Lead Culture with Jenni Catron

Trust is at the center of everything leaders want—but in today’s skeptical, information-saturated world, trust is harder to earn than ever.
In this episode of the LeadCulture Podcast, Jenni Catron sits down with financial coach, business owner, and speaker MJ Pittman for a timely conversation on what he calls the trust recession—and why it places an even greater responsibility on leaders. Together, they unpack why likability isn’t the same as trust, how predictability creates psychological safety, and what leaders often overlook when they assume trust should already exist.
MJ brings a fresh lens by blending financial principles with leadership realities, offering practical frameworks leaders can actually apply. From understanding why trust is rooted in safety—not charisma—to exploring the five questions every person is subconsciously asking before they trust a leader, this conversation challenges leaders to rethink how trust is built, sustained, and repaired.
If you’re leading in uncertain times, navigating team skepticism, or wondering why clarity and consistency matter more than ever, this episode will give you language, insight, and actionable next steps to lead with greater credibility and confidence.
Key takeaways include:
Why we’re experiencing a “trust recession” in organizations
The difference between likability and trust—and why it matters
How predictability builds safety in both calm and stressful seasons
The five questions people ask before they trust a leader
Why trust is a learnable leadership skill—not a personality trait
This is a must-listen for leaders who want to strengthen culture, deepen influence, and lead in a way that earns trust over time—not just goodwill in the moment.
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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:
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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:
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In this episode of the LeadCulture Podcast, Jenni Catron explores the importance of starting where you are in building a thriving organizational culture. She emphasizes that leadership and culture are not “back burner” priorities—they directly impact engagement, productivity, and mission achievement. Jenni shares her guiding principle: simple and consistent—small, steady actions over time create lasting culture and leadership growth.
She breaks down her definition of culture—clarity of who we are and how we work together to achieve our mission—and explains why clarity is the foundation of a healthy culture. Jenni highlights that people, not just goals or vision, are the linchpin for organizational success. She encourages leaders to ensure every team member deeply understands the mission and values through stories, behaviors, and consistent reinforcement, so they can confidently contribute.
Finally, Jenni introduces the new LeadCulture Network, a resource for ongoing leadership and culture development, offering courses, coaching, live Q&A sessions, and a community of culture-minded leaders. The network is designed to help leaders simply and consistently invest in their team’s growth and culture, ensuring mission success.
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:
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