Featured Guest Series Episodes
Welcome to the Guest Series on The Bliss Business Podcast! In this series, we spotlight exceptional leaders of companies that embody the core values of Belonging, Love, Inspiration, Service, and Sustainability. These organizations set the standard for empathy and people-centric business practices, creating positive and inclusive work environments.
Join us as we explore the stories and strategies of these remarkable companies, and gain valuable insights on integrating BLISS principles into your own business practices. Subscribe and follow us to stay updated on the latest episodes and be inspired by leaders who are making a difference.
Join us as we explore the stories and strategies of these remarkable companies, and gain valuable insights on integrating BLISS principles into your own business practices. Subscribe and follow us to stay updated on the latest episodes and be inspired by leaders who are making a difference.
Sept. 4, 2025
Leadership, Engagement, and Why Purpose Matters with Bob Gappa
Is your leadership model aligned with purpose, or just performance?
Only 32% of employees feel engaged at work (Gallup). And yet, companies with strong purpose report 30% higher innovation and retention (McKinsey). So what gives?
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Bob Gappa, Founder & CEO of Management 2000, as we explore how great leadership starts with purpose, and why that purpose must be operationalized to build real engagement.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mi...
Only 32% of employees feel engaged at work (Gallup). And yet, companies with strong purpose report 30% higher innovation and retention (McKinsey). So what gives?
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Bob Gappa, Founder & CEO of Management 2000, as we explore how great leadership starts with purpose, and why that purpose must be operationalized to build real engagement.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mi...
Guest: Bob Gappa
Sept. 2, 2025
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Michael Ward
90% of top performers have high emotional intelligence, yet only 36% of people can identify their emotions as they happen (TalentSmart).
Emotional intelligence isn’t a “soft skill.” It’s the foundation of effective leadership, stronger cultures, and better business outcomes.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Ward, Founder and CEO of Paminga, a modern marketing automation platform built as a simpler, more powerful alternative to Marketo, Eloqua, Hu...
Emotional intelligence isn’t a “soft skill.” It’s the foundation of effective leadership, stronger cultures, and better business outcomes.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Ward, Founder and CEO of Paminga, a modern marketing automation platform built as a simpler, more powerful alternative to Marketo, Eloqua, Hu...
Guest: Michael Ward
Aug. 28, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Katharine Manning
Only 36% of employees in the U.S. say they feel engaged at work, and lack of empathy from leadership is often cited as a leading cause of disengagement (Gallup). Yet research shows that leaders who practice empathy foster stronger trust, improve retention, and drive higher performance across teams.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Katharine Manning, Author, Public Speaker, and President of Blackbird. Katharine is the author of The Empathetic Workplace: Five St...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Katharine Manning, Author, Public Speaker, and President of Blackbird. Katharine is the author of The Empathetic Workplace: Five St...
Guest: Katharine Manning
Aug. 26, 2025
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Kath Allen and Abbey Lee
Emotional intelligence accounts for nearly 90% of what sets high performers apart from their peers (Harvard Business Review). Yet too often, EQ is dismissed as “soft skills” instead of being recognized as the foundation of effective leadership, culture, and business growth.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Kath Allen, Founder of Hike Doggie Inc & Hike Doggie Franchising LLC, and Abbey Lee, Partner of Hike Doggie Inc & Hike Doggie Franchising LLC. Together, the...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Kath Allen, Founder of Hike Doggie Inc & Hike Doggie Franchising LLC, and Abbey Lee, Partner of Hike Doggie Inc & Hike Doggie Franchising LLC. Together, the...
Guests: Abbey Lee , Kath Allen
Aug. 21, 2025
Fix the Culture, Not the People: Lessons from the Dean of Dumbassery
Organizations with strong, positive cultures see employee engagement rates up to 72% higher than those with weak cultures (Gallup). Yet too often, leaders focus on “fixing” people rather than addressing the systems, values, and environment that shape behavior. The real transformation begins when we fix the culture.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and Founder of The Learning Moment. Known as the “Dean of Dumbasse...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and Founder of The Learning Moment. Known as the “Dean of Dumbasse...
Guest: Garry Ridge
Aug. 19, 2025
Mindfulness in the Workplace with Cindy Van Eeckhout
Mindfulness practices in the workplace can reduce stress by up to 32% and boost productivity by 12% (American Psychological Association).
Yet in many professional environments, mindfulness is still treated as a personal wellness tool rather than a powerful leadership and business strategy. Leaders who integrate mindfulness into their business DNA can foster more focused, empathetic, and resilient teams.
In this week’s episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Cindy Van E...
Yet in many professional environments, mindfulness is still treated as a personal wellness tool rather than a powerful leadership and business strategy. Leaders who integrate mindfulness into their business DNA can foster more focused, empathetic, and resilient teams.
In this week’s episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Cindy Van E...
Guest: Cindy Van Eeckhout
Aug. 14, 2025
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with David Greer
Emotional intelligence is responsible for nearly 90% of what sets high performers apart (Harvard Business Review).
But EQ isn’t just about managing emotions. It’s about leading with intention, presence, and purpose.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by David Greer, Leadership Coach and Author of Wind In Your Sails: Vital Strategies That Accelerate Your Entrepreneurial Growth.
As a serial entrepreneur and transformational coach, David helps leaders conf...
But EQ isn’t just about managing emotions. It’s about leading with intention, presence, and purpose.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by David Greer, Leadership Coach and Author of Wind In Your Sails: Vital Strategies That Accelerate Your Entrepreneurial Growth.
As a serial entrepreneur and transformational coach, David helps leaders conf...
Guest: David Greer
Aug. 12, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Bo Lowery
Franchise brands that prioritize emotional connection can outperform competitors by up to 85% in revenue growth (Gallup). But connection doesn’t happen by chance. It’s designed through leadership, systems, and shared purpose.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Bo Lowery, Vice President of Marketing at Wild Birds Unlimited. Bo has helped grow one of the most beloved brands in specialty retail by turning stores into hubs of community, nature, and belonging.
...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Bo Lowery, Vice President of Marketing at Wild Birds Unlimited. Bo has helped grow one of the most beloved brands in specialty retail by turning stores into hubs of community, nature, and belonging.
...
Guest: Bo Lowery
Aug. 7, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Howard Waterman
81% of consumers say they need to trust a brand before making a purchase decision (Source: Edelman Trust Barometer).
Trust and connection are not just nice-to-haves in business, they are the foundation for long-term growth and brand loyalty.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast featuring Howard Waterman, Founder and CEO of The Waterman Group. Howard is an influential communications strategist and award-winning board advisor with over two decades of experience shapin...
Trust and connection are not just nice-to-haves in business, they are the foundation for long-term growth and brand loyalty.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast featuring Howard Waterman, Founder and CEO of The Waterman Group. Howard is an influential communications strategist and award-winning board advisor with over two decades of experience shapin...
Guest: Howard Waterman
Aug. 5, 2025
Kindness and Empathy in Car Sales with Andrew Sardone
Companies that lead with empathy see up to 23% higher customer loyalty and a 32% boost in sales (Source: Gallup).
Car sales often get a bad reputation for being high-pressure or transactional. But what if kindness and empathy were at the heart of every customer interaction?
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Sardone, Founder of AutoKnerd, to explore how genuine care, transparency, and trust are redefining what it means to sell.
🎙️ Hosted by St...
Car sales often get a bad reputation for being high-pressure or transactional. But what if kindness and empathy were at the heart of every customer interaction?
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Sardone, Founder of AutoKnerd, to explore how genuine care, transparency, and trust are redefining what it means to sell.
🎙️ Hosted by St...
Guest: Andrew Sardone
July 31, 2025
Mindfulness in the Workplace with Michael Nicolais
Companies that integrate mindfulness into their culture see 20% less burnout and 35% higher productivity (Source: Deloitte).
In a world where constant hustle often overshadows presence, mindfulness is becoming one of the most powerful tools for leaders who want to build resilient and high-performing teams.
In this week’s episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Nicolais, CEO of Loyalty Business Brokers, to explore how mindfulness shapes leadership, reduces stres...
In a world where constant hustle often overshadows presence, mindfulness is becoming one of the most powerful tools for leaders who want to build resilient and high-performing teams.
In this week’s episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Nicolais, CEO of Loyalty Business Brokers, to explore how mindfulness shapes leadership, reduces stres...
Guest: Michael Nicolais
July 29, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Devan Kline
Companies that foster strong connections among employees see 50% higher retention and 56% greater productivity (Source: Harvard Business Review).
But true connection is about more than metrics. It’s about creating communities where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Devan Kline, Co-Founder and Visionary of Burn Boot Camp, a brand that has transformed from a fitness concept into a nationwide movement buil...
But true connection is about more than metrics. It’s about creating communities where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Devan Kline, Co-Founder and Visionary of Burn Boot Camp, a brand that has transformed from a fitness concept into a nationwide movement buil...
Guest: Devan Kline
July 24, 2025
Innovative Work Models for the Future with Chris Dyer
Companies with strong cultures see up to 4x higher revenue growth (Bain & Co.).
But culture isn’t a perk or a plaque on the wall. It’s a system. And the best leaders know how to design it intentionally.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Chris Dyer, Culture Catalyst, Entrepreneur, and globally recognized expert in remote work and leadership.
His 7 Pillar Strategy has helped thousands of organizations unlock new levels of productivity, performance, an...
But culture isn’t a perk or a plaque on the wall. It’s a system. And the best leaders know how to design it intentionally.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Chris Dyer, Culture Catalyst, Entrepreneur, and globally recognized expert in remote work and leadership.
His 7 Pillar Strategy has helped thousands of organizations unlock new levels of productivity, performance, an...
Guest: Chris Dyer
July 22, 2025
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Christine Heckart
90% of top performers rank high in emotional intelligence, yet only 36% of people can accurately identify their emotions in real time. (Source: TalentSmart)
In today’s business world, EQ isn’t optional. It’s a competitive edge.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Christine Heckart, CEO and Founder of Xapa, a former C-suite executive at companies like Microsoft, Cisco, and Juniper Networks.
🎙️ Hosted by S...
In today’s business world, EQ isn’t optional. It’s a competitive edge.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Christine Heckart, CEO and Founder of Xapa, a former C-suite executive at companies like Microsoft, Cisco, and Juniper Networks.
🎙️ Hosted by S...
Guest: Christine Heckart
July 17, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Tyler Wynn
Is connection the missing metric in business?
đź“Š A recent Gallup study revealed that employees who feel a strong sense of community at work are 3.2 times more likely to be engaged and 68% less likely to experience burnout.
On this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re talking with Tyler Wynn, President of Ledgers USA, about what it means to build business through community, not control.
Tyler leads a purpose-driven accounting firm that puts people before process. In this ...
đź“Š A recent Gallup study revealed that employees who feel a strong sense of community at work are 3.2 times more likely to be engaged and 68% less likely to experience burnout.
On this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re talking with Tyler Wynn, President of Ledgers USA, about what it means to build business through community, not control.
Tyler leads a purpose-driven accounting firm that puts people before process. In this ...
Guest: Tyler Wynn
July 15, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Glenn Poulos
What if the real competitive edge in sales wasn’t hustle, but humanity?
đź“Š Research shows that emotionally intelligent leaders drive up to 20% higher performance outcomes (McKinsey, 2023). Yet many still treat empathy as optional in fast-paced industries like sales.
On this episode ofThe Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author Glenn Poulos, whose book Never Sit in the Lobby has become a go-to resource for sales professionals who want to win wi...
đź“Š Research shows that emotionally intelligent leaders drive up to 20% higher performance outcomes (McKinsey, 2023). Yet many still treat empathy as optional in fast-paced industries like sales.
On this episode ofThe Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author Glenn Poulos, whose book Never Sit in the Lobby has become a go-to resource for sales professionals who want to win wi...
Guest: Glenn Poulos
July 10, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Holly Golebiowski
Can empathy in leadership be the difference between a culture that thrives and one that breaks down under pressure?
đź“Š According to Deloitte, leaders who express care increase team loyalty by 62%. Yet empathy is still often viewed as optional rather than essential in the C-suite.
Join us this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Holly Golebiowski, Partner at LeaderSkills. Holly brings over two decades of leadership experience and coaching to the conversation, showing why e...
đź“Š According to Deloitte, leaders who express care increase team loyalty by 62%. Yet empathy is still often viewed as optional rather than essential in the C-suite.
Join us this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Holly Golebiowski, Partner at LeaderSkills. Holly brings over two decades of leadership experience and coaching to the conversation, showing why e...
Guest: Holly Golebiowski
June 19, 2025
Redefining Elder Care: Building Connection with Dignity and Purpose with Patricia Morrison
What if elder care wasn’t just about services, but about restoring dignity and human connection?
đź“Š According to the World Health Organization, more than 40 percent of adults over 60 experience loneliness or isolation, which has been linked to serious health risks including depression and cognitive decline.
Join us this Thursday for a powerful episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Patricia Morrison, Founder and Owner of Social Pulse Home Care Agency, a home care agency resh...
đź“Š According to the World Health Organization, more than 40 percent of adults over 60 experience loneliness or isolation, which has been linked to serious health risks including depression and cognitive decline.
Join us this Thursday for a powerful episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Patricia Morrison, Founder and Owner of Social Pulse Home Care Agency, a home care agency resh...
Guest: Patricia Morrison
June 17, 2025
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Laura Rice
Can emotional intelligence be the key to stronger teams, better performance, and deeper brand loyalty?
đź“Š According to McKinsey, leaders with high emotional intelligence drive 30% higher engagement and 20% stronger performance outcomes. Yet EQ is still undervalued in many executive circles.
Join us this Tuesday for a new episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Laura Rice, Chief Marketing Officer of Celebree School, a seasoned marketing executive who believes EQ is not a soft ...
đź“Š According to McKinsey, leaders with high emotional intelligence drive 30% higher engagement and 20% stronger performance outcomes. Yet EQ is still undervalued in many executive circles.
Join us this Tuesday for a new episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Laura Rice, Chief Marketing Officer of Celebree School, a seasoned marketing executive who believes EQ is not a soft ...
Guest: Laura Rice
June 10, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Tom Wood
Can business be a place where deep connection and shared purpose thrive?
đź“Š According to a report by EY and Harvard Business Review, 89% of executives believe a strong sense of collective purpose drives employee satisfaction and business success, yet only 46% say their company actually operates that way.
Join us for a new episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Tom Wood, President and CEO of Floor Coverings International, a seasoned entrepreneur leading with purpose and vision.
...
đź“Š According to a report by EY and Harvard Business Review, 89% of executives believe a strong sense of collective purpose drives employee satisfaction and business success, yet only 46% say their company actually operates that way.
Join us for a new episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with guest Tom Wood, President and CEO of Floor Coverings International, a seasoned entrepreneur leading with purpose and vision.
...
Guest: Tom Wood
June 5, 2025
Innovative Work Models for the Future with Ryan Scott
Are traditional work models holding your company back?
According to Gallup, only 23% of employees worldwide are engaged at work. Disengagement costs companies billions—but it doesn’t have to.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast as we talk with Ryan Scott, Head of Product at DNA Behavior , about how forward-thinking companies are using behavioral insights to redesign how we work.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
I...
According to Gallup, only 23% of employees worldwide are engaged at work. Disengagement costs companies billions—but it doesn’t have to.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast as we talk with Ryan Scott, Head of Product at DNA Behavior , about how forward-thinking companies are using behavioral insights to redesign how we work.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
I...
Guest: Ryan Scott
June 3, 2025
Fostering a Culture of Inclusivity in the Workplace with Sheree Knowles
A recent McKinsey study found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability. Yet, many leaders still struggle with building cultures that go beyond check-the-box diversity initiatives.
Join us live for a powerful conversation with Sheree Knowles, award-winning HR executive and CEO of HR Knowledge Source and Human Capital Academy, on how to move from diversity optics to lasting, inclusive impact.
🎙️ Host...
Join us live for a powerful conversation with Sheree Knowles, award-winning HR executive and CEO of HR Knowledge Source and Human Capital Academy, on how to move from diversity optics to lasting, inclusive impact.
🎙️ Host...
Guest: Sheree Knowles
May 29, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Lyn Christian
Can empathy be a leadership superpower? According to McKinsey, it’s now considered a core leadership competency. Yet most companies don’t have the systems to support it.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Lyn Christian , founder of SoulSalt Inc. and master certified coach, as we explore how empathy, purpose, and confidence work together to shape powerful leadership.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll cover:
Why empathy ...
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Lyn Christian , founder of SoulSalt Inc. and master certified coach, as we explore how empathy, purpose, and confidence work together to shape powerful leadership.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach & Mike Liwski
In this episode, we’ll cover:
Why empathy ...
Guest: Lyn Christian
May 27, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Liesel Mindrebo Mertes
Empathy in Leadership: Why It’s More Than a Soft Skill
đź“Š 92% of employees say empathy is undervalued in the workplace, yet 76% believe it directly impacts productivity. (Source: Businessolver)
According to the APA, over 59% of workers report negative effects from work-related stress.
Clearly, leaders are missing a critical ingredient.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Liesel Mindrebo Mertes , founder of Handle with Care, as we explore how empathy can, ...
đź“Š 92% of employees say empathy is undervalued in the workplace, yet 76% believe it directly impacts productivity. (Source: Businessolver)
According to the APA, over 59% of workers report negative effects from work-related stress.
Clearly, leaders are missing a critical ingredient.
Join us for this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast with Liesel Mindrebo Mertes , founder of Handle with Care, as we explore how empathy can, ...
Guest: Liesel Mertes