A great workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built intentionally.
In this episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Sandy Ball, Chief People Officer and award-winning HR executive, for a practical conversation about workplace culture, leadership, career growth, and creating environments where people can actually thrive.
Sandy shares what she has learned from more than two decades in HR, including why employees need to own their careers instead of waiting for their managers to do it for them, how connection builds trust and collaboration, and why company values have to be more than words on a wall.
They also explore the leadership mistakes that can contribute to burnout, including unclear expectations, poor feedback, and promoting high performers without teaching them how to lead people. Sandy explains why leaders need intentional development and why listening to employees is essential as workplace cultures evolve.
Plus, Sandy opens up about her own experience with perfectionism, why taking risks and experiencing failure can make us stronger, and how her definition of success has shifted from titles and recognition to making a meaningful difference in someone else’s life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why and how to take ownership of your own career
- The unwritten workplace rules that can shape career growth
- How connection creates collaboration, trust, and innovation
- Why company values need to influence hiring, feedback, and accountability
- How unclear expectations can contribute to leadership burnout
- Why new managers need support and leadership development
- How perfectionism can prevent high achievers from taking necessary risks
- Why progress, failure, and adversity are essential for growth
- How Sandy has reimagined what success means to her
About Sandy Ball
Sandy Ball, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is a seasoned Human Resources executive, culture builder, and talent strategist who has spent more than two decades helping organizations grow by investing in their people. As Chief People Officer, Sandy Ball is the Queen of Culture 👑. She leads Aspida’s core HR functions—benefits, payroll, employee relations, and recruiting—while also overseeing marketing, communications, social media, community outreach, and learning and development. Her big-picture vision brings a true wow factor to Aspida’s culture of collaboration, ownership, development, and exploration.
Sandy’s career spans HR leadership roles at the American Red Cross, General Electric, and Genworth Financial. Her work has earned multiple honors, including the TBJ Community Champion Award (2025), a Bronze Stevie Award for CHRO of the Year (2024), and recognition as a Digital Insurance Women in Insurance Leadership winner (2019). Sandy is also a speaker, author, and passionate advocate for helping people navigate the transition from college to career.
Connect with Sandy Ball
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spark_4impact/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-ball-sphr-shrm-scp-ab844a11/
Aspida LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspida-insurance
About the Host
Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Workplace Wellness, Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.
✅Want to explore Corporate Wellness Consulting and Fractional Well-being Officer work With Dr. Shabbir?
Learn More:
https://dramnashabbir.com/corporate-wellness-consulting/
Connect with Dr. Shabbir
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/
📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s
🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization?
Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking
✨ What Type of Perfectionism is Sabotaging Your Success?
Take the FREE 3-minute quiz and discover your predominant perfectionism pattern (Self-Critic? Frustrated Fixer? Performer? Sustainable High-Achiever?). You'll get a personalized podcast episode designed for YOUR type + a complete resource guide with tools for boundaries, impostorism, nervous system regulation, and more.
👉 Take the Quiz: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/quiz
❌ Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.
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