As we all know, today’s modern workplace moves at lightning speed—and it’s taking a toll. More and more employees are burning out, checking out, or even walking out. One Omaha-based company is determined to change this trend. Their mission? Make the world a better place to work.
At the heart of this mission is BetterCulture, a leadership development and organizational training and consulting company that blends psychology, behavior science, and practical tools to help individuals and organizations thrive.
Kevin Hensel, a leadership expert and former client turned team member, recently joined host Angela Cheney on the Spotlight Omaha podcast to talk about BetterCulture’s origins, its transformative impact, and a few game-changing leadership lessons anyone can start using today.
From Retirement Hobby to National Platform
BetterCulture began as a personal mission from Dr. Kim Hoogeveen, founder and former CEO of Quality Living Inc. (QLI), a renowned Omaha-based rehab facility known for its exceptional workplace culture.
“When Dr. Kim retired from QLI,” Hensel explained, “he kept getting asked by business leaders, ‘How did you do what you did?’ So he started a little retirement gig called MindSet, doing in-person training and consulting.”
As demand grew, so did the need for scalability. The turning point came when a client gave some tough love: “This content is incredible, but your business model is terrible.” That feedback sparked the transformation of their curriculum into on-demand, online training—and with it, the BetterCulture brand was born.
Leadership by Design, Not Default
BetterCulture now offers two main programs: the MindSet Leadership Program and the 20 Tenets curriculum. The former is focused on building better leaders, while the latter targets foundational professional behaviors—what Hensel jokingly calls “how to be an adult in the workplace.” The company also offers in-person training and consultation and keynote presentations as well as facilitating executive retreats and providing engagement surveys.
But what sets BetterCulture apart isn’t just the accessibility of its content—it’s the emphasis on actionable, behavior-based techniques rooted in psychology.
“There’s a lot of amazing leadership theory out there,” Hensel said, “but people are often left wondering, ‘What do I do with this?’ We focus on the go-and-do piece.”
One memorable example is the Five Penny Technique—a deceptively simple habit-building exercise that reinforces positive behavior.
“You take five pennies and put them in your left pocket,” Hensel explained. “Every time you catch someone doing something good, you move one to your right pocket. The goal is to have all five moved by the end of the day. It’s about being intentional until it becomes a habit.”
The technique isn’t limited to the office, either. “You can use it with your kids, your spouse, anyone,” said Hensel. “Because when you get better in one part of your life, it spills over into every other part.”
A Journey from Client to Culture Champion
Before joining the BetterCulture team, Hensel served as CEO of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, where he first implemented the curriculum in a leadership program.
“It was transformative,” he recalled. “In our final session, every single participant cried. Not just because they became better leaders, but because they became better people—at home, with friends, with their kids.”
That emotional connection to leadership development continued when he transitioned to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, where he introduced the same curriculum and saw measurable improvements in employee engagement and retention.
Eventually, a casual “let’s grab a Coke” meeting with Dr. Kim turned into an offer to join the team. Today, Hensel serves as a key leader within BetterCulture, helping companies across the country create work environments where people feel seen, empowered, and capable.
The Power of Positive Assumptions
One of Hensel’s favorite lessons from the BetterCulture playbook is deceptively simple but deeply impactful: Assume Positive Intent.
“It sounds generous, but it’s actually incredibly selfish,” he said, laughing. “It keeps me sane. If I jump to the worst conclusion without having all the facts, I risk damaging relationships and spiraling into unproductive emotion.”
The principle helps leaders create safe environments for honest conversation—and can even be applied to personal relationships.
“It’s one of those marriage-saving, work-saving, life-saving habits. You can always escalate a conversation if you need to, but starting from a place of trust opens up better outcomes.”
Leadership Lessons for Life
Throughout the conversation, Hensel’s passion for people-centered leadership shines through. Whether he’s talking about motivating a team, navigating conflict, or reinforcing positive habits, his message is consistent: Leadership is about intention, not just position.
“Our job as leaders is to get things done with and through others,” he said. “That requires modifying our own behavior first.”
He also emphasized the need for customized leadership approaches. “One size doesn’t fit all. That’s where the platinum rule comes in: Treat people the way they want to be treated.”
More Than a Job
Beyond his work with BetterCulture, Hensel is deeply involved in the Omaha community. A member of Suburban Rotary, he’s known for his visibility and service. “It’s about locking arms with people who want to make a difference,” he said.
He’s also a proud husband, father, and a grandfather of two. After years of working across Dallas, LA, and Omaha, Hensel says returning home was the best decision he ever made—especially since it led to meeting his wife the very day he moved back.
When asked for one last leadership tip, Hensel summed it up perfectly: “Be intentional. Whether it’s catching people doing good, assuming positive intent, or simply thanking someone for showing up—those little moments shape culture.”
In a time when leadership is more complex and critical than ever, BetterCulture is proving that with the right mindset—and some pennies in your pocket—anyone can lead better.
Want to learn more about BetterCulture’s training programs or connect with Kevin Hensel?
Visit betterculture.com to explore their resources and get started.
