An introduction to Unlocking High Performance and the conversations shaping leadership, growth, and performance.

Jason Lauritsen has spent more than two decades helping leaders build organizations where people and performance both thrive. In this special episode, he introduces the next chapter of his podcast, now called Unlocking High Performance, and shares the thinking behind the change, what listeners can expect going forward, and why this work matters more than ever.

The relaunch is more than a name change. It is a recommitment to a central idea that Jason has been building toward for his entire career: you do not have to choose between taking care of your people and driving strong results. This episode sets the foundation for everything that follows, and it is worth a listen whether you are new to the show or have been along for the ride from the beginning.

Key highlights from the conversation include:

👉Why Jason renamed the show from Check-In with Jason Lauritsen to Unlocking High Performance and what that shift says about the podcast’s sharper mission moving forward

👉 The leadership myth that organizations must choose between high performance and caring for people, and why Jason argues that belief is at the root of burnout culture

👉 A real-world example from Jason’s management experience where doubling down on people led to doubled revenue per employee and lower turnover at the same time

👉 Jason’s core philosophy that performance doesn’t come from pushing people harder, it emerges when leaders create the right conditions for people to thrive

If you lead people or support those who do, this episode is a strong starting point. Jason lays out the premise, the promise, and the practical focus of the show in a way that is grounded, honest, and worth your time. This is a podcast built for leaders who are ready to stop choosing between results and people and start building something better.

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Connect with Jason Lauritsen:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

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#UnlockingHighPerformance #Leadership #HRLeaders #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCulture #ManagerEffectiveness #PeopleAndPerformance #FutureOfWork #BurnoutPrevention

Join Jason for an insightful, heartfelt conversation with his daughter Bailey, a high school senior and returning guest who brings a fresh, next-generation perspective on work, communication, and the rapidly changing world of careers.

As the year comes to a close, Bailey returns to reflect on her early work experiences, lessons in workplace culture, and what the future holds. As a member of Gen Z looking towards college and preparing for a career in the age of AI, she offers valuable insight into the expectations of tomorrow’s workforce.

Bailey shares her takes on what makes for a good work experience, what she looks for when considering a part-time job (including the "vibe" of the place), and how she and her peers are thinking about their career prospects beyond high school graduation.

Some highlights from Bailey's perspective include:

👉 Prioritize people and communicate consistently; your hardest workers check out long before you notice if you neglect to follow up or show genuine care.

👉 Authentic happiness at work matters; employees can sense when colleagues are “putting on a show” versus truly enjoying their environment.

👉 Candidates evaluate your culture (the “vibes”) from the moment they interact with your organization, make it a two-way street, not just an act for outsiders.

👉 Today’s young workers are practical and pragmatic. They’re weighing their education and career choices against a backdrop of cost, job stability, and AI disruption.

👉 Teach and encourage healthy skepticism: critical thinking is now a survival skill when technology can fabricate reality at scale.

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Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

Join Jason for a thought-provoking episode as he welcomes Shalynne Jackson, Chief Culture and Engagement Officer and CEO of Sonder Strategies. Shalynne is renowned for her commitment to building workplaces where people feel seen, connected, and valued.

In this episode, Jason and Shalynne dive deep into how organizations can foster meaningful human connection at work, especially in times when disconnection and loneliness are all too common. The conversation unpacks actionable strategies for cultivating workplace cultures rooted in trust, psychological safety, and accountability. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or hands-on advice, this discussion is full of practical wisdom for anyone looking to elevate their organization’s employee experience.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 Mentorship and peer circles are high-impact vehicles for building relationships across departments and roles, fostering trust and growth.

👉 Intentionally connecting people over lunch or informal interactions can give rise to lasting relationships and unexpected support networks.

👉 Connection isn’t proximity. Being physically present doesn’t guarantee meaningful workplace relationships; true connection is built intentionally.

👉 Leaders should ask themselves, “Would I want me as my manager?” Empathy and accountability go hand in hand, shaping how people experience their work.

👉 Privilege and inclusion demand curiosity, humility, and active listening. Leaders can’t just treat others as they wish to be treated, they need to learn how others want to be cared for.

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Connect with Shalynne:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalynnejackson/?hl=en

Website: https://www.shalynnespeaks.com/

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Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

"I'm going to enjoy my life now. If there is no golden goose at the end of this, no pot, there's no money at the end of this rainbow, I'm just going to enjoy my life now." - Tess Brigham speaking about the Gen Z perspective on work

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Join Jason Lauritsen for an insightful episode featuring Tess Brigham, licensed therapist, certified coach, and TEDx speaker. Tess brings over 20 years of expertise in guiding young people to understand themselves and build fulfilling lives.

In this episode, Jason and Tess dive deep into the realities facing Gen Z in the workplace and at home. If you’re an HR leader seeking practical ways to attract, engage, and retain young talent while fostering a healthier work culture, this conversation is loaded with relevant, actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives. Discover why understanding Gen Z’s mindset matters and how rethinking your approach can improve organizational success and employee well-being.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 Start with curiosity over judgment. Many workplace frustrations with young employees come from our own biases and assumptions. Pause. Ask. Listen.

👉 The future of work depends on leaders' role modeling healthy boundaries, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to rethink “the way it’s always been.”

👉 Stop solving, start coaching. For both parents and managers, the best path is asking more questions and letting them wrestle with the answers, rather than swooping in with “advice.”

👉 Gen Z puts mental health and boundaries first because the work “contract” is broken. If we want loyalty and engagement, we have to recognize and support that.

👉 You can’t rely on “what worked for me at that age.” Gen Z’s reality is shaped by economic uncertainty, skyrocketing costs, and social media—completely different contexts than previous generations.

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Connect with Tess:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tess_brigham/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EuYiwREu0fiQ8hrFwUNFU?si=1ca9799100344f40

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gen-mess-with-tess/id1797064230

Website: https://tessbrigham.com/

TEDx Talks: https://youtu.be/2nNEMBsf8e4?si=9ld4lpFhsKEcoxKC

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Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

Most people avoid silence, it feels uncomfortable.

But what if silence is actually where the most meaningful conversations begin?

In this episode, join Jason as he shares a simple but powerful practice called spacious listening, the art of using silence to build deeper connection, trust, and understanding.

You will learn how to:

• Use silence as a leadership and communication tool
• Listen in a way that helps others feel truly seen and heard
• Create space for more honest, human conversations at work

If you’ve ever wondered why silence feels so hard, or how to use it to become a better listener and leader, this episode is for you.

Because sometimes, the most powerful thing a leader can do… is say nothing at all.

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Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

#PowerOfSilence #ListeningSkills #Leadership #HumanLeadership #Communication #JasonLauritsen #SpaciousListening #EmotionalIntelligence #MindfulLeadership

"The essence of what we do is making sure that people all over the country, in all 50 states, when they're in a moment where they need care, medical care, there are the right caregivers in the right place at the right moment." - Shane Jackson

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Join Jason for a compelling conversation with Shane Jackson, President of Jackson Healthcare, a dynamic leader at the helm of one of America’s most recognized healthcare workforce organizations. He is an author of two influential books and the leader of an organization celebrated for its workplace culture.

In this episode, Jason and Shane delve deep into the work of building cultures that truly attract and retain talent. Together, they unpack the realities behind “purpose-driven” workplaces, clarify the vital role of authentic leadership, and share practical wisdom about embedding values at the center of organizational life.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 Leaders have a disproportionate influence on culture; how they treat others sets the expectation for everyone else.

👉 Purpose can’t be fabricated or performed. Real engagement comes when leaders clearly articulate their authentic purpose and allow people to self-select in.

👉 Codifying a culture through values and beliefs isn’t enough, they must be modeled by leaders and reinforced consistently, down to who gets hired and fired.

👉 The most effective (and hardest) tool for keeping values central: holding people accountable, even if it means walking away from someone who isn’t a cultural fit.

**

Connect with Shane:

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

Website: https://shanejackson.com/

**

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Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

"𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯." - Topaz Adizes

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Join Jason for a deeply insightful conversation with Topaz Adizes, Emmy-winning filmmaker, author, and the founder of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio renowned for its innovative approaches to exploring human connection.

In this episode, Jason and Topaz explore how understanding the patterns of meaningful connection so vital in our personal lives can transform the way we lead, manage, and design experiences at work. Topaz brings a unique perspective to the intersection of storytelling, experience architecture, and workplace relationships.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 Why leaders must shift from having all the answers to becoming guides who facilitate curiosity and growth within their teams.

👉 The vital importance of acknowledging power dynamics by stating your intention as a leader, not just your agenda, to encourage authentic participation.

👉 Why leaders must shift from having all the answers to becoming guides who facilitate curiosity and growth within their teams.

👉 How the right connective questions at work, crafted for the unique “and” of a workplace context, unlock empathy, understanding, and shared meaning, even amid conflict or difference.

**

Connect with Topaz:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_skindeep/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSkinDeep

**

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Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/