podcast 015: love is a verb. community is love in action.
In this episode, Deb continues her powerful conversation with Dean exploring what it means to elevate the human experience through relationships.
“Love isn’t something you feel. It’s something you do. And community is where we practice it.”
From marriage to mentorship, neighbors to teammates, Dean reminds us that flourishing relationships don’t happen by chance—they’re built on purpose.Through deeply personal stories—from rebuilding after natural disasters to curating a swim community that transforms lives—Dean shares a blueprint for connection rooted in action, openness, and care. This is a conversation about showing up, not just in crisis but in the everyday, and how small acts of presence create expansive impact.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving deeper connection, looking to build meaningful community, or wondering how to integrate purpose into the relationships that define their lives.
Key Highlights:
Why love and care aren’t states of being—they’re verbs that require action
What disaster recovery in Montecito taught Dean about true community
How to prioritize human connection even without a crisis to spark it
The power of purpose-based communities—and how to start one around what you love
A story of one swim coach’s mission to transform lives through laughter, movement, and belonging
About Our Guest:
Dean Carter is a transformative HR leader with over 25 years of experience guiding culture and people strategy at iconic brands like Patagonia, Fossil, and Sears. Known for fusing business performance with bold, human-centered leadership, Dean is a passionate advocate for tying employee experience to measurable outcomes. A community-builder at heart, he’s also a dedicated father, husband, mentor, and champion of inclusive progress in and outside of the workplace.
About The HX Collective:
The HX Collective is a movement to elevate the human experience—at work, in relationships, and with ourselves. Through honest conversations and strategic insight, we explore how connection, context, and compassion can create a more flourishing world, starting right where we are.
