Culture isn’t something you hand down—it’s something you build together.

In this episode, Robin and Al sit down with Jess Johansson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Canada Goose, for an insightful conversation on shaping company culture in today’s evolving workplace. Jess shares why authenticity, employee voice, and shared ownership are critical to building a strong organizational foundation.

They explore how post-COVID expectations are reshaping HR strategies, the importance of measuring engagement, and how investing in development and flexibility is key to attracting and retaining top talent. Jess also opens up about the lessons learned from career challenges and the long-term mindset required to plant the seeds of culture for future generations.

💡 Key takeaways:

✨ Culture is Co-Created – Building culture with employees ensures alignment and authenticity.

✨ Listen, Then Lead – Trust and engagement grow when leaders truly listen and admit what they don’t know.

✨ Invest in People – Development, flexibility, and diverse offerings drive retention and performance.

✨ Growth Through Challenges – Personal and cultural growth often stem from obstacles and shared experiences.

✨ Think Long-Term – Planting foundational “trees” today creates opportunities for tomorrow’s teams.

A must-listen for HR leaders, founders, and anyone shaping the future of work.

🎧 Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

What makes a startup thrive through rapid growth? According to this week’s guest, it starts with communication, culture, and courageous leadership.

Join us on Success Leaves Clues as Robin and Al sit down with Jenny do Forno, Chief People Officer at TouchBistro, for a powerful conversation on leading people-first organizations, especially during high-growth phases.

Jenny shares lessons from her remarkable career in People & Culture, from learning under great leaders to facing the realities of scaling fast. She speaks candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing opportunities, and why early investment in HR is critical for startup success. The conversation also unpacks the evolving needs of today’s workforce and how leaders can build a legacy that empowers the next generation.

"Optimize for who you work for." ~ Jenny do Forno

Key takeaways:

✨ Say Yes & Grow – Taking chances and saying yes opens doors to personal and professional growth.

✨ Start With People – Founders should bring in HR early to build aligned, scalable cultures.

✨ Communication Is Everything – Clear, consistent communication is the cornerstone of alignment and trust.

✨ Authentic Leadership Wins – Self-awareness, reflection, and humility are traits of impactful leaders.

Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading a growing team, Jenny’s insights offer a roadmap for building stronger cultures and lasting impact.

🎧 Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

What happens when personal adversity meets professional leadership?

On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jeff Waldman, founder of ScaleHR, to explore how personal stories and community shape success in the HR world.

Jeff opens up about how his hearing loss became a professional superpower, offering a powerful lens through which he’s navigated adversity and led change. From the power of community in HR to the transformative role of AI, Jeff’s story is both inspiring and deeply practical. He emphasizes the value of aligning with clients who share your values, taking bold risks, and creating space for mentorship and meaningful relationships.

"...start to become more attuned to what other people face.” – Jeff Waldman

Key Takeaways:

✨ Community is essential for learning and growth in HR

✨ Hearing loss and adversity can become leadership superpowers

✨ Aligning values with clients leads to healthier work relationships

✨ AI is reshaping HR operations and talent strategy

✨ Taking risks and owning your personal story empowers career growth

🎧 Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group