The People Success Circle

The People Success Circle is your source of strategies for creating thriving workplaces and careers. Join me bi-weekly for thoughtful conversations on how to drive business growth, enhance employee engagement, and achieve personal and organizational success. With over 28 years of experience as an HR leader, I’ve seen firsthand that when companies prioritize people, profits follow. Yet, we’re facing a crisis in employee engagement and well-being. Each Wednesday, this podcast we’ll explore how businesses can turn the tide, fostering environments where employees feel valued, confident, and inspired to contribute their best. But this isn’t just for business leaders—The People Success Circle also serves individuals seeking more fulfilling, rewarding careers. Whether you’re looking to land your dream job or thrive in your current role, we’ll dive into proven strategies for professional growth and career satisfaction. From building con

The People Success Circle is a business podcast hosted by Mindy East, with 52 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Mindy East hosts The People Success Circle, a business show with 52 episodes published.

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  The People Success Circle

  HR for HR: How to Elevate Your Presence, Own Your Seat, and Lead with Confidence with Kisha Hicks

  Aug 11, 202629 min

  If you're the person in your organization responsible for developing everyone else — who's developing you? In this episode of The People Success Circle , I sit down with Kisha Hicks, founder and president of The ElevateHer LLC, to talk about one of the most overlooked gaps in most organizations — the development, support, and empowerment of HR leaders themselves. Kisha brings nearly two decades of HR executive experience to this conversation, and she does not hold back. We talk about what HR leaders actually need to thrive, how to stop shrinking in high-stakes rooms, and what it really looks like to own your seat at the table. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in HR — or anyone who leads people and wants to show up with more confidence and impact. In this episode, we talk about: Why Kisha started The ElevateHer LLC in 2020 and what the question "who is HR for HR?" really means The three things HR leaders need most — community, development, and exposure — and why most organizations aren't providing any of them Why HR must learn to speak the language of the business and understand its financial drivers to be taken seriously as a strategic partner The three levels of communication and why moving to level three — conviction, risk, and recommendation — is what executive presence actually looks like How to show up more confidently in meetings even as an introvert, starting with just one powerful sentence Why business acumen and AI literacy are the two most critical skills HR leaders need to develop right now The real cost of a bad hire — and how HR can flip the narrative from cost center to strategic contributor Why workplace trauma is real and how it can cause leaders to lose their voice over time Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're an HR professional, a people leader, or anyone who wants to lead with more presence and purpose. About Kisha Hicks: Nakisha Hicks is a beacon of empowerment, devoted to helping women of color in the dynamic realm of human resources soar to extraordinary heights. Known as the Career Path Finder, Nakisha has ignited a fire within countless ambitious HR professionals, guiding them towards their dream jobs and unlocking their full potential. As the driving force behind The ElevateHer LLC, she has earned a stellar reputation for transforming mindsets, turbocharging careers, and unleashing exponential earnings growth. With nearly two decades of trailblazing experience in top-tier HR executive roles, Nakisha stands tall as an industry luminary whose insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal and countless podcasts and publications nationwide. Connect with Kisha Hicks: Website: nakishahicks.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nakisha-hicks Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://www.limerockcareerco.com/networking-school-1 People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

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  The People Success Circle

  Understanding Your Team from the Inside Out: How the Enneagram Can Transform Your Workplace with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober

  Aug 4, 202631 min

  What if the key to better communication, less conflict, and higher engagement at work wasn't another process — it was actually understanding the people? In this episode of The People Success Circle , I sit down with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober, also known as Enneagram Ashton, community psychologist and Enneagram expert, to talk about one of the most powerful — and underutilized — tools for building stronger workplace cultures. Ashton shares how the Enneagram goes far beyond personality labels to uncover the motivations behind why people do what they do, and how that insight can change the way we lead, communicate, and collaborate at work. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for leaders, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs alike. In this episode, we talk about: What the Enneagram is, how it differs from other personality tools like Gallup Strengths and DISC, and why understanding motivation matters more than behavior Why tests are only about 60% accurate — and the better approach to discovering your true Enneagram type How one company reduced turnover dramatically in just six months after implementing the Enneagram with their team Why employee engagement jumps from 32% to 77% when people feel truly understood and valued at work How leaders can use the Enneagram to manage individuals on a personal level instead of assuming everyone is wired the same way The right way to implement the Enneagram at work — and why a one-time workshop is never enough How entrepreneurs can use the Enneagram to understand their own strengths and blind spots, and even serve their clients better Ashton's three books on the Enneagram and her program, The Enneagram Advantage, for those who want to go deeper Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're leading a team, building a business, or just trying to understand yourself a little better. About Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober: Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober is a Community Psychologist, certified Enneagram coach, speaker, and author known as Enneagram Ashton. With a master's degree in community psychology and social change, Ashton helps individuals, teams, and organizations use the Enneagram to understand the motivations behind why they do what they do — so they can communicate better, build stronger relationships, and create real, lasting change. She has led 150+ workshops and speaking events, helped more than 6,000 people, and published four books on the Enneagram. Ashton speaks to corporate teams, organizations, and communities, making self-awareness feel accessible, practical, and genuinely fun. Connect with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober: Website: enneagramashton.com Instagram: @enneagramashton The Enneagram Advantage Program: enneagramashton.mykajabi.com/advantage Free Self-Assessment: truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test Books: The Enneagram for Relationships , The Enneagram Made Simple , and A Little Bit of Enneagram — available on Amazon Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://www.limerockcareerco.com/networking-school-1 People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

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  The People Success Circle

  Sleep Your Way to Better Performance: What Every Professional Needs to Know with Michele Kreuzer

  Jul 28, 202637 min

  What if the thing that's hurting your performance, your patience, and your focus at work isn't your workload — it's your sleep? In this episode of The People Success Circle , I sit down with Michele Kreuzer, keynote speaker and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of workplace performance — sleep. Michele shares her journey from special education teacher to sleep expert, and unpacks the science, the habits, and the mindset shifts that can help professionals finally get the rest they need. This conversation is packed with practical strategies you can start using right away — and a few surprising truths about sleep that just might change how you think about your own. In this episode, we talk about: How Michele's work with children and families led her to discover the profound ripple effect that poor sleep has on behavior, performance, and wellbeing Why the way we think and talk about our sleep has a direct effect on how well we actually sleep What insomnia really looks like — and why so many people don't realize they have it The dangers of clock-watching in the middle of the night and the one simple habit that can help What CBTI (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) is, how it works, and why just six to eight sessions can change everything The daily habits that either help or hurt your sleep — from meal timing and exercise to light exposure and alcohol What leaders can do to model healthy sleep boundaries and create a culture where their team isn't burning out in the dark Why one in three people in your workforce are sleep deprived right now — and what to do about it Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — because better sleep is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your performance, your health, and your leadership. About Michele Kreuzer: Michele Kreuzer is a keynote speaker and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist who helps organizations and professionals improve performance and well-being through evidence-based sleep strategies. As a teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michele hit a wall she couldn't power through — waking night after night at 2 or 3 a.m., exhausted but unable to sleep. It was watching the children she worked with regress due to poor sleep that changed everything, revealing the ripple effect that one person's sleep has on an entire family, team, and workplace. That experience led her back to school to become a Certified Behavioral Sleep Practitioner — and now she helps businesses see what exhaustion is really costing them. Michele offers corporate keynotes, team workshops, and 1:1 coaching, delivering science-backed strategies that spark real change. Connect with Michele Kreuzer: Website: michelekreuzer.com Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://www.limerockcareerco.com/networking-school-1 People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

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  The People Success Circle

  Reiki, KonMari, and the Art of Letting Go: How to Reduce Burnout and Create More Joy at Work with Michelle Shinagawa

  Jul 21, 202639 min

  What if the clutter in your workspace — and your mind — is costing you more than you think? In this episode of The People Success Circle , I sit down with Michelle Shinagawa, Reiki master teacher and KonMari organizing consultant, to explore two powerful Japanese practices that can help professionals reduce stress, release mental clutter, and create more space for joy — both at work and in life. Michelle shares her own journey from a shy girl in Osaka to a keynote speaker teaching mindfulness and intentional living, and walks us through practical techniques you can start using right away. This conversation is packed with fresh perspectives on burnout prevention that go far beyond the usual advice. In this episode, we talk about: What Reiki is and how it works as an energy healing practice — including a live demonstration of a calming technique you can try right now Why releasing stress before layering on positive affirmations makes all the difference The KonMari method and how focusing on what sparks joy — rather than what to throw away — changes everything How physical clutter increases cortisol levels and quietly contributes to burnout, disengagement, and lost productivity Why the average American worker spends forty hours a year just looking for things — and what to do about it How to apply the KonMari method beyond your home: your office, your calendar, your meetings, and even your network Why leaders need to look inward first before they can help their teams reduce overwhelm and reconnect with their work Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're leading a team or simply trying to create more breathing room in your day. About Michelle Shinagawa: Michelle Shinagawa helps professionals protect their energy, reduce stress, and create space, physically, mentally, and emotionally, so they can show up fully for their work and the people they serve. Originally from Japan, Michelle brings a mindfulness-based workplace solutions perspective to her speaking and training, combining modern stress-reduction strategies with the grounding practices of Reiki and the transformational clarity of KonMari. Through this integrated approach, she equips organizations and individuals with practical tools to prevent burnout, sustain performance, and build healthier workplace cultures — without sacrificing well-being. Connect with Michelle Shinagawa: Website LinkedIn Instagram Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://www.limerockcareerco.com/networking-school-1 People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

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  The People Success Circle

  How to Adapt, Stay Visible, and Build a Career You Love with Alexis King

  Jul 7, 202637 min

  Are you waiting for your career to move forward — or are you actively making it happen? In this episode of The People Success Circle , I sit down with Alexis King, keynote speaker, author, LinkedIn learning and development professional, and entrepreneur, to talk about what it really takes to navigate career transitions, stay relevant, and become unignorable at work. Alexis shares her journey from banking to corporate training to tech — and how each unexpected turn actually prepared her for the next one. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for anyone who wants to take ownership of their career, build multiple income streams, and show up with more intention. In this episode, we talk about: Alexis's career journey from bank teller to LinkedIn Learning — and the pivotal layoff that changed everything Why being laid off in 2012 led her to uncover what she actually loved doing — and how a great coach made all the difference The power of LinkedIn for career growth and why it is still one of the most underutilized tools for professionals How Alexis built a real estate investment business during the pandemic and what that taught her about entrepreneurship and multiple income streams Why you don't have to quit your job to start something on the side — and what ruthless prioritization actually looks like in practice The five P's framework from her book The Career Ninja Mindset : Plan, Prioritize, Practice, Persistence, and Passion What it means to become unignorable at work — and why visibility plus relationships is the formula that creates real opportunity Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're looking to grow where you are or take your career in a whole new direction. About Alexis King: Alexis King, MBA, CPTD®, is a keynote speaker, leadership strategist, executive coach, and Amazon Best-Selling Author who helps organizations navigate rapid, disruptive change—especially in the age of AI—so their people stay engaged, adaptable, and driving results instead of falling behind. Drawing from a career spanning banking, tech leadership, entrepreneurship, real estate investing, and talent development, Alexis equips audiences with actionable tools they can immediately apply during periods of uncertainty and transition. Her work focuses on helping individuals and teams move from overwhelmed and reactive to agile, proactive, and high-performing contributors. Connect with Alexis King: Website: alexiskingconsulting.com Book: The Career Ninja Mindset — available on Amazon Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://www.limerockcareerco.com/networking-school-1 People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

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