Episodes

In this episode of Winning Through Culture, Tim and Amanda discuss the distinction between passion and purpose — and how to find or build that purpose in work. It all starts with the theory of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Tim and Amanda focus on the importance of aligning one’s talents with their passion and purpose. From there they offer advice for those looking to build their purpose. In this Winning Through Culture conversation on integrating passion and purpose into the workplace, they also ...

The purpose of the podcast is to tackle the topics that are timely for today and help leaders navigate the change that comes. In this episode, we discuss what we can expect for 2023. Coming into the third year of Winning Through Culture, we will continue to focus on ways leaders and entrepreneurs can stay impactful and relevant, while looking forward to having some intentional dialogue with individuals that have insights on creating a great culture while adapting to the changing society. A true...

In this episode of Winning Through Culture, Amanda Kramer leads the thought-provoking recap of this year’s numerous conversations with local leaders. This is the Winning Through Culture Year in Review 2022! Amanda reflects on those conversations centering around cultivating culture and effective team building in the workplace. ‘Right person, right seat’ is an important concept in the hiring process that is revisited throughout this episode. Cultivating a culture that reflects those values requi...

We “stand on the shoulders” of those that came before us. In this episode of Winning Through Culture, Tim Flanagan is joined by the President and Chief Operating Officer of Midrex Technologies Inc., Steve Montague. Midrex Technologies is a Charlotte-based company that produces iron with the lowest possible carbon dioxide emissions. Steve says his company’s foremost purpose is to love and serve others. And a great way of serving others is through mentorship which is the topic of this ongoing min...

This mentorship mini-series episode contains stories of mentorship with retired Navy SEAL, Thom Shea. In this episode of Winning Through Culture, Tim Flanagan is joined by retired Navy SEAL and published author Thom Shea. Together they explore the mentor and mentee relationship and what it truly means to take on those equally important roles. A mentee must show up authentically and humbly while accepting specific instructions from the mentor. The mentor is passing on a specific skill set to th...

A conversation about paying it forward through mentorship. In this episode of Winning Through Culture, Amanda and Tim begin their mini-series on mentorship. They discuss what makes mentorship such an integral part of an organization’s culture and how it can be mutually beneficial for everyone involved. A mentor should be someone who can actively listen without judgment. This relationship is altruistic in nature compared to coaching, which is more transactional. A mentor is someone who passes on...

Elevating people to be the best versions of themselves. In this episode, Tim Flanagan and Amanda Kramer reflect on what makes an organization a Best Place to Work. They discuss what it takes to achieve the title of ‘Best Places to Work’ and how to identify prospective employees that fit that mold (that culture). Amanda uses the analogy of a home inspection during the hiring process. Tim and Amanda also offer the suggestion that the potential employee should take the time to interview and scruti...

Jeff Haney talked about it numerous times in this episode: the importance of active listening when communicating with employees. With that mindset, Jeff founded the ECM Foundation. A foundation created to promote employee togetherness while giving back to the community. Jeff Haney joins Tim Flanagan in this episode of Winning through Culture. Jeff is president of ECM Solutions, which is one of the largest independently owned insurance agencies in the Carolinas. They have offices in Charlotte, N...

“It’s a lot more fun to see people build upon their strengths and find success, than to flounder in weaknesses.” – Jarod Latch In this episode, Tim Flanagan and Amanda Kramer are joined by Jarod Latch. Jarod is the co-founder and COO of Spiracle Media, which has been selected four times as one of Charlotte Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. Spiracle has continued to thrive since it was founded in 2011, despite the impact of COVID-19. Spiracle relentlessly strives to bring its partners and ...

The Best Places to Work mini-series (BPtW) starts here. In this first of the BPtW episodes, we discuss: the science behind scoring companies as Best Places to Work what are the trends for cultures in the workplace: pre-COVID and post-COVID the intentionality of creating a culture: where to focus The segments from this episode are from the full conversation with T.J. McCullough: Cultivating Culture in a Post COVID-19 World T.J. McCullough is the Market President and Publisher at Charlotte Bus...

Cultivating the “ability to discern the essential from the noise”. – Jordan Raynor In this episode of Winning Through Culture, Tim Flanagan is joined by Christian entrepreneur, Jordan Raynor. Jordan is a best-selling author whose works include The Creator in You, Redeeming Your Time, Master of One, and Called to Create. In addition, he hosts the podcast “Mere Christians” and he has a weekly devotional series called “The Word Before Work”. Jordan is the former CEO of Threshold 360 and a two-time...

Building a great business for a greater purpose with Buck Jacobs. In this episode of Winning Through Culture, Tim Flanagan is joined by Buck Jacobs, founder of C12 Group, LLC. Tim and Buck provide Winning Through Culture listeners with an honest and in-depth look at what it takes to truly align your business culture with your faith. Buck is a proponent of pushing the envelope with boldness when it comes to sharing his testimony. He credits his daily routine with keeping him spiritually connecte...

“Open and effective communication are keys to developing respect in business.” – Charlie Leichtweis In this episode, Tim Flanagan is joined by Charlie Leichtweis. Charlie is the founder of Experts in HOW, LLC which is a business consulting firm that helps organizations cultivate respect in business to create a winning and sustainable culture. Charlie not only produces results for his clients, but he also promotes relationships by actively listening, a process he calls listening longer. He helps...

“Could you leave for six months?” As a business owner, would you feel confident that your business is still functioning and even thriving in your absence? In this episode, Tim Flanagan is joined by Jason Goldy. Jason is the president of one of MassMutual’s internal divisions that work with closely-held businesses. Jason helps business owners identify their goals while honoring the existing culture or enhancing the culture that is desired. Ultimately, business owners want to stay impactful and r...

Taking the necessary steps to close the racial wealth gap. A podcast conversation with the leaders of J&G Legacy Financial Group, Jabbar Jamison and Centario Grier. This is a Winning Through Culture Greatest Hits episode! In this episode of Winning Through Culture, Tim Flanagan chats with Jabbar Jamison and Centario Grier. Together, Jabbar and Centario formed a partnership that is J&G Legacy Financial Group. They share a passion for serving the black community in achieving their financial goal...

“Generating business referrals without asking.” This is a Winning Through Culture Greatest Hits episode! In this episode of Winning Through Culture, Tim Flanagan is joined by Stacey Randall. Stacey shares humbling stories of past business failures that enabled her to find the vision of creating a culture to generate new business without asking. She even wrote the book on it, literally. She is the author of the 2018 award-winning book, Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, “A Simple Fiv...

This Retired Navy Seal realized during his transition from military service to entrepreneur he needed to gain back the sense of identity and culture that he had while serving our country. This is a Winning Through Culture Greatest Hits episode! In this episode, we discuss culture with Retired Navy SEAL Thom Shea. Thom served with the U.S. Navy for 23 years with distinguished valor before writing his bestselling book, “Unbreakable: A Navy Seal’s Way of Life” and his latest release, “Three Simpl...

“The biggest challenges are becoming the biggest silver linings.” In this episode, we discuss the ever-changing job market and how COVID-19 has impacted the way we do business. Candidates are scrutinizing company culture like never before as they conduct their due diligence to seek out the best employer. All this is happening as individuals in the job market are on the hunt for a new opportunities. For the company looking to hire, it’s not about just filling a seat — instead, there is an elemen...

This is a highlight reel episode all about laying a culture foundation. These highlight clips are taken from different Winning Through Culture episodes in the first half of 2022. We believe this format will provide a meaningful foundation you can use in your own business. And when grouping these highlights together, we think you will come away with some common themes that should support you in your practice of setting a winning company culture. Stay tuned…as we’re excited to bring you our next ...

‘Best Places to Work’ recognizes business cultures that foster leadership development. In this episode, we explore topics related to intentionally implementing a culture of transparency in which employees feel “heard, understood, and appreciated”. The Charlotte Business Journal utilizes a scientific approach in selecting those elite businesses that qualify for the coveted title. Key Takeaways Being open to self-awareness is a key quality that will benefit a business leader in understanding. ...

Intentionally shifting business culture through a customized library of content. In this episode, we are joined by guest Kacey Korting of the platform RightNow Media @ Work. Kacey joined the company in 2017 and is an alumna of LSU. This platform offers a plethora of quality content for business leaders and their employees. Not only is this content customizable to reflect the company’s core values, but it is also completely confidential and accessible around the clock. RightNow Media @ Work even...

Show appreciation for a better culture. In this episode, we discuss personal and leadership development with Chris Kriak, Associate Agency Supervisory Officer. As Chris says, “just speak.” Chris sees the impact public speaking has in his career growth and now he helps others in their own development with a focus on public speaking. While public speaking may seem uncomfortable, Chris and Tim are here to talk you through it. Key Takeaways Leadership is an ability to influence others Toastmaste...

A leader must be intentional when building the foundation of a company’s culture. In this episode, Amanda and Tim have an open discussion on the value of intentionality as a leader in business. Being intentional in business allows the leader an unique opportunity to define their own culture from the ground up. Building a team that reflects your core values will set the foundation for business. Laying that foundation is an “ongoing evolution” that happens over and over. The emphasis here is on ...

Hi, it’s Tim with a short episode of Winning Through Culture. As I recorded this, the Ukrainians have been invaded by Russia and a very tragic humanitarian crisis is unfolding, not to mention the travesty of a duly elected democratic government being attacked by a totalitarian state. I just thought I would take a minute, you know, we have a lot of fun on our Winning Through Culture podcasts and enjoy sharing stories and talking about culture. But I thought I’d just take a minute to acknowledge...