In this episode of Build by People Leaders, Daria Rudnik speaks with Dr. Shaina Cook, Chief People Officer at Dominion Payroll, about what it really takes to build modern organizations where people and performance thrive together.

Shaina shares her nonlinear journey from science teacher to HR executive, why HR must think like a business owner, and how to move from “accidental organizations” to intentionally designed systems. She also walks through her practical AI transformation playbook — including governance, human oversight, and the three pillars guiding adoption — and tells the surprising story of how one employee built internal AI agents that saved the company hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A grounded, practical conversation for HR leaders navigating growth, AI, and real business impact.

Company website: www.dominionpayroll.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaynacooke/

Takeaways

• From science teacher to Chief People Officer — a nonlinear path that reshaped modern HR leadership.

• Why HR must think like a business owner before advocating for people.

• The 3-pillar AI playbook that turns transformation into measurable impact.

• How building a culture of innovation unlocks unexpected employee growth and engagement.

• Stop running “accidental organizations” — start designing systems where people and performance thrive.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to HR and AI Transformation

04:50 Shayna's Nonlinear Career Path

09:54 The Role of HR in Organizational Systems

14:44 AI Integration in HR

19:57 Building a Culture of AI Engagement

24:38 Advice for HR Leaders

29:30 Unexpected Outcomes of AI Implementation

In this high-impact episode, executive coach Roshan Chander breaks down why leaders and executives get stuck in invisible decision loops that quietly limit growth, authority, and performance.

Roshan explains how autopilot decision-making forms mental loops that affect leadership effectiveness, productivity, and long-term business strategy. He introduces the concept of a personal decision audit and shares practical steps leaders can take to identify patterns, build self-awareness, and move from reaction to intentional response.

Through real client stories and clear frameworks, this conversation highlights how cutting decision loops can unlock clarity, confidence, and measurable business results.

This episode is ideal for founders, executives, and professionals focused on leadership development, career growth, and better decision-making.

Key Topics Covered:

• Decision-making patterns and mental loops

• Leadership self-awareness and personal audits

• Breaking autopilot behavior

• Executive coaching insights

• Productivity and performance improvement

• Strategic thinking and career growth

Keywords: decision making, leadership, mental loops, self-awareness, personal audit, business strategy, executive coaching, productivity, decision patterns, career growth

Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Decision Loops 06:18 Identifying Personal Patterns 12:08 The Importance of Auditing Decisions 18:09 Breaking Free from Autopilot 20:27 Transformative Client Stories 22:24 Practical Steps to Cut Loops

#DecisionMaking #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #SelfAwareness #BusinessStrategy #Productivity #CareerGrowth #HighPerformance #LeadershipMindset

In this insightful episode, Dr. David Leitner explores a concept often overlooked in leadership conversations: followership. He challenges the traditional belief that leadership alone drives success and explains why followership is an active, intentional choice that plays an equally powerful role in organizational performance.

Dr. Leitner breaks down the dynamic relationship between leaders and followers, emphasizing trust, mutual vision, and shared responsibility. He explains how strategic followership strengthens teamwork, improves organizational culture, and drives performance excellence.

This conversation also addresses cultural biases that glorify leadership while undervaluing followership and highlights how choosing to be a follower can lead to personal fulfillment, professional growth, and long-term impact.

This episode is essential listening for leaders, team members, managers, and anyone interested in personal development, servant leadership, and high-performing teams.

Key Topics Covered:

• Leadership and followership dynamics

• Strategic followership in organizations

• Teamwork and organizational culture

• Mutual vision and trust building

• Servant leadership and energy management

• Personal development through followership

• Performance excellence and team effectiveness

Keywords: leadership, followership, strategy, teamwork, organizational culture, personal development, servant leadership, energy management, mutual vision, performance excellence

Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Followership 05:05 The Dynamics of Leadership and Followership 10:07 Growing Followership in Organizations 15:01 The Importance of Followership 20:04 Cultural Perspectives on Leadership and Followership 24:54 Strategic Followership and Team Dynamics 29:57 Practical Applications of Followership 35:06 Personal Insights on Followership and Energy Management 40:07 Conclusion: The Choice of Followership

#LeadershipDevelopment #Followership #Teamwork #OrganizationalCulture #ServantLeadership #PersonalGrowth #PerformanceExcellence #StrategicLeadership #WorkplaceCulture