People First and Profitability - an Interview with Lauren Dunn, Chief People Officer at Wiss

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Lauren Dunn, Chief People Officer at Wiss, about building a people-first culture that drives real profitability. With an open heart and sharp business sense, Lauren shared how empathy, flexibility, and authentic leadership create not only happier teams—but stronger bottom lines.

Lauren’s leadership journey began in male-dominated industries like restaurants and real estate, but she never let that dim her voice. Inspired by her mother’s decades-long career as a teacher, Lauren brings a service mindset to leadership—believing the best leaders know their people, listen deeply, and act with kindness.

At Wiss, Lauren has cultivated a workplace where employees are encouraged to be themselves, speak up, and thrive. From wellness programs and mentorship to flexibility for working parents, she proves that doing right by your people is not a “nice to have”—it’s a business strategy.

Key takeaways from the interview:

• 0:01:03 – Growing up as the middle child in a male-dominated environment taught Lauren to speak up and trust her voice.
• 0:03:04 – “Don’t be afraid to break it.” Mistakes are learning moments; transparency and courage drive innovation.
• 0:04:58 – A people-first approach leads to profitability—because inspired employees generate the best ideas.
• 0:06:33 – Hybrid flexibility and culture-first office design helped WIS bounce back post-pandemic.
• 0:09:22 – Flexibility and authenticity top WIS’s list of priorities—especially for working parents and caregivers.
• 0:11:23 – Companies that ignore wellness and flexibility suffer higher turnover, less innovation, and employee burnout.
• 0:16:16 – Start small: even if only a handful join a wellness program at first, impact compounds over time.
• 0:21:08 – Highlighting real employees’ stories on social media grew engagement and recruiting reach.
• 0:23:56 – Anxiety clouds performance. Wellness initiatives protect employee health—and company outcomes.
• 0:35:42 – Leadership is service. Leading with kindness, empathy, and a growth mindset benefits everyone.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl