The Hearth

Welcome to The Hearth. In this episode, I have a conversation with Maile Earnest and Evan Morrison from People First, the newest homeless service provider in Santa Cruz County. We explore the critical role of prioritizing people in every aspect of life, from business practices to community engagement.

Main Topics Covered

1. Understanding 'People First' Philosophy
   • What does it mean to put people first?
   • Historical context and evolution of the concept.
   • Real-life examples of successful 'people first' initiatives.
2. Business Strategies that Prioritize People
   • Integrating 'people first' into business models.
   • Case studies of companies that excel in people-centric approaches.
   • Discussion on how employee well-being directly impacts business success.
3. Community and Social Impact
   • The importance of community involvement and social responsibility.
   • How businesses can give back to their communities.
   • Stories of impactful community projects and their outcomes.
4. Challenges and Solutions
   • Common challenges faced when implementing 'people first' strategies.
   • Practical solutions and best practices to overcome these challenges.
   • Insights from industry leaders and experts.
5. Future of 'People First' Initiatives
   • Trends and predictions for the future.
   • How technology and innovation can support people-centric approaches.
   • The role of leadership in sustaining and evolving 'people first' strategies.

People First Contact Information

• Website: peoplefirstscc.org
• Volunteer & Career opportunities here
• Social Media: @peoplefirstscc

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.
One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].
If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

Who says business success can't be an all-inclusive affair?
Join me and my guest, Erica Courdae, a seasoned DEI coach, consultant, and beauty industry veteran, as we take on the challenge of transforming established business models.
In this episode, we will discuss traditional ideologies and reimagine a more inclusive and equitable path to success.
Our episode will navigate the uncharted territories of alternative business models and how they foster equitable outcomes. We'll dissect the role of capital and how a shift in decision-making processes can prevent harm. We'll also wrestle with the complex task of integrating diversity and inclusivity concepts into the business world. Erica's unique insights as a social entrepreneur will shed light on these topics and challenge existing paradigms.
I hope you enjoy our episode!
Connect with Erica here.

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.
One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].
If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

Hello Brave souls,
This episode also bears news of a significant shift for this podcast. As I juggle new personal milestones, including the birth of my second child, and professional commitments like a partnership with Santa Cruz County Public Health Department, regularity in our podcast release schedule is taking a back seat.
But worry not, we’re not going off the radar!
Whenever there's an exciting guest to feature or enriching information that needs sharing, a brand-new episode will be on its way. To keep pace with us, make sure you're subscribed to The Hearth. Here's to many more insightful, passionate conversations on the world of work and health!

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.
One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].
If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

On this episode of The Hearth, Deborah Lindsay joins us to decode the often misunderstood roles within a business operation. As an experienced fractional COO, she dissects the unique differences between fractional COOs, interim executives, consultants, and advisors, shedding light on how each contributes significantly to a company's growth and efficiency. Additionally, she unfolds the indispensable role of a fractional COO, especially in small to mid-sized companies embarking on a journey of growth and expansion.
Deborah's passion for sustainability is not just a personal preference; it's an integral part of her professional life. Her quest to make a positive impact led her to acquire an MBA focusing on supporting startups striving to resolve climate change, economic inequity, and social injustice. Listen to her compelling narrative on why smaller businesses, with their inherent nimbleness and the ability to establish core values early on, can significantly impact these pressing global issues.
In the final part of our conversation, Deborah shares riveting insights into creating a sustainable business, warning about the pitfalls of greenwashing, and emphasizing clear, realistic sustainability goals. Her hands-on experience in startups and active participation in the Green Business Network makes her an invaluable guide for businesses looking to embed sustainability as a core value.
Links mentioned:
B Corporation
Contact Deborah here.

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.
One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].
If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

In today's episode, we talk about generational gaps in the workplace.
I’m here to help you navigate the tricky terrain of generational differences, age-related biases, and the jarring shift young people encounter when transferring from education to the world of work.
Drawing on my decade-long experience in human resources and organizational development, I challenge the common misconceptions about different age groups in the workforce. Together, we debunk the myths and explore the realities of our rapidly changing workforce.
Our conversation further unravels the complexities of our diverse workforce, spotlighting the rise of racial and ethnic minorities, and the increasing number of foreign-born workers in non-standard work arrangements. We discuss their unique challenges – from the instability of their employment to impacts on safety, health, and well-being.
Moreover, we address the growing presence of adults identifying as LGBTQ+ in the workforce, the hurdles working mothers face, and the issues younger workers confront.
We emphasize acknowledging and addressing institutional biases to create an inclusive and supportive work environment for all. Now is the time to make meaningful changes.
I hope you enjoy our conversation.

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.
One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].
If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.