How the Deal Was Done

In this special episode of How the Deal Was Done, Laura Queen dives into the intriguing world of "The Boss Whisperer" with executive coach Stephen Tolfree. As part of our Love at Work series, Stephen shares his journey and insights into transforming abrasive leaders into compassionate ones. We explore the concept of boss whispering, a practice gaining traction in the UK, and how it aims to rehabilitate leaders by addressing their lack of empathy and high anxiety. Stephen discusses the importance of creating a work environment rooted in love and empathy, and how these qualities can lead to healthier, more productive teams. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of coaching and the potential for redemption in leadership.

In this special episode of How the Deal Was Done, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Bart Houlahan, co-founder of B Lab and current partner at Irrational Capital. We explore the concept of "Love at Work" and its transformative impact on business. Bart shares his journey from scaling And1, a basketball footwear company, to pioneering the Certified B Corporation movement. We discuss the importance of putting people first and how this approach not only fosters a strong company culture but also drives long-term business success. Bart reveals how his experiences have shaped his belief in the power of human capital and its measurable impact on equity performance. Join us as we delve into the intersection of purpose, profit, and the human element in business.

Kicking off season two of our special series, we explore whether love in the workplace truly creates value. Stuart Woollard shares insights from his extensive career, including his work with the Maturity Institute, focusing on quantifying human value in organizations. We discuss how love and care can transform workplace dynamics, moving beyond traditional financial metrics to foster sustainable performance. Stuart also highlights examples of companies that prioritize human-centric models, demonstrating how they outperform their peers. Join us as we unravel the potential of love as a powerful driver of value in the business world.

In this episode of How the Deal Was Done, I sit down with Mark Thielmann to explore the intricacies of deal-making in today's economic climate. We delve into the complexities of navigating business transitions, focusing on the lower middle market and the rise of mega deals. Mark shares insights on the importance of transaction readiness, particularly in financial diligence, and the evolving landscape of private equity. We also discuss the impact of current economic conditions on baby boomer-owned businesses and the growing interest in ESOPs as an alternative to traditional exits. Join us as we uncover the challenges and opportunities in the world of mergers and acquisitions.

In this special episode of How the Deal Was Done, I sit down with Anthony Onesto, former Chief People Officer at Suzy Inc. and current product executive at FifteenFive, to explore the concept of love in the workplace. We delve into the paradox of balancing care and challenge, drawing insights from Kim Scott's Radical Candor. Anthony shares personal experiences and discusses the importance of creating a compassionate yet high-performing work environment. We also tackle the need to connect human capital strategies to business performance, emphasizing how empathy and understanding can drive economic success. Join us as we navigate the complexities of leadership, love, and the evolving expectations of modern workplaces.

Your most valuable assets go home at 5 p.m.—so how do you turn their energy into enterprise value? Valuation expert Dave Bookbinder joins Love at Work to unpack “The New ROI: Return on Individuals.” We connect the dots from leadership and empathy to engagement, discretionary effort, and—yes—higher revenue, profit, and valuation. From Ocean Tomo’s 90% intangibles era to investable “Human Capital Factor” strategies, Dave shows how people practices move the numbers for public and private companies alike. We talk practical playbooks (trust, no-jerks policies, culture you can feel), radical fandom, and why purpose at work is a competitive advantage. If you’re ready to turn culture into cash flow, this one’s for you.

In this episode of How the Deal Was Done, I sit down with Mike Elliot, a seasoned expert in customer experience and leadership. We explore the evolving landscape of work, focusing on the delicate balance between automation and authenticity. Mike shares insights from his diverse career, from logistics to HR, highlighting the intricate connection between employee satisfaction and customer experience. We delve into the impact of AI and automation on operational effectiveness and human loyalty, discussing the importance of alignment between company actions and values. Join us as we uncover strategies for building trust and adapting to technological advancements while ensuring that both employees and customers feel valued and understood. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on navigating change in today's dynamic work environment.

Think data can’t capture love? Think again. In this episode, Dr. Fiona Jamison reveals how people analytics—done right—uncovers the heart of an organization. From predicting turnover to amplifying employee voice, Fiona shares how metrics can fuel empathy, trust, and culture change. If you believe love has no place in business, this conversation will challenge everything. It’s time to make love measurable—and put it to work.

Is empathy dead? Not even close. In this special episode of How the Deal Was Done: Love at Work, Caroline Trudeau and I sit down with Patricia Bravo—empathy expert and founder of Bravo For You—for a conversation that reclaims empathy as a powerful, strategic tool for modern leaders. Together, we explore how empathy, when practiced with intention, fuels trust, clarity, and performance—and how it can deepen professional intimacy without crossing personal boundaries. Patricia breaks down the myths, introduces the "platinum rule," and maps empathy on a continuum from superficial to transformational. Whether you’re leading a team through change or seeking to connect more deeply with your people, this episode is your reset. Empathy isn’t soft. It’s smart leadership—and it might just be your next competitive edge. 🎧 Tune in and discover how leading with empathy is another way to lead with love.

In this special series of How the Deal Was Done, we sit down with Dr. Katie Desiderio, leadership visionary, bestselling author, and Principal Partner at Proximal Development. We dive into the transformative power of Love at Work—a concept that redefines leadership, amplifies performance, and centers human connection. Katie shares what it took to break barriers as the first female chair at Moravian University, and how her work continues to shape the future of business through love, courage, and authentic leadership. We unpack insights from her Wiley-published books, The Beekeeper and The Stargazer, and discuss the impact of love on business outcomes, especially for women leaders. We also explore how the science of Growth Mindset—pioneered by Carol Dweck—supports thriving teams and cultures rooted in care, connection, and self-awareness. If you're ready to rethink leadership through the lens of love, this conversation is a must-listen. With love from your co-hosts, Laura Queen, 29Bison.com and Caroline Trudeau, Love-at Work.com