under the brim

About under the brim

What does leadership actually run on? Not the org chart. It runs on self-awareness, empathy, cultural intelligence, and human judgment that lie just beneath the surface. Under the Brim is the show where leadership gets human. Host Kris Garcia (Leadership Architect, Cultural Strategist, and yes, the guy in the hat) brings 15 years of HR experience to real conversations about DiSC, emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, and AI+HI, where artificial intelligence meets human intelligence at work. Every episode closes with Bajo el Ala, a 60-second takeaway in Spanish, because great leadership speaks more than one language. A Brimwork production. Human by Design. brim.work (http://brim.work)

Publisher

Kristopher Garcia

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Aug 2026

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   The Map Is Not Your Coworker

   In this episode, Kris explores the complexities of cultural differences in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual behaviors over generalized cultural assumptions. He draws on insights from Erin Meyer's book, 'The Culture Map,' and shows how cultural intelligence can improve communication and collaboration in diverse teams. Takeaways Cultural understanding is nuanced Ask individuals about their preferences Chapters 00:00 Understanding Cultural Differences 01:28 The Culture Map: A Deep Dive 05:32 The Importance of Individuality in Culture 11:11 Cultural Engagement and Employee Dynamics 18:29 AI and Cultural Context 24:36 Navigating Cultural Misunderstandings 31:50 Cultural Intelligence: Beyond the Map 38:50 Practical Steps for Cultural Engagement Research mentioned  |  Investigación mencionada Meyer, E. (2014). The Culture Map. PublicAffairs. Spanish edition: El mapa cultural. Meyer, E. (2014). Navigating the Cultural Minefield. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2014/05/navigating-the-cultural-minefield (https://hbr.org/2014/05/navigating-the-cultural-minefield) Kirkman, B., Taras, V., and Steel, P. (2016). Research: The Biggest Culture Gaps Are Within Countries, Not Between Them. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/05/research-the-biggest-culture-gaps-are-within-countries-not-between-them (https://hbr.org/2016/05/research-the-biggest-culture-gaps-are-within-countries-not-between-them) Brewer, P., and Venaik, S. (2014). The Ecological Fallacy in National Culture Research. Organization Studies. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840613517602 (https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840613517602) Minkov, M., and Hofstede, G. (2012). Is National Culture a Meaningful Concept? Cross-Cultural Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069397111427262 (https://doi.org/10.1177/1069397111427262) Gallup (2026). State of the Global Workplace: 2026 Report. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/697904/state-of-the-global-workplace-global-data.aspx (https://www.gallup.com/workplace/697904/state-of-the-global-workplace-global-data.aspx) Tao, Y., Viberg, O., Baker, R. S., and Kizilcec, R. F. (2024). Cultural Bias and Cultural Alignment of Large Language Models. PNAS Nexus. https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae346 (https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae346) Tan, C. N., Han, M., Chua, R. Y. J., and Cheng, C. (2026). AI Models as Cultural Beings. PNAS Nexus. https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgag084 (https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgag084)

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   The Two Most Expensive Words in Your Meetings

   There are two words killing more good ideas in your organization than any budget cut, and they sound polite every time. This week I take the famous rule from a Chicago comedy theater, yes, and, and show you what it actually means for leaders, because the corporate version most of us were taught is wrong. What we get into: Why "yes, but" is sneakier than "no," and how everyone in the room hears the but delete the yes The research catching up with the improvisers: experimental studies showing improv training builds divergent thinking, tolerance for uncertainty, and confidence Yes, and is not agreement. It is acknowledgment, and the difference decides whether your team keeps offering ideas Cards face up: why the rule I am best at is the rule I have to watch closest Four moves for your next meeting, including putting your but on a delay Why the points not mattering on Whose Line Is It Anyway was the whole point The Monday Move: pick one meeting this week. Every time you feel a but coming, replace it once, out loud, with yes, and. Then watch the other person's face. The episode closes with Bajo el Ala, a 60-second takeaway in Spanish. Count your "yes, buts" during this episode, then find me on LinkedIn and give me the number. Nothing else, just the number. I will know exactly what you mean. Sources and further reading: Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton, Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses "No, But" Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration (Harper Business, 2015) Felsman, P., Gunawardena, S., and Seifert, C. M. (2020). Improv experience promotes divergent thinking, uncertainty tolerance, and affective well-being. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 35, 100632. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871187119302470 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871187119302470) Creative and healthy through improv: Effects of training improvisational theatre on creative and work-related self-efficacy and self-esteem. Thinking Skills and Creativity (2025). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871187125000069 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871187125000069) Felsman, P., Seifert, C. M., and Himle, J. A. (2019). The use of improvisational theater training to reduce social anxiety in adolescents. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 63, 111-117. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455618301928 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455618301928) Felsman, P., Seifert, C. M., Sinco, B., and Himle, J. A. (2023). Reducing social anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty in adolescents with improvisational theater. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 82, 101985. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019745562200106X (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019745562200106X) Krueger, K. R., Murphy, J. W., and Bink, A. B. (2017). Thera-prov: A pilot study of improv used to treat anxiety and depression. Journal of Mental Health, 28(6), 621-626. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638237.2017.1340629 (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638237.2017.1340629) Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350-383. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2666999 (https://www.jstor.org/stable/2666999) Under the Brim is a Brimwork production. New episodes weekly. brim.work

3. 

   28 Sept 2026

   Your AI Strategy Has a Manager Problem

   The episode explores the impact of AI on leadership and the challenges faced by managers in guiding employees through AI integration. It emphasizes the importance of human operating skills and the need for managers to develop emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, and behavioral science to navigate AI implementation effectively. Takeaways AI integration requires human operating skills, including emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, and behavioral science. Managers play a crucial role in guiding employees through AI integration and must develop the necessary skills to do so effectively.

4. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Diversity Doesn't Automatically Make Teams Better

   The episode explores the concept of cultural intelligence (CQ) and its impact on team dynamics and organizational success. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging with differences, and the role of CQ in converting diversity into potential. The episode also highlights the need for leaders to develop the habit of pausing and generating multiple explanations before making judgments, as a way to cultivate cultural intelligence. Takeaways Cultural intelligence (CQ) is the key to converting diversity into potential The habit of pausing and generating multiple explanations before making judgments is essential for developing cultural intelligence Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cultural Intelligence and Team Dynamics 05:00 The Mistake of Treating Diversity as Input and Inclusion as Outcome 08:58 The Impact of Cultural Intelligence on Team Dynamics and Leadership 14:00 Cultural Intelligence in Domestic and International Contexts 20:01 The Four Muscles of Cultural Intelligence 24:45 Cultural Intelligence in Everyday Work Scenarios 30:05 Cultural Intelligence as a Habit and Leadership Practice

5. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Your Team Isn't Quiet Because They're Introverts

   The episode explores the impact of power dynamics on communication in the workplace, highlighting the cost of speaking up and the role of leaders in creating psychological safety. It emphasizes the importance of behavior over intent and provides actionable insights for leaders to foster open communication. Takeaways Power dynamics influence the cost of speaking up Behavior shapes psychological safety, not intent Chapters 00:00 The Cost of Speaking Up 01:11 Silence as a Calculation 03:27 The Distortion of Feedback 12:01 Intent vs. Behavior 16:06 Creating Psychological Safety 22:57 Building Safety in Small Moments 27:46 Handling Disagreement 30:03 Closing Remarks

6. 

   7 Sept 2026

   The Volume and the Moments

   The podcast episode explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence (HI) in the workplace, emphasizing the philosophy, impact, and future implications of this integration. It also highlights the role of HR in AI integration and the importance of investing in human skills for the future of work. Takeaways AI complements human intelligence in the workplace HR needs to adapt to AI integration Investing in human skills is crucial for the future of work Chapters 00:00 The Philosophy of AI plus HI 03:00 The Impact of AI in the Workforce 12:30 HR and AI Integration 15:03 The Future of Work: Human vs. AI 19:31 Investing in Human Skills

7. 

   31 Aug 2026

   The Unseen Impact of Leadership

   The episode explores the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's impact as a leader. It delves into the concept of the 'mirror' every leader needs to look into before reaching for the map, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness and its application in leadership and team dynamics. Takeaways Self-awareness is essential for effective leadership Understanding and adapting to different communication styles is crucial for effective team dynamics Chapters 00:00 The Mirror Every Leader Needs 02:03 The Importance of Self-Awareness 06:05 Understanding Communication Styles 23:45 Assessment and Team Dynamics 31:31 Leadership and Influence

8. 

   24 Aug 2026

   The Work Under the Brim

   Under the Brim is a podcast that explores leadership, empathy, and the human side of work. Host Kris Garcia shares his bilingual identity, observations of people and leaders, and aims to bridge the gap between leaders and employees. The show emphasizes respectful engagement, honest observations, and the integration of AI and human intelligence. Takeaways Bridging the gap between leaders and employees Embracing disruption and honest observations Chapters 00:00 The Symbol of the Hat 00:56 Introduction to Under the Brim 03:14 Bilingual Identity and Code-Switching 04:27 Observing People and Leaders 05:40 Leadership and Empathy 06:02 Podcast Experience and Return 07:37 The Hat as a Symbol of Conversation 09:11 The Double Meaning of 'Under the Brim' 10:21 Helping Leaders and Employees Speak the Same Language 13:30 Disruption and Honest Observations 14:42 Exploring HR Trends and AI Integration 15:13 Respectful Engagement and Listening 17:10 Bajo el Ala Segment 19:22 Closing and Community Growth

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact under the brim

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.