“Mattering is our inherent need to feel significant and to feel significant to the people around us,” explains Zach Mercurio, an expert on mattering and its crucial role in creating meaningful and engaging workplaces. In his conversation with Alex Raymond, Zach stresses that mattering is more than just a feel-good concept—it’s a fundamental human need that can transform motivation, productivity, and overall well-being. When people feel like they don’t matter, it often leads to disengagement or even quiet quitting.

Zach explains how crucial it is for leaders to make their teams feel noticed, affirmed, and needed. Why? Because when employees believe their work contributes to a larger purpose, they find deeper meaning in their roles. By fostering an environment where individuals feel valued and connected to the organization’s mission, leaders can inspire greater engagement and long-term success.

Quotes

• “Mattering is our inherent need to feel significant and to feel significant to the people around us. And it’s three primary things. It’s a fundamental human instinct. So, for everyone listening, the first thing you did when you opened your eyes was tilt your head upward. You looked for a caretaker, then reached out your hands and grasped for significance. And so, your very survival as a human, depended on you procuring mattering to someone else, enough to keep you alive. It’s a basic survival instinct. It’s a fundamental need for motivation. When we look at motivation in life and work, it is almost impossible for anything to matter to a human being who doesn’t believe that they matter.” (02:47 | Zach Mercurio)
• “It’s hard for anything to matter to someone who doesn’t believe that they and what they’re doing matters.” (03:47 | Zach Mercurio)
• “Meaningful work is doing what matters to us and what matters to the world. It’s mattering by default.” (05:47 | Zach Mercurio)
• “Mattering is really at the core of these concepts: it’s I feel valued and I know how I add value.” (06:07 | Zach Mercurio)
• “Feelings of not mattering either result in acts of withdrawal or acts of desperation. What’s an act of desperation? I matter more than you think. Complaining, blaming, protesting. A lot of difficult employees are, in my practice, the most difficult employees are employees who feel the most unseen, unheard, unacknowledged, and misunderstood.” (08:16 | Zach Mercurio)

Links

Connect with Zach Mercurio:

Website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/

Connect with Alex Raymond:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/

Website: https://amplifyam.com/

HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“The main lesson I’ve learned is to distinguish what’s like the E=mc² of culture—simplifying something extremely complex. And what I see is that the simplification of culture rides on trust, but the currency of trust is really in agreements,” Robert Richman shares as he reflects on his research while writing his book The Culture Blueprint: A Guide to Building the High-Performance Workplace.

As a former employee of Zappos, Robert shares insights into the company’s renowned culture under Tony Hsieh, where trust was built through clear agreements and a commitment to values. He introduces the concept of “culture hacking,” which refers to small but powerful changes that can significantly transform a workplace. How can businesses adopt this mindset to make meaningful improvements? Drawing from Zappos’ success, Robert points out the importance of hiring for values rather than just skills, and how a thoughtful onboarding process creates accountability and commitment. Is culture really just a luxury in challenging times, or is it essential to long-term success? Robert argues that by building explicit agreements and continuously gathering employee feedback, companies can create cultures that stand the test of time.

Quotes

• “The main lesson I’ve learned is to distinguish what’s like the E=mc² of culture—simplifying something extremely complex. And what I see is that the simplification of culture rides on trust, but the currency of trust is really in agreements.” (07:02 | Robert Richman)
• “So how clear are our agreements and are agreements upheld? You don’t just say, ‘Yeah, I agree to uphold the values.’ You literally sign a contract and you swear an oath to uphold them. So that's a very, very clear agreement. Most companies' cultures suffer because they don’t articulate the agreements well, and don't get an opt in for those agreements, and then hold people accountable to those agreements. I think that, especially with corporate culture, that’s really the currency of a great culture.” (07:24 | Robert Richman)
• “I think what most companies need, and are missing, is some sort of Director of Communication, because that’s where culture lies. It’s all in the communication—how you’re relating these things, how you’re sharing them, and how you’re getting the message out. So I’m less about having a Head of Culture, because I believe the CEO really needs to own that role as the head of culture.” (21:28 | Robert Richman)
• “Engagement is how connected to the task somebody is, how much passion they have for it, how much energy they’re putting toward it, right? Whereas empowerment has to do with authority. What level of authority do I really have? That’s what people are actually talking about when they mean empower.” (25:03 | Robert Richman)

Links

Connect with Robert Richman:

Website: https://robertrichman.com/

Connect with Alex Raymond:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/

Website: https://amplifyam.com/

HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“This is ancient knowledge and cutting-edge technology brought together into a product that is helping thousands of people all over the world,” says Anna Gudmundson, the CEO and co-founder of Sensate. She sits down with Alex Raymond in this episode to explore how Sensate is transforming stress management with its innovative technology. Sensate’s device combines sound and infrasonic therapy to help users regulate stress and anxiety, and Anna breaks down how it works on a physiological level, particularly its role in improving vagal nerve tone—a key factor in managing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

Anna also talks about her current fundraising strategy, highlighting Sensate’s crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. What makes crowdfunding such a powerful tool? It isn’t just about raising capital; it’s about building a community of engaged users and investors who are truly passionate about Sensate’s mission. By opening up investment opportunities to everyday people, Sensate is creating a supportive ecosystem that democratizes access to the company’s growth. Anna’s approach blends traditional venture capital with crowdfunding, showing how a diverse investor base can be built while driving the company forward.

Anna reflects on her personal journey as a leader and the unique challenges of running a wellness startup. How can stress management be woven into the fabric of a company’s culture? Anna shares her strategy of fostering mindfulness and resilience within her team, ensuring that Sensate’s core mission is reflected not only in their product but also in their workplace.

Quotes

• “I think stress is part of life, but many of us have a bit too much of it. So, it’s really important to have a way to self-regulate.” (04:56 | Anna Gudmundson)
• “The reason this is really helping so many people is that they are feeling calm and relieved. They actually enjoy the experience, which makes it accessible even when people are feeling quite wound up. I think that’s a really important part because then we begin to self-care, taking out our Sensate and using it when we need it. It’s so important in life to be able to self-regulate during stressful moments.” (05:58 | Anna Gudmundson)
• “We are accepting money from VCs. We have several VCs that are already in, but we have also tried to allow our customers to invest as well. So our customers, practitioners, partners, and people who really care about the product are able to invest via the SPV on WeFunder under exactly the same terms. That’s important, and it is very much part of our ethos.” (14:32 | Anna Gudmundson)
• “The nice thing about adding crowdfunding is that it democratizes around. Typically, at this stage, when we’re at an $18 million valuation, it’s usually larger investors who are able to participate. But this allows smaller investors to come in and really diversifies the cap table.” (15:02 | Anna Gudmundson)

Links

Connect with Anna Gudmundson:

Website: https://www.getsensate.com/

Website: https://wefunder.com/sensate

Connect with Alex Raymond:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/

Website: https://amplifyam.com/

HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“I love helping entrepreneurs shift into focusing on their ‘inner game,’ because then they get to both have a better experience—more joyful, less stressful, more enlivening, more playful—and more likely to succeed,” says Dave Kashen, a highly regarded leadership coach in Silicon Valley. He shares how embracing life as it unfolds, instead of clinging to rigid expectations, can help entrepreneurs tap into creativity and find peace, leading to more sustainable success.

In this episode, Dave talks with Alex Raymond about the “inner game” and conscious leadership. When entrepreneurs stop chasing external validation and focus on internal awareness, they can lead from a place of resilience and authenticity. Dave believes that by practicing presence, responsibility, and vulnerability, leaders can build stronger connections with their teams, which not only enhances personal fulfillment but also drives business success. Could this shift in perspective change the way you approach leadership?

Quotes

• “There are two primary games that people tend to play in life. One is, ‘Can I get life to match my mind’s idea of how life should be?’ The other is, ‘Can I just be with life as it is and relax my mind’s idea of how life should be?’ Most people are playing the first game and it’s a really challenging game. Even when you win, the joy, peace, and contentment don’t last very long. Because life is dynamic and our mind tends to be a bit more rigid, it’s really hard to get them to match.” (02:47 | Dave Kashen)
• “I realized at some point that the richer, more well-workable game—a game you could actually win—is the other game, where I can more and more relax my mind’s idea, or let go or disconnect from my mind’s idea of how things should be, so I can just be present with life as it is.” (03:31 | Dave Kashen)
• “The irony is that entrepreneurs are dreamers. So, we’re great at dreaming up some future, but then we collapse the desired future into the present, wishing we were already there, and just create suffering for ourselves and drain our energy.” (19:07 | Dave Kashen)
• “I believe the most successful entrepreneurs are the ones with the most conviction.” (45:58 | Dave Kashen)
• “I think a leader’s primary function is to serve… Leadership is the art of discernment. There’s never like a one way and one rule, but can you discern moment to moment what best serves—what best serves our vision, what best serves people? And I find the more you’re present, above the line, the clearer you are about what best serves.” (47:53 | Dave Kashen)

Links

Connect with Dave Kashen:

Website: https://www.davekashen.com/

Connect with Alex Raymond:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/

Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/

HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“A lot of people are lonely and they don’t even really know it until they find a connection, until they find that sense of community and involvement,” says Sadie Lincoln, co-founder of barre3, a fitness franchise that blends strength, cardio, and mindfulness. In this episode, she joins Alex Raymond to share her personal journey—from feeling isolated as a new parent to building a global community that empowers women entrepreneurs and fosters real connection.

Sadie delves into how barre3 challenges the fitness industry’s harmful messaging, which often promotes shame and an unhealthy relationship with exercise. By integrating mindfulness, barre3 encourages people to honor their bodies and stay present, transforming fitness into something life-affirming rather than just a means to an end. She explains how barre3’s inclusive community prioritizes relationships just as much as the workouts themselves. This sense of belonging became especially crucial during the pandemic when connection was needed more than ever.

Sadie also highlights barre3’s unique business model—194 studios, all owned and operated by women. What drives its success? She credits collective wisdom, local ownership, and core principles like enlightened hospitality and creating workplaces where people truly thrive.

As a leader, Sadie reflects on her growth and leadership style, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, maintaining high standards, and creating space for her team to learn and grow.

Quotes

• “There is nothing like starting your own business and scaling it to learn about yourself. This has been the most humbling journey of my life. It continues to humble me.” (32:21 | Sadie Lincoln)
• “I’m in an environment wherein, within closed doors or in a more public setting, I can share when I failed or when things didn’t go well and what I learned from it because that’s the culture. The culture is just like in a barre3 class. If you choose to do a move that doesn’t serve you and it’s giving you pain in your joints, maybe on all fours you’ve got a knee injury and you’re hurting your knee on all fours waiting on the floor, recognize, ‘Oh, this isn’t working for me. I’m going to modify it. I’m going to stand up and do this at the barre instead to honor that pain in my knee but still move my fitness forward.’ That’s a real metaphor for being a leader.” (41:46 | Sadie Lincoln)
• “I think even in a team setting, what’s even more powerful is to have respect and understanding for other people, where they are, and where their strengths are. That way, we’re not projecting onto other people and expecting everybody to operate the same way we do as individuals.” (44:20 | Sadie Lincoln)

Links

Connect with Sadie Lincoln:

Website: https://barre3.com/

Connect with Alex Raymond:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/

Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/

HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“Psychological safety is the belief that you can speak up without fear of humiliation or punishment. It’s essentially an environment where candor is expected. It’s not comfortable, it’s not easy, and it’s not an environment free from negative feedback. It’s a learning environment, and it’s being misused,” says Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor at Harvard Business School. This week, Amy joins Alex Raymond to discuss how creating psychological safety within a team enables risk-taking, learning from mistakes, and driving entrepreneurial success.

What does it mean to foster psychological safety? Amy introduces the idea of intelligent failures—those critical moments where mistakes become opportunities for learning, especially in new ventures. She clarifies that psychological safety isn’t about making everyone comfortable; it’s about promoting honest communication and openness. Leaders can cultivate this environment by modeling vulnerability and encouraging a problem-solving approach, shifting the focus away from blame.

This episode also covers how to sustain psychological safety in remote work settings. Amy discusses the importance of structure and intentional engagement to keep teams connected. She shares practical advice on resilience, reminding us that failures should be seen as valuable lessons rather than personal defeats.

Quotes

• “Part of the discipline of getting this right, of failing well, is to truly pause and appreciate what you are up against. Be realistic, even scientific about it… Failing well looks like being very thoughtful about the next risk you take and having good reason to believe it will pan out, which I think most entrepreneurs can identify with. Then, graciously acknowledging when that turns out to be wrong—that’s okay. That’s valuable new knowledge that you simply couldn’t have gotten any other way.” (04:38 | Amy Edmondson)
• “Psychological safety is the belief that you can speak up without fear of humiliation or punishment. It’s essentially an environment where candor is expected. It’s not comfortable, it’s not easy, and it’s not an environment free from negative feedback. It’s a learning environment, and it’s being misused.” (18:06 | Amy Edmondson)
• “You must connect with the very real truth that the failure of a company doesn’t make you a failure; it means you had a company that failed. That means you are wiser than you were right before that. That means you have a new, little bucket of knowledge that you lacked before. That’s a treasure—value it. Value it enough to, in fact, share it with others.” (39:02 | Amy Edmondson)

Links

Connect with Amy Edmondson:

Website: https://amycedmondson.com/

Connect with Alex Raymond:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/

Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/

HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

"DEI is often seen as something off to the side—something we can easily discard because people still don’t always see its benefits,” says Ericka Hines, founder of Black Women Thriving. This week, she joins Alex Raymond to shed light on the vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Drawing on over 14 years of experience, Ericka shares insights from her Black Women Thriving Report, which explores the unique challenges Black women face in the workplace and provides actionable recommendations for creating environments where they can truly flourish.

Ericka emphasizes the need to move beyond traditional DEI training to foster genuine cultural change. She introduces the concept of thriving—a state of vitality and learning at work—as the ultimate goal once diversity and inclusion are achieved. A striking finding from her report is that 88% of Black women experience burnout, often due to a lack of personal time and negative workplace environments. Ericka advocates for organizational policies that prioritize well-being, such as implementing rest periods between meetings and discouraging after-hours emails.

For entrepreneurs, Ericka advises embedding DEI principles into their businesses from the outset by tailoring them to their industry and integrating them into daily strategies and practices. She cautions against relying solely on unconscious bias training and stresses the importance of a comprehensive approach to building an inclusive culture. Ericka urges entrepreneurs to lead the charge in evolving workplaces to meet the expectations of millennials and Gen Z, who place a high value on diversity and inclusion.

Quotes

• “There are definitions of DEI, and you should have a shared language about those. But what I’m saying is, if we understand that diversity means we want different perspectives, lived experiences, and identities, right? What does that mean in the context of the business or industry I’m in? What does that mean to us? Once you have those operational definitions, I think the strategies and knowledge you need will flow from that.” (27:35 | Ericka Hines)
• “As an entrepreneur, I think DEI work should become one of the pillars of your business. In doing so, you want to embed it across operations, how you hire, how you conduct performance reviews, and how you choose vendors.” (29:24 | Ericka Hines)
• "DEI is often seen as something off to the side—something we can easily discard because people still don’t always see its benefits.” (40:20 | Ericka Hines)
• “People who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, trans, gay—we’re not going away in the workplace. So, yes, it’s still a good time to do this. To me, it doesn’t make sense not to be doing this. And this really isn’t from a place of, ‘Oh, this is my business.’ It’s more like, look at who’s in your workplace. Why would you not try to make it a place that people want to work in?” (41:25 | Ericka Hines)

Links

Connect with Ericka Hines:

Website: https://everylevelleads.com/

Connect with Alex Raymond:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/

Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/

HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“I worked for people who have achieved a lot but didn’t seem all that happy in life,” shares Jim Barnett, a seasoned CEO with leadership roles at Wisq, Glint, and LinkedIn. This realization sparked a 35-year journey into happiness and consciousness, leading Jim to explore meditation and conscious leadership.

Introduced to meditation by a monk in Los Angeles, Jim’s daily practice has since become a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. Through YPO and transformative retreats, he deepened his commitment to conscious living, eventually partnering with Diana Chapman of the Conscious Leadership Group. Her teachings on the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership impacted his approach to leadership.

Jim discusses how shifting from a stress-driven mindset to one focused on awareness and intentionality transformed not just his well-being but also the culture within his organizations. He also highlights the potential of AI to fill gaps in traditional HR, offering accessible coaching and support to managers and employees.

For entrepreneurs, Jim emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture from the outset. His advice? Prioritize actions that reflect thoughtfulness, inclusion, and collaboration to create a workplace where happiness and success can thrive.

Quotes

• “I’m so dedicated to helping people be happy and successful at work that I see this as a way of being of service to humanity, rather than trying to achieve a specific business outcome.” (17:33 | Jim Barnett)
• “I think the role of a manager is to be a guide for the team and the people on the team in all areas. The challenge is that a lot of managers don’t have the skill set required to be a good manager. Typically, what we do is find the highest performer, and that performer then becomes the manager.” (25:53 | Jim Barnett)
• “I would say one cheat code for approaching anything consciously is to approach it with curiosity. If you come from a place of “I’m right, they’re wrong,” that’s not likely to lead to the best outcome.” (32:48 | Jim Barnett)
• “Don’t just talk about culture. Let your actions show how important culture is. Dedicate yourself to creating a culture of thoughtfulness, inclusion, empowerment, responsibility, communication, and collaboration. Be very thoughtful and purposeful about it. I think it’s super important.” (42:51 | Jim Barnett)

Links

Connect with Jim Barnett:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-barnett-a5312/

Website: https://www.wisq.com/

Connect with Alex Raymond:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/

Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/

HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm