
In this conversation, I sit down with Nikki Tugano, Founder & CEO of SeenCulture, to talk about how work can be redesigns to open doors, not quietly close them.
We explore practical ways leaders can surface unseen potential, write inclusive role descriptions, and use positive psychology and job crafting to lift performance and wellbeing.
Nikki’s story, from feeling unseen as a child to building a company that helps individuals and teams get truly recognised offers a rare blend of evidence, empathy and action.
If you care about equity, flexible job design and building teams that deliver impact without burning people out, this one’s for you.
What we cover
The definition of “unseen potential” and how to make it visible
Writing senior role descriptions that open doors (not quietly close them)
Autonomy, connection, mastery: the psychology behind motivation and performance
How to use AI responsibly to de-bias job ads and widen candidate pools
Practical prompts for 1:1s that reveal strengths you’re not using yet
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scene Culture and Its Mission
04:50 Defining Unseen Potential
05:58 Leadership's Role in Uncovering Potential
07:49 Innovative Job Design in Recruitment
08:57 Positive Psychology in Job Design
12:24 AI and Job Design Considerations
15:10 Supporting Single Parents in Leadership
17:59 Hope for Equity and Opportunity
19:34 Key Takeaways for Leaders
21:45 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Find out more about SeenCulture and Nikki's amazing work
Access a free individual profile to start mapping your strengths and uncover your unseen potential: https://seenteams.com/
Learn more about SeenCulture’s work: https://www.seenculture.com/
Music Credits
The Ambition & Life podcast is produced by Karis Dorrigan — intentionally designed to amplify real stories about ambition, care, and the systems that shape our lives.
Track: Brother Brother
Artist: BENSON
Licensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.
License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization License
License ID: #22026995
Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms
© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved.
Used with permission under a perpetual license.
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