Some stories don’t end at rock bottom. Some begin there.

David sits down with Jennifer Wilkins for a raw, honest conversation about addiction, homelessness, faith, performance, approval, and the lifelong work of unbecoming.

Jennifer shares how years of chasing validation, achievement, and the appearance of being “okay” eventually gave way to a deeper truth: healing required honesty, surrender, and the courage to stop becoming what everyone else expected. From her lowest moments to rebuilding her life with purpose, sobriety, and faith, Jennifer’s story is a reminder that identity is not found in titles, applause, or perfection.

This conversation will challenge people-first leaders, high achievers, and anyone tired of performing their way through life to ask a braver question: What parts of me am I finally ready to release?

—

Need support? If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, or emotional distress, you are not alone. Call or text **988** to connect with the **988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline**, or chat online at **988lifeline.org**. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in the U.S.

Additional Resources:

Get Jennifer’s Devotional and Guided Journal: Unbecoming: https://a.co/d/0gj1WqPo

Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-wilkins-6829a352/

Subscribe to Addicted to Betterment on YouTube!: https://youtube.com/@addictedtobettermentdg?si=s1sCurvNtLin0v7l

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gregory-45b15a1a5/

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilewallen/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/?viewAsMember=true

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

0 0

High performance has a hidden price tag, and most leaders don’t notice it until their body, relationships, or sense of self starts waving the red flag.

Nikki sits down with coach, speaker, and performance expert Lo Myrick to unpack the invisible bottlenecks that keep high achievers stuck. Together, they explore identity, nervous system regulation, boundaries, decision fatigue, people-pleasing, and what it really means to lead from alignment instead of pressure.

Lo brings a powerful blend of science, strategy, and spirituality to help people-first leaders understand that the next level is not just about doing more. It is about becoming the version of yourself who can hold more without losing yourself in the process.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Lo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenlomyrick/

Engage in a 90-Minute Performance Breakthrough Session: https://www.lomyrick.com/executive-coaching-consulting

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilewallen/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/?viewAsMember=true

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

0 0

“You got to get honest.”

Jennifer Wilkins offers a powerful question for anyone who feels stuck, exhausted, or like they’ve been performing their way through life:

Is the life you’re living today the life you can see yourself living forever?

And are you giving yourself a fair shot at your best forever?

This is your invitation to pause, look in the mirror, and get honest about what needs to change.

Watch the full conversation with Jennifer Wilkins on Addicted to Betterment.


Additional Resources:

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/?viewAsMember=true

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

10 1

What you look for multiplies.
Great leaders don’t just fix problems...they grow strengths.
.
.
.
Happy pets, happy teams. Foster a pet-friendly culture with OnePack Plan™ pet insurance: https://www.onepackplan.com/introductory-video?utm_source=social&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=rufftruth_podcast

#TheRuffTruth #LeadershipStories #PeopleFirstLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #BetterLeadership

2 0

You can’t lead well if you’re running on empty.

Lo Myrick shares why intentional leadership starts with realizing your full scope, and most importantly, starting with yourself.

Because when leaders stop taking care of themselves, everything else eventually falls flat.

#LeadershipDevelopment #SelfCare #PeopleFirstLeadership

Additional Resources:

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilewallen/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/?viewAsMember=true

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

2 0

PeopleForward Network is on YouTube to help more leaders access the ideas, stories, resources, and conversations they need to create meaningful work.

Nikki Lewallen Gregory, Founder and Chief Meaningful Work Officer of PeopleForward Network, shares how PFN has evolved with the world of podcasting, from audio-first conversations to video content designed for the way today’s leaders learn, consume, and connect.

PeopleForward Network exists to help all people experience meaningful work. Through leadership podcasts, video interviews, short-form content, solo episodes, and conversations with people-first leaders, PFN equips leaders with practical ideas, real stories, use cases, resources, and expert insights they can apply inside their organizations.

This channel is for leaders who want to build workplaces where people feel connected, inspired, valued, and proud to do their best work. Whether you are looking for short-form leadership inspiration, full-length podcast interviews, practical tools, or industry-specific conversations, PeopleForward Network is here to help you move people forward.

Subscribe to PeopleForward Network on YouTube for leadership podcasts, workplace culture conversations, people-first insights, and meaningful work content created to help leaders build companies people love being part of.

Visit peopleforwardnetwork.com to learn more and let us know what leadership content you want to see next.


Additional Resources:

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilewallen/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/?viewAsMember=true

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

0 0

Thank you to every partner, client, team member, and dreamer who has believed in PeopleForward Network.

As PFN steps into year six, Nikki shares a heartfelt reminder that partnership is more than business. It is trust, belief, shared vision, and the courage to keep moving forward together.

The mission continues. The dream keeps growing. It’s only gas pedal down from here.

#PeopleForwardNetwork #PeopleFirstLeadership #MeaningfulWork #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #FounderJourney #CompanyCulture #Partnership #WorkplaceCulture

9 0

Welcome to PeopleForward Network on YouTube, a place for leaders who care about people-first workplaces, meaningful work, and moving people forward.

Whether you are a CEO, Chief People Officer, HR leader, culture builder, executive coach, entrepreneur, or people-first leader, this channel is designed to help you find leadership content that speaks to your role, your industry, and the challenges you are navigating.

Here, you will find leadership podcasts, video interviews, YouTube Shorts, solo insights, and conversations with leaders who are building better workplaces, stronger cultures, and more meaningful employee experiences.

PeopleForward Network features shows across a variety of industries, leadership topics, and workplace challenges, including people-first leadership, company culture, employee engagement, human-centered leadership, executive leadership, healthcare leadership, tech leadership, HR strategy, workplace communication, and the future of work.

Browse the channel, explore our shows, subscribe for more leadership conversations, and visit peopleforwardnetwork.com to connect with us and share what kind of content you want to see next.

Subscribe to PeopleForward Network for leadership podcasts, people-first workplace insights, and conversations that help move people forward.


Additional Resources:

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilewallen/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/?viewAsMember=true

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

0 1

Leadership isn't just learned in conference rooms. Sometimes it's learned on a construction site.

This year PeopleForward Network intentionally narrowed its nonprofit partnerships. Here's why Homes of Hope became one of the organizations that captured our hearts.

Building a home alongside a family in need isn't just an opportunity to serve. It's an experience that reshapes perspective, strengthens relationships, and reminds us what meaningful leadership is all about.

Whether you're looking for an unforgettable executive retreat, a team-building experience with lasting impact, or a way to make a tangible difference, Homes of Hope offers something that can't be captured in a brochure or testimonial.

Sometimes the most powerful way to build a stronger team... is by helping build a home.

Join us in making a difference: https://ywamsdb.givingfuel.com/road-to-hope-fundraiser

Learn more about Homes of Hope and how your team can get involved at https://www.ywamhomesofhope.org/

0 0

For five years, PeopleForward Network has been intentional about the organizations and events we choose to partner with, and CultureCon continues to top that list.

CultureCon has become one of our favorite places to build meaningful relationships, learn from incredible leaders, and connect with people who genuinely care about creating better workplaces.

Join us in Madison or Las Vegas to experience:

- Authentic relationship-building with people-first leaders
- Inspiring learning sessions focused on workplace culture and employee engagement
- Innovative solution providers serving today's HR and leadership teams
- Live podcast studio recordings with PeopleForward Network and Evergreen Podcasts
- Opportunities to be a guest on one of our podcasts

If you're passionate about building workplaces where people thrive, we'd love to see you there.

Get your ticket and learn more about upcoming CultureCon events at https://www.cultureconusa.org/tickets.

1 1

Different rules for different people? That’s not culture. That’s favoritism.

When the “inner circle” gets protected and everyone else gets punished, trust disappears fast...oof, that's rough!
.
.
.
Happy pets, happy teams. Foster a pet-friendly culture with OnePack Plan™ pet insurance: https://www.onepackplan.com/introductory-video?utm_source=social&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=rufftruth_podcast

#TheRuffTruth #LeadershipStories #PeopleFirstLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #BetterLeadership

4 0

PFN turns 5 today. 🎉🐾

What have we learned?
→ People leave bad leadership.
→ Burnout starts quietly.
→ Great leaders ask better questions.
→ Culture lives in small moments.
→ Meaningful work changes people.

Happy Birthday, PFN!
.
.
.
Happy pets, happy teams. Foster a pet-friendly culture with OnePack Plan™ pet insurance: https://www.onepackplan.com/introductory-video?utm_source=social&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=rufftruth_podcast

#TheRuffTruth #LeadershipStories #PeopleFirstLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #BetterLeadership

5 0