Culture at Work

Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder joins Tim Carroll for a candid conversation about what truly builds culture on high-performing teams. From the trust and “safe space” of the locker room to leadership under pressure, Christian shares what sports teaches that business often forgets. They also explore why athletes can thrive in the boardroom, and why proximity still matters when you’re building real culture.

Cory Carlson returns as Culture at Work’s first repeat guest to kick off 2026 with a message leaders need: you can’t build a great workplace culture while neglecting the culture you’re creating at home. In this conversation, Tim and Cory unpack how trust is built through consistency, why leadership stamina matters beyond the office, and how intentional habits—like reducing digital noise, keeping commitments, and practicing healthy accountability—shape the way we lead everywhere.

Tim Carroll sits down with Matt Tiller, President of Middle Tennessee Christian School, to explore what a truly Christ-centered school culture looks like in real life. From hiring for cultural fit and defining core values to weaving faith into everyday moments on campus, Matt shares how MTCS builds a sense of belonging for students, staff, and families. They also dig into how the school balances innovation, like project-based learning and AI tools, with a relational, mission-driven approach to education.

Growth strategist and bestselling author Tiffani Bova joins Tim to unpack The Experience Mindset, why cultures thrive when customer experience and employee experience rise together. She shares practical ways to align KPIs, map the employee journey, remove friction, and build teams ready for an AI-powered future.

Tim sits down with Brian Hubbard, Senior Associate and Design Director at Gensler Nashville, to unpack what “experience-driven” actually means at work today, from hospitality cues and circadian lighting to the data (and interviews) that reveal what people really need. They also tackle AI’s role in design, avoiding sameness, and why the most valuable budget line is often…time. Chapters (00:00:00) - Opening Hot Take: “Don’t Fear the Tools”(00:00:13) - Intro: Welcome to Culture at Work(00:00:34) - Meet Brian Hubbard, Design Director at Gensler Nashville(00:02:05) - Defining Culture: It Starts with People(00:03:08) - Coaching Clients & Aligning Company Culture(00:03:35) - Sponsor Message: The McSweeney Group(00:04:14) - The Shift: Experience-Driven Workplaces(00:05:15) - Personalization in the Modern Office(00:05:43) - Hospitality Principles in Workplace Design(00:06:12) - Lighting, Choice & the Human Experience(00:08:07) - Balancing Data with Human Intuition(00:09:49) - Questions That Reveal True Workplace Needs(00:10:32) - Key Data Points & What Companies Should Track(00:11:49) - Observing Workspace Use Without Fancy Tech(00:12:53) - Designing for Flexibility & Choice(00:13:41) - Ad Break & Transition Back to Culture at Work(00:14:32) - AI in Design: From Fear to Embracing the Tool(00:16:05) - The Human Element Behind AI(00:17:22) - Sameness in Design & Losing Local Culture(00:18:51) - If CEOs Invested in Culture, Where to Start(00:20:10) - Designing with Time: Why Iteration Matters(00:21:41) - The Business of Design & Ownership Mindset(00:23:17) - Closing Thoughts

Certified Futurist and Applied Insights Strategist Kaelynn Reid (host of Kimball’s Alternative Design podcast) joins Tim to kick off Season 3. They unpack why culture is “the energy of an organization” and how strategic foresight turns offices into responsive, human-centered experiences. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction: Welcome to Season 3 of Culture at Work(00:00:21) - Meet Kaelynn Reid: Futurist, Strategist & Podcast Host(00:01:17) - Opening conversation & Alternative Design Podcast(00:02:08) - Defining culture: “The energy of an organization”(00:02:48) - What is a Certified Futurist? Strategic foresight explained(00:05:04) - Data sources & “signals of change”(00:06:24) - Quiet Cracking: A new workplace challenge(00:07:26) - How employers can respond to disengagement(00:10:08) - About the Alternative Design Podcast & its audience(00:13:26) - Lessons from 5 seasons: Shaping the future actively(00:15:30) - How the role of designers is evolving(00:18:27) - The futurist approach to organizational culture(00:20:12) - Beyond echo chambers: Designing for connection(00:21:35) - Social skills gap & creating safe spaces for belonging(00:23:30) - The future of the office: Responsive, modular, alive(00:26:33) - Personalized workplace experiences & closing thoughts(00:27:31) - Wrap-up

Season 2 of Culture at Work brought bold ideas and fresh perspectives on leadership, belonging, mindset, and purpose. In this special recap, host Tim Carroll highlights the most powerful insights from every guest. Don’t miss this collection of culture-shaping wisdom from today’s most inspiring voices.

How does branding influence not just external perception, but the very culture of a company? In this episode of Culture at Work, Tim Carroll sits down with Ren Scott, Principal and Creative Director of BrandMinded Digital Marketing, to explore the deep connection between authentic marketing and workplace culture.

How does your brain shape workplace culture? In this episode of Culture at Work, Tim Carroll sits down with Lisa Marini, a Brain-Based Performance Coach, to explore how mindset, stress, and neuroscience impact the way we work and lead. Discover practical, science-backed strategies to improve your attitude, reduce stress, and create a thriving workplace culture—starting with how you train your brain.

In this episode, host Tim Carroll sits down with Vicki McGuire, Vice President of Client Experience at Working Spaces. Join us as we explore how Vicki’s passion for client experience not only shapes the success of Working Spaces but also creates a meaningful, collaborative culture where everyone can thrive.

Tim Carroll sits down with Paul Holland, Managing Principal at Solomon Coyle, to explore the transformative power of culture in shaping successful organizations and the built environment. With over 40 years of industry experience, Paul shares invaluable insights on curating positive workplace culture, navigating post-pandemic trends, and why adaptability and people-centric leadership are key to long-term success.

Tim Carroll welcomes Michelle Boolton, Vice President of A&D, Workplace and Health at Kimball International to explore the transformative power of design in shaping workplace culture. Michelle shares insights on creating spaces that foster belonging and purpose, touching on Kimball’s “Creating Places to Belong” initiative and the importance of collaboration in the design community. Together, they uncover how intentional design can be a catalyst for employee engagement, retention, and meaningful connection in the workplace.

In this episode of Culture at Work, host Tim Carroll sits down with Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of The Maxwell Leadership Entrepreneurial Group, to explore how leaders can break free from complacency, foster a collaborative culture, and lead with purpose. Chris shares powerful insights on shifting from entitlement to service, cultivating efficient hustle, and aligning daily actions with long-term goals. Packed with actionable takeaways, this conversation is perfect for anyone looking to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact.

Tim Carroll sits down with Ricardo Costa, Vice President of Maars, North America, to explore how modular architectural design is transforming workplace culture. They discuss the impact of sustainable design, employee engagement, and how thoughtful spaces can enhance collaboration and productivity. Ricardo also shares insights on how Maars' innovative solutions are helping companies create environments that reflect their values and promote employee well-being.

Welcome to "Culture at Work," the podcast dedicated to exploring how to maintain a strong corporate culture in a rapidly changing world. I'm your host, Tim Carroll, and today we're taking a trip down memory lane with a special "Best of Season 1" episode. Join us as we revisit some of the most insightful conversations with industry leaders who share their expertise on building a positive, productive, and engaging workplace culture. From tackling post-pandemic entitlement with Willie Spears to embracing AI's impact with J. Scott Christensen, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to inspire and elevate your organizational culture. Let's dive in!

Join us for a special bonus episode of "Culture at Work" as host Tim Carroll dives into the latest trends and innovations from NeoCon 2024 with guests Maria Stevenson and Drew Rash from Working Spaces. Discover the exciting highlights and cutting-edge designs that are shaping the future of the commercial design industry, straight from the experts who experienced it firsthand. Don't miss this inside look at the premier event of the year!

In this episode of "Culture at Work" Tim Carroll features an engaging and insightful conversation with guest Willie Spears, a renowned speaker known for his dynamic approach to fostering positive culture within organizations and educational institutions. Throughout their discussion, Carroll and Spears delve into various aspects of creating and sustaining a thriving culture.

In this episode of “Culture at Work” Tim Carroll and the inspiring Chester Elton, uncover the secrets to creating a vibrant, ‘all in’ workplace culture. This episode is a treasure trove of insights on the monumental impact of gratitude, recognition, and genuine connection in elevating team spirit and driving exceptional results.

In this podcast episode of “Culture at Work”, we delve into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with our esteemed guest, J. Scott Christianson. Scott is a teaching professor at the University of Missouri, an expert in emerging technologies, and a seasoned entrepreneur. In this conversation, we explore the transformative effects of AI on workplace productivity, education, and the intricate balance between technology and culture.

Cory Carlson, acclaimed author of “Win at Home First,” delves into the profound intersection of personal and professional success. Sharing his transformative insights, Cory reflects on the crucial balance between excelling in one’s career and fostering a thriving home life. Drawing from his own experiences, he discusses the challenges of leadership and the pivotal role of intentional relationships. With powerful yet approachable wisdom, Cory inspires listeners to cultivate a winning culture both at home and in the workplace.

In this podcast episode of “Culture at Work,” host Tim Carroll welcomes Continuum Media Founder, Pat Ivers, who reflects on the transformative journey of his company’s work culture, prompted by the challenges of the COVID-19 era. Covering diverse aspects such as reevaluating office spaces, fostering creativity, and addressing generational dynamics in the workforce, Pat provides insights into the evolution of his company’s approach to work.

In this podcast episode, host Tim Carroll explores the evolving landscape of corporate culture in a post-COVID world. He interviews Marilyn McSweeney, President and CEO of the McSweeney Group, who shares her extensive insights from the interior furnishings industry. The conversation touches on the challenges of recruiting top talent, defining company culture, and the expectations of candidates regarding work culture. Marilyn provides valuable advice on attracting and retaining employees, the role of physical office spaces, and the ongoing debate about remote work versus office work. The episode offers a comprehensive look at the shifting dynamics of corporate culture and provides practical strategies for both job seekers and employers to adapt and thrive in this changing environment.

In this episode, host Tim Carroll and guest Doug Ryan, a seasoned real estate expert with over 20 years of experience in Nashville's property market, delve into the evolving real estate scene in Nashville and its profound influence on the city's culture. Drawing from his extensive industry knowledge, Doug sheds light on how Nashville is shifting from a music-centric city to a diverse, business-oriented cultural hub. He discusses the growth of new neighborhoods, changing workplace dynamics post-pandemic, and provides valuable insights into the city's real estate landscape.

Welcome to "Culture at Work". Today, we dive into the dynamics of the hybrid work model. We dissect the impact of remote and in-office setups on corporate culture, discussing the importance of personal connections, mentorship, and the role of physical spaces. Join us as we explore how to strike the right balance between flexibility and a thriving workplace culture.