How I Turned the Corner Podcast

Many founders and entrepreneurs start their business because they have an itch to solve a problem but they reach a point along the way where they realize they can’t do it on their own. They have to hire and now they’re a manager. Now they are truly leading and this is where most businesses fail unless they turn the corner. Every leader goes through a place where they hit this humbling moment. Join us on How I Turned The Corner and hear stories from seasoned founders who experience this.

For over a decade, Kendra’s career has been all about creating healthier and more rewarding work environments. She has served hundreds of clients in revamping their corporate cultures, revitalizing their recruiting and helping them retain their people.

Your Company Isn’t a Family (And Why That’s a Good Thing) with Scott Lewis

Your Company Isn’t a Family (And Why That’s a Good Thing) with Scott Lewis

Building a great company starts with building great people. In this episode of How I Turned the Corner, Scott Lewis, Co-Founder and CEO of Spartan Investment Group, shares the leadership philosophy that helped grow the company to more than $800 million in assets under management. Drawing on lessons from the military and decades in business, Scott explains why “you lead people, you manage assets,” why organizations should prioritize principles over policies, and why “companies are teams, not families.” From creating a culture of trust and accountability to recognizing employees in meaningful ways, Scott offers practical insights for leaders who want to inspire high-performing teams and lasting business success.

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The Outfit is Just the Beginning – Amara Martin of Dress for Success Denver

The Outfit is Just the Beginning – Amara Martin of Dress for Success Denver

What does it take to help someone succeed in the workplace? According to Amara Martin, CEO of Dress for Success Denver, it starts with dignity, confidence, and opportunity.

In this episode of How I Turned the Corner, Amara shares how Dress for Success Denver has helped more than 24,000 women build brighter futures through professional attire, career coaching, leadership development, and a powerful support network. She also offers valuable insights for employers and leaders on creating workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported.

From the importance of belonging and flexibility to the power of empathy and advocacy, this conversation challenges leaders to look beyond traditional workplace expectations and recognize the whole person behind the employee.

A thoughtful and inspiring discussion for anyone committed to building stronger teams, careers, and communities.

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Scaling a Mission Driven Company (Without Losing Culture) with Caleb Polley

Scaling a Mission Driven Company (Without Losing Culture) with Caleb Polley

Building a great company starts with building the right team.

In this episode, Cubby Beds founder Caleb Polley shares how intentional hiring, structured interviews, and thoughtful onboarding helped scale a mission-driven startup from a garage prototype to a growing medical technology company. The discussion highlights why hiring should be treated as a core business process—and how mission and culture can become powerful advantages when attracting top talent.

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The Real Cost of Disengagement at Work with Dr. Michelle Corman

The Real Cost of Disengagement at Work with Dr. Michelle Corman

Employee engagement isn’t just about culture—it’s about results.

In this episode of How I Turned the Corner, Kendra Prospero interviews Dr. Michelle Corman, employee research leader at Mercer, to break down how organizations can use data to prove the ROI of employee experience. From turnover costs to recognition and leadership effectiveness, this conversation offers practical, research-backed insights leaders can apply immediately.

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Freedom Currency & The Future of Compensation with Dr. Scott Cawood

Freedom Currency & The Future of Compensation with Dr. Scott Cawood

In this episode of How I Turned the Corner, Kendra Prospero interviews Scott Cawood, CEO of WorldatWork, live from the Rocky Mountain Total Rewards Conference. They unpack why the old “butts in seats” model is dead, how flexibility and trust define modern productivity, and what organizations can do to create meaningful, outcome-based compensation. If you’re ready to rethink work and total rewards, this episode is your roadmap.

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