WorkWell

The TikTok-ification of Self-Care (And How to Fix It) with Dr. Pooja LakshminIn this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher speaks with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and author of "Real Self Care." Together they unpack the commercialization of wellness and explore why so many women feel caught between achieving everything and finding time for authentic self-care. They navigate the complexities of caregiving, adult friendships, and finding hope in challenging times.Episode Highlights:The four principles of real self-care: boundaries, compassion, values, and powerWhy the "pause" is the true boundary - not simply saying noThe invisible burden of elder caregiving and why it's so difficult to discuss at workHow to maintain meaningful adult friendships when life gets overwhelmingUnderstanding hope as an active practice rather than wishful thinkingThe importance of finding small moments of joy and connection in daily lifeQuotable Moment:"Real self-care is an internal process. Boundaries, compassion, values, and power - those four internal principles, that's the work of real self-care. And then once you've done that, then you go to yoga, then you do your meditation. But if you're not using those internal principles and not doing that internal work first, then the external tools will be empty." - Dr. Pooja LakshminLyra Lens:In this edition, Dr. Kendall Browne, Clinical Psychologist and Director at Lyra Health, unpacks the concept of "the pause" that Dr. Lakshmin identified as crucial for boundary-setting. She explains that while pausing seems simple, implementing it proves challenging—especially for women who feel pressure to respond instantly. Dr. Browne offers practical strategies for habitualizing this pause and distinguishes between different boundary types: porous (saying yes too often), inflexible (saying no reflexively), and purposefully permeable (thoughtful decisions about when to engage).Resources:This episode of The WorkWell Podcast™ is made possible by Lyra Health, a premier global workforce mental health solution. Learn more at Lyrahealth.com/workwell.

That Difficult Coworker is Just a Character in Your Success Story with Tessa WestIn this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher speaks with Dr. Tessa West, Professor of Psychology at New York University and author of "Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers and What to Do About Them" and "Job Therapy: A Psychologist's Guide to Finding Your Most Fulfilling Job Yet." Her research reveals surprising patterns about difficult workplace relationships and career satisfaction.Episode Highlights:The five types of workplace jerks: Kiss Up/Kick Downers, Credit Stealers, Free Riders, Bulldozers, and GaslightersWhy gaslighters are the most psychologically damaging but also the rarest type of workplace jerkHow to strategically document and address problematic workplace behavior without making it personalWhy confronting office jerks alone is often the biggest mistake people makeThe surprising truth about "toxic rockstars" and whether you really have to put up with themThe five sources of career frustration: identity crisis, drifted apart, stretched too thin, runner-up, and underappreciated starWhy "follow your passion" is terrible career advice and what to focus on insteadHow to use the Working Week Audit to identify your true workplace stressorsA fresh perspective on work-life balance as psychological integration rather than time managementQuotable Moment:"We all are jerks. When we're tired, when we're stressed, when we're overwhelmed, we probably all got to know this person pretty well during the pandemic. Learn to identify what your inner jerk is and start looking for those red flags, and you'll be a better person for it." - Tessa WestLyra Lens:In this edition, Keren Wasserman, Senior Manager of Organizational Development at Lyra Health, explores how workplace jerks thrive by manipulating systems - and how understanding those systems is key to overcoming them. She highlights that when we take back our power through actions like building connections and amplifying other voices, "we not only shift the power dynamics, but also improve the quality of the work itself." Keren also connects Tessa's job-person fit framework with burnout research, offering a workplace version of the Serenity Prayer to help us recognize "our needs and what we can change about our environment.Resources:This episode of The WorkWell Podcast™ is made possible by Lyra Health, a premier global workforce mental health solution. Learn more at Lyrahealth.com/workwell.

Stop Saying 'Hope Is Not a Strategy' (Science Proves You Wrong) with Kathryn GoetzkeContent Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and suicidal thoughts that may be triggering for some listeners. If you're experiencing thoughts of suicide, please know you're not alone - you can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.In this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher opens with a powerful personal reflection on her own journey with hope, challenging the dismissive phrase "hope is not a strategy" and reframing hope as both a comfort and a challenge—not just something we feel, but something we do. She then speaks with Kathryn Goetzke, CEO and Chief Hope Officer of The Shine Hope Company, whose evidence-based work proves that hope is a measurable, teachable skill with profound implications for workplace wellbeing, productivity, and retention. Episode Highlights:How Kathryn's personal experiences with loss and recovery led to her mission of teaching hope as a skillThe SHINE Hope Framework: Stress skills, Happiness habits, Inspired actions, Nourishing networks, and Eliminating challengesWhy hopelessness is the single consistent predictor of suicide and a primary symptom of depressionEvidence that as hope increases, anxiety and depressive symptoms decreaseHow hope scores directly correlate with workplace engagement, productivity, and retentionThe business case for hope: 53% of parents miss a day of work each month due to their children's mental healthPractical ways leaders can model and foster hope in workplace settingsThe distinction between hope as a wish versus hope as an evidence-based strategyQuotable Moment:"Hope is a strategy. We've done the research to prove that the higher in hope your workforce is, the more likely they are to show up to work, be engaged, achieve goals, and overcome obstacles." - Kathryn Goetzke

The Economy of Ease (& Why It's Making Us Miserable) with Caroline Chubb CalderonIn this episode of The WorkWell Podcast, Jen Fisher speaks with Caroline Chubb Calderon, futurist, humanist, and founder and CEO of Hello Humanity, a company dedicated to reimagining humanity in the age of machines. Caroline works with leaders worldwide to create a future where technology enhances rather than diminishes our human experience. Episode Highlights:How to unlock human flourishing in the age of artificial intelligenceWhy our current economic model leads to mental health issues and disconnectionThe difference between an "economy of ease" and an "ecology of meaning"Why synthetic relationships through AI can never replace real human connectionThe dangers of deploying AI for mental health support versus clinical analysisHow courage and vulnerability are essential for transforming our systemsThe eight principles of life that can guide our relationship with technologyPractical steps organizations can take to prioritize human intelligence alongside AIQuotable Moments:"We've been creating a world of ease where we live in an economy where everything is driven to improving the ease of life. What would it look like to move from an ease economy to a regenerative and meaning ecology?" - Caroline Chubb Calderon Resources:Learn more about Caroline's work at Hello HumanityWatch Caroline's TEDx Talk  This episode of The WorkWell Podcast™ is made possible by Lyra Health, a premier global workforce mental health solution. Learn more at Lyrahealth.com/workwell.

Come As You Are' at Work (Terms & Conditions Apply) with Farah HarrisIn this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher speaks with Farah Harris, licensed psychotherapist, workplace wellbeing expert, and CEO of Working Well Daily. Her book "The Color of Emotional Intelligence" challenges us to rethink what authenticity and emotional intelligence really mean across different cultures and identities in the workplace. Episode Highlights: The hidden costs of "bringing your whole self to work" Why emotional intelligence looks different across cultures and backgrounds How our family dynamics shape our workplace emotional expressionThe real price of fitting into "professional" cultureWhat looks like "high EQ" might actually be a survival strategyWhy declaring "safe spaces" doesn't make them safeThe problem with one-size-fits-all approaches to emotional intelligenceHow power dynamics affect workplace authenticityThe importance of having "safe people" to process workplace experiences Quotable Moment: "If you can't take what you're learning outside of the four walls of the workplace, then is it truly applicable? Is it truly authentic?" - Farah Harris Lyra Lens: We're excited to introduce Lyra Lens, a new segment with our friends from Lyra Health. "The beauty of inclusion and diversity at work is shifting from 'why do you do it like that?' to 'what can I learn from someone who does it differently?'" Andrea Holman shares this and other insights in today's Lyra Lens segment, where she joins Jen Fisher to discuss cultural humility in the workplace. Resources: This episode of The WorkWell Podcast™ is made possible by Lyra Health, a premier global workforce mental health solution. Learn more at Lyrahealth.com/workwell.

'Reading' Emotion in Emails & Other Ways Our Brains Mislead Us with Dr. Lisa Feldman BarrettIn this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher speaks with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University with appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, and author of "How Emotions Are Made" and "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain."Episode Highlights:Why we can't actually "read" emotions in faces, voices, or body languageThe science behind your brain's "body budget" and how it affects workplace performanceHow social stress can impact your metabolism by up to 104 caloriesWhy trust in coworkers and management significantly affects productivityThe truth about psychological safety and why some discomfort is necessary for growthHow to handle emotions in virtual environments and email communicationsUnderstanding the difference between guessing and reading emotions in workplace interactionsPractical strategies for making yourself more predictable to reduce others' stressQuotable Moment:"What you put into the world with your actions and your words literally shapes the world that you live in. You have to decide what kind of a world you want to live in and what sort of impact you want to have on other people." - Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett Resources:Learn more about Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett's groundbreaking research on emotions and the brain at her websiteBooks: "How Emotions Are Made" and "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain"

The Surprising Truth about Motivation with Dr. Ayelet Fishbach In this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher and special co-host Keren Wasserman from Lyra Health speak with Dr. Ayelet Fishbach, professor of behavioral science and marketing at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business and author of "Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation."Episode Highlights:Common motivation strategies that can backfire, including rigid goal-setting and misaligned incentivesHow to overcome the "middle problem" in long-term goals by breaking them into shorter segmentsThe connection between emotions and motivation as a feedback systemWhen to focus on progress made vs. progress needed based on where you are in your journeyWhy experts tend to look ahead while novices benefit from looking back at progressThe importance of social support and working with others to maintain motivationHow failure can provide valuable information and novel insights for learningLeadership strategies for maintaining team trust and motivation during challenging timesQuotable Moment:"Motivation is about knowledge, it's about being wise... I don't believe in relying on some inner strength that you might feel you have or not. I believe in learning and being wise and doing the things that keep you motivated." - Dr. Ayelet FishbachResources:This episode of The WorkWell Podcast™ is made possible by Lyra Health, a premier global workforce mental health solution. Learn more at Lyrahealth.com/workwell.

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's  Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy and author of New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong. In a wide-ranging conversation, Stephanie discusses her science-backed approach to happiness, and explains how accessing our unique gifts and giving back to the community can lead to joy and fulfillment.  

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with speaker, workplace mental health consultant, and executive Morra Aarons-Mele, author of The Anxious Achiever: Turn Your Biggest Fears into Your Leadership Superpower to discuss how to manage the anxiety that comes with succeeding and leading.   

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with climate psychologist Renée Lertzman to discuss the emotional effects of climate change and how we can become more resilient. Lertzman, the author of Environmental Melancholia: Psychoanalytic dimensions of engagement, offers suggestions about how individuals, organizations, and leaders can work together to alleviate climate anxiety, as well as finding ways to give back and have a positive impact. 

 In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with user researcher, writer, illustrator, and consultant Ximena Vengoechea, author of Rest Easy: Discover Calm and Abundance through the Radical Power of Rest. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jen and Ximena talk about the importance of resting and recharging in order to lead a fulfilling and productive life. Ximena offers guidance on how to get the deep rest we need for our well-being, and explains how rest helps us reconnect with ourselves and improves every aspect of our lives, from work to relationships.  

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's  Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with grief expert Rebecca Soffer, author, co-founder, and CEO of Modern Loss. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jen and Rebecca discuss loss and resilience, and how to overcome the stigma of grief. 

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's  Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with Dr. Vanessa Patrick , Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean of Research at the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, and the author of The Power of Saying No: The New Science of How to Say No that Puts You in Charge of Your Life. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jen and Vanessa discuss why it can be so hard to say no, and Vanessa shares techniques for saying no that lead to clearer decision making, stronger boundaries, and better time management.  

 In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with Joanne Stephane, Executive Director of the Deloitte DEI Institute, and Kenji Yoshino, Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU and faculty director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss the practice of “covering,” in which people downplay aspects of their identity at work to avoid negative reactions. And they share ways that organizations can better support people and help them be their authentic selves. 

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's  Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of the Upwork Research Institute. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jen and Kelly explore strategies to create flexible working environments that power the growth of organizations and the people who work for them — and that redefine productivity and success for a new era. 

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with Annie Dean, the global head of Team Anywhere at Atlassian and an expert on remote and flexible work. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jen and Annie go beyond surface-level questions of whether or not to return to the office and discuss how true flexibility at work leads to greater productivity and more meaningful connections.  

 In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with Tia Graham, founder of Arrive at Happy and author of Be A Happy Leader. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jen and Tia discuss the meaning of happiness and share how happy leaders can create workplaces where everyone feels valued.  

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with Selena Rezvani, author of Quick Confidence: Be Authentic, Create Connections and Make Bold Bets on Yourself. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jen and Selena talk about how to build confidence, believe in your own strengths and trust your intuition by taking small daily steps. 

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with Karen Eber, Chief Storyteller at Eber Leadership Group and author of The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jen and Karen talk about the art of public speaking and share advice from their own experiences on the TEDx stage. 

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with Karen Eber, Chief Storyteller at Eber Leadership Group and  author of  The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jen and Karen talk about the art of storytelling as a tool that can help leaders inspire action and create a more connected culture. Karen offers guidance about what kind of stories to tell, the importance of being specific and authentic, and how to tell a great story.   

In this WorkWell podcast by Deloitte, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive and Deloitte's Human Sustainability Hub, sits down with Dr. Gabriella Rosen Kellerman, physician, entrepreneur, and co-author of Tomorrowmind: Thriving at Work with Resilience, Creativity, and Connection—Now and in an Uncertain Future. In a wide-ranging conversation, Gabriella and Jen discuss mindset shifts and Microsteps that help us build resilience, foster creativity, and succeed at work — and why qualities like connection, optimism, and empathy are essential if we're going to thrive in the age of AI.

In this WorkWell podcast, Jen Fisher, editor-at-large for Thrive Global's Human Sustainability Hub and Human Sustainability Leader at Deloitte, sits down with best-selling author and executive coach Brad Stulberg, author of the new book Master Of Change: How to Excel When Everything is Changing - Including You. In their wide-ranging conversation, Brad and Jen share mindset shifts and Microsteps for embracing change, establishing routines, and navigating it all with less stress and more joy. 

Work and our relationship to it is evolving. As workforce demographics shift, what employees prioritize for themselves and what they expect from their employer is also changing. Two recently released reports from Deloitte shed light on what leaders need to do to meet these evolving expectations. On this episode, Jen Fisher, talks with Kwasi Mitchell, chief purpose and DEI officer at Deloitte, about driving purpose into organizations' operations and identities so that the well-being of their workforce remains a priority.

In 1938, the Harvard Study of Adult Development was created to understand the secret to a long and happy life. While the study is still going on today, the findings uncovered that the quality of our relationships correlates directly to our longevity and happiness, and has provided insight into what we can do differently to live a longer and more fulfilling life. On this episode, Jen Fisher, talks with Dr. Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and a Zen Priest, about the study's findings, and how friendships and relationships can influence our mental and physical health, both in our social and professional lives.

Self-care is a popular term, but what is it really? Real self-care is hard work and involves making difficult choices in your own life. How can we change our mindset around self-care to ensure that we're taking care of ourselves and not just following the latest faux-wellness fads? On this episode, Jen Fisher, talks with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, a board-certified psychiatrist, a clinical assistant professor, author, and the founder and CEO of Gemma, about what real self-care is, and how setting boundaries and identifying values helps people achieve their wellness goals.

Sleep is essential to our health and well-being, but millions of Americans have chronic or ongoing sleep disorders. With over 80 different sleep disorders in existence, it's important that we all increase our sleep education and build more awareness in our communities. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer, Jen Fisher, talks with Lindsay Scola, speaker, writer, and part of the Rising Voices of Narcolepsy program at Project Sleep, about her narcolepsy diagnosis journey, and on expanding conversations around patient advocacy and sleep disorders.

Our relationship with work is complicated. We want to be successful and do well at our job, but we also want to live a full and energized life. Is it possible to do both, or can we only be successful at work if we sacrifice our well-being? On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer, Jen Fisher, talks with Sara Ross, Chief Vitality Officer at the leadership research firm, BrainAmped, and author of the book Dear Work: Something Has to Change, about how to create energy in people's lives and at work.

Personal time is vital to our health and well-being, but in modern society it's also difficult to find and manage. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer, Jen Fisher, talks with Eve Rodsky, Harvard-educated lawyer, and best-selling author of the books Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn Space, about how balancing domestic or professional work can help you regain interest in your own life.

Time is a precious resource, yet we live in a culture that constantly makes us feel like we never have enough of it. With only 24 hours in a day, countless distractions, and growing to-do lists, how can we make sure we are spending our time on the things that matter and give us joy?

Many organizations have perks and programs designed to enhance employee wellness, but these efforts often miss the mark in actually boosting worker well-being. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer Jen Fisher talks with Dr. Richard Safeer, Chief Medical Director of employee health and well-being for Johns Hopkins Medicine and author of “A Cure for the Common Company: A Well-Being Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Workforce” about the importance of truly building well-being into the core of an organization through peer support, leader engagement, setting norms, shared values, and more.

You don't often hear the words work and play together. You couldn't possibly be productive at work and have fun at the same time. Could you? Yes. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer Jen Fisher talks with Gary Ware, author of “Playful Rebellion” and fonder of Breakthrough Play, about the importance of fun in the workplace and the gifts play can bring including vulnerability, quicker problem solving, and joy.

Climate change and the uncertainty about the health of our planet can be a source of stress for many. How can you manage climate anxiety, and do your part to save the planet? It starts by taking action.

We all want success, but it can often come at the cost of burnout and exhaustion. The always on hustle culture pushes us to do more. But what we really need is rest, joy, and meaningful connections with others. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer Jen Fisher talks with Brad Stulberg, author of the best-selling book, “The Practice of Groundedness” and the co-author of the books, “Peak Performance” and “The Passion Paradox”, about principles that can help with improving performance without foregoing well-being.

Anxiety is a daily struggle for many. In fact, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million Americans also live with it. To truly manage anxiety long term, you need to address your holistic well-being and better understand the root cause of your anxiety.

There are a lot of self-help philosophies out there, but some aren't actually very helpful. We all want to become better people, but we also need to acknowledge that growth isn't always sunshine and rainbows. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer Jen Fisher talks with Mark Manson, #1 NY Times Bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope, about personal development and the importance of taking responsibility, making choices, self-awareness, and so much more.

Building relationships are foundational to our humanity, but creating them with others, especially those that are different from ourselves, can feel challenging. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer Jen Fisher talks with Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, educator, author, and activist on religion, racism, and justice on tuning into our spirituality, empathy, and compassion to create connections with others.

Thankfully, well-being has moved to the center of conversation. But moving from conversation to action with lasting impact can be difficult. By changing your mindset, you rewire your brain to help set you up for greater well-being and for true success. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer, Jen Fisher, talks with Thrive Global's Chief Training Officer, Joey Hubbard, about importance of well-being, beliefs, and mindsets. Learn about how neuroscience, motivation, and taking consistent micro steps can help you shift your mindset for sustainable results.

Parenting is one of the most rewarding, but also hardest jobs in life. All parents want to raise happy and healthy children. But modern society, social pressure, and recent challenges like the global pandemic can make it incredibly difficult. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer, Jen Fisher, talks with Dr. Becky Kennedy, clinical psychologist, mom of three, and author of Good Inside about parenting challenges, connection strategies, and how parenting shows up in the workplace.

We all have experienced stress in one way or another. And for some, this stress can build up, and go far enough to where we experience complete burnout. But how can we help ourselves recognize what is causing us to feel burnout? On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer, Jen Fisher, talks with Jennifer Moss, co-founder at Plasticity Labs, author, and workplace expert on finding the root causes and strategies that address burnout.

What we eat matters and the impact our diet has on our holistic well-being, including our mind, is sometimes forgotten. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer, Jen Fisher, talks with Tess Bredesen, Cognitive Nutrition Director at Thrive and the founder of Sia Health, on how nutrition can prevent cognitive decline and enhance our lives.

Incorporating healthy behaviors into our lives can be challenging. While there are a lot of behavior change and habit-forming strategies, what we think we know about making lasting changes is often outdated. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer Jen Fisher talks with Michelle Segar, the inaugural chair of the United States National Physical Activity Plans Communication Committee, and author of on updating our mindsets on how we develop our healthy lifestyle goals.

Are you a creator, connoisseur, or a passive onlooker of art? No matter the answer, you may be surprised that art serves as an important tool to help enhance observation and problem-solving skills. On this episode, Deloitte Chief Well-being Officer Jen Fisher talks with Amy Herman, a lawyer, art historian, and author of the books Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life and Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving about visual intelligence and how viewing art can improve observation, analysis, and communication skills.