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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
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Get ready for a thoughtful and down-to-earth conversation with our host, Cathleen O’Sullivan and guest is Michael Frantl, Global Lead for Culture, Engagement, and Performance Solutions at Novo Nordisk about what really shapes strong leadership and why culture matters more than ever. With a career that’s taken him across the US, UK, and Scandinavia, Michael shares his real-world experience of building workplace cultures that go beyond posters and buzzwords.
Together, they talk about leading with trust, creating space for belonging, and the small, everyday actions that bring values to life. Michael also reflects on the role of optimism, why control doesn’t build connection, and how to make culture feel genuine wherever you work. If you’re building a team, leading change, or just trying to show up more intentionally, this episode is for you.
Episode Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
04:36 Life since we last met: moves, parenthood, and big shifts
06:03 Taking the leap, moving to Denmark and starting fresh
10:50 Balancing positivity and reality in leadership
14:09 From rush to reflection: Building quiet moments Into busy days
19:48 Lessons from the family construction business
30:58 Listening to understand: what philosophy taught me about dialogue
39:09 Building workplaces that support people and results
52:06 The power of focus and consistency in culture work
01:03:26 Practical steps for organizations tobBring values to life
Key Takeaways:
Culture is about what you do every day: Michael and Cathleen stress that company culture isn’t just about posters or slogans. It’s about how people act and interact every day.
Positivity Matters, but keep it real: Michael talks about finding joy in small moments and connecting with others, but also warns against ignoring challenges.
Leading with intention and space: Move away from micromanaging to truly supporting people. Listening, clear communication, and giving teams room to grow are key.
About Michal Frantl:
Michael is a Global Culture, Engagement, & Performance Solutions Lead at Novo Nordisk, based in Copenhagen Denmark. He is an experienced people and culture professional with a focus on culture building and measurement, leadership development/coaching, and employee engagement who has worked across international offices both in house and as an external consultant.
Originally from Wisconsin in the US, he has lived in the US, UK, Sweden, Italy, and Denmark and has a Masters degree in Organizational Behaviour from Birkbeck, University of London.
Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfrantl/
Connect:
Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan
Business: cathleenmerkel.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/
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