Beneath the Transaction
Chris Pineda, Founder of Groundwork Leadership
Every organization has a system. But not every system transforms people.
This podcast uncovers what leaders are doing beneath the transaction—the daily decisions, intentional rhythms, and invisible structures that build cultures of depth, trust, and transformation. If you lead people, build culture, or develop leaders, this is where we ask the questions that matter.
Beneath the Transaction is a podcast for leaders who know that culture is more than pizza parties and birthday shoutouts. Hosted by Chris Pineda, PhD Organizational Psychologist and author of Beneath the Transaction, and Taylor Steele, a filmmaker and storytelling strategist, this show explores the deeper layers of leadership—where transformation really happens.
Each episode features conversations with leaders, founders, and culture-builders who are doing the hard work of leading with intention. We ask:
👉 What are you doing beneath the surface—beyond the performance metrics, perks, and programs—to truly shape your people and culture?
Rooted in indigenous wisdom and modern psychology, we introduce tools like The Culture of One™ and The 7 Conditions of Transformation™ to help reimagine how leadership development actually works. But this isn’t a one-way street—we don’t just teach, we learn. Every guest brings something powerful to the table, and we believe that when we listen deeply, we all walk away transformed.
This podcast is for people who believe that every organization has the potential to become a place where leaders grow, teams thrive, and people become more of who they’re meant to be—not just better producers, but better humans.
This podcast uncovers what leaders are doing beneath the transaction—the daily decisions, intentional rhythms, and invisible structures that build cultures of depth, trust, and transformation. If you lead people, build culture, or develop leaders, this is where we ask the questions that matter.
Beneath the Transaction is a podcast for leaders who know that culture is more than pizza parties and birthday shoutouts. Hosted by Chris Pineda, PhD Organizational Psychologist and author of Beneath the Transaction, and Taylor Steele, a filmmaker and storytelling strategist, this show explores the deeper layers of leadership—where transformation really happens.
Each episode features conversations with leaders, founders, and culture-builders who are doing the hard work of leading with intention. We ask:
👉 What are you doing beneath the surface—beyond the performance metrics, perks, and programs—to truly shape your people and culture?
Rooted in indigenous wisdom and modern psychology, we introduce tools like The Culture of One™ and The 7 Conditions of Transformation™ to help reimagine how leadership development actually works. But this isn’t a one-way street—we don’t just teach, we learn. Every guest brings something powerful to the table, and we believe that when we listen deeply, we all walk away transformed.
This podcast is for people who believe that every organization has the potential to become a place where leaders grow, teams thrive, and people become more of who they’re meant to be—not just better producers, but better humans.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 4, 2021 • 1h 1min
Don't Be a Dummy to Your Future Self
Local Principal Jessica Brenden joins the show to discuss the unique community collaboration going on in her school's neighborhood. Although we covered all manner of topics--innovative practices, community engagement, and various other leadership subjects--humility was the dominant message. Jessica would never say this, but she exudes humility. It is a pleasure to learn from her and see how her leadership is vital in transforming an important pocket of our community.
Feb 24, 2021 • 1h 12min
The Beauty In Accountability
Our show welcomes a Groundwork alumna, Alison Kelley. Alison is a well-known leader and influencer in our community. She is incredibly intelligent and thoughtful. Although the discussion leads to several topics such as safety, trauma-informed leadership, humility, and problem solving, the highlight was accountability. How do we reconcile the differences between personal accountability and the systems of accountability we have in our organizations and communities? What is the difference? Is there a difference? Listen to where that conversation took us.
Feb 9, 2021 • 1h 5min
Delivering On A Promise In Leadership
A long-awaited episode is finally here! We welcomed Dallas High School Principal and our friend, Steve Spencer, to the show. Steve has spurred some amazing work in his community and school. Under Steve's leadership, his staff and administration completely altered their vision as a high school. As a team, they created "The Promise" that every child in their school will be known by name, strength, and need. What they saw happen as a school after that change has been remarkable.
Feb 3, 2021 • 1h 11min
Discussing The Importance of Building Relationships in Law Enforcement With Former Chief of Police
Former Salem Chief of Police, Jerry Moore, joins our show. Jerry has long been an active member of the community, serving Salem for more than 40 years as a police officer--15 of those as Chief. In this episode, we dive into community leadership, the social unrest in our country, and more. Jerry's perspective is priceless and insightful and particularly relevant given our current social climate.
Jan 26, 2021 • 1h 12min
Getting to The Root of The Problem With Amelia Franck Meyer
Special guest Dr. Amelia Franck Meyer joins the show. She and Chris dive into the role leadership has in improving our child welfare system and how strengthening families is at the root. Amelia is a child welfare system innovator and has been doing some amazing work across the country for more than three decades. She was an amazing guest and it was a treat to have her on the show.
Jan 12, 2021 • 1h
Whatever It Takes To Help Others Be Successful
A local high school that has historically underachieved has seen massive gains over the past few years due to leaders and staff doing "whatever it takes" to help kids succeed. Rob Schoepper, principal at McKay High School, shares his story and several components that went into bringing about such a transformation.
Dec 31, 2020 • 58min
Talking Leadership with Mike Abrashoff
We welcome the author of the New York Times Bestseller, It's Your Ship, Mike Abrashoff. This is a must listen as you get insight from Mike that he doesn't share in his book. Mike is a sought after speaker and has quite the list of accomplishments in his military career--like taking over one of the worst performing ships in the US Navy and turning it around to be the best. Have a listen as Mike shares ideas about leadership that can have an immediate impact on you.
Dec 18, 2020 • 1h 13min
Talking Leadership with Chip Huth: See People, Tell The Truth, Be Transparent
Chip Huth is truly an example of vulnerable leadership. He is a "jack of all trades"--a Major in the Kansas City Police Department; prior leader of a nationally recognized SWAT unit; a speaker and presenter all over the country; the host of the podcast "Changing Discourse," and much more. Yet, he will tell you that his most important roles are that of being a husband and father. Chris appreciates Chip's perspective, his time, and their friendship. You will not be disappointed in this episode.
Dec 13, 2020 • 1h 11min
Students Become The Teachers
Three recent high school graduates join the show to talk about their experience in the first-ever 'Outward Mindset' high school class. They and nearly 40 other students embarked on a truly life changing journey. Listen to their maturity, mindfulness, and growth in how they share their experiences. This episode is for leaders and non-leaders alike, with incredible young people discussing concepts that will forever impact their lives. This is a must listen.
Dec 4, 2020 • 1h 2min
You Want To Lead? Raise Your Hand
"The journey of leadership doesn't always resemble a ladder, it can be more like a jungle gym at times. We have to raise our hands." Sue Bloom, Executive Director of the local Boys and Girls Club, joins the show and shares what she has learned in her leadership journey. Not knowing she would end up leading one of our community's largest nonprofits, 'raising her hand' when leadership was needed provided her unexpected opportunities. As Sue mentions in this episode, leadership opportunities don't always naturally fall in front of us.
