Welcome to
The People Success Circle
A People-First HR Podcast
Hosted by Mindy East, HR Consultant & Keynote Speaker
Welcome to The People Success Circle, the go-to HR podcast for leaders who believe people are the key to lasting success. Hosted by Mindy East—a seasoned HR consultant, keynote speaker, and advocate for people-first leadership—this show delivers weekly insights to help you create thriving teams, healthier workplaces, and fulfilling careers.
Whether you’re an HR professional, a business leader, or someone who wants to show up better at work, you’ll find practical strategies and real-world stories to guide you.
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Why Tune In to The People Success Circle?
1. Learn People-First Business Strategies
Get actionable insights from keynote speaker and HR expert Mindy East on how to boost employee engagement, build stronger teams, and drive business growth - without burning people out.
2. Short, Insightful Episodes That Fit Your Day
Each episode is designed to be clear, concise, and actionable - perfect for your commute, lunch break, or between meetings. Get meaningful takeaways without needing an hour to spare.
3. Real Talk, Real People, Real Experience
With over 28 years in HR leadership, Mindy shares personal stories, expert interviews, and practical tools that go beyond theory - so you can apply what you learn immediately.
For HR Leaders, Female Leaders & People-First Teams
This is more than an HR leaders podcast—it’s a community for professionals who believe in meaningful work and purposeful leadership. As one of today’s top female leaders podcast hosts, Mindy speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities facing modern workplaces.
If you're ready to reimagine success through connection, culture, and care—you're in the right circle.
The People Success Playbook is designed for leaders and employees who want to foster connection, prioritize well-being, and unlock growth in their workplace, so every employee + the organization can thrive.
A free guide
The People Success Playbook
Latest Podcast Episodes
HR for HR: How to Elevate Your Presence, Own Your Seat, and Lead with Confidence with Nakisha Hicks
If you develop everyone else at work, who develops you? In Episode 51, Nakisha Hicks breaks down executive presence for HR leaders: the three levels of communication, and how to own your seat at the table.
Understanding Your Team from the Inside Out: How the Enneagram Can Transform Your Workplace with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober
What if better communication and less conflict at work started with actually understanding people? In Episode 50, Enneagram Ashton explains how the Enneagram at work can boost engagement, cut turnover, and change how teams lead.
Sleep Your Way to Better Performance: What Every Professional Needs to Know with Michele Kreuzer
Is your workload really the problem, or is it your sleep? In Episode 49, sleep specialist Michele Kreuzer breaks down sleep and workplace performance, what insomnia really looks like, and how CBTI can fix it in just weeks.
Reiki, KonMari, and the Art of Letting Go: How to Reduce Burnout and Create More Joy at Work with Michelle Shinagawa
Could the clutter in your workspace, and your mind, be driving burnout? In Episode 48, Michelle Shinagawa shares how Reiki and the KonMari method can help you reduce burnout at work and create more space for joy.
How to Adapt, Stay Visible, and Build a Career You Love with Alexis King
Waiting for your career to move forward, or making it happen? In Episode 47, Alexis King shares career transition tips — from surviving a layoff to her five P's framework — for becoming unignorable at work.
Personal Power vs. Positional Power: Career Lessons from McDonald's Former Chief Field Officer Karen King
Karen King spent 40+ years at McDonald's, rising from crew member to Chief Field Officer. In Episode 46, we talk personal power vs positional power, being a "first," and the mentorship lessons that shaped her legacy.
The Summer Networking Advantage: Simple Summer Networking Tips for Business Owners
Summer doesn't have to mean a networking slowdown. In Episode 45, I share simple summer networking tips — from low-pressure openers to a four-part action plan — to keep your connections warm all season long.
Healthy Boundaries at Work: How to Prevent Burnout and Build Better Workplace Relationships
Are you constantly saying yes, carrying too much, and wondering why you feel exhausted? In this episode, I explore how Healthy Boundaries at Work can help prevent burnout, protect your energy, and create stronger workplace relationships. Tune in for practical strategies to set boundaries without guilt and create a more sustainable way of working.
How Leaders Can Start Reducing Overwhelm in the Workplace Before Burnout Happens
In Episode 43 of The People Success Circle, I sit down with speaker, coach, and author Corrie LoGiudice to explore what really causes overwhelm—and how individuals and teams can reduce it before it turns into burnout. Corrie shares her powerful personal story of navigating major life challenges while leading at a high level in business, and how those experiences led her to develop her “Five Culprits of Overwhelm” framework. We talk about clarity, confidence, community, conditioning, and consistency, and how each one impacts workplace engagement, leadership effectiveness, and overall well-being. This conversation is packed with practical strategies and actionable insights for HR leaders, business owners, and professionals who want to build healthier, more resilient teams and create sustainable success without constant overwhelm. Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away.
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: What Leaders Must Get Right in the Age of AI
In Episode 42 of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Kelly Lichtenberger to explore the growing conversation around Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace and the role of AI in the workplace. We discuss why technology should support—not replace—human connection and why leadership today requires more than simply having the right answers. Kelly shares insights on the difference between emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence, the importance of curiosity and resilience, and the leadership skills that will matter most as workplaces continue to evolve. This conversation is filled with practical takeaways for HR leaders, business owners, and professionals who want to embrace technology while continuing to build stronger relationships, more engaged teams, and healthier workplace cultures.
Overcoming Self-Doubt in the Workplace: How to Be “Ready Enough” as a Leader
In Episode 41 of The People Success Circle, I sit down with speaker and coach Lauren Beane to explore what it really means to be “ready enough” when pursuing growth in your career and life. We talk about overcoming self-doubt, stepping outside of perfectionism, and why waiting for complete certainty can keep talented people stuck. Lauren shares her personal journey from hesitation and overthinking to becoming a keynote speaker and leadership coach, along with practical strategies for taking small, intentional risks that build confidence over time. This conversation is packed with encouragement and actionable insights for HR leaders, business owners, and professionals who want to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment and start moving forward with clarity and courage. Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away.
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: Why Good Energy Is a Skill, Not a Personality
In Episode 40 of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Sarah Collins to explore why good energy isn’t simply a personality trait—it’s a skill that can be developed. We discuss how Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace influences employee engagement, leadership presence, and workplace wellbeing, and why small, intentional habits can create meaningful change within teams and organizations. Sarah shares practical strategies around connection, reducing distractions, building trust, and creating environments where people feel more engaged and energized. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for HR leaders, business owners, and professionals who want to build stronger workplace relationships and create healthier, more connected cultures.
The Modern Networking Formula: Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace & Building Meaningful Professional Relationships
In this episode of The People Success Circle, I explore how networking has evolved and why building meaningful relationships matters more than ever in today’s professional world. I share my personal journey of rebuilding my network through multiple moves and career transitions, along with the lessons I learned about visibility, connection, and creating opportunities. We talk about why traditional networking advice often falls short, how being remembered can matter more than simply knowing more people, and practical strategies for building authentic relationships that support long-term business and career growth. This conversation is filled with actionable insights for HR leaders, business owners, and professionals who want to grow their influence and create stronger, more intentional connections. Listen for practical takeaways you can start applying right away.
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: Prevent Problems Before They Become Lawsuits
In Episode 38 of The People Success Circle, I sit down with business attorney Tiffanie Clausewitz to explore how emotional intelligence in the workplace can help leaders prevent issues before they become legal disputes. We talk about why clear expectations, consistent communication, and strong workplace policies matter more than many leaders realize. Tiffanie shares what she sees most often when companies face employment lawsuits and how HR leaders and managers can address problems earlier through better documentation, reporting processes, and culture. This conversation is filled with practical insights for HR leaders and business owners who want to protect both their people and their organization. Listen for strategies you can start applying right away.
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: How to Lead Change and Bring People Along
In Episode 37 of The People Success Circle, I sit down with change expert Jess Rodriguez to explore how emotional intelligence in the workplace shapes the way teams experience and respond to change. We talk about why resistance isn’t about change itself, how curiosity and connection build trust, and what it really takes to lead people through uncertainty with empathy and clarity. This conversation is packed with real-world examples and practical guidance for HR leaders and business owners who want to bring people along—not just push change through. Listen for insights and strategies you can start using right away.
PTSD in the Workplace: What HR Leaders and Managers Need to Know
In Episode 36 of The People Success Circle, I sit down with resilience speaker and trauma-informed advocate Mandi Pratt to explore how trauma and complex PTSD can show up at work—and what leaders can do to respond with clarity and care. We discuss the reality of invisible disabilities, subtle performance changes, and practical ways HR leaders and managers can create safer, more supportive workplaces. Listen for real-world insights and actionable strategies you can start using right away.
Goal Achievement for Leaders: How to Turn 2026 Goals Into Real Results
In episode 35 of The People Success Circle, I explore why goal setting alone isn’t enough—and what it really takes to achieve your goals at work. I share a practical goal achievement plan, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to help leaders and professionals turn intentions into measurable results. Listen for clear, realistic guidance you can start using right away.
Introvert at Work: How to Show Up Authentically Without Being Overlooked
In Episode 34 of The People Success Circle, I talk with Dr. Cindy Young about what it means to be an introvert at work—how to increase visibility, avoid burnout, and show up authentically without changing who you are. Listen for practical, real-world strategies for introverts and the leaders who support them.
Networking Strategies That Get You Remembered - and Referred
In Episode 33 of The People Success Circle, I explore why networking in today’s hyper-connected world isn’t about being louder—it’s about being remembered. I share modern, relationship-based networking strategies, explain the role of LinkedIn in building visibility and trust, and show how consistent, authentic connection leads to referrals and real opportunities.
Annual Performance Reviews Are Not Effective (And What to Do Instead)
In Episode 32 of The People Success Circle, I explain why annual performance reviews are no longer effective and what to do instead. I share practical alternatives like continuous feedback, quarterly check-ins, and one-on-ones that actually improve engagement and performance.