Praise for the Book
"I salute her leadership style, culture-focus, and results-driven approach. Due to her successful business background and marketing expertise, Nancy was appointed CEO of Catholic Education Arizona in 2019. Within 4 years, Nancy and her team increased revenue by 60%, despite additional pressures caused by legislative and taxation challenges. This was achieved collectively by a highly motivated team of associates who thrive on the culture created and led by Nancy."
- Bryan Brady, Retired Fortune 150 Executive
"Other books talk share a lot of theory. Nancy keeps it real with what she has actually done, and I know the results have been outstanding for the organization, board, community, and all her team members."
- Marcus Sipolt, CEO
"Trust, Respect, and Avocados is a warm invitation into how she approaches leading others well and creating a community in every circle she enters. The steps are simple; the impact is deep and wide. The author is a true servant leader!"
- Jennifer Schielke, Co-Founder and Author
"Nancy Padberg has hit a home run with her book How a CEO Built a Healthy Culture with Trust, Respect, and Avocados. Nancy provides actionable steps for and engaging examples of building high-performing teams through trust, laughter, and valuing and celebrating each team member. From sharing meals to Momentum Mondays, Wednesday Wisdom, and Fun Friday, Nancy puts her Dream Team first in this blueprint for building positive team culture.”
- Carol Trueg, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones
“From the very first time I had Nancy Padberg on the Culture Crush Business Podcast, it was clear she is a leader who truly lives and breathes company culture. Over the years, of connecting and getting to know her better, I’ve seen that belief in action—from the way she champions her team at Catholic Education Arizona to the intentional steps she takes to support their mental health and wellness. Her dedication to building a culture of care and integrity is exactly what makes her leadership, and now her book, so powerful.”
- Kindra Maples, Founder, Culture Crush Business
"As an HR consultant and healthy culture advocate, I dream of working with CEOs like Nancy. I have seen her employ every single strategy she shares in this book, and the results speak for themselves. This is the playbook every leader needs to create a sustainable, healthy culture."
- Tara Bethell, Founder and CEO, Copper Quail Consulting
"This book demonstrates that effective leaders are those who understand that a culture is built intentionally—through transparency, accountability, and genuine respect for others. The ‘avocados’ are more than a playful metaphor; they represent the nourishment, balance, and growth that a healthy workplace can provide when trust is at its foundation. Nancy has instilled that just as an avocado sustains and strengthens, so too does a culture rooted in trust, respect, and shared values.”
- Deb Preach, COO Catholic Education Arizona
“How a CEO Built a Healthy Culture with Trust, Respect, and Avocados is a testament not only to Nancy’s leadership but also to the countless lives she touched along the way. Not only does she go beyond expectations to help others learn, but she also welcomes every person with kindness and ensures no one is left behind - that is also how she builds culture. Her drive is relentless, her passion for learning and teaching is matched only by her compassion for others. I am endlessly proud of her and the important culture leadership she brings into the world.”
- David Padberg