Receiving a tough piece of feedback can sting, but it can also be the catalyst for phenomenal career growth. On this episode of Punk Rock HR, this revelation sets the stage for Laurie’s discussion with Mita Mallick, a luminary in diversity, equity, and inclusion, whose insights and experiences as a marketer, best-selling author, and mother are reshaping the narrative of today's workplace. Their conversation spans from personal trials in the professional world to the myths that stifle true workplace transformation, offering listeners a chance to reflect on the biases and systemic hurdles that persist in corporate environments. As a storyteller at heart, Mita Mallick dissects how the tales we tell in business can either hinder or advance progress. The episode peels back the layers of diversity and inclusion challenges, addressing head-on the backlash against DEI efforts and the contention between business objectives and social justice. With an eye on the myths that cloud our judgment, from talent assessment to the dynamics of salary negotiation, Laurie and Mita explore the subjective nature of performance evaluations and the importance of debunking misconceptions to establish a more equitable workspace. The episode continues with future-focused contemplation, looking toward the evolving role of HR as a strategic partner in business and the tug-of-war between remote and in-office work spheres. You’ll hear how HR professionals can harness the power of storytelling and deep industry knowledge to become catalysts for true transformation. Don’t miss Mita Mallick's expertise on DEI with this must-listen episode of Punk Rock HR. In this episode, you will hear: The role of tough feedback in career growth How withholding feedback can hinder professional development Mita’s insights on debunking workplace myths that prevent transformation The backlash against DEI efforts and the subjectivity in performance evaluations that contribute to inequity Continuous feedback, the role of affinity bias in hiring, and challenges women face in salary negotiations Storytelling in business as a tool for HR professionals to drive change and align with evolving business landscapes Workplace trends such as remote vs. in-office work and the caregiving crisis Mita Mallick’s journey to the publication of her book “Reimagine Inclusion” Individual initiative in transforming the workplace Resources from this Episode Connect with Mita Mallick on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822 Get Mita’s book Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace: amzn.to/3GBFBvS  Find Mita on Instagram: www.instagram.com/mita_mallick13 Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Venture capital and HR technology veteran Jason Corsello from Acadian Ventures joins Laurie in an insightful discussion about the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in the workplace. In this episode of Punk Rock HR, Jason and Laurie explore the impact of AI technology on innovation and productivity as it expands within Acadian's portfolio. Their conversation delves into the exciting potential and lurking concerns of AI's role in the future. They debunk the myth of its all-encompassing dominance while underscoring its critical importance in work technology. Jason and Laurie also unravel the complexities of market saturation and the quest for groundbreaking solutions. They spotlight the promise of a new technological supercycle spurred on by AI, while cautiously considering the balance between augmenting workplace efficiency and the pitfalls of an over-reliant and divided economy. The discussion is not just limited to painting pictures of a utopian workplace but also sizing up the real-world implications for HR tech in the years ahead. Finally, Jason and Laurie offer an insider glimpse into the venture capital universe, where the emotional rollercoaster of investing meets the strategic play of identifying unicorn startups. They reflect on the essential skills for tomorrow's workforce and the emergence of a boundaryless talent pool in a world facing demographic shifts, while also sharing the stories of Acadian Ventures' latest fundraising successes. If you're fascinated by the evolving narrative of work tech and the celebration of entrepreneurial spirit, then this conversation is definitely worth a listen. In this episode, you will hear: AI's expanding role in the workforce, including a leap in Acadian's portfolio companies AI as an innovation shaper and becoming a staple across all sectors with a balanced approach that enhances without dominating every aspect of life Venture capital and the importance of luck, judgment, and market timing in identifying successful startups The need for companies to continuously invest in work technology to improve workplace efficiency and address budgetary constraints AI's integration into daily tools Examining innovative AI applications in HR tech, like Perplexity for advanced searches and Tech Wolf for skill inference The challenges of venture capital, including realistic company growth, fiscal responsibility, and the emotional toll of witnessing startup failures The importance of future skills and a global workforce A stagnant population growth's impact on the labor market and the role of global talent in driving innovation Resources from this Episode Visit the Acadian Ventures website: www.acadianventures.com Connect with Jason Corsello on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncorsello Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Have you ever felt tongue-tied or had your mind blank in the middle of a conversation? You're not alone. On this episode of Punk Rock HR, you’ll get strategies to conquer those moments. Laurie’s guest is communication expert Matt Abrahams, who unpacks the essentials of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot. They explore the science of crafting messages that resonate with audiences and the power of speech variation to keep their attention rapt. This isn't just another chat about talking; it's an arsenal of techniques to transform anyone into a communication pro – debunking the myth that you're either born with it or you're not. Matt and Laurie also get real about the sweaty palms and racing hearts that come with high-stakes communication. From revealing HR policies to pitching business ideas to the toughest crowds, Matt shares methods to cope and shine. Controlled breathing, focus grouping, ditching filler words – they cover it all, ensuring you walk away poised to present with confidence. And for those wondering about the fine line between authenticity and performance, they tackle that, too. Plug in and prepare to level up your communication skills – and possibly your entire approach to engaging with others. In this episode, you will hear: Strategies from Think Faster, Talk Smarter for improving engagement by tailoring messages and varying speech Overcoming the myth that effective communication is innate Effective communication is an acquirable skill applicable in various speaking situations Techniques for conveying ideas to skeptical audiences and managing anxiety, like controlled breathing and palm cooling Authenticity in communication How focusing on connecting rather than performing leads to more genuine interactions Exploring the “Talk Smarter” method, a six-step approach that includes mindset shifts and message structuring for spontaneous speaking Practical tips on anxiety management and effective communication, such as focus grouping, removing hedging language, and practicing delivery Listening well by giving pace, space, and grace to fully understand and respond to communication in the moment Resources from this Episode Visit Matt Abrahams’ website: MattAbrahams.com Connect with Matt on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/maabrahams Get Matt’s book: amzn.to/48NKpub Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Ever wonder how a split-second decision could redefine safety in your life? On this episode of Punk Rock HR, LaToya "Ladi Ammo" Workman joins Laurie to unravel the layers of personal security and empowerment, sharing her expertise in managing risk in the digital realm while advocating for physical safety. With her track record as a top-tier cybersecurity professional by day and a personal security instructor by night, LaToya offers unique strategies to fortify our daily lives, from wielding non-lethal self-defense tools to the assertive use of your voice. Breaking barriers is second nature to LaToya, a trailblazer in IT and cybersecurity—an industry where diversity is scarce. Her story is not just about overcoming the odds as a Black woman in tech but about her relentless endeavor to mentor others following her path. Beyond her professional journey, LaToya's Woman with a Weapon initiative is revolutionizing how women approach firearms, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to safely and confidently handle a weapon, all while challenging societal assumptions. As the conversation wraps up, LaToya and Laurie touch upon the essential conversations around responsible gun ownership and the parallels between cybersecurity and personal defense. LaToya's dedication to comprehensive education shines, advocating for readiness and responsibility over fear. Her insights extend to the importance of social media discretion and intuition to navigate potential threats, proving that knowledge is power in the quest to create safer communities. Join us to gain an empowered perspective on personal safety that goes beyond the basics and into the heart of proactive self-defense. In this episode, you will hear: LaToya "Ladi Ammo" Workman’s expertise in situational awareness and non-lethal self-defense tools Her advocation for education in personal and corporate security Overcoming challenges as a Black woman in the male-dominated fields of IT and cybersecurity The creation of Woman with a Weapon to mentor and empower others Situational awareness, responsible social media usage, and a layered defense strategy for both digital and physical safety Firearm safety education for women, along with secure storage The necessity of understanding self-defense laws and insurance The relevance of social engineering in security and LaToya’s experiences with navigating security checks Her vision for Woman with a Weapon to change societal perspectives on firearms, inspire Black women, and promote shooting as a sport and stress reliever The services Woman with a Weapon offers How Woman with a Weapon meets women at their level of experience and provides safe and supportive environments for learning about firearms and personal protection Resources from this Episode Woman with a Weapon website: womanwithaweaponclt.com Connect with LaToya “Ladi Ammo” Workman on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/latoyaworkman Find Woman with a Weapon on Instagram: www.instagram.com/womanwithaweapon Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Have you ever wondered if failure could be the secret ingredient to success? On this episode of Punk Rock HR, join Laurie as she sits down with the brilliant Dr. Amy C. Edmondson, the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, and explore the essential role of failure in our professional and personal growth. Amy shares her expertise on psychological safety and how it serves as the foundation for innovation, drawing on insights from her new book, "Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing." This episode isn't just about reframing our relationship with failure; it's a roadmap for embracing the missteps that lead us to excellence. With Amy's wealth of knowledge, we discuss the concept of intelligent failure from the scientific labs to the design studios of IDEO, revealing how setbacks can push us toward progress when we learn from them. Through her eyes, we re-examine the heart-wrenching lessons from the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia disasters while underscoring the value of listening to those with expertise and the proactive step of conducting pre-mortems in any project. Laurie and Amy wrap up the conversation by examining the paradox of social media as both a platform for professional networking and a potential pitfall for personal productivity. Amy's keen preference for LinkedIn as a tool for professional connections demonstrates the power of digital networks in fostering meaningful exchanges. Tune in to this discussion that will undoubtedly alter how you perceive risk-taking and the bountiful learning that lies within our failures. In this episode, you will hear: Transforming failure into success The importance of psychological safety in the workplace The role of intelligent failures in learning and growth, with examples from Jennifer Heemstra's chemistry lab and IDEO's innovation process Lessons from the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia disasters that emphasize listening to experts and the benefits of conducting pre-mortems LinkedIn as a platform for professional networking and its impact on work life Managing the risks of social media engagement The definition of psychological safety and the need to foster an environment where risks are communicated and managed effectively The distinctions between mistakes and failures Intelligent failure as a path to innovation and skill development Humility, curiosity, and situational awareness in handling failure How embracing intelligent failures contributes to overall success Resources from this Episode Get Dr. Amy C. Edmondson’s new book: Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well: amzn.to/3tst8aW  Connect with Amy on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amycedmondson Visit her website: amycedmondson.com Find Amy on Twitter/X: twitter.com/AmyCEdmondson Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

On this episode of Corporate Drinker, uncover the potential of ketamine therapy in treating alcohol use disorder and trauma. Laurie’s conversation with Dr. Hani El-wafi, a board-certified psychiatrist and expert in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, promises to demystify the nature of cravings and addiction, shedding light on Buddhist concepts and exploring mindfulness and nutrition in fostering healing. You will also get a firsthand account of the often daunting world of psychiatric emergency rooms, providing an understanding of how people with addictions seek relief. Feel the difference between a psychedelic and an empathogen as we break down what it's like to experience ketamine in a supportive environment. Dr. El-wafi elucidates the profound relaxation, warmth, and tingling that signifies transitioning from "doing mind" to "being mind." Discover how ketamine can be an instrument for cultivating self-love, acceptance, and trust, and understand the pivotal relationship between one's intention and substance use. Get a glimpse of the transformative healing when someone embarks on ketamine therapy at Transformance Health. We'll explore how Dr. El-wafi's Corporate America experience has influenced his perception of addiction and healing. Together, we'll examine the neuroscience behind neural pathways and learn how to redirect away from harmful thought processes. The corporate drinking culture of New York City comes under scrutiny as we discuss how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can alleviate underlying feelings of boredom, stress, and worry that often lead to alcohol misuse. We'll also delve into the paradox of using substances to reduce anxiety only to end up more anxious than before. Don't miss this in-depth exploration of alcohol's impact on the brain and how ketamine therapy can be a game changer. In this episode, you will hear: Dr. Hani El-wafi on the use of ketamine therapy in treating alcohol use disorder and trauma and its potential to demystify cravings and addiction The transition from a "doing mind" to a "being mind" during a ketamine experience Dr. El-wafi's perspective of addiction and healing, influenced by his Corporate America experience The impact of corporate drinking culture in New York City The paradox of using substances to reduce anxiety, which often leads to more anxiety The effects of alcohol on the brain, primarily working on the GABA receptor, and how ketamine therapy can alleviate the anxiety caused by alcohol misuse Ketamine therapy at Transformance Health and the need for safety, comfort, and a supportive environment An example of transformative healing through ketamine therapy using the case of a patient re-experiencing and gaining a new perspective on a past traumatic event Resources from this Episode Transformance Health website: www.transformancehealth.com Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Have you ever found yourself clutching a soda at a conference or corporate event, deflecting questions about your choice of beverage? Has anyone ever guessed if you're pregnant, in recovery, or part of the LDS church? Mary Ellen Slayter, founder and CEO of Rep Cap, knows precisely how you feel. We journey alongside her through the maze of conference lingo, unraveling the intricate ties between work, culture, and alcohol. Together, we navigate the sometimes choppy waters of gender dynamics at these events, where professional boundaries often blur into social ones. But there's more to corporate events than just drinks. We venture into the topic of inclusivity in corporate gatherings, brainstorming ways to accommodate dietary restrictions and promote accessibility. No one should feel left out at a corporate retreat or happy hour, and we're committed to finding solutions. Lastly, we probe the idea of renegotiating our relationship with alcohol, aiming to enhance everyone's experience at these events. Tune in for a deep dive into how we can build cultures of inclusion and belonging in the workplace, alcohol or not. In this episode, you will hear: The role of alcohol in corporate events and the need for more inclusive practices, featuring guest Mary Ellen Slayter, founder and CEO of Rep Cap An analysis of gender dynamics at conferences and the prevalence of alcohol consumption and its effects on professional boundaries How the consumption of alcohol can blur professional and social boundaries, particularly within the Human Resources industry Strategies to make corporate events more inclusive, including catering to dietary restrictions and offering non-alcoholic beverage options The impact of alcohol at corporate retreats and happy hours and the need to make these events accessible to everyone The idea of renegotiating our relationship with alcohol to enhance everyone's experience at work events, promoting a culture of inclusion and belonging Some practical advice on how employees can propose changes to work events to make them more inclusive and the importance of collective action and solution-focused approaches Resources from this Episode Rep Cap’s website: repcap.com Connect with Mary Ellen Slayter on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maryellenslayter Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Before juggling a demanding career and the joys of motherhood, Karina Monesson—a Senior Manager of Human Insights, Research, and Advisory at UKG—found herself spiraling into the abyss of addiction.  In this episode of Corporate Drinker, Karina candidly recounts her entanglement with alcohol and subsequent recovery to paint a sobering picture of addiction's effects on both personal and professional life. We also tackle the often overlooked motherhood penalty in the workplace and the balancing act of career and family life. As we uncork the bottle on corporate culture’s relationship with alcohol, we confront the challenge of identifying substance use disorders among us. The pandemic's influence on this issue is undeniable, with an alarming surge in alcohol consumption and substance-related deaths. Corporate America's pervading "work hard, play hard" ethos comes under the microscope as we propose ideas for healthier, balanced team-building experiences. We conclude the episode with a frank discussion about the stigma surrounding addiction, its presence in the workplace, and the crucial role of managers in supporting employees battling this silent demon. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join us as we reveal the often-overlooked ties between work, alcohol, and addiction. In this episode, you will hear: Karina Monesson’s personal journey with alcohol addiction and recovery and how it changed in the light of her career and motherhood The complex relationship between corporate culture and alcohol and the rise of substance use disorder during the pandemic The “work hard, play hard” ethos in Corporate America and the need for healthier team-building experiences that don't revolve around alcohol An analysis of the often overlooked “motherhood penalty” in the workplace and the struggle of balancing career and family life A sobering look at addiction in the workplace, with data showing 75% of those with substance use disorder are full-time employees The stigma and misconceptions around addiction and the importance of managers supporting employees battling addiction An emphasis on fostering a solid manager-employee relationship to open up conversations about addiction and recovery Resources from this Episode Find Karina Monesson on Instagram: www.instagram.com/karina.monesson Connect with Karina on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karina-monesson Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Join me as I welcome Dr. Ben Yerxa, the CEO of Opus Genetics, into our series on the intersection of alcohol and work culture. Dr. Yerxa brings his vast leadership experience to the table, giving us an invaluable perspective on cultivating a healthy work environment. We delve into the intricate dynamics of alcohol in professional settings, ranging from corporate board dinners to the daily operations of a biotech company, and discuss the importance of mindful drinking. Get ready for a thrilling ride as we explore the complexities of work dynamics, stressful board dinners, and the increasing popularity of alcohol alternatives. Plus, we'll be peeking into Dr. Yerxa's tenure at Inspire where he experienced company culture molded by openness, trust, and timely coaching. This is one episode you don't want to miss - prepare to be both educated and entertained by our conversation with Dr. Ben Yerxa! In this episode, you will hear: The intersection of alcohol and work culture, exploring how alcohol plays a role in professional settings, from boardrooms to biotech companies. Dr. Ben Yerxa shares his experiences managing diverse teams and fostering a healthy work environment, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption of alcohol. Discussion of corporate board dinners and the potential implications of alcohol consumption in these settings, with Dr. Yerxa advising against overindulgence as a "career-limiting move." Examination of alcohol's role in facilitating professional interactions and relationships in various work settings, including receptions, fundraisers, and networking events. A look at the emerging popularity of alcohol alternatives, such as mocktails, and generational preferences around alcohol consumption. Resources from this Episode Dr. Yerxa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-yerxa-35665a8  Opus Genetics: https://opusgtx.com/  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

The very essence of work, culture, and leadership is in flux. Are you prepared to keep up? Today, Laurie welcomes Daniel Chait, co-founder and CEO of Greenhouse Software, who guides us through this shifting landscape. Daniel uncovers the changing dynamic between employees and corporations in the modern age, emphasizing how remote work opportunities have boosted employee empowerment and self-actualization. He explains how this evolution has transformed the role of a CEO and how leaders can leverage these changes to cultivate a robust organizational culture. As Laurie and Daniel delve deeper into the conversation, we pivot to the role of employee resource groups (ERGs) in shaping a trusting work environment. Daniel passionately asserts the importance of acknowledging ERGs' contributions and the necessity to balance diverse needs within a company.  The conversation takes another turn as Laurie and Daniel venture into the contentious topic of alcohol consumption at Greenhouse. Daniel candidly shares his perspective on building meaningful work friendships amid professional boundaries and his personal journey navigating these intricate terrains.  Tune in for an interesting conversation on the evolving norms of work, leadership, and organizational culture. In this episode, you will hear: How the evolution of remote work has empowered employees and reshaped the role of CEOs The importance of creating a culture that empowers employees to provide valuable feedback and the role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in fostering an environment of trust and open communication The need for recognition for ERG leaders due to the additional work they do to maintain these groups Alcohol’s role in workplace culture at Greenhouse in conjunction with the diverse needs and vulnerabilities of employees Daniel Chait’s personal experience of a misunderstanding around alcohol at a company event that highlights the importance of being aware of the different experiences and struggles of employees Difficult decisions and accommodations needed in creating a company culture that makes all employees feel included and comfortable Setting expectations around behavior at work events, especially when alcohol is involved Resources from this Episode Greenhouse website: greenhouse.io Connect with Daniel Chait on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dhchait Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.  

On this episode of Corporate Drinker, step into the world of addiction and recovery with Laurie’s guest, Dr. Scott Kellogg, an acclaimed clinical psychologist specializing in addiction. Laurie’s conversation with Dr. Kellogg delves into the fascinating intersection of work, culture, and alcohol, particularly in the current pandemic climate. You'll gain a fresh perspective on how addiction intertwines with identity and how crucial it is to meet people where they are. Dr. Kellogg brings a wealth of experience and understanding from his time as a psychotherapist in the mid-1980s, providing an eye-opening glimpse into the complexities of addiction. Dr. Kellogg offers his expert opinion on the role of identity in addiction recovery. Have you ever wondered how forming a new identity could be the key to recovery? Or perhaps how broadening one's identity could act as a shield against addiction? This episode answers these questions and more, challenging the traditional views on addiction and spurring a thought-provoking conversation on identity transformation. We also tackle the corporate drinking culture and how one can juggle multiple identities. Last but not least, we unravel the intricacies of therapy approaches for addiction. Explore the importance of building relationships, monitoring use, and creating a recovery plan that works. Hear about the somewhat controversial harm reduction dogma and the power of setting boundaries. We also discuss the stages of recovery and the need for an integrative approach. Get ready for a conversation that sparks a new understanding of addiction and how to respond to it in ourselves and others. In this episode, you will hear: The complex relationship between addiction, identity, and recovery, with a focus on work culture and alcohol use during the pandemic The concept of identity in addiction recovery and the suggestion that crafting a new identity can be crucial in overcoming addiction Some different therapy approaches for tackling addiction, including building relationships, monitoring use, and creating a successful recovery plan Dr. Kellogg’s thoughts on managing substance use and the need to optimize benefits while minimizing risks What an "ideal use plan" means The societal perception of addiction as either a sickness or a moral failing and the challenge of identifying the real issues in someone's life The use of contingency management in addiction recovery and offering positive reinforcements for behavior change Laurie and Dr. Kellogg’s discussion on the role of money as a motivator in addiction recovery and how financial incentives can help in managing substance use Resources from this Episode Transformational Chairwork website: transformationalchairwork.com/about/about-scott-kellogg Connect with Dr. Scott Kellogg on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-kellogg-a7217a5 Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Are you aware that your workplace dynamics are being subtly manipulated by alcohol? That's right: from happy hours to casual Fridays, incorporating alcohol into our work culture has profound impacts that we seldom consider.  Join Laurie as she explores this topic with the brilliant Kate Bischoff, a Minneapolis-based employment attorney who offers her unique perspective on the complex relationship between work, culture, and alcohol. They delve into the roles of “optimal” and “sub-optimal” organizations, the power dynamics reinforced by alcohol, and their potential to disrupt inclusion and belonging. Does the thought of handling alcohol consumption in your corporate environment seem complex and challenging? You're not alone. In this episode of Corporate Drinker, we explore the tough but necessary conversation about the expectations of professional behavior when it comes to incorporating alcohol at work. We discuss how HR can take a proactive stance against workplace misconduct and the importance of setting expectations around professional behavior. Drawing on Kate's expertise, we also uncover the impact of the billable-hour culture on employees' substance abuse and the challenges of bringing about a cultural shift.  Tune in and equip yourself with insights and strategies to foster a secure, respectful, and inclusive work environment. In this episode, you will hear: The impact of alcohol on work culture with employment attorney Kate Bischoff, exploring how it can amplify power dynamics, disrupt inclusion, and diminish a sense of belonging The responsibility of HR, the respect we owe to our employees as adults, and the role of Midwestern pragmatism in setting expectations and holding individuals accountable in a corporate environment Unique challenges associated with the billable-hour culture and substance abuse, particularly in professions with easy access to drugs and alcohol How to foster well-being, contentment, and a secure environment in the workplace amid the presence of alcohol The issue of alcohol and professional behavior at corporate events and conferences and the need for setting clear expectations around professional behavior The high rate of substance abuse disorders among lawyers, attributed to the stress and expectations that come with the billable-hour culture Self-reflection and questioning our happiness and satisfaction in our professional and personal lives Resources from this Episode Kate Bischoff’s website: k8bisch.com Connect with Kate on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/k8bisch Website: laurieruettimann.com Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Have you ever wondered about the real cost of alcohol in the corporate world?  Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation with Ken Makimsy Middleton, the author of Bamboozled. Laurie and Ken unravel the insidious dangers of alcohol, discussing how it keeps us in a cycle of mediocrity and threatens our professional growth.  Ken opens up about his personal journey, sharing how alcohol, initially a false confidence booster, hindered his progress. They also tackle this complex relationship with alcohol, offering insight into navigating it and breaking free from its chains. Ready to challenge what you think you know about corporate drinking? Laurie and Ken delve into the concept of alcohol consciousness, emphasizing the importance of understanding the trade-offs of drinking. Ken reveals corporations' role in fostering a sobriety culture instead of encouraging team-building activities centered around alcohol. Additionally, they explore the undeniable link between alcohol and sales professionals, uncovering the underlying reasons behind their heavier drinking habits and offering solutions. Ken introduces the MEDS approach (Mechanical Reengineering, Education, Substitutes, and Exercise Commitment), a comprehensive method to abstain from alcohol.  This promises to be a game-changing conversation that will shift how you view alcohol in corporate culture. In this episode, you will hear: Ken Makimsy Middleton’s journey from using alcohol as a false source of confidence to realizing his life was better without it, along with the hidden perils of alcohol in the corporate world The concept of “alcohol consciousness” and advocating for understanding the trade-offs of drinking as a path to healthier choices Corporations’ role in promoting a culture of sobriety instead of building teams around alcohol and the dangers and pitfalls of this normalized practice The history of alcohol and its societal normalization and the compelling case for abstinence The MEDS approach - Mechanical Reengineering, Education, Substitutes, and Exercise Commitment - a comprehensive method to abstain from alcohol An overlooked connection between sales professionals and heavy drinking “Alcohol parables” from Ken’s book, Bamboozled, and how it illustrates the contrasting paths of two individuals, offering readers a tangible understanding of the life-changing benefits of giving up alcohol Resources from this Episode Connect with Ken Makimsy Middleton on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/kenmmiddleton Get a copy of Bamboozled: How Alcohol Makes Fools of Us All - www.amazon.com/Bamboozled-How-Alcohol-Makes-Fools/dp/1954437862 Ken’s website - thebamboozledbook.com/ Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Ever wonder how societal pressures and expectations can drive you towards unhealthy coping mechanisms?  On this episode of Corporate Drinker, Laurie’s conversation with Celeste Yvonne, a sober mom advocate, author, and certified recovery coach, will make you rethink the pervasive “mommy wine culture.” Celeste gets candid about her journey of sobriety, five and a half years in the making, and how her experiences in the hustle and bustle of corporate America for 20 years clashed with the harsh realities of motherhood. She also uncovers the often-hidden feelings of despair and shame parents face amid the daily grind. In the throes of anxiety, depression, and the overwhelming pressure of being a stellar mother and a successful corporate employee, Celeste shares how she found herself entangled in problematic drinking. Hear her discuss her rocky transition to motherhood, the lack of postpartum support, and how it led her to self-medicate with alcohol.  Join us as we tackle the societal expectations and gendered stereotypes burdening parents and how Celeste used her ongoing struggles and dedication to sober living as a beacon to guide others. We'll also explore her powerful new book “It's Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind Mommy Wine Culture” and her thriving online community, the Sober Mom Squad. In this episode, you will hear: Celeste Yvonne’s journey from corporate America to motherhood, including her struggles with the mommy wine culture and her path to sobriety The harsh reality of postpartum depression and anxiety and the lack of support and societal expectations that many mothers face Why she created the Sober Mom Squad, an online community providing support for moms dealing with similar issues The pressure to be both a successful corporate employee and a mother that led to her drinking becoming a problem The societal and gendered stereotypes that contribute to the pressures of parenthood Celeste’s experience transitioning from her corporate career to writing her book “It's Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind Mommy Wine Culture” The struggles and triumphs inherent to motherhood and the courage to challenge the status quo Resources from this Episode Celeste Yvonne’s website - celesteyvonne.com Find Celeste on Facebook - www.facebook.com/theultimatemomchallenge Connect with Celeste on Instagram - www.instagram.com/theultimatemomchallenge Get a copy of “It’s Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind Mommy Wine Culture” - amzn.to/45JomDv Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Could your choice of drink impact your career, culture, and health?  Join Laurie as we navigate the intricate world of alcohol, work, and culture with her guest, Dr. Lipi Roy. This renowned doctor, writer, international speaker, and media personality is a titan in addiction medicine. She’ll debunk some common misconceptions about alcohol, including the ubiquitous theory surrounding the health benefits of wine. Dr. Roy will also explore the need for businesses, leaders, and HR departments to step up to address addiction and mental health issues in the workplace. We’re challenging traditional norms and perceptions around alcohol in this episode. We explore binge drinking, its prevalence, and the unique challenges women face when it comes to alcohol consumption. With her expansive experience and knowledge, Dr. Roy guides us through different treatment options for alcohol use disorder, from professional counseling to support groups, and highlights the role of medication like Naltrexone and Ozempic.  This is more than just a podcast episode; this is a call for a healthier, more mindful approach to alcohol use within our lives and workplaces. In this episode, you will hear: Dr. Lipi Roy’s experience in addiction medicine and her new company, SITA MED, which addresses addiction and mental health in the workplace Debunking the misconceptions about alcohol, like the supposed health benefits of wine The binge drinking trend, the unique risks women face with alcohol consumption, and COVID-19’s role in escalating these issues Treatment options for alcohol use disorder, including professional counseling and support groups, and the role of medications like Naltrexone and Ozempic The complicated relationship between work, culture, and alcohol and the responsibility of businesses, leaders, and HR departments Binge drinking and how to recognize harmful drinking before addiction takes hold The increasing numbers of alcohol addiction among women and COVID-19’s role in this rise Resources from this Episode SITA Med’s website: sitamedllc.com Find Dr. Lipi Roy on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DrLipiRoy   Connect with Dr. Roy on Instagram: www.instagram.com/lipiroymd Visit Dr. Roy’s TikTok page: www.tiktok.com/@lipiroymd Find Dr. Roy on Twitter/X: twitter.com/lipiroy Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Today, on The Corporate Drinker, Laurie invites you on an extraordinary journey of bravery, resilience, and self-discovery with her guest, Bryan Wempen. With an openness that is at once jarring and inspiring, Bryan translates his personal battles with alcohol addiction into a narrative that brings to light the often unaddressed issue of substance abuse in the corporate world. We dive head-first into the murky waters of his past, tracing the path from his early days of drinking to his arduous journey to recovery, exposing the power of a recovery mindset, self-compassion, and kindness.  Their conversation takes a powerful turn as we dissect the correlation between work culture and alcohol. Through Bryan's eyes, we explore the changing landscape of professional behavior in the age of social media and the increasing visibility of substance abuse. He shares his revelations during recovery meetings and highlights the importance of managing negative emotions and staying committed to the mission for a better, healthier work environment. In the final part of their conversation, Bryan introduces us to his work with CHESS Health and how it fits into his mission to help those in recovery. He talks about his upcoming book, “Fuck My Demons: A Next Chapter in Recovery,” and the role writing played in his journey to self-improvement. His commitment to doing the right thing while caring for himself and his family, along with his perspectives on tolerance, is nothing short of inspirational.  Tune in as we celebrate the power of second chances and the companions who challenge, support, and spur us on our journey to self-discovery and growth. In this episode, you will hear: Bryan Wempen's journey from alcohol addiction to recovery and the impact of work culture on substance abuse The correlation between work culture and alcohol and the increasing visibility of substance abuse due to social media Bryan's experiences and revelations from recovery meetings and why managing negative emotions and committing to a healthier work environment is crucial His work with CHESS Health, aimed at helping individuals in recovery, and his upcoming book “Fuck My Demons: A Next Chapter in Recovery” The power of writing in Bryan's recovery and self-improvement journey Corporate drinking culture and its implications for workplace wellness strategies Bryan Wempen's commitment to tolerance, self-care, and making a positive impact through his work and lifestyle Resources from this Episode Connect with Bryan Wempen on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryanwempen  Find Bryan on Twitter: twitter.com/bryanwempen Get Bryan Wempen's Books: amzn.to/3q8zmLn  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

What if we told you that the corporate world could be playing a significant role in triggering addiction and mental health issues?  It's time to challenge perceptions and spark meaningful dialogues as we welcome Cheryl Brown Merriwether, Vice President and Executive Director at the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education. With her experience in HR management, adult education, and lived experience of addiction, we uncover unsettling truths about substance misuse in the workplace and discuss the significant part we can all play in fostering recovery. We tread into contentious territory, examining the reclassification of substance use disorders and how our choice of language can shape the fight against addiction stigma. Cheryl provides insight into the various schools of thought and the transformative power of education in bridging these divides. We also explore the tricky area of workplace culture and its impact on employee mental health - how do businesses strike the right balance between providing support and encroaching on personal boundaries? But it's not all heavy discussion; we also dive headfirst into the adoption of exciting new approaches to tackle mental health and substance use disorders in the workplace. From creating safe spaces through affinity groups and employee resource groups to the pivotal role of data in measuring the success of these initiatives, there's much to be hopeful about. And as Cheryl shares the inspiring stories of Project Opioid and her work with ICARE, we're reminded of the immense potential of interagency partnerships and the vital role of education in making a real, tangible difference.  Tune in for a conversation that challenges, provokes thought, and inspires action. In this episode, you will hear: An in-depth discussion with Cheryl Brown Merriwether, executive director at the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education, on substance misuse in workplaces, along with her her personal and professional experiences The controversial reclassification of substance use disorders, focusing on the role of language in destigmatizing addiction and the power of education in bridging different viewpoints The impact of workplace culture on managing mental health, including the delicate balance that companies need to strike when offering support without overstepping professional boundaries Some innovative strategies for addressing mental health and substance misuse in professional environments, like establishing affinity groups and employee resource groups The use of data in measuring the efficacy of mental health initiatives in workplaces Project Opioid and ICARE, initiatives that demonstrate the potential of interagency partnerships and the transformative power of education in driving change The evolving language and understanding of substance misuse and mental health and the need for ongoing education and open conversations in the workplace Resources from this Episode International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education: www.icare-aware.org Connect with Cheryl Brown Merriwether on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cherylbrownmerriwether  Project Opioid: projectopioid.org Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Ever wondered how to transform workplace dynamics with a heart-centered approach and a dash of courage?  Join us as we reveal these secrets with Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at Vayner X. Claude takes us on a compelling journey, sharing stories from her early days in advertising, where she defied the norms and chose not to participate in strip club-related client meetings. Her reminiscences underscore the essence of authenticity and the richness each of us contributes to our professional spaces. Focusing on the complex landscape of the corporate world, we grapple with striking the right balance between an inclusive atmosphere and promoting self-leadership. This discussion probes corporate responsibilities towards those who choose not to drink and organizations' pivotal role in setting boundaries while fostering teamwork. We also delve into the power of emotional resilience and adopting a heart-centric approach to resolve issues in the workplace. In our conclusion, we muse on the art of achieving success without compromising personal boundaries. Claude and Laurie reflect on finding tranquility and taking time to recharge amidst a bustling lifestyle. We underscore the importance of patience and understanding that success takes time. Summing up, we stress the significance of expressing gratitude, nurturing robust relationships, and the invaluable role of having a dependable support system. Listen in, and enrich yourself with a wealth of wisdom about cultivating a balanced and fulfilling career. In this episode, you will hear: Claude’s reflections on the early days in advertising, where strip clubs were the norm for client meetings, and how she chose a different path The balance of fostering an inclusive environment and self-leadership in the corporate world and considering everyone's experiences, especially those who choose sobriety Corporate responsibility and a heart-centered approach to problem-solving, along with maintaining boundaries and promoting emotional resilience The necessity of setting personal boundaries while striving for success, finding solace, and recharging amidst a busy lifestyle The role of patience and understanding that success takes time and is not an overnight feat The need to balance between socializing and forming authentic connections, along with gratitude, nourishing relationships, and a supportive network Claude's experiences at a super conference promoting empathy, kindness, patience, success, and ambition Resources from this Episode Claude Silver’s website: www.claudesilver.com Connect with Claude on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/casilver Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Have you ever wondered how unseen forces of elitism might drive the dynamics of your workplace? Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Leah Goodridge, an attorney and city planning commissioner from Brooklyn, New York, who has some thought-provoking insights to share about this very subject. Leah draws our attention to the often-overlooked intersection of work and alcohol and how it contributes to a culture of exclusivity and perpetuates financial insecurity among young professionals. In our conversation with Leah, we venture into the labyrinth of workplace elitism, unearthing its subtle manifestations in after-work drinks, power lunches, and even the pressure to outperform. Further, we dissect the concept of dysfunction bonding, a complex issue where work becomes an escape from personal problems, leading to unhealthy dynamics. We delve into the delicate balance between sharing insights and gossiping and how it can create a sense of inequity. Leah also brings to light the undue pressure on marginalized groups to constantly prove themselves, adding another layer to this intricate matrix.  Prepare for a riveting conversation that promises to broaden your perspective on the reality of workplace dynamics and equity. In this episode, you will hear: Leah Goodridge, a legal warrior advocating for housing justice in Brooklyn, New York, shares her thoughts on the intersection of work and alcohol The hidden nuances of workplace elitism and how it's entangled with after-work drinking and power lunches Uncovering the reality of financial insecurity among young careerists and the unspoken inequities in professional spaces An examination of dysfunction bonding in the workplace and the fine line between gaining insight and fostering gossip The pressures faced by those from marginalized groups in proving their worth at heightened levels How the culture of after-work drinks can perpetuate workplace inequalities and marginalization The role of alcohol in fostering an unhealthy work culture and perpetuating sexual harassment Resources from this Episode Leah Goodridge’s website: www.leahgoodridge.com Find Leah on Twitter:  twitter.com/Leahfrombklyn  Connect with Leah on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leah-goodridge  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.  

Join me as I chat with Carly and Ian Blessing, founders of the alcohol-free brand “All the Bitter.” They share their candid journey from struggling with alcohol use disorder to launching their innovative brand in the cocktail scene. We explore their experiences working at The French Laundry, how they navigated their path to sobriety, and how they channeled their challenge into an opportunity. Carly and Ian give us an inside look into the world of non-alcoholic bitters, from their kitchen experiments to managing a full-blown commercial operation. We discuss how the pandemic served as a catalyst for their venture and the fascinating process behind the creation of their bitters. Tune in to this episode of Corporate Drinker as Carly and Ian emphasize the importance of a supportive community outside work and share their experiences with AA and online communities. You'll also get to hear about the growth of their family business and the recent addition of Carly's stepdad, Ed, to their team. It's a conversation that unravels a journey of resilience, enterprise, and creativity.  Don't miss out on this inspiring episode as we stir up conversations around sobriety, recovery, and innovation in the cocktail industry! In this episode, you will hear: Carly and Ian’s journey from alcohol use disorder to launching their non-alcoholic bitters brand, “All the Bitter,” influenced by their work experience at the French Laundry The transformation of their kitchen experiments into a full-scale commercial operation, including insights into inventory management and recipe tracking How the pandemic served as a catalyst for the idea of alcohol-free cocktail bitters, leading to the birth of their innovative product Why you need a supportive community on the path to recovery, and Carly and Ian’s experiences with AA and an online community focused on non-alcoholic beverages The growth of the family business and the addition of Ian's stepdad, Ed, to the team The process of alcohol recovery in the restaurant industry A deep dive into the world of non-alcoholic bitters, their creation, and the importance of community-building in the alcohol-free space Resources from this Episode All the Bitter - allthebitter.com  Find All the Bitter on Instagram: instagram.com/allthebitter Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.  

As a host, I’ve had the privilege of discussing many bold and brave stories. Still, this conversation with Jessica Winder, the senior vice president of people at Refine Labs and founder of Hidden Gem Career Coaching, truly resonates deeply. Brace yourselves as Jessica unearths her personal confrontation with alcohol addiction, an unspoken secret in her family tree, and the lifeline she found in her career. We navigate her journey through sobriety and relapse, shedding light on how she used her professional success to mask her struggles. A poignant part of our discussion revolves around Jessica's experiences in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program, where she grappled with feelings of isolation and sought solace in others. Her life took a pivotal turn when she received a DUI, a wake-up call that initiated her sober journey. Jessica also shares insights on how corporations can support sobriety and address historical trauma, a topic often overlooked in corporate conversations.  In the final stages of our conversation, Jessica opens up about how her sobriety has positively impacted her personal and professional life. From strengthening her marriage to reigniting her creative spark, Jessica reveals the unexpected benefits of her recovery. She discusses her new-found passion for journaling, her ambitions for a startup, and her aspiration to author a book. Ending on a hopeful note, Jessica imparts her career coaching philosophy centered around personal resonance over financial gains. This discussion with Jessica Winder is a compelling tale of overcoming personal adversities, reaching professional success, and finding true fulfillment in one's career. In this episode, you will hear: Jessica Winder's struggle with alcohol addiction resulting from unacknowledged addiction issues within her family Her use of professional success as a cover-up for her addiction and proof that she was not struggling with alcoholism Jessica’s feelings of isolation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings as often the only black woman in attendance. Her recognition of her problem when she found a meeting for Black people online How a DUI started Jessica’s sober journey, positively impacting her personal and professional life by reigniting her creative spark, strengthening her marriage, and finding a passion for journaling The importance of corporations supporting sobriety and addressing historical trauma in the workplace Jessica's career coaching philosophy based on personal resonance over financial gains, encouraging people to find careers they love Resources from this Episode Hidden Gem Career Coaching: www.hiddengemcareercoaching.com Hidden Gem Career Coaching on Instagram: instagram.com/HiddenGemCC  Connect with Jessica Winder on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadwinder Get Jessica’s book, The Hidden Gem Within: Discovering Your Strengths & Talents for a Fulfilling Career: amzn.to/3pE1MN2 Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.  

Ever wondered about the deep-rooted intersection of alcohol science and corporate culture? In this inaugural episode, I welcome Dr. Jared Pelo, a physician, executive, and entrepreneur who takes us on an insightful journey through the uncharted territories of corporate drinking and its impact on health. His experiences, including an acquisition by Microsoft, have honed his perspective on thriving amidst the complexities of corporate culture and alcohol science.  As the conversation continues, we explore the progression of alcohol abuse and its ever-shifting cultural dynamics. From managing social pressure in a comfortable environment to discussing the health implications of increased alcohol consumption, we pull no punches. Add to this the accelerated narrative around suffering and despair intensified by the pandemic, and you're in for a thought-provoking discussion. Finally, we focus on fostering a workplace culture of help and health. How can corporate wellness programs, government incentives, and social media influences contribute? How can employers empower their employees, and what can individuals do to enhance their work environments? Dr. Pelo and I look honestly at complex problems like racism and gender disparity that may persist beyond our lifetime but are worth our tireless efforts.  Along with Dr. Jared Pelo, let's navigate the labyrinth of corporate drinking together. In this episode, you will hear: The complex relationship between alcohol and corporate culture An exploration of the progression of alcohol abuse and its transformation of acceptance over the years Strategies to navigate social pressures surrounding alcohol and the health risks associated with excessive consumption The impact of the global pandemic on conversations around mental health, suffering, and despair The possibilities of fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes health and assistance A reflection on the persisting issues of racism and gender disparity within the workplace The impacts of alcohol on our health, including damage to organs, disruption of sleep cycles, and increased risk of certain diseases Resources from this Episode Dr. Jared Pelo’s website: jaredpelo.com   Bionic Health: www.bionichealth.com/about     Connect with Dr. Pelo on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jared-pelo-b849026  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.  

My guests on this episode of Punk Rock HR are both from Betterworks: Andrea Couto, head of solutions engineering and sales readiness, and Harini Sridharan, head of product marketing. We discuss the evolution of performance management into performance enablement, how small businesses can experiment with performance enablement and the role of people analytics in performance. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/make-performance-management-sticky 

My guest on this episode of Punk Rock HR is Conrad Shaw. He is a writer, filmmaker, co-founder of Comingle.us and a universal basic income (UBI) researcher. Conrad is a font of wisdom about UBI, and we discuss what it is, how it works, his upcoming documentary series “Bootstraps” and more. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/showing-the-real-life-stories-of-ubi 

My guest for this episode of Punk Rock HR is my friend Carlos Escobar, who is a seasoned HR, talent development and change management leader. Tune in as we discuss how Carlos uses change management and design thinking to drive meaningful change, what he expects from AI and his personal philosophy about work. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/unlocking-peoples-potential-with-carlos-escobar

My guests for this episode of Punk Rock HR are Dustin Clinard, vice president of strategic partnerships at Betterworks, and Mike May, vice president of the UKG tech partner program at UKG. In this conversation, we’re talking about the unique partnership between ‌these HR tech companies, the trends affecting HR tech buyers and the future of performance management. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/cooperation-in-competition 

My guest on this episode is Liz Vaccariello, who is the former editor-in-chief of Real Simple, Reader’s Digest and People magazine. Liz and I discuss why she pivoted her career to align with her purpose, the challenges of building trust over Zoom and what it really means to be a writer and editor. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/pivoting-to-your-purpose

My guest on this episode of Punk Rock HR is Jeannine K. Brown. She is the CEO of Everyday Lead and the author of the book “Unstuck and Unstoppable.” Jeannine and I discuss the state of the job market, what job seekers should be doing and what to look for in a psychologically safe workplace. We also discuss how her book is helping professionals accelerate their careers. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/what-job-seekers-need-to-know

My guest for this episode is a dear friend: Enrique Rubio, founder of Hacking HR. Enrique and I discuss how he got started in HR, why HR shouldn’t overinvest in technology and why a shift in mindset can help HR leaders see themselves as business leaders. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/embracing-hr-leaders-as-business-leaders

My guest for this episode is Lexi B. Lexi is a tech veteran, professional speaker, and the founder and community builder of Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech. Lexi and I discuss how she learned to “strategically scream” helped her find her voice, the importance of knowing your worth outside work, her “why” and her LinkedIn Live series. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/decoupling-your-purpose-and-worth-from-work 

In this episode, I’m joined by John Schneider and Michelle Gouldsberry of Betterworks. John is chief marketing officer, and Michelle is a senior content marketing manager. In this conversation, we’re talking about Betterworks’ research into the state of performance enablement. John and Michelle share the motivation for this research, the findings they’re most excited about and how HR leaders can make work better with performance management. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/creating-a-better-culture-of-performance-enablement   

My guest on this episode is David Glasgow. He is the executive director at the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at NYU School of Law and the co-author of “Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice.” We discuss the fear people have around these conversations, the mistakes they commonly make and how we can recover from them. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/moving-the-world-forward-through-conversations 

My guest for this episode is Mary Ann Horton, a transgender activist and the author of “Trailblazer: Lighting the Path for Transgender Equality in Corporate America.” In our conversation, we discuss her amazing career, how she advocated for one of the corporate world’s first transgender equality workplace policies, her book, and her advice to HR leaders looking to be more inclusive.   To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/paving-the-way-for-transgender-equality-in-corporate-america 

My guest for this episode is Karoline Saffi, chief people officer at Mission Cloud. Karoline and I discuss how HR can become more transparent, how Mission Cloud is creating tech career growth opportunities, and the importance of being agile and open-minded in HR today.   To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/creating-opportunities-for-tech-career-growth-with-karoline-saffi 

My guests today are Betterworks CEO Doug Dennerline and Vice President of HR Transformation Jamie Aitken. They’re back on the show to talk about their upcoming book, “Make Work Better: Revolutionizing How Great Bosses Lead, Give Feedback, and Empower Employees.” We discuss why they wrote the book, why traditional performance management needs to evolve into performance enablement, and the role of managers in this transformation. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit:  https://laurieruettimann.com/evolving-performance-management-for-a-better-workforce

My guest today is Yulia Kudina, who's based in Kyiv, Ukraine, working as vice president of people at Reface, a technology startup based there. In this conversation, Yulia and I talk about how Reface prepared for war last year, what life has been like in the past year and how she is connecting with the local HR community through the People First Club. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/hr-during-time-war 

My guests for this episode are Madeline Laurano and Kyle Lagunas, the brainpower behind Aptitude Research. Aptitude Research is one of the best places to learn about what’s new, what’s next and what’s realistic in HR technology. In this conversation, Madeline, Kyle and I talk about what HR analysts do and how they can help companies fix work. We also talk about their predictions for work and HR in 2023. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/the-importance-of-hr-analyst-in-2023

My guest today is co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, Eynat Guez. Papaya is a unicorn company that Eynat co-founded after observing the technology gap in global payroll. The company combines her passions for technology and HR  to reinvent global workforce management for the modern age. In this episode, Eynat and I talk about Papaya’s innovative software, her journey into payroll and what it truly means to run global payroll in your organization. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/the-complexities-of-payroll

My guest today is Symphony Talent CEO Kermit Randa. In this episode, Kermit and I talk about all things recruitment marketing, employer branding and the future of work. We also talk about technology, generational workplaces, and what it’s like to be in the trenches of hiring in 2022 and beyond. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/hiring-with-integrity

Mobile Health is an organization that helps employers build healthier cultures and programs that are specific to them and guide employees along their health and well-being journeys. In this episode, John and I discuss the world of digital health and mobile health, what digital health means to the workforce and how employers can harness artificial intelligence to create healthy workplace cultures. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/using-mobile-health care-to-make-the-world-healthier

We’re taking a break from HR and stepping back into the ‘80s! In this week’s episode, I’m co-hosting the show with Vadim Liberman, and our guest this week is singer, songwriter and actress Tiffany, known for her hit song “I Think We’re Alone Now.” In this episode, we are talking to Tiffany about her life as a teen pop star and how she went from singer to singer-songwriter, connecting with multiple generations through her music and finding her sound. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/reinvention-with-80s-icon-tiffany

My dear friend Vadim Liberman joins the show to give us an update on his experiences with caring for his mom, who lives with Alzheimer's. Vadim shared his mom's story and his caregiving experiences on Punk Rock HR last summer. Listen in to this very special bonus episode to hear how things have been going since then, as we candidly discuss the difficulties and joys of caring for someone you love and how emotions present themselves in unexpected ways. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.

My guests on this episode of Punk Rock HR are Betterworks CEO Doug Dennerline and Vice President of HR Transformation Jamie Aitken. In this conversation, we talk about the future of HR and work, why annual reviews don’t work and how to think about holistic performance management. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/holistic-performance-management

My guest for this episode of Punk Rock HR is Robert Ellis. He is the executive coach and founder of Futurosity and Coaching From Essence. With nearly 30 years of experience working with global companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 giants, Robert guides leaders at every growth stage. He is the coach of coaches and the trainer of trainers. In this episode, he explains his purpose of leading wholeheartedly, the legacy he hopes to leave and why he talks about careers as a quest. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/leading-wholeheartedly

Ever wonder why we have a hard time adapting to change? My guest today on Punk Rock HR, Melina Palmer, has the answer. Melina is a behavioral economist, the host of The Brainy Business Podcast and the author of “What Your Employees Need and Can’t Tell You: Adapting to Change with the Science of Behavioral Economics.” In this episode, Melina and I discuss all things change management and what it means for your workforce. We also discuss what it’s like to be an author, behavioral economics and how it all transcribes to the world of customers.  Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/adapting-to-change

My guest this week is Gene Pease. Beyond being my friend and mentor, Gene is the founder of a company called Mighty You. Its software simplifies managers’ work life by bundling performance management, continuous feedback, coaching and calibration in a simple, single solution. And in this episode, Gene is talking all about Mighty You, the sale of the company and why he’s embracing simplicity in his professional and personal life. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/building-simplicity-for-a-better-workplace

My guest today is speaker, coach and workshop facilitator, Deborah Grayson Riegel. She is a Wharton, Columbia and Duke faculty member, Harvard Business Review columnist and the bestselling author of “Go To Help: 31 Strategies to Offer, Ask For, and Accept Help.” We discuss the entirety of her work, her passions and, most importantly, how to ask for help. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/how-to-ask-for-help

My guest today is four-time Olympian, author and speaker Ruben Gonzalez. In this episode, Ruben and I talk about his backstory, why he isn’t considered a natural athlete, and his success in getting to the Olympics through luge. We also talk about his career as a keynote speaker, motivating people to overcome loneliness and isolation and tap into their inner resilience. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/defying-the-odds

This week, my guest is Dr. Nikki Coleman, a licensed psychologist, relational wellness expert, and DEI expert. Dr. Nikki is knowledgeable about race, culture, sexuality and organizational change and, most importantly, she is a force in this world for living your life differently. In this episode, we are talking about her career journey, the “emergent strategy” of creating change and how to allow yourself to choose pleasure. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/live-your-life-differently

You've taken time away from work to be a caregiver. Now, you’re ready to get back into the workforce and restart your career. What approach should you take? In this episode, I sit down with Tami Forman, the executive director of Path Forward. We talk about “returnships,” how these programs can influence systemic change and how to better support all caregivers. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/restart-your-career-after-caregiving

In this episode, my guest is Zach Nunn, the founder of Living Corporate and a returning Punk Rock HR guest. Living Corporate is a multimedia platform that centers the mic on Black, brown and other marginalized voices and shares their stories of the world of work.  In this episode, we discuss how Living Corporate has grown since we last spoke, the realities of running a business and why Zach’s goal is “to be a huge media conglomerate for historically marginalized people and for aspirational allies.” Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/evaluating-the-state-of-dei

My guest today is Amazin LeThi. She is a keynote speaker, LGBTQ advocate, author, athlete, and someone I think everyone should get to know. In this episode, Amazin and I talk about her life, her advocacy for sports, gender equality, diversity and inclusion. We also discuss how she turned her life around and is now an adviser to corporations, advocacy organizations and even the White House. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/asian-and-lgbtq-sports-inclusion

My guest today is Zach Beegal, chief operating officer at Strive, which focuses on reimagining the employee experience. In this episode, I ask Zach what the heck employee experience is and what technology has to do with it. We also discuss personalization in employee experience and how to take a different approach. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/using-technology-to-elevate-the-employee-experience

My guest today is Cassandra Sethi. She is a personal stylist, image consultant, and the founder of Next Level Wardrobe. Cassandra’s on a mission to help successful professionals like you and me systemically get a great style. In this episode, Cassandra and I talk about why everyone deserves to love how they look, how to start upgrading your wardrobe and do it without breaking the bank. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/how-to-dress-for-work

In this bonus episode, I’m joined by New York Times bestselling author Sarah McCoy. Sarah started out as a journalist and PR professional who eventually became a full-time novelist. Sarah and I talk about her early career experience, what it was like making the jump from corporate to creative, and her new book, “Mustique Island.” We also discuss topics such as creativity, culture, social class and faith. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/writing-as-a-profession

My guest is Mary Summers, who is joined by her collaborator, Karen Weinstein. In 1970, they made the movie “Abortion and Women’s Rights 1970.” Back then, the movie spoke to the need for safe, legal abortion and the broader fight for reproductive justice. In this episode, we discuss what the film is all about, why it needed to include stories from Black and brown women, and what we can do moving forward. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/abortion-autonomy-and-the-future

My guest today is Tessa West. She is a professor of social psychology at NYU and the author of the new book Jerks at Work. In this episode, Tessa and I discuss her book, how to identify jerks at work, how to spot these attributes in yourself and how to move forward. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/jerks-at-work

My guest is Stacey Gordon, executive advisor and diversity strategist at Rework Work, where she and her team coach and counsel executive leaders on DEIB strategies for their businesses.  In this episode, Stacey and I talk about her consulting and coaching work, the challenges of implementing DEIB and the importance of good old-fashioned change management. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/remove-barriers-to-hiring

My guest today is Meg Daly. Meg is an ICF-certified coach, former corporate healthcare executive, and the founder of the Live More Drink Less community. In this episode, she shares her journey to being alcohol-free, her 30-day alcohol reset program, her show, The Tender Love Podcast, and how this journey has brought her more joy and happiness. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/sober-curious

My guest for this episode is author, executive coach and leadership development consultant Sarah Noll Wilson. Sarah and I are talking about the art of avoidance when it comes to conflict and workplace relationships, plus late-stage capitalism and burning it all down. We also talk about getting to the root causes of conflict and the organization’s responsibility in all of this. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/overcoming-the-art-of-avoidance

In this episode, my guest is Kristin Reed. Kristin is the senior consultant at Veldhoen + Company, where she co-creates strategies for a better world of work for everyone through activity-based work. Kristin and I sat down to discuss a strategy of work called activity-based working, or ABW, and who owns how, when and where work gets done. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/activity-based-work

In this bonus episode of Punk Rock HR, my guest is my good friend, bestselling author and founder of Amplify, Lars Schmidt. Lars is here to celebrate the launch of his new platform, Amplify Academy. Learn more Lars’ plans for the platform and how it will help HR and people operators create modern and progressive people practices. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/introducing-amplify-academy

In this episode of Punk Rock HR, my guest is Nir Leibovich. He is the co-founder and CEO of GoCo.io, a company that offers award-winning modern software for small to medium-sized businesses to manage their people. Nir and I talk about HR in small and medium-sized companies, HR’s growing leadership role and the importance of neural networks for strengthening organizations. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/neural-networks-to-strengthen-organizations

In this episode of Punk Rock HR, my guest is Gregory Ng, a longtime friend and the CEO of Brooks Bell, a digital agency based in the Triangle region of North Carolina. In this conversation, Greg and I discuss everything about the pandemic and its impact on people, building a people-first company and how to think differently about work-from-home culture. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/fixing-collaboration-in-remote-work-culture

Welcome back! In this bonus episode of Punk Rock HR, my guest is world-renowned expert on health and human performance Steve Magness. Steve and I discuss his experience as a running and performance coach and how he uses that to help executives, entrepreneurs and more level up their performance throughout life. We also get to hear about his new book, “Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness.” Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/do-hard-things

In this episode, I spoke with Lindsey Caplan, founder and lead consultant of The Gathering Effect. Through her company, Lindsey partners with businesses, executives, chiefs of staff, marketing leaders, and more to define, diagnose and adjust their gatherings to achieve the desired effect. With diverse and exciting experience, Lindsey shares what you need to know to improve your gatherings. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/the-gathering-effect

In this episode, my guest today is Thomas Brunskill, co-founder and CEO of the open-access learning platform for professionals. Tune in as Thomas and I talk about what Forage is doing to expand access to virtual work experience programs, how they differ from internships or traditional learning platforms, and, most importantly, how people interested in new careers can use Forage to change their lives. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/virtual-work-experience-programs

Welcome to the bonus episode of Punk Rock HR. I’m sitting down with Donald Knight II, chief people officer of Greenhouse Software. You may know Greenhouse Software for its focus on recruitment, onboarding, diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. Donald is a new addition to the Greenhouse team. In our conversation, we discussed what it was like getting hired during the pandemic, the importance of including the company’s mission in the hiring process and why retention’s biggest issue is burnout. We also discuss what’s next in HR and why we need employee allyship. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/hiring-retention-and-the-importance-of-employee-allyship

My guest in this episode is Sean Flynn, chief customer officer at InStride, which is a business that partners with businesses to create life-changing workforce education programs through a leading academic network. In this conversation, Sean and I talk about how he is changing the lives of adult learners, what he has learned from his experiences and his growth throughout his career. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/changing-the-lives-of-adult-learners

My guest in this episode is the man, the myth and the legend himself, Steve Pemberton. Steve is the chief human resources officer of Workhuman and the bestselling author of two books, including his latest book, “The Lighthouse Effect.” Steve and I are talking about his journey from poverty to leading a top-notch HR department. We also talk about what it means to recognize and reward people in today’s talent market and get some insight into what it was like working at Walgreens when they were doing deals with Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/the-lighthouse-effect

In this episode of Punk Rock HR my guest is Sean Stowers, CEO and chief learning officer of WeLearn. In this conversation, Sean and I discuss the work that WeLearn is doing to help businesses and his belief in modernizing learning to be more relevant, beautiful and engaging for all professionals. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/modernizing-the-learning-experience

In this episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m joined by Ian White, the founder, CEO and CTO at ChartHop, a people analytics platform helping leaders plan and build better organizations. ChartHop solves the problem plaguing most organizations: Who reports to who and where is everybody located? So if you — like me — have ever worked in HR and want to wrap your arms around who’s in the company and what they do, this episode’s the one for you. Sit back and enjoy my conversation with Ian White. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/why-org-charts-matter-with-ian-white

Sara Martin is the CEO of WELCOA, the Wellness Council of America. WELCOA is one of the nation’s most respected resources for building high-performing, healthy workplaces. In this episode, Sara and I talk about work and families, how stories impact us and where the future of work and living is headed. Sara also talks about her work at WELCOA, how they create diverse, equitable, psychologically safe and healthy workplaces and her passion for employees. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/creating-a-psychologically-safe-workplace

In this episode, my guest is Denmark-based author, editor and HR adviser Maya Drøschler. Tune in to this conversation where Maya and I talk about her recent provocative and interesting article “Working from Home: Emancipation or Alienation of the White-Collar Worker.” We talk about the nuanced topics like alienation, isolation, belonging and what it feels like to be surveilled in your own home by your employer. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/isolation-and-working-from-home

In this bonus episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m joined by Eric Barker. He’s the author of the new book "Plays Well With Others: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Relationships Is (Mostly) Wrong." Eric is a repeat guest, and in this episode, he is talking about his book and how it’s debunking the myths around marriage, loneliness, relationships and even work. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/playing-well-with-others

In today’s episode, my guest is Dr. Candace Steele Flippin. She is a communications executive, a TEDx speaker and the author of the fantastic book, “Get Your Career in SHAPE: A Five-step Guide to Achieve the Success You Need, Want, and Deserve.” Dr. Candace and I talk about her game-changing career framework, the generational changes in work and the three questions everybody needs to ask themselves about their career. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/get-your-career-in-shape

In this episode, I’m joined by Karina Monesson. She’s a writer, speaker and the senior manager of human insights, research and advisory, at UKG, the Ultimate Kronos Group. Karina joined us to discuss her research into gray-collar workers. In this episode, we talk about who they are, how they contribute to the economy and why we need this megatrend of gray-collar workers to help economic growth in the U.S. and worldwide. Listen in to learn what you need to know. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/megatrends-in-hr

Welcome to a bonus episode of Punk Rock HR! Today’s guest is Lance Haun, vice president of market insights at The Starr Conspiracy and one of my oldest friends. The episode actually comes from a webinar that Lance and I did where we talked about an exciting concept — the reverse mullet. Tune in as we talk about how to grow into a reverse mullet, involving employees in the shift and its impact on the social good. Want to watch the entire webinar? Sign up now to watch the full webinar and conversation! Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/reverse-mullet-with-lance-haun

My guest on today’s episode is Ken Stern, podcaster, media executive and the host of the show Century Lives in conjunction with The Stanford Center on Longevity. In this conversation, Ken and I talk about why the topic of longevity is important to him, the work and initiatives that The Stanford Center on Longevity has done, and how that translates into the future of work. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/longevity-at-work

In this episode, my guest is Steve Sonnenberg, co-founder and CEO of Awardco, the fastest-growing rewards and recognition platform in the world, ranked by Inc. Magazine for the last three years. Steve and I are talking about all things rewards and recognition. We explore what it means to create a culture where you appreciate your employees, say thank you and how Awardco is paving the way for you to do just that. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/rethinking-recognition

My guest in this episode is Emily Gregory, vice president of design and delivery at Crucial Learning and co-author of the book Crucial Conversations: Tools For Talking When the Stakes are High. In this episode, Emily and I discuss her work and how she is helping people become better leaders through crucial conversations. We also talk about how the tools in the book can help you fix work and even yourself. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/crucial-conversations-with-emily-gregory

It’s Punk Rock HR’s 200th episode! Join me and my good friend—founder, CEO, and host of the 12 Geniuses podcast Don MacPherson. We talk about the employee assistance program (EAP), what it feels like to use it, what works, what can be improved and how it helped me get to a better place. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/calling-the-eap

Today, my guest is HR for HR coach, public speaker, host of the HR Sound Off podcast and author Julie Turney. In this episode, Julie and I talk about her business as a coach for human resources leaders worldwide, her job as a public speaker, her core beliefs on wellbeing and why she considers HR professionals to be first responders. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/coaching-hr

In this episode, my guest is Susan LaMotte, CEO and founder of exaqueo. We talk about what employer branding really is and what it isn’t, and why it’s so essential for human resources professionals and HR leadership teams to be the stewards of their employer brand. I love this conversation because Susan and I also talk about the importance of being human in the workplace and what that means beyond the buzzwords. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/podcast/employer-branding-strategies

I am a huge supporter of advocating for yourself in your career and life, and my guest today, Joyel Crawford, knows a thing or two about that. Joyel is a writer, keynote speaker, career coach and entrepreneur. In this episode, Joyel and I discuss self-leadership, finding a mentor, how to advocate for yourself, when to get a coach and when to go to therapy. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/self-leadership-with-joyel-crawford

My guest on today’s episode is a sought-after speaker, best-selling author, award-winning podcast host, and, more importantly, my friend, Page Fehling. Listen in as we talk about public speaking, including Page’s tips on how to show up at work and outside of work and communicate who you are and what you do. We also talk about the pivot she made during COVID-19 and what it was like for her. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/gaining-confidence-in-speaking-with-page-fehling

Today, my guest is Baiba Žiga, founder and CEO of Lakehouse Consulting, an agency that helps build equitable and inclusive cultures where diversity thrives at other organizations. In this bonus episode of Punk Rock HR, which was recorded on Feb. 26, Baiba shares the HR guide that she created to help professionals understand how we are all connected to Russia’s war against Ukraine, how the war can be triggering and how it adds to our feelings of helplessness. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/ukraine-hr-and-leadership

My guest on this episode is Donald Thompson Jr., co-founder and CEO of The Diversity Movement, a full-service DEI consultancy with specialized technology. In this episode, Donald and I talk about things that organizations do right and wrong when talking about DE&I, go deeper into his organization and discuss how he walks the talk as a diverse and inclusive leader every day. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/the-diversity-movement-with-donald-thompson-jr

In this episode, we discuss that tweet, the future of work and human resources, and where an association like SHRM fits into the evolving HR space. This conversation is between three friends who are passionate about human resources and the esteemed institution SHRM. That said, we get real about the reverence and disappointment that we hold for them. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/what-is-with-shrm-joey-price-lars-schmidt

I'm joined by recruiter Mercedes Johnson in today's episode, who recently went viral on Twitter for a post about salary negotiation. Mercedes and I discuss the post, her intent and what she actually said, how she's been treated since and what she wants everyone to know.   Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/recruiter-mercedes-johnson-story

My guest in today’s episode is cultural anthropologist, organizational psychologist, consultant, author, and podcaster Angela R. Howard. Tune in as we discuss what making an impact means to her, how traditional paradigms affect impact, and how her work is driving significant change. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/making-an-impact-angela-r-howard

I’m pleased to announce that my guests today are Josh Schwede and Scott Fowle. They have started a company called SPOTLYFE, which is software that puts people first in organizations. It is a neat tool that gives workflow and rigor around what you need to accomplish during the workday and ensures that it aligns with your values while giving you a unique framework to communicate with your manager. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/introducing-spotlyfe-josh-schwede-scott-fowle/

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, my guest is Dr. Nick Taylor, founder, and CEO of Unmind. Today’s conversation talks about how to empower your employees with evidence-based digital tools that manage and improve their mental wellbeing, the role of leadership and what wellbeing is, and whether or not there is an optimal way to operate in the world. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/take-control-of-your-mental-wellbeing-with-dr-nick-taylor

My guest in today’s episode is Ted Nielsen, vice president of product management at UKG. Tune in as we converse about all kinds of things, from classic languages and individual motivations to ethical AI and the future of work. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit: https://laurieruettimann.com/ethical-ai-the-future-of-work-with-ted-nielsen

In this episode, Bret Starr, founder and CEO of The Starr Conspiracy, talks about the distinction between HR and work, the future of human resources, and how adopting the “reverse mullet” concept can increase your employee’s overall happiness. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Starr Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.

In this week's episode of Punk Rock HR, Kristy McCann Flynn shares her career journey, the exact moment she decided enough is enough in HR and why she felt compelled to go on an entrepreneurial journey to fix work at a higher level. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Star Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.

In this week’s episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m joined by best-selling author and repeat guest, Minda Harts. We are discussing her struggles within a broken work system, her efforts to fight against that and how she’s giving a voice to those who haven’t been heard in the past. Punk Rock HR is proudly underwritten by The Starr Conspiracy. The Star Conspiracy is a B2B marketing agency for innovative brands creating the future of workplace solutions. For more information, head over to thestarrconspiracy.com.

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m focusing on middle age and your career. Most importantly, anyone who is middle-aged can be a career-focused individual and stay on the good side of management while maintaining their dignity and fueling their soul.

In this episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m unpacking the mindset of knowing that your work is not your worth as I prepare for the launch of the paperback version of “Betting on You.”

Welcome back to Punk Rock HR! In this episode, I’m sharing why we think work sucks, plus some tips on how to turn those negative feelings into positive and effective action.

In this episode, I am joined by Dan Schawbel. He’s a New York Times bestselling author and the managing partner of Workplace Intelligence, a research and advisory firm helping HR adapt to trends, drive performance and prepare for the future. Listening to employees and building connections encourages employees and helps them get behind a company’s vision of success. Listen to this episode to hear Dan and I discuss the foundations of trust, and how we can take those lessons into the future.

My guests today are Chas Fields and Teresa Smith. They're part of the HCM Advisory Group at the Workforce Institute at UKG, where they offer insights and advice to corporate HR leaders and business leaders just like you. Today's conversation is all about understanding big data.  If you're on an HR journey and you're asking yourself how big data can be used as a tool for better corporate storytelling or to improve the employee experience, sit back and enjoy this conversation.

My guest today is Dr. Jarik Conrad, vice president of the Human Insights and the HCM Advisory team at UKG. Dr. Conrad is also executive director of the UKG-sponsored Equity At Work Council, an interdisciplinary group of experts and practitioners dedicated to providing evidence-based strategies to eliminate workplace inequities. Dr. Conrad discusses how we can start thinking more holistically about employee wellness and how to better connect employees to answers for their physical and emotional health needs.

This week on Punk Rock HR, Laurie Ruettimann is joined by Dr. Chris Mullen. He's the executive director at The Workforce Institute at UKG. Chris is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the technology and HR industries. He's highly skilled at the employee experience and leveraging technology, and his PhD research was focused on work-life balance and the use of mobile technology. In the conversation, Chris and Laurie talk about all the good stuff — COVID workforce issues, burnout — but most importantly, they talk about making work better. You’ll want to hear this conversation so you can make work better, too.    Punk Rock HR is proudly sponsored by UKG. They are an award-winning all-in-one HR platform. If you’re curious and want to fix work and do HR better, check out our sponsors at UKG.com.

This summer, I'm reissuing some of my favorite episodes of Punk Rock HR. In this episode, we revisit my conversation with Zach Nunn, a change management consultant and one of the co-founders of the podcast and movement Living Corporate. We discussed all the things that are not normally talked about at work or in diversity, equity and inclusion programs. It’s important to keep the antiracism movement from becoming another cyclical thing and make it a true reconstructive movement.

My guest today is my dear friend Vadim Liberman. He’s the editor at TLNT and ere.net. But Vadim’s on the show today not to get super-nerdy about sourcing or recruiting. Instead, he's here to talk about his mom, who has Alzheimer’s. We speak candidly today about the challenges, the pressures and the stress of being a primary caregiver.  Listen in to hear Vadim and I discuss the joys of caring for the person you love and why handling caregiver stress is so important for everyone involved.

My guest today is Mike Sipple Jr. He’s the co-founder and CEO of the Talent Magnet Institute. The Talent Magnet Institute is a membership community and a consultancy that provides leaders with tools, resources and support to develop a holistic approach to leadership. In today’s conversation, we’re talking about it all: expert talent attraction strategies, executive coaching, mentorship, proactive leadership — all with the goal of moving people and organizations to become a talent magnet.

Child care in the United States had problems before the pandemic, and it feels like it’s only gotten worse. I wanted to know what lessons we’ve learned and how HR departments can continue to move the needle forward. I sat down with Ilnort Rueda of Arvorie to talk about child care for working parents, the accessibility crisis that the pandemic brought to light and what HR departments can do to help fix it.

This summer, I'm reissuing some of my favorite episodes of Punk Rock HR. This one is my interview with Adam Alter, a professor of marketing at the NYU Stern School of Business and author of the book “Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked.” Listen in to hear just how bad our addiction to technology has become over the years and the steps we can take to reclaim our time.

My guest today is Nick Hutchison, the founder of BookThinkers, a business dedicated to helping authors and readers make a connection in the personal development space. If you’re interested in hearing us discuss how to get the most out of personal development books, hearing about what to look for in a great book, as well as advice for authors who are trying to grow their audience, sit back and enjoy this conversation.

This summer, I'm reissuing some of my favorite episodes of Punk Rock HR. Here's a conversation I had in 2019 with Mary Ellen Slayter, the founder and CEO of Rep Cap Media. We chat about why our culture is so obsessed with the side hustle, why it is failing us and solutions for the future of work. This conversation is valuable to revisit as we emerge from the pandemic and you find yourself tempted to take on that fifth side job.

According to my guest this week, Erica Dhawan, it’s just as important to effectively master the art of digital body language as it is to master the other types of nonverbal language. Erica is the author of a tremendously valuable book on this topic, “Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance.” If you’re leading cross-cultural teams or you’re just trying to avoid mixed messages with friends, you’ll gain important insight about modern communication from this episode.

This summer, I'll be reissuing some of my favorite episodes of Punk Rock HR. Here's a conversation I had in 2019 with Professor Amy Edmondson from Harvard Business School and author of "The Fearless Organization". Our conversation about generating psychological safety, inviting participation and using humor to destigmatize failure is still essential today. If you’re ready to empower your workforce to create and innovate, sit back and learn from Amy Edmondson.

My guest for today is Mike Kim, author of “You Are The Brand: The 8-Step Blueprint to Showcase Your Unique Expertise and Build a Highly Profitable, Personally Fulfilling Business.” Mike’s expertise has always been invaluable, but it’s essential right now, when so many smart and talented people are pivoting in the post-COVID world. If you want to learn how to position your expertise in the most effective way possible, then listen in!

My guest for today is Dr. Amy Dufrane, the CEO of HRCI, the leading certification body for human resources — and she’s also a longtime listener of Punk Rock HR! Amy joined me to talk about on the show today to talk about the future of work, the future of human resources, and all things human capital. If you’re like Amy and me and nerd out over all things HR, this is one you don’t want to miss!

Do you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur? My guest on this week’s episode, Gino Wickman, is here to help you figure that out. He’s the author of the book “Entrepreneurial Leap: Do You Have What It Takes to Become an Entrepreneur?” He makes his point clear: becoming an entrepreneur is rewarding, but it definitely isn’t for everyone. Listen in to hear Gino break down all of the parts that make up a successful self-leader so that you can figure out if becoming an entrepreneur is right for you.

My guest this week, David Buckmaster, has a ton of experience working for corporate compensation teams. He’s a prolific writer and is the author of the new book “Fair Pay: How to Get a Raise, Close the Wage Gap, and Build Stronger Businesses.” Listen in to hear David’s solutions on providing employees with full transparency, the role that negotiation has in fair pay and HR’s role in closing the racial and gender pay gaps once and for all.

My guest today, Dr. Rebecca Heiss, uses her degrees in biology to help people overcome evolutionary limitations that are hardwired in the brain and improve their self-awareness and leadership skills. She’s also an ornithologist, which means that she can tell us what we can learn about this type of human behavior by studying birds. Listen in to discover the methods you can use to rewire your brain and live more positively, and find out how birds fit into all of this.

Do you wonder why it feels like we’re more connected than ever before, yet it feels so difficult to keep true friendships alive? In this episode, I talk to Smiley Poswolsky, author of the book “Friendship in the Age of Loneliness: An Optimist’s Guide to Connection.” We discuss the reasons why we feel so alone despite always being connected with others online, as well as how to show up as our true selves and form authentic connections.

My guest on this episode is Cyril Bouquet. He’s a professor of innovation and strategy at the Switzerland-based IMD Business School and helps executives bring progress to a changing world. He’s also the co-author of “ALIEN Thinking: The Unconventional Path to Breakthrough Ideas.” In our conversation, Cyril discusses how people can come up with truly original ideas and foster creativity, even under stress, by thinking like an ALIEN.

In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Jeffrey McCausland, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and author of the book “Battle Tested!: Gettysburg Leadership Lessons for 21st Century Leaders”. He uses the events in the Battle of Gettysburg to explain how one can be a leader in today’s corporate world. Listen to our conversation about Gettysburg and how it relates to leadership, the need for a succession plan, and the value of succinctly communicating the mission and vision of your organization.

My guest today is Mitchell Kaplan, who has been a bookseller and owner of the independent Books & Books in the Miami area for almost 40 years. We chat about what it’s like managing a small business during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with maintaining the community that he’s helped to build in the Miami literary scene. We also talk about keeping employees motivated and how pivoting can help grow your business during challenging times.

My guest today is New York Times bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haims. She’s the author of the fantastic new book “Your Turn: How To Be An Adult.” It’s a book about adulting, but it’s also a book about overall character and integrity. She shares how you can show up and live a complete, authentic life — no matter how old you are. If you’re interested in hearing from Julie about forging an identity as an adult, learning to fend for yourself and developing character, you’re going to love this episode.

This bonus episode is a recording of a live event hosted by Old Town Books. Join me in this conversation with Stephanie Schriock, the former president of EMILY’s List, and Christina Reynolds, vice president of communications for EMILY’s List. We discuss getting women elected to office, as well as how to ascend the ranks of the corporate ladder and finally break through that stupid glass ceiling.

This week I am joined by Whitney Herrington, an HR pro who founded Kith Republic. In my conversation with Whitney, we discuss her new company, the need for workplace coaching for professionals at all levels and the likely future of workplace coaching for needs beyond the world of HR. Listen to this episode to learn how you and your team could benefit from workplace coaching.

This week I’m joined by a fellow author, podcaster, speaker and coach, Andy Storch. In this conversation, Andy shares his experience in talent development and what led him to launch his online group, the Talent Development Think Tank Community. He also shares some ideas from his book, “Own Your Career Own Your Life,” and the challenges of launching a book while undergoing treatment for cancer. If you’re ready to shift your career and your mindset, this episode is for you.

This week, I am joined by a dear friend of mine, Doug Shaw, who is a visual artist rooted in music, self-care and speaking truth to power. Doug runs an award-winning project called “We Are All Artists,” which encourages community engagement through workshops, pop-up exhibitions and a weekly free art drop, where he hides a piece of art in his neighborhood for strangers to find. In this episode, we discuss the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and self-care, Doug’s passion project that transformed a community, and the importance of embracing our own creativity.

My guest this week is John Register, a change-mindset warrior who helps business leaders and individuals overcome adversity and fear, embrace a “new normal” mindset and win at life. John is one of those people who has an inspirational story that leaves you feeling ready to transform your outlook on life. In our conversation, John shares his story of adapting to his “new normal,” the power of storytelling, the dangers of ableism, and what all that has to do with the world of work.

My guest today is Sharlyn Lauby, author of the absolutely essential blog HR Bartender and president of ITM Group Inc. I’ve known Sharlyn for well over a decade, and I can say that her body of work just keeps getting better. Not only is she an amazing author, speaker and consultant, but she also recently became a fellow podcast host. Listen to our conversation about the ways that onboarding can be done more effectively and how companies can offer better management support.

My guest this week is Matt Johnson, a communications and change management expert. His story is rich: He’s toured in a punk rock band, worked at the Pentagon during the Obama administration and is now head of communications for Markel International. He’s also the author of a fantastic book, “Work Songs.” In it, Matt argues that song is something that is all but absent from our modern work lives. Listen to our conversation about the value that songs and storytelling provide, how they relate to the idea of perseverance, and the ways that we can tell an effective story within the corporate world to give us work songs for the modern era.

In celebration of a great Women’s History Month here on Punk Rock HR and everywhere else, I’m super excited to bring you another bonus episode to close out the month of March. My guest is Amy Guth, a Chicago-based writer, speaker, journalist, author and all-around badass. There’s still a lot that we need to accomplish in terms of how we treat women, the systemic issues at play and what we can do about it going forward. And I believe Amy can get us there.

My guest today is Ching Valdezco. She’s a global learning consultant with Exec-Comm and helps leaders and teams learn to communicate, influence and negotiate effectively. I met Ching several years ago at a conference in San Jose, and the audience (myself included) was absolutely wowed by Ching’s tips and tricks on how they could successfully negotiate their worth. It was a real pleasure to connect with her once again and hear her share truly insightful information on how you can begin sharpening your negotiation skills today. March is Women’s History Month, and all month long, Punk Rock HR is bringing you conversations with women who are fixing the world of work. In this episode, listen to my conversation with the negotiating goddess herself, Ching Valdezco.

I’m sure you’re familiar with that feeling you get when you’re driving along peacefully and, out of nowhere, your GPS will start shouting, “Recalculating!” Sometimes this is exactly what your career path feels like, as well.    My guest this week, Lindsey Pollak, illustrates this analogy perfectly. Lindsey is a career and workplace expert and a New York Times bestselling author with a new book titled “Recalculating: Navigate Your Career Through the Changing World of Work.” Sit back and enjoy my discussion with Lindsey about what it means to recalculate, the useful steps you need to take when going through a career change, and why mindset is key.

My guest this week is Rebecca Weaver, a former HR leader who is now the founder and CEO of HRuprise, a platform that connects workers who are navigating challenging issues with independent HR coaches. Sit back and enjoy my conversation with Rebecca about the challenges she faced in her career, what she hopes to accomplish through HRuprise and how HR has the opportunity to be part of the solution when done correctly.

My guest this week, Claire Wasserman, is the founder and author of Ladies Get Paid, a platform that helps women advance professionally and financially. The umbrella of her organization covers an event series, an active Slack group and now a book, providing many opportunities for women to share knowledge and support each other. Listen in to find out more about Ladies Get Paid, as well as our discussion about equal pay for equal work and advancing the rights of working women and mothers.

I’m excited to bring you this special bonus episode of Punk Rock HR, in which I speak with a woman in HR who I really respect, Susan Richards. She’s the CEO and founder of Sapient Insights Group and, above all else, describes herself as a “people fixer.” Susan and I talked about how investments in technology can help counter employee burnout, as well as the importance of focusing on well-being as part of the employee experience. Listen to our conversation and find out how HR leaders can take the lessons we learned in 2020 with them into the future.

My guest is Kanika Tolver, founder and CEO of Career Rehab, a coaching company that helps people renovate themselves and find their dream jobs. She’s also the author of “Career Rehab: Rebuild Your Personal Brand and Rethink the Way You Work,” a fantastic book where she outlines her approach to helping others be the architects of both their careers and their lives. Listen to hear Kanika talk about what Career Rehab is all about, what it means to be a corporate rebel and how she sees the future of work for women in 2021 and beyond.

My guest is Meredith Fineman, author of the book “Brag Better: Master the Art of Fearless Self-Promotion.” She offers an effortless and unapologetic approach to self-promotion and championing yourself. Listen to our conversation about her amazing book and the parts that go into an effective brag. If you’ve ever been told that bragging on your accomplishments should be avoided at all costs, you’ll learn from Meredith about why this advice couldn’t be any worse.

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, we chat with current and former Limeade team members about returning to the basics of HR, what HR can do to improve employee experience during COVID and beyond, and a bit on the culture of care at Limeade and what it’s like to be a valued member of the team.

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, Torin Ellis joins me in a conversation that takes a deeper look at diversity and inclusion than what you may have experienced in those training exercises that simply checked off corporate boxes. Listen to find out why he isn’t afraid to challenge people to have conversations that push them out of their comfort zones.

My guest is Charlie Gilkey, author of “Start Finishing.” Charlie has deep expertise in helping people get out of the weeds to finish things that matter. In today’s show, we cover procrastination, inertia, the excuses we make to ourselves: all of the things that come together to prevent us from completing the things we were meant to do on this planet. If you’re someone who’s nurturing big ideas in 2021 and beyond, sit back and learn from my friend Charlie Gilkey.

My guest is Katharine Manning, author of “The Empathetic Workplace.” For 15 years, Katharine advised the Justice Department on victims’ issues, working on some of the most challenging cases you’ve heard of. Now, Katharine uses her expertise to advise governments, educational institutions and corporations on how to prepare for and respond to trauma. If you’re a leader and wonder how you can be there for your workforce, sit tight and enjoy my conversation with Katharine Manning.

My guest is Lars Schmidt, author of “Redefining HR.” Lars is my friend, and I’m incredibly proud of him. But more importantly, I love the way he thinks — especially about the future of work. So if you’re interested in a conversation where someone’s actually positive about human resources, I know you’ll enjoy our conversation. Sit back and learn from my friend Lars Schmidt.

My guest is Ita Olsen, founder and CEO at Convey Clearly, and she’s here to offer advice for communicating with confidence. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I improve the sound of my voice?” or thought, “I hate my voice and I want to fix it,” then we recorded this episode just for you. So sit back and enjoy my conversation with Ita Olsen.

My guest is Zoë Harte, chief people officer at Upwork, and she’s here to answer our burning questions about the future of work. Zoë is passionate about the gig economy, remote work, and diversity and inclusion — all of the issues facing a critical inflection point in the coming months. So sit tight, enjoy the conversation, and prepare to face the future.

My guest is Mylena Sutton, the founder of Voltage Vista LLC and a self-proclaimed leadership development fanatic. Mylena’s entrepreneurial story resonates with me — and will for so many of you, too. If you’re thinking of leaving your corporate HR job to take up your own consulting business in 2021, we recorded this just for you.

On this episode of Punk Rock HR, I’m turning the tables on myself. Author and thought leadership coach Michael Bungay Stanier interviews me about my new book, “Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career.”

My guest is Kim Foley, a media and communications consultant and author of “Virtual Meetings With Power and Presence: The Ultimate Guide to Online Meetings.” She works with clients to help them look amazing on Zoom, and she shares her Zoom tips and tricks to make sure you do, too. After all, a great Zoom presence isn’t just about looking great — it’s about communicating your ideas clearly and with credibility.

In our first episode of 2021, I’m joined by Kate Yuan. During the day, she works in business development at Alibaba Cloud. However, on the weekends, she does something even more important: She volunteers for her county’s suicide hotline. She joins me to discuss her experiences as a volunteer and how you can discuss suicidal thoughts and ideations with someone. Please note: This episode of Punk Rock HR covers topics like depression, anxiety and suicide. If you are sensitive to these topics, this episode may not be for you. If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 800-273-8255.

Punk Rock HR is underwritten by Headspace for Work. In this last episode of 2020, I’m going to be talking about Pfizer. That’s right, I’m talking about the global drug company, my former employer, and the place where I decided to end my career in human resources. Back in 2012, Mitt Romney made the statement that corporations are people. At the time, I hated it because I loved Barack Obama. But, in retrospect, he was right. Companies are made up of people--good, bad, and indifferent. Just because you have a bad experience at a company doesn’t mean that reflects the company’s overall sentiment or culture. Today I’m discussing my own experience at Pfizer. I’m taking you through some of my deepest struggles and eventual realizations about what I had to do to create the life I wanted. I learned that if I wanted something bad enough, I had to be willing to invest in it and I want to share that same message with all of you today. Tune in to hear how I went from being miserable in a corporate job I hated to pursuing my dream to fix work. In this episode you’ll hear: My biggest struggles throughout my time working in human resources at Pfizer. When and why I decided to end my career there for good. The problem with not investing in ourselves. All about my experience getting lap band surgery in Mexico. Why it is so critical to do whatever it takes to improve our well-being. Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career If you enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go over to our podcast page at https://laurieruettimann.com/podcast/ to download it.  *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Punk Rock HR Episode 140: Punk Rock HR is underwritten by Headspace for Work. My guest today is Derek Irvine. Derek has been in the human resources business for a long time, helping companies just be more human and more civil to one another. Today, he holds the position of Senior Vice President for the company Workhuman. Derek is also the author of the new book, Making Work Human. Derek and his co-author believe that by building a sense of belonging, purpose, meaning, happiness, and energy for every employee, you’ll create a profound connection between your organization and its goals. They wrote Making Work Human to provide you with everything you need to get there. I’ve known Derek for a long time. He was talking about making work human far before it was trendy. So if you’re interested in hearing from the pioneer of the work human movement, tune into my conversation with Derek. In this episode you’ll hear: All about Making Work Human and why Derek wrote it. Why we should always be thanking and celebrating essential workers. The role of technology in making work human. Why storytelling is so important, especially right now. What writing a book does for your business. What human resources leaders will learn from his book. What he learned about himself as he wrote this book and throughout COVID-19. How the stress of this season is impacting his own organization. All about resilience and how it appears in his book. Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Making Work Human: How Human-Centered Companies are Changing the Future of Work and the World Workhuman Derek on LinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go over to our podcast page at https://laurieruettimann.com/podcast/ to download it.  *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Punk Rock HR Episode 139: Punk Rock HR is underwritten by Headspace for Work. Today’s guest is Madison Butler. She is a human resources professional, a recruiter, a talent acquisition leader, and someone who is very passionate about startups. However, the reason that she’s on my podcast today is that no matter where she goes, Madison is unapologetically herself. Her self-confidence shines through no matter where she is, whether in real life or on social media. Madison speaks her mind even in the face of death threats. That’s right--Madison gets death threats from people in HR on LinkedIn. But even in the face of all that relentless negativity, Madison still believes in people. She still believes that human resources has a role in making the world a better place. All of that explains why I love Madison. I admire her so much and I know you will, too. So sit back and enjoy this conversation with my dear friend, Madison Butler. In this episode you’ll hear: Why we need to fix how corporations view people. The work Madison is doing within startups to change the world. How she defines the work that needs to be done in corporate America. Her reaction to HR professionals taking charge of DNI initiatives. What those of us who are disgusted by the performative behavior of corporate America can do. What Madison is experiencing and feeling as she interacts online. How to know what a company is really like when you apply to work there. How the interviewing and hiring processes are broken. Why metrics are a bad way to take the pulse of an employee’s job performance. Why Madison is doing the work that she is doing. Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Madison on LinkedIn NY Times Article on Black LinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go over to our podcast page at https://laurieruettimann.com/podcast/ to download it.  *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Punk Rock HR Episode 138: Punk Rock HR is underwritten by Headspace for Work. My guest today is Robert Glazer. He’s the founder and CEO of a company called Acceleration Partners. But he’s also the author of one of my favorite newsletters, Friday Forward.  Robert has made the 52 most impactful stories from that weekly email into an incredible book. Friday Forward the book will give you the inspiration you need to reach your goals, lead others, and ultimately fix work. Whenever somebody is struggling or down about their job, I like to give them books. They help them think through their experiences and get help from others. Friday Forward is one of those books that you could offer one of your friends in a similar situation. If you’re looking for different ideas or a different playbook about your job, or if you have friends who need that, tune into this conversation with Robert.   In this episode you’ll hear: How the transition to remote work has impacted women. What Robert’s book is all about and where the inspiration for it came. Some of the stories that stuck with him from the book. Why he writes. How the trend of open-sourcing the good stuff is growing. What surprised him about writing this book. Why the marketing side of writing a book is so difficult and what to do about it. Important lessons from Friday Forward about the world of business Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Robert's Friday Forward Friday Forward: Inspiration & Motivation to End Your Week Stronger Than It Started Robert on LinkedIn *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 137:   My guests today are Deepa Purushothaman and Rha Goddess. They are the founders of nFormation, which is a first of its kind, app-based community created by women of color for women of color. The community provides a safe space for these women of color as well as career advancement opportunities. Deepa and Rha are on the show today because they are really trying to reimagine traditional power structures. They not only want to help more women of color find their seat at the table in corporate America but also want to leverage their collective power to change the way the table is formed. I like people with big ideas who do brave things and Deepa and Rha are doing just that. I am thrilled to introduce you to nFormation and these women who are shaking things up. If you’re like me and want to be a co-conspirator on this journey to revolutionize the workforce, tune into this conversation with Deepa and Rha. In this episode you’ll hear: Why they came together to create nFormation. How nFormation works and why women of color should join. Their vision for recreating the corporate structure. Why community is so important, especially right now. How to overcome the terrible biases in the world. What listeners who are not women of color can do to help their efforts. Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie NFormation's website "How Do Professional Women Of Color Rise To Meet This Moment" article Deepa on LinkedIn Rha on LinkedIn   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com  

Punk Rock HR Episode 136: Every once in a while, I get to lean into my punk rock roots and do something a little different on this podcast. On today’s show, I’m introducing you to David Mahmoudieh and his new movie called Snake Dick. David is the writer and director of this film and today we are talking about his creative journey. You don’t just wake up one morning and say, “I’m going to write and direct a film.” There’s actually a lot of heartache and a lot of lessons learned along the way. I think it’s interesting to talk to a creative professional about his journey and think about the parallels to your journey in marketing, sales, procurement, or even in human resources. If you’ve ever dreamed about taking a risk and following your dreams, or even if you’re just a film of neo-noir short films, you’re going to love this conversation with David.  In this episode you’ll hear: David’s origin story. The part of the creative journey that he enjoys the most. The recurring themes in each of our lives. What Snake Dick is all about. How he demonstrates humanity in a way that brings something different to it. His experience writing a script in the midst of all the changes happening in the world. Where you can find David’s film.   Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Snake Dick on IMBD Snake Dick Review The Director Reel David on IMBD   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 135: I’ve got a book coming out in January and there’s a chapter in there all about money. There are some key themes in it that I’ve learned from friends. These include tips like budget, pay yourself first, and, more importantly, that debt is the single biggest thing that can hold you back, both personally and professionally. Obviously, money is messy. That’s why I have an expert on today’s show to help us sort through the basic things that we need to do to live simply and with a little bit of joy while managing our wealth. Jonathan DeYoe is a bestselling author, speaker, and the founder and CEO of Mindful Money. However, he’s really a financial literacy fanatic. Jonathan is both a money manager and Buddhist scholar and his book has really had an impact on me.  Maybe you have a great relationship with your cash. Or maybe you’re like me and spend more than you earn. Whatever the case, I know you’re going to enjoy this conversation. So, tune in to hear my discussion with Jonathan DeYoe. In this episode you’ll hear: Jonathan’s origin story. The similarities and connections between money and religion. Why so many of us have a weird relationship with money. Who his book is for and some important lessons that are in it. What to do if you’re struggling to do the best you can with whatever money you have. How he educates people on ownership when it comes to finances. The three main sections of his book, Mindful Money.   Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Mindful Money Jonathan on LinkedIn Mindful Money: Simple Practices for Reaching Your Financial Goals and Increasing Your Happiness Dividend    *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Punk Rock HR Episode 134: Today’s guest is Heidi Spirgi. She is the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Cornerstone On Demand, an HR technology company. Heidi has done a little bit of everything, but the common thread of her career has been helping organizations to unlock the best of their employees through emerging practices and programs, building cultures that ensure people can be the best version of themselves at work, and leveraging technology to do all of that. Heidi is someone who I admire and look to in real life as well as on social media. Whenever there’s a new tool, trend, or something that’s gotten a lot of hype, I’ll know it’s real if Heidi buys into it. Our conversation today touches on all the good stuff: leadership, growth, learning, development, and what it’s like to be human at a time where it’s crazy even to be alive. If you’re wondering how to be there for your workforce and, really, be there for yourself, sit back and enjoy this conversation with Heidi Spirgi.  In this episode you’ll hear: What it’s like to be employed in 2020 for Heidi. How organizations need to change in order to prevent employees from reaching a breaking point. How she, as an executive and a leader, shows that she’s an employee, too. Why self-leadership is such an important emerging skill. How to manage zoom fatigue for our teams. How Heidi has seen remote work change over the past 6 months. How organizations can be a force for change and do some good in the world.   Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Cornerstone Cares Heidi on Twitter Heidi on LinkedIn   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com       

Punk Rock HR Episode 133: In case you haven’t heard, I have a new book coming out called Betting On You: How to Put Yourself First and Finally Take Control of Your Career. The journey of writing a book has been both straightforward and surprising. Throughout each step of the process, something happened to my health or my family, making it a journey for sure.  The easiest part of it all is writing the book; the business of publishing, on the other hand, is extremely complex. Beyond the many surface-level considerations, there’s the whole secondary market of getting your books into the hands of people. So that is what we’re talking about on the podcast today. I brought on my dear friend and Hall of Fame keynote speaker and author, Scott Stratten. Scott is the founder of The UnMarketing Movement and a true marketing genius. He has been where I am now, at the beginning of a book launch. So, this episode will be a good old-fashioned mentoring conversation. Tune in and I know you’ll learn something, too. In this episode you’ll hear: What the favor economy is and why it’s breaking my heart right now. Some of the sketchy ways books are sold today. What nominations really mean. Why it’s so critical to figure out your end goal when writing a book. All the work that actually goes into making a book. One thing about the book publishing process that has surprised Scott.   Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie UnMarketing UnMarketing on LinkedIn Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us UnMarketing: Everything Has Changed and Nothing is Different The Jackass Whisperer: How to deal with the worst people at work, at home and online―even when the Jackass is you   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Punk Rock HR Episode 132: My guest today is Pierre Thiam. He was raised in Senegal, but he is a New York-based chef, author, restauranteur, social entrepreneur, and culinary ambassador. Pierre is best known for bringing West African cuisine to the global fine-dining world. He is also the Executive Chef and co-owner of Teranga, a fast-casual food chain from New York City. Pierre’s company, Yolele Foods, advocates for small farmers by opening up new markets for crops grown in Africa. Its signature product, fonio, is found at Whole Foods, Amazon, and other retailers across America.  Chef Pierre is on my show because I think he has an interesting perspective on COVID and what’s happening to small businesses, but also the climate crisis and, more importantly, leadership. We have an awesome conversation that highlights how an immigrant who got stuck in New York City can truly get things done. To learn more, sit back and enjoy this conversation with Pierre Thiam. In this episode you’ll hear: Pierre’s origin story. The intense food culture in which he grew up. How important his life in Senegal was for his career. What West African flavors and fonio are. The multifaceted work that he does. The connection between politics and food in the US. His message for those who are feeling lost or worried about the current state of the world. Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Teranga's website Learn more about Pierre Yolele Food's website Yolele Foods on Instagram Pierre on Instagram   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com     

Punk Rock HR Episode 131: My guest this week is Hannah Olson. She is the co-founder and CEO of an organization called Chronically Capable. Hannah had her dream job right out of college but later contracted Lyme Disease. Her treatments for her chronic illness got in the way of her job. Frustrated, she thought there had to be a better way. So, she created that better way: Chronically Capable. It’s a technology platform, an ATS, and really a community that tries to match individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses with employers who are thoughtful, progressive, and aim to support that community. It’s National Disability Employment Awareness month in America, a time when we recognize disabled and chronically ill workers and acknowledge their contributions to the economy. So, this is the perfect time to bring Hannah onto the show. Today, Hannah and I talk about her journey, her chronic condition, and what she’s doing to solve a problem that affects millions of people around the world. If you’re interested in what a 24-year-old entrepreneur is doing to change the nature of global corporations, sit tight and enjoy this conversation with Hannah.  In this episode you’ll hear: Some of the companies Hannah is working with. Common language around the community she serves. What employers have to say about hiring the disabled and chronically ill population. Why hiring that population is good for businesses. What companies can do to reach out to that population and let them know they’re hiring. The origin story of Chronically Capable, what it does, and who it serves. What her entrepreneurial community looks like. How she makes sure someone’s condition and the job they’re placed in will be a good fit. How to keep members of the disabled and chronically ill community once you’ve hired them. Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie About Chronically Capable Library of Congress article on Disability Employment Awareness Month Hannah on LinkedIn   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

I recently gave a keynote to a company called Curo Comp. It was about truth versus reality when it comes to talking about money at work. I’m so jazzed about this topic that I wanted to tell you about it. Years ago, I interviewed for a job and the VP of HR was full of himself. At the end of the interview, I asked him what differentiated their HR department from others. He gave a long answer full of buzzwords, but he didn’t believe in any of it. That was in 2004, but even now every trend I read about human resources and compensation uses those buzzwords. It makes them all feel like lies.  In my keynote, I had to tell the audience that those trends were lies. I had to tell them that everything they aspirationally believe in is a lie. It was difficult, but it’s true. It's important to disclose the lies and talk about where we stand and where we can go in the future. So, tune in and let's talk about it. In this episode you’ll hear: The lie that equal pay and transparency matter. The two things we’re terrible at in the workforce: evaluating and recognizing performance. Why technology really doesn’t do anything. The realities of money at work. What we can do as a result of those realities. Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Get my LI Learning courses for free for 30 days Curo Comp   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 129: My guest this week is Brant Menswar. Brant is a top 10 motivational speaker, critically acclaimed author, award-winning musician, podcast host, and the CEO and founder of Rock Star Impact, a boutique agency that teaches people and organizations how to cultivate value-based leadership.  Brant is also the author of a new book called Black Sheep: Unleash the Extraordinary Awe-Inspiring, Undiscovered You. And I'm so excited that he came by to talk about self-leadership, individual accountability values, and really finding your core values and purpose in your life. So if you like your motivational speakers to be former rock stars, which I do, sit tight and enjoy this conversation with Brant Menswar. In this episode you’ll hear: How a sports injury led Brant to his career as a musician. Why farmers don’t value black sheep as the rest of the flock. How living through his son’s life-threatening cancer diagnosis helped him realize his own black sheep values. How you know when you’ve made a good decision. Why it’s vital we stop looking solely at results when it comes to promoting people in the workplace. How to get in touch with your core values in the quiet moments before the storm. What you should do to figure out what matters most to you so you can stop trying to be someone you're not.   Resources from this episode: Brant’s Website Brant on LinkedIn Brant on Instagram Brant on Facebook Brant on Twitter Brant’s Podcast Brant’s Book Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie     *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Punk Rock HR Episode 128: Lindsay Crittendon is the head of Headspace for Work. If you thought that was a meditation app on your phone, so did I. However, it is actually so much more than that. They work with businesses across the spectrum to help them identify the best ways to improve the workplace. Mental Health Awareness Day is coming up on October 5th. Honestly, it should be every day. We need to be having consistent conversations on this topic and on the effect work can have on our mental health. Today, Lindsay helps bring this to the forefront. She’s dedicated to making the world and the world of work a little bit better. In this episode, we’re talking about the benefits of mindfulness and more thoughtful behavior on the work environment and on our individual lives when we’re not working. We also talk about COVID-19. We use this opportunity to talk about how to emerge from this pandemic in a healthier way. If you’re interested in a conversation about well-being at work and fixing work, sit back and enjoy this discussion with Lindsay from Headspace for Work. In this episode you’ll hear: Lindsay’s driving purpose behind what she does. The vision of Headspace for Work and what they do to make it a reality. How Headspace for Work defines mindfulness. The challenges that are affecting workplace mental health and what to do with that information. What a holistic mental health benefits program would look like in the workplace. How mindfulness at work and Headspace for Work specifically can benefit people. How to incorporate mindfulness into your workday, even if it’s not recognized as a priority by your employers. How businesses and leaders can remove some of the barriers and lessen the stigma attached to mental health. Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Lindsay on LinkedIn Headspace for Work main page 2020 Mental Health Trends Report Headspace has special programming planned for World Mental Health Awareness Day and will launch an exciting new initiative around Employee Mental Health.  Follow them on LinkedIn and stay tuned to be the first to find out about upcoming announcements!    *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Punk Rock HR Episode 127: Today’s guests are Robert Williams and Brian Baucom. They are the co-founders of a company called 4 Oaks Ventures. The team at 4 Oaks provides quality PPE and COVID-19 testing to employees and industries all over America. Robert and Brian are my neighbors in this community. They’re my friends. However, I also brought them onto the show to advise them on how to talk and work with HR departments to make clear the importance of quality PPE and COVID-19 testing and cut through the noise. We’re talking about the real issues behind the challenges of finding a PPE that’s not counterfeit or just disgusting and finding COVID-19 testing and strategies that really work. If you work in human resources, logistics, or marketing and you need to go back to work in an office at some point, this episode will be very helpful for you. Tune in for an informative and incredible conversation with Robert and Brian. In this episode you’ll hear: The impetus behind Robert and Brian co-founding 4 Oaks. Why they thought they could help when so many other organizations didn’t. What the early days of the pandemic were like for them. What Robert saw in the PPE testing market in April and where it is now. Their particular area of response to COVID-19 and what they are providing. COVID-19 testing and what it means for returning to work. How their door to door service differentiates them in the marketplace. What their interactions with multiple constituencies within organizations have been like. What pool testing is.   Resources from this episode: Brian on LinkedIn Robert on LinkedIn 4 Oaks Ventures Website Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com     

Punk Rock HR Episode 126: Today’s guest is author and speaker Minda Harts. If you have ever wondered who’s fighting for women of color to get a seat at the table, it’s Minda. Her book, Memo, has opened the doors for women and other authors to talk about what’s really happening in the world of work.  On top of her nationally recognized book, Minda has a terrific LinkedIn account, a prolific blog, and great Instagram and Twitter accounts. Most importantly, she is an amazing podcaster and the host of the show, Secure the Seat. Minda is a self-proclaimed career revolutionary. Her goal is to leave the workplace better than she found it. In this episode, Minda and I are talking about her work, including her new book. We discuss where she gets her inspiration and passion for the content she creates. I’m so excited to talk to someone who’s kicking butt and taking names. Tune in to be a part of the conversation. In this episode you’ll hear: The different mediums Minda uses to get her message out. What her book, Memo, is all about and what lessons people can get out of it. Where she learned the lessons she shares in Memo. Her writing process for Memo and how she established her tone. The origin story that made her who she is today. How she knows she’s making a difference in her community. How she responds to those who complain about what she says and does. How to overcome imposter syndrome. What success means to her. Why she is excited about the future of work. Resources from this episode: The Memo book Minda on LinkedIn Minda on Twitter Minda on Instagram Minda's website The Memo Virtual Experience Minda on Real Leader's 40 Top Women Keynote Speakers for 2020 List. Washington Post article Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com     

Punk Rock HR Episode 125: Today’s guest is my friend Zach Ward. He is the former owner of a comedy theater whose career was ended in 2017. Zach was canceled before it was trendy. Zach is someone who fulfilled a dream which many of us have. He came back home after college, created a community, and monetized his passion. But in creating that community, other things happened. Eventually, allegations were made against him and he was canceled.  I want Zach to not only survive this tidal wave but rebuild his life. That is why I brought him onto the show. In today’s episode, we are talking about serious issues like cancel culture and sexual assault allegations. Zach helps us understand where his career began and the lies that eventually made it come to an end. My hope is that, by hearing Zach’s story and his commitment to transparency, we can all begin to pause and ask our own questions when we hear accusations.  In this episode you’ll hear: Zach’s college experience and how he came to open DSI Comedy Theater. The smear campaign against DSI and Zach. How he managed the rumors in the marketplace. The Facebook thread in which he was accused of sexual assault and the details that made it untrue. The collateral damage from those accusations. How these lies followed him to his new job. Social isolation and his perspective on it. Takeaways for business leaders and professionals.   Resources from this episode: The Story article Zach on Twitter Indy Week DSI Comedy Owner news article Indy Week Misogny news article News Observer DSI Comedy Owner Steps Down news article DSI Comedy Insanity Reddit article News Observer Indy Editor news article NY Times Cancel Culture: Part 1 podcast NY Times Cancel Culture: Part 2 podcast Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   ***    

Punk Rock HR Episode 124: Today’s guest is author and podcaster Mimi Nicklin. She is the author of Softening the Edge, a book all about empathy and how humanity’s oldest leadership trait is changing our world. Mimi believes that the ability to connect authentically with others has the power to shape not only our business environments but every part of our lives. Michelle Obama recently gave a speech and said that there is an empathy deficit among many people in power in our country. I feel that truth in my bones. Empathy is something so primal, yet so hard to achieve. Mimi’s big ideas drive the conversation around empathy into the world, which is why I brought her onto the show today. In this episode, Mimi and I talk about empathy. We discuss what it is, what it isn’t, and how you actually put empathy into practice at work. If you wonder how seeing someone’s perspective can help you be a better leader, listen in to this conversation with Mimi. In this episode you’ll hear: A simple definition of empathy. How to overcome the empathy deficit in our world. Where to go to add more empathy into the world. What it would look like to implement empathy training in an organization. Why listening is so important. How to balance the need for speed with the need to be seen and heard. How to control your microcosms to create a ripple effect in your company’s culture. Why Mimi is passionate about empathy.   Resources from this episode: Mimi’s website Empathy for Breakfast Youtube Channel Softening the Edge book Mimi on Instagram Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 123: Carl Camden is the former CEO of Kelly Services and the current president of iPSE-U.S. He has dedicated more than 25 years of his life to advocating for the independent workforce. This has looked like creating career opportunities and seeking justice for independent workers by challenging leaders to adapt to the future of work. In 2017 Carl assembled industry leaders, House members from both parties, and association leaders for an exclusive D.C. event. This eventually became the genesis for iPSE-U.S. Today, this organization partners with a variety of other companies to provide the protection that corporations offer to their employees for independent workers. In this episode, we talk about the differentiation between full-time workers and the gig economy and how often that differentiation turns people into second-class citizens. We also talk about the third rail of work, health-insurance benefits, and how iPSE-U.S. helps make it accessible to contractors. The gig economy covers everybody from Ph.D. scientists to delivery drivers and it could include you. So, if you have any interest in the topic, listen to my conversation with Carl.  In this episode you’ll hear: How Carl got to where he is today. Where we are today in the world of work. What Carl is doing to advocate for independent workers today. How independent workers are treated differently in the workplace. Independent work within marginalized communities. Carl’s prediction regarding breakthroughs in this area in the next generation.   Resources from this episode: iPSE-U.S. Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 122: Today's guest is Damon Klotz. Damon has spent his career working at the intersection of people & technology. He's held roles as an HR Consultant, Digital Strategist, and he’s the co-founder of a men’s mental health charity. He joined Culture Amp as an early employee where he grew their community to one of the largest in the world and scaled the company during a time where the employees and customer base grew by over 2500%. But what I want you to know about Damon more than anything is that he believes that businesses can be a force for good in this world.  I have known him for over 11 years, and a lot of people mistake optimism for naivete. But here's the deal about Damon, he is savvy, he understands how to build relationships, he understands the world of work. And yet, knowing how nefarious the startup scene can be, and knowing how crazy the world of work is, he still believes that people are good that human resources can make a difference. And then when it comes down to it, culture first really matters.  In this episode you'll hear: The story of how Damon and I met. What Damon sees when he looks out at America. What Damon’s company, Culture Amp, is doing right now in the marketplace. His beliefs about culture and what culture truly is. Damon’s thoughts on the future of HR leaders.   Resources from this episode: Damon on Twitter Culture Amp Culture First Podcast Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 121: Just like the conversation all over America, and really the world, about defunding police work, today I want to talk about defunding human resources, recruiting, and compensation.  HR oversees a system with rules that they don’t control and might not even agree with but can’t change, and they rarely see people at their best. For the past 40 years, we’ve been pumping money into human resources and we are not getting the ROI we deserve. In this episode you'll hear: Management science is not with HR. How compensation programs are still biased. How to embrace the golden age of technology. Why you need to quit a job that requires you to police people. Have you thought about the legacy you’re leaving behind?   Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 120: Gary Beckstrand is the vice president of The OC Tanner Institute. OC Tanner is a recognition company that’s focused on aligning people with their passion and their purpose. They do a tremendous amount of research on the employee in order to accomplish that goal.  I have the amazing opportunity to partner with OC Tanner during the month of August on a webinar series called the Culture Trends Tour. This is a tour that brings together HR leaders, experts, and professionals to really connect and talk about the insights from OC Tanner’s 2020 Global Culture Report. I'm excited and honored to participate in it. We talk a little bit about this partnership in today’s episode, but mostly Gary and I talk about terms like recognition and employee experience. We discuss what these things really mean for modern leaders and the people that they support. Listen in for a really great conversation about leadership and employee experience in 2020 and beyond. In this episode you’ll hear: What employee experience means to Gary. The six aspects of employee experience that matter most when creating a satisfying work experience. The 21st-century methodology of leadership. The expectations of employees in 2020. How to begin moving a company towards modern leadership. The role of HR in the employee experience.   Resources from this episode: Global Culture Report: Our latest organizational culture research looks at current culture trends, company culture statistics, and how employees feel about their workplaces. See how companies with strong cultures recruit and attract top talent, reduce employee turnover, and become places where employees thrive. Culture Trends Tour: The Culture Trends Tour brings together HR leaders, experts, and professionals to connect and discover insights from the 2020 Global Culture Report—the largest annual study on workplace culture. Come to learn essential best-practices for shaping thriving workplace cultures that fuel organizational success. Influence Greatness: The most insightful conference on workplace culture is going virtual and international. With world-class speakers, a first look at the 2021 Global Culture Report, a wealth of on-demand content, and no registration fee. Talent Magnets: White Paper on the Six Essential Aspects of Workplace Culture   The Work Place Podcast: Conversations with leaders in culture and experience, featuring tangible takeaways in every episode. Request a Product Demo: Culture Cloud Recognition: Welcome to the most complete collection of employee recognition tools for celebrating daily wins and team triumphs. Gary on LinkedIn Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Mentorship Friday: Cameron Sackett is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan who is looking for his first full-time job right now in marketing or social media management. Cameron is not just a young adult entering the workforce but is facing searching for a job in the middle of a pandemic. I first met Cameron when he was in middle school. Now, we have known each other for over 10 years. I wanted to bring him on to have a conversation on what he’s looking for in a job, how he’s doing it, and what it’s going to take to get him into the workforce. This episode isn’t a workforce generational discussion. Instead, Cameron and I talk about life stages and what he is looking for at this period in his life. He has some keen insights and lessons for all of us. Whether you work as a leader or a human resources professional, you’ll want to listen in to this great conversation with Cameron. In this episode you’ll hear: Cameron’s unconventional college journey and how his worldview has changed during his time in college. What it’s like looking for a job in the midst of a pandemic. How his dad’s career in the human resources and recruiting industry has been a blessing and a curse. His excitement and concerns about the future of work. The line between politics and the workplace. How to manage your social media profile while job hunting. How to build connections on social media without revealing too much.   Resources from this episode: Cameron on LinkedIn HR Famous Podcast Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Punk Rock HR Episode 119: Zach Nunn is a change management consultant and one of the co-founders of the podcast and movement Living Corporate. The goal of that platform is to tell black and brown stories related to the world of work. You think you’ve heard good conversations about diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging, but you have not heard Living Corporate.  On the show, Zach and his team talk to all kinds of people and have real conversations. They talk about the types of things that aren’t normally talked about at work or even in diversity inclusion programs. It is a terrific podcast that everybody needs to download and listen to. In the episode, Zach shares about the work he is doing. He explains why it has become his goal to create platforms in spaces that amplify and center black and brown voices at work. Zach has a perspective that causes him to speak with authority and provide answers to the questions many of us are asking, especially regarding what we can do to help right now. Listen in for another conversation on big ideas to do things differently. In this episode you’ll hear: Zach’s story and how Living Corporate came to be. The team of people who helps make Living Corporate happen. Why Zach confronted white DNI professionals on the podcast. A healthy perspective on the need to defund HR. How to keep this antiracism movement from becoming another cyclical thing and make it a true reconstructive moment. Why it is crucial for white people to be giving our capital.   Resources from this episode: Zach Nunn on LinkedIn Living Corporate podcast Living Corporate Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 118: Lauren Davis was a marketer, community organizer, and record store owner. Her real claim to fame, though, is that she does social media for conferences speakers like me. She helps speakers really connect with their audiences in a different way.  Lauren has been named as one of the "20 People You Should Know" and a "Person to Watch." She has also received US Senate recognition for her passionate dedication to helping businesses succeed. Her expert social media advice has been featured in articles by Huffington Post and Readers Digest. She hosts her own podcast, The Business Event Playbook, that helps people grow their presence so they can focus on sales, exposure, leadership, and community impact. Lauren is all about community in a virtual world. I needed to bring her on today to talk about what is going on in the world of conferences. Many of us have questions about how speakers are doing and what the future of networking and events looks like. Today we talk about this and what it means to have a conference in an age when you can’t stand within six feet of someone. In this episode you’ll hear: Why she loves conferences. What the conference world looks like in the age of Coronavirus. What the future state of conferences is. The limitations of the push towards virtual. How to have a successful virtual conference. How to create good content in uncertain times. The importance of empathy in this season.   Resources from this episode: Lauren’s website Lauren on Instagram Lauren on Facebook Lauren on LinkedIn Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 117: JeVon “JT” McCormick is the CEO of Scribe Media, a publishing company that helps authors write, publish, and market their books. More importantly, he is someone with an incredibly interesting backstory.  JT grew up amidst chaos, never went to college, and started his career in labor-intensive jobs. Yet, through these experiences, he managed to understand society better. That eventually became his avenue to success. Now, he runs a company that published the most sought after book in America last year: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. He also recently wrote a piece that appeared on CNN.com and went viral. In today’s episode, we talk about work, power, politics, money, the Coronavirus, Black Lives Matter, and what it means to be a leader in uncertain times. In this episode you’ll hear: What got JT to where he is today. His chaotic origin story that helped contribute to his business success. The 3 rules of leadership he lives by. Why the future of work should be a combination of remote and office space. The toxicity of binary thinking. How to create a culture of trust. How to measure success in a way that honors employees. The changes and conversations that have occurred in Scribe Media amidst COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement. The role of corporations in addressing the systemic problems in our country.   Resources from this episode: Scribe Writing JT's Website JT on LinkedIn Napolean Hill's Think & Grow Rich   Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 116: Today on the podcast, I’m talking to my best friend, Jennifer McClure. We have one of our BFF chats, Jennifer’s first on this iteration of the podcast.  During COVID-19, a lot has changed in Jennifer’s life. She has moved into her new house, navigated through the sickness of a family member, and rebooted her business. Like many of us, these life changes brought on by the pandemic have taught her many life lessons. Jennifer shares those with us today.  Jennifer is a full-time professional speaker, business advisor, and host of the podcast Impact Makers. She has spoken at over 350 industry-related conferences, helping international leaders embrace the future of work and leverage their influence. In this episode, she updates us on her life and provides valuable wisdom on all different areas of work. In this episode you’ll hear: Jennifer’s experience selling her house in a pandemic. The story of how her mom became sick in March and what that taught her about herself. The capacity of humans to step up and care for other humans. How she is now rebooting her business. How hiring a coach at the beginning of her transition from the corporate world changed the trajectory of her career. The way to know if your content is providing value to your email community. How COVID-19 has impacted Laurie’s business. Why any step forward is a good step. The real truth about what it’s like to write a book. Jennifer’s wisdom around getting fired.   Resources from this episode: Jennifer’s website Story Brand StoryBrand Book Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 115: This week, I’m joined by Karina Schultheis. She is a manager of human insights and HCM evangelism at Ultimate Software. However, even though Karina has an amazing job now, it hasn’t always been that way. She has worked in other jobs with other bosses and therefore brings a unique perspective to the table.  Currently, Karina is a newly promoted employee at an amazing company. Ultimate Software really gets it right on so many levels and they have been recognized for it. It is one of the best companies to work for, not just in America, but the world. Karina is also a working mother who is about to give birth to her second child.  In this episode, Karina and I talk about the future of work post-COVID. If you like insights on human behavior and what it’s going to take for companies to turn it around, listen in to this conversation with Karina Schultheis. In this episode you’ll hear: How integral the human element is to a company’s culture. Why personalization is going to become crucial for organizations. What it takes to build a culture of trust in a company. The importance of well-being for the employees and leaders of an organization and how it leads to better retention rates. The role of authenticity and flexibility in leadership teams. What substance abuse is doing to our workforce right now as influenced by COVID-19. The role of HR in driving productivity and maintaining healthy boundaries. How we can move forward post-COVID and amidst all the social justice reforms happening in our country. Karina’s hopes for HR and for the workforce going forward.   Resources from this episode: Karina's Twitter Karina's Instagram Ultimate Software On Twitter Ultimate Software On Instagram Ultimate Software Facebook Page Equity at Work Council Equity at Work Social Room Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 114: Reverend Wendy Hamilton joins me to talk about the storm before the calm. In other words, the process of dealing with recurring problems and tackling the root cause of what's happening in our society, to get to a place of social justice. Reverend Wendy is a D.C. area activist, minister, and mother who's holding workshops on grief and trauma in the age of civil unrest. Wendy helps us work through grief, addresses faith, and the intersection of the two. This episode covers power, politics, money, race, and God. Yes, we cover a lot. I hope you enjoy our conversation.    In this episode you'll hear: Universal basic income and why everyone deserves to have their basic needs met. The intersection of social justice and faith. Reverend Wendy's perspective around grief and trauma and what she's doing to address it. We discuss the various PR statements distributed by businesses around racism and equality.  The many opportunities available to leaders in this moment of societal and civil change. The problem with our identity being so tied to our work.    Resources from this episode: Reverend Wendy on Twitter Reverend Wendy on YouTube A Conversation With Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 113: The hospitality industry has suffered tremendously because of COVID. The jobs the industry provides, well, they're the backbone of American families. This week, Jim Knight joins me to talk about the recession, staying motivated, and being resilient in hard times. We go deep into the retail, hospitality, and foodservice industries because that's the area of the economy that Jim knows best.    Jim Knight is a training and development veteran with over 30 years of experience. He trains people to be their best. While I find the term 'rockstar' often overused, Jim Knight is a rockstar in every sense. I hope you enjoy my conversation with him.   In this episode you'll hear: Jim breaks down what is going on in the hospitality and foodservice industry today, how many within the industry are discovering what it means to be resilient. Tension around wages, earnings, and unionization; Jim shares his take. How safety and engagement are related. With more and more foodservice workers going on unemployment, what are incentives to go back to work, especially if an organization doesn't have a plan to handle guidelines or a policy in place for COVID-19? Jim shares some of the organizations he believes are doing right by their employees during COVID-19 times - those who are communicating who they are and how they're keeping not only their customers safe but their employees safe as well. Some ways in which we can help the food and hospitality industries and its workers.  We discuss essential workers and what the future holds for them.    Resources from this episode: Jim's website Jim on LinkedIn National Restaurant Association No Kid Hungry Feeding America Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 112: So, what does a Canadian millennial entrepreneur know about making a comeback? This week's guest, Emily O'Brien, founder of Comeback Snacks, is going to tell us. In today's episode, Emily opens up about her journey from a sales professional at a global corporation to an entrepreneur, to a convicted felon, and then back again to an entrepreneur. She is someone who is trying to give back, make amends, and help her community.    Many motivational professionals like to say the setback is a setup for the comeback. And often, it sounds over-sensationalized. But in the case of Emily's story, I think that's true. If you'd like to hear about a person who overcame their worst instincts and how they turned it around, I think you're going to love this conversation with Emily O'Brien.   In this episode you'll hear: Emily's story of graduating college with honors, starting her own business, and how things took a left turn when she got arrested. She shares openly about life after her arrest, being sentenced, and going to jail.  How prison forces you to be mindful in a weird, unfortunate way.  She started her popcorn business, Comeback Snacks, in prison. How Emily deals with the pressures of entrepreneurship.  Emily's perspective on how to grow as a leader and challenge yourself to do better. What Emily would like Executives and HR professionals to learn from her story.    Resources from this episode: Comeback Snacks Emily on LinkedIn Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 111: If you want to be an executive or career coach, you have to approach doing so like a business, not a side hustle. You need a business plan, you need to know how to run a business, and you need to determine who you can help and who you cannot help. In this episode, I am sharing four pieces of advice for those interested in starting a coaching business of any kind.   In this episode you'll hear: Why creating a business plan is a necessity, plus some resources to help you write one. The importance of knowing your "Why?" Understanding and acknowledging your skills and why you need to be ready to turn down clients you know you cannot help. Why executive coaching is not a side hustle.    Resources from this episode: Score.org Business Plan Template Small Business Administration Jennifer McClure Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 110: Podcasting is a little bit of art, a little bit of science, and a lot of hard work. Today, HR podcasters, Wendy Dailey and Jon Thurmond, hosts of the HR Social Half Hour Podcast, join me on the show. If you've ever wanted to know what it takes to host a podcast about Human Resources, buckle up because this episode is for you.    In their podcast, Wendy and Jon talk to ordinary individuals working in the trenches of Human Resources, who are doing extraordinary things. Wendy and Jon are two examples of humans doing it right, so I invited them to come on to Punk Rock HR. They give us a behind the scenes look into their podcast, which inspires them to keep going, and how community is the driving force in everything they do.  I respect what Wendy and Jon are doing. I think at the end of this conversation, you may admire them too.   In this episode you'll hear: How the name HR Social Half Hour Podcast was born out of a Twitter Chat, and why the word social is so important to show's online culture.  "What's in your glass?", why Wendy and Jon begin their podcast episodes with this simple question, every single time.  Podcasting as a gateway to networking, connecting with others, being intentional, and sharing ideas.  Jon and Wendy share some of their favorite guests and episodes, including an interview with Melanie Peacock and Minda Harts. HR Social Half Hour focuses on community and community activities; Jon and Wendy share what they are doing to knit the HR community together using the podcast. What community has meant to each of them, how it sustains them, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some lessons about podcasting for anybody who is dreaming about starting a podcast.   Resources from this episode: The HR Social Half Hour Podcast on the Web The HR Social Half Hour Podcast on Apple Podcasts Jon and Wendy talk to Valorie Kondos Field HR Social Half Hour Wonder Women Episode HR Social Half Hour on Twitter - #HRSocialHour chat on Twitter Wendy on Twitter Jon on Twitter Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 109: If you've ever wondered, am I qualified? Or am I the right person for this role? You are going to enjoy this week's conversation with Amanda Nachman. With graduation season upon us, Amanda is perfectly positioned to talk about looking for a job in a pandemic. She is an author and professional speaker who is passionate about helping emerging professionals become career strategists and achieve their dream careers. She's also a motivational speaker at Find Your Passion Career and the CEO of the College Magazine.    In this conversation, Amanda and I talk about her new book #Qualified: You Are More Impressive Than You Realize, her journey developing College Magazine, and the growth of her career. Amanda has lessons for you, whether you're a new grad or someone who has been doing your job for twenty years. You don't need to wait around for someone to tell you that you're qualified. You can build this experience on your own.   In this episode you'll hear: How Amanda turned her idea to create a guide that would help students be successful in what is known today as College Magazine. About Amanda's new book #QUALIFIED and how you don't need to wait around for someone to tell you that you're qualified. You can build this experience on your own. What's going to have the path of least resistance isn't always what's most exciting or what's most fulfilling for us. And I think we lose sight of that. Amanda's message for somebody who feels average and unqualified. Some of the bumps Amanda has had on the road to her success. The importance of making courageous connections.  How to level up your story first, so you're ready for moments of rejection.    Resources from this episode: Amanda Nachman on LinkedIn Amanda’s website #QUALIFIED: You Are More Impressive Than You Realize College Magazine Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com       

Punk Rock HR Episode 108: David Burkus is one of the world's leading business thinkers and speakers, focusing on topics such as leadership and innovation. He's also the best-selling author of an audiobook called Pick a Fight: How Great Teams Find a Purpose Worth Rallying Around. I like a good battle. I love a good cause too. So David is on the podcast this week because I am someone who is motivated by a fight.  In his book, David asks great questions like, "As an organization, what are we fighting for?" Or "What are you doing to change the world? And why are you doing it?" It's such a great perspective to have, especially in the age of a pandemic. If you're not fighting for something, if you don't know your purpose or your mission, what are you doing? So if you are looking for some motivation, want to think about your job in a more significant way or find your purpose, I think you're going to enjoy this conversation with my friend David Burkus. In this episode you'll hear: Why David decided to release his book, Pick a Fight, as an audiobook only and some of the challenges he's hit up against in doing so. The difference between having a purpose and having a mission statement. How to creatively think about what the big battle is and break people from complacency, getting them excited to fight.   David's TEDx Talk: Why you should know how much your coworkers get paid was genius. He shares what it was about and how it was received.  How to have mature conversations about mission or purpose. How artifacts symbolize or reinforce an organization's story, Savannah Bananas, is a perfect example of this.  Why picking a fight and having a purpose will allow you to return home a more energized person than you were when you left. Resources from this episode: David on LinkedIn  Pick a Fight: How Great Teams Find a Purpose Worth Rallying Around David’s website Pela Case David’s TEDx Talk: Why you should know how much your coworkers get paid The Savannah Bananas Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com       

Punk Rock HR Episode 107:   One of the weirder stories to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis is that we might have a bacon shortage. Yeah, seriously. Now, I'm a vegetarian, and I have a lot of assumptions about how meat is made. But, a lack of bacon? That didn't sound right to me.    So I reached out to my friend Jesse McCoy, who is an expert in biosecurity, specifically food and animal health. He keeps animals from getting sick, so we don't get sick. And when it comes to bacon shortages, it turns out that animals aren't the problem, it's humans. We're not washing our hands. We're not wearing masks. We're spreading COVID-19 to individuals who work in the meat industry. And then when they go to work, they're getting their colleagues sick. And that's having an effect at many different production facilities, which has a downstream impact on the supply chain.    Jesse joined me to discuss whether or not the individuals who work on the line are indeed victims. Are they low paid? Are they working in terrible environments? Moreover, I had questions about how meat is made. What's the myth? What's the reality? Jesse helps answer those questions and sheds light on what conditions are currently like in the food processing industry. You're going to hear how our decisions in the grocery store affect a global enterprise. I think you're going to love this conversation.   In this episode you'll hear: Biosecurity: what it is and what Jesse does as part of his work. The intersection of labor and food production, including what we should and how it affects what is happening in the world.  The working conditions, today, within the confines of food production facilities. Some myths about animal genetics and food production.  When people get involved, that is when we increase the likelihood of having a foodborne pathogen. The concept that animals are being depopulated. What does that mean? Jesse leaves us with some things he would like listeners to know about food and what we can do right now to be good citizens, ethical consumers, and good advocates for farms.   "The food system is a chain, and if one of those links gets weak, everything changes." Jesse McCoy   Resources from this episode: Jesse on LinkedIn Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com       

Punk Rock HR Episode 106:   How are brands like Warby Parker or Casper Mattress re-shaping the way we make purchases in the 21st century? Well, Larry Ingrassia, my guest this week, is going to tell us. Larry is a former journalist, and editor turned author of the book, Billion Dollar Brand Club: How Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Other Disruptors Are Remaking What We Buy. Together we discuss the online brands you know, with billion-dollar valuations. We also talk about customer experience as a critical differentiator for many of these brands. And finally, we talk about COVID-19 and how it may or may not change our shopping habits. In this episode you'll hear: How the questions, "How did this happen?" And "How did what I thought was impossible become possible?" were the inspiration for writing the book, Billion Dollar Brand Club. Consumers shop differently today than they were even a decade ago. Larry shares some of the changes that have taken place in our shopping habits, even before COVID-19. What it takes to create a product and a brand that will be around for the long term and have value. What makes a billion-dollar brand, a billion-dollar company. Today's economy and what the fallout will be due to COVID-19. We discuss brands as disruptors and how they affect the marketplace.  A reminder for entrepreneurs: what might seem impossible to a lot of people, you have to say, I'm going to make possible.   Resources from this episode: Larry’s Website Larry on LinkedIn Billion Dollar Brand Club: How Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Other Disruptors Are Remaking What We Buy  Buying a Mattress in an Actual Store? That’s So 2010. Store Traffic Limits At Walmart And Target Are Good, But Kroger’s Pick-Up Only Idea Is Even Better Inside the Success of Dollar Shave Club and Why DTC Changed the Retail Landscape Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com     

Punk Rock HR Episode 105:    If you are like many, you may be wondering what you would do if you came down with COVID-19 and how you would maneuver the testing process, treatment, and recovery. Well, April Matan, my childhood bestie, is on the podcast today to share her experience. April is an HR-professional turned dental hygienist. She caught the novel coronavirus from her husband, who got it at work. She has since recovered, and of course, I am very relieved.    In today's episode, April talks about navigating her COVID-19 diagnosis, her testing experience, her recovery, and shares her thoughts on returning to work. We also talk about what an absolute mess the COVID-19 response has been. My challenge for you today is to learn from April's experiences.   In this episode you'll hear: April shares how and when she began to feel sick, as well as some of her symptoms. She wants everyone listening to know the most important thing to understand is that you might not get the classic symptoms. You might be sick and not know you have COVID-19.  How April went about getting medical help via a telemedicine appointment and what the doctor advised. She shares her entire testing experience, from how a website helped her determine if she was eligible for COVID-19 testing (she was) and what the testing experience was like.  Find out how April got her test results and what happened when the CDC contacted her.  Is this just like the flu? Hear April’s response.  We discuss the notion of people rushing back to work. Is it a good idea?  Many leaders are asking, “How do I know if my employees are working when they are working from home?” And, “If we let them work from home, how do we get them back to the office?” April shares her thoughts.   Resources from this episode: Laurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Punk Rock HR Episode 104: Have you ever wanted to do something, but just kept getting in your way over and over again? Yeah, me too. This week, I share my experience with writing my upcoming book, "Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First (Finally) And Take Control of Your Career," and how one simple statement by a colleague changed my outlook on writing, completely. Tune into to get a brief glimpse into what my book is about.    In this episode you'll hear: My early ambitions of being a writer and some of my writing failures The one thing a colleague said to me that changed the trajectory of my writing, completely What you can expect from my book, including who it is for and how it can help   Resources from this episode: Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Punk Rock HR Episode 103:  I'd like you to meet Joey Price. Joey is the founder of Jumpstart: HR, LLC, and host of Business, Life, and Coffee, a weekly entrepreneur mentorship podcast. He focuses on creating effective HR systems for small businesses and startups across the country and serves on the Advisory Committee of the Forbes School of Business and Technology's Human Resources Degree Program. Joey Price is a thought leader in the very best sense of the word.    We are all feeling a sense of anxiety in the face of the unknown. In today's conversation, Joey joins me to offer his perspective on what it's like to be a leader and to be human during this crazy time. We also discuss the effects on work, life, and business on the COVID-19 generation. As you listen, I hope this episode offers a healing conversation to you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of Punk Rock HR.   In this episode you'll hear: Joey shares his thoughts on how people are reacting or coping with life and work during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have an open and honest conversation about how humaneness in our workforce and our leaders is going unrecognized. What Joey believes the future may hold for medium to small-sized businesses. Some thoughts about CEO's who haven't been walking their talk about the importance of the employee experience pre-pandemic and now not thinking about their employees during the pandemic - what gives? Digital transformation and working from home - are they right for business? The effects on work, life, and business on the COVID-19 generation.   Resources from this episode: Jumpstart: HR Small Business HR Courses (Coronavirus, CA Sexual Harassment, etc)  Business, Life, and Coffee Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Podbean | Spotify  Joey on Twitter  Joey on LinkedIn Joey on Instagram GenC, Seth Godin  Did Dolphins and Swans ‘Return’ to Italian Waterways Amid COVID-19 Lockdown?, Snopes  Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Punk Rock HR Episode 102: My guest today is Michael Bungay Stanier, author of The Advice Trap. Today, he helps us think differently about advice, giving advice, and receiving advice. He also talks about some ways to avoid those pesky advice traps. Michael is also the author of The Coaching Habit, and his recent TEDx on how to take your advice monster is a must-watch. He's got a ton of tips and resources, so be sure to check out the show notes for links to many of them. I have been following Michael for many years and was thrilled to have him as my guest. I hope you enjoy our conversation.  In this episode you’ll hear: Michael's attempt at creating a coaching practice and his discovery that he didn't enjoy coaching people all that much. How Michael helps people stay curious a little bit longer. Coaching is not an occasional formal intervention.  Helping you reframe your default response to advice-giving. We discuss the magic of social contracting. And, how to tame your advice monster.   Resources from this episode: Michael on LinkedIn Michael’s TEDx talk Coaching Habit The Advice Trap MBSWorks Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Laurie Ruettimann is a mentor to dozens of emerging and seasoned leaders. All of her mentees are just like her—spinning their wheels and working from home. How do you your best work in an environment that has you hyperfocused on COVID-19 and worrying about your finances? The answer lies in staying true to yourself and creating products, services, and content that is consistent with your values. This episode shares Laurie's insights on what it means to be productive and helpful when the world is freaking out.   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Punk Rock HR Episode 101:    This episode covers some of your questions about Coronavirus and how your employer should and shouldn't behave. To help me explore this topic, Minneapolis-based employment attorney, Kate Bischoff joins me. She's an expert on work and in the world of politics. She understands how power works at an organization, and she definitely knows a thing or two about sticking up for the underdog. We also talk about unemployment, COBRA Health Insurance and some considerations employers should think about when laying off their workforce. If you want to hear two-midwestern women talk about what is going on in the world of work right now, you won't want to miss this episode.   In this episode you’ll hear: COVID-19 and work: the questions on the minds of today's leaders, employees, and organizations Healthcare coverage concerns in the face of a global pandemic We discussed the incompetence by the federal government when they had months of forewarning Kate explains unemployment and addresses the notion that some people may be fearful of applying for benefits Some relief benefits or resources for self-employed Unconventional tips for leaders, managers, and owners who have to lay-off their workforce COVID-19 is going to prove whether or not we were committed to those issues in the first place   Resources from this episode: Thrive Law and ConsultingKate on LinkedInFamilies First Coronavirus Response ActLaurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Punk Rock HR Episode 100: People keep saying that we're living in an unprecedented era of disruption. While this is new for us, humankind has lived through war, pestilence, plagues, and we have persevered. We persevere because we hustle, and we move quickly. We think about innovative solutions, but we also rely on our community. So when a member of my community told me about Lorna Borenstein and the work she is doing to help in this time of crisis, I knew I needed to have her on the podcast. She is a business owner, an entrepreneur, and is at the epicenter of helping people do their best work and feel great at a time when that's under assault.   Lorna Borenstein is the founder and CEO of a well-being company called Grokker. Her company has created a platform where credentialed experts can offer videos and teach people how to live better. They focus on five aspects of well-being; fitness, mental health, sleep, nutrition, and financial wellness. Up until last week, Grokker was not available to everyone; it was only open to organizations and companies looking to promote wellness to their workforce. But Lorna and her colleagues are now offering all videos free to consumers and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak. It's a pretty special thing when someone can jump in and ask, "What can I do in this moment of crisis?" Lorna is someone doing just that.    In this episode you’ll hear: Why Lorna created Grokker and why she decided to make the platform free to businesses and individuals during the COVID-19 outbreak. We discuss the type of content and videos you can find on the platform. Lorna shares why she believes older generations are becoming more comfortable using technology and therefore, will have easy entry into utilizing videos found on Grokker. Some thoughts around poverty and accessibility in isolation. We answer the question, "How can working parents chill out right now?"  Lorna describes the COVID-19 Preparedness Program, which is now available for access.   Resources from this episode: Grokker - Free for BusinessGrokker - Free for IndividualsNew COVID-19 Preparedness ProgramLorna on LinkedIn Lorna on TwitterGrokker on TwitterLaurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com     

Punk Rock HR Episode 99:   This week’s guest has always inspired me not to be a sucker. Frank Roche is one of America's leading experts on executive compensation and benefits. He is a baby boomer who had a portfolio career before it was cool. He's been a writer and a journalist, a technologist, and a corporate advisor at very Senior levels. He's also a podcaster with two podcasts, one about postcards, and another about his journey with pancreatic cancer.    In this episode, we talked about the early days of the social web, what it was like to put yourself out there, and have significant and controversial ideas. Frank was there with me in the early days of Punk Rock HR. He's always in my head when I get a little too big for my britches. He is also one of my biggest champions. I just love this conversation with Frank Roche, and I hope you do too.     In this episode you’ll hear: The Wild West of conferences and blogging, circa 2009 and 2010 Frank shares a little bit about his entrepreneurial journey and how he worked to keep people in work during the recession Why he left the world of consulting and went back to his roots as a writer and journalist The launch of his podcasts Postcardist and The Adventures of PanCan Man Frank opens up about his diagnosis and battle with pancreatic cancer We discuss Frank’s belief that science is the answer and why cancer rubbernecking sucks   Resources from this episode: The PostcardistThe Adventures of PanCan ManFrank Roche on LinkedIn Laurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com     

Punk Rock HR Episode 98: 21st Century HR with Lars Schmidt Meet former HR leader turned writer, speaker, and entrepreneur, Lars Schmidt. Lars is a columnist for Fast Company, and the owner of an executive search firm called Amplify Talent. He is also the founder of a podcast that is kicking butt and taking names. The 21st Century HR podcast explores how to build better businesses through modern practices and approaches.  There's nothing Lars hasn't done in the world of HR and recruiting. But, above all else, Lars is a community builder. He is an honest, earnest, and progressive guy with good ideas. Tune in to hear us discuss 21st Century HR practices and what he is doing to change the narrative. I hope you enjoy our conversation in this very first episode of Punk Rock HR. In this episode you’ll hear: Why Lars decided to create the 21st Century HR podcast How new-school HR is addressing unrealistic expectations in the workplace Lars shares stories and examples of what good leadership looks like   Many HR departments don't want to touch politics or the third rails; Lars offers his reflections on this topic Why a willingness by HR professionals to be real, vulnerable, and relatable is a game-changer   Resources from this episode: Lars Schmidt on LinkedInAmplify TalentHR Open Source21st Century HREmployer Branding for Dummies   Laurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   Plus, check out these 21st Century HR Podcast Episodes: Credit Karma Chief People Officer, Colleen McCreary Eventbrite CHRO David Hanrahan, Vulnerability In HR Spotify CHRO Katarina Berg, Modern HR Playlist Reddit VP People & Culture Katelin Holloway, The Power Of Story Asana Head Of People Operations Anna Binder, Business Acumen In HR   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com     

Punk Rock HR Episode 97: Spoiler alert! Nobody's fixing work, not even me. I'm not living up to the Let's Fix Work brand promise, and there's nothing worse than a brand that doesn't deliver. So, it's time to flip the script. It's time to say good-bye to Let's Fix Work and hello to a podcast with a little bit more of an attitude. Perhaps a little bit more punk rock?  Let's Fix Work is a thing of the past. It's time to welcome in a new iteration of the show - Punk Rock HR. In this episode, I share the story behind the new name, my goals moving forward, and what you can expect to hear. Punk Rock HR is here, and it's an edgier and entertaining look at how people think they are fixing the world of work. In this episode you’ll hear: What a blog and a shaved head have to do with the name Punk Rock HR Some of my goals for the next iteration of the podcast  Why I plan to only interview guests who have a freaking podcast microphone!    Resources from this episode: Laurie on InstagramLaurie on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com     

Laurie Ruettimann is a mentor to dozens of emerging and seasoned leaders. One of her mentees asked for advice on growing the business and being a top employer at the same time. In an era where the employee experience makes all the difference, executives and founders must differentiate their companies and focus on the quality of work, the relationships people have in the office, and the way in which they give back to local communities. If you want to run your company like a 21st-century enterprise and evolve beyond the tired benchmark of shareholder value, this episode is for you.    *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 96: If you've been to a conference over the past decade, you've seen Simon T. Bailey up on stage motivating you to be brilliant and be your best. He is a Breakthrough Strategist whose life's purpose is to teach 1 billion+ people how to be fearless and create their future. By nature, I am a cynical woman. I’ve seen Simon speak and have listened to his message. When I do, I get a little bit more optimistic. He is truly one of the most inspirational speakers of our time. I am excited and honored to have him as my guest this week on the show. In addition to presenting inspiring and powerful keynotes, Simon is the author of several books that encourage readers to live a brilliant life. His latest book, Be the Spark: Five Platinum Service Principles for Creating Customers for Life, walks readers through how to attract and retain customers in a growing global market as well as become the spark that creates change.  Today we talk about customer service, how to enjoy work, and how to love your life.  In this episode you’ll hear: Simon shares what it is like to be an inspirational speaker and how he finds inspiration when he is feeling uninspired. How to ensure we have a culture where men and women can be their best version of themselves.  Why Spark is the new engagement. It shifts the way we view and achieve leadership. Not getting what you need from that socially inept leader? Simon shares some advice on how you can become the spark you need. Moving past the pervasiveness to get things out to the market right away and how to find passion, again. The power in rehearsing the future in the present. How to fall back in love with work, short of quitting.   Resources from this episode: Be the Spark  Release Your Brilliance  Shift Your Brilliance Simon’s website Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Laurie Ruettimann is a mentor to dozens of emerging and seasoned leaders. One of her mentees asked for advice on handling a jerk at work—especially when you thought that jerk was a friend. What do you do when someone is unkind to you? What’s the appropriate response? Why does work feel so lonely? In this short episode, Laurie shares her direct and candid advice about managing “friendships” at work that have gone sour and coming through the other side with your dignity and spirits in tact.    *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 95: What's up with school lunches? How can we make them better? You may be asking yourself, “What do school lunches have to do with fixing work, Laurie?” Well, in today’s episode, you’ll learn how one company is working to bring better food and nutrition to schools and how these efforts led the founder to fix work for himself.  In this episode I am joined by Dan Giusti, Founder and CEO of Brigaid. He is the former Head Chef of Noma (the best restaurant in the world) and who now works in school kitchens. Since 2016, Brigaid has collaborated with K through 12 school districts to support and elevate the quality of their child nutrition programs. Brigaid has also expanded its reach to encompass institutional foodservice operations of all kinds. Their mission is to change what is expected of food served in these public spaces.  Dan left his job at Noma to pursue a passion to cook for people who really need and deserve high-quality food. Dan is the essence of someone who has fixed work by trying to align himself with his values and to go out into the market and make magic happen. In this episode you’ll hear: Why Dan decided to leave Noma and use his chef skills in conjunction with his current passion as Founder of Brigaid. How Dan and the Brigaid chefs are making school lunches better. Some of the unique challenges Brigaid faces partnering with and working within institutionalized kitchens and settings. Life and leadership lessons from the kitchen, some of what Dan has learned and has taken with him as a leader of Brigaid. How Dan and his team measure their work’s success. All about the food Brigaid chefs are making for school lunches and some of the items Dan decided to take off school menus including kale chips, ambitious meatloaves, and sandwiches. Dan says, “You can make a sandwich really well and take your time to make it nice and presented properly and cut it well.” [...] “I'm proud that when we make sandwiches, they look really great.” Dan’s plans for expanding his mission and how Brigaid is ready to apply what they’ve learned beyond school districts.   Resources from this episode: Brigaid Brigaid on Instagram Dan on Instagram Dan Giusti on Linkedin Noma - Copenhagen 070: Taking Risks and Saying Yes with Jeff Gordinier Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Laurie Ruettimann is a mentor to dozens of emerging and seasoned leaders. Many of her mentees wonder when the time is right to quit work and start a consulting business. Do you have a big idea? Are you ready to work for yourself? How do you know when you’re ready to leave the nest and launch your own business. In this short podcast, Laurie will give you the signs and signals that you’re ready for entrepreneurship. She will also share tips and advice on how to avoid the common mistakes that most entrepreneurs make.   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 94: This week’s episode features Asha Curran, Co-Founder and CEO of Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people in organizations to transform their communities and the world. I'm a fan of big ideas and people who are out there making a difference in the world. Asha is this person.  Historically, Giving Tuesday was associated with the American Holiday of Thanksgiving but, in recent years, this has changed. It’s more than a hashtag. It’s more than a holiday ritual. It’s an organization and a movement. In this episode, Asha shares the history and the roots of Giving Tuesday, where it is today and where it's headed tomorrow. So, if you'd like to hear a conversation with someone about philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and how generosity can change the world of work, tune into this episode of Let’s Fix Work.    In this episode you’ll hear: Asha defines Giving Tuesday, what it is, and how it came to be. The history of Giving Tuesday including its start at 92nd Street Y.  Some surprising stats and figures about the organization. For example, in 2019, nearly $2 billion was donated on Giving Tuesday. What it's like to work at Giving Tuesday and what is involved in running this organization. Asha explains why she believes everybody can bond online over philanthropy. How Asha is working within the community and talking about the future of work.  The concept of generosity in the workplace, bringing it into every interaction, and how it can change the world of work. How organizations, companies, and brands can participate in Giving Tuesday (which takes place in 2020 on December 1st).    Resources from this episode:Asha Curran on LinkedIn Giving Tuesday Giving Tuesday on Instagram Giving Tuesday on Facebook Giving Tuesday on LinkedIn 92nd Street Y Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Laurie Ruettimann is a mentor to dozens of emerging and seasoned leaders. One of the top questions she fields? How to get noticed online. Maybe you have big ideas and support important charitable causes. Or, perhaps, you have aspirations to be noteworthy and famous. Whatever your dreams, it’s possible to breakthrough and become a key opinion leader. Follow Laurie’s three tips to cut through the noise and improve your brand, gain followers, raise awareness and share your ideas in this noisy market.   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 93: This week I am introducing you to Barry O’Reilly, a business advisor, entrepreneur, and author who has pioneered the intersection of business model innovation, product development, organizational design, and culture transformation. Barry authored both Unlearn and Lean Enterprise. If this isn’t enough cred, he is also the founder of ExecCamp plus faculty at Singularity University. He is truly a super cool guy.  Barry is an expert on how to question your beliefs and how to unlearn things. During the episode, we talk about learning your assumptions, your beliefs, and the things you thought to be true which may not be true. Next, we take all of these things and discuss how each may be holding you back personally and professionally. Barry has some practical tools, tips, and techniques to help you move yourself towards greater success in your career and in your life. Tune into this episode of Let’s Fix Work to learn how to achieve your goals and how to stop failing over and over.    In this episode you’ll hear: What it means to unlearn something and how you can do it. How to identify what's outdated and what's still working in your personal and professional lives.  Some circumstances which cause you to fail plus how to unlearn the things getting in your way of success. How it is important to ask yourself, “What would be my success story?” Why it’s important to think big when you are working to unlearn something. How leaders and corporations can look at unlearning differently.   Resources from this episode:Unlearn How High Performance Organizations Innovate at Scale Barry O’Reilly on LinkedIn Barry’s Blog Barry’s Unlearn Podcast Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Let’s Fix Work Episode 92: On today's show, I'm speaking to Elena Valentine, the Co-Founder, CEO, and Servant Leader of Skill Scout, a Chicago-based filmmaking company. Elena and her colleagues are workplace documentarians—they tell workplace stories. What's a workplace story? Well, it could be a video on a careers page. It could be a film attached to a job description. Or, it could be a welcome video on your first day of work.  Listen in as Elena and I talk about the many different work environments and how every job has a purpose and a story behind it. If you're interested in a far-ranging discussion about workplace identity, tune into this episode of Let’s Fix Work.    In this episode you’ll hear: BTS (behind the scenes) of a workplace filmmaker, what they do and how they do it. How social justice and equality intersect in workplace storytelling. Bridging the gap between HR departments and people in power with those doing the work. How Elena became a workplace filmmaker and why this is important to her. Elena answers the question, “Are there work environments that lend themselves to better stories compared to others?” The ethical dilemma of being asked to work with a company or organization whose values, mission, or viewpoints don’t necessarily match your values or those of your company.   Resources from this episode: Skill Scout Skill Scout on YouTube Elena on Twitter Elena on LinkedIn Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Let’s Fix Work Episode 91: On today's show, I'm talking to Keita Williams. She's the founder and chief strategist of Success Bully. Success Bully is an elite accountability practice for high achievers and Type As who are stuck and need strategic support (aka a professional butt-kicking) to create momentum in their personal and professional lives.  Keita is a former corporate PR executive turned accountability coach but she's more than just a coach. She is a mogul. She is a magnet. And she really wants you to set some goals and be accountable. Yet, she knows just how hard it is and she’s prepared to teach you how so you’re set up for success. During our conversation, we talk about goal setting, but not in an HR executive boring, kind of way. Nope. We talk about why it's so hard to create goals and how we're going to turn that around in 2020. We're all human. We all have big dreams. Sometimes we fall short but we can do better. Gaining some clarity around accountability is half the battle. So, if you're interested in a conversation about the concept of accountability and goal setting, check out this episode of Let’s Fix Work.    In this episode, you’ll hear: Ways Keita drives accountability with individuals and corporations.  How to temper accountability with healthy thinking. Behind the scenes information on Keita’s Sunday Goal Setting Webinars plus some recommended accountability tools. Can partners or spouses be accountable to one another? Keita answers this question!  Keita’s biggest professional failure and how she came back from it. The origin story of Success Bully the brand and how the business came to be.   Resources from this episode: Success BullySuccess Bully on InstagramSuccess Bully on FacebookSuccess Bully on TwitterKeita on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 90: Today I am joined by Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope and the author of the best-selling book, Chasing the Bright Side: Embrace Optimism, Activate Your Purpose, and Write Your Own Story. If you haven’t guessed already, I'm a naturally cynical podcast host. But I loved my conversation with Jess. Why? Well, Jess gets gritty and honest about her origin story.  Later in this episode, Jess talks a little bit about what it was like to establish a company that is a for-profit organization with a purpose driven mission. She also shares about the purpose and the process behind writing her new book. So, if you're interested in a conversation offering optimism, hope, and answers the question, “How can the act of service fix work?” this episode of Let’s Fix Work is for you!  In this episode, you’ll hear: About Jess’s interesting career journey, her origin story, and how she fixed work for herself How Headbands of Hope is making a difference, building a legacy, and expanding  Why she wrote her book, Chasing the Bright Side, and who this book is intended for Why she believes optimism is not about a mood but rather a strategy. Additionally, Jess shares her and her family’s experience coping with her uncle, Bernie Madoff’s, financial scandal How the act of service can help someone fix work Service leadership and the future of work plus how Jess helps people achieve their dream of being up on stage and talking about their passion Resources from this episode: Jess’s WebsiteJess on LinkedInJess on InstagramHeadbands of HopeJess’s book: Chasing the Bright SideBernie Madoff’s Niece, Whose Family Lost Nearly Everything, Now Brings ‘Hope’ to Kids With CancerRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 89: Ready to jump into the new year with a talk about marketing, sales, and music? Perfect, then you are in for a treat! My guest this week is David Meerman Scott. He is a business performance consultant, entrepreneur and bestselling author of Fanocracy: Turning Fans Into Customers and Customers Into Fans. He co-wrote the book with his daughter, Reiko. In this episode, we talk about his book and what it's like to work with someone you love as a colleague and peer.  We also explore the art and science behind turning customers and employees into fans. And at one point, our conversation turned to music, art and the Grateful Dead. So if you're interested in listening to a far-ranging conversation about neuroscience, marketing, sales and music, tune into this episode of Let’s Fix Work. Oh and if you're ready to make a real change in your workplace, start today by subscribing to Let’s Fix Work on the Apple Podcasts app, iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you feel moved to do so, please leave a five star rating and review. Lastly, share the show with a friend, colleague or co-worker who you think would enjoy our episodes. Real change starts with you. Thank you!  In this episode, you’ll hear: In this age of social media and networking, hear why David is excited to bring back the idea of real human connection All about his book, Fanocracy; including what’s it about, who it’s for and why we should care about fans, anyway The neuroscience of fandom and the concept of mirror neurons Some prescriptive techniques David and Reiko identified; which you can use to develop fans for your business or brand Advice for brands or companies who have lost some fans or are struggling to get fans The complicated role of employees as fans  Resources from this episode: Fanocracy: Turning Fans Into Customers and Customers Into FansDavid’s websiteDavid on LinkedInRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 88: A lot of people are making a big deal about the end of the decade. I am not one of those people. As we close out another year, today's show is not a wrap up episode. Instead, as we leave 2019 and head into 2020, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about something that's on my mind.  In the HR community a lot of people are talking about influence and thought leadership. Some people think those words are played out. But there are people in the HR world who do want to be thought leaders and influencers. They have something smart to say about fixing work. I love these individuals.  And it’s not just in the HR world where I see this shift happening. There's a cultural movement happening. More and more people feel the need to educate. More people are feeling the need to teach. They have a message to share.  Are you one of those people who wants to be a thought leader? Do you have a message of hope? Well, if you do, I have some tips for you. So if you want some tactical tips and strategies on becoming a thought leader in 2020, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.   In this episode, you’ll hear: The importance of being comfortable within your own skin and with the title of ‘thought leader’ A reminder that you can’t compete or influence if you are not putting yourself and your content out there Understanding that everyone has a competitor and some ways to audit and stop your competition  Realize that in order to become a thought leader or influence, you have get in the mix and be where the conversations are happening Why you must be willing to take risks and be willing to be ostracized from the people you absolutely love and adore  Resources from this episode:The Gap Between the Good and FamousRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 87 This week my BFF, Jennifer McClure, joins me on the podcast. Jennifer is a professional speaker and business advisor. She helps leaders embrace the future of work and leverage their influence to create positive, lasting change in and through their organizations. She is also the CEO of DisruptHR, an information exchange designed to energize, inform, and empower people in the HR field.  Today’s episode is a great representation of what happens when Jennifer and I get together to chat. We typically start off on one topic, in this case it was my book writing and publishing journey, and move on to the next, in a somewhat rapid-fire succession. You’ll hear us chat about work, including our 2020 work outlook and epiphanies about time management. We also discuss burnout and rethinking the way we view business. So if you want to hear two BFFs talk about the importance of slowing down, our outlook on work in 2020, and some other random topics, then relax and enjoy this episode of Let’s Fix Work.    In this episode, you’ll hear: About Laurie’s book writing journey, the editing process, and what to expect in the new year and beyond Goodreads and Amazon as incredibly important platforms for authors and how Laurie’s publishing team is prepping for her book launch later next year Where in the world is Jennifer McClure? Some of the sights and sounds she will be traveling to in 2020 Jennifer’s epiphanies around time management, which she had while recovering from a horse-riding accident What we are excited about for 2020, including doing things a little bit differently in our lives, including getting a bit more sober and taking a time Sabbath     Resources from this episode: Jennifer McClure Impact Makers Podcast Emerald City Productions Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Let’s Fix Work Episode 86 When my podcast producer, Danny Ozment, first told me about virtual summits, I was like, “Wait, what is that all about?” Once I learned more, I realized a virtual summit is a fantastic tool for inner work. The theme in my life and my work for many years has been to help people explore their inner selves and solve their own problems. To affirm that theme, at the tail end of 2019 I am holding The Self-Leadership Summit, a virtual summit to help attendees move from a state of learned helplessness to active leadership, in their own lives.  The process of self auditing, of understanding our values, of knowing who we are and where we want to go in the world, is the first step in moving toward self-leadership. Sure, you can hire a life coach or business coach, work with a mentor or be part of a mastermind, but you really need to know yourself first. We fix work by fixing ourselves. If you want to learn more about The Self-Leadership Summit, including the speakers and presentations, relax and enjoy this episode of Let’s Fix Work.    In this episode, you’ll hear: The short and sweet definition of a virtual summit  The Self-Leadership Summit, what it’s all about Speakers who will be appearing, including old friends and new  The topics you can expect to hear about, including how the hustle is the opposite of leadership, and how to stop being a jackass in 2020 What attendees can expect and get as part of their registration   Resources from this episode: Self-Leadership SummitJennifer McClureMary Ellen SlayterAnthony RanaudoScott StrattenCarlos RiosTorin EllisThe Jackass Whisperer, by Scott StrattenRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Let’s Fix Work Episode 85 If you've ever parked your car, decided to check Twitter, and 10 minutes later you were still in your car or if you have ever woken up in the morning, only to check your Smartphone and think What the hell am I doing? you're not alone. I’ve just described myself. At times, I feel like I am addicted to technology. My guest today is Adam Alter, an Associate Professor of Marketing at NYU Stern School of Business and author of the book, Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked. Guess what, technology is irresistible and this alluring temptation is all around us. The devices have been designed this way—to make us rely on them and want more interactions from others using devices. Professor and author Adam Alter is here today to help modify our addictive technology behaviors. And I have to tell you this message is timely. So if you've got any issues related to technology and you want to learn how to adjust your behavior plus reclaim your day,  sit back and listen to today’s episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Behavioral addictions and their consequences The rise in tech addictions and how to manage in a tech-heavy world  The need for self-leadership in resolving the issues with tech addictions How employees are judged for their efficiency and new ways to convey their efficiency moving forward What consumers are demanding out of their tech and their concerns about addiction Economic classes and the current role of technology Some solutions for limiting our exposure to tech The motives driving us to utilize technology Resources from this episode: Adam Alter on LinkedInIrresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us HookedDrunk Tank PinkSelf-Leadership SummitRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

Let’s Fix Work Episode 84 This week my guest is Vadim Liberman. Vadim is someone who is incredibly special to me. He's so special that I almost didn’t want to share him with the world, but I will because he's great. Vadim is the new Managing Editor of ERE magazine, which is an online magazine for recruiters and talent acquisition professionals.  Before he worked at ERE, he worked at The Conference Board Review and he was my boss. He was an exceptional boss at that. Every time he edited a piece of my writing, he made it better. So yes, I have firsthand knowledge that Vadim is an amazing leader with an awesome view on the world of work. He is also a critical thinker when it comes to tools, techniques, methodologies, and technology; and how we use them in the world of work. I love that about him.  So if you want to hear about the future of work and technology trends from someone who is getting stuff done and making a difference, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: The Conference Board Review, the work Vadim and I did there, and our boss/employee relationship Why being friends with your boss is just not conducive to friendship or leadership  Thinking of workplace culture as a community; rather than as a family  Vadim as a fearless communicator What DisruptHR NYC is and Vadim’s contributions Why authenticity isn’t important in work and how it can be counterproductive to good leadership and being a good employee  The importance of being your best self rather than your real self We ponder the question, “Are we using technology and assessments to get to the outcome that we wanted or do we really believe in science?” The good, the bad, and the ugly of HR tech; plus what’s working and what’s not   Resources from this episode:Vadim Liberman on LinkedInERE MagazineDisruptHRSure PeopleRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 83 Kris Dunn’s book, 9 Faces of HR, is awesome. I hope to have him as a guest on the podcast in the future. In the meantime, let me tell you briefly about his book. He has broken up the world of HR into 9 personas using a nine-box grid. It is a great book for personal development, professional development, self leadership, and to understand who you are and what you have to offer. I love Kris, his framework, and his model. I also think the concept of nine HR personas is really interesting.  Not to steal Kris’s thunder, but I think there are three personality types when it comes to HR professionals. Today, I am going to dive into who they are and how they view organizations like SHRM. So if you want to hear about the three personality types of the HR profession and hear some talk about SHRM, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: The three personality types of Human Resources Why some think the world's largest HR management association doesn't do HR very well  How SHRM can be relevant to all three personas  The idea that if you work in human resources, you have to love HR The importance of developing a network of people who know how to play the HR game A reminder that you need friends outside of HR Resources from this episode:Kris Dunn on LinkedIn9 Faces of HR, by Kris DunnMary Faulkner on LinkedIn SHRM Annual Conference and ExpositionVictorio Milian on Let’s Fix WorkRead more from LaurieWork with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 82 Earlier this year I was invited to speak to a bunch of corporate executives about the future of work. I was there as the special guest expected to bring some new ideas on how to rethink and re-imagine the world of human resources. I love these opportunities because it gives me a chance to try out new material. I decided to talk about something I've been thinking about for a long time. What if the CEO ran human resources? What would happen in your company if your CEO woke up tomorrow and suddenly decided to run human resources? Sure, it could mean a big disruption and there would be a huge learning curve for most CEOs. If you're a CEO, you may be thinking you would be way too busy to run the HR department. In this episode, I explore what the world of Human Resources would look like if we passed the reins to the CEO. Sure, your reaction listening to this episode may turn out just like the audience I presented this topic to; they were mad. They even heckled me. They thought it was a stupid idea. All of this tells me I'm on to something good. So if you are interested in exploring what a human resources department run by a CEO might look like, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: There needs to be a re-imagining of the world of HR, why not give it to the CEO When your CEO runs human resources, it breaks down this notion that there are people and then there are profits As a leader, you cannot guarantee that people are having a good experience at work unless you have a direct line of sight and accountability into that function Why I'm in love with the idea that CEOs should run the human resources department Ask the person who is the most creative, most powerful, and most responsible for fixing work to run the HR department, the CEO Resources from this episode: Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 81 One of the crowning jewels in the life here in North Carolina is the N.C. State Fair. I've lived in a lot of places. I've bounced around a lot. I've even lived abroad. Up until the time I moved down to Raleigh, I had never been to a state fair. I didn’t know what I had been missing. Let me tell you, the N.C. State Fair is an interesting intersection of agriculture industry, artistry, high fat, and high fructose corn syrup food. Today, I'm talking to Heather Overton, Assistant Director of Communications for the N.C. State Fair Press Office and our go to concierge for the N.C. State Fair. So how does this mega-event come together? What's it all about? Why do people keep coming back? What makes the N.C. state fair so special? Heather will be helping us answer all of these questions and more. So if you like fried food, livestock competitions, or landscape exhibits and are interested in learning how it all comes together, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: What’s new in 2019 at the N.C. State Fair and what makes it such an important event  The philosophy behind the Fair pivoting away from Hollywood-type acts and moving towards local entertainment instead The Fair as a unifying force in the community All about the food: what's new, what's exciting and what's returning. Plus, Food Lion Hunger Relief Day N.C. State Fair staff, who puts it on, how it’s run and the planning cycle Reflecting on the Fair and how it is rooted in North Carolina’s agricultural industry and history Resources from this episode: NC State Fair NJ State Fair Press Office Heather Overton Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 80 Have you heard of Lil Bub? If not, let me introduce you to her. She is a published author, a talk show host, a movie star, and has helped raise well over $300,000 for animals in need. In 2011, she went viral and became an internet sensation. Oh yeah, and she’s a cat.   Yes, you read that correctly. Lil Bub is a special needs cat, in fact. She suffers from an extreme form of dwarfism, making her a permanent kitten with stubby legs, no teeth and the inability to use the litter box on her own. So her owner, Mike Bridavsky, helps her with everything, including running the day-to-day business of Lil BUB.  Alright, you may be wondering what an amazing cat and her owner have to do with my podcast. Well, they are a fascinating example of using work to help make the world a better place. So I went down to Bloomington, Indiana, to learn everything I could about the work and business of Lil Bub. And of course, I wanted to meet Lil Bub too. She did not disappoint. So if you're interested in the business of Lil Bub or what it's like to have an internet-famous cat, sit tight and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: The story of how Mike and Lil Bub met and how she became a very special part of Mike’s life How and when Mike realized he had a famous cat on his hands and how he felt about the internet fame Lil Bub’s purpose through the eyes of Mike What Lil Bub has taught Mike when it comes to caring for a cat with special needs and how what he has learned can be applied to his business How Lil Bub and Mike have been able to donate $700k to charities How Mike learned to maneuver through the complexities and legalities of building off of Lil Bub’s internet fame to create a business that helps charities Is the internet all bad? Mike answers my question, “Are there glimmers of hope through the internet?” Mike talks about multitasking, running a music production studio, and what he is doing to get the balance right Resources from this episode: Lil BUB website Lil Bub on Instagram Help Tiny Tim through Waggle Foundation World's Cutest Cat: Bub, Toothless and Stubby-Legged Kitten, Videos Go Viral Bub, Toothless and Stubby-Legged Kitten, Goes Viral (ABC News) Why Is Lil Bub Such a Famous Cat? It's in Her Blood. Literally. (Wired) Lil Bub (Buzzfeed) Lil Bub (Vice) Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 79 I want to share a story with you this week. It starts out like this: a long time ago, I took an HR Advisor job for a well-known company, and the job sucked. It sucked the life out of me and it sucked my energy. It was downright horrible. And yet, I had an inkling, on the day it was offered, that the choice may be a bad one. But I moved forward because I had a pile of student debt to pay off. And while I did gain some experience and worked on national and international levels, it was not all it was cracked up to be. The biggest lesson from that tumultuous time in my worklife was this: I did not have to take that job and when I realized it was a bad fit, I didn't have to stay with it. So this week on the show, the guest is me and I'm talking about putting yourself first, taking control of your career, and being your own HR representative. There is no leadership without self-leadership. So if you're looking around and you're waiting for someone to be the person to make a change, look in the mirror because that person is you. Now sit back and listen to this week’s eye-opening episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: How I let money drive my decision, realizing later that had I just fixed my relationship with money, I could have had a different relationship with work (and you can too) Realizing you are the only person who can fix work for you If you are unhappy in your career, you can make a plan, you can invest in yourself, and you can invest in your wellbeing Acknowledging if you're looking for work and you take something only because of money, you're complaisant Understanding the era of learned helplessness is over Resources from this episode: Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 78 One of my biggest professional regrets in the world of HR was not having a mentor. I'm not alone. Many of you don't have mentors either and I know it because you email me and ask me questions about how to find a mentor. Or you ask what to do once you have a mentor, how not to lose that person or mess that relationship up. Since I'm not qualified to answer questions about mentorship, I thought I would invite an expert onto the show who can. This week's guest is Mike Sipple, Jr. who is a mentor to mentors, seriously. Mike is the President of Centennial, Inc., the Founder and CEO of the Talent Magnet Institute and he's the host of the Talent Magnet Institute podcast. That's a lot of jobs. I don't know how this man finds time to mentor, but he does. He mentors many people within human resources and recruiting. He teaches mentorship, he instructs, he leads, and he guides. And he is working to elevate the way mentorship is delivered in organizations all across the world. So if you want to raise your game as a worker, as a leader, as a human being or maybe, as a mentor, sit tight and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Why mentorship and mentoring is so important to Mike Holistic leadership and the importance of being focused on our whole selves What makes someone qualified to be a good mentor and Mike answers the question, “Can you be a good mentor if you are not a leader?” Where to find a mentor and how to ask someone to be your mentor The importance of taking an active role in learning and how to best prepare for a meeting with your mentor The appropriate amount of meetings that you should have with a formal mentor  The difference between a mentor and a coach Knowing when it’s time to pivot or move on from your current mentor How to know when a mentor/mentee relationship is going well versus some signs when it’s not “Life is not a solo sport. If you feel like you're the only one, like you're by yourself, that it is a solo sport and no one understands, now is a wonderful time to seek out a mentor.” Mike Sipple, Jr. Resources from this episode: Connect with Mike, join his community, and become a talent magnet at: www.mikesipplejr.com Laurie on Instagram Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Episode 76: Enterprise Podcast Strategies with Danny Ozment Jennifer McClure Michael Hyatt Jean Lauterbach *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 77 This week, my guest is someone very special to me: my husband, Ken. Today we have a fun conversation about a 1998 trip we took to California and how we could not agree on modern art. Through this, we discovered how people don’t always agree on art and culture; and why we don’t actually need to agree in order to get along.  So how do art and culture relate to work? Well, we also discuss hiring and culture, and how that is manifested at work. How is your company using the word “culture” within the corporate context? This topic of “culture” within the workplace needs so much attention. This episode focuses on gaining clarity on the topic of “culture” and the importance of asking the real questions you need to have answered about a company. So if you’re interested in gaining a clearer perspective on “culture” and how that can happen at your office, be sure to listen to this week’s episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: Some details about our trip to California and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, as well as some of the pieces that stood out to us The importance of culture and art with regard to differing opinions and the one piece of modern art in particular that we discussed at length that bugged my husband, Ken, and his struggle to label it is art Ken’s view of culture at work - what it’s like to communicate with each other and be a part of the team The importance of asking the real, specific, honest questions about work that you want answered and not to erode the meaning of the word “culture” Some companies do not have a culture, and if they do, it varies from one location to another The need to look at company culture honestly and why companies may need to do audits to understand culture and motivation Resources from this episode: Hiring for Culture is Broken Presentation SFMOMA.ORG Dan Flavin, the diagonal of May 25, 1963, 1963 at SFMOMA  Ackland Art Museum Brittany Runs a Marathon Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Raleigh Laurie on Instagram Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 76 This week on the podcast, we are going “meta” because my podcast producer Danny Ozment of Emerald City Productions is my special guest. If you are wondering what podcasting has to do with work, well, I often get asked questions about individual podcasting and enterprise podcasting. Questions like, “How do we do this in our organization?” “How do we have a podcast where the CEO talks to the employees, but we keep it confidential?” Or, “How do we have a podcast for the marketing department to let other departments within the organization know the cool things that we're working on?” And I don't really have any of those answers. But my fantastic podcast producer, Danny, does have the answers. So today we talk about individual and enterprise podcast strategies that work. As well as who Danny is and how he got into podcasting, we also go through some of my listeners’ questions on what this wide world of podcasting is and how it can help to fix work. So if you're interested in employee communications, if you want to help people communicate more effectively, if you want to foster creativity, collaboration, and transparency, I think podcasting might be a solution for you. So sit back, and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: Danny’s “why” for why he works in podcasting, why podcasts are the one good form of new media for one long conversation and for sharing real stories. The growth and popularity of podcasting More than 50% of Americans listen to podcasts, and that number has been rising for 10 years. Of those, 90% consume at least half of the episode. What enterprise podcasting is and how podcasts can be protected inside a business to keep information confidential. Why corporations are choosing podcasting as a vehicle to communicate important messages. How a podcast happens at work and the main element needed to create one.  The basic necessary equipment and process to record and produce a podcast. Resources from this episode: Danny Ozment’s Podcast Strategies and Website Emerald City Productions Danny on LinkedIn Danny on Instagram Laurie on Instagram Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Edison Research Pantsuit Politics Podcast Lance Armstrong’s THEMOVE Podcast Lance Armstrong’s The Forward Podcast

This week I’d like to introduce you to Julie Zhuo. Julie is the VP of Product Design at Facebook and the author of the new book, The Making of a Manager: What To Do When Everyone Looks to You. Julie was also the first ever intern at Facebook in 2006. Yes, that’s right! And now she's VP of Product Design. It's her job to make Facebook look great. I first met Julie almost a year ago at the Watermark Conference for Women in Silicon Valley, an event where a bunch of smart, powerful, and successful women come together to brainstorm how to take over the world. I joined Julie for a panel about “managing up,” which is basically making the people ahead of you or above you, on the organizational chart, happier. During our conversation, I was excited to learn she was writing a book about managers and knew immediately I wanted to have her on the podcast as a guest when her book came out. And, well, here we are! On today's episode, Julie and I talk about the difference between managers and leaders, as well as organizational trust. Plus, we tackle a topic that we've tackled on the show before, but Julie has some pretty specific ideas around it; and that's feedback. So if you're interested in hearing about managers, leaders, and some nuanced ideas about feedback, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: What inspired Julie to write the book, “Making of a Manager”  Why people overcomplicate the world of management How and why the lines between manager and therapist seem to be blurred these days The difference between leadership and management  About the point in Julie’s career when she moved from manager to leader and how she knew she actually made the jump The three things that managers should be thinking about about every day How Julie’s book can be helpful for professionals who don't have access to management or leadership training; plus she answers the question, “Do you need to take classes in order to be a good manager?” About how our culture doesn't know how to give feedback, discerning the good from the bad, and what great feedback looks like Resources from this episode: The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You Power Players: the most important Facebook execs you've never heard of Julie Zhuo’s morning routine Julie Zhuo on LinkedIn Julie’s website Watermark Conference for Women Laurie on Instagram  Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 74 We talk about and “remember” 9/11 in America in a very callous way, without truly remembering that nearly 3,000 people died at work. Nearly 3,000 people.  The 2996 project aims to remember those people. For years, I've been writing about Claudia Martinez Foster. Claudia had a fun life.  She wanted to start a family. She loved children. She loved makeup.  She had a job on the 105th floor of Tower One, World Trade Center. And, she lost her life on September 11th, 2001, at work.  I will never stop writing or talking about Claudia.  This week I wanted to share with you my thoughts on old Labor Day traditions, the emergence of the “new” Labor Day and remembering 9/11.  If the topic of terrorism is hard for you (as it is for many of us) or you’ve lost someone on 9/11, this episode might be one you want to skip.  In this episode, you’ll hear: My memorial to Claudia Martinez Foster Why the idea of Labor Day as a union holiday is an old and stupid idea The new Labor Day, a day for remembering, a day of service and moving towards self-awareness A reminder that you have a chance to do something great, don’t blow it Resources from this episode: Claudia Foster, 26, broker's assistant, loved children Claudia Martinez Memorial It’s Important to Remember Cocktails Before the Collapse Project 2996 And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Project2996/   Laurie on Instagram Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 73 Do you love having five jobs? Do you love chasing down invoices and getting four hours of sleep a night because you're worried about the future? Yeah, I didn’t think so. In fact, nobody probably really loves any part of the side hustle. More on that in a moment. But first, meet this week’s guest, Mary Ellen Slayter. She's the Founder and CEO of Rep Cap Media, a B2B Marketing agency focused on helping their clients create leads, sales, and revenue. Of course, Mary Ellen is so much more than that. She's a scientist. She's a journalist. She's a former writer at the Washington Post. And she's also a mother, a partner, and an absolute dear friend.  Mary Ellen is also someone who has a strong opinion on entrepreneurship and the hustle economy.  Now, I don't know when the word hustle emerged in our lexicon as a good thing, but Mary Ellen and I are here to tell you it is not a good thing. It is not a proper way to live your life. It's not a proper way to be connected to the people you love. And it certainly isn't a good way to run a business. So if you're interested in hearing about the side hustle (and why it’s actually no good) and thinking about solutions for the future of work, listen in to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: What is causing the emergence and negative trend where we're just working all the time without stopping The driving force behind the hustle economy How the hustle economy affects men and women differently Some ways that we can fight the hustle Some sales advice from Mary Ellen Resources from this episode: Mary Ellen Slayter on LinkedIn Rep Cap Media https://www.12geniuses.com/ https://ryanestis.com/ Laurie on Instagram Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie     *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 72 This week’s episode is a bit different. Why? Well, I am the guest (and the host). I have some important things to share with you about Human Resources and I felt compelled to switch up the format a bit to get my message to you uninterrupted.  I dive into what Human Resources is and how some people may have a different view of what Human Resources is supposed to look like. I also share about the four quadrants of Human Resources (what they are and why they’re needed), and what makes a great Human Resources professional. What could the world of HR be if we had nothing to lose? Find out in this unique and high energy episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: What Human Resources is (and what it should be) Some problems in HR and where they stem from The Four Quadrants of Human Resources What to do if you’re struggling in your career Resources from this episode: Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie Laurie on Instagram *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 71 This week I get to introduce you to a dear friend of mine, Victorio Milian. Some people refer to him as the most disruptive man in human resources. Is that hyperbole? Is that true? Well, on the surface, Victorio is a human resources consultant, a father, a husband, and a volunteer.  He also is a hobbyist photographer. So yes, he's got a normal life. But he is also the founder of a movement called #fixitSHRM. SHRM is the Society for Human Resource Management. Why does it need to be fixed? Well, that's exactly what we're talking about today. What would you do if an association that represents you starts to behave in a way that you don't agree with? Do you stay with it? Do you leave it? Do you speak up? What happens when you try to reach out to the leadership and they don't respond? Victorio was faced with this dilemma, he made his choice and the #fixitSHRM movement was born.  I will let you decide whether or not you believe Victorio is in the right or wrong. But this is for sure, our conversation is one worth listening to and worth having, without a doubt.  So if you're interested in a conversation about ethical leadership and hearing about one man’s attempt to fix an organization he feels is misrepresenting HR, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Why people describe Victorio as disruptive in the world of human resources Victorio’s definition of ethical leadership, what is it and why it matters Leadership begins with us, it starts at a local level SHRM and how Victorio feels about it We discuss whether or not people need a seat at the table in Washington to truly affect change Why Victorio feels his battle with SHRM is important The HR workforce’s role and responsibility in the world of HR Some parallels Victorio sees between the world of HR and the world of photography Resources from this episode: Victorio on Twitter Victorio on LinkedIn Humareso  Creative Photography Consulting Skyword  Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)   Articles of interest: Well-known advocate to lead White House board on historically black colleges  SHRM CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. Named to Commerce Department’s American Workforce Policy Advisory Board ‪#fixitSHRM - What It Is, And Is Not  SHRM-Koch Institute Research Identifies Value of Considering People with Criminal Records for Employment *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 70 This week's podcast features a guest who was a real treat for me. I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Jeff Gordinier, Food and Drinks Editor at Esquire Magazine. Jeff is also the author of a book about the most famous and most celebrated chef in the world, René Redzepi. The book, Hungry: Eating, Road-Tripping, and Risking It All with the Greatest Chef in the World, is about leadership, innovation, creativity, and saying, “Yes,” to experiences that can change your life. I mean, come on, if that doesn’t say, “Let’s Fix Work,” I don’t know what does!  Whether you are reading what Jeff is writing in the New York Times or listening to our conversation about risk-change transformation and René Redzepi, you are bound to be transfixed by his witty, engaging, and creative demeanor. So if you want to hear from a disaffected Gen-X writer, go on a road-trip food tour, and enjoy a conversation about risk-change transformation, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Who René Redzepi is and why Jeff decided to write a book about him About being drawn to peak experiences and to the prospect of enlightenment Leadership in the kitchen and how it could be modeled in other businesses The importance of creating a connected and natural work environment, and how it affects the employee experience Why it’s good to have more diversity and inclusion in the workplace About it being a golden moment for women and black chefs in gastronomy  How Jeff defines visionary chefs When work is at its best, it does feel like a community Resources from this episode: Jeff on Instagram  Jeff on LinkedIn Jeff as Food & Drinks Editor, Esquire Magazine Hungry: Eating, Road-Tripping, and Risking It All with the Greatest Chef in the World Here She Comes Now: Women in Music Who Have Changed Our Lives  X Saves the World: How Generation X Got the Shaft but Can Still Keep Everything from Sucking  René Redzepi PoetryFoundation.org Noma Restaurant (Denmark) Eleven Madison Park (NYC) Downtime: Deliciousness at Home, Nadine Levy Redzepi and René Redzepi David Chang and Momofuku SEIŌBO (Australia) Via Carota (NYC) Meson Sevilla (NYC) Angus Barn (North Carolina) Brooklyn Museum Hangar Studios  *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Let’s Fix Work Episode 69 Bill Perry is the founder of The Innovatus Group.  Bill was referred to me by one of the listeners of the show. They described him as a Sherpa. Yes, a Sherpa.  While that phrase is often overused, Bill is the real deal. He offers extremely personalized executive development, coaching, and team training. The people who work with him rave about their results.  Bill comes at his work from the heart. He is plainspoken. He does not use any buzzwords and he believes in a better you, better teams, better business, and better life. Bill truly believes that in order to be a good employee, you have to live with integrity. If you want to be a leader, you have to live from the inside out. Today we talk about working human and leading from the heart. So if you're interested in listening to a conversation about consulting and leadership and hearing from someone who brings his whole heart to the conversation, I know you're going to enjoy this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Over-indexing on careers when things are broken at home or under-indexing on their careers when things are broken at work and why it happens A conversation about integrity, Bill’s personal take on it and how he makes it a part of his work The biggest challenge leaders are facing in order to restore integrity to themselves, plus what is holding leaders back How self-care is important, including getting quality sleep, moving more, and eating healthy  The biggest challenges small teams face and how Bill is helping to solve them As a coach, when do you know it’s time to send someone to a therapist versus continuing to stay along with them We talk about how appreciation is the language of engagement, discuss our different love languages and how it all plays into fixing work Resources from this episode: TheBillPerryShow.com Instagram: thebillperryshow Twitter: @innovatusgroup Grab Bill’s PDF Download: How To Tell If Your Top Performers Are Ready to Leave *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com  

Let’s Fix Work Episode 68 This week I welcome Dan Cockerell to the show. Once upon a time, Dan was the VP of Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. He is now an Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Leadership Mentor. Because this is a podcast about leadership and work, it was only fitting to have an ex-Disney executive on to talk about leadership.  In this episode, we talk about how and why Disney became the gold standard of employee experience, training, and development. Then we talk in-depth about dilemmas versus problems, as well as professional detachment and some ways Dan is currently fixing work. So if you want to learn from someone who knows a thing or two about the gold standard of work and how to fix it, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: What makes Disney the gold standard regarding employee experience, training, and development About corporations that provide such great wealth but also struggle at the bottom end of the spectrum to meet certain basic needs and why it happens The difference between a problem and a dilemma How Dan looks at dilemmas and some ways he is currently fixing work What do you do if the labor pool isn't meeting your standards Dan’s advice to the 20-year-old version of himself   Resources from this episode: DanCockerell.com To receive Dan’s article of the week, text DANAOW to 44222 Dan’s Podcast: https://dancockerell.com/blog/podcast/ Dan Cockerell on LinkedIn

Let’s Fix Work Episode 67 This week’s guest is Mandie Brice. She's a hair and makeup artist, a model, and the host of The Bold Moves Podcast.  I first met Mandie when I needed a hair and makeup artist for an event. When Mandie came into my hotel room, I didn't know a thing about her. I soon found out she's a phenomenally talented individual who's a former Milwaukee Public School teacher. She didn't like the political system in Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin, or America and decided to transform her side hustle into her full-time job.  This episode represents a moment in my life when I was curious enough about someone to just shut up and listen to them tell a story. While she was doing my hair and makeup, I played podcast host without even realizing it, I asked her some questions and she told me her life story. It was so interesting and fascinating that I knew I needed to ask her to be a guest on Let’s Fix Work to do it all over again. So if you've ever wondered how to make a move from the thing that you're doing today to something else that you love and still pay your bills, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: The reason why Mandie decided to leave her career as a teacher to become a makeup artist How and why she chose makeup and beauty as her entrepreneurial journey What Mandie deems the most surprising about the makeup and beauty industry Mandie turns the tables and picks my brain on public speaking What I love and don't love about speaking How to get paid to speak or rather how to get started Why currency isn't just cash currency Resources from this episode: www.MandieBrice.com  www.MakeupByMandieBrice.com www.facebook.com/BetterWithMandieBrice   www.MandieBrice.com/writing  @MandieBrice on Twitter &Instagram + @MakeupByMandieBrice on Instagram

Let’s Fix Work Episode 66 My first guest of the summer is Danny Fahey, owner of Castle Fitness. He also happens to be my personal trainer. Danny isn't just a strength coach and personal trainer, he’s an entrepreneur too. One of the reasons I love Danny is because he's not afraid to tackle the myths of wellness and wellbeing.  And he is also not afraid to create unique training experiences for his clients.  Through his company, he is providing virtual exercise via a Facebook portal. I've done it and it’s amazing.  He is trying to disrupt the experience we get at the gym by bringing you the best of personal training and strength coaching, but also allowing you to do it in your living room, your basement, your dining room, or wherever you hook up to your Facebook portal. In today’s episode, we talk about his creative use of an interesting and emerging piece of technology for health and wellness.  I'm honored to be his friend, I'm honored to talk about his business, and I really hope you enjoy this episode with Danny Fahey.  In this episode, you’ll hear: The concept of strength and why it's so important Some common myths around fitness, strength, and wellbeing Is there a right way or optimal way for people to eat in this world or should eating be an individualized approach? The supplement market - what’s the real deal? The difference between Planet Fitness and Lifetime Fitness and whether or not this type of gym membership is effective Can people actually get strong without the help of a coach? Danny shares his thoughts  Home-based training (aka virtual exercise), the advent of technology and how it is reshaping the fitness industry  Resources from this episode: Castle Fitness website: https://www.castle.fit/ Castle Fit Live: https://www.facebook.com/CastleFitLive/

Namely believes there’s one team that can help make your workplace great: HR. When their days are filled with administrative to-dos, they can’t focus on the big stuff—like parental leave and promotions. Namely’s all-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits platform makes their lives easier, saving them an average of 11 hours each week. Over 1,000 companies use Namely to build a better workplace. Get a free demo at Namely.com/podcast Let’s Fix Work Episode 65 Up until recently, I was using the words job description and job posting interchangeably. They are two very different things. A job description is a technical document and it includes some high-level esoteric stuff, like competencies, abilities, and requirements. You cannot have a fair and equitable work environment unless you have a clear and specifically delineated job description. And well, a job posting is what you put on the Internet (or back in the “olden” days, in the newspaper). In this episode, I speak with Don Berman, COO of HRTMS. HRTMS is evangelical about belonging, inclusion, and diversity in the workforce. You may have guessed, their perspective focuses on getting the job description right from the get-go. Because, if you get the job description right, you can't help but pay, treat, and consider people in a fair and just way. I was so fascinated by this conversation. It’s really about getting things right and about operational and organizational excellence. So if you're looking to tackle job descriptions, find out what they really are and what they are not, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: The differences between job descriptions and job postings Why recruiters and HR teams are not spending time and money on job descriptions Writing job descriptions: the need to remove the incumbent or the person who's doing the work from the individual description itself Why a job description needs to be used as a tool by which we measure performance Over 70% of those surveyed said they were unhappy with the state of their job descriptions and why people have resigned themselves to the idea that job descriptions will always be a mess How we can fix job descriptions for today’s workforce “The job description has the responsibility to be the empirical piece. The piece that says this is what the job should be. And this way it gives you a way to measure people who either under or overachieve.” Don Berman, COO, HRTMS Resources from this episode: Thanks to our sponsor: Namely.com/podcast Connect with Don Berman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donberman/ HRTMS website: https://www.hrtms.com A free download of our eBook “10 Ways To Improve Your Job Descriptions” -  https://www.hrtms.com/10- ways-ebook---promo 

Namely believes there’s one team that can help make your workplace great: HR. When their days are filled with administrative to-dos, they can’t focus on the big stuff—like parental leave and promotions. Namely’s all-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits platform makes their lives easier, saving them an average of 11 hours each week. Over 1,000 companies use Namely to build a better workplace. Get a free demo at Namely.com/podcast Let’s Fix Work Episode 64 This week I welcome Eric Knudsen to the podcast. Eric is the Manager of People Analytics at Namely, the all-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits platform built for today’s employees. Namely is also the sponsor and underwriter for Let’s Fix Work for the month of June, so I am thrilled to welcome Eric to the show. In today’s show, Eric and I talk all about data. We talk in-depth about the world of data and its effect on informed decision-making in human resources today. So if you love hearing about organized data, messy data, or HR data, then stick around for this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: How we should be using data to make decisions in the workplace Some positive examples of companies doing some smart things with HR data Being focused on optimizing client decision-making Messy data is a reality, whether you're 50,000 employees or 50 employees, it’s always there Eric’s thoughts on whether or not work is broken Data in the world of human resources “I love helping people see through perceived obstacles.  I think there is a strong perception that data is for companies and bigger folks. The reality is, despite the fact that small and midsize businesses do often have a lower volume of data and sometimes even lack of skills or resources to really execute on a strong and long-term vision for data.  It's actually the most critical time, when you're small or midsize to put the foundational pieces in place for a data practice later.” Eric Knudsen, Manager of People Analytics, Namely Resources from this episode: Thanks to our sponsor: Namely.com/podcast Connect with Eric on LinkedIn 8 Tips to Nail Your Next HR Presentation: How to give a killer presentation that showcases your people data and drives business results from Namely

Namely believes there’s one team that can help make your workplace great: HR. When their days are filled with administrative to-dos, they can’t focus on the big stuff—like parental leave and promotions. Namely’s all-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits platform makes their lives easier, saving them an average of 11 hours each week. Over 1,000 companies use Namely to build a better workplace. Get a free demo at Namely.com/podcast Let’s Fix Work Episode 63 This week I welcome Lindsey Pollak to the Let’s Fix Work lounge. Lindsey is a multigenerational workplace expert, keynote speaker, and author of the book, The Remix. She is one of the earliest people to talk about the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory. She does not like generational shaming or stereotypes. I just love Lindsey and we have a super fun show in store for you today. In this episode, we talk about how five generations are working in the workforce right now. Plus, we talk in-depth about how we can take the best from all five generations, learn from one another and actually have some fun in the world of work. So if you'd like to hear two Gen Xers being a little nostalgic and talking about work, you're going to love this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear: What inspired Lindsey to write her book, The Remix “Rules” of the workspace, one size fits none philosophy and the “solution” for workspaces Current trends in the workforce, including personalization and transparency Some assumptions made about today’s workforce, like everyone wants to work from home What we are missing from work in today’s society Shaming and blaming of generations, and re-entering the workforce after some time  Resources from this episode: Thanks to our sponsor: Namely.com/podcast Lindsey’s website The Remix Drop This Beat: Lindsey Pollak Is Remixing The Workplace

Namely believes there’s one team that can help make your workplace great: HR. When their days are filled with administrative to-dos, they can’t focus on the big stuff—like parental leave and promotions. Namely’s all-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits platform makes their lives easier, saving them an average of 11 hours each week. Over 1,000 companies use Namely to build a better workplace. Get a free demo at Namely.com/podcast Have you ever been in a situation at work where you witnessed something uncomfortable but you didn’t say anything? Or have you seen leaders exhibit behaviors that are rude or offensive but you were unsure what to do about it? I’ve been there and it was highly uncomfortable. In fact, the situation still bothers me to this day. Here’s the CliffNotes version: Very early in my career, I watched a VP come on strong to a coworker, he befriended her and gave her some additional opportunities at work. Then he loaned her money and they started dating “in secret.” Eventually he had a meltdown and abandoned her. Her career stalled and she ultimately quit. Guess what, everyone? Nobody ever got mad at that VP. Not a single person! Well, that’s not true. I started asking questions of her, but I didn't know what to say. On today's show I'm talking to Morgan Mercer, founder and CEO of Vantage Point. She is an expert in this field and I am hopeful we can all learn a thing or two from her.  Vantage Point uses virtual reality (yes, you read that correctly) to immerse employees, leaders, and managers into scenarios just like the one I described. They then train and test the same individuals on how to respond to difficult situations at work, appropriately. If you want to hear some of the best ways to handle sexual harassment at work and how virtual reality is paving the way to help us learn how to deal with these scenarios with compassion and empathy, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  What standalone virtual reality is and how it can help with anti-sexual harassment training How virtual reality scenarios help people allocate all of their resources to solving an issue and how it helps people to translate feelings into information Why and how Vantage Point started with anti-sexual harassment training The idea that technology can teach you to be compassionate and can teach you empathy, but can it actually change behaviors and change attitudes through this type of training? Why sexual harassment training through virtual reality is important for employers,  what they learn, and how they can set future training scenarios Morgan shares some stories of how Vantage Point’s technology has been shown to change behaviors, outcomes, or moved organizations forward Morgan shares her personal why, including why she is interested in fixing work from this perspective Why Morgan does the work she does: “Women don't speak out unless they speak up in unison.  When you realize the level of inequality that so many people live with and face across the board, from economic background to various genders, their ethnicity to whatever it may be, it's really impossible for me not to care. When I leave the world one day I want to look back and I want to feel like I made an impact.” Morgan Mercer, Founder and CEO, Vantage Point Resources from this episode: Thanks to our sponsor: Namely.com/podcast Tryvantagepoint.com Can VR teach us how to deal with sexual harassment? Can VR make us more empathetic? How Virtual Reality Is Helping To Empower Women Can Sexual Harassment Training Come of Age?

Do you love listening to other people’s stories and experiences from their daily lives? If so, you are not alone! This has become a major industry, with “influencers” showing up across multiple social media platforms and playing a role in the decisions people make. Being an influencer may seem like the perfect job. After all, some of them make huge incomes from their blogs, vlogs, and YouTube channels! But is it right for everyone? I’ve been sharing my experiences with others since very early in my HR career. I emailed stories about myself to illustrate elements of my life so that people could learn something from those experiences I was having. Today we refer to this practice as “lifecasting,” and on this episode, we’re going to talk about the ins and outs of lifecasting. Through my lifecasting, you've got a front row seat to my life! I've always been a lifecaster, even when I worked in human resources and I only had access to email years ago. That was my original way to get my message out. However, as the technology has changed, the distribution methods for my message have as well. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the idea of lifecasting, and I’ll give you my thoughts on the practice. In this episode, you’ll hear: How I got into lifecasting and my success with it What lifecasting is and reasons to do it or not to do it Knowing what is inbounds and what is out of bounds for sharing Ways to test out this lifestyle to see if blogging/vlogging/sharing is for you Resources from this episode: Thanks to our sponsor: Greenhouse.io Brittany Hennessy “Influencer” Lifecasting: What It Is and How It Will Change Society greenhouseopen.com/ Use code fixwork for 25% off your ticket   Thank you to our sponsor, Greenhouse Software! At Greenhouse OPEN 2019, their annual conference, they are celebrating the Talent Makers – the people who have figured out how great hiring drives business growth. Registration is open for the conference. I’ll be there speaking and I would love to see you! Head on over to GreenHouseOpen.com and use code fixwork for 25% off discount your conference ticket. Then I’ll see you in New York in June!

What does the future of finding work look like? Well, my friends, it is challenging, of course. We all know that. Our guest today will help guide us through some of the struggles people face in a transition between jobs. Patrick Lynch is the President of CMP Southeast Region, a talent and transition firm that helps HR leaders develop their people and teams across the full talent life cycle – from talent acquisition and leadership development to organization development and outplacement support. In this conversation, we speak honestly about the challenges of finding work, especially if you're over 50, you're a woman, or you're differently abled. We talk about the ways in which outplacement can help you develop a network, grow your network, and find a job that you can actually be successful in. Plus, we talk about some of the challenges workers of all types are facing in today’s job economy. So if you want to think more strategically about the future of finding work or learn more about outplacement, check out this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: What outplacement is and the ways this service can benefit you How getting a new job is changing and how to look at networking in the 21st century How an introvert really can be effective at networking Pat’s take on the future of work That older candidates must be creative at finding new work The importance of taking control and being a lifelong learner “Things are moving at such a fast rate that you have to be always keeping yourself current because some industry darling all of a sudden could be disrupted in a matter of a few short years. Now what do you do? And so you have to have that ability to adapt and be flexible.” ~ Pat Lynch, CMP Resources from this episode: Thanks to our sponsor: Greenhouse.io Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklynchcmp/ CMP website: https://www.careermp.com/ greenhouseopen.com/ Use code fixwork for 25% off your ticket Thank you to our sponsor, Greenhouse Software! At Greenhouse OPEN 2019, their annual conference, they are celebrating the Talent Makers – the people who have figured out how great hiring drives business growth. Registration is open for the conference. I’ll be there speaking and I would love to see you! Head on over to GreenHouseOpen.com and use code fixwork for 25% off discount your conference ticket. Then I’ll see you in New York in June!

The commoditization of work is real and it's not just for people at Uber and Postmates. The future of work has nothing to do with humans and has everything to do with worker metrics. From retail to healthcare to hospitality, algorithms and machines that can do certain jobs are doing them and they're doing them better than humans. We don't get to digitization and automation without first having an honest discussion about how jobs are commodities. If a company can commoditize and outsource your job and remove the financial and emotional burden of being responsible for your overall experience, they will. Guess what, folks? We're not having an honest conversation about these topics. Until now, that is. In this episode of Let’s Fix Work, I'm talking about human resources and the commoditization of work. I share some strategies HR professionals and leaders can employ to put the focus back on humanness in human resources. In this episode, you’ll hear: The future of work and examples of commoditization Full-time jobs are being replaced by contractors or freelancers The reason HR professionals need to start to pay attention to the gig-economy Why HR must get involved and start thinking about the whole talent pool Resources from this episode: Thanks to our sponsor: Greenhouse.io https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-end-of-employees-1486050443 https://www.ipse.co.uk/about-us/ipse-us.html https://blog.freelancersunion.org/ greenhouseopen.com/ Use code fixwork for 25% off your ticket Thank you to our sponsor, Greenhouse Software! At Greenhouse OPEN 2019, their annual conference, they are celebrating the Talent Makers – the people who have figured out how great hiring drives business growth. Registration is open for the conference. I’ll be there speaking and I would love to see you! Head on over to GreenHouseOpen.com and use code fixwork for 25% off discount your conference ticket. Then I’ll see you in New York in June!

I have another exciting episode of Let’s Fix Work for you this week! My guest is Dane Hurtubise, Vice President of Platform and Partnerships at Greenhouse Software. In today’s episode, we talked about moments that matter, whether it's in the interview process, the hiring process, pre-boarding or onboarding, whatever moment you're in regarding the world of work. Those moments matter and they also better be great, especially in our current talent-driven economy. We discussed the relationships that exist in the corporate world between employers and their employees and how software can enhance that relationship and how to empower employees so that they can be as productive as possible. Plus, we discussed how hiring managers or recruitment teams can now get beyond the point of being bogged down with administrative paperwork and focus on the employee instead. All of this leads to having the best experience possible at work to help people have meaningful lives. So, are you ready to fix work? If you want to hear how Greenhouse Software can help bring meaning back to your office, how to advance the onboarding process, or how to empower employees, then listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: How the relationships between companies and employees are changing Opportunities for employers to connect with potential employees that have often been missed, and how employees can now be heard and taken care of The idea of onboarding and development cycles between employers and employees The differences between good and bad onboarding What or who is responsible for good onboarding to occur How the best practices for recruiting are included in Greenhouse’s software product What the future of technology holds for enhancing the employer/employee relationship and the innovation that is being developed Encouraging a proactive nature in recruiting and empowering companies with the technology they need for recruiting The importance of work in people’s lives and how meaningful that work should be “Think about all the different crucial moments that happen in someone's life as an employee. Things like termination, a relocation, a promotion, and of course, onboarding. These are the kind of moments that really matter, the ones that you tell your friends and your loved ones about.” -Dane Hurtubise, Greenhouse Software “If we're having 10 jobs or more or even a short career,  we want to be able to make those moments really matter. When you leave the organization, what are you going to say about your time at that company? Are you going to say great things? I really think there's a moment of feeling empathy that we can capture, create, and  build trust with employees.” -Dane Hurtubise, Greenhouse Software Resources from this episode:  Thanks to our sponsor: Greenhouse.io Connect with Dane Hurtubise on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hurtubise/ https://greenhouseopen.com/ Use code fixwork for 25% off your ticket Greenhouse Software is a new sponsor of Let’s Fix Work. At Greenhouse OPEN 2019, their annual conference, they are celebrating the Talent Makers – the people who have figured out how great hiring drives business growth. Registration is open for the conference. I’ll be there speaking and I would love to see you! Head on over to GreenHouseOpen.com  and use code fixwork for 25% off discount your conference ticket.  And then I’ll see you in New York in June!

This week’s show is all about well-being. Joining me is an expert in the well-being field, Dr. Laura Hamill. Laura is the co-founder, Chief Scientist, and Chief People Officer of Limeade. Limeade is a software company that elevates the employee experience and helps build great places to work. Their focus is on the whole person and the whole company, with tools and programs to support both. Laura and I had a great conversation about what it means to be a whole, healthy functioning adult, plus non-toxic work environments and the actual work it takes to get there. Additionally, we talked about how to build a productive environment where people enjoy their jobs, respect one another, have boundaries, and actually can go home and enjoy their lives. if you've ever thought about well-being and wondered if it's just a fad, I think you're going to love this episode, so sit tight and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work with my special guest, Dr. Laura Hamill. In this episode, you’ll hear: Limeade: who they are, what they do, and who they help Dr. Laura’s journey from the world of psychology and research to Chief People Officer and Chief Scientist at Limeade Burnout: the science behind it, why it happens, and how to prevent it The power of gratitude and recognition Dr. Laura answers the question, “Does it do gratitude and recognition a disservice when we create a formal program around it?” Laura shares what she is most optimistic about when it comes to the future of work The evolution of caring about people in the workplace “There's a lot of great research to say that the more gratitude you have in your life, the higher levels of well-being you have. This kind of overall quality of life is enhanced by being grateful.” ~Dr. Laura Hamill, Ph.D “What if we thought about all these things we do in human resources from the perspective of the employee? Instead of thinking about... we have these benefits and we have learning and development and we have a recognition program, what if we really tipped all of this on its side and said, how do we show our employees that we care about them and how do we create an amazing employee experience?” ~ Dr. Laura Hamill, Ph.D   Resources from this episode: Thank you to our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFW Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Limeade Learn more about Laura Laura is one of the top 100 HR tech influencers Ebooks: Inclusion in Your Workplace Organizational Support Lightpaper The Big E: Employee Engagement Can You Spot Burnout?   *** We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits.

This week on Let’s Fix Work I am going to be talking about goals and goal setting. The topic is timely because I’m heading down to Atlanta to meet with my business coach, Jesse Itzler. I'm going to stand in front of him and my entire cohort of about 100 and I'm going to talk about why I didn't achieve my fourth quarter goals in 2018.  Yes, it’s going to be hard. But, I am all about owning up to why I didn’t make things work and learning the steps needed to fix what wasn’t working. In this episode, I share how and why I began working with Jesse. One of the things you will hear is about how Jesse coaches his clients using a system that prioritizes goals while focusing on your health, work, family, and creativity. When I began working with Jesse, I also wanted to layer that approach of prioritizing goals on top of a time management tracking tool and really learn how to spend my time doing the things that would move my life and my business forward. I wanted to put myself first. At the beginning of the year, I took a page out of the corporate playbook and I got my head out of my ass. Once I started to have boundaries, I started to have goals. I began setting standards for myself and 2019 came into focus. I've been doing more writing, I've been doing more speaking and I've been doing more business development. But yet, I've been missing some goals because I'm human. Today, I also share insights and lessons about the best laid plans, because I’ve learned that even when you map it out and you create rock-solid systems, life happens. If you want to hear about my successes and failures with goal setting, the importance of putting yourself first, and making an effort to at least try to attain a specific goal, then listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: My method for creating a system and plan for goal setting Writing a book proposal even if when I was scared and my pre-mortem told me I was sure to fail - but I got a book deal! Running life on your schedule and with integrity The importance of putting yourself first When to consider getting a coach or therapist Resources from this episode: Thank you to our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFW Jesse Itzler: https://jesseitzler.com/ *** We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits.

I am so excited to share this episode of Let’s Fix Work with you! My guest this week is Kevin Kruse, founder and CEO of LeadX. Kevin is also a New York Times bestselling author of nine books. He has a brand new book hitting the shelves titled Great Leaders Have No Rules: Contrarian Leadership Principles to Transform Your Team and Business. I have been following Kevin’s career for around ten years, and it is wonderful to finally have him as a guest on the show. Besides talking about a “no-rules” work zone, we discussed the role of “love” in leadership. That's right, love. We explored the idea that you don't actually need to like someone who works for you or with you, but you do need to love that person. It's smart and interesting conversations like this one that keeps me excited about doing this podcast! So if you enjoy learning about the interconnectivity between love and work, leadership principles, or “no rules” work zones, join me for this conversation with Kevin Kruse. In this episode, you’ll hear: How rules can get in the way of relationships Success and understanding that can develop when leaders connect with employees, explain the company culture, and the “why” behind certain actions Leadership is a superpower - not a choice The importance of the “close the open door” principle and the power of creating a sense of psychological safety in others The “crowd the calendar” idea and the importance of scheduling open-office times and your work How to personalize your leadership approach The reasoning behind not over-investing in one person but rather leveraging the talents of top performers Kevin’s perspective on why leaders must lead with love by putting the needs of others ahead of their own That whatever rules you have, it’s important to have a conversation about them...then the rule will be strengthened because of the relationship that develops Resources from this episode: Thank our sponsor: https://Ultimatesoftware.com/LFW  Great Leaders Have No Rules: Contrarian Leadership Principles to Transform Your Team and Business: https://amzn.to/2U59biV John Wooden Quotes https://www.success.com/27-quotes-by-john-wooden-to-motivate-you-to-be-better/ Kevin’s website: https://www.kevinkruse.com Kevin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kruse Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkruse67 *** We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits.

This week on Let’s Fix Work, I am excited to introduce you to Rana Stanfill-Hobbs. She wears many hats, including Director of Insights at Ultimate Software (our sponsor), mom, step-mom, musician, and consummate learner. On today's episode, Rana and I talk about enterprise software and technology, of course.  We also talk about her journey from someone who recognizes patterns to an individual who's living a full and authentic life at work. Rana is also the founder of Compass Credo, a website that helps people achieve their best lives and live according to their own set of values. I love it!  It's not often that I speak to someone who's an artist, singer, and songwriter, as well as the Director of Insights at a technology company. Rana’s background and expertise are really fascinating. If you love strong women, technology talk, and learning how to live an authentic life, then sit tight and listen to this episode of Let's Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: The influences of creativity and understanding how to create the best work environments Recognizing what you’re good at and how you excel The importance of having an open dialogue with customers to determine where they are in their journey, everyone is at different experience points Balancing the excitement of introducing a new technological platform in a company and why it’s important to slow the pace when onboarding Moving towards an honest conversation about imperfect solutions that can help move an organization forward How technology can help with positive conversations such as continuous performance management How to be your authentic self at work “The more that you can be human, more authentic, and the more holistic you are thinking about life and the work that you're doing, the better you can navigate all of this. And the more powerful the connections are that you have with your customers, your colleagues, and with people in general.” ~ Rana Stanfill-Hobbs Resources from this episode: Thank our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFW Rana Stanfill-Hobbs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranahobbs CompassCredo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/compasscredo CompassCredo on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/compasscredo/ Compass Credo https://www.compasscredo.com *** We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits.

This week on Let’s Fix Work, I'm talking to Max Yoder, Co-Founder and CEO of Lessonly. Lessonly is an online service that provides bite-sized learning with big impact to today’s trainers, managers, and subject-matter experts to help them create training content in minutes. Max is also the author of Do Better Work: Finding clarity, camaraderie, and progress in work and life. In today's episode, Max and I flex our Midwestern accents and talk about training in the workplace. We also talk about vulnerability, leadership, and nonviolent communication. Not bad for a kid from Goshen, Indiana, right? So if you like tech entrepreneurs who don't pat themselves on the back for simply being CEOs, you're going to love Max! In this episode, you’ll hear: How Lessonly got started and how it addressed the need for training software in the workplace Max’s impression of Human Resources in the workplace today About Max’s book, Do Better Work, and what drove him to write it What is actually means to “do better work” Vulnerability: why Max doesn’t use the word and what he thinks it has to do with work. Plus, what to tell someone who has no space to be vulnerable in their job How Max got to a point in life where he actually gave a shit about work The Lessonly conference, some speakers that will be attending and what attendees can look forward to in 2019 Max shares his thoughts on broken workplaces and what he thinks the first step is in fixing them Resources from this episode: Thank our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFW Book: Do Better Work: Finding clarity, camaraderie, and progress in work and life https://amzn.to/2USQlg7 Megan Jarvis, PHR: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-jarvis-phr-41961327/ https://www.indystar.com/story/money/2015/05/22/lessonlys-max-yoder-next- tech-star/27743731/ Lesson.ly: https://www.lessonly.com/yellowship/ *** We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits.

This week’s episode features Jeanette Bronée, performance strategist, culture coach, wellness advocate, and founder of Path For Life, Inc.  Jeanette helps leaders and companies rethink performance by asking “The Right Why®” so they can lead themselves and their people better and achieve sustainable success. She is passionate about how we can create a culture of care by unlocking what truly drives performance, engagement, and motivation from the inside out. In this episode, we talk about the intersection of wellness, well-being, culture, leadership, and performance. In addition, Jeanette shares a poignant story about her mother. She also sweetly talks about her father who was also an executive headhunter. If mental illness has touched your life, or you simply want to know how to take better care of yourself, and also want to know what well-being has to do with leadership and performance, I promise you don't want to miss this episode. Sit back and listen to a special and very human episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: Jeannette’s idea of changing the nature of work and the importance of self-care Her unique approach to fixing work Applying the methodology of thinking as your employee’s clients when a conflict arises, how it can help clear the fog and makes relationships a little bit different What is making us sick at work and how we can overcome it The connection between nutrition and work and what Jeannette is doing to advocate for better nutrition Advocacy of mindfulness, what it is, and the applicability for the workforce Jeannette’s thoughts on creating a company culture of pausing, and what could change The role of leadership in fixing work, creating a less toxic and more engaging culture, climate, and work environment Resources from this episode: Thank you to our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFW Website: http://www.jeanettebronee.com For videos:https://www.jeanettebronee.com/keynote-speaker/ Blog: http://pathforlife.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/jeanettebronee LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jeanettebronee *** We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits.

This week on Let’s Fix Work, I am joined by Dr. Daniel Crosby. Dan is an author, psychologist, and Chief Behavioral Officer at Brinker Capital. His primary focus is in behavioral economics and understanding how we make decisions around money. Dan and I met almost a decade ago, at a time when the economy wasn't doing very well. Since then he has published two books on the topic of wealth, money, and psychology. In this episode, we talk about behavioral economics in the workplace and why it all matters. If you are interested in the role behavioral economics plays in the market, the workplace, and how it affects our decisions, tune into this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: Can we be doing better with our money? Willpower and why relationships and context matters Freewill, do we still have it? We answer the question, is the market consistently eroding what's in our best interests? Designing better employment experiences The role and responsibility of people in power On decision making: “Putting yourself in the right situations is a very big deal because we have limited willpower.  Surrounding yourself with good people and being in good places is more than half the battle.” Dr. Daniel Crosby Resources from this episode: Thank you to our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFW Dan Crosby TW https://twitter.com/danielcrosby Dan Crosby LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcrosby Dan Crosby Books: The Behavioral Investor https://amzn.to/2STAo7q The Laws of Wealth: Psychology and the secret to investing success  https://amzn.to/2VPVK7C Everyone You Love Will Die https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/458001451/everyone-you-love-will-die *** We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits.

This week’s episode is special because we have hit our 50th episode milestone!  I am thrilled that our Let’s Fix Work community is thriving. Today, I want to focus on doing the inner work so that you can have the best year yet. As I always say, we fix work by fixing ourselves. In this episode, I share my top three mindset tips I've learned from friends, colleagues, and guests on this podcast. My tips will help you reflect where you spend your time, rethink who gets your attention, and encourage you to be of service to those around you. So if you are ready to make a lot of money, kick butt, and take names, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, you’ll hear: What having a healthy mindset has to do with success Rethinking the way you manage your time and expectations Setting clear expectations on performance and stop wasting emotional and physical energy on poor performers The importance of reimagining your brand and being of service Resources from this episode: Thank our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFW Jesse Itzler https://jesseitzler.com/ Kevin Kruse https://www.kevinkruse.com/ Laurie Ruettimann https://laurieruettimann.com    We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits.

In this episode of Let’s Fix Work, I talk with Professor Amy Edmondson from Harvard Business School and author of The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth. HR leaders and executives love this book, and they love Amy for her rigorous take on what it means to create a high performing and humane work environment. Her name and ideas come up in my social circles over and over again. I've come to know of Amy’s work through many women that I admire. And since it’s really important to them, it’s equally important to me. So if you are interested in psychological safety, inviting participation, and creating a productive workplace of tomorrow, then listen to this week’s episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode you’ll hear: Why organizations are fearful in the workplace today Why people need to understand that our human instincts, and especially our human instincts in hierarchies, are at odds with our organizational goals The definition of psychological safety How we reconcile psychological safety and corporate social responsibility That psychological safety tends to be quite variable across groups in an organization How leaders in the middle have figured out that they want their group, their part of the organization to be engaged, dynamic, energized, and candid People need to feel free to be candid and feel free to offer candid feedback How leaders can create that fearless organization, what it looks like, and some concepts leaders can use Being a leader is so different than it was even 10 years ago, and it requires such an exceptional and extraordinary skill set What the fundamental job of a leader is today  “How can you create the conditions whereby we can show up and do the work we need to do, but also keep thinking about how will we be doing it better tomorrow?” ~ Professor Amy Edmondson “Set the stage, invite participation, and respond productively.” ~ Professor Amy Edmondson Resources from this episode: Thank you to our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFW Amy at Harvard Business School: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6451 Amy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amedmondson/ The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth: https://amzn.to/2XntpqW   We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits.

We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits. This week I'm talking to radio personality, Ryan Arnold. He's a longtime friend and DJ at WXRT, Chicago's Finest Rock. He's also the founder of Desoto and State Communications. In today's show, we talk about what it's like to have a dream job and how health insurance makes dreams possible. We also cover side hustles, entrepreneurship, and the art and act of service. If you want to hear how dream jobs happen with health insurance from a smooth-talking radio personality and PR professional, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode you’ll hear: Ryan’s love of communicating,presenting, and being a personality: when he decided he was going to be in radio His experience during the Great Recession, unable to find a job in radio and taking a job as a heavy equipment operator The important lesson of checking ego at the door and coming back to earth Benefitting from and having your world change from access to healthcare The normal culture of a radio station versus the culture at WXRT Having a dream job and Ryan’s thought about it all Ryan’s passion for communicating on behalf of the little guy Ryan’s PR company, Desoto and State: why the company exists, who they work with, and the work they do “I'm privileged to do this every day. I walk into the Prudential Building where the station is located, my key card beeps and I walk into the studio. I'm grateful every day.” Ryan Arnold, DJ at WXRT Resources from this episode: Thank you to our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFWDesoto And State Communications: http://desotostate.com/ Ryan on WXRT: https://wxrt.radio.com/hosts/ryan-arnold Ryan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RyanArnoldRocks Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanarnoldrocks/ 2112: https://2112inc.com Maggie Rogers: https://www.maggierogers.com Courtney Barnett: https://courtneybarnett.com.au

We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits. This week on Let’s Fix Work, I welcome entrepreneur and technologist, Armen Berjikly. Armen currently serves as the Senior Director of Growth Strategy at Ultimate Software, where his expertise in human-computer interactions drives Ultimate's artificial intelligence platform and direction. Prior to his time at Ultimate Software, Armen served as the Founder and CEO of Kanjoya, Inc., a workforce intelligence company that pioneered critical advancements and understanding of human emotion. Yes, all of this makes Armen expertly able to talk about AI in the workplace. If you're interested in the hype, the reality, and hope of AI in the workforce, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode you’ll hear: The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) in the world of work What AI is and what it is not Human Resources and AI: what AI is doing to help individuals make better decisions. Plus, will AI replace HR professionals? The importance of building a code of conduct for AI The red line that technology should never cross How AI enables HR professionals to do their job more efficiently and how it enables them to enjoy their job AI can help HR make decisions with more competence and more fairly Armen’s outlook as a leader, on the current state of work in the world today “Solutions are rarely simple. It's rare to just throw a machine at a problem and magically everything will work, right? It has to be a partnership, like a symphony.” ~Armen Berjikly, Senior Director of Growth Strategy, Ultimate Software “It's so easy to put technology on a pedestal and worship it. But that's not the role that technology needs to play in society. We have hard decisions to make. Can technology help us make decisions better, more fairly, more quickly, and help us lead better lives?” ~Armen Berjikly, Senior Director of Growth Strategy, Ultimate Software Resources from this episode: Thank you to our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFW Armen on Twitter https://twitter.com/armenberjikly Armen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armenb How Your HR Department Can Develop an Ethical Stance on AI: https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2018/11/28/how-your-hr-department-can-develop-an-ethical-stance-on-ai/

We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits. Martin Moore is the founder and CEO of Your CEO Mentor. He is a successful CEO who has already walked the path of leadership and is now sharing what he knows about leadership with others.  He is the “leader from down under,” and is also my guest this week on Let’s Fix Work. In this episode, Martin and I talk about the five ways to kill your leadership career, the core skills needed to be an effective leader, as well as, the state of leadership today. So if you're looking to improve your leadership skills and want to hear from a man who knows a thing or two about leadership (and has a killer Australian accent), sit back and enjoy this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode you’ll hear: Core leadership skills needed in the workforce today How to know if you’re ready for leadership Tips for delivering feedback or receiving feedback when a conflict arises How to avoid ambiguity as a career killer Being mindful and focused as a leader and the need to carve out time for mindfulness Martin writes that far too many leaders are working at the wrong level. He explains what this means Martin shares what Your CEO Mentor is and the programs it is bringing to leaders in 2019 and beyond Why resilience is so important to being a CEO and leader The importance of integrity and character Creating a company culture from the top down “There are five basic skills for a leader. The first of those is communication, and when I say communication it's not just talking, because all leaders can talk. It's about listening and understanding the people that you're talking to. And, you need to have the ability to get the most out of your people by having the leadership dialogue that brings out their best.” ~ Martin Moore, Founder and CEO, Your CEO Mentor “Leadership drives culture and culture drives performance.”  ~ Martin Moore, Founder and CEO, Your CEO Mentor Resources from this episode: Thank you to our sponsor: Ultimatesoftware.com/LFWMartin Moore’s website: www.yourceomentor.comConnect with Martin on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-moore-075b001/ **Listeners Receive a 15% discount to Martin Moore’s Leadership Beyond the Theory program: https://courses.yourceomentor.com/courses/lbt Use Discount Code LFW15 (Code is valid from Feb. 1st-28th. Class starts on Monday, March 4th)

We're proud to be sponsored by Ultimate Software. They're a leading cloud provider of people management solutions with a commitment to continuing education for HR, talent, and payroll professionals. Ultimate Software is hosting dozens of free, educational HR workshops around the country. Check out ultimatesoftware.com/LFW for more information on how to earn free HRCI, SHRM, and APA recertification credits. This week on Let’s Fix Work, I welcome Dr. Julena M. Bonner. She's an Assistant Professor in the Management Department of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. That’s right everyone, this week we've got an academic in the house! Dr. Bonner received her Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University and her research interests include behavioral ethics, ethical leadership, emotions, and workplace deviance. Recently, Dr. Bonner wrote a research paper on employee unethical behavior, which we’ll cover in this episode. So if you're interested in learning why employees spit in people's food (you betcha’, we're going there) and how to mitigate this kind of bad behavior, sit tight and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode you’ll hear: Dr. Bonner share why she began her research on customer and employee hostile interactions Some types of lashing out behaviors employees displayed that Dr. Bonner observed during her research; including assault, sabotaging food, and more Given the risks and consequences of employee bad behavior against customers, employees still do it and we explore some reasons why Where emotional responses originate Ways to mitigate employee bad behavior or stop it in its tracks What a culture of ethical behavior and ethical leadership looks like “When a work environment has a strong culture of ethical behavior to your formal policies and informal values exemplified by other employees and managers, employees are more likely to control their reactions and behave professionally when they're mistreated by the customer.” ~ Dr. Julena M. Bonner Resources from this episode:Dr. Julena M. Bonner: http://huntsman.usu.edu/directory/bonner-julena Laurie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurieruettimann/ Let’s Fix Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/letsfixwork/

Let's Fix Work is underwritten by WorkHuman, sponsored by Globoforce.​ Visit WorkHuman.com and use code WorkHumanLFW for a $100 off discount. This week on Let’s Fix Work, I am happy to introduce you to Hung Lee. Hung is the founder of WorkShape.io - the revolutionary recruiting platform for software engineers. He's also an editor of the leading industry newsletter called Recruiting Brainfood. I love the newsletter, and I know you will too! Today, Hung and I are talking about the real currency and real truths of business and relationships. Hung and I also have an honest chat about work, mental health, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to actually make a sale.  And spoiler alert: it's really hard to sell stuff. Whether you're an entrepreneur just starting out or a seasoned careerist who's curious about hanging a shingle, know this: business relationships are important. We’re talking about that and more, in this episode of Let’s Fix Work. In this episode you’ll hear: Hung share his entrepreneurial journey The stereotypes and myths of entrepreneurship Hung’s unique take on being an entrepreneur and on role models The risks and downsides of being in business How the steps to customer acquisition differ when you are an employee vs. an entrepreneur Make it easy for people to buy from you: How the hell do you do that? Recruiting Brainfood newsletter, Hung’s thoughts and thinking behind creating it The real currency of life, relationships, and how Hung developed his own relationship skills for business “In a connected world, people need to be very conscious of where the flow of information is and if you're a businessperson or an entrepreneur, you need to be standing at the confluence where that information flows for your particular market or industry.  You know you can have flaws in every single thing you're doing. But if you stand in the right place, you're going to be alright.” ~ Hung Lee Resources from this episode:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunglee/ Twitter https://twitter.com/HungLee Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hunglee88 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hung_lee Website: workshape.io Recruiting Brainfood is a 3 Course Meal Sunday newsletter Mon-Thurs - group discussion on the shared content Friday - livestream the best thoughts + bringing in the original content creators to share their insight. How to participate: Join the newsletter here (https://lnkd.in/gPqC6k8) Join the community here ( https://bit.ly/2somDTn ) Save your seat for the livecast here ( https://bit.ly/2RIR7xM)

Let's Fix Work is underwritten by WorkHuman, sponsored by Globoforce.​ Visit WorkHuman.com and use code WorkHumanLFW for a $100 off discount. When I think of today’s guest, I think of her as a superb expert in career advice. I am happy to welcome to Let’s Fix Work, Kathryn Sollmann. Kathryn is a speaker, coach, and author.  In her new book, Ambition Redefined, she encourages independence from “lean-in” and “break the glass ceiling” language. She wants you to find your own brand of ambition and success, take advantage of today's more flexible workplace, and chart alternative career paths that accommodate and fund the life that you want and you deserve. One of Kathryn’s missions is to show women that there is a lot of flexibility to be found in the workforce today. So if you want to find balance but don't know where to start, and if you deal with childcare issues or aging parents and you're sick of the way the rat race doesn't take care of you, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.   In this episode you’ll hear: Kathryn’s work as a career coach to women over the last 15 years What the book, Ambition Redefined, is all about Finding flexible work that fits your life How the message around side hustles and aggressive entrepreneurship is hurting the workforce Kathryn shares an example of a client who was told to lean into the system, just couldn't swing it, and eventually found a great mix of flexible work, but rewarding work as well Opting out of Corporate America and the dangers of not working How to broach the topic of work-life balance with a boss The six different kinds of work flexibility Kathryn said it best when she said, “There are lots of smart, talented, and ambitious women who are looking for a different kind of work paradigm. One that allows them to more capably blend work and life.”  If you come away with anything from this episode, I hope you come away with knowing that you can find some kind of flexible work that fits your life!   Resources from this episode: Website: https://www.kathrynsollmann.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathrynsollmann Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9LivesForWomen/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynsollmann/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynsollmann/ Book: Ambition Redefined: Why the Corner Office Doesn't Work for Every Woman & What to Do Instead

Let's Fix Work is underwritten by WorkHuman, sponsored by Globoforce.​ Visit WorkHuman.com and use code WorkHumanLFW for a $100 off discount.   Not everyone knows that I am a daughter of a police officer. My mom is retired from the Chicago Police Department. She has a great benefit plan and pension package. That’s because of smart union negotiations. Yes, the union has done right by my family. And speaking of unions, my guest this week is Jason Greer, labor relations expert and founder of Greer Consulting Inc. He is a Gen-Xer with a slightly different take on unions. He believes in protecting the working class and that there is strength in numbers. But yet he also believes a union is the wrong way of protecting your interests. We talk about all of that and more in this week’s episode of Let’s Fix Work.  In this episode you’ll hear: Jason’s quick and dirty story of who he is and what he does The reasons many companies fight unions and work to keep them out Jason’s thoughts on “getting the union you deserve” Labor relations and why it’s really shades of grey (and not just black and white) If employees forgo use of a union, what can they do to protect their benefits and interests? How to bridge the divide and recover a relationship that's broken following a union or employee dispute Unions and the civil rights movement, how the two are connected and whether or not unions have been good for protecting minorities in America Jason shares one horror story about what a union does and doesn't do if you don't play along How can you decertify a union? Jason shares what you can do, what's legal, what’s illegal and some next steps you can take   Leaders and employees, if you take anything away from this conversation, take this: You've got to start the conversation early about what you want and voice your expectations. If you do so, maybe you won't need a union or even an intermediary. What you need most is to have a voice, to be brave and to begin the conversation. Jason said it best when he said, “There is strength in being proactive.” If you are interested in the state of unions in 2019 or you want to hear from an African American man who talks about civil rights and busting unions from a different perspective, then give this episode a listen.   Resources from this episode: Jason’s website: https://www.greerconsultinginc.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaborDiversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreerConsultingInc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonjgreer/ Danny Ozment’s Podcast Supercharger Course: https://dannyozment.com/podcastsupercharger

Are you known as a troublemaker? Do you hate the status quo? Well, on today's show, Dr. Patti Fletcher joins me to discuss what it means to be a disruptive influence at work and how it can work to your advantage. Dr. Patti Fletcher is a global speaker on gender equity, cultural transformation and leadership, and the best selling author of the book, Disrupters: Success Strategies from Women Who Break the Mold.    In addition to talking about disrupting the status quo, we talk about Patti’s career journey, how she came to research the topics of unconscious bias and gender equity, plus we talk all about her book. Additionally, we discussed the topic of gender equity and exclusivity. And of course, we covered disruption in the workplace - both the positive effects and negative.   In this episode you’ll hear: The various stages of Patti’s career beginning with enterprise software and on to what she is doing now How Patti came to pursue the topic of disrupting HR and gender equity in the workplace Patti shares about her book, Disrupters: Success Strategies from Women Who Break the Mold, real-life stories from real women in the workplace What Patti thinks about the book Lean In, it’s message about gender equity and why, in the words of Michelle Obama, “That shit doesn’t work.” Disruption and disrupters, including negative disruption and positive disruption What to do when someone feels threatened when you are disrupting the status quo and how to protect your own interest in a healthy way Stories of people who didn’t belong and found purpose and meaning elsewhere The state of business today as it relates to disruption, unconscious bias and gender equity In the wise words of Dr. Patti Fletcher, “There is a status quo that’s no longer serving the world in which it lives and we have to disrupt it. Disrupting means you unpack it. Some things might be working, let’s keep those. But let’s disrupt the ones that aren’t.” So if you're ready to burn bridges or at least shake up your career, this episode is a MUST listen.  Oh and hey, come see us at WorkHuman in March, in Nashville, Tennessee! We are appearing together on a panel and we’d love to meet you. Resources from this episode: Today’s Sponsor: WorkHuman.com - Use Code WORKHUMANLFW for a $100 discount Dr. Patti Fletcher’s websiteDr. Patti Fletcher’s book Patti on Twitter, Instagram, FacebookShe for S.H.E. ConferenceSXSW (South by Southwest)Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg Thanks to Danny and his team at Emerald City Productions, the producers of Let’s Fix Work.

I love it when podcasts are confessional and brave. It inspires me and makes me want to tell you all of my secrets. But what happens when a podcast veers away from being authentic to straight-up marketing that is, well, somewhat jarring? I will tell you what happens (because it did); I become inspired to record a bonus episode to talk all about it.While listening to a marketing podcast, the host shared her experience about a recent weight gain. What was perceived as authentic and vulnerable at first, crescendoed into an affiliate marketing pitch. Okay I understand podcast hosts sell products on their episodes. I get it and can respect it. I may sell products or services on my podcast in the future, as well. But then the host said this, “Everybody needs a life coach,” and my respect flew right out the window. I’m not really sure that everybody needs a life coach. I do know that everybody needs psychological safety, love, food and healthcare. Sometimes we say, “Life coach,” when we mean, we need friends (or support) or even therapy.   The work of living an authentic life, where we are happy with ourselves, where we treat our bodies and souls with kindness, that doesn’t happen in a mastermind group, with a life coach or even in therapy. It happens in our hearts. And, that is the topic of this bonus New Year’s Eve episode - it’s about doing the work, being your own life coach and fixing yourself in 2019.   Resources from this episode: John Hancock Stair Climb - http://bit.ly/LFRHustle19 Snickerdoodles recipe - https://laurieruettimann.com/omahs-snickerdoodles/

This week’s guest on Let’s Fix Work is Joe Hirsch, TEDx speaker and best-selling author of ‘The Feedback Fix’ and managing director of Semaca Partners, a boutique communications firm. Joe is also an award-winning educational leader in using applied behavioral science to create more positive and better-performing workplaces. In this episode, Laurie asks Joe about his philosophy behind creating positive change and his methods of optimizing how you give and receive feedback. He also explains the correct mindset to approach feedback as a manager, do you want to force a change or provoke an insight? Laurie and Joe discuss bypassing resistance to change and how traditional performance management falls short when compared to treating people as agents of change. Laurie quizzes Joe about when it is appropriate and how to tell someone that their feedback is unwanted, and both then discuss some anecdotes about times they received feedback that was difficult to digest. Joe and Laurie then explore how to avoid recreating family dynamics in a professional environment and why it is important to deputize and delegate feedback as a manager. Laurie and Joe unpack some of the preconceptions about gender roles pertaining to feedback, Joe covers the importance of collaboration and towards the end of the episode, gives his conclusions about the collaborative nature of feedback and a gem of a quote.  “Letting go isn’t about what you give up, it’s about what you give.” We’ll be using that one in the future.   Twitter: @joemhirsch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemhirsch/ Book: “The Feedback Fix: Dump the Past, Embrace the Future, and Lead the Way to Change” Website: www.joehirsch.me TEDx Video: "The Joy of Getting Feedback"

For episode two of this season, we welcome Nando Rodriguez and German Marin from Brooklyn New York to the show. Nando Rodriguez is a former recruiter and blogger who now works as a coach, influencer and an advocate. German is a LinkedIn headshot and online dating photographer. Both live their lives openly on social media as entrepreneurs and influencers.   To start the interview Laurie asks Nando and German about their early careers, how they got into their current jobs and what it is like living in the public eye through social media. Nando discusses his time as a blogger and what it is like using social media for dating and business, he and German also talk about how they initially met and how their careers have intertwined with their personal lives.   Next, we delve into how Nando and German support and lift each other up in their daily lives. Nando illustrates that knowing someone’s signals and boundaries often come with time, but it is important not to rely on each other for everything. German talks a bit about resisting the urge to control and knowing when to stop and listen. Laurie and the guys then talk about the issues people face when trying to talk about relationships in public and the stigma that often accompanies it.   Laurie then probes into the finer points of Nando and German’s social media profiles. She asks how they decide what to post, what not to post and how you can balance presentation with authenticity. German explains how to overcome the fear of being on camera and how to use the venerability you feel to create a genuine post.   In the final segment of this episode, Laurie asks what Nando and German have planned for 2019 and what they each expect from the other, to assist them in accomplishing their goals. The guys talk about some of their own experiences where their work was broken and how they fixed it, which leads into a discussion about the psychology of inferiority and how being an immigrant can play into that. Nando tells some stories about German’s adjustment process and his self-perception. Before we say goodbye Nando and German talk a little about their dog and her booming social media career.   Links:   Nando Rodriguez http://nandoism.com/ http://twitter.com/nandoism  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nandorodriguez/  https://www.instagram.com/nandoism/  www.facebook.com/nandoismtransformationtribe/videos/334345690685935    German Marin https://www.marinnyc.com/dating  https://www.instagram.com/mrmarinnyc/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/germanmarin/ https://www.facebook.com/marinnycphotography    Leona the Lion https://www.instagram.com/msleonathelion/    https://www.forbes.com/sites/dinahwisenberg/2018/07/31/immigrant-entrepreneurs-form-25-of-new-u-s-business-researchers/

Let’s Fix Work is back for season 2. The first episode has Laurie interviewing a returning audience favorite, Áine Cain. Áine is a reporter in the retail section at Business Insider. She covers Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe's. We begin the episode catching up with Áine about her recent trip to Iceland, involving hotdogs, highlands and the famous Blue Lagoon. Laurie asks Áine about the impact of the trends towards online shopping and the current retail situation some have termed the ‘retailpocalypse’. Áine unpacks why some stores are moving towards what they call ‘omnichannel outlets’, in an attempt to become more flexible and pivot to customer’s needs. The next segment starts with a discussion about Amazon’s recent pay debacle and their ‘gig economy’, which leads to some exploration of working conditions at larger companies. Laurie poses the question “is there still room in the market for boutique outlets?” and casts a skeptical eye over the theory that employee happiness directly impacts profitability. Laurie and Áine then discuss to what extent moral judgements play in customer’s shopping choices and what on the whole creates brand loyalty. Áine is in a new role at Business Insider since her last appearance on the podcast, and she gives us some insight into what it was like for her to transition into retail reporting. Laurie comments on how statistically atypical Áine’s current career is for her generation. She commutes to work and has a job with a desk. Many GenXers are leaving those jobs, but Áine enjoys her organization’s culture. Then to finish up, Laurie and Áine talk a little about Black Friday’s dwindling influence over holiday shopping—and whether or not self-checkout is actually faster than someone doing it for you—before saying goodbye for this week. Resources: Áine Caine on Business Insider Áine Caine on LinkedIn Áine Caine on Twitter 'We sped like crazy': Amazon delivery drivers say they feel pressure to drive dangerously, urinate in bottles, and sprint on the job

Are we ready for change? Are we prepared to do what it takes to make the American dream come alive again? It would take some drastic reforms to get those much-needed results. Something's got to give, and this administration has to go. Today's guest is Andrew Yang. He's Asian-American, a 2020 Presidential Candidate, a serial entrepreneur, and a man who actually understands people, numbers, and technology. In other words, the complete opposite of Trump. Laurie and Andrew talk about progressive platforms that will spark the change we need to get us back into shape. Andrew agrees that work is broken. The times are changing and we need to transform how we think about work to get any real benefit from it. We're going through the greatest economic and technological transition in human history. The problem, now, is that our government doesn't understand this shift. They are stuck working with obsolete concepts that will eventually break the economy - and not in a good way. When change isn't happening, you've got to make change happen yourself. Capitalism has worked effectively for corporations but often crushes human welfare. Capitalism prioritizes efficiency and profits over everything else. How do we fix this? Andrew proposes a new form of capitalism that gets the market to work for us and not against us. He calls it "Human Capitalism," which focuses on maximizing human well-being and fulfillment. Andrew further explains the tenets of human-centered capitalism. Laurie and Andrew talk about the "Freedom Dividend." A proposed policy wherein every American adult gets $1,000 per month - no questions asked. Andrew believes that if we were to remove the existential threat of poverty, people could focus on finding jobs that better fit their skill sets. The Freedom Dividend is actually an old idea, but a similar policy has been effective in Alaska for almost four decades. Andrew talks about the value of revisiting this idea and how it will benefit US citizens. How do we get Value Added Tax into the dividend equation without people worrying about the deficits? Andrew shares how the present mismanagement must not lead us to believe that we lack the resources to progress. Our economy is on a record high, so the fear is based on the current mess the government is in. By using VAT funds to invest in our citizens, several other issues will start toppling down. Laurie and Andrew talk about the problems in the work environment. If our economy is doing so well, why can't we do justice to make our citizens' quality of life better? We're not living in the dark ages, and yet, most of the same issues are present. Seriously, how can the world's richest country be so anti-women, anti-family, and anti-poor? It's time we take into consideration what's good for the people versus what makes the most money for companies. After all, since this country's greatest asset is its people, it should be a no-brainer to invest in making their lives more meaningful. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on Laurie’s no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Andrew Yang Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

The world is changing, and us with it. We are living our lives 50% in the real world, and the other half in the virtual world. With the internet connecting the two, it’s harder than ever to imagine one without the other. While it seems like we’re more connected than ever, in truth, our communication has become LESS personal. We’re joined today by Dr. Nick Morgan, who discusses the pros and cons of how we connect with people, despite the limitations of virtual communication. Dr. Nick Morgan recently wrote a book titled, “Can You Hear Me? How To Connect With People In A Virtual World.” He tells us the story that inspired him to write this book, and how it can change your perception of unconscious communication. How is technology making communication worse? Believe it or not, it’s not auto-correct. Nick reveals one of the biggest problems with online communication: people use the same language pattern they use face-to-face, and due to the lack of emotional subtext, we often misunderstand people's intent. We go on a default "nasty" setting because our brain has filled the gap with negative information to anticipate danger and ‘protect’ ourselves. This is why we're likely to be less trusting online than we are in the real world. What makes for effective virtual communication? Nick talks about how our reaction depends on how we’re perceiving the other person - if we default to distrust, our reaction mirrors that. Fortunately, we’re becoming more aware of our behavior online. By extending more empathy and understanding, we’re becoming better adults. What’s the benefit of communicating in person? When we meet people in person, it is easier to establish a meaningful connection than we can do online - this takes a lot longer virtually. Nick shares how this is especially useful for first meetings. It would seem that despite the ease of communicating online, we are more alone and our relationships have become much harder to maintain. How do we fix this and be better at labeling the emotional undertones in our virtual conversations? It comes down to one thing at a time - a whole bunch of little fixes that focus on being more understanding and a little bit more connected. Nick and Laurie talk about how the power of well-placed humor can strengthen online relationships, and the importance of understanding where the overlap lies between the real world and the online world. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on Laurie’s no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Dr. Nick Morgan Public Words Public Words Facebook Public Words Twitter Public Words LinkedIn Public Words Instagram Can You Hear Me? LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram

Are you living your dream or someone else's? What does it really take to land a promising writing career in 2018? Joining Laurie today is accomplished Sports Journalist and New York Times best-selling author, Jeff Pearlman. They talk about Jeff's amazing journey from screw up to best-selling author, the gig economy and the decline in the journalism industry, and the connection between politics and sports. You’ll discover why it matters that we speak out about important topics. Jeff Pearlman’s "Football for a Buck: The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL," promptly rose to become a #1 best-seller. The content was drawn from over 400 interviews of unadulterated, unforgettable, and downright scandalous stories. Who wouldn't want a copy? But no one becomes a best-selling author overnight. After all, writing is all about incremental learning. As you work the process, you’re always learning and growing. Jeff talks about his writing roots and how his career came to be. The gig economy is upon us, there seems to be no escape. We have a serious decline in journalism posts in our midst. Legends in the industry laid off replaced with folks who will do the job at either a quarter or half the salary of a seasoned writer. The problem isn't even about companies letting the tenured writers go in favor of the 20-something-year-olds! It's that readers can't seem to tell or feel the difference. Jeff and Laurie weigh in on what the future of work's going to be like for the next generation and how we can prepare them for it. Who would believe that politics and sports share such deep ties? It's evident that the popular opinion is to separate the two as if it were the Church and State, but according to Jeff, you can’t separate the two. Jeff and Laurie dive into the interesting connections and the nitty-gritty that binds the people, sports, and politics together. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on Laurie’s no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Jeff Pearlman Football for a Buck: The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL Website Facebook Twitter Books

Isn’t it about time we had a corporate mindset shift? Because come on! There's more to work than giving the company your heart and soul. Jon Fortt, co-anchor of CNBC’s “Squawk Alley,” joins Laurie to talk about what's going right, what went wrong, and what's broken in the world of work. They talk about the reshaping of the traditional corporate mindset, #MeToo, wages, and the future of work. Jon Fortt is the host at Fortt Knox, a podcast dedicated to interviewing the highest achievers in the business, entertainment, philanthropy, and sports industries. His show gives us a sneak peek into these industry giants' lives and businesses while tackling the most interesting business and economic issues. How can we emulate the best leaders in the industry? Jon shares his take on how today's leaders are rethinking and reshaping the traditional corporate mindset. He shares how two outstanding leaders are breaking the mold of tradition with their business approach: Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, and Stitch Fix CEO, Katrina Lake. The #MeToo movement and stagnant wages are big issues in the global community. Jon shares his thoughts on corporate culture and respect. He also talks about why leaders should have plans to address and mitigate these issues. The tribe seems split when it comes to the flat wages issue. When labor demand is high but the employment rate is low, wages are at an all-time high. Although some companies are working to amend this for their employees' benefit, others see it as more of an expense. Jon believes it shouldn’t be about hard data. Things like empathy and creativity are deeply important in any industry or organization.   Laurie and Jon talk about the future of work and what he thinks about the next 10-20 years. People are worried that robots will be taking their jobs, but Jon believes that isn’t true. Instead, he believes there’s plenty of space for people because businesses need employees who are able to think about how their job impacts their role, the CEO, and the business. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on Laurie’s no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Jon Fortt LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Productivity @Work Fortt Knox Squawk Alley Fortt Knox: Satya Nadella Interview Fortt Knox: Katrina Lake Interview Annette Fortt  

How do you future-proof your business or career? Are robots taking over all our jobs? On the show today is Alexandra Levit, an author, speaker, influencer, and futurist. Alexandra helps us understand how leaders and employees can prepare to become more successful in 5-15 years time. Will you be in on the next big trend? Alexandra believes the future will be project-based business. Who is Alexandra Levit? She started her corporate journey back in 2004. She wrote a book called, “They Don’t Teach Corporate in College,” and taught young professionals how to succeed in Corporate America. That was when she realized how Human Resources would have a much more strategic function in the 21st century. As a futurist, Alexandra analyzes and makes predictions on how businesses can be successful 5-15 years into the future. The goal is to prepare these companies and their employees for better, more meaningful careers in the future workplace. Alexandra wrote, “Humanity Works: Merging Technologies and People for the Workforce of the Future.” She discusses how people shouldn’t be fearful of the future of work. According to Alexandra, there’s going to be a lot more meaningful work opportunities for people, and that’s something to look forward to. We also have to embrace how some aspects of our jobs will become automated because it’s a GOOD thing. When robots do the boring work, we’ll be able to focus more on functions that rely on the human touch - like empathy and intuition. In terms of fixing work, Alexandra believes that there’s a need to set boundaries for personal and professional life. Technology has allowed us to be “on” 24/7. It lets us connect 24/7, but it also makes us think about work 24/7. We check our phones for emails and get more work done because it’s great to be productive, but this is also the fastest way to get burned out. Instead of trying to outwork technology, we should focus our efforts on cultivating skills that match tasks reliant on human intelligence - leave the repetitive stuff to the machines. You might need a mind shift when it comes to starting your career if you want to make sure you are future-proofed. Ask yourself: “What are customers asking for that I can become an expert in and deliver consistently?” Let the answer be your guide. Another cause for concern is how the project-based workforce still has corporate-driven benefits. Alexandra talks about the tension this topic stirs and how corporate structure must change in order for it to stay relevant in the market. Futurists are thought leaders that make predictions based on current trends. Their forward thinking is invaluable for employers and employees because they can strategize ahead of time. Doesn't it sound like a good idea to create systems to make the transition as smooth as possible? Change is coming whether we like it or not, we might as well be ready for it. FREE Financial Wellness Telesummit Make plans to attend the free Financial Wellness Telesummit, where HR Pros will discover how to alleviate the negative effects of financial stress on employees and businesses. Learn how to develop benefits, address employee concerns, and how to recruit top talent. It's coming up October 16-18. Register for this FREE event today! Alexandra Levit Website LinkedIn Twitter Humanity Works Book They Don’t Teach Corporate in College

Employees aren’t that complicated. If they’re happy, they stay. If they’re unhappy, they leave. When women and minorities are leaving Corporate America in droves, the problem is obvious: these underrepresented groups aren’t happy. What’s causing the mass exodus and what, if anything, are we doing about it? Jose Pinero, the CEO of Latino Leadership Performance, talks about the importance of understanding and implementing cultural visibility, as well as how inclusion and diversity strategies boost workforce productivity and engagement. Jose Pinero is a Fortune 100 business coach, speaker, and author. With over 20 years of corporate experience, Jose has seen the disparity within the ranks of organizations. Women and minorities aren’t able to climb the corporate ladder, something he’s seen again and again. Jose has made it his mission to empower these groups of people, to help them become successful leaders, and to improve visibility, inclusion, and diversity in corporate hierarchy. What is Jose’s take on work being broken? He starts by saying how everyone wants the same thing: to live fulfilling lives. But it’s difficult to achieve this if you’re working in an environment that disconnects you from everybody else. Work is broken because organizations have discouraged employees from being their authentic selves. By denying people the right to be themselves, we deny them the opportunity to put in their best effort. In his article, Why are Latinos leaving Corporate America?, Jose shares how it’s not only Latinos who are leaving Corporate America in droves. Women and other minorities are marching out too. There are a variety of factors that force these talents to leave, and some of them might surprise you. The article is a great read and will shed a lot of light on the problem, especially since it’s becoming more difficult for companies to find great talent. We got down to the heart of the problem next, and Jose shares three reasons why he believes that minorities and women aren’t happy in Corporate America. Lack of high-level role models. When people don’t see themselves represented within the corporate hierarchy, they end up feeling discouraged. They will question whether the job is a fit for them, and if they're in the right place to begin with. It’s either, “There’s nobody there that looks like me,” or “There are too few of us who can make it there.” Lack of sponsorship and mentors. The idea of the Lone Champion is a myth. Nobody gets to where they are without any degree of support. Everybody needs somebody to help them understand how things work. How do we expect people to do their best and become better when we don’t give them the opportunity to learn from the best? No one wants to be in an environment where they do not feel supported or valued. Cultural blind spots. People have different communication styles. If we want to bridge the gap in our cultures, we have to be more understanding of how our employees tend to communicate. When managers lack this understanding, the disconnect becomes even greater. Laurie and Jose touch on how multicultural marketing works and how it supports underrepresented communities by getting them involved. They talk about how businesses have the social responsibility to contribute to society. After all, there’s always room to make money AND still make a difference in the world. FREE Financial Wellness Telesummit Make plans to attend the free Financial Wellness Telesummit, where HR Pros will discover how to alleviate the negative effect of financial stress on employees and business. Learn how to develop benefits, address employee concerns, and how to recruit top talent. It's coming up October 16-18. Register for this FREE event today! Jose Pinero Latino Leadership The Cultivation Company Mucho Success LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Why are Latinos Leaving Corporate America?

“Let’s empower men!” said no one ever. It’s 2018 and we’re still struggling with equality and other social stigmas that come from centuries of brainwashing. But if men are so great, why are they vulnerable to depression and anxiety? Why are we glorifying aggression as something innate to males, and why aren’t we doing anything to change it? Today's guest is Jake Stika, a ‘Next Generation Man’ who wants to rethink what masculinity means and how we can put an end to toxicity. Who is Jake Stika and how is Next Gen Men fixing work? Jake Stika is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of this nonprofit organization that is engaging, educating, and empowering men and boys about gender in schools, communities, and workplaces. He has earned recognition from Ashoka, the British Council, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and has spoken as part of the Canadian delegation at the United Nations. Jake believes that men can do better, but not under the pretense that men are inherently bad. He thinks there’s room for men to improve on how they think, behave, and contribute to what is socially and culturally perceived as masculine. It’s also imperative that the rest of us change the way we think and act to help support them. Think about how YOU perceive masculinity. Unless you’re exceptionally progressive, you’re probably part of a culture that has a certain idea of what ‘real men’ ought to be. Males are tough, strong, and able to do everything by themselves. Boys don’t cry. They should "man up." But it's these unreasonable expectations that set them up for failure. Even the statistics back this up. As a rule, men are incarcerated more often, end up homeless, and are more susceptible to violence. Clearly, something is wrong with the way we raise and treat our males, and in the expectations that we hold for them. How does such backward, medieval thinking even exist today? Jake blames it on all the little nudges boys get exposed to throughout their lives. Males have adapted this toxic mindset from years of conditioning, not just from the other men in their lives, but from women as well. It’s a difficult mindset to break for all of us. Jake was no stranger to this toxicity. He recounts his own experience growing up. Boys who cannot comply with this social standard end up broken. And these broken boys grow up as broken men. Then they enter the community and end up contributing to the noxious cycle. it won't be an easy fix. We all have to contribute to rehabilitating our men so they can become better. In doing so, we are raising men who become champions of empowering all genders to thrive in society. Just as it has taken years to ‘break’ these boys, it will take years to build them back up again. We have to stop isolating men by making them live in accordance with the accepted singularity of masculinity. Instead, we should encourage and embrace their “masculinities." The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on Laurie’s no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Jake Stika LinkedIn Twitter Next Gen Men Website Next Gen Men Twitter

Would it surprise you if we said that a large number of female leaders in America were Girl Scouts? Sylvia is a Rocket Scientist, STEM Leader, and Tech Founder, and she’s also the Girl Scouts of America's CEO. Join Laurie and Sylvia as they unravel the GSUSA vital role in the development of next-gen leaders and how they sustain their programs. Dynamic leadership programs, time-tested methods, and supportive learning environments: this is what separates the GSoA from other institutions. And how can we ever forget their famous cookies? Amazing products aside, do you know what their finest contribution to society is? It’s their active role in developing the next generation of leaders, innovators and impact makers. But how do they do it? The industrial age is almost over. Job opportunities have become reliant on technology. But in our attempt to move forward and develop new technology, today’s workforce is struggling to keep up with the changes. Very few women are in the technology industry’s talent pipeline and this often diminishes the female perspective in the workforce equation. So how can the GSoA and other institutions impact the current state of the workforce? They invest in building core leadership skills in young girls. This enables them to become functional key members in their organizations. They cultivate entrepreneurial skills from selling cookies, and as simple as it sounds, the effect is profound. They also empower girls to be action takers and decision makers in a supportive environment. They even have a STEM program that develops their skill and confidence to take part in the science and technology industries. With that said, would it be much of a surprise to know that Sylvia was once a girl scout too?! Sylvia traces the development of her leadership skills back to when she was reciting the Girl Scout pledge. GSoA was the type of environment that nurtured her transformative ideas, drive, and compassion. Now she is as an esteemed entrepreneur, rocket scientist, and thought leader. As the CEO of the Girl Scouts of America, Sylvia has done a lot to improve existing programs. She’s a staunch supporter of implementing STEM programs to spark the girls’ curiosity. She believed that there was a way to make the learning experience fun and relevant. They’ve even released new badges reflecting the latest programs. Needless to say, Sylvia is very progressive and optimistic that it will improve in the future. How can their positive impact be measured? What is the evidence that they are successful in their pursuit of excellence? The Girl Scouts Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards are granted to girls who have developed potentially world-changing projects with promising long-term positive effects in their respective communities. We hope you have learned how these institutions play a crucial part in improving the work cycle. It's not just about Thin Mints and Samoas. The bottom line is that empowering women will radically change the workforce AND the world. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on Laurie’s no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Sylvia Acevedo Website Girl Scouts of America LinkedIn Twitter Path to the Stars

Did you know that a business has many of the same dynamics as a marriage? Everything that happens in a marriage (the good and the bad) is no different from what you can expect when running a business. Now, if you think keeping your business/marriage afloat is tough, just wait until you come face to face with toxic masculinity in the workplace. There’s never a dull moment in today’s podcast as Laurie invites President of RecruitingDaily.com, William Tincup, to dive into the art and science of entrepreneurship — and how we have to do better to end toxic male behavior in the workplace. Laurie has known William Tincup for years and regards him as a friend and a mentor, a man of many talents who has always given her sound advice based on his many years of experience as an entrepreneur. Today, William and Laurie share their experiences and take a critical look at startups, entrepreneurship, and how to address and amend toxic masculinity in the workplace. They also talk a little about art! A business is a vehicle for relationships where people exchange services for monetary gain. But before you dive into creating a business, you always have to START somewhere first. There are several things to consider before starting a business and, contrary to popular belief, you do not make it as an entrepreneur with sheer passion alone. You can’t give what you don’t have, so if you only have the passion to run your business, it’s going to fall short on other aspects. Critical considerations that are required before creating your own startup: What do you name your company? Do you take the realistic route, where your website name spells out what services you provide? Or do you go for the more abstract approach and come up with a witty made-up word that tells a good story about what your company does? Well, of course, the name of your business is important, but it's not nearly as vital as your business’s brand being memorable. Both choices have their merits, as long as you create a memorable business, service and brand. Likeability + Compelling = Memorable… and then convert “memorable” into revenue. You’ll need to find the perfect balance between the art and the science of a startup. Think of it this way: the “Science” aspect is product development, the “Art” aspect is marketing and delivering the product – both need to be in sync with each other for the coherent whole to work. Great communication is where most companies struggle. William Tincup forwards one reason for this poor communication: that men are not exactly the best communicators. It is difficult for them to learn to apologize, and sometimes even give a proper compliment when it is merited. So, what can men do to change for the better? Tincup has one crucial strategy to begin: men need to STOP interrupting, talking over, and ignoring women when they are sharing their ideas and opinions. No more mansplaining, guys! And it’s up to other men to call it out in their peers. There’s nothing easy about being an entrepreneur. You need to put in your best effort to service your customers and treat your employees well. The hustle never stops and the decisions don’t come easy. If you’re launching a startup because you think it’s going to be easy, consider this your first warning! There is so much work left ahead of us to make work a better place for all. It can be discouraging, which is why it’s extremely important to remember that nothing worth doing is ever easy. Keep fighting the good entrepreneurial fight — it’s never too late to do your part to fix work for everyone. William Tincup Recruiting Daily Website LinkedIn Twitter Facebook The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on Laurie’s no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free!    

Sometimes we get so bogged down hyper-analyzing the simplest questions, that we miss the obvious answers. “Do you love your job?” Your answer determines whether or not you’ve found the right place to cultivate your ever-evolving career, and it’s time to talk about it. Join our host/resident HR nerd and her guest, the former head of talent at Netflix (back when it was a mail-order DVD company — years before “Netflix and chill”) Patty McCord as they dive deep into understanding the world of work now, its future, and why you have to take charge of your career. So, who is Patty McCord and why is she a big deal? For starters, she created the Netflix Culture Deck, which is a PowerPoint deck on culture that went viral years ago and is downright legendary in the business world. She is the HR equivalent of Margaret Mead, with her cultural anthropologist approach to the wonderful (if sometimes nasty) world of work. Since leaving to forge her own path in 2012, Patty has been working hard to change the infrastructure of corporate culture at several high-level companies to create the positive change she wanted to see in society. Patty is a feminist, thought leader, author, and an advocate of practicing radical honesty to move past the fundamentally broken way we manage people at work. Her book, Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility, which is pretty much the hitchhiker’s guide to understanding Netflix’s work culture has been (as the title suggests) a powerful tool in transforming companies into high performing and high earning organizations. Laurie and Patty share a conversation full of wisdom bombs — often touching upon the kinds of lessons you probably already know but all too often forget to pay much attention to. The way we manage people is an HR nightmare. How are workers even expected to stay and love their jobs when they’re not treated like professionals? Seriously, these folks aren’t children, they deserve a better working environment where they are free to own their career and commit to their work. Those times when employees went home saying: “Work was great today!” There is a way to replicate that. It’s called: “Let your professionals do the work they’re GREAT at!” If they’re not doing a great job, then they’re not a good fit, and that’s on you. Hiring the right person for the job boils down to finding fully-formed adults. Since the world of work is always changing, you have to get people who are already whole and are ready to evolve with the company. What’s the future of work and how does automation fit in all this? Don’t fear the future, don’t fear the unknown. Learn to say, “Things are changing. Is it better? How can we make it better?” There’s always room for improvement and that should be the goal of any scaling company. The key takeaway from this episode is the more we learn to adapt and grow, the better off we’ll be as employers and employees. There’s really no point in subjecting yourself to the sheer torture of working for an organization that doesn’t treat you right. When you’re not being treated right, then you’re not in the right place. Laurie and Patty are firm believers in owning your career and calling the shots, so get on with it — you’re a professional, own your career. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on Laurie’s no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Patty McCord Website LinkedIn Twitter Book Resources Let's Fix Work - Patreon Bob Sutton Jennifer McClure One Stone Creative

When kindred spirits come together in a community, ideas and dreams blossom, passion gets amplified, accountability and empowerment surges, and the problems? Well, they become less daunting. In this episode, Laurie has a great conversation with a dear friend, a cult legend in the online-community building world, Ryan Paugh. Laurie and Ryan share how they met, what Ryan’s role is as a community builder, and why communities are essential in fixing the broken wheel that is work. After a few years of working for corporate America, Ryan dove into the startup arena where he felt his passion for helping others would contribute more - this was his first step in his epic entrepreneurial journey. He created Brazen Careerist, which started out as a community for young professionals looking to find their place in the corporate world, where they can find answers and support from peers and other like-minded individuals. Long story short, Brazen was a success but eventually rebranded into an SAS technology product, which now serves as a peer-to-peer speed networking platform. As the product shifted away from its community-based roots, Ryan decided to walk a different path, but kept the burning passion to create better communities to support the next generation of highly driven leaders. He eventually became the co-founder and COO of The Community Company. Along with his business partner and co-author of Superconnector, Scott Gerber, they went on to build several outstanding communities for different organizations like business executives, youth leaders, and entrepreneurs such as YEC and the Forbes Council which includes the Forbes Human Resources Council, where members are encouraged to support, engage, and pick each other’s brains. Why did Ryan focus on community building? Well, everyone is part of a community in some way or another. We are social beings after all. Ryan believes that in being part of a community, we are given the opportunity to learn and impart vital lessons and experiences that nurture us into the people we are now. He says, “Give,” because he believes that there’s so much more to living than just getting something. Life and people aren’t meant to be boxed up in a simple transaction of give and take. We are much more complex than that - we have feelings, aspirations, and lives outside of the grind. This is why Ryan feels work has more... work to do in a community and culture building aspect. “You’re here to work and not to make friends,” is a typical feel at the office, but we DO need to build relationships in the workplace to grow into more productive members of the organization. Work is broken because it has been reduced to a means to an end; a paycheck for hours, nothing more than a simple transaction of, “if you do this, you get this.” Laurie shares Ryan’s sentiment that there’s more to work than just earning the money. That by limiting someone’s identity to a mere “bringer of bacon” a.k.a “corporate zombie” they have subsequently limited that individual’s potential to contribute to the organization’s greater cause. You see, when people see past the money and embrace purpose, when they are allowed to invest in things that they truly value, there’s a greater opportunity to create a positive and lasting legacy for others to follow or replicate. As a veteran community builder, Ryan believes that a good community must have an element of trust from the top-down. Ask anyone who knows Ryan and they’ll immediately say how helpful and encouraging he is despite his being a company co-founder. More than developing the products, organizations should look into nurturing its workers on a deeper level. People at the bottom makes the most impact, so it is important that they are set up for success throughout their stay in the company and, hopefully, even when they transition into something else. He dives deep into this “building relationships that matter” philosophy in his book, Superconnector. Ryan and Laurie are aware though that most people are still stuck in the old ways and find processes to be difficult to build - and even harder to implement - but it doesn’t have to be that way and we can all to do better. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on Laurie’s no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Ryan Paugh Superconnector Learn more about their book Twitter LinkedIn The Community Company

We get it. You aren’t a tube of toothpaste. But you still need a personal brand. In fact, you already have one whether you realize it or not. The question is, are you going to take charge of it? Today, Laurie talks with personal brand expert, Jennifer McClure, about what a personal brand is, why you need to develop yours, and how it can help you excel in your professional career. Jennifer will be the first to tell you that she doesn’t like the term, personal brand, but it’s the best one she’s got. You can also think of it as your reputation, and when you consider it as your professional reputation, that makes it a lot more important, doesn’t it? We’re talking about people wanting to work with or for you, getting clients, being promoted, and more. It’s your career advancement, plain and simple. So how do you develop your personal brand? Think about Oprah Winfrey. She’s got one of the strongest personal brands in the world. Her message, live your best life, is known around the world. But her story hasn’t all been cake and roses; there are some negative things associated with her brand, and Jennifer explains how Oprah has dealt with it. She also shares how you can be as intentional as Oprah when you are defining your own personal brand. One big mistake people make is that they try to copy someone else’s personal brand. As you can imagine, that comes off as terribly inauthentic. With that said, you CAN take inspiration from other people. See what they’re doing well, what parts of their message resonates with you. What can you adopt while still keeping your uniqueness at the forefront? Laurie and Jennifer discuss, and Jennifer also reveals who she considered her mentor and sought to emulate. There are another few traps you’ll need to avoid in developing your personal brand: don’t overthink it or force it, and make sure your actions and words line up. A good way to tell is whether you’re getting the opportunities you want. Do people describe you the way you intended them to? How do your colleagues introduce you? Jennifer talks about what to do if your personal brand isn’t working for you. Laurie shares the story of trying to be the buttoned-up, serious HR lady for the book she’s writing, and how she couldn’t even finish it until she did what came naturally, and that was to be herself. Jennifer chimes in with some very insightful thoughts on Laurie’s personal brand and what makes it so strong. The tables are turned, and Laurie asks Jennifer what her own personal brand is. The response is humbling, and it’s exactly how YOU should think about how to live with your own brand. More importantly, how to take control of it. One of the key takeaways is that sometimes your brand needs to be audience-specific. Sometimes we don’t like the reputations we have. It’s a challenge to change them; once another person has formed their idea of you, it’s a mental shortcut they’ll use repeatedly because it’s easier. So how do you go about changing your own personal brand if you don’t like it? Laurie digs in with a tough question, and Jennifer steps up to answer it without hesitation, and it’s an answer you need to hear if the attention you’re getting isn’t the attention you want. Finally, we need to broach the topic of negative feedback that isn’t deserved. Jennifer shares the story of her first major keynote speech and the one comment afterward that has haunted her to this day. Laurie has her own story to share, too, and they talk about what to do when people try to label you in ways that hurt. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Jennifer McClure FREE DOWNLOAD: Personal Brand Workbook Impact Makers Podcast Website LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram Resources Michael Hyatt Steve Brown

Robin Schooling is ‘America’s HR Lady’ and has been Laurie’s dear friend for quite some time. Despite that, Laurie has been putting off the HR episode because, frankly, HR has a bad reputation for fixing work. It took someone like Robin, who is breaking stereotypes around the globe, to make this episode possible. In today’s episode, Laurie and Robin talk about a slew of HR-related issues, from discrimination to whether HR is really needed. What does it take to get the title, ‘America’s HR Lady,’ from Laurie? Robin has been in the HR profession for a long time. During her two decades of HR experience, she worked across many fields: healthcare, academia, banking, gaming, and that’s just to name a few. In other words, she’s pretty much done it all. And when asked how to fix work, Robin’s first question was how we would fix HR. Robin has a fantastic analogy on the state of work – it’s a hemophiliac who has fallen down too often and gotten too many bruises. Work might be broken, but it’s in the ER and needs urgent care if it’s going to be saved. Robin shares how she thinks we got there, based on her wide breadth of experience. She also dives into the power shift happening between job seekers, employees, and employers. The day of reckoning is at hand. Robin admits that HR is certainly part of the problem of work being broken, and the reason she gives is that HR as a department isn’t really sure where to place itself in the conversation. It started out as being very insular, and over the years, things have improved. But not enough. While HR departments have come to understand business, the next step is for them to understand the world. And what does that mean exactly? Robin explains. There’s also a fine line that many HR people must straddle: the needs of the employees and the needs of the business. Sound familiar? Robin says it’s a ‘cop out’ in many ways. Sure, there might be a bit of truth in it, but ultimately, being an advocate for both the business and the employees isn’t mutually exclusive. It’s not one or the other, and that’s where many HR people struggle. You’ve heard it many times – employees are fighting HR to get something they need. So why should anyone care about HR? Robin reminds us all that HR isn’t a faceless mass out to get you. They are your co-workers and they are people, too. In fact, Robin’s experience with other HR people is that they got into it for the right reasons and with a good heart. Recruiting is a huge part of human resources; it’s one of the happiest times for both HR and employee. But according to Robin, those good feelings don’t carry over. She offers the great idea of doing the same with employees as they navigate within the company, whether it’s handling health care, mediating disagreements, or even changing positions within the company. Ultimately, this little-by-little change is fueled by people caring for one another. And equally as important, HR people need to bring the stories of employee realities to leaders. Laurie asks if she’s naïve for believing that if we fix ourselves, we wouldn’t need HR, and Robin’s reply is priceless. In truth, HR as we know it will always be there. It has to be to ensure things are done according to legal requirements. Even with the automation that is becoming far more common, and Robin talks about why humans will always be needed in human resources. What is the future of HR? Robin sees it splitting into two separate departments or having two divisions within the same department: administration and people. The administration side deals with compliance, payroll, PTO, and the other dry things, while the people department works with employees to help them understand what’s happening, as well as growth and development. Are businesses and their HR departments ready for the reckoning that is coming? In fact, Robin believes that HR, at least, is poised for the shift. So what positions are in danger? Is the generalist here to stay? What about the firefighter? Robin shares her thoughts on who had better be ready to adapt to new roles and dive into specialties in the near future. So what does the future of HR look like? Robin has settled on a phrase: she is an advocate of the workplace revolution. It’s time to change – not only should you be an advocate and ally of the people who hired you, you should also be an advocate and ally to those who come to you with their work-related issues. It sounds simple, right? Robin reveals what it actually entails. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Robin Schooling Website LinkedIn Twitter Carnival of HR

Don MacPherson is an entrepreneur who built a company called Modern Survey, which he successfully sold without laying people off or taking on debt. That's the American Dream. But Don’s not resting on his laurels. Growing up in a mining community, Don learned the value of work early and isn’t interested in status symbols like cars and clothes. He’s soon launching a new venture called 12 Geniuses focused on fixing the future of work for everybody. He’s here to talk about his journey in tech, how to be ruthlessly pragmatic with your finances, and how you can set yourself up financially for success. Ultimately, it's about enjoying your work. Don has a unique view of the world that you need to hear, especially if you want to retire early.  First things first: Don isn’t a Millennial tech bro. He’s close to 50 with a wealth of experience in customer service, technology, healthcare, employee engagement, and even truck driving. Don will tell you he isn’t a natural entrepreneur, but he is a risk taker. So much so he decided to move to Germany and only bought a one-way ticket. Don shares the story of living in an attic. When he returned from Germany, he took a job with American Express, and that was when Don met his future business partner, a contractor who was living the dream. Don wanted that dream life, so together, he and his partner founded an online survey company, Modern Survey, in 1999. Their startup money was $1,000 each. He took this company through to a successful exit, the American dream. Don could easily rest on his laurels now, but he’s starting another company instead. There’s a driving force that keeps him moving: yes, he’s a risk taker and he loves his work, but deep down, he loves helping people reach their potential. Don believes that EVERYONE can perform at extraordinary levels, and he explains how. One of Don’s guiding principles is that he pays himself first. It’s enabled him to do everything that he’s wanted. Interestingly, the thought was planted by a commercial he saw as a teenager. It was a simple commercial and the gist of it was to get started and begin saving early. Don reveals how he applied this to his life from a young age, and what "you pay you first" really means. For Don, money is freedom. He doesn't come from a family of savers, though, and what he understood from his younger years was that you took the job that paid the most money. It was essential to have an incredible work ethic, too. But taking a job that pays the most cash is how you survived. Don realized, though, that work could be so much more. It can be fulfilling, and having money allowed him to experiment and do things he couldn’t have otherwise. There came a time when Don’s business almost failed, and he tells the story of how he had to abandon his "you pay you first" philosophy for a time. He and his partners had to each put in a hundred grand to save the company, and it was only because he had been so disciplined in his savings that he was able to do it. And that was how the company pulled through the tough time. We’ve hinted at how Don’s success hasn’t encouraged him to be spendy. Quite the opposite, in fact. Don never invested in a brand new car, and the duplex he lived in for 15 years was partly financed by the renters he had living in the second apartment. Don shares some of his other money hacks he used to amass his wealth. He even delayed parenthood until he was nearly 50. If you take Don’s advice, he believes you will never have to work at a job you don’t like. And that is powerful, especially in this era of work being broken. He talks about how we can do our best work when we have a sense of security and freedom that being financially responsible brings. You might be wondering if it’s too late for you. The answer is no, and Don explains why. Have you heard the concept of being a prisoner in a workplace? You’re stuck in a job you can’t leave because you have so many bills to pay. Don says that as many as 1 in 12 workers are prisoners. They’re financially stuck, and they don’t believe they can make more money elsewhere. Most of us agree that work is broken, so you can imagine what happens with work prisoners and how they contribute to that. Equally as important, their home life is also negatively affected. Laurie points out that it’s often more expensive for women in the workplace than men – they have to buy a lot of things men don’t, and as they age, they’re expected to do everything they can to look younger. Clothing, makeup, surgery… and then there’s the issue of maternity and childcare. Given that women don’t make as much as men, can you imagine what it’s like for a single mom? Don shares his thoughts on the workplace for women. Don’s new company is called 12 Geniuses (coming soon). He shares exactly what it is and what he does, and you might be surprised by his belief that the world is a better place, despite what the news might have you believe. But did you realize that most people aren’t ready for positive change? Don MacPherson LinkedIn 12 Geniuses — COMING SOON The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free!

According to JT O’Donnell, we’re pretty bad at job searching. After all, we aren’t in the business of finding jobs; our skills sets are DOING them. So, if and when you need to change employers, outside advice is invaluable. Today, Laurie and JT talk about why the old way of job searching is obsolete and how you can compete with other job seekers in a very crowded environment. Have you seen the George Clooney movie, Up in the Air, where his job was to lay people off? That was JT’s last corporate career. She laid off hundreds of people before leaving corporate America to start her own career coaching practice. JT saw the recession coming, so she was proactive and started a blog in 2008. When the recession hit, people needed an edge in finding jobs, and JT was there to deliver. Laurie has seen a lot of discrimination when it comes to landing jobs: ageism, sexism, racism. While it’s a common belief that work is broken, JT also believes that the job search is broken. People are going about it the wrong way because the rules changed and they didn’t catch on. It’s all related to a branding problem for both those hiring and those looking for jobs. Do you really need to work through recruiters to find a job? JT has a fresh take on what has happened in the land of recruitment. It’s all become very regimented, and often, recruiters get pushed around by their employers to make certain numbers that are next to impossible. And here’s the result of that: if you’re a job seeker who is doing your part right, you don’t NEED a recruiter to land your dream job. In fact, you might want to AVOID recruiters altogether and JT explains why. How do you get past the gatekeepers and talk to the hiring managers? It’s not really sneaky, but it IS easy. JT shares two of her favorite resources. The first is net. It’s a simple search engine for LinkedIn that allows you to search for hiring managers and other titles. The other is Hunter.io, which allows you to search for up to 100 email addresses every month so you can connect. As you listen, you might feel like everything has changed. It has, fundamentally. Step one to getting YOUR ‘bucket list’ job is to forget everything you think you know about job searching. JT shares the story of someone who reached out to her – they thought what she said about cover letters was the ‘hokiest’ thing ever… until it worked. Like many things on the internet, we have erected walls that are supposed to filter out the unnecessary and irrelevant, but often, these walls also filter out the things we want and need. JT shares how this has happened with job boards online. It goes back to what she said about branding and the lack of marketing between employer and employee. You’re one of the thousands of people applying. It shouldn’t be a surprise you don’t get a call if you haven’t marketed yourself directly to a potential employer. Finding a dream job shouldn’t be like shopping a used car lot for your dream car. JT shares a great strategy for how to begin your search. Start with 20 companies you’d love to work for and figure out WHY you want to work for them. We aren’t talking benefits – what about what they do is so compelling to you? That’s how you target your job search. She shares the next few steps on your path to getting a bucket list job. Community is incredibly important. It’s how you network, find new opportunities and help others do the same. But it’s not always easy to ask for help, especially when free communities tend to be negative. JT shares why her Work it Daily community is so very different – it’s an uplifting place for career coaching, even with generational divides. Coaching isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the path to greatness. If robots and AI are the future of work, where does that leave job seekers? Make no mistake: there is yet another shift coming in the workforce and you need to be prepared for it. And with all the discrimination that exists now, more is on the way in the form of globalization. JT and Laurie discuss what this future looks like for job seekers and what you can do to be ready for the next set of fundamental shifts. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! JT O’Donnell LinkedIn Work it Daily Website Work it Daily YouTube Job Search Tools RecruitIn.net Hunter.io

Cy Wakeman is an international keynote speaker, business consultant, New York Times best-selling author, and psychologist. She helps people around the world ditch the drama and turn excuses into results. Naturally, Laurie is a total fangirl. Today, Cy and Laurie talk about how to get the best out of people, whether or not you really NEED leaders, and what the future of work looks like for all of us. Cy has a great strategy for getting clients in the door and to help them take all the negative energy at work and turn it around to positive results based on new actions: she gives her stuff away for free. The individuals who learn from her content then turn around and put the pressure on their leaders to bring her in to do work, and she gets great results. Cy has an interesting take on work NOT being broken. Work, she says, is our reality, and whether or not we succeed in it is up to us. Cy explains the parts of work that are lacking, from leadership to HR, and it all has to do with the people, not the construct. If you’re keen on learning about leadership, you’ve probably noticed there are a million different people speaking and teaching about it. But have you stopped to actually listen to their messages? Sounds a lot like pop psychology, feel-good stuff that, unfortunately, doesn’t really address the problems. Cy shares her take on the current trend of ‘best practices’ and why understanding the human condition is the most important thing you can do, leader or not. You’ve probably heard people talking about the ability to bring your ‘whole self’ to work. Cy disagrees; instead, she urges you to bring your ‘most evolved’ self to work. In fact, Cy doesn’t think you should bring your whole self anywhere, and she explains why you need to be fit for duty beyond the tasks you undertake. Leadership has evolved over the years. In modern times, we’re more concerned with purpose and engagement. Cy shares a surprising insight: engagement without accountability creates entitlement. And more importantly, happiness at work isn’t up to leaders. Cy’s years as a therapist come to bear when she says that a relationship like that is co-dependency and isn’t healthy, and you end up losing the best employees. You need to be willing to pick favorites when it comes to your employees: there are the high and low accountables. High and low performers, and according to Cy, too much attention has been given to low accountables to try to keep them engaged. Cy explains why this is the opposite of what it should be. Can low accountables become high accountables? Sometimes. But is it the responsibility of the organization to make it happen? No. It might seem like a tough choice to make, but Cy believes that a business should instead focus on making themselves a place where high accountables want to work. In fact, there isn’t a shortage of talent, and Cy explains why. You don’t have to harm people and harm the environment to make a profit. That’s a load of bologna according to Cy. Instead, we need to focus on ‘pure profit.’ It’s not what you think. Cy reveals exactly what that means and how businesses can be sustainable without hurting the world. Community has been a buzzword for a while now, whether you’re talking about regionality or groups online. How healthy are the communities in which you find yourself? As a psychologist, Cy has a great message about what makes a healthy community and what makes hers thrive, even with millennials. Cy has a vision for the future of work and what you need to remember is this: it’s not something that’s going to happen TO us. It’s something we need to do for ourselves. It’s where we go beyond ego, salary, title, and all the other things that seem so important to us now. How and why should we do it? Cy shares what drives her to do the work she does. With the future of work being AI and automation, we’re left wondering if the future holds any place for heart and for love. Laurie poses the question to Cy, and she’s got a very heart-centered answer for you. And it all comes back to people and the concept of ego. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Cy Wakeman Find her @cywakeman everywhere on the Internet! Reality-Based Leadership: http://www.realitybasedleadership.com/  Life's Messy Live Happy Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LifesMessyLiveHappy/ No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results https://amzn.to/2uqfPGc   Reality-Based Leadership: Ditch the Drama, Restore Sanity to the Workplace, and Turn Excuses into Results https://amzn.to/2ul0tTg

You’ve heard the saying, opinions are like… armpits, right? So is advice. Everyone has them and most of them stink, especially when it comes to careers. But Alison Green has some advice about advice for you; you’ve got to separate the good from the bad, and you have to pick your battles. Today, she and Laurie talk about crappy advice, what it takes to be a great leader, and what she wishes all managers knew. Bad advice isn’t limited to careers. It all stems from a much bigger problem: we think we know what’s best for another person and their life. We’ve all had jobs, and as a result, we all have opinions about how they should be. But the truth is, most of us have trouble acting on the advice we give AND receive. Alison even has a folder full of questions asking for her advice on topics where there IS no great answer, including farting at work. Seriously. Not all advice is crappy (pun intended). Every once in a while, we get a gem that can fix a situation or even change the way we think. Alison had one such piece of advice early in her career: pick your battles. Despite it being good advice, Alison had a hard time swallowing it, and she explains why. Twenty-somethings, this is for YOU. Laurie also shares a piece of advice she got that she has patently ignored. Great leaders get where they are by filtering the good advice from the bad, and there are some key aspects they share. Drive and commitment are a given if you want to get results. But some of the other things Alison believes are required for good leadership might be a little difficult for you to embrace. While there are some great leaders, there are plenty who are lacking, and Alison shares her theory on why there are so many of them. Conflict avoidance is one of the most pervasive issues in management. People don’t want to have difficult conversations, and it leads to terrible work cultures. Alison shares a story about a difficult conversation she had to have with an employee, and you should DEFINITELY take notes on how she handled it. Do you have to be a people person to manage people? Ask 10 people and you’ll get 10 different answers because, you guessed it, we all have our own advice to give. But if you want GOOD advice, Alison wrote the book on it, Ask a Manager. She shares whether you really need to be a people person if you want to lead well. Introverts, according to Alison, you CAN be a great manager. As an employee, or even as a manager, you’ve probably come across the sense of secrecy about management. So what do managers wish you knew? Alison has some great thoughts about that, and first among those is that it’s okay for an employee to speak up. She shares when it’s appropriate and how much you should divulge. Alison’s new book, Ask a Manager, isn’t just a collection of blog posts she’s written over the years. Instead, Alison took all she’s learned and created a handbook for managers. Specifically, ‘what to say when,’ and other things that you can actually learn and apply to your daily interactions with employees. Alison gives you the language to use for awkward and cringey conversations. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Alison Green Ask a Manager Website Slate Articles New York Magazine Articles Twitter Facebook

Shawn Madden is made of fun. No, really. His company, Fun Corp, runs ‘friend building’ parties for small to medium sized teams and companies to help create real social connections and friendships that directly affect culture. Because his business is mostly fun and games, Shawn has a unique perspective on the workforce because he takes employees OUT of their normal habitat. You might be surprised at what he sees as a result. There are two ‘dirty f-words’ at work, fun and friends, and this is where Shawn believes that work is broken. People are almost afraid to be social at work the way they are in life, so they end up with a sharp divide, which Shawn explains as ‘Facebook is for friends, LinkedIn is for co-workers.’ Now Shawn claims that it’s science that it’s good to have fun at work, and he reveals why. You’ll often find that friendships at work can cause trouble, especially when it’s between a manager and an employee. But it’s really not that different than having falling-outs with your friends in life. Shawn poses the question: is it a matter of touching a hot stove or falling off a bike? He explains why the distinction matters. Shawn has a plan for fixing work, even though many leaders are resistant to it. Rather than invading the workplace, he’s inviting teams out of the office to connect in different ways: company parties. It’s the one box that company managers know they need to check off whether they believe in being social at work or not. Oh, and introverts? Fun Corp hasn’t forgotten about you. Laurie and Shawn don’t necessarily see eye-to-eye on team building. In fact, Laurie owns the domain name teambuildingisforsuckers.com. (For real!) Laurie believes that companies put on events to help themselves, not their employees, and it’s all for profit. Shawn doesn’t disagree, but he explains why his approach is very different. How does Shawn know what he’s doing is working? It’s from the stories they get back after hosting an event for a company. It’s when the employees want to keep the party going at the office. Well, sans alcohol and giant Jenga. But people who used to walk the halls with their heads down now have fun memories in common. Despite the fact that Shawn’s current strategy is to get teams out of their environments, when he looks at the future of work, he poses the question: do we really need to leave the office to have a party? How would YOU feel if your boss decided that they were going to give you 4 hours off on a Tuesday so that you and your co-workers could party and bond together? Shawn talks about other ways that leaders can bring fun back to work. Planning parties isn’t easy. And getting leaders to engage is challenging, too. Shawn recommends a simple game that teams can start playing tomorrow: High, Low, Betcha Didn’t Know. He and Laurie play it live, and you’ll see from Shawn’s recommendation of a tour guide for Laurie how effective it can be in making connections. Shawn also shares the ONE metric you should use to see whether or not the party went well. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Shawn Madden at Fun Corp Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Elisa Camahort Page co-founded BlogHer, later became the CCO at SheKnows Media after they acquired BlogHer, and is now a writer and consultant. Entrepreneur, speaker, conference leader, and blogger, Elisa has the type of bird’s-eye view of work the rest of us can only dream of. Laurie and Elisa talk about the disconnected workforce, the gig economy, and the rise of those brave souls who are daring to be their whole selves at work. Elisa has a unique view of why work is broken. Have you ever noticed that the higher up someone gets in the management chain, the more disconnected they become from what they did before? That disconnect turns into a fundamental lack of empathy. But here’s the kicker – that lack of empathy goes in BOTH directions. Elisa has been at the top of the management chain, and she approached the problem of empathy directly. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur who is looking for a partner or co-founder, you know it isn’t easy. Elisa has some very practical advice for finding the right person: date them. Not romantically, but work on a project together before you launch a company. You’ll thank her later. She shares the story of how she and someone she barely knew founded BlogHer. Many of the issues we’re discussing in this day and age (wage gaps, family leave, etc.) were front and center for BlogHer in 2008 – a decade ago. That fact alone makes the idea of change seem like a lost cause. But is it? Elisa shares what is disappointing for her, but also, where she has hope for the future. The first one might surprise you: working from home. Then, there’s the gig economy. With so many people working from home as contractors, what about benefits? How is automation affecting jobs? Why is wealth being concentrated in the hands of so few? Is it possible to outsource and globalize yourself out of having a workforce that is engaged? Elisa and Laurie pick apart what the future of work looks like. At BlogHer, Elisa and her crew were looking at how women can be fairly compensated and fairly heard in the workplace, and she brings some happy news. As side hustles become main hustles, there’s a lot more hope for marginalized groups to earn what they deserve. And there’s a hidden benefit to this as the gig economy allows us to bring our WHOLE selves to work, not the version of us that corporations want. Have you ever heard of a ‘work-life advocate?’ These people are coming from a place of not being politically engaged or familiar with social issues, but in recent years, they’ve become galvanized. To do what? Elisa explains what work-life advocates are… are you one of them? This is one of those cases where it might do a later generation well to learn from the younger ones. There are some companies out there who are doing it right. Take, for example, the company who makes Wordpress. They don’t even have a headquarters; they meet regularly, but everything they do is remote. People who can’t work in traditional settings flock to companies like this, and the flexibility they provide is incredible. We’ve covered the ideas of living wages, dividends, and universal basic income. Like many of our other guests, Elisa doesn’t see another option, especially with automation and globalism. Alaskans get a dividend from oil, but have you thought about the tech industry doing something similar? With automation and outsourcing, there ARE no jobs. In closing, Elisa tells the story of a boss who told her she needed to lower the expectations of her employees when they were upset they didn’t have the time or resources to do their jobs well. As you can imagine, that didn’t go over well with Elisa. You have to hear what she asked HIM to do instead. And the point of the story is this: do you understand the difference between satisfaction and happiness? The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Elisa Camahort Page Website/Speaking Preorder Book: Road Map for Revolutionaries LinkedIn SheKnows Media Website LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Robert Sutton is a Professor of Management Science and Engineering and a Professor of Organizational Behavior (by courtesy) at Stanford University. He co-founded the Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP) and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (which everyone calls “the d.school”). He’s also a Ph. D., but he doesn’t like to be called Doctor, or even Robert. His latest book is called The Asshole Survival Guide: How to Deal With People Who Treat You Like Dirt, and that’s what he and Laurie talk about on today’s episode. Bob and Laurie both think the management landscape is broken, and according to Bob, managers tend to make two major mistakes. First, they overestimate their own value. In practice, this means that the more they micromanage employees, the more highly they'll rate their employees’ performance, whether they actually perform better or not. Second, managers don't know when to back off. It’s true: when an authority figure is in the room, it has a stifling effect – and Bob reveals why leaving the room is often the better move. What’s the solution? Bob argues that we do need some management, but we need as little as we can get away with. Think about it: nowhere in the animal kingdom or in human society does there exist a group without some sort of pecking order. Google tried to get rid of it in the early days, but that blew up in their faces. Bob shares another story about GitHub’s dysfunctional lack of management adhocracy which led to every business owner’s worst nightmares and a founder getting forced out. So where do you land between ‘Lord of the Flies’ and militaristic management? Laurie and Bob talk about the difference between authority and authoritarian assholes, and between narcissists and guilt-prone leaders. What do you do if you’ve just founded a company and are looking to build strong leadership without being a stifling leader? Bob believes that the best leaders have ‘strong opinions that are weakly held.’ They also bring in people who offset their own weaknesses. Finally, if you’re going to be a leader, you HAVE to be resilient. Want some quick and dirty advice on how to deal with assholes when you’re stuck in your job and you can't get out? Bob’s got some tips for you. In fact, he’s the expert on how to deal with assholes; he even wrote the book on it. But the answer is probably going to shock you, and he shares a story of someone who worked at Apple for 25 years and how he avoided Steve Jobs’ wrath. You also don’t want to miss the technique another of Bob’s colleagues uses on assholes – he deals with this problem like a research scientist would! On a more poignant note, Bob and Laurie discuss some of the greatest scandals in the past decades, from sexual abuse in the Catholic Church to Bill Cosby to Harvey Weinstein – there is strength in numbers. When you have people around you standing up for the same reason you are, you can no longer be singled out as a crazy person. Bob’s latest passion project is spearheaded by his podcast, Friction. What is organizational friction? Bob’s learned a lot about it – he and his co-host have tracked organizations as they scale, and how great ideas and excellence can spread, but the big obstacle is continuing to do the great things they’ve been doing all along. Friction, frustration, and fatigue – they bring everyone down. But in his research, Bob has also found good things about friction, such as when friction was a result of a problem that could be fixed. Bob gives us a preview of an episode of his podcast that hasn’t come out yet, a husband and wife team who run a 7-person restaurant chain in the San Francisco area. From dealing with substance abuse to the rhythm of the typical workday, Bob details some of the areas of friction they deal with. How do they do it? Like it or not: the answer is hierarchy. When is friction good or bad? Are there times when you should embrace the friction or you should change the system to eliminate it? Bob shares a wealth of insights on how to deal with friction in the workplace. One of these is ‘the cone of friction.’ It’s a person who, wherever they go, cause friction around them. He also draws in the legendary George Carlin’s saying: “Your stuff is shit; my shit is stuff.” Some of the worst managers and leaders act like children and lick the cookie. Rebecca Hinds was a guest on Bob’s podcast, and he shares the DIY sabotage that creates bottlenecks and breakpoints within a company. Shifting gears, you have probably noticed the trend of many companies to celebrate failure. Fail forward! Fail fast! But is this the best path? Certainly, we shouldn’t run from it, but if we’re going to fail, we should be failing in new and interesting ways. Bob and Laurie talk about what healthy failure looks like. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Bob Sutton Website Twitter LinkedIn Friction Podcast Asshole Videos Books Podcast Appearances Bob’s Favorite Friction Podcast Episodes Don’t Sugar Coat Your Culture with Patty McCord Friction’s Antidote: Radical Candor with Kim Scott DIY Sabotage: Lick the Cookie with Rebecca Hinds of Dropbox

Sam Weston is attempting the impossible: trying to educate our lawmakers about technology and its effect on the workforce. Okay, maybe it’s not impossible, but so far, it’s been an uphill battle as automation and artificial intelligence have continued to take jobs from people who need them. There’s no support for those people, and Sam’s mission is not just to raise awareness; he aims to help those lawmakers by giving them context with awareness, and a plan to make things better. Sam was born in New Zealand and began his career in politics there, but it wasn’t long before he came to the US to become a political consultant. From there, he stepped into PR and then into an Internet agency where he participated in the early days of the Internet and saw its impact on business. The Internet has been great for business. We all know this. But there’s a hidden truth that no one wants to talk about. Businesses have been growing but it’s at the expense of employees, and the Internet explosion threw fuel on the fire. Consider: Facebook changed the world, but have all the changes been good? No doubt you’ve seen a million different promises that if you fix THIS ONE THING, you’ll fix work for yourself. It’s the perfect marketing pitch. But according to Sam, fixing one problem won’t fix all of work. In fact, a lot of what people say is broken about work isn’t really broken at all. Case in point: communication. So, if all these problems are just symptoms, then what is the actual problem? It’s simple: no one is fixing work for employees. All the consultants, programs, and courses are trying to fix work for the company instead. Most employers are happy with the way things are and Sam reveals what’s really on their minds when they think of fixing work. If you’re a cynic, you’ll agree. As always, there’s an underlying problem here: the interests of a company are its shareholders. And that interest will always be diametrically opposed to the interest of the employee who asks, ‘how can I get paid what I’m worth?’ A different sort of problem for those who don’t struggle to earn enough to live is finding purpose and meaning in their work. They wonder if they’re wasting their lives. The amount of change rushing toward the workforce is massive. With the advent of AI and technology, more and more jobs will be disappearing. Importantly, this second rush of automation won’t just affect automotive industries and factory workers; it’s the white-collar workers who will bear the brunt of this coming change. Laurie asks a scary question, ‘is the future of work NOT work?’ Sam believes the jury is out on whether the number of jobs AI creates will be more or less than the number of jobs it destroys. But here’s the parallel issue: no one is talking about the jobs it will destroy. We already don’t have a great track record of supporting people whose jobs were either outsourced or taken by robots, and it brings up an interesting discussion around politics (of course) and how the Democratic party has become more about the status quo instead of for the working class. You’ll want to hear what Sam and Laurie have to say about political capital and what it means for change. Do you agree? With all the gloom and doom of business interests and the AI tidal wave that’s about to hit, we have to wonder what’s standing in the way of truly fixing the systemic problems of work? Sam’s response is so dead-on that you’ll be nodding along: our policymakers are technology-illiterate. They don’t understand the problem or how to fix it. According to Sam, we are drowning in awareness of problems, but we aren’t drowning in change. This is what he’s dedicated himself to fixing. If we can present the problems that technology brings, give it context, and make it matter to policymakers, that is a HUGE step forward in heading off the issues before they arise. Another problem with political leaders is that they’re having the same arguments they’ve been having for nearly 60 years. They lack a real vision for the future, so their policies don’t encompass that. Whether you like Elon Musk or not, the man knows how to look toward the future, and both policymakers AND business owners can learn from him. It might not only be up to policymakers and business owners to create a vision for the future. In the past, families like the Rockefellers and Carnegies have done amazing work, so where are the new millionaires and billionaires who are creating real, positive change in our world? (If that’s you, Sam has some pointed advice that can help you make almost immediate change and why you shouldn’t focus on foundations.) The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Find Sam Online: Sam Weston's Website Twitter LinkedIn Essence Global on Facebook

Laurie gets emails all the time with the same question: ‘Should I quit my job?’ She admits right off she might not be the best person to ask; she’s not exactly driven to work. Despite that, she’s been in the HR world for the past 25 years and she’s seen it all. Laurie begins with the first answer she generally gives: Yes. Quit your job. Here’s why. Let’s get one thing straight. You don’t write in asking if you should quit your job for no reason. You’re asking because you WANT to quit your job and you want permission to do it. But in today’s society, we’re expected to ask for advice, to get consensus and validation. Consider this your green light. Stop asking and just go for it. There’s another group of people who actually love what they do but they’re embroiled in wage gaps, #MeToo issues, terrible bosses, and bad work environments in general. It doesn’t seem fair that they have to quit their jobs, but Laurie has some tough love that you need to hear. Maybe your job is craptastic and the only reason you’re in it is that you can’t find another job. Know this: you are not expected to keep yourself in a toxic environment. If you can’t find one job to replace the terrible one, then find two. Do whatever it takes to get yourself out of the toxic situation because it is slowly killing you. It is self-abuse. Stop it! You deserve better. Are you angling toward something more entrepreneurial? Maybe a swim school or frozen yogurt stand? Great! If you’re determined to be your own boss, then bet on yourself. Get a business plan and get to work. But make sure you’re ramping up first. Don’t quite a job and THEN start a company; it’s a recipe for disaster. Are you really struggling with the decision? Then get someone qualified to help you work through it. We’re not talking about some sketchy Internet life coach who is using you to self-soothe their own past. Laurie recommends talking with a psychiatrist or psychologist – no, really! If that’s not an option, check out The Muse. They have certified career coaches to help you take the right steps when you’re ready to quit work. Finally, if you’re determined to quit your job, make sure you take all your paid time off and exhaust every benefit in your employee handbook. Use your health insurance to make sure you’re well; go to the dentist, the eye doctor. While you’re doing this, try to remember why you accepted the job in the first place. What made you say yes? Is it worth leaving? Think through it. Laurie’s final piece of advice is instrumental: expand your network. Talk to smart people. If you truly CAN’T leave your job and it’s a toxic environment, then you need good people around you. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Episodes referenced in this podcast: Eric Barker Episode on being smart about choosing your job Katrina Kibben Episode on how to ramp up a business Ben Brooks Episode on democratizing coaching Scott Stratten Episode on burning down your career Other links: The Muse Unmarketing podcast with Scott Stratten   IF YOU NEED HELP: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline United States Call 1-800-273-8255 - Available 24 hours every day Crisis text line: Text CONNECT to 741741 in the United States. List of international suicide hotline numbers Workaholics Anonymous The Forces Driving Middle-Aged White People's 'Deaths of Despair'

Has your company tried to implement leadership training that ended up doing absolutely nothing for the leaders or the employees? If so, you’re not alone, and it’s because they’re missing a key component in what makes a great leader: accountability. Today’s guest, Vince Molinaro is an expert on the subject. In fact, he wrote the book on it, The Leadership Contract. He and Laurie talk about the 5 behaviors of accountable leaders and ways to fix a disengaged, broken workforce. Vince Molinaro is a thought leader and consultant, and author of the fantastic book, The Leadership Contract. We all have our stories about work and the leadership we experienced, some good and some bad. But some of them are just lukewarm. Dead and dull, the daily grind, even in sectors where the work itself is life-changing. Vince shares the story of his time at a company like that, and the heartbreaking reason why the turnaround his mentor and leader spearheaded ended up failing and the toxicity that was behind a curtain. This experience is what set Vince on his path of thought leadership. Vince’s former mentor and boss was the epitome of great leadership. Not only did she have what Vince calls leadership ESP, but she also shielded him and the other employees from the toxicity of upper management. All that Vince does, he does in memory of his mentor. She inspired him to work only with truly great leaders. Is there one, standard definition of what great leadership is, or does it vary from organization to organization? Vince has spent a long time learning and researching that very questions, and what he’s found is that while companies are investing more and more in leadership programs, they aren’t happy with the outcomes. It all comes down to accountability. Vince shares the 5 behaviors that describe a truly accountable leader: holds others to high standards of performance, is excited about the company and shows that enthusiasm every day, has the courage to tackle tough issues and the courage to have difficult conversations, knows how to cascade and communicate strategy, and one who keeps their eyes truly open. Models of businesses and leadership are changing, so do those behaviors still hold true? Laurie and Vince discuss how we are more dependent on each other than ever before, and how leadership doesn’t just come from the top. If companies are going to succeed, they need a new brand of leadership accountability. How can you be accountable if you don’t have any real power? Mid-level managers face this dilemma all the time, as Laurie points out, and Vince explains what a dual response is and what it means for you AND your upper management leaders. Laurie points to the chicken and egg problem with trying to find future leaders in a workforce that is largely disengaged. She and Vince talk about the huge opportunities companies have missed and instead have tried foosball tables and cafeterias to increase engagement. For example, focusing on leader engagement sets off a ripple effect throughout the entire company. Don’t kill the souls of the people who work for you. Please. Do us all a favor and take Vince’s advice on how to get your passion back and become engaged once again in your role as a leader. First of all, you have an obligation to lead. Leadership is a contract (which is why he named his book The Leadership Contract). But you ALSO have an obligation to yourself to fulfill, and that is to ask yourself whether you’re really meant for a leadership role. Vince brings a measure of optimism to Laurie’s normal cynicism, and he shares his thoughts on how you can fix work for yourself. Yes, the robots are coming. There’s AI. There’s employee disengagement all around. But then there’s YOU. You have a wealth of experience in the trenches, and Vince reveals how you can be the change you hope to see at work and the tremendous opportunities that await you. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Links from this episode: The Leadership Contract Vince on LinkedIn

Chances are you’ve already seen the Gender Equity Iceberg, and today, Laurie talks with Adrienne Murphy, Ph.D., of Dimitry|Murphy & Associates. Adrienne is a wicked smart psychologist, business leader, and consultant who works with professional women to align their jobs with their values. But what’s more is that Adrienne helps these women find their voice, develop their careers, and break through glass ceilings. Even so, her common-sense approach to careers and life can help men, too. Adrienne doesn’t just believe that work is broken. She has proof. She held a focus group filled with professional women who have opted out of the workforce and instead, spent their time doing ‘meaning-making’ work. These are the types of women, along with first-time professionals, are the focus of Adrienne’s work. When Adrienne works with these women, she has two primary things to teach. First, your career is an asset, just like your portfolio. Second, if you want to be something more than a director, you need to know yourself. Adrienne explains what she means and gives some great examples of how to do both. Laurie and Adrienne dig into the layer beneath opting out of the workforce by asking why these women choose to follow a different path, and the reason might surprise you. Naturally, there’s the money, the hierarchy, the inequality, the glass ceiling, but that’s not all. Adrienne believes that it’s also values that clash with one other within a single woman. It’s not always easy to use your voice when you don’t have words to describe the problems you experience. Adrienne has some powerful advice for you that includes sitting with your feelings for enough time to give them words, and then being mindful of how you communicate them to others. Have you seen the Gender Equity Iceberg infographic in your social media feeds? (If not, find it here!) Laurie and Adrienne take a closer look at the iceberg theory, from legal to cultural issues, and what to do about them. In addition, the illegal actions that occur won’t go away until the cultural behaviors, those below the waterline on the iceberg, are dealt with as well. Would you believe that some companies are actually recognizing fathers and their role in parenting by giving them paternity leave? It’s this and a few other heartwarming things Adrienne shares that gives her hope about the future of work. Speaking of the future of work, Adrienne has an interesting viewpoint of how technology will help people map out their career path. But what is REALLY fascinating is how she believes that women have influenced the workforce in such a way that the traditional hierarchy will give way to project-based organization. Adrienne has some beautiful words to share around #itdoesnthavetobethisway. You might not be able to make change in your life immediately, but with a plan and an open mind, your life doesn’t have to be this way. Links from this episode: Adrienne Murphy Twitter Facebook Website The Gender Equity Iceberg (Download) Other links: Jane Harmon

Katrina has a unique way of fixing work. She’s blazed a trail into nearly uncharted territory with an audacious goal: to take high volume, low retention jobs and make them not suck. She’s not afraid of a challenge; one of her clients hires people for split-shifts to work with small children. We love kids, don’t get us wrong. But it’s not always easy to work with a group of someone else’s kids. So, Katrina wants to help people find the right job, not just any job. It’s not all on the employee to find the right job, which is why Katrina focuses on teaching the employers what that phrase means. Katrina rounds out her list of places that suffer from high turnover rates. Have you ever held one of these jobs? And if you’re the one hiring for these positions, well. You’ll want to take notes. How does Katrina help these employers? She explains some of the first things she does when she comes in to consult with a company. First among them is taking a psychological profile of the top, most successful, employees in the role. Katrina draws on her own personal experience when working with her clients, and she makes an ‘on the nose’ observation about how she felt in her various roles. She was needed but not valued. Take a moment and let that sink in. Needed but not valued. Katrina has a unique combination of skills which has landed her in a strange array of jobs, and she shares how, no matter the size of the company, no matter the job title, the day-to-day experience rarely changed. And that’s why she started her own company. Laurie makes an interesting assertion that employees rarely grow within a company. Instead, they grow by going from one job to another. This is especially true for Katrina; as a consultant, she hops from one situation to another, and in doing so, she’s fixed work for herself. It wasn’t an easy road for her; she was conditioned to the stability of a guaranteed paycheck every month. Her first stint as an entrepreneur didn’t end well, and it wasn’t because of lack of clients. It was because of fear. Katrina was much more focused for Round 2 of being an entrepreneur. She reveals her mindset and what she did differently this time around, a lesson you can take if you’re ready to break out of your own job and fix work for yourself. Even if your parents were strict military. If you’re currently struggling in YOUR role, Katrina has some fantastic advice. But to start, you have to answer one question. Are you going to stay or are you ready to leave? Staying at a company where you’re unhappy IS a valid choice, but there’s a very important consideration. If you can’t be honest and transparent about your unhappiness, then you need to leave. As a manager, keeping your employees motivated and engaged is a constant battle. So is keeping yourself motivated and engaged. Katrina shares WHY retail jobs are so challenging and it all comes down to one thing: the more humans you have to encounter in one day increases the ratio of assholes you deal with. You might think that good jobs don’t exist in retail jobs. But Katrina says that isn’t true, at least for all people. There is one problem at work that Katrina is currently obsessing over that no one else is even thinking about. It’s the Fallacies of Work, a rote list of do’s and do not’s that somehow still exist from a totally different age, and Katrina smashes every single one of them. The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free! Katrina Kibben: Three Ears Media Blog Three Ears Media Website LinkedIn Twitter

So far no one has challenged Laurie on her premise that work is broken. Until today. Eric Barker is the author of the bestselling book, Barking Up The Wrong Tree, and he believes that issues with managing people and organizing them to accomplish things is a perennial challenge. In fact, he doesn’t believe work is broken because it was never fixed in the first place. Dive in with Laurie and Eric in this stimulating conversation about the state of work. Eric explains why he doesn’t think work is broken, and it’s because he believes it was never fixed in the first place. From technology changes to cultural changes, work is a perennial problem, and you might be inclined to agree with him on this point. Aside from loving the title of his book, it was also Laurie's favorite non-fiction book of 2017. She asks him a pointed question about success. There are many misconceptions, so you might want to check your own beliefs about what success at works really means. Is it the quality of work? Is it the quantity? Does success in one department look the same as success in another? What about from one manager to the next, and personality conflicts? Eric tackles these tough topics and more. Eric shares something EVERY job-searcher should know when they go into an interview. You see, peer pressure isn’t just something that affects teenagers. It affects us at every age, and the most insidious part of it according to Eric is that we don’t even realize it. What is ‘learned helplessness’ at work? It’s when employees don’t have a sense of agency and felt like they actually could make choices, even exercise a single choice. It turns employees into victims, and Eric gives some very solid steps you can take today to pull yourself up from that position. Volunteering can change your life. It’s true, but why? Eric and Laurie talk about the different thing you can do, and it’s not just about helping others. It’s about changing your sense of worth and identity. You aren’t your job. You are a person and we, as people, can easily get caught in destructive loops. And don’t worry; you don’t need to volunteer for 50 hours a week. You can do it for as little as 2 hours and feel the effects. The Venn Diagram of happiness and success definitely overlap, but not completely. Eric and Laurie investigate what it really means when the two overlap, and the tricky areas where they don’t. Does your work environment allow you to do what you do best? Or what if you’re happy with your job but not successful? What’s in store for you when you’re outside of Venn’s sweet spot? Let’s get one thing straight – if you’re going to fix work, you’ll have to start by fixing yourself. This concept can get VERY woo-woo when you listen to some of the inspirational speakers out there. They think they can make change by ‘whispering a few words’ in your ears. Laurie isn’t big on that. Mindfulness and meditation are good, no doubt, but she and Eric have a deep discussion about what kind of self-help is really needed. By the way… it’s your fault. You can’t underestimate the importance of relationships in work and life. So much of the unhappiness in the world is caused by loneliness. Eric lays out some scenarios. Do any of these sound familiar to you in your life? If you’re going to invest in anything, invest in relationships. Find Eric: Website/Blog LinkedIn Barking Up The Wrong Tree Book The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free!

What is the future of work? Katie Augsburger is the Founder and Partner of Future Work Design, an organization that wants to smash the patriarchy and decenter whiteness. Okay – before anyone starts bristling about being pushed out, that’s not her intent. Katie has some amazing ideas of how helping those with least access can benefit all employees. Katie has two answers to the question, ‘How do you fix work?’ The first one is pretty cheeky and involves smashing things, but the second one takes a deeper look at the design of work. But first, she shares a story of walking into a women’s bathroom and finding a row of urinals. We’re told as women to lean into the systems, but they aren’t built for us. Part of what Katie does is to break systems. She talks about how she doesn’t try to get rid of white men; she’s trying to make room for women. If you haven’t heard of the ‘curbside’ effect, then you need to listen to the analogy. Using her theory of the curbside effect, she comes into companies with a radically different way of looking at things. How can we put the least advantaged people in the center of the design, and how will that help everyone succeed? One of the best ways Katie get results is to ask questions. Not the typical questions managers ask quarterly or whatever, but deep reaching questions from the bottom all the way to the top. She talks about how smashing the old system and creating something new has worked out for one of her clients. Companies tend to hire for skills and tech, but fire for behavior and soft skills. It’s this systematized, procedural way of looking at things that creates problems. But Katie believes it’s the soft skills, the behaviors, that will make or break the systems and processes. Laurie poses the question: is it harder for companies to hold an open dialogue on gender issues or race issues? Katie and Laurie share their theories on why it’s more difficult to talk about race. Not every company needs to be smashed. Katie shares a case study of a call center that, despite being an undesirable job, has managed to make THEIR work meaningful and impactful to their employees. Another great company Katie likes is Airbnb, and she reveals why. Katie wraps up the episode with her approach to smashing the patriarchy and decentralizing whiteness, and it comes from a place of great compassion. She’s not interested in pushing out anyone who is white or male; instead, she wants to make things better for everyone by making it better for those who are great employees but don’t measure up on the outdated yardstick. Find Katie: LinkedIn Website The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free!

Ben Brooks was THE guy in HR. He had it all, but then he left it all to became an entrepreneur. Today Ben and Laurie talk about how coaching, whether it’s with a coach or on your own, can help you fix yourself AND your work. Not sure what life coaching is or why it matters? They’ll answer these questions and more in today’s episode. Ben talks about this ‘arranged marriage’ to corporate America, and how it really didn’t fit with his ideas of innovation and making things better. In fact, one of his peers told him point blank: he had outgrown a 50,000-person company. Ben shares what a gift that message was. Ben took a little time before beginning his journey into entrepreneurship, and what finally changed his mind about it was a name tag. Would he choose unemployed, entrepreneur, or employee? After a week among entrepreneurs, Ben realized he’d found his tribe. Ben did what a lot of new entrepreneurs do: he started without a real business plan. He reveals what he learned about business plans, what his first little while was like, and when things finally took a positive turn for him. He shares his thought about generalist advisers, and what he says will surprise you: you don’t absolutely NEED to be in a niche, not in today’s world. Ben talks about what he calls ‘democratizing coaching.’ In a nutshell, it means getting coaching to more people, when they need it, and at prices they can afford. He explains why he was driven to do this rather than set up a $500/hr coaching practice. Ben’s revelation about group coaching surprises Laurie, and it will probably surprise you, too. One of the problems Ben ran into with Pilot, his coaching company, was that people loved it but they believed their company should pay for employment coaching. So he turned to companies, and while many of them won’t invest in it, there is a distinct group of forward-thinking leaders who have, like those at MetLife. Do you need a business coach? Before you answer, listen to what Ben has to say about it. He likens it to marriage counseling. If you’ve ever been fired or left a job, are you able to see past your emotions and understand what really went wrong? Are you able to fix it for yourself? The answer may not be to start your OWN business, because if you aren’t able to fix yourself, entrepreneurship won’t do it for you. According to people smarter than us, one of the biggest factors of happiness at work is self-advocacy. Ben and Laurie discuss what that means and why it seems to be more difficult for women. They also reveal what to do to be a better advocate for yourself. Ben leaves his final message that everyone needs to hear: Take command of your career. It’s the tagline of his business, Pilot. He shares the inspiration behind it, and why it will change your life. Want to know more about Ben? Find him here: Pilot website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest YouTube The DIY HR Handbook Wouldn't you love to get your hands on Laurie's no-holds-barred, honest DIY HR Handbook for employees and pros alike? Download it for free!

Have you ever effed something up so badly you’re not sure if anything will get better ever again? Laurie has. In this candid, bonus episode, she shares her biggest failure – a product called GlitchPlan that was supposed to help you do pre-mortem on a situation. What’s that? Laurie explains the concept and talks about how she’d been doing it herself for a lifetime. It was a sure thing, or so she thought. Laurie explains what the concept of pre-mortem is and shares some very painful moments in her past where she was forced to use it to make life-changing decisions. It’s one of her core mantras: if you can see it, you can beat it. Laurie and her partner pulled together a team of 5, all of whom were experts, but all of whom were also employed elsewhere. Except Laurie. That was the first indicator of failure. Laurie talks about what her life was like being a CEO of a company whose employees weren’t engaged. But the employees weren’t the only ones to blame. Laurie talks about how she failed them. One of the next indicators of failure Laurie shares was that, in hindsight, if your tech team won’t even use what they’re building, there’s something wrong. Laurie was using it, though, and her pre-mortem problem lists weren’t being avoided. They were happening right before her eyes. In other words, she used her own product to watch its development fail. Oh, the irony. Laurie ended up firing part of her team, but she wasn’t finished with GlitchPath just yet. After some reflection, she brought together another set of people – and she has great experience as a recruiter. But she said something in her job ad that had people coming out of the woodwork to gripe at her. It was just two little words and it was the best thing she did during the entire GlitchPath experience. Version two of Laurie’s team was amazing. Except for two things. The team wouldn’t use it. Again. Laurie tells the story of development of a product no one wanted to use. The second problem? No one else wanted to use it. Laurie reveals the interesting reason why; it has to do with fear at work. Laurie’s third goal was to integrate GlitchPath into other apps and tools on the market: Slack, Asana, Basecamp, etc. Her two lessons there were 1) most companies use weird project management, and 2) none of those tool companies would every buy her out, which she had hoped for from the beginning. Laurie still loves the pre-mortem concept, but GlitchPath was a dead end. She brought her team together and killed it for the second, and final, time. She shares the big lessons she learned from GlitchPath, personally and professionally. Enjoy this bonus episode? Do you want more like it? We’re thinking about putting together a community where you’ll get all normal content PLUS juicy tidbits, stories, access to Laurie, and an inside look at how she’s fixing work. Let us know! Email us at hello@letsfixwork.com.

Maybe you despise work. Maybe you’re apathetic about it. Or maybe work would be bearable if it weren’t for that one co-worker who always… You get the picture. Most people aren’t passionate about their cubicles. We’ve had some interesting guests over the past few weeks, and today, Laurie shares her takeaways from those conversations and some of her own theories on how to fix work, starting with one very important thing: to fix work, you need to fix yourself. Stop living in your head and comparing yourself to others. You ARE going to face things like institutionalized racism, sexism, ageism and more, and that’s terrible. But you can’t let that force you into your own mental prison. If you’re going to fix yourself, you need to live in the present and live mindfully. You need to be an active participant in your own life. Scott Stratton, the author of UnMarketing, was Laurie’s first guest, and he was fearless in burning down his corporate career. The lesson to take from him is that when your job is killing your soul, you should burn down your professional life and build it back up again. You don’t have to do it like Scott did; Laurie argues for a slow, well-planned burn. We had another Scott next, Scott Santens. He’s known as the foremost thinker and speaker on basic income. It’s not welfare; instead, it’s a dividend. Companies hide profits overseas. They lobby the government for their own benefit, not yours. And the money they save isn’t invested in employees, not at all. Laurie explains how the basic income is needed, and why it needed now more than ever. People need to get fairly paid for their work, and that will only happen with wage transparency, both with employees and employers. Laurie challenges you to ask YOUR potential employers a series of questions that, while they might make them uncomfortable, you need to, and have a RIGHT to know. Jason Lauritsen was up next as a guest, and he and Laurie delved into what you can do to get clear on your goal for your work life. Sure, he hates work. But he doesn’t hate working. They talked about his evolution from cubicle to entrepreneurship and doing it the safer way. It all began with learning. Laurie shares another of her insights to work: we fix work by deprioritizing it in our lives. Hard to do? Of course it is! We need to pay our bills. But even when you’re paying your bills, you can still separate your identity from your job title, and Laure tells you how to do it. She also dares you to only give 80% at work. Guest #4 was Amanda Hite, another of Laurie’s friends. Amanda has had an interesting life, and at one point, she had a boss who encouraged her to stay in the closet to advance her career. Really. Now that Amanda is a successful CEO, she wants people to be their whole selves at work, and she campaigns for employees to be heard and honored, even if it makes management a little more challenging. You need to drop the mask you’re wearing on an everyday basis. It’s not doing you any good to pretend to be someone else, to try to fulfill a role that isn’t you. You can’t live two lives. Laurie believes that we can fix work by having a harmonized personality that reflects your passion, your sense of purpose, and our core values. There’s only one you. So be you. Tim Sackett was the next guest, and he is an expert on recruiters. Yes – the Jerry McGuire type of recruiter who fights to put the best talent in the best jobs. Except they aren’t usually like that. Some – or most – are shady paper-pushers who are only in it for the money. It doesn’t have to be that way, but since you can’t change the recruiters, you can be your OWN talent agent. Laurie explains how. Laurie had a careers reporter from Business Insider as her most recent guest. Áine Cain is the type of woman who breaks the barriers and smashes stereotypes for the next generation of workers in offices. From #MeToo to robot workers, Áine has an exciting breadth of knowledge from her role in Business Insider. She also thinks you should smash your own pseudo-science around generational thinking. Laurie shares what you SHOULD be thinking about instead. Are you interested in a ‘Let’s Fix Work’ community, where you can get freebies, early access to the podcast, interact with Laurie and guests? Are you interested in sponsoring the podcast? Let’s talk! Email us at hello@letsfixwork.com. As always, if you like the show, subscribe and leave us a review!

Wanna know why work sucks? Ask Áine Cain. She’s a careers and employment reporter for Business Insider, and her experience covering multiple workplaces gives her a unique insight into what makes a great – or terrible – place to work. From the #MeToo movement to the gig economy, and lotus-eaters to a robot invasion, Laurie and Áine talk about the current state of work and its future. Are there still great places to work? Yes, but don’t be lured by ‘perks’ companies. Áine explains what they are and why they create a culture of complacency and wasting away. According to a Gallup poll, nearly 70% of employees aren’t engaged at work, and naturally, these employees blame their managers. There’s an argument there to be made, but Áine points at two of the major themes she sees frequently, and it’s not managers. What makes a place great to work at? Áine has a lovely acronym to explain what companies are doing right. CCE – co-workers, compensation, engagement. She explains what each of them means. The #MeToo movement has been instrumental in raising awareness of issues at work, but you have to wonder: will awareness lead to long-lasting change? Laurie and Áine tackle that tough question with some anecdotes and insights that will change the way you think about the future of work. Yes, men need to behave better at work. But there’s a second change that needs to take place, and that’s in the systems at work. Laurie and Áine talk about how businesses can replace their antiquated systems. So at whose feet do we lay the burden of fixing work? Management, HR, employees? Laurie and Áine talk about where change needs to happen to make a great workplace, both the ideal and the realistic ways. No one wants to work in the ‘bro culture.’ Áine digs into why that mentality fails and what employees really want to become more engaged and invested in their job. From generational gaps to the advent of the internet, so many different things have contributed to the current job climate. You’ve heard the term ‘gig economy.’ But have you ever stopped to think about what it really is? Find out who is a real part of the gig economy, who it benefits, and whether or not it’s a good thing. We promised robots. Áine says they’re taking over. We’re probably not going to tell you something you don’t know, but you definitely want to hear what Áine says about how the robot takeover will probably mirror the industrial revolution in terms of unemployment. Laurie and Áine discuss some of the ways that can be prevented. Áine on Business Insider Twitter LinkedIn We hope you enjoyed this episode! If so, please subscribe and leave a review! Let’s fix work, together.

Most recruiters are lazy. Things are broken, great talent is slipping through companies’ fingers, and no one is doing anything about it. Is it because they don’t want to, or because they don’t know how to? Today Laurie talks to ‘America’s Best Recruiter,’ Tim Sackett. Tim answers the most common questions he gets from talent recruitment managers including how he would fix recruitment for them. Laurie asks a very pointed question: can recruitment be fixed or does it need to be changed from the ground up? According to Tim, there’s no single answer. Maybe it’s just a tech or metrics measurement problem. Perhaps it’s the company’s brand or even their performance management. Tim dispels some major myths about why recruitment and retention are broken and it’s NOT candidate experience. That’s a made-up concept. So is employee experience. If you disagree, you need to hear Tim’s example from the movie Jerry McGuire. Are you the kind of boss you need to be? If so, the candidate and employee experience fall into line naturally. Do you have to be a great manager to be a great leader and vice versa? Tim’s answer to this question is very revealing, and if you don’t know the subtle difference between the two, there’s a very good chance you’ll find your talent problem there. Some leaders/managers do all the right things when it comes to ticking off boxes. But the big thing they’re missing is compassion, empathy. Tim is quick to advise against firing them or moving them to non-management positions. His pragmatic view might surprise you. Tim and Laurie diverge just a bit from the topic to talk about putting content out there into the world, how to do it when you don’t know how, and how to deal with the haters even if you’re from Gen X or before. This is advice you don’t want to miss because it applies to more than just putting your content online. Tim is releasing a book, The Talent Fix. In it, he addresses the major problems he sees when he works with companies. First among those is the belief that tech is the problem, not people. He gives his advice on how to deal with that issue right off the bat. Before you even ASK him for help. You’ve heard of the ‘days to fill’ directive for recruitment teams. Tim explains the breakdown of why that measurement fails and offers an alternative: the recruitment funnel. It works kind of like a sales funnel and at the end of it, if you have 10 candidates and you only want to interview 1 of them, you know your funnel is broken. Tim blows the lid off the truth about recruiters. They want that big paycheck but they don’t want to recruit. Instead, they want to be recruiting administrators, and Tim explains what that means, the ‘post and pray.’ In the same vein, Tim and Laurie talk about being mediocre or being exceptional at work. Where do you fall on the scale, and where do you want to be? Find Tim: LinkedIn Website  We hope you enjoyed this episode! If so, please subscribe and leave a review! Let’s fix work, together.

With all the wisdom out there about creating a great culture at work, you might think companies would have it well in hand by now. Unless you actually work in one of those companies. Creating a great culture at work isn’t as easy as it sounds. Sometimes it’s up to you to be the change you want to see. This week's guest Amanda Hite explains how to be the change at work. One of the best things companies can do is to treat their employees like humans who have lives, families, responsibilities, and interests. At the same time, knowing this can also open people up to other difficulties. Amanda shares the story of being offered a promotion as long as she promised NOT to talk about her LGBT lifestyle. When you look at different companies across the globe in terms of culture problems, you see themes emerge. Amanda shares some of these themes, the most prevalent being the generational gaps and how quickly the world is changing. The old regimes are threatened by the highly intelligent younger generation stepping in. Like it or not, we’re all embroiled in politics. It affects the experience we have at work, so Amanda shares a view you might not expect: what’s going RIGHT for work in regards to politics in America. In a world where information can go worldwide in a matter of minutes, issues in the workplace are brought to light and must be addressed by companies. Changes are made to culture because of it. Have you heard the term ‘weaponization of social media?’ As troubling as the reality of it is, it’s a fascinating concept. Laurie and Amanda talk about how the promise behind platforms like Twitter has changed into damage control, and how the younger generations will need to lead the charge to turn it around. In its current state, poverty is down. Life expectancy is up. Seems great, and it is. But trust is at an all-time low. From trust within organizations to trust between organizations and the public, Laurie and Amanda talk about where trust is emerging and how to foster it. So what happens when your workplace isn’t an actual workplace? If you’re in the freelance, gig economy, you don’t have an HR department. So what change can you actually be? Amanda believes that there are already innovations happening that are making it better. She shares some of her favorites. If you want to fix work, you need to start by fixing yourself. It’s a bold declaration that Laurie makes, and Amanda shares her own thoughts on how to fix work. She also shares how SHE’S fixing her own company and the experience her employees have. Find Amanda online: BTC Revolutions Twitter LinkedIn We hope you enjoyed this episode! If so, please subscribe and leave a review! Let’s fix work, together.

Scott Stratten hated work. It was broken. So he decided to burn it all down and build it back up. How did he do it? By becoming unemployable. Join Laurie and Scott as they talk through his experience before and after burning down his career (multiple times) and what he did to make life and work better for himself. What can YOU do to burn down your career? Scott knew he wanted to be a speaker at age 12. For his 16th birthday, he asked for a textbook on HR standards because he realized that he could stand up for people through human resources. Pretty nerdy, right? Scott shares the story of when he was in HR for Goodwill and the ridiculous situation that made him realize he couldn’t do the job any more. It started with an employee stealing from Goodwill. That’s bad enough. But then she was given $5,000 to drop her grievance. Would you have done with Scott did? He went on to find another job training employees to sell bubble wrap, constant travel and ridiculous hours, which he quit with only 64 cents in the bank and a son on the way. His next job as an independent trainer didn’t go much better, but something happened that turned it all around for him. He created some viral content in the HR circle. Laurie makes a surprising observation about the American economy; the rug’s going to get pulled out from under us at any time. She asks Scott how he’s future-proofing himself and his business. Normally, business owners want to grow their businesses, but Scott’s answer will shock you. He’s willing to take a 50% cut in revenue. Not everyone wants to be a keynote speaker or online leviathan. Some people want to open frozen yogurt shops. Scott shares some sage advice on how to burn it down, or how NOT, to burn it down. The first piece of advice? Start building your other thing before you burn your current thing down. He even throws some ‘dad’ advice in there. You can find Scott just about everywhere; just search the term ‘unmarketing.’ You’ll also find him on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. We hope your enjoyed this episode! If so, please subscribe and leave a review! Let’s fix work, together.

Living wages are a topic of high controversy. Why should someone get paid just for being alive? How can society and business thrive in such an environment? It’s not as hard as you might think and some of the benefits are surprising. Today, Laurie talks with Scott Santens, a proponent of the living wage, and he’ll make you think twice about it. If you’re not familiar with the term ‘basic income,’ Scott lays it bare. It’s where you create an income floor for everyone, universally, that will cover their basic needs. This would remove the need for many welfare programs, but it would do so in a way that supports work. How is this possible? Scott explains the difference between welfare and basic income. He also talks about why welfare punishes you for working and how the people who truly need it are often overlooked. Basic income isn’t just a pipe dream. It’s already happening in one of the United States in the form of a yearly dividend. It’s one of the closest examples of Scott’s idea of basic income and he explains how it works. The most striking bit of data is how it’s increased employment. So who’s going to pay the basic income? Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates? Not entirely; basic income would remove the need for welfare programs, tax credits, and loopholes. He also talks about why figuring the cost of basic income isn’t as simple as multiplying the dollar per person by the number of people in the program. When you talk about redistributing wealth, you’ll hear arguments that the wealthy are being punished for being successful and similar. Scott defends basic income against many of the common objections, including how innovation and investment in America could be stifled by it. Laurie and Scott get to the heart of the matter: if you give people money to live, why would the bother going to work? Scott’s fresh take on the subject might change your mind if you’re against the basic income. The important part to remember is that while there’s a floor to cover your needs, there’s also no ceiling to what you can make. In addition to that, the ability to say no as a potential employee puts power in the employee's hands. It’s no longer an issue of being forced to take a poverty-level income. Scott talks about his experience living with a basic income, which he crowdsourced. What was the single biggest thing he gained, other than the money? Peace of mind and emotional stability. Imagine what $1,000 per month, per person in your household would free you up to do. Would you pursue your passions and do what you were meant to do? The last question is a doozy. What do you do with people who won’t contribute and only ever take from the system? Scott’s answer is priceless. It’s also backed up with science. It’s called the Einstein Effect. Find Scott Santens on his site, and on Twitter @ScottSantens. If you want more info on basic income, visit BasicIncome.org.  We hope your enjoyed this episode! If so, please subscribe and leave a review! Let’s fix work, together.

Jason Lauritsen hates work. It’s ironic that he is the one who tells companies how to fix work for their employees, and he’s pretty darn good at it. Some of the big topics Jason and Laurie tackle are the relationships, where change needs to start, and how to fix the situation you’re in right now. Why does Jason hate work? It’s simple. He can’t stand following leaders who have no idea where they’re going. Jason shares the personal problems he’s faced in dealing with employers versus in consulting. He also shares why many of his employers have offered him money to leave work. Work sucks for the rest of us, too. Jason has some very pointed reasons why this is so, and he puts words to what you’ve been feeling for a long time now. He provides some insights on why it’s happening, including the dissonance in how an employee sees work versus how an employer sees it: relationship versus contract. How many jobs have you had where your managers call the team a family but treat it like contract labor? While Laurie and Jason might have differing opinions on whether or not work CAN be a family-type situation, Jason has some interesting ideas defending the idea of family in the workplace. Laurie and Jason discuss a list of authors who are masters of psychology at work and similar fields; you’ll want to grab a pen and write these down: Dan Crosby, Dan Ariely, the Heath brothers, and more. Also, check out ‘What Color is Your Parachute.’ If you’re stuck at a dream and you aren’t sure how to make the jump into entrepreneurism, then you need to hear what Jason has to say about it. It starts with a pen and a piece of paper, but are you willing to take the step right after that? Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and Jason and Laurie explain how their hobbies became side hustles, which became careers. What does it take to do Jason’s job? He gives some tips on speaking, on being an entrepreneur, the precarious balance between content and art, and more. Resources mentioned: Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely What Color is Your Parachute Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath The Laws of Wealth by Dan Crosby Find Jason: Website Twitter Facebook YouTube LinkedIn  We hope you enjoyed this episode! If so, please subscribe and leave a review! Let’s fix work, together.