Podcasts about employee experience

AI is failing most companies, trapping employees in digital exhaustion. The real problem isn't the technology, but the organization itself. Forget fixing your models—the path to true transformation is redesigning your workflows, structure, and human collaboration to finally work with AI. In this episode, Rebecca Hinds, Head of the Work AI Institute at Glean, unpacks insights from the Work Transformation 100 study, revealing what 100+ leaders, technologists, and researchers are doing differently to make AI actually work. You'll learn how AI needs to be embedded in the flow of work, why organizational structure eats AI for breakfast, how centralization and decentralization must coexist, and how leaders can avoid automating the soul of work by preserving ownership, creativity, and accountability. Rebecca breaks down the emerging collaboration between HR and IT, the rise of agentic workflows, the role of telemetry data in measuring AI adoption, and why flattening org charts for the sake of AI often backfires. She also shares real examples of bottom-up and top-down AI change, the impact of digital exhaustion, and the critical importance of redesigning processes and incentives before redesigning technology. This episode is every CHRO's playbook to lead AI transformation with human insight, organizational clarity, and people-first strategy, not hype.   ________________ This Episode is sponsored by Glean: The AI Transformation 100 is here — Glean's Work AI Institute reveals what's really working with AI at work The AI Transformation 100, authored by Dr. Rebecca Hinds, Head of the Work AI Institute at Glean and Stanford's Bob Sutton surfaces 100 hard-won lessons from leaders actually deploying AI at scale. It's not about what AI could do — it's about what works, what fails, and what companies have to get right to make AI real. One takeaway: AI doesn't fix broken systems. It amplifies them. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/   Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

The most enjoyable part of doing the podcast is talking to a wide range of people who, regardless of their industry or role, share a common goal: making things better. At the end of the day, that's what it's all about. Sometimes we make things better by selling something people need. Other times, it's by teaching them something new, creating an art installation that moves them, designing a workplace where they feel fulfilled, or building tools that make tasks easier. Whatever the approach, the mission remains the same—to make things better.This simple goal can often get lost behind the different names our work has taken over time. Take “UX,” for example. It started as “Human Factors,” then became “Human-Computer Interaction,” and eventually evolved into “User Experience” and “Human-Centered Design.” Whatever the term, it all comes back to the same principle: improving lives. The more we keep that in mind, the better we understand what this work is truly about.There's a lot of talk today about creating a “Digital First” strategy. But perhaps we should think in terms of a Human First strategy—focusing on what people want, what they need, and how we can help close the gap. One of the great things about being a podcast host, educator, and thought leader in this space is providing the tools that help others create the tools people need.My guest on this episode of Experience by Design understands what it means to elevate human potential and create “human-powered excellence.” Terry Peters discovered his passion for computers and coding through his high school football coach. Over his 20+ year career, he has helped organizations shape their digital strategies through user research, systems design, and user-focused experiences. His systems perspective emphasizes the importance of employee experience within technological and digital design—prioritizing their voices to create solutions that truly make things better.We discuss Terry's journey into management information systems and eventually user experience. We explore the challenges of requirements gathering, the role of AI as a supportive tool in human-centered design (rather than a replacement), and Terry's work with Veracity, now part of RGP, where empathy is central to projects that impact employees' work and lives.Finally, we reflect on the ethos of user experience: improving people's lives and making things better. By integrating diverse perspectives, we can build tools that help people achieve that goal.Terry Peters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-peters-m-s-8198b61b/RGP: https://rgp.com/

The right rituals—and the right conversations—can transform how your team collaborates.Strong collaboration starts with thoughtful practices and clear communication. As Molly Sands, Head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, emphasizes, the teams that thrive are the ones that regularly pause to align on what matters and how they're progressing. “You want to know if you're making progress,” she notes, “and you want ways to redirect early—before you're scrambling at the end.”Through her research with teams across Atlassian and around the world, Sands has seen how small, consistent habits—monthly goal reviews, transparent updates, shared spaces for spontaneous interaction—build alignment, psychological safety, and momentum. And in hybrid and distributed environments, she highlights how “bursty” collaboration patterns and intentional meeting design help teams move faster without burning out.In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sands and host Matt Abrahams break down the rituals that make teamwork work, from OKR check-ins to collaboration hours to the rotating Chief Vibes Officer. No matter where your team sits, Sands shows how intentional communication unlocks connection, speed, and more satisfying ways of working together.Episode Reference Links:Molly SandsEp.241 Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work WorkConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:43) - Measuring Collaboration the Right Way (05:35) - Training Leaders & Goal Rituals (07:49) - Creating Space for Spontaneous Work (11:20) - Making In-Person Time Count (11:44) - Three High-Impact Team Gatherings (14:00) - Supporting Diverse Communication Styles (16:08) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

The secret to effective teamwork and collaboration.To collaborate, we have to communicate. As Molly Sands knows, “The more that we can get on the same page, the more effective we are.”Sands is a behavioral scientist and the head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, where she researches how teams can collaborate more effectively and efficiently, especially in distributed and hybrid work environments. As she's seen in her research and within her own team, “People can accomplish a lot more together when they work well together.” The key to unlocking that potential lies in communication that aligns people not just in their activity, but in their deeper goals and vision. “The best work happens when you start by asking why,” she says, “getting people to really understand: why is this a problem, why do we wanna solve it, and how are we uniquely positioned to do that? The more that we can map this out together, the more effective our teams tend to be.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sands and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for effective collaboration, from “page-led” meetings and asynchronous video messages to using AI as a collaborator. Whether your team is working face-to-face or across time zones, Sands' insights show how better communication is the key to better collaboration.Episode Reference Links:Molly SandsEp.241 Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work WorkConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:32) - How the Teamwork Lab Works (04:03) - Top Challenges for Teams (04:37) - Clarifying Goals & Alignment (07:19) - AI as a Collaborative Partner (09:25) - Atlassian's AI Onboarding Buddy (12:49) - Rethinking Meetings (15:58) - Three Types of Work Time (17:17) - Replacing Meetings with Asynchronous Video (20:02) - The Final Three Questions (24:11) - Conclusion  ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

Achtung (Werbung in eigener Sache):  Jetzt mein neues Buch (in Co-Produktion mit Prof. Dr. Johanna Bath): "Die perfekte Employee Journey & Experience" kaufen (Lieferung im Oktober 2025):  Springer: https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Amazon: https://bit.ly/44aajaP Thalia: https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1074960417 Dieses Fachbuch stellt die wichtigsten Elemente der Employee Journey vor – vom Pre-Boarding bis zum Offboarding – und erläutert, wie Verantwortliche in Unternehmen eine gelungene Employee Experience realisieren und nachhaltig verankern können.   Mein Gast Hannah Panidis (Kommunikationsexpertin, Trainerin und Speakerin) Hannah Panidis ist Kommunikationsexpertin, Trainerin und Speakerin. Sie berät und begleitet Führungskräfte, Teams und Organisationen darin, authentisch und wirksam zu kommunizieren – ob in Mitarbeitergesprächen, Meetings oder in schwierigen Führungssituationen. Ihr Fokus liegt darauf, durch ehrliche, klare und empathische Kommunikation Vertrauen aufzubauen und Motivation zu stärken. In ihrem Ansatz verbindet sie fundiertes Wissen aus Psychologie und Kommunikationswissenschaft mit viel Praxiserfahrung aus der Zusammenarbeit mit Führungskräften verschiedenster Branchen. Darüber hinaus ist sie Host des Podcasts „Denkraum", in dem sie regelmäßig über Kommunikation, Wirkung und Leadership spricht und wertvolle Impulse für den Führungsalltag teilt. Thema Mit Hannah Panidis (Kommunikationsexpertin, Trainerin und Speakerin) habe ich in der GainTalents-Podcastfolge 430 darüber gesprochen, worauf Führungskräfte achten sollten, wenn sie gut und vor allem wirkungsvoll kommunizieren wollen. Herzlichen Dank an Hannah für die vielen guten Tipps zum Thema. Viel Spaß beim Reinhören!    Was ist gute Kommunikation im Führungskontext? gute Kommunikation ist vor allem wirkungsvolle Kommunikation Mehr Neugier und gute Fragen stellen, als belehrend kommunizieren auf Augenhöhe agieren und kommunizieren ("ich bin nicht besser als Du, nur weil ich Chef bin…") Zeit nehmen für Kommunikation (Ausrede keine Zeit zählt nicht - es ist immer nur eine Frage der Priorisierung!) zwischen Tür und Angel kann keine gute Kommunikation entstehen Fragen, die sich die Führungskräfte stellen sollten: was ist das Ziel meines Gesprächs und wie möchte ich auftreten? mit welcher Haltung führe ich die Gespräch? welches Gefühl möchte ich bei den Menschen hinterlassen? Over Confidence Bias muss beachtet werden (Führungskräfte überschätzen ihre Fähigkeiten im Bereich der Kommunikation) Achtung bei Feedback: bezogen auf die Vergangenheit sind das häufig Schuldzuweisungen besser ist das Feed-Forward-Konzept (siehe Link in Shownotes) Nicht nur auf den eigenen Zeitplan achten und dann kommunizieren, wenn es mir als Führungskraft gerade passt.  situativ beurteilen und ggfs. den Zeitpunkt der Kommunikation besser wählen Bei kritischen Gesprächen, bitte nicht mit einer Art "Vorverurteilung" in das Gespräch gehen fundamentale Attributionsfehler bitte vermeiden Schuldfrage bringt niemanden weiter Was können Führungskräfte tun, um besser zu werden? Feedback von Menschen einholen ("wie die Kommunikation wirkt") Feedback nicht kommentieren sondern wirken lassen, mitnehmen und reflektieren klärende Fragen stellen ist ok - z.B. "was hast Du jetzt mit Deinem Feedback genau gemeint?" gute Kommunikation ist immer auch gut vorbereitet die Fähigkeit gut zuzuhören muss trainiert werden die goldene Regel der Kommunikation ist nicht immer das beste Mittel - "behandle die Person immer so, wie Du behandelt werden möchtest" kann je nach Situation der Person, falsch sein!   #GainTalentsPodcast #Kommunikation #Führung #Leadership #Empathie #Authentizität #NewWork #Podcast   Shownotes Links - Hannah Panidis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-panidis-55141a145/ Webseite: https://www.hannah-panidis.de/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1lbGgHdqH8e2wUQdH7U2Sc Konzept - Feedforward: https://www.marshallgoldsmith.com/post/try-feedforward-instead-of-feedback   Links Hans-Heinz Wisotzky:  Website: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast und https://www.gaintalents.com/blog Podcast: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast Bücher: Neu (jetzt überall zu kaufen): Die perfekte Employee Journey und Experience https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Erste Buch: Die perfekte Candidate Journey und Experience https://www.gaintalents.com/buch-die-perfekte-candidate-journey-und-experience LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansheinzwisotzky/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaintalents XING https://www.xing.com/profile/HansHeinz_Wisotzky/cv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GainTalents Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gain.talents/ Youtube https://bit.ly/2GnWMFg

Achtung (Werbung in eigener Sache):  Jetzt mein neues Buch (in Co-Produktion mit Prof. Dr. Johanna Bath): "Die perfekte Employee Journey & Experience" kaufen (Lieferung im Oktober 2025):  Springer: https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Amazon: https://bit.ly/44aajaP Thalia: https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1074960417 Dieses Fachbuch stellt die wichtigsten Elemente der Employee Journey vor – vom Pre-Boarding bis zum Offboarding – und erläutert, wie Verantwortliche in Unternehmen eine gelungene Employee Experience realisieren und nachhaltig verankern können.   Mein Gast Hannah Panidis (Kommunikationsexpertin, Trainerin und Speakerin) Hannah Panidis ist Kommunikationsexpertin, Trainerin und Speakerin. Sie berät und begleitet Führungskräfte, Teams und Organisationen darin, authentisch und wirksam zu kommunizieren – ob in Mitarbeitergesprächen, Meetings oder in schwierigen Führungssituationen. Ihr Fokus liegt darauf, durch ehrliche, klare und empathische Kommunikation Vertrauen aufzubauen und Motivation zu stärken. In ihrem Ansatz verbindet sie fundiertes Wissen aus Psychologie und Kommunikationswissenschaft mit viel Praxiserfahrung aus der Zusammenarbeit mit Führungskräften verschiedenster Branchen. Darüber hinaus ist sie Host des Podcasts „Denkraum", in dem sie regelmäßig über Kommunikation, Wirkung und Leadership spricht und wertvolle Impulse für den Führungsalltag teilt. Thema Mit Hannah Panidis (Kommunikationsexpertin, Trainerin und Speakerin) habe ich in der GainTalents-Podcastfolge 430 darüber gesprochen, worauf Führungskräfte achten sollten, wenn sie gut und vor allem wirkungsvoll kommunizieren wollen. Herzlichen Dank an Hannah für die vielen guten Tipps zum Thema. Viel Spaß beim Reinhören!    Was ist gute Kommunikation im Führungskontext? gute Kommunikation ist vor allem wirkungsvolle Kommunikation Mehr Neugier und gute Fragen stellen, als belehrend kommunizieren auf Augenhöhe agieren und kommunizieren ("ich bin nicht besser als Du, nur weil ich Chef bin…") Zeit nehmen für Kommunikation (Ausrede keine Zeit zählt nicht - es ist immer nur eine Frage der Priorisierung!) zwischen Tür und Angel kann keine gute Kommunikation entstehen Fragen, die sich die Führungskräfte stellen sollten: was ist das Ziel meines Gesprächs und wie möchte ich auftreten? mit welcher Haltung führe ich die Gespräch? welches Gefühl möchte ich bei den Menschen hinterlassen? Over Confidence Bias muss beachtet werden (Führungskräfte überschätzen ihre Fähigkeiten im Bereich der Kommunikation) Achtung bei Feedback: bezogen auf die Vergangenheit sind das häufig Schuldzuweisungen besser ist das Feed-Forward-Konzept (siehe Link in Shownotes) Nicht nur auf den eigenen Zeitplan achten und dann kommunizieren, wenn es mir als Führungskraft gerade passt.  situativ beurteilen und ggfs. den Zeitpunkt der Kommunikation besser wählen Bei kritischen Gesprächen, bitte nicht mit einer Art "Vorverurteilung" in das Gespräch gehen fundamentale Attributionsfehler bitte vermeiden Schuldfrage bringt niemanden weiter Was können Führungskräfte tun, um besser zu werden? Feedback von Menschen einholen ("wie die Kommunikation wirkt") Feedback nicht kommentieren sondern wirken lassen, mitnehmen und reflektieren klärende Fragen stellen ist ok - z.B. "was hast Du jetzt mit Deinem Feedback genau gemeint?" gute Kommunikation ist immer auch gut vorbereitet die Fähigkeit gut zuzuhören muss trainiert werden die goldene Regel der Kommunikation ist nicht immer das beste Mittel - "behandle die Person immer so, wie Du behandelt werden möchtest" kann je nach Situation der Person, falsch sein!   #GainTalentsPodcast #Kommunikation #Führung #Leadership #Empathie #Authentizität #NewWork #Podcast   Shownotes Links - Hannah Panidis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-panidis-55141a145/ Webseite: https://www.hannah-panidis.de/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1lbGgHdqH8e2wUQdH7U2Sc Konzept - Feedforward: https://www.marshallgoldsmith.com/post/try-feedforward-instead-of-feedback   Links Hans-Heinz Wisotzky:  Website: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast und https://www.gaintalents.com/blog Podcast: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast Bücher: Neu (jetzt überall zu kaufen): Die perfekte Employee Journey und Experience https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Erste Buch: Die perfekte Candidate Journey und Experience https://www.gaintalents.com/buch-die-perfekte-candidate-journey-und-experience LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansheinzwisotzky/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaintalents XING https://www.xing.com/profile/HansHeinz_Wisotzky/cv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GainTalents Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gain.talents/ Youtube https://bit.ly/2GnWMFg

Automation and AI are rewriting the rules of work, leaving CHROs grappling with a challenge to preserve humanity that fuels innovation. When technology starts moving faster than people, the real test of leadership begins. In this episode, CHRO Katie Watson shares how she's leading an AI revolution without losing the heart of business at Western Digital, a 55-year-old tech company powering the world's data. We explore how Western Digital is modernizing every corner of its workforce—from fully automated "lights-out" factories in Thailand to AI-assisted engineering and HR systems—while protecting what makes work meaningful. Katie shares how upskilling programs have helped thousands of employees transition into higher-value roles, why "AI champions" are key to driving adoption, and how human connection must remain at the center of digital change. She also discusses how HR and business leaders can govern AI responsibly, build comfort with experimentation, and help employees see technology as a collaborator rather than a threat. The tension between innovation and humanity begins as the AI takeover lingers, but the future of work isn't about choosing between people or technology, but learning how they can grow stronger together. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/   Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

As listeners would have heard previously, I attended a FinTech event which got me thinking about financial literacy and financial experiences. I've started to write some thoughts down related to that which I am posting on my Substack. You can find that at https://garycdavid.substack.com/. This post was about financial literacy as financial inclusion, and how knowledge is power especially in relation to financial decision making for oneself. I will admit this gets tricky because it can seem like the financial game at the highest levels may be for lack of a better term ‘rigged.' Financial literacy may not go very far when the game is a ‘heads you win, tails I lose' proposition. Nevertheless, it is important that people understand the nature of finance and financial decision making. FinTech in its variety of forms provides an opportunity to do this. There is a lot to explore and discuss in this realm, especially in relation to the creation of financial experiences. My guest today on Experience by Design actually has a work background in financial services. Manny Fiteni worked in wealth management and financial planning. But that's not why we talked. Rather, we talked about his work “The Mind Congruency Effect” and how it applies to leadership and more effective employee experiences. The book and his larger body of work explore how inner obstacles keep us from achieving greater potential, which is something that we can all relate to.Beyond that, we discuss how this also stops managers from more effectively managing. I've often said, “If you call people managers, that's what they'll do.” We discuss how this is not necessarily the best role for managers. Employees need to have levels of autonomy in which they can have agency and some level of authority over their work. But it is not just employees acting alone, but together toward a shared goal and purpose. This is why managers need to act more like community organizers and facilitators which bring people together.However, people in management roles are rarely if ever taught those kind of skills, and why they are important. We talk about the traits of being a high-performing leader, and what an employee-centric manager looks like. We discuss how managing is different from leading, and how the people side is more important than the technical and compliance side. We also talk about how he is creating new training and development approaches to help better prepare managers to become leaders in a more employee-centric way. And we also talk about how he was working at a bank that was robbed, and how imagining that scenario prepared him on how best to respond. Like an athlete, if you rehearse something enough times, the mind creates patterns of how best to respond. Manny Fiteni: https://mannyfiteni.com/Manny Fiteni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-fiteni-b0173637/“The Mind Congruency Effect”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mind-Congruency-Effect-Transforming-Direction/dp/1763745406/

In this episode, Peter Maddison and Dave Sharrock sit down with Josh Hill, an HR innovator who's challenging the traditional transactional approach to people management. Josh shares his unconventional journey from the Australian military to progressive HR, where he's pioneering the concept of "work as a product" at marketing agency Tier 11 and through his recruiting venture, Super Hired.Josh explains how HR teams can shift from rushing to solutions toward discovery-led approaches that treat employees as customers. He walks through real examples of iterative onboarding improvements, the importance of understanding jobs to be done in hiring, and why talent density matters more than filling seats quickly.The conversation explores compensation dynamics, the value of matchmaking over recruiting, and how small experiments can build momentum for broader HR transformation. Whether you're leading people operations or navigating organizational change, this episode offers practical insights on making HR less transactional and more intentional.Key Takeaways:Start with discovery, not solutions – Before building HR processes or solutions, take time to interview employees, understand their stories and experiences, and map out what's actually obstructing outcomes. Even 10 minutes of discovery beats rushing to a result.HR as a matching exercise, not a numbers game – Recruitment and people management generate real value when viewed as careful matchmaking between what work a company offers and what employees are looking for, rather than just transactional headcount filling.Make HR less transactional – Slow down important conversations around hiring, onboarding, and employee experience. These decisions deserve the same rigor companies apply to external product development, not just checkbox processes.

In this episode, Lauren explores onboarding as a nervous-system experience rather than paperwork. She shows how predictability, belonging, clarity, and emotional tone shape a new hire's first 30 to 90 days and influence whether they feel safe, confident, and connected.She also offers regulating structures like clear roadmaps, warm welcomes, buddy systems, and communication norms to help organizations create a more grounded onboarding experience.Sign up for the University of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited CourseLearn about the Staff Sustainability System a proven system to reduce burnout at the rootOther related resources from Five Ives: Blog Post: Why Traditional Employee Wellness Programs Fail (And What Works Instead)Survive Mode: Recognizing When Your Organization is in CrisisWhat are the Five Ives?Podcast:Policy as a Nervous SystemMeetings that Calm, Not DrainThe Regulated Organization: What it Means to be a Regulated OrganizationRetain: Sustaining Staff, Culture, and CapacityReinforce- Ensuring that Change becomes Cultural Muscle Memory  Reset: Moving from Relief to Real TransformationWhy Women in Leadership MicromanageUnderstanding Burnout & Turnover in Trauma Impacted OrganizationsThe Regulated Team: Creating Cultures that BreatheHive- The Last Stage of the Five IvesThrive- The Fourth Stage of the Five IvesStrive- The Third Stage of the Five IvesRevive- The Second Stage of the Five IvesSurvive- The First Stage of the Five IvesOur Online Programs: Behavior BreakthroughPolicing Under PressureBoard Governance TrainingUniversity of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited CourseSubscribe to our mailing list and find out more about Stress, Trauma, Behavior and the Brain!Check out our Facebook Group – Five Ives!Five Ives Website websiteThe Behavior Hub blogIf you're looking for support as you grow your organization's capacity for caring for staff and the community, we would love to be part of that journey. Schedule a free discovery call and let us be your guideAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Achtung (Werbung in eigener Sache):  Jetzt ist mein neues Buch (in Co-Produktion mit Prof. Dr. Johanna Bath): "Die perfekte Employee Journey & Experience" verfügbar: Springer: https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Amazon: https://bit.ly/44aajaP Thalia: https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1074960417 Dieses Fachbuch stellt die wichtigsten Elemente der Employee Journey vor – vom Pre-Boarding bis zum Offboarding – und erläutert, wie Verantwortliche in Unternehmen eine gelungene Employee Experience realisieren und nachhaltig verankern können.   Mein Gast: Dr. Yasemin Tahris (Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologin und Chief Experience Officer der FLOWIT AG) Dr. Yasemin Tahris ist Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologin und Chief Experience Officer der FLOWIT AG, einem Schweizer Technologieunternehmen mit Sitz in Zürich, das KI-gestützte Lösungen für Mitarbeiterfeedback und People Analytics entwickelt. Sie verbindet psychologische Forschung mit moderner Datenanalyse und ermöglicht es Unternehmen, Mitarbeiterbefragungen in über 140 Sprachen gleichzeitig durchzuführen – präzise, kulturell sensibel und datenschutzkonform. Mit ihrer Arbeit zeigt sie, wie KI dazu beitragen kann, die Stimme der Mitarbeitenden weltweit zu erfassen und Führungskräften valide Entscheidungsgrundlagen für Engagement- und Entwicklungsprogramme zu liefern.   Thema: In der GainTalents-Podcastfolge 429 habe ich mit Dr. Yasemin Tahris (Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologin und Chief Experience Officer der FLOWIT AG) darüber gesprochen, wie künstliche Intelligenz Mitarbeiterbefragungen völlig neu gestalten kann. Herzlichen Dank an Yasemin für die vielen guten Tipps zum Thema. Viel Spaß beim Reinhören!  KI-gestützte Mitarbeiterbefragungen - das ist heute möglich! Zunächst ist eine Analyse der Ist-Situation in den Unternehmen erforderlich Bei der Analyse kommen bereits ki-gestützte Chatbots für den strukturierten Aufbau der Analyse zum Einsatz hierbei werden sowohl die unterschiedlichen Sprachen als auch das Fachvokabular berücksichtigt und verstanden! Mit KI-Unterstützung kann sehr schnell und sehr tiefgehend eine Entlastung von Führungskräften im Sinne der Interaktionen erfolgen die KI hört für die Führungskräfte zu (ersetzt diese aber nicht) die KI bereitet die wichtigsten Infos von hunderten von Mitarbeitenden auf und bietet Verbesserungsvorschläge (Coaching-Hinweise) die KI agiert wie ein Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologe und geben lösungsorientiertes Feedback die KI liefert Leitfäden für kommende Teamsitzungen, etc. Die Ergebnisse aus der Befragung werden in Dashboards aufbereitet und es ist möglich mit den Dashboards zu chatten (mit KI-Chatbot, der wie ein Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologe agiert) Mindestens 10 Personen für eine Befragung und mindestens sechs Personen müssen geantwortet haben Es gibt keine Informationen zu individuellen Angaben (Datenschutz) Mögliche Ergebnisse: Reduzierung der Fluktuation um bis zu 30 Prozent Effizienzgewinne (mehr/neue Skills durch bessere Weiterbildung bei den Mitarbeitenden, Entlastung von HR) signifikant bessere Daten für den HR-Bereich (People & Culture) - inkl. Frühwarnsysteme für Fluktuation starke Interaktion mit den Mitarbeitenden zu Ergebnissen, den daraus abgeleiteten Maßnahmen und Follow-ups Alle Daten werden in Deutschland gehostet (DSGVO- und AI-Act-konform)   #PeopleAnalytics #EmployeeExperience #KI #Mitarbeiterbefragung #Diversity #NewWork #GainTalentspodcast   Shownotes Links - Dr. Yasemin Tahris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-yasemin-tahris/ Webseite: https://www.flowit.ai    Links Hans-Heinz Wisotzky:  Website: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast und https://www.gaintalents.com/blog Podcast: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast Bücher: Neu (jetzt überall zu kaufen): Die perfekte Employee Journey und Experience https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Erste Buch: Die perfekte Candidate Journey und Experience https://www.gaintalents.com/buch-die-perfekte-candidate-journey-und-experience LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansheinzwisotzky/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaintalents XING https://www.xing.com/profile/HansHeinz_Wisotzky/cv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GainTalents Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gain.talents/ Youtube https://bit.ly/2GnWMFg

Achtung (Werbung in eigener Sache):  Jetzt ist mein neues Buch (in Co-Produktion mit Prof. Dr. Johanna Bath): "Die perfekte Employee Journey & Experience" verfügbar: Springer: https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Amazon: https://bit.ly/44aajaP Thalia: https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1074960417 Dieses Fachbuch stellt die wichtigsten Elemente der Employee Journey vor – vom Pre-Boarding bis zum Offboarding – und erläutert, wie Verantwortliche in Unternehmen eine gelungene Employee Experience realisieren und nachhaltig verankern können.   Mein Gast: Dr. Yasemin Tahris (Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologin und Chief Experience Officer der FLOWIT AG) Dr. Yasemin Tahris ist Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologin und Chief Experience Officer der FLOWIT AG, einem Schweizer Technologieunternehmen mit Sitz in Zürich, das KI-gestützte Lösungen für Mitarbeiterfeedback und People Analytics entwickelt. Sie verbindet psychologische Forschung mit moderner Datenanalyse und ermöglicht es Unternehmen, Mitarbeiterbefragungen in über 140 Sprachen gleichzeitig durchzuführen – präzise, kulturell sensibel und datenschutzkonform. Mit ihrer Arbeit zeigt sie, wie KI dazu beitragen kann, die Stimme der Mitarbeitenden weltweit zu erfassen und Führungskräften valide Entscheidungsgrundlagen für Engagement- und Entwicklungsprogramme zu liefern.   Thema: In der GainTalents-Podcastfolge 429 habe ich mit Dr. Yasemin Tahris (Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologin und Chief Experience Officer der FLOWIT AG) darüber gesprochen, wie künstliche Intelligenz Mitarbeiterbefragungen völlig neu gestalten kann. Herzlichen Dank an Yasemin für die vielen guten Tipps zum Thema. Viel Spaß beim Reinhören!  KI-gestützte Mitarbeiterbefragungen - das ist heute möglich! Zunächst ist eine Analyse der Ist-Situation in den Unternehmen erforderlich Bei der Analyse kommen bereits ki-gestützte Chatbots für den strukturierten Aufbau der Analyse zum Einsatz hierbei werden sowohl die unterschiedlichen Sprachen als auch das Fachvokabular berücksichtigt und verstanden! Mit KI-Unterstützung kann sehr schnell und sehr tiefgehend eine Entlastung von Führungskräften im Sinne der Interaktionen erfolgen die KI hört für die Führungskräfte zu (ersetzt diese aber nicht) die KI bereitet die wichtigsten Infos von hunderten von Mitarbeitenden auf und bietet Verbesserungsvorschläge (Coaching-Hinweise) die KI agiert wie ein Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologe und geben lösungsorientiertes Feedback die KI liefert Leitfäden für kommende Teamsitzungen, etc. Die Ergebnisse aus der Befragung werden in Dashboards aufbereitet und es ist möglich mit den Dashboards zu chatten (mit KI-Chatbot, der wie ein Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologe agiert) Mindestens 10 Personen für eine Befragung und mindestens sechs Personen müssen geantwortet haben Es gibt keine Informationen zu individuellen Angaben (Datenschutz) Mögliche Ergebnisse: Reduzierung der Fluktuation um bis zu 30 Prozent Effizienzgewinne (mehr/neue Skills durch bessere Weiterbildung bei den Mitarbeitenden, Entlastung von HR) signifikant bessere Daten für den HR-Bereich (People & Culture) - inkl. Frühwarnsysteme für Fluktuation starke Interaktion mit den Mitarbeitenden zu Ergebnissen, den daraus abgeleiteten Maßnahmen und Follow-ups Alle Daten werden in Deutschland gehostet (DSGVO- und AI-Act-konform)   #PeopleAnalytics #EmployeeExperience #KI #Mitarbeiterbefragung #Diversity #NewWork #GainTalentspodcast   Shownotes Links - Dr. Yasemin Tahris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-yasemin-tahris/ Webseite: https://www.flowit.ai    Links Hans-Heinz Wisotzky:  Website: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast und https://www.gaintalents.com/blog Podcast: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast Bücher: Neu (jetzt überall zu kaufen): Die perfekte Employee Journey und Experience https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Erste Buch: Die perfekte Candidate Journey und Experience https://www.gaintalents.com/buch-die-perfekte-candidate-journey-und-experience LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansheinzwisotzky/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaintalents XING https://www.xing.com/profile/HansHeinz_Wisotzky/cv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GainTalents Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gain.talents/ Youtube https://bit.ly/2GnWMFg

While technology is transforming work, the real competitive advantage lies in human curiosity, creativity, and connection—because AI can optimize efficiency, but only people can create joy. In this episode, Deborah Borg, Chief People and Culture Officer at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), joins us to explore how one of the world's most innovative companies is reimagining talent strategy through the fusion of AI, analytics, and human creativity. Deborah shares how IFF—home to the scents, flavors, and enzymes found in everyday products—builds its people strategy around both science and soul. She walks through the entire talent lifecycle, from AI-assisted recruiting and predictive analytics in engagement to apprenticeship-based mentoring for niche roles like perfumers and scientists. The conversation unpacks how IFF balances technology with human judgment, ensuring cultural fit and creativity remain central as AI accelerates hiring and decision-making. Deborah also reveals how IFF's cross-functional AI Council governs innovation responsibly, enabling experimentation without losing the human touch. ------------ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/   Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

November 26, 2025: Today's episode breaks down six major stories shaping the future of work: Clifford Chance cuts 10% of business services roles, HP slashes up to 6,000 jobs as it embeds AI, a new survey shows worker anxiety at record highs, McKinsey says humans and AI agents will work side-by-side, new UK data warns 3 million low-skilled jobs could vanish by 2035, and a Las Vegas report predicts up to 95% of hospitality jobs may be automated. I unpack what these signals mean for leaders navigating AI disruption, workforce redesign, and the changing psychology of work.   ---------- Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXlaws.com

Send us a MessageIn this episode of Culture Change RX, Sue Tetzlaff explores the role of the medical staff in becoming the provider of choice through cultural transformation. She emphasizes that while medical staff engagement is crucial, the primary focus should be on creating systems that enhance the providers, staff, and patient experiences. By addressing workplace culture and improving communication, hospitals can create a positive environment that benefits both providers and patients. Sue outlines Capstone's approach to guiding hospitals through this transformation, highlighting the need for a structured framework that allows providers to focus on patient care without the burden of systemic dysfunction.Cultural transformation enhances the provider experience.Providers and patients benefit significantly from cultural changes.A positive work environment leads to better patient care.Retention rates improve with a positive culture.Word of mouth among providers can attract talent.Capstone provides a structured approach to transformation.We're stepping forward in a bigger way—growing our team of rural healthcare experts, growing our capabilities by adding a strategic planning division … all of this so we can expand our ability to help even more rural hospitals and other small healthcare organizations in 2026. … We'd love to explore how we can support your organization in being the provider- and employer-of-choice so you can keep care local and margins strong! Learn more at CaptoneLeadership.netHi! I'm Sue Tetzlaff. I'm a culture and execution strategist for small and rural healthcare organizations - helping them to be the provider and employer-of-choice so they can keep care local and margins strong.For decades, I've worked with healthcare organizations to navigate the people-side of healthcare, the part that can make or break your results. What I've learned is this: culture is not a soft thing. It's the hardest thing, and it determines everything.When you're ready to take your culture to the next level, here are three ways I can help you:1. Listen to the Culture Change RX PodcastEvery week, I share conversations with leaders who are transforming healthcare workplaces and strategies for keeping teams engaged, patients loyal, and margins healthy. 2. Subscribe to our Email NewsletterGet practical tips, frameworks, and leadership tools delivered right to your inbox—plus exclusive content you won't find on the podcast.

November 25, 2025: Fast Company reports that on-site workers are experiencing significantly worse "Sunday Scaries" than remote employees. The Wall Street Journal highlights how the U.S. economy is becoming increasingly dependent on corporate AI spending. Fortune features Slack's cofounder warning that employees are drowning in "fake work" that looks productive but delivers little value. Amazon's latest layoffs are tied directly to automation and robotics. The WSJ outlines the next wave of office design focused on biophilic spaces, flexible collaboration zones, and personalized climate control. And Moderna has merged its technology and HR departments, creating a unified workforce systems model that signals a major structural shift in how organizations will operate in the AI era.   ---------- Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXlaws.com

Achtung (Werbung in eigener Sache):  Jetzt mein neues Buch (in Co-Produktion mit Prof. Dr. Johanna Bath): "Die perfekte Employee Journey & Experience" kaufen (Lieferung im Oktober 2025): Springer: https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Amazon: https://bit.ly/44aajaP Thalia: https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1074960417 Dieses Fachbuch stellt die wichtigsten Elemente der Employee Journey vor – vom Pre-Boarding bis zum Offboarding – und erläutert, wie Verantwortliche in Unternehmen eine gelungene Employee Experience realisieren und nachhaltig verankern können.   Mein Gast: Katharina Gillessen (Psychologin, Unternehmerin und Gründerin von EMPWR People) Katharina Gillessen ist Psychologin, Unternehmerin und Gründerin von EMPWR People | Institute for Development and Personal Growth. Als Spezialistin für Leadership, Kompetenzmanagement und Mental Health begleitet Katharina seit über zehn Jahren Unternehmen dabei, Menschen und Organisationen nachhaltig zu entwickeln. Mit EMPWR People hat sie sich auf Personaldiagnostik und mentale Gesundheit spezialisiert – zwei Themen, die sie mit wissenschaftlicher Tiefe, Empathie und Innovationsgeist verbindet. Aktuell arbeitet Katharina an nichts Geringerem als einer Revolution im Bereich Mental Health, denn sie ist Teil der Entwicklung von NAIA, dem weltweit ersten AI Mental Health Coach, der Menschen dabei unterstützt, Stress zu bewältigen, emotionale Intelligenz zu stärken und gesünder zu führen. Katharina steht für einen neuen Blick auf Leadership und Personalentwicklung – evidenzbasiert, empathisch und zukunftsorientiert. Thema: Mit Katharina Gillessen (Psychologin, Unternehmerin und Gründerin von EMPWR People) habe ich in der GainTalents-Podcastfolge 428 darüber gesprochen, wie der Einsatz von KI-basierter Personaldiagnostik im Bereich mentaler Gesundheit unterstützen kann. Herzlichen Dank an Katharina für die vielen guten Tipps zum Thema. Viel Spaß beim Reinhören!  Personaldiagnostik und mentale Gesundheit? Stresserleben sollte gemessen und bewertet werden. Klassische Warnsignale sind: Mitarbeitende fühlen sich nicht sehr verbunden mit dem Unternehmen (bin ich nur eine Nummer oder leiste ich einen Beitrag) Wertschätzung und Feedback dazu Relief-Analyse mit Fokus auf: soziale Prägung, Motivatoren und psychologische Grundbedürtnisse und deren Ausprägungen in Stress-Situationen)  Innere Antreiber können analysiert werden (emotionale und kognitive Antreiber) Stress-Index wird gemessen (wo steht die Person aktuell eigentlich) Coping-Strategien sollten präventiv in Unternehmen entwickelt werden (Bewältigungsstrategien, die Menschen nutzen, um mit Stress, schwierigen Situationen oder Krisen umzugehen) Ergebnisse der letzten Jahre zeigen, dass ca. 15% aller Mitarbeitenden Stress während der Arbeit empfinden und ca. 5 % aller Mitarbeitenden benötigen eigentlich sofort eine Maßnahme, um die mentale Gesundheit zu stabilisieren Bevor sich Unternehmen dazu entscheiden, in das Thema mentale Gesundheit tiefer einzusteigen, ist es sehr wichtig, dass das Unternehmen eine Strategie für Prävention und Reaktion im Vorfeld entwickelt hat Wie können sich Unternehmen heute diesbezüglich Unterstützung holen? heute gibt es virtuelle KI-basierte Assistenten (NAIA), die dabei tiefgehend unterstützen können NAIA erstellt Fragen und interpretiert die Antworten und liefert die Ergebnisse den Mitarbeitenden Mit Voice, Chat oder Video kann ich mit NAIA interagieren und mir konkrete Hilfestellungen abholen sämtliche personenbezogenen Daten werden natürlich anonymisiert und dsgvo-konform behandelt #Personaldiagnostik #Mentalegesundheit #Talententwicklung #Leadership #PsychologischeSicherheit #Führung #GesundeUnternehmenskultur #GainTalentspodcast Shownotes Links - Katharina Gillessen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharina-gillessen-1934b6140/ Webseite: https://empwr-people.de/  Der KI Mental Health Coach: https://www.naia.coach    Links Hans-Heinz Wisotzky:  Website: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast und https://www.gaintalents.com/blog Podcast: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast Bücher: Neu (jetzt überall zu kaufen): Die perfekte Employee Journey und Experience https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Erste Buch: Die perfekte Candidate Journey und Experience https://www.gaintalents.com/buch-die-perfekte-candidate-journey-und-experience   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansheinzwisotzky/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaintalents XING https://www.xing.com/profile/HansHeinz_Wisotzky/cv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GainTalents Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gain.talents/ Youtube https://bit.ly/2GnWMFg

Achtung (Werbung in eigener Sache):  Jetzt mein neues Buch (in Co-Produktion mit Prof. Dr. Johanna Bath): "Die perfekte Employee Journey & Experience" kaufen (Lieferung im Oktober 2025): Springer: https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Amazon: https://bit.ly/44aajaP Thalia: https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1074960417 Dieses Fachbuch stellt die wichtigsten Elemente der Employee Journey vor – vom Pre-Boarding bis zum Offboarding – und erläutert, wie Verantwortliche in Unternehmen eine gelungene Employee Experience realisieren und nachhaltig verankern können.   Mein Gast: Katharina Gillessen (Psychologin, Unternehmerin und Gründerin von EMPWR People) Katharina Gillessen ist Psychologin, Unternehmerin und Gründerin von EMPWR People | Institute for Development and Personal Growth. Als Spezialistin für Leadership, Kompetenzmanagement und Mental Health begleitet Katharina seit über zehn Jahren Unternehmen dabei, Menschen und Organisationen nachhaltig zu entwickeln. Mit EMPWR People hat sie sich auf Personaldiagnostik und mentale Gesundheit spezialisiert – zwei Themen, die sie mit wissenschaftlicher Tiefe, Empathie und Innovationsgeist verbindet. Aktuell arbeitet Katharina an nichts Geringerem als einer Revolution im Bereich Mental Health, denn sie ist Teil der Entwicklung von NAIA, dem weltweit ersten AI Mental Health Coach, der Menschen dabei unterstützt, Stress zu bewältigen, emotionale Intelligenz zu stärken und gesünder zu führen. Katharina steht für einen neuen Blick auf Leadership und Personalentwicklung – evidenzbasiert, empathisch und zukunftsorientiert. Thema: Mit Katharina Gillessen (Psychologin, Unternehmerin und Gründerin von EMPWR People) habe ich in der GainTalents-Podcastfolge 428 darüber gesprochen, wie der Einsatz von KI-basierter Personaldiagnostik im Bereich mentaler Gesundheit unterstützen kann. Herzlichen Dank an Katharina für die vielen guten Tipps zum Thema. Viel Spaß beim Reinhören!  Personaldiagnostik und mentale Gesundheit? Stresserleben sollte gemessen und bewertet werden. Klassische Warnsignale sind: Mitarbeitende fühlen sich nicht sehr verbunden mit dem Unternehmen (bin ich nur eine Nummer oder leiste ich einen Beitrag) Wertschätzung und Feedback dazu Relief-Analyse mit Fokus auf: soziale Prägung, Motivatoren und psychologische Grundbedürtnisse und deren Ausprägungen in Stress-Situationen)  Innere Antreiber können analysiert werden (emotionale und kognitive Antreiber) Stress-Index wird gemessen (wo steht die Person aktuell eigentlich) Coping-Strategien sollten präventiv in Unternehmen entwickelt werden (Bewältigungsstrategien, die Menschen nutzen, um mit Stress, schwierigen Situationen oder Krisen umzugehen) Ergebnisse der letzten Jahre zeigen, dass ca. 15% aller Mitarbeitenden Stress während der Arbeit empfinden und ca. 5 % aller Mitarbeitenden benötigen eigentlich sofort eine Maßnahme, um die mentale Gesundheit zu stabilisieren Bevor sich Unternehmen dazu entscheiden, in das Thema mentale Gesundheit tiefer einzusteigen, ist es sehr wichtig, dass das Unternehmen eine Strategie für Prävention und Reaktion im Vorfeld entwickelt hat Wie können sich Unternehmen heute diesbezüglich Unterstützung holen? heute gibt es virtuelle KI-basierte Assistenten (NAIA), die dabei tiefgehend unterstützen können NAIA erstellt Fragen und interpretiert die Antworten und liefert die Ergebnisse den Mitarbeitenden Mit Voice, Chat oder Video kann ich mit NAIA interagieren und mir konkrete Hilfestellungen abholen sämtliche personenbezogenen Daten werden natürlich anonymisiert und dsgvo-konform behandelt #Personaldiagnostik #Mentalegesundheit #Talententwicklung #Leadership #PsychologischeSicherheit #Führung #GesundeUnternehmenskultur #GainTalentspodcast Shownotes Links - Katharina Gillessen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharina-gillessen-1934b6140/ Webseite: https://empwr-people.de/  Der KI Mental Health Coach: https://www.naia.coach    Links Hans-Heinz Wisotzky:  Website: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast und https://www.gaintalents.com/blog Podcast: https://www.gaintalents.com/podcast Bücher: Neu (jetzt überall zu kaufen): Die perfekte Employee Journey und Experience https://link.springer.com/book/9783662714195 Erste Buch: Die perfekte Candidate Journey und Experience https://www.gaintalents.com/buch-die-perfekte-candidate-journey-und-experience   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansheinzwisotzky/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaintalents XING https://www.xing.com/profile/HansHeinz_Wisotzky/cv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GainTalents Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gain.talents/ Youtube https://bit.ly/2GnWMFg

When a leader reaches the top, the climb doesn't stop, it just changes shape. The real challenge isn't getting to the corner office, it's knowing how to stay relevant, resilient, and ready for what's next. The best CEOs don't just lead well once; they lead well through change, mastering the cycles of their own growth. In this episode, I sit down with Kurt Strovink, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Global Head of McKinsey's CEO Practice, to break down the cyclical nature of leadership from his book A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership. Drawing from research on 200 high-performing CEOs, we explore the four seasons of leadership—stepping up, starting strong, staying ahead, and sending it forward—and what distinguishes those who sustain excellence over time. We dive into how cognitive diversity strengthens decision-making, servant leadership keeps power grounded in purpose, and renewal strategies prevent success from breeding complacency. We also explore how great CEOs develop resilience under pressure and create leadership factories that outlast them. This episode offers CHROs a playbook to help leaders evolve through every phase of their journey, and build organizations capable of thriving through every season of change. ------------ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Looking for what actually moves the needle on performance and retention? It's in The 8 Laws of Employee Experience. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

In this From the Vault episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jenny do Forno, Chief People Officer at TouchBistro, to explore how curiosity, courage, and authenticity define modern leadership. Jenny shares her inspiring journey from executive search to startup builder to venture advisor, offering hard-won lessons from 25 years of helping founders scale with purpose. As someone who's helped launch companies from napkin sketches to successful exits, she reveals what makes great leaders, why culture must be built early, and how authenticity and communication can transform a business from the inside out. Together, they unpack the emotional highs and lows of startup life, how to lead through uncertainty, and the importance of saying “yes” to growth even when you're not fully ready. You'll hear about: Curiosity as a compass: How following her questions, not a plan, shaped Jenny's 25-year career in people and culture. The courage to say yes: Why leaning into challenge matters more than waiting until you're “ready.” The founder's formula: What separates successful startup teams from the rest and how self-awareness plays a vital role. The human side of scaling: Why alignment, communication, and connection are every company's secret weapons. Hiring with intention: How early people strategy can accelerate growth and prevent culture debt. Ego vs. conviction: How great founders balance strong beliefs with humility and collaboration. Authentic leadership: Why clarity is kindness and being yourself is the real competitive advantage. The future of workplace wellness: How benefits, belonging, and flexibility will shape the next era of people strategy. Mentorship and legacy: How sharing wisdom and lifting others creates lasting ripple effects in leadership. We talk about: 00:00 Introduction 03:00 The accidental path into people and culture 06:00 Learning to say yes and leading with curiosity 09:00 Lessons from building Nest Wealth from scratch 12:00 From venture capital to TouchBistro: redefining success 15:00 The patterns that define great founders and teams 18:00 Why startups should invest in people and culture early 23:00 How HR shapes growth and alignment 28:00 The role of communication in scaling companies 33:00 Ego, conviction, and collaboration in leadership 37:00 Authenticity and the importance of showing up as yourself 44:00 Rethinking benefits and wellness for a modern workforce 49:00 How strong cultures drive belonging and retention 50:00 Legacy and impact: mentoring future founders Connect with Jenny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennydoforno/ TouchBistro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchbistro/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/touchbistro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touch_bistro/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TouchBistroiPadPOS/ Website: https://www.touchbistro.com/ Connect with Us LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Novemner 18, 2025:  Today's episode breaks down seven of the most important stories shaping the future of work. We explore why AI adoption is stalling inside organizations—and why companies are turning to internal influencers to drive real behavior change. We look at the surge in "ghost job" postings that are distorting the labor market and frustrating job seekers, and we explore the surprising history of the 40-hour workweek and whether it still makes sense in the age of AI. Next, we dive into brand-new data from Glassdoor's Worklife Trends 2026 report, which reveals rising distrust in leadership, declining career visibility, and how early-career workers are reshaping expectations. We also unpack a Guardian story showing that criticism of Gen Z is nothing new—it's a historical pattern that repeats in every era of disruption. We then examine why Big Tech companies are cutting jobs despite record profits and record AI investment, and we close with an Inc. story about an "AI error" that turned out to be human error—a reminder that the biggest risks of automation come from governance, not algorithms. If you want to understand the signals, trends, and shifts reshaping the future of work, this episode connects all the dots. Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: https://bit.ly/8exlaws  

Employee Experience expert Dr. Nicole Boyko joins Nadia and Rob to share how companies are working to understand belonging now, how she helps leaders see themselves in survey results, and why companies have to listen to employees continuously. Nadia and Rob also break down a Mercer report on how leaders are missing the mark in AI communications and highlight an NBA executive's risky move that ended in disaster. Later, Nadia rants about the darker side of the rhetoric around Zohran Mamdani's election victory, and Rob sends Veteran's Day best wishes.Articles referenced in the show:https://www.hrdive.com/news/leadership-vacuum-prompts-ai-anxiety-at-work/805113/https://www.wsj.com/sports/basketball/nico-harrison-dallas-mavericks-fired-luka-doncic-trade-ea81e8e7?mod=sports_lead_pos2Find season 5 episode transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bP3N6QYBG0UkzdRm5GwiFfoQLvGtIRrK?usp=sharing  Connect with us: Visit www.nazconsultants.com to learn more about Dr. Nadia Butt's work in leadership, culture, and organizational effectiveness, and check out http://www.tekanoconsulting.com/ to explore Rob Hadley's approach to data-driven inclusive strategy.

Dropbox didn't just adapt to remote work. It redesigned work itself. After the pandemic, Melanie Rosenwasser and her team joined forces with Dropbox's designers to study how people actually work and what they need to do their best thinking. Backed by data, they made the leap to their Virtual First operating model in which the vast majority of the workforce is remote and physical spaces are used primarily for planned team events. In this episode, Dart and Melanie explore how Dropbox leadership supported the move to work-as-a-product, how design thinking has fundamentally reshaped the people function, and what it takes to build human-centered systems at scale.Melanie Rosenwasser is the Chief People Officer at Dropbox and a key architect of its Virtual First model. She focuses on designing human-centered, high-impact ways of working.In this episode, Dart and Melanie discuss:- How Dropbox rebuilt its operating model- Why most companies misunderstand remote and hybrid work- The principles behind Virtual First- What happens when HR behaves like a product team- How clarity, norms, and intentionality replace meetings- The experiments that changed how Dropbox collaborates- How leadership transforms in a remote-forward world- Why work must be designed, not assumed- And other topics…Melanie Rosenwasser is the Chief People Officer at Dropbox, where she leads the global HR organization spanning People Operations and Tech, Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, Learning and Organizational Development, People Analytics, and Employee Experience. She is known for championing innovative talent practices, cultivating continuous learning cultures, and designing workplaces where people can do their best work. Melanie is a lecturer in Columbia University's Human Capital Management program and a key architect of Dropbox's Virtual First model.Resources Mentioned:Virtual First: https://experience.dropbox.com/virtualfirst Dropbox blog, Work in Progress: https://blog.dropbox.com/Connect with Melanie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanierosenwasser/ Work with Dart:Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what's most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.

Scaling SaaS in 2026: AI, Talent, and the Future of People Operations is becoming a core focus for growing B2B companies as AI reshapes how teams work, how customers buy, and how leaders build the next generation of SaaS organizations. In this episode of the Grow Your B2B SaaS podcast, recorded live at SaaS Summit Benelux in Amsterdam, host Joran speaks with Hotske Wesselius about how AI will reshape scaling in 2026. With a background in marketing and a career shift into people and talent acquisition, Hotske supports SaaS companies in hiring and retaining top talent. Their discussion explores how AI is changing the buyer journey, customer success, people management, culture, team structures, search behavior, partnerships, go to market strategies, efficiency, and the overall pace of competition. The theme is consistent. AI will not remove the need for people, but it will transform how teams work, what skills matter, and how leaders manage and support their organizations. The episode also offers advice for founders at various revenue stages and the mindset shifts needed to thrive in a fast changing environment.Key Timecodes(0:00) – AI Breakthrough Intro: B2B SaaS in 2026, Scaling, Buyer Journey, Customer Success, People Leadership(0:47) – Talent Secrets: Hotske Wesselius on Marketing, Recruiting, Hiring Top SaaS Talent(1:12) – Scaling Revolution: What Will Separate Winning B2B SaaS in 2026 (AI-Driven Orgs)(1:26) – Skill Upgrade: New Capabilities for the AI Era — Agents, Enablement, Leadership(2:13) – Buyer Shift: AI Search, Findability, and Customer Support Automation(3:11) – Data Reality Check: People Analytics Built on Engagement + Results(3:33) – Automation Wave: Headcount vs AI, Cognitive Tasks, Reporting, AI “Brain” Roles(4:31) – Human-in-the-Loop: Training, Building, and Governing AI Inside SaaS Companies(4:52) – Culture Reset: Designing Strong Company Culture in the Age of AI(5:29) – AI-First Shift: Changing Mindset at Scale (Miro Example)(5:56) – Leadership Hack: Using ChatGPT for Feedback, Tone, and Empathetic Communication(7:03) – Hyper-Personalization: Tailoring Communication via Personality Types (DISC)(7:44) – Empathy Engine: How AI Improves Manager Communication & Employee Experience(8:15) – Pro Tip: Use AI as Your Personal Empathy Coach(8:29) – Sponsor Spotlight: Reditus — B2B SaaS Affiliate & Referral Growth(9:25) – Efficiency Mode: Growing Fast in 2026 with AI Automation

Growth tests the soul of every organization. As companies expand, consistency often replaces compassion—but CAVA proves you can scale without losing humanity. With 400 restaurants and 12,000 team members, CAVA has built a culture that's as grounded as it is consistent through a people framework rooted in heart, health, and humanity. In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Costanza, Chief People Officer of CAVA, to unpack exactly how they've done it—diving into their MVC framework (Mission, Values, and Competencies) that turns ideals into action. We explore their recognition systems like MVC Awards and Value Cards, the CCT Program that trains leaders as culture coaches, and Impact Plans that replace performance reviews with real-time growth. Kelly also shares how CAVA brings connection to life through the Love Button and Allies in Motion (AIM) programs, integrates culture across the employee lifecycle, and balances AI innovation with human warmth. This episode offers every CHRO a practical look at how to bring values to life, connect them to performance, and make culture come alive. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

Uber moves more than 36 million trips a day, a scale that would overwhelm most systems. But as AI reshapes every corner of business, even a tech giant like Uber must evolve faster than ever. The real question is, how do you lead an organization this massive through an AI revolution without losing reliability, human connection, or trust? In this episode, I sit down with Praveen Neppalli Naga, Uber's Chief Technology Officer for Mobility and Delivery, to explore the leadership blueprint driving Uber's AI-powered transformation. He shares how Uber is transforming its software engineering systems using tools like Cursor and agentic AI workflows, integrating machine learning into real-time marketplace technology, and balancing automation with human oversight to avoid what he calls "AI slop." We also dive into how his teams are preparing for autonomous vehicles, managing global scale across 36 million daily trips, and rethinking the engineering culture to adopt AI responsibly and sustainably. For CHROs, this episode reveals how to lead large-scale transformation by aligning people, technology, and purpose, and how to build a culture where AI doesn't replace human capability, but amplifies it.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

We're re-releasing our very first episode of 2025 for a special reason - author Tiffani Bova was keynote speaker at this week's Grand Summit Conference in Seattle!  When Colin and I discussed "The Experience Mindset" at the start of this year, we had no idea she'd soon be joining us to explore our conference theme: "The Intersection of Leadership & Technology." Her insights on how Customer Experience and Employee Experience are intricately intertwined made this the perfect way to kick off the Summit, examining why companies that excel in both areas achieve true growth and success.Today's Podcast is brought to you by PaintScout. 

190: What does Formula One teach us about being an exceptional executive assistant and strategic partner at the top level? In this inspiring episode, Nicole Bearne shares her journey from supporting one of Formula One's most respected leaders to becoming a communications expert and business founder. She takes us behind the paddock doors to reveal what it's really like to work alongside Ross Brawn, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton—where every second counts and preparation is everything. You'll discover how executive support plays a crucial role in leadership success, team communication, and resilience under pressure. Nicole also talks about reinventing herself, building The Comms Exchange, and empowering others to grow from EA to leadership roles. Plus, she discusses her mission to inspire more women to join motorsport through programs like Girls on Track and the F1 Academy. This episode is a masterclass in confidence, communication, and career evolution—for anyone ready to bring Formula One focus into their executive support role. --- About the Guest: Nicole Bearne has been at the forefront of Formula 1 motor racing for over 25 years, winning 9 World Championships with the Brawn Grand Prix and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 teams. Her extensive motorsport experience includes executive and technical operations, Internal Communications, Employee Experience and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of Motorsport UK, the governing body of four-wheel motorsport in the UK. Nicole now leads The Comms Exchange, leveraging her F1 business experience and academic knowledge to help organisations build high-performing, people-centric cultures. She also runs 1-day workshops on Internal & Leadership Communication for EAs, PAs and Business Support professionals. Nicole holds a Master's degree in Organisational Behaviour and a CIPR Diploma in Internal Communication. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Communication, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (MCIPR) and an Accredited PR Practitioner. Nicole is frequently invited to speak at Internal Communications, Employee Experience, Leadership and HR conferences in the UK, USA and Europe. Links:

The conversation explores the evolving dynamics of the workplace in the context of AI and automation, highlighting the increasing impersonal nature of employee experiences during onboarding and offboarding. It emphasizes the need for individuals to prioritize their own well-being and loyalty to themselves, rather than solely to their employers.

AI isn't coming — it's already here, and it's flipping the script on how we hire, manage, and work across the globe. In this episode, I sit down with Laura Maffucci, VP of HR at Globalization Partners (G-P), to break down how AI is reshaping everything from recruiting to compliance—and what it really means for people on both sides of the hiring table. We talk about the good, the bad, and the “uh-oh” moments of bringing AI into the workplace. Is it making hiring fairer or just faster? Can we trust it to make big decisions? And what happens when employees start wondering if the robots are coming for their jobs?

Bonnie Tinder is the founder and CEO of Raven Intelligence, an independent B2B peer review site that amplifies the voice of the customer. She focuses on software customers, consulting partners, and software vendors and helps identify the best partners for their needs. In this episode, she shares powerful insights from leading organizations on how AI is being used not to replace employees, but to enhance experiences, streamline operations, and drive better business outcomes through purpose-driven, human-centered deployment strategies.Episode 56 | Human-Centered AI StrategiesThe Big Themes:Augments, Not Replaces Humans: AI should enhance the human experience, not eliminate it. Real-world examples, such as Marriott's use of AI to improve the check-in process, demonstrate that AI can remove operational friction and allow frontline staff to focus on hospitality and customer engagement. In the energy sector, utilities are embedding AI into safety systems to make work more accurate and proactive. These examples show that the most successful AI deployments begin by identifying pain points in human workflows.Cultural Readiness Is Crucial for AI Success: AI adoption is not just a technical project; it is a cultural transformation. Multiple examples made it clear that even the most advanced tools can fail without the right introduction. One university CHRO compared AI implementation to sneaking vegetables into meals. By avoiding technical jargon and focusing on small improvements, they saw stronger adoption. People often resist what they do not understand, especially when it feels like a threat. Leaders who frame AI as a tool for reducing stress, reclaiming time, and increasing impact are more likely to succeed.AI Should Start with Outcomes: Real AI value begins with the business goal, not the technology itself. Companies that succeed with AI are the ones that begin by identifying the result they want to achieve. Whether it's streamlining hotel check-ins, reducing safety risks in energy infrastructure, or accelerating clinical breakthroughs, effective strategies start with specific problems. These companies ask their teams where the friction lies, and then choose tools to fix those issues. This is a shift from a technology-first mindset to an outcome-first mindset.The Big Quote: “I hope you know business people will all start to get to the point of like, yes, the nature of work is going to change. But AI is not going to spell doom and gloom for every worker on Earth. It's going to give many, many, many of them an opportunity to do better things." Visit Cloud Wars for more.

BONUS - The Retail Razor: Data Blades Season 2 TrailerData Blades Returns: AI, CX, and Retail Media for Executive Leaders Welcome to a special cross-release of the Season 2 trailer for The Retail Razor: Data Blades—the podcast that slices through complex retail research to deliver sharp, actionable insights and retail strategies for executive leaders in the AI era.  In Season 1, we cut through the clutter with data-backed insights to identify strategies for:Inflation's uneven impact across age groups—where seniors felt the pinch more than younger shoppers.Shifting shopping habits—like 74% of consumers using lists to control spending.The power of values in loyalty—with 77% of consumers saying brand values matter more than discounts.Self-checkout and employee experience—where well-informed store teams drove a 27% increase in average spend. Now in Season 2, we're going deeper. Hosts Ricardo Belmar, RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert & NRF 2025 Retail Voice, and Casey Golden, RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert, preview what's ahead:Exclusive insights from TruRating and top retail analysts to hone your data-driven retail strategies.A focus on three pillars: Customer Experience, Retail Media, and Employee Experience.How AI is reshaping retail strategy—from predictive personalization to AI-powered workforce tools.Revisiting themes of trust, transparency, and loyalty with fresh data and new perspectives. If you're a VP, CMO, COO, or CEO in retail looking to make smarter, data-driven decisions for AI-first retail strategies, this is your podcast. Subscribe now in your favorite podcast player and stay ahead of the curve with insights that drive conversion, loyalty, and operational excellence.New episodes drop starting tomorrow!

Some hospitality experiences are so bad, they could star in their own horror movie. In this Halloween special, we pull back the cobwebs on the five scariest mistakes that haunt businesses everywhere - from ghosted guests and zombie employees to haunted processes and cursed consistency. Discover how to bring your hospitality back from the dead by re-engaging your team, simplifying your service, and designing customer journeys that delight instead of frighten. Whether you lead a restaurant, event venue, university department, call center, small business, or front-line service team, these lessons will help you keep your experiences alive - and your guests coming back for more. Key Takeaways: How to spot (and fix) “ghosted guest” moments in your business The real cost of zombie-level employee engagement Why friction is the true monster haunting your processes How to create consistency that builds trust Ways to redesign the customer journey from hell into something better Don't let your service become a horror story - tune in and learn how to keep your hospitality far from haunted.   Subscribe, drop 5 stars, and share this episode to help more leaders bring passion and purpose to their organizations.   Links & Resources:

In this episode of the ServiceNow Executive Circle Podcast, Jacqueline McGirr, VP of Global Change & Employee Experience at Kerry Group, shares her journey and insights on transforming HR service delivery through technology, automation, and AI. Drawing from over two decades at Kerry, Jackie discusses the evolution of their Global Business Services (GBS) model, the importance of integrating IT and HR functions, and how they're using platforms like ServiceNow to streamline and enhance employee experiences globally. Jackie also reflects on the role of AI in enabling more human-centred support—balancing automation with empathy, upskilling employees for the future, and preparing for agentic AI. She highlights Kerry’s forward-looking approach, including their newly formed AI Governance Forum and how GBS can evolve from a transactional hub to a strategic engine room for innovation and operational excellence. If you’ve got an idea for a topic, would like to propose a guest for the show or discuss any of the points raised in this episode with a ServiceNow representative, just send an email to executivecircleuki@servicenow.com And if you are not already an EXECUTIVE CIRCLE member and would like to learn more about our exclusive membership and all the benefits it brings, please visit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 20, 2025: In this episode of Future Ready Today, Jacob Morgan breaks down five major stories that show how leadership, learning, and loyalty are being redefined in real time. Korn Ferry reports that 79% of employees say their job isn't what they were promised, revealing a growing gap between expectations and reality. Business Insider finds that white-collar professionals now value employer loyalty more than higher pay, signaling a deeper cultural shift in what workers want from companies. Another Business Insider story by Amanda Hoover explores the rise of “vibe working,” where AI tools reshape how we create, collaborate, and code — but also remind us that real innovation still requires human skill and judgment. Meanwhile, SHRM's State of Recruiting 2025 shows that 69% of organizations are struggling to fill full-time roles, turning hiring into the first real test of the employee experience. And according to Forbes, education systems are falling behind as AI redefines work, leaving both schools and companies scrambling to keep people future ready. Together, these stories reveal a new reality: transparency replaces stability, loyalty outweighs pay, and learning becomes the ultimate competitive edge.

This week on the Power of Owning Your Career Podcast, host Simone Morris welcomes Fadjanie Cadet, seasoned HR and inclusion strategist, author of "In First Place," and self-proclaimed Chief Change Experience Officer. Fadjanie's remarkable journey—from her upbringing as a first-generation Haitian American to leading talent engagement and culture transformation at top companies—offers essential lessons for those ready to take the wheel in their professional lives. Join Simone and Fajani for a heartfelt and practical conversation brimming with actionable tips. Fadjanie discusses how she pivoted away from traditional career paths, navigated tough decisions during life changes, and rebuilt trust in herself at pivotal moments. She reveals her three-part formula for career growth—combining hard work, visibility, self-advocacy, and a supportive community—with practical guidance like making a list of pivotal career moments, reflecting on their impacts, and anchoring yourself in your core values. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Fadjanie's book: In First Place (for first-generation professionals) Connecting with mentors and sponsors for career advice Leveraging community support—balanced by discernment The importance of self-reflective exercises, including core values inventories This episode will help you redefine success, balance gratitude with ambition, and view risk as a positive investment. Whether you're a first-gen professional, an inclusion advocate, or simply seeking a career refresh, Fajani's practical strategies and bold stories will inspire you to step into the driver's seat. Learn More & Get Involved: Connect with host Simone E. Morris: LinkedIn Apply or recommend a guest: Become a Guest on the Show Looking for career support or resources from Simone? Visit 52 Tips for Owning Your Career Connect with Fadjanie Cadet: Meet the CXO: Website Fadjanie Cadet on LinkedIn Follow & Subscribe: Follow us on social @simonemorrisent for updates and career tips! Subscribe for more inspiring guests and actionable career episodes.

Friday October 17, 2025: In this episode of Future Ready Today... The Wall Street Journal reports that SHRM's invitation to anti-DEI speaker Robby Starbuck triggered outrage across HR circles. Jacob explains why boycotting the event might reveal more about HR's fragility than its values. Then, a Times of India report shows nearly half of U.S. employees are secretly using AI tools at work — a growing “shadow AI” movement that exposes weak leadership and poor communication. Reuters highlights how Citigroup's AI copilots now save 100,000 hours per week, while Unleash.ai and Gallup reveal deep workforce divides: only one in three workers feel future-ready and just 40% have a “quality job.” Finally, HR Canada Magazine finds that Gen Z workers feel more comfortable talking to ChatGPT than coworkers — and Harvard Business Review questions if CHROs should abandon performance improvement plans. Each story uncovers one truth: the future belongs to leaders who can handle discomfort, embrace AI, and rebuild trust in the workplace. Get my new book here: 8EXLaws.com

October 16, 2025: Amazon is cutting 15% of its HR team, signaling a shift from administrative people functions to data-driven, AI-powered HR. Younger workers are turning to TikTok and ChatGPT to understand their benefits instead of relying on HR portals. Facebook is re-entering the job market, bringing hiring into local digital communities. Microsoft says AI could save over 12 billion hours a year—but only if we manage “shadow AI” responsibly. And billionaire CEO Ken Griffin predicts a future where humans work just three days a week. In this episode, Jacob Morgan breaks down what these stories really mean for leaders. What happens when HR becomes more automated than human? Why are employees trusting algorithms and influencers more than their companies? And how do leaders create balance between productivity and purpose in an AI-driven world? Each story reveals a deeper truth: technology may change how we work, but leadership defines why we work.

Summary: In this episode of the Customer Service Revolution podcast, Denise Thompson and John R. DiJulius III discuss the alarming trend of employees, particularly Gen Z, wanting to sever their work and personal lives. They explore the implications of this disconnect, the role of workplace culture in mental health, and strategies leaders can implement to foster a more supportive environment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of purpose in the workplace and how it can enhance employee satisfaction and productivity, ultimately benefiting the organization as a whole. Takeways: Nearly half of Gen Z workers prefer to separate work and personal life. A significant percentage of employees would consider extreme measures to disconnect from work stress. Workplace culture plays a crucial role in employee mental health. Leaders should create environments where employees feel whole and valued. Purpose in work is essential for employee satisfaction and retention. Effective communication and boundaries are vital for employee well-being. Employee experience directly impacts customer experience and satisfaction. Building trust and authenticity in the workplace fosters a positive culture. Leaders must recognize the importance of employee happiness as a business imperative. The interview process should focus on finding the right fit for both the employee and the organization. Chapters: 00:00The Disconnect Between Work and Personal Life 05:24The Impact of Workplace Culture on Mental Health 10:15Leadership's Role in Employee Well-being 15:19Creating Purpose in the Workplace 19:34Navigating Career Expectations 22:16Authenticity in the Workplace 25:47The Role of Leadership in Employee Development 27:24The Importance of Employee Happiness 29:16Finding Purpose in Work 32:18Creating a Positive Work Environment 34:10The Impact of Employee Experience on Customer Experience 35:42Recognizing Individual Contributions 38:01Addressing Personal Issues at Work 39:58Generational Differences in Workplace Dynamics   This episode is sponsored by The Customer Experience Executive Academy.  Learn more here Quote: Leading is the pinnacle of human achievement. Your number one task is helping others grow and develop and contribute to their colleagues and communities. Your accomplishments, accomplishment list will be measured by those who went on to be wildly successful in large measure because of the time they spent with you. -Tom Peters Links: Ask John!  Submit your questions for John, to be aired on future episode:  tdg.click/ask Customer Experience Executive Academy: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/project/cx-executive-academy/ Interview Questions: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/resources/ The DiJulius Group Methdology: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/x-commandment-methodology/ Experience Revolution Membership:  https://thedijuliusgroup.com/membership/ Schedule a Complimentary Call with one of our advisors:  tdg.click/claudia Books:  https://thedijuliusgroup.com/shop/ Blogs on Above and Beyond Culture: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/category/above-beyond-culture/ Contacts:  Lindsey@thedijuliusgroup.com , Claudia@thedijuliusgroup.com Subscribe We talk about topics like this each week; be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.

October 15, 2025: AI is no longer just automating work — it's reorganizing it. In today's episode of Future Ready Today, Jacob Morgan explores five major stories reshaping leadership and HR:

The salon industry is shifting fast, with more stylists choosing self-employment and traditional salons struggling to compete. In this episode, Kati welcomes back business coach Nikki Le to share how owners can elevate the employee experience to retain top talent and thrive in this new market. From customized training to career ladders, Nikki breaks down practical strategies to create a workplace where stylists feel valued, supported, and inspired to stay. If you want to future-proof your salon and win against the booth rental trend, this episode is a must-listen. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/m4g-MRC2GAo   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book    POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW NIKKI LE Website: https://www.nikkileconsultancy.com/  Eleve Retreat: https://statements-strong.teachable.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkileconsultancy/ Listen to our first podcast together:  https://joinmya.com/podcast/0391-the-fundamentals-of-managing-your-salons-money-with-nikki-le    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

October 10, 2025: A new era of Responsible Intelligence is emerging. Governments are considering human-quota laws to keep people in the loop. Kroger is rolling out a values-based AI assistant that redefines trust and transparency. And legal experts warn that AI bias in HR could soon become a courtroom reality. In today's Future-Ready Today, Jacob Morgan explores how these stories signal the end of reckless automation and the rise of accountable leadership. He shares how the future of work will be shaped not by faster machines, but by wiser humans—and offers one simple “1%-a-Day” challenge to help you lead responsibly in the age of AI.

October 9, 2025: Burnout isn't always burnout — sometimes it's just work that's lost its rhythm. In today's Future-Ready Today episode, Jacob Morgan explores six powerful signals reshaping the modern workplace. From Google tightening its hybrid work policy to new data revealing that most corporate cultures aren't ready for AI, the future of work is moving from convenience to clarity. You'll hear how job seekers are prioritizing reputation over perks, why “linchpin” executives are cracking under pressure, and how one-third of leaders are now testing AI before hiring. Then Jacob takes aim at the burnout narrative — separating stress from exhaustion, and explaining why the real issue is recovery, not overwork. He closes with the 1%-a-Day Challenge: one practical habit to build discipline, focus, and energy for the long game of leadership. If you lead teams or shape culture, this episode will help you rethink what it truly means to be future-ready in an era where easy work is over — and meaningful work is what's next.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Lisa M. Sanchez about how leaders can positively impact employee experience. Lisa M. Sanchez is an author, life coach, and the vice president for Employee Experience and Engagement (HR) at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA. She leads a team dedicated to enriching the experiences and engagement for faculty and staff. Critical to this work is Sanchez's direct work in ABIDE (or access, belonging, inclusion, diversity, and equity) and organizational culture. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Sanchez received her bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge, a master's degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and is a Certified Professional Life Coach. Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

AI was supposed to make work faster and smarter — but for many organizations, it's doing the opposite. In this episode, Jacob breaks down three powerful signals shaping the AI reality check every leader needs to understand: • AI Workslop – the flood of low-quality, machine-generated output wasting time and eroding trust. • The AI Plateau – why 95% of companies report no measurable ROI from their AI tools. • The EY Report – new data revealing nearly $4.4 billion in financial losses from poor AI governance. Through a futurist lens, Jacob reveals why the next competitive advantage won't go to the fastest adopters — but to the most discerning ones. He shares how future-ready leaders can design systems of clarity, ethics, and accountability to make AI truly work for people, not against them.  

Internal communication is broken. Most CX and leadership teams rely on outdated methods — long slide decks, endless trainings, and metrics that don't drive action. In this episode, Ben Phillips, founder of CX Alive!, explains how to transform the way your business communicates. Drawing on two decades in customer experience and leadership, Ben breaks down why short-form, authentic content — like internal vodcasts and micro-videos — builds clarity, connection, and alignment faster than PowerPoints or all-hands meetings ever could. We cover:✅ How to make your CX strategy relatable and actionable✅ The biggest communication gap between leadership and frontline teams✅ How to communicate effectively with Gen Z employees✅ Why podcasts and vodcasts are the future of internal engagement✅ Why NPS and CSAT are outdated metrics — and what to measure instead If you're looking to improve employee engagement, CX performance, or team alignment, this conversation will change how you think about communication, storytelling, and measurement inside your organization. #InternalCommunication #CXLeadership #CustomerExperience #EmployeeEngagement #CXStrategy #BusinessCommunication #LeadershipDevelopment #GenZAtWork #Vodcasting #StorytellingAtWork Connect with Ben at:Cx-alive.comBen Phillips LinkedIn Key Moments: 0:00 Who is Ben Phillips and what is CX Alive!4:00 How to communicate effectively with Gen Z employees9:44 How business communication is changing12:50 How to tell better stories22:00 Why you only have 8 seconds to capture attention24:00 Why podcasts and vodcasts work so well for businesses31:00 Is NPS still relevant in 2025?34:44 What are the best metrics to track in CX?37:59 Are customer surveys still relevant?41:11 AI in CX: what's hype vs. what's real48:24 How to build a team that understands the “why”51:28 Three words that separate good content from great –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible.  And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't!   Gina Elliott is the VP of Strategy and Administration of Slick City Action Park, and she now serves as chair of the International Association of Adventure & Trampoline Parks (IATP), where she champions scalable training, safety, and culture across parks of all sizes. Jason Haycock is the Director of Strategic Accounts of Schoox, bringing eight years in enterprise HR technology to mobile-first learning for large frontline workforces. Together, Gina and Jason spotlight how digital platforms, blended with in-person training and coaching, elevate performance, reduce risk, and boost retention. In this interview, Gina and Jason talk about digital training transformation, immersive employee experience, and investing in your team Digital training transformation “Training is such a critical piece… there is a direct correlation with training and safety… transitioning to an LMS… you can push that down to the hourly employee and you're gonna get that instant notification of when it's done.” Gina contrasts “pencil-whipped” PDFs and broken binders with a mobile-first LMS that meets today's frontline where they already learn—on their phones. Digital courses, instant transcripts, and exportable records simplify audits and incident response while allowing rapid, system-wide updates without reprints or classroom bottlenecks. “It's surprising to us that we'll show up and see that they're still using paper. We really have an emphasis on meeting these employees where they are, being able to learn quickly and on the go.” Jason explains how short, role-specific modules and micro-assessments accelerate time-to-productivity for younger teams accustomed to bite-sized learning. He notes outcomes such as faster onboarding, sales lift, and reduced injuries/premiums when digital training is paired with clear expectations and live practice. Immersive employee experience “You can build the best park, but if your employees aren't trained or even understand what an immersive experience is, you've lost that guest, and it's gonna be very hard to retain them.” Gina reframes immersion as an employee mandate: blend brief videos, interactive elements, leaderboards, and hands-on tasks so every learning style is engaged and confidence builds before live guest contact. She stresses pacing: begin with a 10–15-minute orientation, verify knowledge, then layer responsibilities over 30/60/90 days instead of “300 modules” on day one. “These frontline employees… learn differently than a corporate employee… It's ongoing training in addition to what they have for onboarding.” Jason adds that evolving parks (VR next to ax-throwing, bowling, pickleball) demand agile cross-training. Quick, on-the-spot refreshers and continuing modules keep skills current as attractions and technology change, while managers observe and coach to certify real-world proficiency. Investing in your team “Make your employees feel like they're heard and they're valued. If it comes to spending that money at the beginning, do it. It's going to ultimately lead to a better customer experience, a better employee experience, and a more successful business.” Jason frames training as a proactive investment, not an expense: organizations already “pay” through turnover, weak sales, and incidents if they undertrain. Upfront investment converts training into a competitive advantage—supporting growth, reviews, referrals, and retention. “We saw a park with a 90% completion rate actually increase sales… Another park in the low twenties had turnover of 90%.Culture always has a focus on training.” Gina shares case studies linking completion rates to front-desk sales and lower turnover. She advises reading performance holistically, such as training data plus social scores, mystery shops, and sales, to target coaching. Her closing push: don't fear technology; toss the binders, start small with digital courses, and keep coaching continuously.   Find Gina on LinkedIn, or visit indoor@adventureparks.org for IATP resources and the IATP Academy. Reach Jason on LinkedIn or visit schoox.com to learn more about Schoox. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)  

Why do we invest millions changing customer behavior but ignore how people behave inside companies?In this thought-provoking conversation, behavioral scientist and author Matt Wallaert returns to Change Wired to explore the next evolution of behavioral science: internal change.We discuss why most organizations treat employee behavior as fixed or random — and what it takes to build systems where people grow continuously, without relying on luck, politics, or the next big program.

We've all had that moment: working at a job we dislike, then moving to a nearly identical role at a different company, and suddenly loving it. The work didn't change, the industry didn't change, and the location didn't change. So what did? The answer is the environment. In today's Leadership Spark, we explore why employee experience has become the foundation of modern workplaces. Drawing on research, case studies, and over 150 executive interviews, I share why employee experience is not about perks, but about fundamentally changing how organizations shape the environment in which work gets done. Every employee's experience comes down to three things: culture, technology, and physical space. Organizations can't control the work employees choose to do, but they can control the environment around it, and that environment determines whether people love or hate their jobs.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Work is supposed to be human, but too often it feels like the opposite. For decades, we've built organizations on outdated assumptions: managers as “slave drivers,” employees as “cogs,” and work itself as “drudgery.” No wonder so many people feel disconnected. In today's Leadership Spark, I break down what employee experience really means and why it's the foundation of the future of work. We start by unpacking the basic concept of “experience” itself, how it shapes our memories, and why those memories define the relationships employees want, or don't want, to have with their organizations. From there, we explore the flawed assumptions we've built work on, and what it takes to shift from a model of utility, where people need to work, to one of experience, where people want to show up. The future of work isn't about cake, ping-pong tables, or corporate slogans. It's about designing organizations where humanity comes first.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/