room to $1B: Power, Purpose, and the Future of Women’s Leadership What does it take to build a billion-dollar company—and still center purpose, people, and progress? In this episode, Natasha sits down with Liz Elting, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and women’s rights advocate, for a bold and energizing conversation on building from nothing, navigating power as a woman in business, and reshaping leadership for the next generation. Liz co-founded TransPerfect from her dorm room—and over 2...

From Adversity to Empowerment: Resilience, Leadership, and the Human Factor Leadership isn’t just about influence—it’s about overcoming, adapting, and showing up with purpose. In this episode, Natasha sits down with Luis Velasquez, leadership coach, Harvard Business Review contributor, and Founder of Velas Coaching, for a powerful conversation on resilience, perception, and leading with intention. Luis opens up about his remarkable journey from a background in fungal genetics to the frontl...

What does it take to break barriers in sports leadership? Sara Toussaint, Co-CEO of TMJ, for an insightful conversation on leadership, diversity in sports, and the future of women’s athletics. From growing up in Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods to leading a pioneering Hispanic-owned women’s soccer agency, Sara shares how her journey has shaped her approach to sports marketing, equity in leadership, and creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes. Highlights & Takeaways: 💡 The ev...

Leadership takes many forms—whether it’s driving change within a Fortune 500 company or transforming lives through second chances. In this episode, Natasha sits down with Tonya Eggspuehler, VP of Organizational Development and Total Rewards at Union Pacific Railroad, and Jeremy Bouman, Founder & CEO of RISE, for a powerful conversation on leadership, transformation, and impact. Tonya shares insights from her 24-year career at Union Pacific, discussing how organizations can foster talent, buil...

What does it mean to lead with authenticity and intention? Join Natasha as she sits down with Angela Cheng-Cimini, former SVP and CHRO at Harvard Business Publishing, for a powerful conversation on leadership, self-care, and the impact of living with purpose. Recorded on the last day before her retirement, Angela reflects on her 30-year HR career, sharing hard-earned wisdom on navigating change, fostering workplace well-being, and embracing authenticity as a leader. Highlights & Takeaways: 💡 ...

Join Natasha for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown, a thought leader in leadership, culture, and organizational transformation. In this episode, Dr. Brown challenges traditional leadership models and explores how decolonizing leadership can create more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient organizations. Drawing from his extensive work with global leaders and marginalized communities, he shares insights on fostering adaptability, servant leadership, and authentic connection in...

In the second episode of Human Side Up, Natasha Nuytten welcomes Lisette Nieves, President of the Fund for the City of New York, to discuss her impact as a social entrepreneur, public sector leader, and policy expert in workforce development and education. From growing the organization’s budget to $100 million to providing over $1.3 billion in interest-free financing for NYC nonprofits, Lisette shares her innovative approaches to improving opportunities for underserved communities and the strate...

Kicking off Human Side Up, our host Natasha Nuytten sits down with Charlene Li, a leading figure in digital transformation. In this episode, Charlene shares her vast knowledge and experience, drawing from her groundbreaking work at Altimeter Group to her recent focus on generative AI. She provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving digital landscape, offering key insights and strategies organizations need to stay ahead and succeed. You can find Charlene on LinkedIn and visit her website...