Survive & Thrive

Welcome to "Ascending Change," the newly rebranded podcast now aligns closely with our mission to elevate meaning at work and empower conscious leaders to foster positive and sustainable change. This series, we delve into the transformative potential of AI for business good. Join us as we explore how generative AI is set to revolutionize various industries by enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities for human workers. Through engaging discussions, expert insights, and cutting-edge research, we aim to equip leaders with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the AI-induced shifts in the global economy and labor market. Subscribe and follow us on your favorite podcast platforms to catch each episode where we address the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations of AI in business. Let's embark on this journey of change and innovation together.

Over season five of the Survive & Thrive podcast, the show has covered various topics necessary for facilitating a healthy and positive workplace culture, including managerial support, community initiatives, navigating inflation, and investing in staff to build a recession-resistant culture in times of economic uncertainty. In covering the importance of these themes, we emphasized the necessity of reimagining work culture and creating one that enables organizations not just to survive but also thrive.On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres concludes the season by revisiting some essential topics covered over recent shows. In addition, she shares the future developments for the podcast, which will take a brief pause in releasing episodes. The show will return with new installments by the end of this summer, and in the meantime will share announcements about upcoming additions to the series. Stay tuned!Links mentioned:Concinnity - Website

A healthy workplace culture is vital for a business's success. However, leadership staff must possess the resources necessary to guide their teams to meet the organization's objectives. That said, companies can create a positive workplace culture by investing in support for their managerial staff so that they can lead their teams on the path to success.On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses the impact of support for managers and staff on creating a healthy workplace culture. She dives into topics like the need for intentional culture shaping at a team level, the importance of cultural fluency in leadership, and the five hallmarks of a coaching-rich environment. People crave the opportunity to learn and grow, which means investing in training for team leaders and staff members can benefit a workforce team. Jen shares how development programs and learning solutions are necessary investments organizations must make to create coaching-rich environments and foster a healthy workplace environment.Links mentioned:Concinnity - Website

Creating a positive working environment is essential for supporting a team of engaged and productive employees. However, many leaders fail to recognize the importance of uplifting their management staff and providing them with the right resources to facilitate a healthy work culture for all. So how can leaders support their management staff through communication and connection?On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres shares how organizational leaders can uplift their management staff. Within the episode, Jen discusses how practices like maintaining open communication, expressing encouragement, setting realistic expectations, and providing resources to alleviate the symptoms of burnout can help management staff maintain high performance. By creating a culture of productivity and gratitude for management staff, leaders can build a better business model where every member of their organization can thrive.Links mentioned:Concinnity - Website

Incorporating gratitude within your business model can positively impact your company's spirit and work culture. But while giving back to your organization can enhance your team members' connection to purpose within the workplace, connecting your company to the community can also motivate and inspire your employees to further improve your company culture and brand.On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres shares how organizational leaders can work with their local community to help enhance their culture and build their brand. Today businesses and organizations face more expectations to participate in community initiatives and inspire societal change. In this episode, Jen discusses organizations' critical role in global leadership and how leaders can use this privilege to represent their businesses and build brands successfully. She also discusses ways leaders can begin their community-building journeys, the advantages community outreach can bring to their organization, and the impact and influence of community-based marketing.

As we face the financial realities of a potential economic recession, many small businesses are beginning to experience the effects of inflation and economic instability. However, company culture is always essential to company success. Businesses can retain a positive work environment and productive employees even during financial hardship. By cutting costs outside their team, small business leaders can still invest in their teams and experience the results of maintaining a solid and collaborative staff.On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres shares ways that small business leaders can navigate inflation without sacrificing company culture. She highlights the many creative ways that small businesses can handle the effects of inflation and what leaders should consider when laying the groundwork for their companies to thrive long-term. Additionally, Jen explains how adopting new modernized business resources can keep companies afloat. She discusses examples such as incorporating artificial intelligence, hiring independent contractors, networking, utilizing a remote or hybrid work model, and more! So tune in to learn more about these valuable strategies that allow teams to succeed for years to come.Links mentioned:Concinnity - Website

Last week's podcast episode discussed why facilitating a healthy company culture can make your business more resistant throughout an economic recession. And with a potential recession looming, leaders must act now to support their teams and reach solutions. So, what are some tangible ways for workforce leaders to improve their workplace culture during financial uncertainty?On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres shares cost-effective ways for leaders to support their company culture throughout a recession. A healthy culture can prevent burnout, improve employee morale, and increase productivity even in challenging economic times. Jen explains how encouraging employees to take time off and recognizing their accomplishments shows that you value their contributions. Furthermore, ongoing training, mentorship programs, and promotion opportunities will empower your team and foster a culture of feedback and development. Finally, she explains the benefits of flexible schedules and 4-day workweeks for reducing costs, increasing employee engagement, and supporting a positive workplace culture.

Company culture is key to surviving an economic downturn, and with a potential recession on the horizon, leaders must adjust their practices to ensure their teams can thrive. So how can leaders place focus on culture to prime their organization for future success?On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses how leaders can support their organizations by creating positive change in their company culture. To ensure business survival during a recession, leaders must focus on the people within the organization and strengthen the connections and culture among the workforce members. Jen discusses this process and provides examples of success stories fueled by positive company culture. By strengthening the unity within the workforce, organizations can thrive and maintain resilience throughout times of uncertainty.

Hiring employees with impairments can be advantageous to a business, and according to USA Today, 25% of job seekers and current team members have a disability. So how can organizations practice a human-centric approach to leadership and support all of their staff members to succeed by promoting disability inclusion in the workplace?On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses how employees with disabilities can be incredible assets to a company and workplace culture. She explains how leaders can focus on diversity inclusion to improve their organization and company culture. This can involve implementing accommodations for disabled staff members and making inclusivity a core company value. She also explains the benefits of hiring candidates with disabilities, including reduced employee turnover, higher productivity, a healthier work environment, and other advantages.Links mentioned:Concinnity - Website

Work automation technology is gaining popularity across the business landscape and is known for saving people time and work. However, automated technology can also enable organizations to improve their company culture. Automated hiring systems are an example of this, as these solutions can be advantageous in onboarding new staff and building a better company culture among existing staff members.On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres shares the benefits of automating your hiring process and discusses how this practice can boost your company culture. From reducing the effort of traditional hiring to increasing efficiency in the recruitment process, there are many ways that automation can help companies streamline their onboarding and form stronger connections with their staff. Additionally, listen to the episode to hear more about how AI hiring technology can help leaders create a better company culture through bias-free hiring that supports diversity and inclusion, promotes better communication, and provides other great benefits.Links mentioned:Concinnity - Website

Encouraging a sense of belonging at work among employees can lead to higher retention, engagement, and profits. One way for leaders to achieve this is by leveraging pride. When workers feel connected to their organization's core values and mission, this pride can drive them to greater success. Therefore by using internal communication to express the company's vision, leaders can help their team members feel connected to their work, team, and overall organization.On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres speaks on how leaders can cultivate connections between their workers and the organization's mission. She provides ways that business leaders can communicate their organizational values and intentions to their team members to foster “belonging” within the workplace. In addition, leaders who use their company's core vision can provide their staff with a sense of purpose, leading to increased productivity and engagement.Links mentioned:Concinnity - Website

To achieve a sense of belonging within an organization, a person must feel seen, connected, supported, and proud. This can bring many advantages to the organization's success through employee engagement, performance, and other beneficial factors. However, with so many teams now leading remote workers or staff with hybrid schedules cultivating connections among dispersed members isn't always easy. So how can leaders build an environment on connection to create a culture of belonging for their organizational members?On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses the importance of "belonging" in the workplace. She goes over the benefits of curating an environment built on connection and how leaders can encourage employees to feel connected within the workplace. In addition, Jennifer explains that leaders can foster belonging for their employees by utilizing bonding opportunities that promote team-building and inclusion.Links mentioned:Concinnity - Website

Every organizational leader is looking for ways to increase their team's motivation, engagement, and overall productivity. But could the missing component to drive workforce success be applying leadership that encourages productivity and achievement through recognition?On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres is joined by guest Steve Van Valon, Partner with Concinnity and author of "The Search for Meaning at Work." Steve has built his career working with business leaders to support healthy, high-performance cultures through engaging leadership. Steve and Jennifer discuss how business leaders can influence teams to drive positive culture and organizational success. How Does Recognition at Work Affect the Organization?Introducing Steve Van Valen (0:04)Jennifer introduces her guest speaker, Steve Van Valen. Steve is a member of the Concinnity leadership team and helps to lead culture offerings and leave significant impacts on organizations that seek guidance on leading a healthy workplace of the future. Steve speaks of his passion for motivating people, managing teams in beneficial work environments and working with people to help shape healthy, high-performance cultures. The emotional impact of progress and purpose (6:11)Steve explains his belief that when it comes to purpose, people must multitask to be fulfilled at work. He built upon this idea within his book, where he identifies 11 different amplifiers of meaning that play a part at work. He explains that leaders can clarify organizational purpose for people in many ways and how doing so will enable their team members to derive meaning from it and reveal creative possibilities to lead with purpose. Steve and Jennifer discuss how emotion can drive motivation and can allow people to amplify their sense of purpose at work.How progress towards purpose creates meaning (10:40)Progress can be measured in many different ways. Steve explains how identifying and gaining clarity in an organization's purpose can help people recognize their progress and achievement. He goes on to discuss how having a sense of purpose at work can dictate whether someone has meaning, as progress toward purpose creates meaning. Engaging people in the workplace can, in turn, lead to progress and fulfillment since people are naturally wired to want to desire to make progress and to feel meaning and a sense of self-satisfaction through their work.The importance of loyalty, giving, and taking (15:33)People gain a sense of belonging when they are a part of a work team. However, a feeling of loyalty would require them to enjoy benefiting their organization and experience benefits from the company in exchange. According to Steve, this relationship is just one step toward gaining a spiritual sense of meaning from their work. He explains how organizations can foster this sense of meaning, leading to engagement and better performance from their team members.How does respect unlock authenticity? (19:49)Steve and Jennifer discuss inclusivity, affirmation, and authenticity a lot throughout this interview, and for a good reason. When people connect to a sense of altruism and fulfillment from their work, they become more driven to continue working. Steve explains this and his beliefs that respect unlocks authenticity. He discusses the importance of respect at work and how showing respect and building trust can lead to feelings of psychological safety and promote authenticity.Extending trust (23:58)Steve's book provides practical steps, suggestions, and actions to help leaders build trust in the workplace using autonomy. For example, providing flexibility within schedules can nurture a sense of respect in the workplace. He explains on the podcast how his book used...

Every business leader wishes to see improvements in their organization. Increased productivity and employee retention rates are some examples of positive performance indicators that businesses strive for. But what if the trick to experiencing new signs of positive change in the future starts with displaying gratitude and appreciation today?On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she discusses how business leaders can foster gratitude in the workplace. In this show, Jennifer explains how creating a healthy culture from the ground up and incorporating gratitude into your business' foundation can benefit your organization -- and its members. So tune in to learn how supporting a company culture based on gratitude and employee recognition can do wonders for your organizational success.Links mentioned:Concinnity - Website

Culture is integral to the success of an organization, and leaders should strive to build their businesses with culture in mind. But by reimagining ways to introduce, implement, and facilitate a work culture, leaders can better promote a beneficial culture that enables their organization to persevere and thrive. But what is culture reimagined exactly? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she kicks off season five by discussing how leaders can reimagine their work culture to implement positive change within their organizations. She explains why company culture is essential and how leaders should prioritize including positive culture within their business models. Reimagining culture is an action, not a concept, and Jen provides examples of ways that leaders can start from the ground up and rework their approach toward a reimagined culture.Links mentioned:Concinnity - Website

Work Culture defines more than just the organization ‘vibe', it determines how successful teams will be working together. Work Culture is powerful. Let's learn to harness it. How do you create a positive impact on work culture? On the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres delves into ways to facilitate change in your organization for conscious work culture and leadership.With over 20 years of advising leaders of larger and small organizations on realizing business results leading their teams through change and a healthy work culture, change management and transformation under her belt, Jen co-founded Concinnity to help companies evolve and elevate their leadership and ethics. Now, she shares her expertise with you - here on the Survive & Thrive podcast.Through research, guest interviews, and explorations of workplace trends, this show will teach you not just to survive, but to thrive in your career, culture, and company.

Welcome back to Survive & Thrive podcast. Are you wondering where we are today? Well, we're doing a lot of work behind the scenes to get ready for our next season. We've had some really interesting feedback over the last four seasons and we're gearing up to bring you some special content in season five. So stay tuned. We'll be returning in early November. And until then, we'll be republishing some of our highlights and featured hits. Ciao!

Season four of the Survive & Thrive podcast brought new guest speakers and tackled some essential topics regarding workforce leadership, the ever-changing professional landscape, company culture, and more. But what key concepts should you take away from this season? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres goes through season four of the podcast and reflects on important messages and lessons within the episodes. Jennifer discussed many topics this season and spoke with various experts on everything regarding companies finding success in the future of work. So tune in to hear some of the most influential pieces of knowledge from Survive & Thrive! What important knowledge did we cover in Season 4 of Survive & Thrive?Flexibility and the Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic caused many organizational leaders to rethink their operations and allow more flexibility for their workers. Hear Jennifer discuss her interview with Jessica Redford on organizations using technology to become more flexible and meet workforce challenges in 2022. Psychological Safety in the Workplace Psychological safety is vital for all members of an organization to feel comfortable, confident, and productive. Season four of the podcast featured several interviews on mental health and psychological safety, and Jennifer shares her thoughts on these topics in this episode. Mental Health and Avoiding Burnout Taking measures to maintain your mental health can help you avoid burnout from workforce stressors. Jennifer shares some knowledge from this season's episodes about how practices like meditation can help with improving one's mental health. Diversity and Inclusion Jennifer's discussion with Kate Hall covered diversity and inclusion within the workplace and how organizations can make their workspaces more welcoming and humanizing. Hear Jennifer reflect on this and the importance of acceptance and understanding to fuel a positive work environment.  Making Work a Safe Space Maintaining an inclusive environment can help the members of an organization thrive and accomplish more together. In episodes 34 and 36 of this season, Jennifer discussed inclusivity and fostering a safe and friendly environment in the workplace for disabled and LGBTQ+ members. The Importance of Company Culture Positive company culture can do wonders for an organization and enable it to survive the challenges that may occur in the future of work. Jennifer reflects on episode 18, where she and her guest, Devin Basinger, spoke on the importance of culture in the workplace. Employee Experience What does “employee experience” mean, and why is it so important for organizations? Jennifer and guest speaker Jess Podgajny discussed the employee experience, remote work, culture, health, and more in episode 15 of the podcast.   Health and Workforce Success While mental health is essential for organizational members to thrive, physical health is just as necessary. Jennifer speaks about the importance of physical health and why it matters for workforce success. Season Four Final Thoughts To wrap up the season, Jennifer shares her main takeaway from these recent episodes of Survive and Thrive.

Psychological safety is vital for all individuals to thrive in the workplace, but for members of communities that frequently experience harassment, practicing inclusivity is especially important. LGBTQ+ members can find relief in an inclusive and self-aware work environment. So how can leaders create an inclusive environment for their workers? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses some best practices to ensure that our companies and their cultures are inclusive. This includes practices like communicating acceptance through company values, using inclusive language within the workplace, and extending support to staff members. By practicing inclusivity, we, as leaders, can help our staff feel safe, keep our company culture healthy, and enable our organizations to thrive. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

The book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie focuses on ways to generate positive relationships with others, to teach the practice of dealing with people and communicating with them effectively. So how can a book originally written in the 1930s help leaders improve their relationships and communication methods to help their teams thrive in the modern workforce? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses how lessons in communication, leadership, and people management can be timeless tools for leading workforce teams to success. In addition, she explains how listeners can interpret Carnegie's book in the current year to gain helpful information for managers and leaders to reap the benefits of effective communication and improved company culture. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

While physical or mental impairments are common among Americans, many employees do not feel comfortable disclosing their disabilities to their managers, which can cause detriment to the employees and the organization itself. However, organizational leaders can promote disability inclusion in the workplace by taking a human-centric approach to thoughtful change management. On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses how leaders can use change management to promote disability inclusion in the workplace. By supporting staff members with disabilities through disability-inclusive practices, organizations can see numerous benefits, including more diversity, unique insights, and other advantages. Jennifer explains how organizational leaders can use change management to nurture their employees with disabilities and cultivate a productive and inclusive environment in the workplace. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

Workforce leaders are responsible for managing their teams to carry out their tasks and achieve business goals. However, promoting a company culture focused on empathy, flexibility, and change management can help your team stay satisfied in their positions and united in the face of challenges. So how can leaders make changes to facilitate a more positive company culture? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres is joined by guest Kate Hall to speak about company culture and leadership. Kate is a project leader primarily focused on change management at SingleStone Consulting. Kate has years of professional experience in consulting, through which she has worked with companies to help them through their business challenges. Jennifer and Kate share their thoughts on company culture, psychological safety, and the importance of change management to survive and thrive in the future of work. How Can Company Culture Impact Organizational Success?Introducing Kate Hall (00:38) Jennifer opens the episode by introducing Kate Hall, a project management professional who is well versed in the impact of maintaining a healthy company culture and creating connections in the workplace. Kate describes how over her last eight years of working with SingleStone Consulting, she developed skills to help companies focus on their real business challenges - often concerning company culture.   Activating the Workforce (1:48) Activating a workforce can help individuals reach their full potential, bringing their co-workers and team along with them. Kate shares her thoughts on this, citing how the great resignation has shown the importance of company culture for activating the workforce. Since COVID-19, people have realized how short life is and are more focused now on spending time working in an environment where they feel valued. Therefore, company culture and team cultures are critical, now especially. The Importance of Culture (3:10) Kate knows the importance of culture and has witnessed it in her professional experiences as a workforce team member. She explains how failing to get to know fellow team members and their roles can damage company culture and discourage workers. As a result, workers can miss out on a feeling of unity within their teams, often leading to increased turnover. Building Relationships and Psychological Safety (5:32) Kate emphasizes the need for leaders to support the psychological safety of their teams by building relationships and trust with their team members. She shares a personal experience about a time when her company's culture and strong relationship with her employer made her feel supported and valued. She and Jennifer speak on the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Thriving Through Flexibility (8:29) Kate's position as a consultant has allowed her to observe different companies and their cultures and develop a well-rounded view of effective leadership trends. She explains how companies and teams should have leaders that maintain flexibility, empathy, and engagement in their workforce to thrive and succeed in the future of work. By encouraging guided flexibility and value in their work relationships, leaders can help their workers thrive in a healthy company culture. Why Change Management Matters at Work and Home (10:39) Another essential aspect of positive company culture is effective change management. Kate explains how change management can help companies understand their staff and drive their work culture. According to Kate, putting effort into change management planning can help organizations stay ahead of the curve. She even explains how this can benefit people on an individual level and supports this with a story where she overcame resistance to change in her personal life using positive change management practices. Advice for Leaders to Build a Positive Workforce (15:31) Jennifer concludes her interview with Kate by asking...

Burnout affects many people throughout their careers, leading to the question, how can people move on from the psychological effects of work stress? While burnout can be challenging to manage, business leaders may be able to implement changes that will support their staff and themselves in recovering from and steering clear of burnout. With the right practices, teams can become more likely to succeed with improved mental health and a mindset optimized for transformative growth. On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres speaks about ways leaders can boost their employees' mental health and manage the emotional stressors brought on by their work. Jennifer covers therapeutic practices and leadership techniques like meditation, mindfulness, and other mental health tips and tricks. Listen to this episode to learn how leaders can make a difference in their staff's mental health, boost employee morale, and enable their employees to thrive. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

Mental health is not always discussed openly in the business and the workplace. However, failure to appropriately manage mental barriers and stressors in professional settings can make it challenging to overcome them. Instead, people should be open about these topics and view these experiences as inspiration to drive growth and positive transformation. So how should leaders address struggles with mental health to benefit their entrepreneurial endeavors? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres speaks about mental health in the workplace and how one can appropriately face issues with their psychological wellbeing in a way that will help them move forward and succeed. Leaders and entrepreneurs often experience work burnout, stress, and other mental health struggles due to their work, which can lead to additional problems in other areas of life. However, Jenn explains that leaders and entrepreneurs can view this discomfort as a sign to make a change and experience positive transformation. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGyVTAoXEU&feature=youtu.be (How to Make Stress Your Friend - Kelly McGonigal)

Women have come a long way in the business world, but female entrepreneurs still face their own unique set of obstacles. As an increased number of women have turned to entrepreneurship in recent years, many still experience more challenges than male entrepreneurs. In addition, sexism against women in business still exists, with women of color especially facing discrimination, and the decision to have children can pose additional career obstacles for female entrepreneurs. So how can women manage their businesses to survive through these challenges? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses the challenges facing female entrepreneurs today. While women may face many unique obstacles in the business world, there are resources for female entrepreneurs to gain support. Jen shares her thoughts on the experience of running a business as a woman and ways that women can thrive in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

To succeed as an entrepreneur, you must put effort into your work - and yourself. Symptoms of poor mental health like burnout and stress can cause harmful effects in other areas of life, like their physical health, relationships, and even business pursuits. Leaders and team members alike rely on their mental well-being to support them and their overall progression through life. So, how can people maintain their mental health to support their entrepreneurial success?  On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres is joined by guest Lance Knaub. Lance is currently the leader and business coach at Denali Consulting. He is a founder and partner at Breakthrough Physical Therapy and Fitness and even wrote a best-selling book called "The 4% Breakthrough" to help others reach entrepreneurial success. Together, Jen and Lance talk about cultivating and maintaining a mindset for success. How Can Mental Health Affect Your Entrepreneurial Pursuits?Introducing Lance Knaub (1:41) Jen introduces her special guest Lance Knaub of Denali Consulting. In addition to being a founder and partner at Breakthrough Physical Therapy and Fitness, Lance is an adjunct assistant professor at Rutgers University and has a best-selling book, "The 4% Breakthrough". Lance shares a little about your journey and how it's led him to his profession as an entrepreneur in the physical therapy business. Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap (3:14) Soon after graduating from physical therapy school, Lance and his wife Jody, also a physical therapist, were looking for a change in how they could deliver care to their patients. He explains what it was like for them to take the entrepreneurial leap, a business decision that would allow them to offer their preferred therapy practices. From then, he shares how he fell in love with entrepreneurship, grew his company, and used his knowledge and experience to help other entrepreneurs. Health Neglect and Burnout (5:10) While taking on the new challenges to support other entrepreneurs, Lance found himself with a problem that affects many entrepreneurs - burnout. He shares how his mental health struggles began to affect other areas of his life. Fortunately, he improved by engaging in personal development and learned how to help other entrepreneurs prevent burning out and stay healthy while scaling their businesses. The Connection Between Health, Personal Development, and Careers (7:49) According to Lance, health, personal development, and our careers are intrinsically connected. He explains this belief and how integrating your mental and physical health through your business pursuits is crucial to entrepreneurial success. Lance also shares more about his personal development journey and provides recommendations for how listeners can do their own soul searching to identify their priorities and create a solid framework for their health and success. Mental Health Post COVID-19 (10:23) Lance and Jen discuss the importance of mental health and how it relates to recent world events. The pandemic tested people mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and Lance believes that the Great Resignation is a result of people's soul searching. He explains the neuroscience behind mindsets and mental health and why these aspects are so crucial for making positive change. Lance's Suggestions for Improvement (12:40) Lance provides his suggestions for the leaders and entrepreneurs looking to improve their mindsets and mental health, which include identifying priorities, planning for success, and activities like meditation to help support brain health and mental well-being. For example, meditation benefits the body and mind, relieving stress. Additionally, purposeful silence can be valuable to your personal health and in managing emotional responses. The Effects of Improved Mental Health (15:32) Poor mental health can cause negative impacts on other areas of life. But when we strengthen our mental...

What does "purpose" mean for your company, your employees, and yourself? This is important as purpose is a necessary component of inside-out leadership. This purpose-driven leadership style can only occur when leaders understand and leverage their personal purpose and passions to guide their team and organization. By recognizing and aligning with their values, leaders can see great benefits for their organizations. On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres talks about inside-out leadership and how leaders can embrace their true purpose to improve their organizations, attract engaged staff members, and reach personal fulfillment. Jennifer shares her journey with personal fulfillment and explains how aligning with one's purpose can benefit not only themselves but also their team and business success.

Company culture is a fundamental aspect of an organization, and promoting an attitude of gratitude among staff members can strengthen workplace culture and improve factors like productivity, retention, innovation, and more. Company culture is made up of the social aspects that define an organization, being the unique set of values, attitudes, behaviors, and practices shared by its members. So how can leaders incorporate gratitude into their company culture to positively impact their organization?   On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres discusses the importance of promoting gratitude within their leadership principles to positively transform an organization's company culture. Leaders who incorporate an attitude of gratitude within their organizations can positively influence aspects within the workplace by growing the unity of their company culture around this positive aspect. Jennifer explains different methods leaders can take to positively influence others with gratitude to help further strengthen and define their company culture.

As more and more workers are leaving jobs that fail to provide them with a sense of meaning, it is more important than ever for leaders to appropriately assess what employees need to feel connected and fulfilled in the workplace. Data shows that when leaders build interpersonal relationships with their employees, they demonstrate an overall human-centric approach to leadership that contributes to feelings of connection and engagement from their staff.   On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres speaks on how cultivating the employer/employee relationship can give workers a higher sense of purpose and support the success of their organization. Personalizing the relationship between leaders and employees lets staff know they are valued and can be incredibly opportunistic for an organization. Jennifer discusses strategies that employers can practice to better connect with their team, improve retention, and give employees a sense of purpose to help their companies grow and thrive. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

The pursuit and fulfillment of one's life purpose can significantly impact many areas of their life, especially for those in leadership roles. So how does such a personal aspect affect the success of leaders in business and organizational settings? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres is joined by guest Robb Holman, CEO of global leadership consultancy Holman International. Robb has leadership expertise as an executive coach, global keynote speaker, best-selling author of three leadership books, and host of his podcast "Inside Out Leadership." Together, Robb and Jennifer share their thoughts on transformational leadership and the importance of purpose for leaders in the workplace. How Does Leader's Purpose Affect the Organization?Introducing Robb Holman (00:21) Our host Jen introduces guest speaker Robb Holman, an internationally recognized and sought-after leadership professional. Robb has honed his skills in developing authentic relationships and supporting people in their paths to success by applying his Inside Out leadership philosophy and principles. Leader's Purpose and the Organization (5:55) How does the leader's purpose impact the organization? Jen and Robb discuss ways that leaders aligning with their purpose can help them find a sense of direction and positively affect the individuals they lead. Things to Consider to Determine Personal Purpose (7:28) Robb believes that when we truly understand or awaken to embrace our uniqueness and individual identity, we can better understand our purpose. Robb lists five practical areas that he believes leaders should consider to help them determine their purpose and embrace who they are. Purpose Before Goals and Accomplishments (10:34) People often prioritize their goals and accomplishments over their life purpose to achieve a sense of success and fulfillment. However, Robb explains why he believes that pursuing one's purpose should supersede everything else in life. Where to Start? (18:26) The first step in the journey toward aligning with your purpose is ensuring that your personal core values, strengths, passions, life, milestones, and gifts match how you live your life. Consistency, Intentionality, and Gratitude (22:21) According to Robb, consistency and intentionality are critical to leading others with passion, purpose, and enthusiasm. Additionally, living authentically and developing an attitude of gratitude can positively impact yourself, your team, and your organization. Meditation and Other Lifestyle Techniques (27:52) Robb and Jen speak on the many ways that people can work on rewiring their brains to adopt a more grateful and healthy perspective, which can lead to greater productivity. Human Beings Not Human Doings (30:07) So how can leaders implement these practices to help their team and organizations not just survive but also thrive? Robb and Jen discuss the importance of connecting with, valuing, and encouraging their team members. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

Supporting a positive employee experience can provide various benefits for the success of staff members and their organizations. But, with new workforce and enterprise software solutions constantly being introduced to work environments, how does implementing this technology affect the employee experience? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she speaks on the importance of new technology for supporting the employee experience. While technological advancements are often adopted to improve work productivity, business leaders can also utilize these software systems to facilitate a positive employee experience for their workers. Within this episode, listeners can learn about how technology can improve their staff's employee experience and benefit the overall success of their organizations. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

It is an undeniable fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has left lasting effects on the landscape of work and altered workforce leadership practices in years to come. So what can organizational leaders do to ease the transition for the next generation of workers? As recent graduates enter the post-pandemic labor pool, organizations may need to implement new strategies to support the employee experience for the future workforce. On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she discusses the employee experience for new graduates entering the post-pandemic workforce. In recent years expectations for the employee experience have changed, requiring leaders to be strategic in attracting and retaining top talent among Gen Z professionals. This episode shares information and insights on how organizations can create a healthy work culture that is supportive of the recent graduate employee experience. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

How can we improve our office space to benefit the employee experience, especially as many workers are taking on a hybrid or remote work structure? Now that people with remote or hybrid work structures have more flexibility on whether they go into the office and when they go in, employees will likely be more intentional about what work environments are attractive to them. On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she focuses on how our physical workspace can impact our productivity, wellness, and more. After all, it is unknown whether there will even be office spaces in the future or whether the popularity of remote work and the high cost of rent will cause employers to decide against providing them. This episode addresses the possibilities of future workspaces and work structures and the aspects of work environments that can affect the employee experience. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

How impactful is employee experience when it comes to the overall success of your organization? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she chats with her partner at Concinnity, Lisa Insley, about the employee experience and how it relates to the future of work. Lisa Insley specializes in Human Experience and Digital Transformation for Concinnity. She is an experienced leader in the digital space with expertise in developing strategies and team processes to deliver superior business outcomes. In this episode, Lisa provides her expert opinion on the employee experience, its relation to company culture, and how organizations can take steps to improve and support their workforce. Why is Employee Experience Important?Introducing Lisa (0:44) Jennifer introduces her partner Lisa Insley, to continue to expand the conversation around the employee experience as it relates to the future of work. Jen then has Lisa provide her own definition of an employee experience and what it means to her. Why Employee Experience Matters (3:08) The satisfaction of a workforce and a more positive employee experience is proven to make an impact on the ability of your organization to be successful. Jennifer and Lisa discuss why employee experience matters for companies and organizations.  Company Culture and PrincipalsEmployee Experience and Company Culture (4:35) Workforce and company culture is an integral part of determining an employee's experience and positively impacting the success of the workforce. Lisa explains company culture's relation to employee experience and why it is easier for organizations to give their workforce a positive experience when they communicate a clear set of leading principles and values. A Beneficial Investment (6:38) A report by Gartner showed that employers who support the overall wellbeing of their employees see a 21% increase in their number of high performers. When members of a workforce feel supported, this facilitates a greater sense of overall wellbeing. Jennifer and Lisa discuss how organizations can invest in their staff by being intentional about their culture and promoting a positive employee experience. Leverage Feedback (8:09) Jennifer asks Lisa how organizations should consider methods for improving their culture and employee experience. Lisa explains that the first thing that organizations can do is figure out where they are in terms of employee sentiment and employee engagement. There are many methods for leaders to gain feedback from the employees on engagement and their employee experience, giving them a good sense of direction for moving forward. Intentionally Articulate Company Culture (12:20) To support a positive employee experience, organizations should articulate their company culture in their values and the way they engage with their staff. Being intentional in communicating company culture to your staff helps to make your organization's principles and desired behaviors clear, aligned, and well articulated among your workforce. Conduct Assessments (14:47) By gaining a sense of where they are as an organization and providing feedback assessments to staff, organizational team leaders can measure their progress and make changes to ensure that their workforce is moving in the right direction. As a special promotion for our listeners, Survive & Thrive is offering a 20% discount for the Concinnity Assessment. This assessment is conducted specifically to help organizations determine where they are regarding their employee experience and how they should adapt. Interested listeners can send an email to hello@concinnityus.com and mention this podcast to get a 20% discount on the assessment. Individuals Making a ChangeAdvice for Individuals (16:17) So, how can individual leaders create a positive employee experience for their workforce teams? Lisa explains how individual leaders can support their staff members by practicing flexibility and...

The warehousing industry has seen significant growth in recent years, and now with just the click of a button, you can have most items on your doorstep faster than ever. In addition, due to the growing popularity of retail structures, many changes have been implemented within the warehousing industry to refine and improve work processes. So, what can we learn from this industry, and how can you prepare your teams for the changes that it will soon face? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she discusses the warehousing industry and how it serves as an example of change and adaptability. Jennifer explains how economic trends have impacted this industry and how effective leadership is necessary for teams to survive and thrive throughout times of change. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

Everyone desires to fulfill their life purpose. As workers spend a lot of their time at their jobs, it can be challenging for them to find the time to pursue their purpose outside of the workplace. Fortunately,  there are ways that organizational leaders can help their staff members achieve a sense of purpose within their professions, and reap the benefits that this can provide. So how can you support your staff members in their search for purpose at work? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she discusses the ways that leaders can support their staff members in identifying and fulfilling their purpose at work. Additionally, she explains the importance of supporting your workers search for purpose, and the ways in which this can have positive effects on your organization. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

Does your workforce have a positive culture? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she speaks with Devin Basinger, SVP of People and Operations at H1. With his strong background as an operator, strategist, and people leader in entrepreneurial endeavors, Devin has learned how to support positive company culture intentionally and why it matters. As a leader at a company growing on a global scale, Devin has first-hand experience with the alignment of workforce culture with company values. In this episode, he shares expertise in management and consulting with listeners and explains why prioritizing company values, people culture, and a healthy work environment are essential for leading a successful organization. Why is Work Culture Important?Introducing Devin (1:34) Jennifer introduces Devin, who shares a bit about his professional journey, and his role and achievements working for H1. Focusing on People (3:46) Jennifer opens up today's discussion by focusing on the people aspect of Devin's profession. She speaks about the impact of facilitating a workforce culture that aligns with company values. Prioritizing ValuesCompany Values Matter (4:40) COVID has greatly impacted our relationship to work and our priorities. Considering your company's values and how the behaviors you want to see in your workplace map to those values can help you create a more positive future workplace. Devin speaks about the values he prioritizes and how he implements those values to facilitate a healthy work environment. Scaling Culture (8:40) Devin and his company understand the reality of how positive culture is vital to a company. Furthermore, he elaborates on how imperative culture is and why it is essential to intentionally work on creating the right workforce culture. Integrating New Cultures (14:14) Every culture is different, and as younger generations move into the workforce, we may see that the prioritization of cultural fit increases. Finding the right cultural fit is about what you want your company to embrace regarding the behaviors and outcomes that leaders want to see. Devin shares his thoughts about hiring candidates while prioritizing workforce culture and how company culture played a role in his company's global expansion. Remote Work's Impact on Work Culture (18:22) Devin explains how remote work structures have impacted workforces, building a positive and respectful workforce culture, and the importance of conducting intentional culture work. Experiences and Influencers (20:08) Jennifer and Devin met while working on a project around change management. He describes how this and his other early experiences have influenced his perspective on culture and made him aware of the impact that positive change management could have on an organization and leadership's role in this process. Managing ChangeChange Management and Culture (22:33) Devin explains the challenges that came with his company's workforce expansion and how the importance and value he contributes to this company changed as his company developed and grew.  Learning First Hand (26:24) Devin shares how he not only learned the importance of culture work but also figured out how to do it effectively in a growing company. Closing Thoughts (30:00) To conclude this episode, Jen asks Devin to share the advice he would provide to leaders embracing cultural work for the first time. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website) Devin's Email https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinbasinger (Devin's Linkedin)

Improving diversity in the workforce is a work in progress for many industries, especially in the high-tech sector. Unfortunately, studies and statistics prove that the technology industry has a serious problem with workforce diversity, with vastly uneven employment rates for underrepresented members. This, along with unfair wage gaps for underrepresented individuals, can create damaging power and privilege imbalances in the workplace. So why is this such a significant issue for the tech sector, and what can be done to resolve it? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she explains the importance of maintaining a diverse workforce, the positive impact of diversity in the workplace, and methods for improving diversity in the tech industry. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

Employee experience has become a hot-button topic recently, and for good reason. With study after study showing a positive employee experience and company culture leads to improved employee retention, easier recruiting, and even boosted production; it's no wonder why it's on everyone's mind. But do you really know what employee experience means and how to ensure you have a good one? If not, you're really missing out.  On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she explains what encompasses the employee experience, why it should matter to leaders and organizations, and some real-world tactics you can utilize to improve your employee experience to reap the rewards. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

Like it or not, employment has changed over the course of the pandemic. Employees have been given a taste of flexibility and they aren't eager to give it up. However, that shift in thinking toward the employee experience can be incredibly powerful for both employees and employers, if used correctly. On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres is joined by special return guest Jess Podgajny. You might remember Jess from the first season but she's the founder and CEO of Lluna, a company dedicated to empowering teams through flexibility. Jennifer and Jess talk about the changing dynamics, how employers can use analytics to improve human resources, and why everyone should care about the employee experience. Improving The Employee ExperienceReintroducing Jess Podgajny (0:59) This isn't the first time Jess has been on the Survive & Thrive podcast but she shares a brief summary of her background and what she's been up to since her last appearance. How has the pandemic changed work? (7:45) The pandemic brought flexibility to the workplace. Jess shares how that newly-found flexibility has impacted organizations like Lluna and shifted the power dynamics between employees and employers. Collecting and using analytics (14:12) Various surveys found organizations either aren't utilizing analytics in human resources or aren't doing it well. Jess explains what Lluna is doing to help these types of organizations collect and use that data appropriately. Employee experience: What it is and why you should care (18:30) Jess explains what “employee experience” really means and what it looks like for both employers and employees. She also shares her beliefs on why it matters so much. Giving employees agency (23:03) Jess shares an example of how allowing employees to have a choice in a matter can make all the difference. Where leaders should focus (26:06) Jess shares what she believes leaders and organizations can focus on to be better prepared -- and to better prepare their employees -- for the future. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website) https://www.inc.com/cameron-albert-deitch/linkedin-global-talent-trends-2020-people-analytics.html (Inc - 55% of HR leaders struggle with ‘people analytics') https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/linkedin-just-revealed-results-of-its-2020-global-talent-trends-report-there-are-some-big-surprises.html (Inc - Global talent trends report) https://technical.ly/startups/lluna-hr-tech-future-work/ (Technically - Lluna and the future of work) https://www.hellolluna.com/blog/employee-empowement (Lluna - 2022: The year for the employee empowerment and employer enlightenment)

Now that we're slowly entering a post-pandemic world, we need HR to reflect what we've learned. Whether it's a focus on the “human” part of Human Resources or the evolution we've seen in recruitment and employee retention, some HR trends are here to stay. On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she takes a closer look at the HR trends that must be incorporated in the future of work. From mental health initiatives and health & safety to a need for agility and creativity, human resources has an opportunity to refocus, automate, and update to become a better resource for the most valuable part of a business: its people. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

While the last few years have taught us a rigid plan can be problematic in times of great change, scrambling to create a plan under pressure isn't great either. With “The Great Resignation” in full swing, it's clear organizations can benefit from effective workforce development strategies now more than ever.  On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, Jennifer Ayres takes a closer look at workforce development, including what it encompasses, how to define your workforce goals, and how to incorporate strategies that will not only improve the lives of those you employees but your business as well.

The Great Resignation has taught us that it isn't quite as simple as hiring new employees to replace those that leave or fill skill gaps. Instead of trying to find the right outside candidate that has all the skills you require, upskilling your existing workforce could be the answer. On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, we're diving into upskilling. From how it can help your bottom line to the ways it boosts morale and employee retention, upskilling -- and reskilling -- can save you time, money, and a lot of future headaches. We'll continue to give you the tools necessary to not just survive, but thrive in the future of work. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website) https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/cost-of-onboarding-calculator/#:~:text=Average%20Cost%20for%20Onboarding%20New%20Employees&text=Yo (Bamboo HR - Average cost of onboarding employees) https://www.statista.com/statistics/1181651/tech-industry-productivity-working-from-home/ (Statista - Are you more or less productive working from home?) https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/298787/retain-top-talent-don-hand-competitors.aspx (Gallup - Retain your top talent, don't hand them to competitors) https://www.gallup.com/workplace/247391/fixable-problem-costs-businesses-trillion.aspx (Gallup - This fixable problem costs U.S. businesses $1 trillion) https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/human-resources/employee-turnover-statistics.shtml (NetSuite - 50 employee turnover statistics to know today) https://www.surveymonkey.com/curiosity/why-employees-crave-more-training-and-how-employers-arent-delivering-it/ (Survey Monkey - Why employees crave more training and how employers aren't delivering it) https://www.pwc.com/hopes-fears (PWC - Hopes and fears 2021) https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/reinventing-the-future/take-on-tomorrow/covid-disparity-evaluation.html (PWC - Humanity, Innovation and radical progress in the post-COVID world)

Do your employees feel psychologically safe at work? On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she chats with Dr. Amber Tichenor, CEO of TO BE Coaching + Consulting. With over 20 years in organizational strategy and consulting, Amber is well versed in helping leaders cultivate a healthy work environment. She has also done extensive research on rivalry between women in the workplace. With her background and research, Amber discusses how to identify and navigate this rivalry, as well as how to approach the organization about it. She breaks down how work cultures can either purposefully or accidentally erode psychological safety. Listen to this episode to hear what steps leaders and organizations can take to create a healthy and productive workplace.  What is Psychological Safety?Introducing Amber (1:03) Jennifer introduces Amber, giving a quick overview of her professional experience. Amber gives further detail on her background and why she got into organizational psychology. Why psychological safety matters (5:14) As Amber notes, your safety -- physical, emotional, and psychological -- has an impact on your performance. Whether because of a toxic environment, bullying coworker, or demanding boss; if you don't feel your best, you can't give your best.   Female RivalryFemale Rivalry in the Workplace (7:13) Many work environments and HR may not know how to handle female rivalry. Unfortunately, female rivalry hurts those being targeted, the entire team and the organization. More than just a “cat fight,” this type of behavior resembles bullying and usually stems from low self-esteem.  Women who are targeted doubt themselves. Amber advises those who are bullied to document everything, so that they have proof of their story.  How Can Leaders Help? (12:38) As leaders, we can mitigate this behavior. Prioritizing a healthy culture and implementing practices that support it is a great way to build bonds between peers. With training and policies, organizations can formally discourage or even punish poor behavior. Unfortunately, bullying in the workplace is more common than you may think.     Approaching the Perpetrator (14:40) Amber shares her advice for approaching the perpetrator before going to HR. By calming yourself, you can better discuss the issue, look inward, or even step back and find the cause of the problems. Perhaps there is a cultural difference, miscommunication or an accident.  Cultivating SafetyPsychologically Unsafe (20:37) Little mistakes can snowball into a toxic work environment. Exclusion, stereotyping, and overly harsh punishment can lead to a psychologically unsafe workplace. When employees feel on edge, they disengage, decrease their work efforts, take their frustrations out on customers, and leave. Creating Safety (24:00) In order to create a psychologically safe environment, leaders must open up communications and allow employees to be themselves. Leaders must especially allow a culture of learning by not punishing employees for honest mistakes. When people feel included and valued, they give more to their work, team, and the company.  Final Thoughts (27:13) Before we wrap up, Amber encourages leaders to keep their ears and minds open. To foster and maintain a healthy work environment, leaders must be willing to accept constructive criticism and implement changes.  Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

As a leader, it can be difficult to find the time to think about the mental, emotional, and physical struggles your staff is facing every day. However, not thinking about your employee well-being and wellness programs could be impacting your bottom line and making your life harder. Join host Jennifer Ayres on this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast as she discusses the difference between employee well-being and wellness and looks at the influence employee wellness and well-being programs have on important areas like attendance, productivity, staff turnover, and even the culture within your organization. Jennifer also shares some things you can start doing today to improve your employees' wellness and well-being.

Workers want a hybrid work model, which means how you establish and maintain your organization's culture is evolving. On this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, join host Jennifer Ayres as she looks at how you can foster an inclusive culture in a hybrid work model. Jennifer looks at the most recent data and surveys that point to this workplace evolution. She details how things like empathy, dedication, creativity, and a sense of belonging should factor into your organization's culture. From the hiring process to building community groups, this episode will teach you how you can improve your organization's culture regardless of where your people work.

Being able to manage and adapt to changes can be the difference between your organization simply surviving or thriving. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it's that these changes are often unexpected and happen quickly, making effective change management even more important than you might have thought before. But as we see light at the end of that tunnel, what is change management's role within the future of work? That's what we're discussing on this week's episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast. Join host Jennifer Ayres as she explores where we've come with our workforce transformation and where our current trends in business and technology are likely to take us in the future. Jennifer also discusses how leaders can effectively implement change management methods and instill a team culture capable of surviving workforce changes.

As we continue our look at the “Future of Work,” the workplace remains a hot-button topic for many. More and more, studies have found that flexibility is what's desired most from employees but how can organizations make that pivot successfully?  Join hosts Jennifer Ayres and Lisa Insley as they talk with special guest Luke Thomas about the role technology will play in even the smallest aspects of the “Future of Work.” Luke has unique insights into remote working environments as the founder and CEO of Friday, a company offering a digital headquarters for company communications. Getting to know Luke Thomas:Introducing Luke Thomas (1:35) Lisa introduces Luke, who shares his background leading up to today, including some of his personal philosophies. Overcoming remote work pains (6:39) Luke had been struggling with the concept of wasting time traveling to the office when he could work remotely. But there are pain points he had to not only discover but overcome along his journey building his own company. The right place and the right time (7:22) Luke's epiphone came at the right time, diving into remote work just before the pandemic hit, forcing everyone to scramble to catch up. What's most important (8:10) Regardless of if the pandemic continues for much longer, it has already made a massive impact on the future of work. Luke shares his thoughts on what components are the most important and what everyone should be paying attention to as we look into the future. How to embrace remote work and flexibility:Supporting leaders (13:35) Remote work and flexibility as a whole can be intimidating to leaders who haven't embraced it until now. Luke talks about what executives can do to set their leaders up for success and help everyone succeed. Using technology to improve culture and communication:Creating tools and systems (21:40) Lisa and Luke discuss how an organization decides to implement new tools and systems, and whether it's a dedicated person for the role or if it's a company-wide decision starting at the top. Building a culture in a digital-first way (28:00) What would an organization's culture look like if technology was included from the start? Is it even possible? Luke shares his thoughts. Guiding principles:Principles to live by (34:10) Luke gives some of the principles he and his company live by. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website) https://www.sciencealert.com/we-may-have-found-one-of-the-main-reasons-for-zoom-fatigue-and-it-s-affecting-women-more (Science Alert - Zoom fatigue may finally have an explanation) https://www.thelondongeneralpractice.com/video-conferencing-and-fatigue/ (London General Practice - Does video conferencing cause fatigue) https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukethomasme/ (LinkedIn - Luke Thomas) https://friday.app/ (Friday)

Workplace inclusion was a hot topic in 2021 and it's only becoming hotter in 2022. As prospective candidates focus more on looking for organizations that match their ideals, concepts like workplace inclusion is topping the list. However, it's important we examine if we're actually accomplishing anything as we get started in 2022.  That's precisely what host Jennifer Ayres looks at on this episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast. Join Jennifer as she explains what an inclusive workplace is, what it looks like, and how it's beneficial for both employees and employers. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

One of the biggest “Future of Work” questions facing employers around the world is how their employees will be working. There has been much discussion about remote work but the verdict appears to be in. According to several studies, workers want flexibility. On this special episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres is joined by Concinnity partner Lisa Insley to discuss exactly what those studies found and how flexibility is at the root of it all. Whether it's benefits, schedule, or location; employees have gotten a taste of flexibility and don't want to give it back.  Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website)

On this week's episode of the Survive & Thrive podcast, host Jennifer Ayres takes a closer look at workforce automation as a part of our ongoing series about the future of work.  When people think of the word “automation,” robots and heavy machinery come to mind. But it might surprise you just how many daily workforce tasks can be aided or simplified by automation. With rapid advancements in recent years and a global pandemic putting new technology and processes at the forefront of our minds, workforce automation is something you need to be thinking about. Jennifer explores how workforce automation has evolved in recent years, the hopes and fears both organizations and employees are facing, and what it all means moving forward. This is a great peak at the emerging technologies fueling the continued transformation that is the future of work. Links mentioned:https://www.concinnityus.com/ (Concinnity - Website) https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/what-800-executives-envision-for-the-postpandemic-workforce (McKinsey & Company) - What 800 executives envision for the postpandemic workforce https://zapier.com/blog/state-of-business-automation-2021/ (Zapier) - The 2021 state of business automation https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-06-19-gartner-identifies-three-most-common-ai-use-cases-in- (Gartner) - Gartner identifies three most common AI uses cases in HR and recruiting https://www.salesforce.com/content/dam/web/en_us/www/documents/platform/it-leaders-fueling-time-and-cost-savings-with-process-automation.pdf (Salesforce )- IT leaders fueling productivity with process automation https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/people-organisation/workforce-of-the-future/workforce-of-the-future-the-competing-forces-shaping-2030-pwc.pdf (PWC) - Workforce of the future