Workplace Hugs

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into a powerful conversation about understanding addiction through the lens of empathy, exploring how pain and coping mechanisms show up in our work lives. Through personal stories and insights from Dr. Gabor Maté's work, they examine how shifting from judgment to curiosity can create healthier workplace cultures and deeper human connections.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore five powerful life lessons from Shannon's 10-year-old daughter Ta'Liyah, who reminds us all to make things fun, embrace imperfection, and know when to slow down. Through Ta'Liyah's simple wisdom, they uncover how sometimes the best life advice comes from the refreshing perspective of a child rather than from experts or self-help books.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the powerful quote "I'm always last to see the beauty I inhabit" and discuss why we often struggle to recognize the beauty within ourselves and our daily moments. Through personal insights and practical tips, they share how to become more present and appreciate life's beauty before it becomes a memory.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami challenge the modern obsession with optimization and explore why our drive to perfect every aspect of life might be holding us back. Through personal examples and candid discussion, they examine how embracing adaptability over constant optimization could lead to greater fulfillment and creativity.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the difference between "having it all" and truly feeling fulfilled, and how to align your goals with your desired emotional state. They dive into the importance of checking in with yourself and prioritizing how you want to feel, rather than just focusing on external achievements.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami chat with Taylor Jacobson, founder of FocusMate, about how virtual co-working can combat procrastination and isolation. Taylor shares the science behind "body doubling" and how having another person present helps regulate your nervous system, making it easier to focus and get things done.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the concept of "plus-ing" - continually improving something that already exists - and how it can be applied to various aspects of life. From Walt Disney's philosophy to personal anecdotes, they dive into the power of iterative improvement and how it can lead to growth and enhancement.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into Byron Katie's transformative book "Loving What Is" and explore how examining our stressful thoughts can lead to greater peace and freedom. Through personal examples and candid discussion, they demonstrate how Katie's four-question method can help shift perspective from resistance to acceptance without resignation.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into three powerful lessons from people over 65 about what they would do differently if they could do life over again. Through personal stories and reflections, they explore how these insights about reflection, risk-taking, and purpose can help us live with fewer regrets.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the three types of courage—creative, moral, and growth—and challenge each other (and you!) to pick one to focus on this week.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the culture of constant hustle and why we struggle to unplug from work. They explore the hidden costs of being "never not working" and share simple, practical ways to set better boundaries—without the guilt.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore a fascinating perspective from Jewish mysticism that reframes gratitude as the experience of pleasure and joy rather than sacrifice. Through personal stories of their religious upbringings, they discuss how this shift in thinking can transform our relationship with gratitude and enjoyment.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami tackle the surprising difference between being polite and being kind, sparked by a shocking statistic about how few people actually tell others when they have food in their teeth. Through personal stories and workplace examples, they explore why choosing kindness over politeness, even when it's awkward, can lead to stronger relationships and better communication.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami chat with upcycling extraordinaire Carli from CravebyCRV. From turning old jackets into backpacks to making art out of kiddie pools, Carli shares how creativity, sustainability, and self-expression can shape both our work and our world. You can find/follow all the amazing things Carli is up to on her instagram- https://www.instagram.com/cravebycrv/ and website - https://www.cravebycrv.com/.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the challenges and opportunities of working solo, sharing their personal struggles with setting boundaries and maintaining work-life balance while working from home. Through candid conversation, they discuss practical strategies for combating isolation, managing self-doubt, and creating sustainable productivity habits for independent workers.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami challenge the common belief that we need to learn more before making changes in our lives. They explore how sometimes we already have the knowledge we need, and it's building better habits - not acquiring more information - that leads to real transformation.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the "30 seconds or less" rule for giving feedback about physical appearance - if someone can't fix it in 30 seconds, should you mention it at all? They discuss when this rule applies, when it doesn't, and how to be more thoughtful about the feedback we give to others.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the fascinating story behind the creation of Disneyland, from Walt Disney's original vision at a carousel to the park's tumultuous opening day. They explore how Walt's willingness to take risks, face setbacks, and pursue his dreams despite widespread skepticism led to the creation of something truly revolutionary in entertainment.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore whether we're putting too much pressure on our jobs and romantic partners to fulfill all our needs. Drawing from insights by Simon Sinek and Trevor Noah, they discuss how diversifying our sources of meaning and connection might lead to more balanced, fulfilling lives.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the powerful metaphor of "when a flame is lit, move toward it" and discuss how to recognize and act on moments of inspiration before they fade. Through personal stories about semi-truck driving, surfing, and even pizza-making, they examine what it means to pursue the sparks that light up our lives.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore why your net worth might be better measured by your friendships than your bank account. Drawing inspiration from a conversation between Trevor Noah and Simon Sinek, they discuss why the best boat is your friend's boat and how to build deeper connections through vulnerability and trust.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the meaning of embodiment and how it's not just about being calm, but rather about being aware of your body's sensations and signals. Through personal stories about flower shopping and post-hospital experiences, they explore how tuning into our body's "yes" and "no" signals can help us build self-trust and make better choices in our daily lives.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the meaning behind the phrase "standing on a whale while fishing for minnows" and discuss how businesses often chase after small opportunities while overlooking the valuable assets they already have.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into Adam Grant's book "Hidden Potential," exploring the empowering idea that potential isn't measured by how high you've peaked, but by how far you've traveled to get there. Through personal stories, including Shannon learning to drive semi-trucks and Rami's medical school journey, they unpack how talent isn't everything and true potential is unlocked through effort, learning, and strategic growth.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the powerful concept that "observation without evaluation is the highest form of intelligence." They discuss how separating observation from judgment can lead to clearer understanding, better conversations, and stronger relationships both at work and in personal life.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the world of surfing to explore how quick failures can lead to greater success. Drawing parallels between surfing and daily life, they discuss how embracing quick failures, just like surfers waiting for the perfect wave, can help us adjust, learn, and ultimately ride the waves of work and personal challenges more smoothly.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami take a heartfelt look back at 2024, reflecting on their personal and professional highlights, challenges, and growth. They share their intentions and aspirations for 2025, offering listeners a warm year-end hug of inspiration to dream, reflect, and plan with integrity and kindness.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the addictive nature of smartphones and share practical strategies for breaking up with your phone. Inspired by Shannon's personal journey to improve her sleep and overall well-being, the hosts explore how small changes in phone habits can lead to better relationships, mental health, and quality of life.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the inspiring concept of being your own "future self hero." They explore how the actions and decisions you make today shape your future self.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami reflect on the importance of empathy and the reminder that everyone is fighting a battle we can't see. They emphasize offering grace and understanding to those around us, whether it's a stranger or someone we interact with daily.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the fascinating contrast between Japanese architect Tadao Ando's perfectionism and the concept of Wabi-Sabi (the beauty in imperfection), using these opposing philosophies to discuss how we can balance striving for excellence while practicing self-compassion in our personal and professional lives.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami delve into the concept of "integrity versus intensity" in the workplace. They discuss strategies for maintaining a sustainable work pace, identifying signs of working with integrity versus intensity, and why it's important to avoid getting stuck in a pattern of unsustainable intensity, even if occasional bursts of intensity are necessary.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore how people often try to take credit for successes but avoid ownership of failures.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the topic of attention spans and how the constant switching between tasks and screens can be detrimental to productivity and overall well-being. They discuss practical tips from the book Attention Span by Dr. Gloria Mark, and share strategies for healing "squirrel minds" by improving focus and reducing distractions caused by technology.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the concept that "size doesn't matter" when it comes to career and life transitions.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Rami and Shannon discuss the importance of celebrating small wins.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami continue their exploration of design thinking, focusing on empathy mapping as a tool for better understanding user needs and behaviors. They discuss how empathy mapping involves observing what people say, think, do, and feel, and how this process can guide design decisions, encourage rapid iteration, and build a shared understanding within teams.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Rami and Shannon introduce the concept of design thinking, which is focused on solving problems through empathy, creativity, and innovation. They explore the steps of the design thinking process, sharing real-life examples and how designing for one person's core needs can lead to solutions that benefit the masses, all while emphasizing the importance of quick iteration, feedback, and learning from failure.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the power of reframing limitations by changing "I can't" statements to "I could if I..."

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Rami and Shannon discuss the concept of working with someone without being able to see them, drawing from an experience Rami had at a children's museum in Arkansas.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami discuss the book "The 20-Minute Networking Meeting" by Marcia Ballinger and Nathan A. Perez. They explore the structure and strategies for conducting effective and efficient networking meetings, especially for those who feel anxious about networking.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami discuss a step-by-step guide for radically changing organizations in one week, based on an article from Harvard Business Review and the book "Move Fast and Fix Things" by Francis Fry and Ann Morris.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Rami and Shannon discuss the role of feedback in improving movies, drawing examples from "La La Land" and "Moonstruck." They highlight the importance of setting proper expectations at the beginning to enhance the audience's experience and apply these principles to various contexts, emphasizing the value of feedback in driving improvement and ensuring a positive outcome.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami discuss the concept of "ultralearning," based on the book Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career by Scott H. Young. They explore the idea that anyone can rapidly acquire new skills by following specific techniques focused on intensive practice, experimentation, and feedback.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the concept of "stay interviews" as a proactive approach to employee retention, discussing four key questions to foster satisfaction and engagement in the workplace. They delve into strategies for both employees and leaders to enhance communication and well-being, emphasizing the importance of consistent support and understanding.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Rami and Shannon discuss the concept of "Stitch Night," inspired by Rami's son's TK class project involving a traveling stuffed animal named Stitch.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Talks, Shannon and Rami delve into the priorities of HR leaders in 2024, focusing on leader and manager development, as well as career management and internal mobility.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami discuss the implications of AI, touching on quotes from industry leaders like Sam Altman and Peter Sheen. They explore the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining human connection, highlighting concerns about humans becoming too mechanized in their interactions.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Rami and Shannon share moments of serendipity, reflecting on the magic of unexpected encounters and how every second aligning just right can lead to delightful connections.

Episode Notes In this episode of the Workplace Hugs podcast, Rami and Shannon delve into the concept of failure, exploring the three types: basic, complex, and intelligent. They discuss the importance of fostering a learning culture, drawing parallels to scientific experimentation where failure is not only expected but embraced as a crucial component of growth and innovation.

Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami delve into the topic of mistakes, inspired by lessons from Shannon's dad. They share personal career mistakes, reflecting on the importance of learning from failures and reframing fear of making mistakes into opportunities for growth and trust.