191: What if the key to growth isn't working harder — but working together?
In this inspiring long-form conversation, Working Out Loud founder John Stepper reveals how peer-to-peer development, shared learning, and authentic human connection can transform not only careers but entire organizational cultures.
John shares the origin story of Working Out Loud (WOL), now used in more than 100 global organizations, and explains why meaningful relationships, psychological safety, and generosity are at the heart of effective personal development. We explore how WOL circles spark confidence, belonging, and purpose — and why people stay connected for years after the program ends.
The episode dives deep into purposeful discovery, John's approach to finding direction through intention, openness, and small steps. You'll hear remarkable real-life stories, including how individuals leveraged WOL to change careers, publish books, start companies, and reimagine what's possible in their professional lives.
John also shares exclusive insights into his upcoming projects — from a new CliftonStrengths-based peer program to the Good Men Collective, a decentralized, non-commercial initiative designed to support men's well-being, resilience, and healthy connection.
With wisdom, warmth, and refreshing honesty, John opens up about work, family, meaning, and how connection can help us shape a better future for ourselves and our communities.
Whether you're in HR, leadership, coaching, organizational development, or simply searching for more purpose, this episode is packed with practical insights that will inspire you to grow — and maybe even start your own circle.
Top 5 Takeaways From This Episode:
- Why small, consistent steps can open doors you didn't even know existed.
- How authentic human connection can transform not just work — but your sense of possibility.
- Why generosity and visibility often matter more than ambition for long-term growth.
- What can happen when people begin to trust themselves — and each other — inside a safe, structured space.
- How purpose emerges not from certainty, but from curiosity, courage, and community.
About John Stepper:
John Stepper designs peer-to-peer development methods that build skills and relationships, that strengthen self-efficacy while fostering feelings of belonging. The Working Out Loud programs produce deeper engagement and a sense of self-determination in individuals—and more connected, collaborative cultures across organizations.
The original method, described in Working Out Loud (Now in German and Chinese as well as English) is used by HR Managers in 100+ organizations for tens of thousands of employees worldwide. There is now a family of WOL methods: for leadership and team development, for wellness and female empowerment, and for operational workers in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.
John lives with his family in New York City.
LINKS
🔴 Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfXBSLHkNlA
- Website: https://www.workingoutloud.com/
- Book (Deutsch): https://www.amazon.de/Working-Out-Loud-Verbundenheit-Gemeinschaft/dp/3800662817
- TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpjNl3Z10uc
- Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/
- Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter
- Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS
- Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661
John's song: "The Raiders March" - John Williams
🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd
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