In this episode of the Culture Talks Podcast, Lorne Rubis sits down with Taarif (Tim) Jafferi, Chief Business Officer of Happily.ai, to uncover the direct link between employee happiness and your bottom line. Taarif, a former Google employee, shares his firsthand experience of the cultural shifts hurting modern workplaces and the simple, data-backed strategies that can fix them.
How do you MOVE AT THE SPEED OF A STARTUP? 🚀 In this episode of Culture Talks, Lorne Rubis sits down with Christie Lagally, the CEO and Founder of Rebellyous Foods, who made the leap from aerospace engineering to revolutionizing the plant-based meat industry.
We dive deep into:
✅ The real challenges of food production & manufacturing innovation.
✅ Why company culture and dignified work are key to disruption.
✅ How to find profound purpose and meaning in your work.
This isn't just a story for vegans—it's a masterclass for any entrepreneur, innovator, or leader looking to make a tangible impact.
In the latest episode of Culture Talks, hosts Lorne Rubis and Wayne Suiter Matamoros, Partner and Head of Empathy in NYC, dive into a thought-provoking conversation about human-centered design, empathetic leadership, and the role of purpose in solving complex challenges.
Why Empathy Matters in Leadership & Innovation.
Empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a strategic advantage. Lorne and Wayne explore how putting people at the center of design and decision-making leads to more impactful solutions, whether in business, social impact ventures, or organizational culture. They discuss:
How empathy transforms leadership – moving beyond traditional top-down approaches to foster trust and collaboration.
The challenges impact-driven founders face – staying true to purpose while navigating business realities.
Practical strategies for embedding purpose in teams and company culture.
Human-centered design isn’t just for products—it’s essential for shaping workplaces and communities.
Empathy drives innovation by uncovering real needs and creating meaningful solutions.
Key Takeaways for Leaders & Changemakers
Purpose must be actionable—how to move from intention to implementation.
In this insightful episode of Culture Talks, hosts Lorne Rubis and Les Gombik explore the shifting dynamics of executive recruitment, leadership effectiveness, and the growing influence of AI in the workplace.
Their discussion sheds light on what makes a great leader, the importance of authenticity, and how organizations can build high-performing teams in an ever-changing business environment.
Lorne and Les discuss the essential traits of successful leaders, emphasizing:
Followership – True leadership isn’t just about authority; it’s about inspiring teams to willingly follow and contribute to a shared vision.
Authenticity & Integrity – Leaders must be genuine and uphold strong ethical standards to earn trust.
What Makes an Effective Leader?
Decisiveness & Inclusivity – Striking the right balance between making bold decisions and fostering collaboration is crucial.
In this eye-opening episode of Culture Cast, host Lorne Rubis sits down with Dr. Orianna Bretschger, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Aquacycl, to explore her incredible journey from academia to entrepreneurship—and how she’s transforming wastewater treatment with cutting-edge, sustainable technology.
🔬 Why should you care about wastewater?
Most people don’t think about what happens after water goes down the drain—but wastewater treatment is a $200+ billion industry critical to public health, environmental protection, and even climate change. Dr. Bretschger breaks down:
✔ The hidden problems with traditional wastewater treatment✔ How Aquacycl’s bioelectrochemical tech makes it cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient✔ Why sustainability innovation is a huge business opportunity.
💡 From Lab to Startup: The Entrepreneurial LeapGoing from scientist to CEO isn’t easy. Dr. Bretschger shares:
🔥 Her biggest challenges in transitioning from academia to business🔥 How to build a mission-driven company without burning out🔥 Why character matters more than skills when hiring a startup team
👩🔬 Women in STEM & Leadership
🤝 Culture, Trust & Leadership Lessons
What does it take to build a high-performing, values-driven team? She reveals:
✅ The #1 trait she looks for in hires (hint: it’s not experience)
✅ How to foster trust and accountability in a fast-growing startup
✅ The hardest leadership lesson she’s learned (and how it shaped Aquacycl’s success)
🌍 The Future of Water Innovation
💬 What surprised you most about wastewater innovation? Let us know in the comments!
👍 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more deep dives on leadership, innovation, and culture!
#Wastewater #Sustainability #WomenInSTEM #Entrepreneurship #CleanTech #Leadership #Aquacycl #CultureCast
In this Culture Talks episode, Lorne Rubis and leadership expert Dave McCauley dive deep into what makes organizations succeed—from psychological safety and trust to AI’s impact on workplaces. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or team member, this conversation offers actionable insights to create a positive, high-performing culture.
✅ Psychological Safety – Why employees need to feel safe to speak up
✅ AI & the Future of Work – Balancing tech with human-centric leadership
✅ Toxic Leadership – Warning signs and how to fix a broken culture
✅ Trust & Communication – The foundation of strong teams
✅ Growth Mindset – How leaders can foster continuous learning
💡 Who Should Listen?
Leaders & Managers wanting to improve team dynamics
HR Professionals shaping company culture
Employees navigating workplace challenges
Anyone interested in leadership, AI, and organizational success
🔔 Subscribe & Follow Culture Talks!
In the latest episode of Culture Talks, host Lorne Rubis sits down with Beverley Wright, CEO and founder of Wright Choice, to explore the essential qualities of impactful leadership, the power of community in business, and why investing in people is the ultimate competitive advantage.
Drawing from her entrepreneurial roots (as the daughter of beloved beauty shop owners) and years of experience coaching corporate leaders, Beverley shares actionable insights on:
✅ The role of authenticity and passion in leadership—why "being real" drives trust and performance.
✅ Building a culture of support and open communication, even in high-pressure environments.
✅ Balancing meritocracy with inclusion.
✅ Navigating difficult conversations to spark growth, not conflict.
✅ Why investing in people isn’t optional—lessons from Wright Choice’s community-driven approach.
Why Listen to This Episode?
Whether you’re a corporate leader, entrepreneur, or team member looking to elevate your influence, this conversation unpacks the human side of leadership that’s often overlooked. Beverley’s blend of personal stories and tactical advice makes this a must-listen for anyone passionate about workplace culture, inclusive leadership, and organizational growth.
Join the Conversation: What’s your biggest leadership challenge?
In this thought-provoking episode of Culture Talks, host Lorne Rubis sits down with Dr. Erik Selberg, co-founder of Wild Zebra, an innovative EdTech startup using AI to personalize education.
They dive deep into the future of learning, leadership, and what it takes to build a thriving workplace culture in the fast-evolving world of technology.
🔍 Key Takeaways You’ll Learn:✅ AI in Education – How Wild Zebra is using artificial intelligence to transform personalized learning.✅ Leadership & Values – Why kindness, transparency, and strong leadership are critical in business.✅ Startup Mindset – Erik’s journey from corporate to entrepreneurship and the risks worth taking.✅ Culture as a Competitive Advantage – How intentional workplace culture drives innovation and success.
In this compelling episode of Culture Talks, host Lorne Rubis sits down with Javier Cardona, founder and CEO of 1Doc3, a trailblazing healthcare app improving access to medical services in emerging markets. From discussing Mexico City’s vibrant culture to the future of AI in healthcare, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
✅ From Telecom to Healthcare – How Javier pivoted industries to solve critical healthcare challenges.
✅ Culture & Leadership – The role of transparency, delegation, and values in building strong teams.
✅ Mental Health at Work – Why mental well-being is a must-have in modern workplaces.
✅ AI & the Future of Healthcare – How technology is transforming access to medical services.
✅ The Power of Gratitude – Why appreciating customers and employees drives success.
💡 Who should watch?
🔍 Key Discussion Points:
✔ Entrepreneurs & startup founders
✔ Healthcare innovators & digital health enthusiasts
✔ Leaders focused on culture & employee well-being
✔ Anyone interested in AI, leadership, and global healthcare trends
In this thought-provoking episode of Culture Talks, host Lorne Rubis sits down with Rafe Furst—entrepreneur, investor, and author of The Future of Venture Capital—to explore how authentic leadership and values-driven innovation are reshaping business and venture capital.
🔹 Key Takeaways You’ll Learn:
✅ How to lead with vulnerability & self-awareness in high-stakes environments.
✅ Why the VC industry needs a cultural shift toward purpose and impact.
✅ Strategies to thrive in economic uncertainty and build resilient teams.
✅ The link between authenticity and long-term success in leadership.
📖 About Rafe Furst:
Rafe is a serial entrepreneur, early-stage investor, and advocate for conscious capitalism. His book, The Future of Venture Capital, challenges traditional VC norms and champions a more inclusive, mission-driven approach.
Is your workplace culture silently crumbling under toxic leadership? In this eye-opening episode, Lorne Rubis sits down with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett, a leading organizational psychologist, to dissect:
🔥 How toxic bosses destroy mental health—and why employees pay the price
🧠 The psychology behind workplace toxicity (it’s not just "bad personalities")
💡 Practical fixes—how to align personal & organizational values for real change
🏠 Parenting while stressed—raising kids in a burnout economy
🔄 Hybrid work’s dark side—when flexibility enables dysfunction
🔔 Subscribe for more raw conversations on work, culture, and leadership.
Check out more of Laura here: https://drlaura.live/
In this week’s episode of Culture Talks, host Lorne Rubis sits down with Stacie Calder, EVP of Marketing and Distribution at Conquest Planning, to uncover the secrets of fostering a connected, high-performing culture in a remote world.
✔ Leadership with Purpose – How Stacie’s journey shaped her values-driven approach.
✔ Democratizing Financial Advice – Conquest Planning’s mission to make financial guidance accessible.
✔ Remote Work Done Right – Building trust, collaboration, and psychological safety from anywhere.
✔ The Power of Asking for Help – Why great leaders never stop learning.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
💡 Perfect for: Leaders, HR professionals, remote teams, and anyone passionate about workplace culture!
🔔 Subscribe + Turn on Notifications so you never miss an episode!
In this eye-opening episode of Culture Talks, host Lorne Rubis sits down with Kenny Lee, Co-Founder & CEO of Aigen, an AI-powered robotics company transforming agriculture. Discover how Kenny's personal health journey and family farming roots led him to develop cutting-edge robots that help farmers transition away from chemical dependency and toward regenerative practices.
Key Topics Covered:
The future of sustainable farming with robotics & AI
How to build a mission-driven company culture
Entrepreneurial resilience in agtech
Why values alignment matters more than skills
Leadership lessons for scaling impactful startups
What happens when purpose meets innovation? In this episode of Culture Talks, I talk with Brian Hill, the visionary CEO and founder of Edovo—a groundbreaking learning platform transforming the lives of incarcerated individuals through education and vocational training.
Brian shares:
The inspiring purpose behind Edovo.
The challenges and triumphs of building a purpose-driven organization.
Heartfelt stories of lives changed through education and opportunity.
The importance of listening, learning, and fostering a supportive workplace culture, plus much more!
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about social impact, innovation, and the power of second chances. Tune in to hear how Edovo is breaking barriers and creating hope for a brighter future.
Stay tuned for more episodes, dropping every Wednesday, and let’s talk culture!
In this engaging Culture Talks episode, Lorne Rubis interviews Mia Maestro, a renowned actress and musician, about her journey, the importance of purpose, and her experiences mentoring entrepreneurs. They discuss the impact of community, the role of meditation and tea in finding purpose, and the need for systemic change in various sectors, including the prison system. Mia shares her insights on storytelling, leadership values, and the significance of creating meaningful connections in both personal and professional realms. The conversation culminates in Mia's upcoming projects and her commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Takeaways
Mia emphasizes the importance of community and connection in overcoming challenges.
Purpose can often be discovered through meditation and personal reflection.
Engaging in service work can provide perspective and gratitude.
The tea ceremony serves as a powerful tool for mindfulness and connection.
Mia believes in the necessity of systemic change in the prison system.
Values such as authenticity and service are crucial for effective leadership.
Storytelling is a vital skill for entrepreneurs to connect with their audience.
Creating meaningful onboarding experiences can enhance employee engagement.
Mia advocates for finding a practice that fosters flow and mindfulness.
The more one meditates, the more time and clarity one gains.
See more of Mia on her website: http://www.miamaestro.comCheck out Mia on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/miamaestro/?hl=enYou can see Mia's imdb catalog here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0535502/
In this episode of Culture Talks, Lorne Rubis engages with Peter Majeranowski, co-founder and President of Circ, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the textile industry through innovative recycling methods.
They discuss the significant environmental challenges posed by textile waste, the importance of aligning company values with purpose, and the lessons learned from Peter's Naval experience that inform his leadership style.
The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, adaptability, and a strong organizational culture to drive meaningful change in the fashion industry.
Takeaways
Clothing is one of the biggest polluters on our planet.
Less than 1% of clothing gets recycled back into textiles.
Circ's technology can unstick blended fabrics for recycling.
Leadership is about honesty and recognizing capabilities.
Small wins build confidence and momentum in innovation.
Purpose and values are crucial for attracting the right talent.
Hiring processes should focus on cultural fit and values alignment.
Onboarding is vital for making new employees feel welcome.
Values should be lived and reinforced within the organization.
Long-term commitments from brands are essential for sustainability.
In this Culture Talks episode, Lorne Rubis interviews Lauren Dunford, co-founder and CEO of Guidewheel, exploring her experiences and insights as a leader in the manufacturing technology space.
They discuss the significance of company culture, the challenges of leadership, and the importance of values in business. Lauren shares her unique experiences at high-profile events like Davos, her approach to motivation and energy, and the role of a public benefit corporation in aligning purpose with profit.
In this conversation, Lauren Dunford discusses the importance of building a productive team culture, enhancing onboarding processes, and measuring company culture. She emphasizes the need to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and connect employees to the company's purpose. Additionally, she shares insights on learning from mistakes and the challenges of scaling a business as a leader.
Takeaways:
Guidewheel provides insights for efficient manufacturing operations.
High-profile encounters can offer valuable lessons in humility and connection.
Maintaining a growth mindset is crucial during challenging times.
Values should be embedded in company culture, not just displayed on walls.
A public benefit corporation allows for a balance between profit and purpose.
Effective leadership requires good decision-making, supported by adequate rest.
Cultural foundations must evolve as companies grow to avoid pitfalls.
Learning from rejection can lead to personal and professional growth.
Celebrating values through recognition fosters a positive work environment.
The role of culture and onboarding is essential for maintaining company cohesion. An account executive isn't going to be productive long term if those things aren't in place.
Onboarding is crucial for new team members to understand their roles and the market.
Team surveys help gauge employee satisfaction and areas for improvement.
Eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy is key to maintaining productivity.
Connecting employees to the company's purpose enhances engagement.
Sharing customer experiences fosters a deeper understanding of the business.
Learning from mistakes is essential for growth and development.
Encouraging ownership among team members leads to a more empowered workforce.
Scaling a business requires a clear vision and understanding of the market.
Dreaming big is essential for inspiring teams and driving impact.