Podcasts about work culture

Currys CEO Alex Baldock & Octopus Energy's Greg Jackson on Retail, Energy, Regulation and AI Jimmy hosts a panel with Currys CEO Alex Baldock and Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson on how retail and energy drive jobs, growth and prosperity. Baldock outlines Currys' scale (nearly £10bn sales, 24,000 colleagues) and argues retail employs around 20% of the private sector workforce with rising productivity, but faces policy-driven cost increases, red tape and employment regulation that threaten flexible entry-level jobs. Jackson describes Octopus' rapid growth (8m UK households, operations in 30 countries), the demerger and valuation of its Kraken platform, and diversification into EV leasing and charging. Both stress competition over heavy regulation, cite inefficiencies and distortions in UK energy pricing, discuss geopolitical risks and electrification, and explain how AI is transforming customer service, operations and energy system optimization. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 03:06 Currys Retail Snapshot 03:41 Retail Jobs and Productivity 05:10 Octopus Energy and Kraken 08:47 Enterprise and Profit Narrative 12:17 Regulation and Competition 17:10 Energy Shocks and Electrification 21:43 Inflation and Cost Pressures 29:36 Employment Costs and Flex Work 36:09 Work Culture and Transparency 41:44 AI Impact on Retail and Energy 49:27 Closing Thanks and Networking Credits: Host / Exec Producer: Jimmy McLoughlin OBE Producer: Sunny Winter https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnywinter/ Junior Producer: Thuy Dong AP: Ethan Pearman Special thanks to the Margaret Thatcher Conference organising team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2073: Dr. Jenny Brockis explores why many workplace wellness programs fall short of creating truly engaged and productive teams. By highlighting the importance of autonomy, meaningful workplace relationships, and cognitive wellbeing alongside physical and mental health, she reveals what it really takes to build a thriving, high-performance work culture. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drjennybrockis.com/2017/7/10/workplace-wellness-missing-point/ Quotes to ponder: "Being healthy at work incorporates physical, mental and cognitive fitness." "Boosting engagement and productivity needs something more. In his book ‘Drive' Dan Pink talks about the need for mastery, autonomy and purpose." "To do the work we love, with people we like and for the benefit of others doesn't have to be difficult, but it does take vision, time and tenacity, and has to start from the top." Episode references: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us: https://www.danpink.com/books/drive/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter revisit the series Emily in Paris to explore what happens when American work habits meet French employment law. Joined by guest Fabienne Haas, a partner at the leading French law firm August Debouzy, they unpack the cultural and legal challenges an American "Emily" might face in Paris — from strict limits on after-hours emails and mandatory vacation, to France's approach to overtime, layoffs, and the use of contractors and employers of record, offering a candid comparison to the more flexible, at-will U.S. system. The conversation also takes on romance in the "City of Love," privacy expectations, and France's robust harassment and investigation requirements. Tune in to hear how multinational employers can avoid missteps, manage cross-border workforces, and adapt their U.S. playbook before it collides with French law. Troutman Pepper Locke's Labor + Employment Practice Group provides comprehensive thought leadership through various channels. We regularly issue advisories that offer timely insights into the evolving employment law landscape, and maintain the HiringToFiring.Law Blog, a resource spotlighting best practices for employers. Our Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosted by Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter, delves into pressing labor and employment law topics, drawing unique parallels from pop culture, hit shows, and movies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Olly Stone grew up in Europe obsessing over motocross mechanics — not riding, wrenching. He taught himself on two-strokes, polished his spokes at 3am watching GPs from Japan and Australia, and eventually earned his way to America. Pro Circuit. Justin Barcia. Austin Faulkner. Then team principal of the Troy Lee Designs GasGas program — until KTM pulled the budget overnight and ten years of work disappeared with a phone call.Now he's back. New team. New facility. And it's moving faster than even he expected.In Chapter 402, Olly breaks down what it actually takes to survive as a European mechanic in American moto, what made Mitch Payton's Pro Circuit the standard for everyone else, the brutal reality of how factory programs end, and the new program he's building from scratch — including a shop in Corona and a riding facility in Florida that's already turning heads.Enjoy Chapter 402 — like, subscribe, and drop a comment below.IN THIS CHAPTERWrenching at Pro Circuit under Mitch PaytonWorking with Justin Barcia and Austin FaulknerTroy Lee Designs GasGas team principal — and how KTM ended itHaiden Deegan vs Austin Forkner at the test trackBuilding a new Supercross team from the ground up in 202600:00:00 Intro00:02:35 Welcome Olly Stone00:03:31 How Olly Found a Career in Motocross00:18:26 Cash App Ad00:20:04 The English Built Dirt Bike00:32:04 MXGP has no rules00:33:06 Ducati Doesn't get enough Credit00:37:58 Betting Everything on MXGP00:53:40 The Grind of MXGP01:03:38 The Work Culture at Pro Circuit01:10:01 SOTA Fuel Ad01:10:40 Olly's first job at Pro Circuit01:17:14:23 Early Days Working for Pro Circuit Kawasaki01:26:43 Mitch Paytons Drive to Win01:31:34 Cooper Webb VS Tyler Bowers01:33:32 Working for Prime Austin Forkner01:43:55 Austin Forkner was faster than Ricky Carmichael01:48:58 Deegan Couldn't beat Austin Forkner01:50:57 Motosport Ad01:52:47 What was Austin Forkner Missing?02:00:02 Why Everyone Love's Dean Wilson02:02:17 Why Olly Left Pro Circuit Kawasaki02:05:12 Justin Barcia Destroy's Equipment!02:09:35 Why Racers love Broken in Bikes02:10:46 Becoming Crew Chef of Troy Lee Designs GasGas02:16:08 Forced to Leave Troy Lee Designs GasGas02:27:32 Why MX6 Racing is so successful02:29:35 MX6 Racing's Breakout Supercross Season02:37:43 Fist Handwear Ad02:39:08 Privateer Riders on a "Factory" Program02:43:48 Building a Top 5 Supercross Team02:51:41 Buying Justin Barcia's Property02:54:18 The Cost of Running a Supercross Team03:09:24 From Factory to Privateer03:14:03 Closing

In this episode of Commerce Untold, host Eitan Koter sits down with Carol Shih, founder of Qode Space, a boutique Shopify agency, and Doraemi, a cross-border consultancy helping international brands enter and grow in the US market.Carol has a background that spans LVMH, Alibaba, and years of working with fashion and beauty brands across multiple continents. She brings a direct, no-nonsense perspective to what it actually takes to succeed in cross-border e-commerce.They get into why so many international brands, including some doing billions in Asia, struggle the moment they try to enter the US. Carol explains that the product is rarely the problem. It usually comes down to self-awareness: knowing your weaknesses before you start spending.The conversation covers what a proper Shopify audit looks like, why pouring money into traffic before your store is ready is one of the most common and expensive mistakes brands make, and how to think about brand positioning before touching paid ads or picking a sales channel.They also talk about the shift toward AI search and what brands need to do now to stay discoverable, why TikTok Shop has changed the beauty category faster than most brands expected, and how Gen Alpha is about to reshape shopping behavior in ways most businesses are not prepared for.Carol also shares how she leads her two businesses, why transparency and community sit at the core of her team culture, and why her ideal clients are usually brands that have already made the expensive mistakes.If you are thinking about cross-border e-commerce, expanding into the US market, or trying to get more out of your Shopify store, this episode is worth your full attention.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/commerce-untold/Eitan Koter's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiVideoCommerce/featuredGuest: Carol Shih, Founder, Qode Space and DoraemiCarol Shih's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shihcarol/Qode Space: https://qodespace.com/Watch the full Youtube video here:https://youtu.be/ptO--lEfDegTakeaways:Self-awareness is the most overlooked step in cross-border e-commerce expansionDominating your home market does not mean you will succeed in the USA slow, buggy website with spelling errors destroys trust before a sale can happenAmazon drives volume but builds no brand loyalty or long-term competitive edgeShopify store performance must be audited before investing in paid trafficAI search (GEO) is the next layer brands need to prepare for alongside SEOTikTok Shop has already surpassed Sephora in beauty salesGen Alpha will reshape shopping behavior within the next four yearsGreat teams are built on transparency, community and psychological safetyThe best clients to work with are the ones who already understand where they failedChapters:[00:00] Introduction: Meet Carol Shih[01:05] From Taiwan to Australia to the US: The Third-Culture Founder[02:30] Biggest Mistakes Brands Make When Going Global[04:31] The Self-Awareness Problem: You Can't Fix What You Won't See[05:58] What Cross-Border Consulting Actually Looks Like in Practice[07:57] Founder-Led Content and Building Long-Term Authority[09:38] Lessons from Alibaba: Speed, Competition and Work Culture[12:26] The Shopify Audit Process: How to Build a High-Converting Store[14:36] AI in E-Commerce: What Is Real Right Now[16:40] AI Search, GEO and the Click-Less Future[18:04] Go-to-Market for International Brands: Amazon vs TikTok vs DTC[22:10] Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle: Why Carol Keeps Landing Here[23:46] K-Beauty, Gen Z and the TikTokification of Shopping[25:18] Gen Alpha Will Change Everything: Here Is What to Watch[27:10] Leadership, Team Building and Running Two Companies[30:46] Leading With Transparency as a Founder and a Parent[32:01] Carol's Ideal Client: Brands That Have Already Failed[34:05] Where to Find Carol Shih

Want to build a work culture where people speak up, take initiative, and lead with confidence? This episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast dives into the science of bravery and what it actually takes to build courageous teams.In this episode, Nicole Greer sits down with Jill Schulman, US Marine Corps veteran, keynote speaker, and author of The Bravery Effect, to explore how bravery isn't reserved for Navy SEALs and firefighters. It's the everyday courage to speak up in a meeting, have a hard conversation, or raise your hand for a leadership opportunity.This conversation also dives into positive psychology, growth mindset, stress, confidence, self-efficacy, and why waiting until you feel ready may be the very thing keeping you stuck. If you want to create a workplace culture where people speak up, take ownership, grow through discomfort, and support one another in doing hard things, this episode is packed with practical insight.In this episode, you'll learn:Why bravery is a skill you can build (not a personality trait you're born with)How to stop waiting to feel confident before taking actionThe neuroscience behind building your "bravery muscle"Why surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates your growthHow to use fear as a signal rather than a stop signThis episode is for leaders, managers, business owners, and emerging professionals who want to improve team communication, strengthen organizational culture, and create workplaces where people are brave enough to perform at their best.Connect with Jill:Jill's book, The Bravery Effect: https://a.co/d/6f8NymUWebsite: https://www.jillschulman.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillaschulman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillschulman/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jillschulman?si=OLp_zRLNANAiidSy The Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast helps leaders improve work culture, communication, and business performance through real-world leadership strategies and practical insights. Click here to view the episode transcript. Learn more about training, coaching, and courses at https://vibrantculture.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/For speaking inquiries: https://vibrantculture.com/speaker-kit-request/Download our training catalog: https://vibrantculture.com/catalog-request/Want to be a guest? Send your request to podcast@vibrantculture.com

On this week's episode, we talk about why corporate culture acts like every email is a national emergency. From fake urgency and “ASAP” messages to pointless meetings and Slack panic, we get into why so many jobs feel unnecessarily stressful. We talk burnout, hustle culture, work anxiety, and the pressure to always be available even when nothing is actually that serious. Plus, we share our own experiences with workplace chaos, dramatic coworkers, and the corporate phrases that instantly ruin your day.Support the showBecome a supporter of the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1786960/supportFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, and UpScrolled @ObnoxiouslyPleasantFollow us on Twitter @TheOP_Podcast

Want to improve team communication, build a stronger work culture, and lead with more confidence? In this episode, Nicole Greer sits down with organizational psychologist and author Yadi Caro to unpack why soft skills are actually the hardest and most important skills in business today. Yadi Caro is the author of Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work with Humans.  In it, she explores the communication, collaboration, conflict management, and leadership skills that make organizations truly effective.Yadi shares practical strategies for building high-performing teams, improving workplace communication, handling conflict productively, giving effective feedback, leading through change, and creating meetings that “suck less.” The conversation also dives into emotional intelligence, empathy, networking, problem-solving, and why AI will never replace genuine human connection.If you want to improve your leadership skills, strengthen your organizational culture, and become better at working with humans, this episode is packed with actionable insights.In this episode:Why “soft skills” are actually hardcore skillsThe role of self-awareness in leadershipHow empathy improves team performanceWhy listening is a competitive advantageHow to prevent workplace misunderstandingsBetter ways to give and receive feedbackConflict management strategies that build stronger teamsWhy productive meetings matterLeadership skills AI can't replaceHow to create a more vibrant workplace cultureGet Yadi's book: Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Work with HumansYadi Caro is an organizational psychology practitioner, certified Agile coach, and Harvard-trained expert who has worked with developer teams, engineers, and US military organizations for over 15 years. Her book, Hardcore Soft Skills: A Guide to Working with Humans, is a hands-on workbook packed with frameworks, assessments, and exercises you can use immediately. Learn more about Yadi: Yadi Caro Official Website: https://www.yadicaro.com/The Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast helps leaders improve work culture, communication, and business performance through real-world leadership strategies and practical insights. Click here to view the episode transcript. Learn more about training, coaching, and courses at https://vibrantculture.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/For speaking inquiries: https://vibrantculture.com/speaker-kit-request/Download our training catalog: https://vibrantculture.com/catalog-request/Want to be a guest? Send your request to podcast@vibrantculture.com

Joel Zeff is a dynamic keynote speaker, work culture expert, improvisational humorist, and author who brings energy, humor, and practical insight to every stage. For more than 25 years, Joel has delivered over 2,500 presentations that blend improvisation with actionable business lessons around teamwork, leadership, collaboration, and change.Known for his highly interactive keynotes, Joel engages audiences through playful improv exercises that reinforce a powerful message: organizations thrive when people feel supported, appreciated, and connected. From Wells Fargo and Samsung to KPMG and even the IRS, Joel has helped companies across industries build more joyful, resilient, and high-performing cultures.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by keynote speaker and work culture expert Joel Zeff to discuss how joy, presence, and positive support create stronger sales cultures and better performance.Joel explains that “selling from the heart” means genuinely helping others succeed and bringing passion into every interaction. Drawing from his background in improvisation, he shares why embracing change, staying flexible, and choosing how we respond to challenges are essential skills for sales professionals and leaders alike.The conversation highlights how leaders cultivate passion—not by demanding it, but by creating environments built on ownership, appreciation, celebration, and support. Joel also emphasizes the importance of being fully present in conversations, especially in a distracted world where attention is rare and deeply valuable. Packed with practical wisdom and humor, this episode is a powerful reminder that positivity, persistence, and connection fuel lasting success.KEY TAKEAWAYSSelling from the heart means helping others succeed, not simply closing deals.Passion grows in environments built on ownership, appreciation, and positive support.Change is constant—success depends on how you choose to respond to it.Improv teaches two powerful sales lessons: stay present and never quit.Positive support and recognition directly improve culture and performance.Presence and listening strengthen trust and connection in every interaction.Persistence and adaptability are critical to long-term sales success.Joyful cultures create more engaged, committed, and resilient teams.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESSelling from the heart is answering the question: How do I help the people around me be successful?I only control how I react to what happens.You can make mistakes. You just can't give up.It's my job as a sales leader to create the foundation for passion.The best present you can give somebody is your presence.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

If your compensation strategy starts with pay bands, you're already behind.In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole Greer sits down with compensation expert Scott Trumpolt to unpack what leaders get wrong about pay, and how to fix it.With over 30 years of experience in HR leadership and compensation design, Scott shares why compensation isn't just about salaries. It's about philosophy, strategy, and aligning pay with business goals.You'll learn:Why compensation strategy must start with company philosophyThe biggest mistake companies make when promoting top performersHow to balance pay transparency with business realitiesWhy giving everyone the same raise destroys engagementHow compensation can drive (or destroy) employee performanceThe link between career development and pay growthIf you want to attract top talent, retain your best people, and build a truly vibrant culture, this conversation is a must-listen. The Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast helps leaders improve work culture, communication, and business performance through real-world leadership strategies and practical insights. Click here to view the episode transcript. Learn more about training, coaching, and courses at https://vibrantculture.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/For speaking inquiries: https://vibrantculture.com/speaker-kit-request/Download our training catalog: https://vibrantculture.com/catalog-request/Want to be a guest? Send your request to podcast@vibrantculture.com

What if cybersecurity isn't an IT issue but a leadership failure?In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole Greer sits down with global cybersecurity expert JC Gaillard, founder of Corix Partners, to unpack why most organizations are approaching cybersecurity all wrong and what leaders must do differently.This conversation dives into work culture, organizational culture, leadership and business strategy, and the critical role of executive ownership in protecting your company. You'll learn why cybersecurity is no longer about prevention. It's about resilience, trust, and execution across the entire organization.In this episode, you'll learn:Why cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility, not just ITThe dangerous “spiral of failure” most companies are stuck inThe real reason throwing money at cybersecurity doesn't workHow short-term thinking is putting businesses at riskWhy trust—not technology—is the foundation of real securityWhat leaders must do to embed business protection into cultureRemember, in today's world, it's not if, it's when.This episode is for:Leaders, executives, HR professionals, and business owners who want to strengthen organizational culture, improve leadership effectiveness, and protect their business from real-world threats.Recommended Books by JC Gaillard:Cybersecurity Spiral of FailureThe First 100 Days of the New CISOA CyberSecurity Handbook for the CISO and the CEOThe Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast helps leaders improve work culture, communication, and business performance through real-world leadership strategies and practical insights. Click here to view the episode transcript. Learn more about training, coaching, and courses at https://vibrantculture.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/For speaking inquiries: https://vibrantculture.com/speaker-kit-request/Download our training catalog: https://vibrantculture.com/catalog-request/Want to be a guest? Send your request to podcast@vibrantculture.com

What does it take to lead the people strategy for one of the most iconic and scrutinized sporting brands in the world? Toni Grimshaw, Chief People, Safety, and Wellbeing Officer at New Zealand Rugby, joins us to go behind the curtains of the All Blacks and Black Ferns. She reveals the "Operator's Playbook" for building a culture that thrives under the weight of a nation's expectations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're struggling with hiring, retaining talent, or building a strong organizational culture, this episode is a must-listen.Nicole Greer sits down with Franco Greco, Chief Revenue Officer at New Day USA, to explore how developing talent, not chasing it, can transform your organization.This conversation dives into work culture, organizational culture, leadership and business strategy, team communication, and effective management practices. You'll learn how to build a pipeline of high-performing employees, create a culture of accountability, and develop leaders from within.In this episode, you'll learn:Why hiring for grit, integrity, and willingness beats hiring for experienceHow to solve the “talent shortage” by developing people internallyA proven recruiting process that builds long-term leadersHow internships can become your strongest leadership pipelineWhy leading with kindness (not niceness) drives accountability and performanceThis episode is for leaders, managers, business owners, and HR professionals who want to improve communication, strengthen organizational culture, and grow their teams with intention.The Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast helps leaders improve work culture, communication, and business performance through real-world leadership strategies and practical insights. Click here to view the episode transcript. Learn more about training, coaching, and courses at https://vibrantculture.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/For speaking inquiries: https://vibrantculture.com/speaker-kit-request/Download our training catalog: https://vibrantculture.com/catalog-request/Want to be a guest? Send your request to podcast@vibrantculture.com

Why culture is a system, not a slogan The 4 pillars: professional, personal, health, wealth How managers can reinforce culture weekly Why energy, clarity, and financial growth all matter How to maximize performance without burning people out

Welcome to episode #1032 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). At a time when productivity is still measured in speed, output and constant motion, few voices are pushing for a more human… and ultimately more effective… way of working than Natalie Nixon. A creativity strategist, keynote speaker and founder of Figure 8 Thinking, Natalie has built her career helping leaders unlock the business value of imagination… not as a soft skill, but as a strategic capability. Her work sits at the intersection of design thinking, anthropology and business innovation, and her previous book, The Creativity Leap, positioned curiosity, empathy and intuition as essential leadership muscles. In her latest work, Move. Think. Rest. - Redefining Productivity & Our Relationship With Time, Natalie challenges the deeply embedded belief that more effort equals better results… arguing instead that we're not in a tech revolution, but a human one. She introduces the MTR framework (movement, thought and rest) as a way to rebalance how we work and live, emphasizing that creativity doesn't happen despite pauses… it depends on them. In this conversation, Natalie explores how burnout and busyness have become normalized, why organizations must move beyond outdated productivity metrics, and how leaders can cultivate environments where creativity and trust can thrive. She makes a compelling case that AI, while powerful, is not the story… it's the backdrop. The real opportunity lies in how humans choose to engage with it… whether we double down on efficiency or expand into imagination, play and connection. From rethinking workplace culture to redefining growth as a non-linear, deeply human process, this conversation is a call to redesign not just how we work… but why we work at all. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 1:02:21. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel. Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn. Check out ThinkersOne. Here is my conversation with Natalie Nixon. Move. Think. Rest. - Redefining Productivity & Our Relationship With Time. The Creativity Leap. Figure 8 Thinking. Sign up for Natalie's newsletter. Follow Natalie on Instagram. Follow Natalie on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Creativity and Productivity. (04:01) - The Crisis of Creativity and Busyness. (08:06) - Redefining Creativity in Various Professions. (11:57) - The Role of AI in Creativity. (15:52) - Human Connection in the Age of Technology. (19:51) - The Infinite Nature of Creativity. (24:14) - The Importance of Play in Work Culture. (32:35) - Cultivation 2.0: Rethinking Productivity. (34:01) - Proofs of Concept: Companies Leading the Way. (39:03) - Culture and Productivity: An Inextricable Link. (40:51) - Redesigning Work: The Need for Systemic Change. (45:51) - Navigating Liminal Spaces: Embracing Uncertainty. (50:47) - The Human Revolution: Beyond Technology. (56:07) - Rest as a Productivity Tool: A Paradigm Shift.

What if your best marketing content is already happening inside your business, and you're just not using it?In this episode, Nicole Greer sits down with Phil Risher, founder of Phlash Consulting, to uncover why most marketing today feels generic and how to fix it.Phil introduces the “Call-to-Content” playbook, a powerful strategy that turns real customer conversations into authentic, high-converting marketing. Instead of relying on AI-generated content that feels disconnected from your brand, he shows how to leverage your team's real expertise to build trust and authority.We also explore:Why employees are your brandThe danger of “AI slop” in marketingHow to build AI knowledge bases from your businessWhy more leads won't fix a broken conversion funnelHow featuring employees strengthens both culture and marketingIf you want marketing that actually drives revenue and a culture that supports it, this episode is packed with actionable insights.The Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast helps leaders improve work culture, communication, and business performance through real-world leadership strategies and practical insights. Click here to view the episode transcript. Learn more about training, coaching, and courses at https://vibrantculture.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/For speaking inquiries: https://vibrantculture.com/speaker-kit-request/Download our training catalog: https://vibrantculture.com/catalog-request/Want to be a guest? Send your request to podcast@vibrantculture.com

How does a global phenomenon like Canva scale a "family feeling" across 5,500 people in eight countries while maintaining its soul? Jennie Rogerson, Global Head of People at Canva, joins host Justin Angsuwat to discuss her unconventional journey from hospitality and executive support to the C-suite in under three years.In this episode of Culture Leaders, Jennie pulls back the curtain on the operator's playbook that keeps Canva agile. She reveals how "crazy big goals," radical transparency, and treating kindness as a competitive advantage fuel a culture where every employee is an active contributor, not just an observer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the most powerful leadership skill isn't speaking but listening?In this episode of Build a Vibrant Culture, Nicole Greer sits down with listening expert and author Oscar Trimboli to unpack how deep listening can transform workplace culture, improve communication, and even save organizations time and money.Drawing from research with over 36,000 workplace listeners, Oscar reveals why most leaders aren't actually listening and how that creates systemic cultural challenges across teams.You'll discover:Why listening is a skill, strategy, and daily practiceHow poor listening leads to wasted time, rework, and disengaged employeesThe 5 levels of listening and why most people never get past level oneSimple, practical ways to improve communication in meetings immediately, and make them more efficient (and shorter)How better listening reduces resistance to change and builds trustWhy employee feedback systems fail and how to fix themIf you're a leader, manager, or anyone responsible for building a healthy workplace culture, this conversation will challenge how you think about communication and give you tools you can use right away.Remember: People don't resist change. They resist not being heard.The Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast helps leaders improve work culture, communication, and business performance through real-world leadership strategies and practical insights. Click here to view the episode transcript. Learn more about training, coaching, and courses at https://vibrantculture.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/For speaking inquiries: https://vibrantculture.com/speaker-kit-request/Download our training catalog: https://vibrantculture.com/catalog-request/Want to be a guest? Send your request to podcast@vibrantculture.com

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton has worked in Turkish Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UK, and China. Here, he sets out three models for understanding the different working cultures in different countries, and illustrates them with some of his own experiences. First, Derek Silvers' 2 minute 38 second TED Talk, drawing particularly on his experience in Japan. A quick and very basic look at 'weird or just different', which is nonetheless a good starting point, and a good reminder for more 'advanced expats'. http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_weird_or_just_differentThen, the six Hofstede Dimensions:Small Vs Large Power DistanceIndividualism Vs CollectivismMasculinity Vs FemininityHigh Vs Low Uncertainly AvoidanceLong Vs Short Term OrientationIndulgence vs. Restraint Thirdly, Thomas then looks at 'the Silent Language' by Edward T Hall: Language of TimeLanguage of SpaceLanguage of ThingsLanguage of FriendshipLanguage of AgreementsFinally, some final reflections on ‘weird or just different'.If you find this podcast interesting, in any way, please do share your thoughts with Thomas at the website below or by e-mail: albionneverdies@gmail.com Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

From adding colleagues on social media to confiding in friendly managers, navigating boundaries and workplace dynamics can get complicated. Should you keep work and personal life separate, or can real friendships be forged in the office? In this week’s Work Feed, Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan dive into Reddit stories to unpack unwritten rules at work and discuss how to stay authentic while remaining professional.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

97%. That's the percentage of e.l.f. Beauty employees who say they feel passionate about the people they work with. For most leaders, that number stops them cold.In an industry defined by fierce competition and constant reinvention, e.l.f. has built something rare: a company that moves at its own category of speed without sacrificing the human connections that fuel it. So what's actually behind that?In the debut episode of Culture Leaders, host Justin Angsuwat sits down with Kerry Preston, VP of People Development at e.l.f. Beauty, to pull back the curtain on how one of the world's fastest-growing beauty brands is built to last. Kerry makes the case that boldness and kindness aren't in tension, they're the same engine running at full speed.From a CEO who writes over 600 personalized notes a year to an equity program that has generated more than $220 million in employee wealth, this episode is a masterclass in what intentional culture actually looks like in practice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“If you're going to lead and grow a company and scale it, you can't be in the middle of everything.” In this week's episode, Carol Schultz sits down with Jasen Gundersen (Founder & CEO of CardioOne) to unpack what it actually takes to build an autonomous work culture—and why most leaders unknowingly become the biggest bottleneck to their company's growth.Jasen explains why micromanagement isn't just inefficient—it's a direct path to failure when trying to scale. Drawing from his own leadership journey, he shares how working under both empowering and controlling leaders shaped his philosophy: hire strong people, give them ownership, and get out of their way. The conversation dives into how autonomy drives retention, attracts top talent, and allows companies to operate at speed without constant oversight. They also explore why many founders struggle to let go, how “founder syndrome” limits growth, and what it really means to build a team that can function without you. The episode closes with practical insights on hiring for ownership, encouraging open dialogue, and creating a culture where people step up without being asked.TakeawaysAutonomy is required for scale—not just a leadership preference. Micromanagement is one of the fastest ways to kill growth. Leaders who stay involved in everything become bottlenecks. Retention improves when employees feel trusted and empowered. Autonomous teams move faster and solve problems independently. Hiring should focus on ownership, not just skill sets. Strong teams don't wait for instructions—they take initiative. Open communication and questioning improve decision-making. Silence inside teams is often a warning sign. Founder syndrome limits company growth and scalability. Leaders should aim to build teams that don't depend on them. Delegation is essential for long-term success. Culture is a major driver of performance and growth. High-performing environments attract top-tier talent. Early hires should be versatile and capable of handling multiple roles. Trust enables teams to “lean in” without being asked. Growth accelerates when responsibility is distributed. The best leaders create systems, not dependency. Empowered teams create momentum inside organizations. Letting go is not a weakness—it's a requirement for scaling.Chapters00:00 Intro: Why leaders feel they must control everything 00:43 The core problem: “If I want it done right, I'll do it myself” 01:24 What Cardio One does and the problem it solves 03:23 Growth of the company and early traction 05:28 Loss of autonomy in traditional systems 07:22 Jasen's leadership philosophy 07:31 Leading how you want to be led 08:00 Why micromanagement fails 08:31 Building a company that runs without the founder 09:24 Founder syndrome and control issues 10:21 Communication as the foundation of scaling 11:21 Encouraging team feedback and pushback 12:12 Hiring people who thrive in autonomy 13:10 Benefits of autonomous teams 13:21 Retention and scalability advantages 14:35 How autonomy attracts better talent 15:14 The danger of being the only decision-maker 16:10 Early leadership lessons and delegation 16:39 Hiring your replacement mindset 17:27 The origin story behind Cardio One 20:16 Simplicity vs complexity in business building 22:27 How the company evolved over time 25:19 Trusting teams to execute independently 28:57 Growth bottlenecks and risk-taking 29:11 Fear vs entrepreneurship mindset 31:05 Teams taking initiative without leadership 33:34 Changing mindset of modern professionals 36:07 Mission-driven work and culture 39:38 Final thoughts on empowering teamsConnect With Host Carol SchultzFind more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information.And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!

At the Grammys, Pharrell Williams urged audiences to "never stop grinding," echoing a familiar culture of constant ambition. But writer and broadcaster Amil Niazi challenges that mindset in "Life After Ambition: A Good Enough Memoir," as a new generation of workers questions whether success has to mean nonstop hustle. Then, Tricia Williams of TMU's Future Skills Centre, explores how younger workers are redefining fulfillment, balance, and what it really means to get ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of neurocardiology with Jeff Goelitz, Director of Education at the HeartMath Institute. For over 35 years, HeartMath has been at the forefront of researching the "heart-brain" connection, proving that the heart is far more than just a mechanical pump. Jeff explains the revolutionary concept of "coherence"—a state of physiological balance where the heart, brain, and nervous system work in harmony to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. We explore the practical applications of HeartMath techniques for high-stress professions, including first responders, professional athletes, and the military. Jeff shares insights into how "heart rate variability" (HRV) serves as a key measure of our resilience and how simple breathing techniques can help us reset our nervous systems after trauma or daily stress. Whether you are a parent, an educator, or someone looking to manage anxiety, this episode provides the scientific foundation and actionable tools to tap into your heart's intelligence. Key Takeaways: ·         Beyond the Pump: Understand why the heart is now classified as an endocrine gland and a sensory organ with its own "brain" of 40,000 neurons. ·         The Power of Coherence: Learn how a state of heart coherence facilitates better decision-making and "cortical facilitation" in the brain. ·         Resilience for First Responders: Discover how HeartMath is being used to help firefighters and soldiers manage PTSD and maintain a "baseline of calm" in dangerous situations. ·         Measuring Inner Balance: An overview of HRV technology and how biofeedback sensors like the "Inner Balance" help track emotional stability. ·         The Heart-Brain Dialogue: Why the heart sends more neural traffic to the brain than the brain sends to the heart. About Jeff Goelitz   Jeff Goelitz has gained vast knowledge, experience and understanding of behavior and social and emotional learning in the many years he has been with HMI. His 35 years of experience, including five as a private school teacher, have helped him become a leader in the development of stress management and education solutions for children and adults. He has spent two decades practicing and teaching the HeartMath System of tools and technology, and his expertise has helped HMI find practical solutions for lowering student test anxiety and improving test score   Social links for Jeff Goelitz https://www.facebook.com/jeff.goelitz.1/ https://www.facebook.com/HeartMathMyKids https://www.heartmath.org/   Social links for Doug Beitz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbeitz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougbeitz/ Website: https://buymeacoffee.com/dougbeitz Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mQ258nugC3lyw3SpvYuoK?si=7cec409527d34438 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/intuitive-conversations-with-doug/id1593172364 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-beitz-472a4b338/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dougbeitz178  

Most companies kill their growth potential by scaling too fast — but one unexpected trend is turning the tech world upside down: the 996 work culture, where employees work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week. This episode explores how this intense productivity mindset intersects with modern software tools, rapid AI advancements, and entrepreneurial growth challenges. Host Dan Hafner dives into the origins of the 996 trend, its connection to FOMO, and whether the relentless hustle is truly sustainable or detrimental in today's competitive tech landscape.Discover how software tools and automation are reshaping work, sometimes pushing us to work harder despite promises of increased efficiency. Dan also discusses the spiritual and cultural implications of constant work without rest, referencing the biblical concept of Sabbath as a counterbalance to burnout. Whether you're an entrepreneur feeling the pressure of growth or a worker trying to balance productivity with well-being, this episode offers a fresh perspective on harnessing technology and intentional rest for long-term success.Tune in for insights on how to leverage software tools effectively while avoiding the pitfalls of the 996 grind, ultimately crafting a sustainable path forward in the ever-evolving world of tech and business.

This one got a bit more personal than I intended when I went in, but here we go! Hope it's helpful if you're in this spot!And heads up: Enrollment for my 10-week program closes on March 18, 2026 & won't open again until September. Hope to see you in there!Links you might enjoy:

Today's guests are The Good Doctors of Abbey Research, Dr. Kristen Donnelly and Dr. Erin Hinson. They are corporate trainers and authors with social science PhDs.    They leverage their expertise to help their clients build cultures that no one wants to quit. They are also the authors of the best-selling book "The Culture of Burnout."   In this episode, we'll explore: Technology's impact on attention and relationships, and how the technology you grew up with fundamentally shapes how you see and interact with the world Why culture requires intentional design rather than hoping for accidental improvement The importance of making small changes and developing media literacy to make more conscious choices about technology use Their current favorites: Book: Persuasion & The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe, Speaker: Susan Cain, and Podcast: British Scandal & How Did This Get Made? More from Dr. Kristen Donnelly & Dr. Erin Hinson Kristen's previous appearances on The Big Talk podcast in Episode 150, Episode 335, and Episode 339 Website: http://www.abbey-research.com  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/abbeyresearch  YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/abbeyresearch  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abbey-research    More from Tricia  Go from idea to stage-ready inside The Big Talk Academy Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com 

Send us a textTo be unprofessional isn't always a choice, let alone a liberating one. Because when the system was never built with you in mind, speaking up and challenging the status quo comes with great risk and privilege – and it's something Black women had to learn very early on.The brilliant Dr. Tieren Scott joins me this week for a raw and honest conversation about what it means to be Black in the world of work. She generously shares her experience of professional masking, the exhaustion of code-switching to appease others, and what it feels like to mold yourself within a misaligned system, while carry the weight of your community on your shoulders.This conversation is a vital reminder that some professional masks weigh heavier than others, and why choosing authenticity over palatability is a radical act of unprofessionalism.Find out about:Tieren's professional experience as a Black woman in AmericaThe daily self-censorship and masking that Black women face in professional settingsThe biases and microaggressions that show up in places of work for Black peopleThe importance of uplifting minority groups, by putting them in the room – and promoting them when they're not thereWhy white colleagues need to get curious and ask more questions, to be better allies at workLinks:WebsiteLinkedInSupport the show✨✨✨You can now find the podcast on Substack, where your host Dr. Myriam Hadnes is building a club for you to find fellow listeners and peers: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/

Send us a textThis time in the Magick Kitchen Podcast, Leandra Witchwood and Elyse Welles are joined by bestselling author and beloved witchcraft teacher Deborah Blake for a grounded, practical conversation on respectful, responsible deity work for witches and pagans.Together, they explore what changes when deity isn't “a box you visit,” but part of everyday life, and why cultural context matters when working with ancient pantheons in the modern world. Deborah shares how her upcoming book, Everyday Witch's Book of Deities (out in April and currently available for preorder), approaches deity work with both historical background and real-world practice. You'll also hear thoughtful discussion on syncretism (when gods and goddesses overlap across cultures), what “perfect love and perfect trust” can mean in lived experience, and how to start small if you think a deity may be reaching out, including the physical signs both hosts and Deborah notice in their own work.Find Deborah at deborahblakeauthor.comLoose-leaf Tea and Sacred Apothecary The Healing Our Feminine Wounding Immersive is a sacred retreat devoted to untangling inherited shame, silence, and survival patterns carried in the feminine body. Through ritual, reflection, and land based temple arts, we work gently and honestly with what has been passed down so that a truer, steadier way of being can emerge. The Rebel Mystic Witchcraft Skill Trees are a modular, intentional way to learn witchcraft without overwhelm. Each tree is a focused path of study, designed to give you clarity, confidence, and embodied understanding of a single magickal topic — while gently guiding you toward more profound mastery when you're ready.Learn more at LeandraWitchwood.com  Sacred Wild Wednesdays is a live weekly gathering with Elyse Welles featuring tarot readings for participants, magickal musings, and grounded spiritual teaching. Held in real time, this space offers guidance, perspective, and connection for those walking the Path of the Sacred Wild.Support the Podcast!

This episode breaks down why freelancing has gotten harder (not easier) in the platform era—and what actually helps people stay stable without burning out. Dr. K frames the problem as structural (platform incentives, competition, surveillance, ratings power) and argues the “survival move” is shifting from hope labor (do good work and hope it turns into more work) to relational labor (actively managing client relationships, expectations, and repeat business), while building independence outside any single platform. Topics covered include: The “autonomy paradox”: why freelancers often end up working longer, more chaotic hours despite “freedom.” Platform-driven squeeze: competition, undercutting, quality being hard to judge, and why price + speed become the default filters. Ratings + reputational dependence: how reviews become leverage, pushing freelancers to over-accommodate and get trapped on one platform. What works better than “hope labor”: relational labor—communication, expectation-setting, and relationship-building as part of the job. Survival strategies: diversify into adjacent skills, build a “home base” off-platform, and gather better feedback directly from clients (plus “distributed mentorship” communities). HG Coaching : https://bit.ly/46bIkdo Dr. K's Guide to Mental Health: https://bit.ly/44z3Szt HG Memberships : https://bit.ly/3TNoMVf Products & Services : https://bit.ly/44kz7x0 HealthyGamer.GG: https://bit.ly/3ZOopgQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introduction In this Deep Dive episode, we dive into PwC's latest AI Business Predictions — a roadmap offering insight into how companies can harness artificial intelligence not just for efficiency, but as a strategic lever to reshape operations, workforce, and long-term growth. We explore why “AI adoption” is now about more than technology: it's about vision, leadership, and rethinking what work and human potential look like in a rapidly shifting landscape. Key Insights from PwC AI success is as much about vision as about adoption According to PwC, what separates companies that succeed with AI from those that merely dabble is leadership clarity and strategic alignment. Firms that view AI as central to their business model — rather than as an add-on — are more likely to reap measurable gains.  AI agents can meaningfully expand capacity — even double workforce impact One bold prediction: with AI agents and automation, a smaller human team can produce work at a scale that might resemble having a much larger workforce — without proportionally increasing staff size. For private firms especially, this means you can “leapfrog” traditional growth limitations.  From pilots to scale: real ROI is emerging — but requires discipline While many organizations experimented with AI in 2023–2024, PwC argues that 2025 and 2026 are about turning experiments into engines of growth. The companies that succeed are those that pick strategic high-impact areas, double down, and avoid spreading efforts too thin.  Workforce composition will shift — rise of the “AI-generalist” As AI agents take over more routine, data-heavy or repetitive tasks, human roles will trend toward design, oversight, strategy, and creative judgment. The “AI-generalist” — someone who can bridge human judgment, organizational culture, and AI tools — will become increasingly valuable.  Responsible AI, governance, and sustainability are non-negotiables PwC insists that success with AI isn't just about technology rollout; it's also about embedding ethical governance, sustainability, and data integrity. Organizations that treat AI as a core piece of long-term strategy — not a flashy add-on — will be the ones that unlock lasting value.  What This Means for Leaders, Culture & Burnout (Especially for Humans, Not Just AI) Opportunity to reimagine roles — more meaning, less drudgery As AI takes over repetitive, transactional work, human roles can shift toward creativity, strategy, mentorship, emotional intelligence, and leadership. That aligns with your mission around workplace culture and “Burnout-Proof” leadership: this could reduce burnout if implemented thoughtfully. Culture becomes the strategic differentiator As more companies adopt similar AI tools, organizational vision, values, psychological safety, and human connection may become the real competitive edge. Leaders who “get culture right” will be ahead — not because of tech, but because of people. Upskilling, transparency and trust are essential With AI in the mix, employees need clarity, training, and trust. Mismanaged adoption could lead to fear, resistance, or misalignment. Leaders must shepherd not just technology, but human transition. AI-driven efficiency must be balanced with empathy and human-centered leadership The automation and “workforce multiplier” potential is seductive — but if leaders lose sight of human needs, purpose, and wellbeing, there's a risk of burnout, disengagement, or erosion of cultural integrity. For small & private companies: a chance to leapfrog giants — but only with clarity and discipline Smaller firms often lack the resources of large enterprises, but according to PwC, those constraints may shrink when AI is used strategically. For mission-driven companies (like yours), this creates an opportunity to scale impact — provided leadership stays grounded in purpose and values. Why This Topic Matters for the Breakfast Leadership Network & Our Audience Given your work in leadership development, burnout prevention, workplace culture, and coaching — PwC's predictions offer a crucial lens. It's no longer optional for organizations to ignore AI. The question isn't “Will we use AI?” but “How will we use AI — and who do we become in the process?” For founders, people-leaders, HR strategists: this is a call to be intentional. To lead with vision, grounded in human values. To design workplaces that thrive in the AI era — not suffer. Questions for Reflection  What parts of your organization's workflow could be transformed by AI — and what human strengths should those tools free up rather than replace? How might embracing AI shift your organizational culture and the expectations for leaders? What ethical, psychological, or human-impact considerations must you address before “going all in” on AI? As a leader, how will you ensure the “AI-generalists” — employees blending tech fluency with empathy, creativity, and human judgment — are cultivated and supported? How do you prevent burnout and disconnection while dramatically increasing capacity and output via AI? Learn more at https://BreakfastLeadership.com/blog Research:  https://www.pwc.com/us/en/tech-effect/ai-analytics/ai-predictions.html    

The most future-ready marketing leaders aren't the ones chasing trends… they're the ones who can reinvent themselves every time the industry changes.Michelle Huff, Chief Marketing Officer at Alteryx, joins Marketing Trends to break down the mindset that kept her relevant through every major tech revolution, from Web1 to cloud, SaaS, PLG, and now AI. She explains how to balance curiosity with focus, why AI is really about automating judgment (not just tasks), and how she's redesigning her marketing org around agents, automation, and new workflows.Michelle also shares early results from Alteryx's AI experiments, how she's rebuilding a 700,000-person community, and why great leaders still start with the end user even as their buyer audiences expand. Key Moments:  00:00 – How to Stay Relevant Through Every Tech Shift03:42 – A Career Spanning Web1, Cloud, SaaS, and AI06:58 – Curiosity Is the Ultimate Career Advantage10:12 – When Leaders Should Tinker and When to Delegate13:28 – Building a Marketing Culture That Experiments16:41 – Why AI Is About Judgment, Not Just Automation20:07 – Inside an AI-Powered SDR Outbound Workflow23:34 – Do AI Agents Replace People or Elevate Them26:58 – Upskilling Teams in an AI-Driven Organization30:17 – Why Most AI Content Fails to Break Through33:36 – How to Stand Out in a Noisy B2B Market36:52 – Why Enterprise Brands Lose Touch With End Users39:48 – How Alteryx Built a 700,000-Person Community43:06 – Turning Community Into Competition and Learning46:32 – Early AI Wins That Drive Real Pipeline Impact  This episode is brought to you by Lightricks. LTX is the all-in-one creative suite for AI-driven video production; built by Lightricks to take you from idea to final 4K render in one streamlined workspace.Powered by LTX-2, our next-generation creative engine, LTX lets you move faster, collaborate seamlessly, and deliver studio-quality results without compromise. Try it today at ltx.studio 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.

In this episode, we talk with Anthony Castelvecchi about how rapid shifts in technology and work culture are reshaping productivity, attention, and overall well-being. The conversation examines the growing tension between staying efficient and staying creative, especially as constant digital interruptions chip away at focus and make deep work increasingly difficult. We explore how intentional habits—structured routines, reduced multitasking, and clearer boundaries—can help individuals stay grounded and avoid burnout. The discussion also highlights how anchoring work in intrinsic motivation, rather than external pressure, fosters more sustainable productivity and a deeper sense of purpose. The episode concludes with practical strategies to sharpen mental clarity, manage information overload, and support long-term personal growth.   HIS SOCIALS Instagram: @oriundi_  Youtube: @oriundigroup TikTok: @oriundi_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oriundigroup   HOSTS: John Viola  Patrick O'Boyle   SPECIAL GUEST: Anthony Castelvecchi    PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In 1992, Roopa Kudva walked into CRISIL's CEO Pradeep Shah's office without an appointment, starting her 23-year career there. She spent over two decades at CRISIL, rising from analyst to CEO. Roopa has spent over 3 decades in leadership roles in India and has witnessed three key phases in India's growth: the closed economy in the 80s, the post-liberalisation era, and the rise of tech entrepreneurs.She shares bold decisions that defined her journey. Like when she proposed to the then CRISIL CEO to create the Chief Ratings Officer role and pitched herself for it. She got the role, which set her on the path to becoming CEO. We also discuss the leaders who shaped her thinking, K.V. Kamath of ICICI, Piyush Gupta of DBS, and Katharine Graham of the Washington Post.Throughout the conversation, Roopa returns to one idea: there is no single leadership style or fixed playbook. Her journey shows how ambition and initiative to act at the right moment can define a career and the organizations one builds along the way.0:00 —Trailer01:21 — IIM to IDBI03:54 — Work Culture in the 80s05:58 — Rise of New-Age Companies06:55 — The Aha Moment of Leadership View08:52 — Leaving CRISIL After 23 Years10:49 — Choosing Omidyar & Impact Investing16:03 — India's Evolving Risk Appetite20:40 — Deciding the Next Career Move26:08 — How She Got the CRISIL Job31:09 — Asking for the CRO Role35:48 — Promotions Are Bets on the Future37:37 — The Leader Who Changed Her Philosophy43:40 — ICICI as a Women-CEO Factory45:36 — What Holds Women Back from Rising51:38 — DBS: The Piyush Gupta Transformation55:06 — Entrepreneurs for the Next Half Billion1:02:47 — The New Indian Founder Profile-------------India's talent has built the world's tech—now it's time to lead it.This mission goes beyond startups. It's about shifting the center of gravity in global tech to include the brilliance rising from India.What is Neon Fund?We invest in seed and early-stage founders from India and the diaspora building world-class Enterprise AI companies. We bring capital, conviction, and a community that's done it before.Subscribe for real founder stories, investor perspectives, economist breakdowns, and a behind-the-scenes look at how we're doing it all at Neon.-------------Check us out on:Website: https://neon.fund/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneonshoww/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beneon/Twitter: https://x.com/TheNeonShowwConnect with Siddhartha on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/Twitter: https://x.com/siddharthaa7-------------This video is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the individuals quoted and do not constitute professional advice.Send us a text

This special ChinaTalk cross-post features Zixuan Li of Z.ai (Zhipu AI), exploring the culture, incentives, and constraints shaping Chinese AI development. PSA for AI builders: Interested in alignment, governance, or AI safety? Learn more about the MATS Summer 2026 Fellowship and submit your name to be notified when applications open: https://matsprogram.org/s26-tcr. The discussion covers Z.ai's powerful GLM 4.6 model, their open weights strategy as a marketing tactic, and unique Chinese AI use cases like "role-play." Gain insights into the rapid pace of innovation, the talent market, and how Chinese companies view their position relative to global AI leaders. Sponsors: Google AI Studio: Google AI Studio features a revamped coding experience to turn your ideas into reality faster than ever. Describe your app and Gemini will automatically wire up the right models and APIs for you at https://ai.studio/build Agents of Scale: Agents of Scale is a podcast from Zapier CEO Wade Foster, featuring conversations with C-suite leaders who are leading AI transformation. Subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts Framer: Framer is the all-in-one platform that unifies design, content management, and publishing on a single canvas, now enhanced with powerful AI features. Start creating for free and get a free month of Framer Pro with code COGNITIVE at https://framer.com/design Tasklet: Tasklet is an AI agent that automates your work 24/7; just describe what you want in plain English and it gets the job done. Try it for free and use code COGREV for 50% off your first month at https://tasklet.ai Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitive PRODUCED BY: https://aipodcast.ing CHAPTERS: (00:00) Sponsor: Google AI Studio (00:31) About the Episode (03:44) Introducing Z.AI (07:07) Drupu AI's Backstory (09:38) Achieving Global Recognition (Part 1) (12:53) Sponsors: Agents of Scale | Framer (15:15) Achieving Global Recognition (Part 2) (15:15) Z.AI's Internal Culture (19:17) China's AI Talent Market (24:39) Open vs. Closed Source (Part 1) (24:46) Sponsors: Tasklet | Shopify (27:54) Open vs. Closed Source (Part 2) (35:16) Enterprise Sales in China (40:38) AI for Role-Playing (45:56) Optimism vs. Fear of AI (51:36) Translating Internet Culture (57:11) Navigating Compute Constraints (01:03:59) Future Model Directions (01:15:02) Release Velocity & Work Culture (01:25:04) Outro

Join us on the show today as we go through another article engaged in logical Olympic level acrobatics to about blame. Tune in at 5:00pm Eastern Source: https://archive.is/JVfdz 00:00 - Introduction and Overview of the Topic 01:40 - Discussion of Helen Andrews' Essay "The Great Feminization" 03:00 - New York Times Article: "Did Liberal Feminism Ruin the Workplace?" 06:00 - Challenges Discussing Women's Impact in the Workplace 09:00 - Response Article on Medium and Initial Reactions 14:00 - Critique of Feminism and Workplace Dynamics 20:00 - Feminization of Industries and Publishing Example 26:00 - Accountability and Social Power of Women in Workplaces 32:00 - Feminism's Influence on Academia and Society 38:00 - Gender Differences and Workplace Interactions 44:00 - Female Vices and Their Impact on Work Culture 49:00 - Feminism's Capture of Academia and Its Consequences 55:00 - Analysis of Interview Body Language and Dynamics 1:02:00 - Female Virtues and Feminine vs Masculine Traits 1:08:00 - Lack of Solutions and Criticism of Feminist Narratives 1:14:00 - Consumer Identity of Women in the Workplace 1:23:00 - Discussion on Men and Women's Roles in Society 1:30:00 - Wrap-up and Final Thoughts =================================================== Support the badgers: http://www.feedthebadger.com Patreon us on patreon: http://www.patreon.com/honeybadgerradio Subscribe to us on minds https://www.minds.com/HoneyBadgerRadio Follow us on twitter! https://twitter.com/HoneyBadgerBite Join our Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/honeybadgerradio Watch us on twitch! https://streamlabs.com/honeybadgerradio Brian - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkcDcML9oLV9oVat54Qp7uw Hannah - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_7Bt0vnvdJqAwF8Ow8iT0g Prim Reaper - https://www.youtube.com/user/Aceticacidplease Karen - https://www.youtube.com/user/girlwriteswhat Alison - https://www.youtube.com/user/Genderratic Anna - https://www.youtube.com/user/AnnaCherryOnTop Mike - https://www.youtube.com/user/DoctorRandomercam Aydin - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUowFWIWGw6Pv2JqfEj8njQ Deborah Powney - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3DOT_N7Ib0Pwi4m4XbX04A

Looking for more DTP Content? Check us our here: www.thereadinesslab.com/dtp-linksFor the 250th episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, host John Scardena turns the mic on himself to share three core lessons that have shaped the show, his career, and how he shows up in the emergency services space: gratitude as a persona, how to influence, and “come what may and love it.” John starts with gratitude—not as a cliché, but as an intentional persona. With every guest and every episode, his rule has been: treat people with respect, even when you disagree, and appreciate the experience they bring to the table. That mindset has opened doors, deepened conversations, and kept the online persona aligned with the person he is in real life. He then breaks down how influence actually works. Influence isn't just about title or rank; it's the compound effect of doing your homework, producing professional-grade work, building credibility over time, and treating people—at every level—as equals. He talks about moving from recording in a car under a blanket to hosting generals, chiefs, CEOs, and operators because the work quietly built trust before the big asks ever happened. Finally, John shares the philosophy of “come what may and love it”, quote by Joseph B. Worthlin —taking the long view through wildfires, family life, deployments, changing FEMA and grant environments, and the roller coaster of running a podcast and business. The message: accept the hard, adapt, keep your sense of humor, stay mission-focused, and don't run faster than you have strength.Major EndorsementsImpulseBleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionalshttps://www.impulsekits.comDoberman Emergency ManagementSubject matter experts in assessments, planning, and traininghttps://www.dobermanemg.comThe Readiness LabTrailblazing disaster readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive eventshttps://www.thereadinesslab.comFor Sponsorship Requestscontact@thereadinesslab.com314-400-8848 Ext 2#Leadership #Motivation #Mindset #Resilience #Inspiration #Success #Growth #Innovation #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerDevelopment #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeadership #LifeLessons #WorkCulture #PositiveLeadership #Goals #HumanPerformance #DecisionMaking #PublicSafety #EmergencyManagement #CrisisManagement #HomelandSecurity #MilitaryLeadership #FireService #LawEnforcement #FirstResponders #Veterans #DisasterResponse #Gratitude #Influence #MentalStrength #LongView #KeepGoing #NeverQuit #StayReady #LearningEveryDay

What's it like to commute and work in Japan? In this episode, I share real experiences from my time as an office worker and explore typical work culture. From crowded trains and door-to-door commute times to working hours, lunch breaks, and the difference between “black” and “white” companies. You'll also learn key Japanese phrases and cultural tips along the way!

What practical advice could leaders and managers implement right now in their organizations to increase productivity and decrease friction between disparate elements of their companies? How can managers reexamine legacy processes that have remained in place simply because they were, and reimagine them for the specific challenges of today's business environment?Donald C. Kieffer is  a lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management, the founder of consulting firm ShiftGear Work Design, and the author of the new book There's Got to Be a Better Way: How to Deliver Results and Get Rid of the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Real Work.Greg and Donald discuss the concept of dynamic work design. Donald shares stories of challenges in work design across various industries, including healthcare, banking, and software. He also explains how dynamic work design focuses on understanding and improving human work by making the invisible elements of work visible, reducing inefficiencies, and promoting incremental improvements. With a bit of attention to detail and careful setup, systems and processes can be honed to better serve their businesses. Donald points to mistaken beliefs that senior managers often hold about work processes and emphasizes the importance of regulating work to maintain flow, avoiding the political dynamics that arise from inefficiencies, and managing by observing and understanding the real work, allowing organizations to work smarter and harder. *unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*Episode Quotes:Injecting discovery into work09:15: If you're firefighting to run the day-to-day business, you have no time to think about the future, to even think about the strategy or think about what's happening. So, we're much more about improvement, about incremental improvement. What we are about is discovery. So the idea is that every action that you take in business, be it at whatever level, at the strategic level or the frontline level, is based on the assumptions that activity will cause an improvement. And so we run it as an experiment and say, instead of measuring the plan, we measure: did the activity actually do what you thought? And if it did, great, let's do more. If it didn't, why not? And so we inject discovery into the whole idea of doing, of human work against the target at every level.If you can't draw the work you can't fix it16:14: I have a saying I use all the time that I love, which is, if you can't draw the work, you don't understand it, and you certainly can't fix it. And it comes from... [16:46] And I think we ask leaders all the time, can you draw it? Can you show it? They can't do it. They think they do it in their head. And this is the thing—why these tools, like A3 and different problem-solving tools, work—is that when you have to write down the problem statement, or when you have to draw the work, it moves it from that pattern-matching part of your brain, where you think you know it, to the rational part of your brain, where it shows you, I'm not really sure.Why we blame people instead of the work design the work36:53: If you see a problem, you tend to blame the person who's nearest the problem, even though it could have been caused way far away, because most of the time there could have been something they did, they could have done to keep it from happening. But you know, if there are like 500 opportunities per problem to happen, one or two of them are gonna get through, even though they're not that person's fault. So I think it's just something very human in us, which is why we call this work design. This is not about people; this is about the design of the work that's usually been ad hoc.On helping people do good work57:23: People want to do good work, meaningful work. Go find the stuff that's getting in their way, even if it's stuff you've put in the way, and get out of the way. Help them. Help them with the design of work. I know it's good for business. There are stories galore in the book about how points on the board, but I'll tell you why I do it when I should be sitting on the back porch collecting Social Security and drinking beer. It's because of the look on people's faces. We can actually go to work and be productive no matter what their level is and feel like they're part of something good and doing.Show Links:Recommended Resources:Takashi TanakaRoss PerotHarley-DavidsonClayton ChristensenDaniel KahnemanFrederick Winslow TaylorJugaadSteven J. Spear PodcastWilliam S. HarleyFive WhysNUMMISeagull ManagementGuest Profile:Faculty Profile at MIT Management | Sloan SchoolShift Gear Work DesignGuest Work:There's Got to Be a Better Way: How to Deliver Results and Get Rid of the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Real WorkGet Work Back on Track With Visual Management | ArticleHow to Rescue an Overloaded Organization | Article Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hallie Condon, Chief People Officer at Chili Piper explores how the company uses AI to optimize employee experience in a fully remote, global environment. Hallie shares how Chili Piper empowers its workforce across 36 countries by intentionally building culture, leveraging automation, and fostering transparency through innovative decision-making processes. The conversation delves into the company's unique approach to onboarding, offboarding, and continuous feedback, as well as their commitment to democratizing input and encouraging experimentation. Hallie also discusses Chili Piper's focus on AI enablement, including launching an AI stipend and developing internal tools to streamline HR operations. Like this podcast? Rate us on Spotify or Apple or YouTube. Additional Information Culture Always Wins (Video) Gen AI Is Going Mainstream: Here's What's Coming Next The Big Reset Playbook: Organizational Culture & Performance Galileo: The World's Trusted Agent for Everything HR     Chapters (00:00:04) - What Works: Cultivating a Remote Culture(00:00:49) - How It Works: Chili Piper's Remote Workforce(00:03:53) - Hibob and Automation: How Did That Implementation Go?(00:05:34) - HRS and HR Workflows Automated with HIBOP(00:09:16) - The Decision Memo Process(00:12:57) - Thrive: The Decision Memo(00:14:40) - Piper Jaffray on AI & HR Systems(00:19:42) - A Day in the Life: Best Practices(00:21:02) - What Works For Your Company?

In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Michelle Griffin, founder of Griffin Resources, to unpack actionable strategies for building strong, flexible, and founder-friendly teams in scalable SaaS businesses.Michelle draws on her six years of hands-on experience supporting startups and scaling organizations with fractional HR, recruiting, sales ops, and operational support. Listeners will get insights into modern hiring practices, maintaining workplace culture in remote teams, succession planning, supporting diverse career paths, and practical tips for retention and performance—all tailored for founders ready to lead organizations, not just teams.Key Takeaways00:00 "Leadership, Growth & Employee Choices"04:38 HR Consulting Business Story08:44 Defining Culture Through Feedback11:42 "Work Culture and Reputation"14:33 Remote Work Flexibility Enhances Life18:39 Structured Hiring on a Budget20:02 "Effective Hiring Practices Overview"24:11 Cognitive Skills in Hiring29:01 Promoting Without Management Skills31:54 Leadership Through People Skills33:30 Golden Handcuffs and Workplace Happiness37:56 Mentorship and Career Growth Pathways41:48 Fair Hiring Practices Matter43:58 AI Innovation & Leadership InsightsTweetable QuotesViral Topic Title: Company Culture Is Everyone's Responsibility Quote: "Maintaining a culture is intentional and the face of the company is the, you know, pretty much the day to day workers. It's everybody. And it's not something that is kind of reserved for leadership and management and especially how your reputation is seen." — Michelle GriffinWork-Life Balance After COVID: "That was something that we noticed was a huge priority coming out of COVID is people really reprioritized family." — Michelle GriffinQuote: "You can do something called a structured interview, which is basically just having your set of questions that you're going to ask every single candidate." — Michelle GriffinViral Topic: The Pitfall of Promoting Top Performers Without Management Training: "They often will hire or promote people into a role that were good at their jobs but aren't taught or know how to manage people." — Michelle GriffinQuote: "if someone is really good at just doing their job and they don't want to move up, that you respect that and keep them in, in a role that they're happy in and, you know, you find other ways to keep them engaged and motivated." — Michelle GriffinSaaS Leadership LessonsListen Before You Build: Startups succeed when they listen intently to client needs and co-develop solutions, rather than forcing a market-fit from the top down.Define and Defend Culture: Invest in discovering your team's values. Protect culture by hiring for fit and embedding it into every policy, not just the handbook.Flexibility Drives Retention: Recognizing life priorities and offering flexible, remote, or personalized schedules dramatically reduces turnover and builds loyalty.Structure Beats Gut Instinct: Use structured interviews and neutral assessments to mitigate bias and improve hiring outcomes—especially when scaling quickly.Prepare for Leadership—Don't Assume It: Promotion must come with training, support, and encouragement to develop people skills, not just technical expertise.Respect Alternative

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1857: Michael Levitt explores how remote teams can build strong, connected cultures without relying on physical office spaces. By emphasizing clear communication, intentional rituals, and shared values, leaders can foster engagement and belonging regardless of where employees work. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/how-to-cultivate-your-work-culture-without-having-an-actual-office Quotes to ponder: "Culture doesn't exist because of a water cooler. It exists because people are intentional about creating it." "Leadership isn't about the location, it's about the connection." "If you want a culture that thrives remotely, you have to build it consciously." Episode references: Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kick-Ass-Without-Humanity/dp/1250103509 Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at:⁠ OLDPodcast.com⁠. Episode 1857: Michael Levitt explores how remote teams can build strong, connected cultures without relying on physical office spaces. By emphasizing clear communication, intentional rituals, and shared values, leaders can foster engagement and belonging regardless of where employees work. Read along with the original article(s) here:⁠ https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/how-to-cultivate-your-work-culture-without-having-an-actual-office⁠ Quotes to ponder: "Culture doesn't exist because of a water cooler. It exists because people are intentional about creating it." "Leadership isn't about the location, it's about the connection." "If you want a culture that thrives remotely, you have to build it consciously." Episode references: Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity:⁠ https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kick-Ass-Without-Humanity/dp/1250103509⁠ Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us:⁠ https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805⁠

Headlines on “The Lost Bus” movie set during recent California wildfires, a school bus Wi-Fi solution for fiscal year 2025, a $10 million Ohio safety grant for seatbelts, and a Maryland school bus driver union sending flyers home with students to gain parental support of a strike. Gregg Fox, transportation director for Franklin Square Union Free School District in New York and a 2025 Top Transportation Teams Award winner, discusses improving workplace culture, retaining staff amid a changing economy, leveraging technology for efficiency and meeting the challenging state electrification mandate. Read more about operations and register for the TSD Conference. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Bus Safety Co., RIDE. 

In this episode of Learn Polish Podcast Roy and Ania talk about work: first jobs, what makes a job enjoyable, dealing with difficult bosses and coworkers, and how work can change you. They share personal stories—from pub shifts and lawnmowing to managing teams and a funny fire-extinguisher prank—plus practical advice on staying motivated and growing your skills. Welcome to Learn Polish Podcast. You can find all our episodes on learnpolishpodcast.com. For lessons from Anya check the show notes; find Roy at www.roycoughlan.com, virtual assistance services at va.world, and podcaster school info in the podcast description.   I have just launched my PodFather Podcast Coach Community https://www.skool.com/podfather/about   Start your own SKOOl Academy https://www.skool.com/signup?ref=c72a37fe832f49c584d7984db9e54b71   All about Roy / Brain Gym & Virtual Assistants at ⁠https://roycoughlan.com/⁠   

#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Adam Posner interviews Kass and Mike Lazarow, successful entrepreneurs and authors of 'Shoveling Shit: A Love Story About Entrepreneurship's Messy Path to Success.' They discuss the authenticity of their writing process, the importance of feedback, and how to stay motivated in the face of setbacks. The Lazarows share insights on navigating remote work culture, the significance of work-life integration, and the value of building a strong company culture. They emphasize the importance of networking, philanthropy, and defining success beyond monetary gains, ultimately highlighting the journey of entrepreneurship as a series of challenges and triumphs.Takeaways- The writing process was a new venture for both authors.- Authenticity in storytelling is crucial for connecting with readers.- Entrepreneurship involves overcoming numerous setbacks and failures.- Feedback is essential for growth and should be viewed as a gift.- Setting clear priorities helps in focusing on what truly matters.- Remote work presents challenges for maintaining company culture.- Work-life integration is more realistic than work-life balance.- Quality time with family is more important than quantity.- Hiring should focus on soft skills and cultural fit.- Building a strong company culture requires transparency and trust.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Lazaro Duo02:47 The Authenticity of Writing Together06:05 The Meaning Behind 'Shoveling Shit'08:58 Staying Motivated Through Setbacks11:48 The Importance of Feedback14:50 Setting Priorities and Focus17:48 Navigating Remote Work Culture20:56 Work-Life Integration vs. Balance23:44 Quality Time with Family26:36 Hiring and Team Dynamics29:45 The Role of Culture in Organizations32:37 The Power of Networking35:48 Defining Success Beyond Money38:46 Philanthropy and Company Culture     

 Headlines: – Welcome to Mo News (02:00) – Israel Agrees To President Trump Gaza Peace Deal: Will Hamas? (05:20) – Netanyahu Apologizes To Qatar For Violating Sovereignty With Airstrike (14:20) – Trump Faces Democrats as Shutdown Deadline Nears (17:50) – Latest on Sunday's Mass Shooting at a Michigan Church  (24:00) – Trump Threatens Fresh Tariffs Related to Furniture, Movies (26:20) – Dual Hurricanes In The Atlantic: The Forecast (30:20) – Would You Work ‘996'? The Hustle Culture Trend Is Taking Hold in Silicon Valley (32:00) – Dolly Parton Postpones Concerts to Undergo Multiple Procedures Amid "Health Challenges" (34:10) – China Opens World's Highest Bridge, Breaking Its Own Record (35:10) – On This Day In History (37:00) Thanks To Our Sponsors:  – ⁠LMNT⁠ - Free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase – ⁠Boll & Branch⁠ – 20% off, plus free shipping –⁠ Industrious⁠ - Coworking office. 50% off day pass | Promo Code: MONEWS50 – Surfshark - 4 additional months of Surfshark VPN | Code: MONEWS – Leesa – 25% off mattress, plus extra $50 off | Promo Code: MONEWS – Factor Meals – 50% your first box plus free shipping | Promo Code: monews50off – Monarch Money - 50% off your first year | Promo Code: MONEWS

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Bree Groff, transformation consultant, speaker, and author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously). Bree challenges the idea that work must be draining to be valuable, offering a refreshing and practical vision for how leaders can help teams thrive, and even enjoy, their workdays. They explore how her upbringing shaped her perspective on work, why so many teams normalize burnout and busyness, and how leaders can model a healthier, more joyful approach. Bree introduces rituals, such as user manuals and daily check-ins, that foster trust and psychological safety, and she explains what it means to build “cozy teams” that perform through connection. You'll also hear her take on performative professionalism and how to lead without losing your humanity. If you're looking for ways to lead with more energy, authenticity, and yes, fun, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “Most work, most days, should be fun.” “Being busy is not the same as being brilliant.” “Cozy teams are teams that trust each other enough to tell the truth.” “We've confused being professional with looking professional.” “You can either be consumed by your calendar or create space to consume ideas.” “Even shoveling tough work can be joyful if you like your co-shovelers.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Start of Interview 02:03 Bree's Background and Family Influence 05:47 The Normalization of Burnout 10:54 Optimizing for Good Laughs with Good People 17:50 Performative Professionalism vs. Authenticity 26:26 Creating Fun and Cozy Work Environments 33:08 Building a Trusting and High-Performing Team 34:42 Practical Tools for Team Cohesion 35:15 The User Manual: A Quickstart Guide to Teamwork 37:01 Daily Check-ins: Enhancing Team Communication 38:28 The Fast Food Rule: Effective One-on-One Communication 40:38 Prioritizing Personal Well-being for Better Work 46:24 Milton Glaser: Finding Pleasure in Work 49:45 Applying Team Principles in Family Life 51:39 End of Interview 52:12 Andy Comments After the Interview 56:52 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Bree and her work at BreeGroff.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 458 with Elizabeth Lotardo, about finding joy in the job you have Episode 333 with Bob Nelson and Mario Tamayo, on how to make work more fun Episode 82 with Bill Catlette, about how contented teams deliver better results Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader–that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Work Culture, Team Rituals, Burnout, Psychological Safety, Joy at Work, Authenticity, People Management, Communication, Employee Engagement, Project Management, Emotional Intelligence The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Brendan Foody is the Co-Founder and CEO @ Mercor, the fastest growing company in history. The company solves talent allocation in the AI economy and they have scaled from $1M to $500M in revenue in just 17 months. With a rumoured new funding round pricing the company at a whopping $10BN, the company has the likes of Benchmark, Felicis, Emergence, and of course, 20VC, all on their cap table.  AGENDA:  04:34 Why My Mother Thought I Was Selling Drugs as a Kid 07:48 In The Time My Peers Graduated, I Created a $10BN Business; Is College Worth it? 10:27 Scale, Surge, Mercor, Turing: How Do Data Providers Differentiate 20:57 Scaling from $1M to $500M: We Quadrupled Since Scale was Acquired 33:43 Is There Too Much Cash in Private Markets? 34:55 Why Evaluation Benchmarks in AI are Total BS 35:44 Revenue Sustainability in AI Companies 36:48 Should Investors Give a S*** About Margins When Analysing AI Companies 40:46 The Future of AI Model Providers: Who Wins 45:58 You Cannot Create a $10BN Company without 9-9-6 Work Culture 48:56 We Literally Have Too Much Money, We Cannot Spend It…  52:36 Quick Fire Round: OpenAI vs Anthropic, Lessons from Peter Fenton and Jack Dorsey  

Today's agenda:  Whipped vodka Cringe corporate speak: Chinese wall Hot topic: all things Gen Z in the workplace WTF is the Gen Z stare? Gen Z employees aren't the problem Embracing the opportunity to teach team members the skills they need to be a part of an organization Managers can learn how to have productive conversations about workplace behavior Phones and multitasking Manager training and development is key Gen Z wants feedback and has an important impact on the workplace Questions/Comments  Your To-Do List: Grab merch, submit Questions & Comments, and make sure that you're the first to know about our In-Person Meetings (events!) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hrbesties.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow your Besties across the socials and check out our resumes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hrbesties.com/about⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Subscribe to the HR Besties Newsletter - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hr-besties.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠ We look forward to seeing you in our next meeting - don't worry, we'll have a hard stop! Yours in Business + Bullsh*t,  Leigh, Jamie & Ashley Follow Bestie Leigh! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@hrmanifesto⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hrmanifesto⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hrmanifesto.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Bestie Ashley! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethod⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/managermethod⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://managermethod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Bestie Jamie! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.millennialmisery.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Humorous Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Millennial Misery: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Horrendous HR: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tune in to “HR Besties,” a business, work and management podcast hosted by Leigh Elena Henderson (HRManifesto), Ashley Herd (ManagerMethod) and Jamie Jackson (Humorous_Resources), where we navigate the labyrinth of corporate culture, from cringe corporate speak to toxic leadership. Whether you're in Human Resources or not, corporate or small business, we offer sneak peeks into surviving work, hiring strategies, and making the employee experience better for all. Tune in for real talk on employee engagement, green flags in the workplace, and how to turn red flags into real change. Don't miss our chats about leadership, career coaching, and takes from work travel and watercooler gossip. Get new episodes every Wednesday, follow us on socials for the latest updates, and join us at our virtual happy hours to share your HR stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices