Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder joins Tim Carroll for a candid conversation about what truly builds culture on high-performing teams. From the trust and “safe space” of the locker room to leadership under pressure, Christian shares what sports teaches that business often forgets. They also explore why athletes can thrive in the boardroom, and why proximity still matters when you’re building real culture.

Cory Carlson returns as Culture at Work’s first repeat guest to kick off 2026 with a message leaders need: you can’t build a great workplace culture while neglecting the culture you’re creating at home.

In this conversation, Tim and Cory unpack how trust is built through consistency, why leadership stamina matters beyond the office, and how intentional habits—like reducing digital noise, keeping commitments, and practicing healthy accountability—shape the way we lead everywhere.

Tim Carroll sits down with Matt Tiller, President of Middle Tennessee Christian School, to explore what a truly Christ-centered school culture looks like in real life. From hiring for cultural fit and defining core values to weaving faith into everyday moments on campus, Matt shares how MTCS builds a sense of belonging for students, staff, and families. They also dig into how the school balances innovation, like project-based learning and AI tools, with a relational, mission-driven approach to education.