In this episode, Jenni Catron explores five leadership and culture trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for leaders in organizations of every size. She begins with a conviction that development is now a non-negotiable—for employers investing in their people as a core retention strategy and for employees staying competitive in a rapidly evolving workplace. Jenni also addresses the growing need for human-AI synergy, helping leaders discern where AI can accelerate results and where cultures must double down on the uniquely human elements of work.

From shifting dynamics in the job market to the competitive advantage of healthy, fully integrated culture plans, Jenni offers practical insight drawn from current research, reading, and real conversations with the leaders she serves nationwide. You’ll walk away with perspective to start the year fresh, evaluate your own development plan, and take concrete steps using the LeadCulture Framework as a true “culture operating system” that aligns expectations, processes, and daily employee experience. Jenni closes with encouragement for 2026 and her word for the year—Believe—inviting leaders to dream bigger and build environments where teams can grow, thrive, and be unstoppable.

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We’ve gathered some of the best moments from our live LeadCulture Network trainings and compiled them into this episode—giving you an exclusive look at what it means to lead with clarity, build unstoppable teams, and create a culture that thrives.

In this episode, you’ll hear highlights from sessions that tackle the real challenges leaders face every day:

• Clarity vs. Confusion: How small gaps in role definition, priorities, or expectations quietly erode culture—and what you can do to stop it.
• The Unseen Work of Culture: Why building high-performing teams isn’t about flashy strategies—it’s about the unglamorous, consistent work of modeling values, equipping managers, and owning your influence.
• Leading Through Transitions: Real-life lessons on managing team changes, handling leadership misalignment, and turning setbacks into culture-strengthening opportunities.
• Engagement That Lasts: Practical ways to build trust, empower your team, and create an environment where engagement—and results—follow naturally.
• Remote & Hybrid Teams: Strategies to keep your culture alive and thriving, no matter where your team works.

This episode is more than a compilation—it’s a crash course in actionable insights that you can start applying immediately. If you’ve ever wished for a behind-the-scenes look at high-impact leadership, this is it.

Last Chance: The LeadCulture Network is closing enrollment for founding members on December 31. Don’t miss your opportunity to access monthly live trainings, Q&As, video teachings from Jenni, and 6 months of support from a dedicated LeadCulture Coach. Join now and equip your team to grow, thrive, and be unstoppable in 2026.

We need your help to get the LeadCulture podcasts in front of more leaders! There are three simple things you can do that truly help us:

1. Review us on Apple podcasts
2. Subscribe - we’re available wherever you listen to podcasts.
3. Share - let your friends know about the podcast by sharing your favorite episode on social media!

In this week’s episode of the Lead Culture Podcast, Jenni sits down with Peter Ostapko—founder of Kinsman and publisher of Kinsman Journal—to explore the unexpected paths that shape our leadership journeys. Peter shares the formative moments that sparked his vision, from an early encounter with leadership thought-leader Tim Elmore to a decade spent “successfully drowning” in work that looked great on paper but left him searching for meaning.

Together, Jenni and Peter unpack the tension leaders feel when they know they’re capable, but not yet aligned with their calling. They talk honestly about comparison, courage, identity, and the slow, faithful work of discovering what you’re made to do. Peter brings refreshing transparency about leaving a stable banking career to launch a mission-driven publication—not because it was easy, but because it was right.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “behind,” questioned your purpose, or felt the pull toward something more meaningful, this conversation will meet you where you are. Peter’s story is a reminder that leadership is less about having it all figured out and more about paying attention, staying curious, and taking the next faithful step.

Tune in for a grounded, inspiring look at calling, entrepreneurship, and the kind of leadership that grows over decades—not overnight.

We need your help to get the LeadCulture podcasts in front of more leaders! There are three simple things you can do that truly help us:

1. Review us on Apple podcasts
2. Subscribe - we’re available wherever you listen to podcasts.
3. Share - let your friends know about the podcast by sharing your favorite episode on social media!