The Cultivate Experience

The Cultivate Experience

by Wendy F. Adams
Entrepreneurship
Season 3
S03 E15 - Empathy & Leadership Through Resilience | Josh Tynes on Cultivate
In this episode of the Cultivate Experience, host Wendy Adams, CFRE welcomes Josh Tynes, a solution-centered leader who embodies resilience and authenticity. The conversation dives deep into the intersection of leadership and personal experiences, particularly how fatherhood has shaped Josh's approach to leadership. He emphasizes the importance of understanding communication styles, both in children and adults, and how these insights can enhance workplace dynamics. Josh also shares his journey of embracing the title of 'solutionist,' highlighting his commitment to helping others find solutions and navigate challenges, both personally and professionally. The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together! https://cultivateforgood.com/
S3 · E15
Jan 27, 2026
39:45
S03 E14 - Chosen Family, Leading on Purpose | Shanté Figgatt on Cultivate
Welcome to this episode of The Cultivate Experience! In this final episode of the "Legacy Worth Leaving" series, host Wendy F. Adams, CFRE, welcomes her "sister by choice," Shanté Figgatt, a fierce advocate for children and their families Shanté Figgatt is a longtime educator, born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, and now leads Lower Elementary at Montessori Children's House. She is also the mom of five children To learn more about the Montessori Children's Home of Lynchburg: https://mchoflynchburg.com/ The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together! https://cultivateforgood.com/
S3 · E14
Jan 20, 2026
41:38
S03 E13 - The Balance of Approachability and Competence | Sarah Sayler on Cultivate
In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Sarah Sayler, a leader in human resources at Voce. They discuss the importance of leadership that balances approachability and competence, the role of HR in crisis management, and the impact of small choices on workplace culture. Sarah shares insights from her experiences, particularly during the pandemic, emphasizing collaboration and the need for trust in leadership. The conversation highlights the significance of empowering others and the legacy that leaders leave behind. To learn more about Voce: https://vocetogether.org/ The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together! https://cultivateforgood.com/
S3 · E13
Jan 13, 2026
38:24
S03 E12 - Creating a Culture of Hospitality | Carrie Wright on Cultivate
The conversation explores the importance of building a workplace culture rooted in hospitality and service. Carrie Wright emphasizes the need to value frontline team members to create an environment where both employees and customers feel welcomed and appreciated. The discussion highlights the significance of living out organizational values in daily practices and the impact of listening to team members. To learn more about Carrie: https://www.carrielynnwright.com/ The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together! https://cultivateforgood.com/
S3 · E12
Jan 6, 2026
40:53
S03 E11 - Leading with Authenticity | Megan Lucas on Cultivate (REWIND)
In this REWIND episode of the Cultivate Experience, Megan Lucas, CEO of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, shares her journey in leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, authenticity, and community engagement. She discusses the challenges of navigating high-stakes conversations, the significance of mentorship for next-generation leaders, and the human element in economic development. Megan highlights the need for core values in business growth and the balance between influence and personal sacrifice. She also shares insights on discernment in leadership decisions and the importance of reading signals for future trends, ultimately envisioning a positive future for Lynchburg. To learn more about the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance: https://www.lynchburgregion.org/ The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together! https://cultivateforgood.com/
S3 · E11
Dec 30, 2025
38:05
S03 E10 - From Happy Accident to HR Leader | Billie Wright on Cultivate (REWIND)
In this engaging conversation, Wendy F. Adams speaks with Billie Wright, Chief People Officer at the Recycling Partnership, about her journey into HR, the importance of servant leadership, and the impact of creating a people-centric culture. Billie shares her insights on navigating change, setting expectations, and the significance of mentorship in leadership. The discussion emphasizes the need for resilience in leadership roles and strategies for retaining top talent while fostering a supportive environment. To learn more about the Recycling Partnership: https://recyclingpartnership.org/ The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together! https://cultivateforgood.com/
S3 · E10
Dec 23, 2025
41:27
S03 E09 - The Value of Teacher Empowerment | Jamie Nester on Cultivate
In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Jamie Nester, a STEM instructional technology specialist and assistant principal of Prince Edward County Public Schools. They discuss Jamie's leadership journey, the importance of building relationships in education, and the challenges faced by educators in a post-COVID world. Jamie shares her personal mission to empower teachers and create supportive learning environments, emphasizing the need for trust and humility in leadership. The conversation also touches on balancing work and personal life, the evolving needs of students, and the profound impact a teacher can have on a child's life. The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together! https://cultivateforgood.com/
S3 · E9
Dec 16, 2025
49:30
S03 E08 - Empowering Change Through Storytelling | Abiah George on Cultivate
In this episode of the Cultivate Experience, Wendy F. Adams interviews Abiah George, an inspiring emerging leader who shares her journey as an immigrant and the challenges she faced in finding her identity and belonging in America. Abiah discusses the importance of community, the power of storytelling, and how her experiences have shaped her advocacy for immigration reform. She emphasizes the need for vulnerability in leadership and the impact of sharing personal stories to create empathy and drive change. Throughout the conversation, Abiah highlights her role models, the influence of her mother and her speech coach, and her commitment to making a difference for future generations. The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together! https://cultivateforgood.com/
S3 · E8
Dec 9, 2025
37:03
S03 E07 - The Essence of Leadership | Roger Bingham on Cultivate
In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Roger Bingham about the essence of leadership, the importance of influence, and the journey of shaping future leaders. They explore the significance of personal experiences in leadership, the role of a leader as a coach, and the necessity of building trust through consistency. Dr. Bingham emphasizes the importance of high expectations coupled with high support, and the impact of micro moments in leadership. The discussion also touches on essential leadership competencies and the importance of effective communication. The episode concludes with reflections on personal connections and the joy of influencing others. To learn more about the Liberty School of Business: https://www.liberty.edu/business/ The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together! https://cultivateforgood.com/
S3 · E7
Dec 2, 2025
44:54
S03 E06 - Navigating Burnout in Leadership | Angela Cheng-Cimini (REPLAY)
In this REPLAY episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams engages with Angela Cheng-Simini, Head of Human Resources at Chronicle of Philanthropy, discussing the significance of relational leadership, the importance of purpose, and the need for psychological safety in organizations. They explore the challenges of burnout, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and the shift from soft skills to power skills. Angela emphasizes the necessity of organizational courage and the importance of professional development in the HR sector, while also highlighting the critical role of nonprofits in society. To learn more about Chronicle Of Philanthropy: https://www.philanthropy.com/ The Cultivate Experience is available on podcast platforms! http://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience The Cultivate Experience is your destination for relational leadership to thrive. We believe work shouldn't feel like a four-letter word—it should inspire, challenge, and fulfill. Through high challenge and high support, we explore the recipe for relational leadership that drives meaningful change. Join us as we share real-life stories from executives leading global, impactful organizations. Gain insights from leaders who’ve faced the same challenges you may encounter and discover strategies to navigate them with resilience and purpose. The Cultivate Podcast creates a catalyst for healthy leadership engagement in an open, empowering, and authentic environment. Let's grow together! https://cultivateforgood.com/
S3 · E6
Nov 25, 2025
30:05
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