Explore how work works with The CultureCon® Podcast—real stories, fresh ideas, and bold voices building a better world of work.
Alignment sounds simple until Monday happens.
Nick and Zach sit down with Kate Zappitelli, Principal Consultant at Karrikins Group and Chair of the Alignment Institute, to unpack why agreement is not enough for people-first leaders.
Kate shares how real alignment requires clarity, connection, commitment, and courage, especially when teams are stuck in side conversations, unclear expectations, or old habits. From AI adoption to intentional optimism, she challenges leaders to model the behaviors they want to see, name what is getting in the way, and build the muscle of alignment every day.
If you have ever left a strategy session energized only to watch the work fade by Monday, this conversation will help you turn good intentions into consistent leadership action.
Additional Resources:
Get the book: “Make HOW Matter”
Learn more about Karrikins Group
Learn more about CultureCon
Subscribe to CultureCon’s YouTube channel!
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Key Takeaways:
- Agreement is not the same as alignment.
- Side conversations weaken trust and team alignment.
- Leadership requires consistent communication and intentional energy.
- AI adoption starts with leaders experimenting personally.
- Sustainable alignment depends on clear team commitments.
Nick Lombardino & Zach Blumenfeld
Welcome to The CultureCon® Podcast, the official podcast for workplace Culture Geeks.
Join us as we explore the way work, works.
At CultureCon, we believe you have the power to make work more meaningful for yourself and for those around you, no matter your role. This is your backstage pass to conversations that spark change, innovation and connection about what makes organizations thrive. You’ll hear inspiring stories, lessons learned and practical strategies from workplace culture experts who are building a better world of work.
Our community is made up of business executives, department heads, people ops professionals, HR leaders, L&D specialists, team managers and individual contributors and anyone who cares about creating more engaging, fulfilling and productive workplaces.
If workplace culture matters to you, you’re in the right place.