Today’s returning guest is Laura Hamill, an organizational psychologist who has helped many companies create environments where both employees and the business can thrive. Laura will tell us about her thought-provoking new book, The Power of Culture – Bringing values to life at work. It describes “culture” as the collective set of reasons why employees behave the way they do. Laura suggests that effective leaders support a culture that treats workers with compassion. She says improving a culture starts with spotting patterns in the way people actually behave. And she emphasizes that while culture needs to be aligned with the organization’s strategy, it is also important that cultural attributes reflect “human values,” like integrity and kindness.

For more see: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahamill/recent-activity/all/

And: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Power-of-Culture/Laura-Hamill/The-Economist-Edge-Series/9781639367283

Have you ever wondered about the difference between dog training and dog handling? Our guest today is Kelly Lyn Marquis, a top, all-breed dog handler. She explains that “handling” involves connecting with a dog’s energy and emotions, perhaps helping the canine to feel calm or energetic. Kelly tells us about her recent book, Behind the Scenes of Best in Show: Intimate Moments with Masters, Handlers and Their Show Dogs. She describes what it takes to build a career as a handler in the competitive sport of dog shows. And she shares some of the ways dogs have taught her lessons, helping her to create her second career, as a “Canine Connection Life Coach.” Kelly says she uses canine wisdom to help dogs and people reach their highest potential. For more see: https://www.winall.us/

Today, Judge David S. Tatel describes his remarkable new book, Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice. The book, co-written with his wife, Edie Tatel, beautifully weaves together several themes: his career as a civil rights attorney, his happy family life, the challenges of becoming blind, and the freedom made possible by his guide dog, Vixen. At the same time, it describes his growing concern about courts that disregard the principles of judicial restraint. In this episode, Judge Tatel shares his inspiring story, and gives us a sense of the joy he has found throughout his busy life. He also describes some of his worries about the state of our judiciary, and urges listeners to become involved citizens, including by voting. For more see: https://www.amazon.com/Vision-Blindness-David-S-Tatel/dp/0316542024

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_S._Tatel

Navigating your career in a world that feels out of control can be daunting. In his thoughtful and clearly written book, What is Water? McKinsey consultant Kayvan Kian offers simple tips for changing your focus and remaining calm in challenging times. In this episode, Kayvan talks about how you can thrive by concentrating on those things that you actually CAN control, even when your environment feels crazy. Kayvan describes small steps you can take today to make your situation feel less overwhelming and move forward in a positive way.

We know that many workers are struggling, and a recent survey takes a deep look at the specifics of how employees how feel about their jobs. In this episode, Laura Hamill, an executive at software company Limeade, shares the results from their recent “2020 Employee Care Report.” We talk about how the pandemic is affecting stress and burnout in the workplace. And we discuss ways managers can support the well-being of their team members, and at the same time grapple with their own challenges.

Here’s a link to Limeade’s study: https://www.limeade.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-Employee-Care-Report.pdf?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=Release&utm_campaign=Care%20Report

The power of learning new things is the topic in this lively conversation with guest host Tom Hodson, coach Bev Jones and frequent WOUB guest Judge Gayle Williams-Byers. Your days at work are more rewarding when tasks challenge your thinking and stretch your mind. Learning activities – whether you take micro steps or deep dives -- can inspire new ideas, help you stay relevant and make your job more fun.

The topic was inspired by Kerry Hannon’s 9/2/20 New York Times article, To Build Emotional Strength, Expand Your Brand: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/health/resilience-learning-building-skills.html

“Organizational culture” is a hot phrase these days in leadership discussions. And Greg Besner knows all about it. He is a highly accomplished entrepreneur who has won praise for his performances as a CEO. He was an early investor in a business that talks a lot about culture – Zappos. And CultureIQ, a company that Greg created, blends research and technology to help customers to transform their businesses. In this episode, Greg will share tips from his new book: The Culture Quotient – Ten Dimensions of a High-Performance Culture.

Immediately after his college graduation in 2013, John-Mark Bolton launched a company, ClearDefense Pest Control. In just a few years, he and his co-founders have built a thriving business, with a team of over 200 people working in 8 states. Their goal is to operate nationwide. In this episode, John-Mark describes how he was “raised on commission” and learned business basics as a kid. And he describes his formula for entrepreneurial success, like building grit, routinely helping others and learning how to sell.

In two March episodes, guest host Tom Hodson talked with Bev Jones about how to build a portfolio career, as an alternative to traditional retirement. Since then, Tom has in fact retired from his leadership role at Ohio University and WOUB. While he has many interests, he’s finding the transition to be more challenging than he expected. Hear a bit of coaching in this episode, as long-time friends Bev and Tom discuss his feelings of emptiness. They talk about why a mourning period is normal, and explore smart ways for him to move forward and create a healthy, long life.

Umesh Ramakrishnan is a senior leader at Kingsley Gate Partners, a global executive search firm. And he’s a thought leader, often called upon to share insights about what it takes to rise to the top of an organization. In this episode, Umesh talks about how technology is changing the way professionals get hired. He explains why 2020 is the perfect time for organizations to invest in Diversity and Inclusion. And he offers advice on how leaders can work their way to the top of the career ladder. For more, see: https://galaxy.kingsleygate.com/web/guest/home

Today’s guest has a broad career portfolio. Garrett Hope is a composer, an occasional music professor and a career coach. His podcast – The Portfolio Composer – helps composers and performers see themselves not only as artists but also as being in business. These days Garrett also is passionate about helping people make career pivots. He understands that moving forward often involves getting over fear, tapping into your network and focusing on opportunities. In this episode Garrett shares tips and encouragement for a thriving career even in difficult times. For more, see his 2020 career pivot conference, https://www.thepivotadventure.com , and check out his podcast: http://theportfoliocomposer.com

For more than 30 years, Rosalind Clarke has been a major player in Palm Beach residential real estate. It’s a career this talented Brit fell into, after her London-based employer closed their Florida office and shut down the firm. In today’s episode, Rosalind talks about this unusually high end market, and offers insights about careers in real estate, wherever you might live. She says being a broker is exciting because of the variety, but tiring because it requires 24/7 service. For photos of lush properties and more, see: https://www.rosalindclarke.info

Prolific jobs and finance writer Kerry Hannon has a new book out, and it could be THE career book of 2020: “Great Pajama Jobs: Your Complete Guide to Working from Home.” In this episode, frequent guest Kerry offers good advice about how to secure and thrive in a work-from-anywhere job. We discuss how today’s job market is challenging but also full of opportunities, whether you want to try something different, get more control of your schedule or earn a bit on the side. For more tips from Kerry, see her website: kerryhannon.com

Today’s guest, Giselle Ugarte, is an entrepreneur, an advertising whiz and a social media coach. And she has almost 300 thousand followers on the fast-growing platform, TikTok. Giselle believes in the power of video messages to tell your story, including in a job search. She says whatever platforms you prefer, your goal in social media should be to connect with other people, build real relationships and serve your audience, in addition to promoting your products or services. She describes why it’s more important to be authentic than to look your best. And she offers tips to help you up your social presence, wherever you are in your career.

Career expert Mark Anthony Dyson is a prolific writer and speaker, and his savvy advice has helped countless job seekers become more effective. In this return visit to Jazzed About Work, Mark focuses in on microaggressions and other special challenges faced by Black professionals. And he offers tips and techniques that are useful to anyone working to build resilience and create career success. For a wealth of additional insights, check out Mark’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonydyson/detail/recent-activity/shares/

Yes -- there are jobs out there for the college class of 2020. And in this episode Scott Dettman offers tips to help them and other recent grads to find them. He suggests that you not try to go it alone, but instead develop your network, reaching out to anybody you know. At the same time, build your digital profile and improve skills that will help you work remotely. Scott has long been concerned about the under-employment of young people, and today he’s the CEO of Avenica, an education-to-work platform helping to connect recent graduates with the employers who need them. See more: https://avenica.com/insights/avenica-welcomes-scott-dettman-as-new-ceo/

Today’s guests, Karen Holst and Douglas Ferguson, are co-authors of “Start Within,” a handbook for pursuing innovation, even if you’re not a leader within your organization. They’ll share strategies for presenting your idea to stakeholders, launching a learning prototype and dealing with failures along the way. And they’ll talk about how solving problems can be enjoyable, and letting go of assumptions can help you keep moving forward. See more at Start-Within.com.

If you’re looking for billion-dollar businesses that are likely to grow in coming years, consider the world of sports. That’s the advice of today’s guest, Jackie Reau, CEO of Game Day Communications. For example, Esports -- video gaming at a competitive level – has a global audience of more than 440 million people. It generates growing revenues, including through tournaments, merchandise, tickets sales and betting. Jackie also describes how she created her innovative career path and offers tips for people interested in jobs related to professional sports. For more about Jackie, see: http://www.gamedaypr.com

Serial entrepreneur Mark Silverman spent 30 successful years building, running and advising a series of consumer and tech companies. Then he shifted gears. He was moved to action as he watched the challenges faced by several aging family members. As he contemplated the needs of empty nesters, retirees and others wanting more meaningful lives, he decided that people need more options for finding work and making life interesting. In this episode, Silverman describes the creation of Amava.com, a new platform connecting folks with remote and other flexible jobs, volunteer gigs and other adventures.

For several years nonprofit media company WorkingNation has been warning America that we might face a massive unemployment crisis. In this Jazzed About Work episode, Joan Lynch, the company’s chief content officer, talks about why a job skills gap has long been threatening to disrupt our economy. But she also offers hope, with insights about sectors that already are creating new jobs. Along with insights about hiring trends, she shares suggestions about how individual workers can navigate the new job market, and how communities can promote more employment.

The COVID-19 crises reminds us that people truly do need to feel connected with other people. And overwhelming research suggests that a strong and diverse network of relationships is key to building a resilient career. But it can be challenging to keep networking when nothing feels normal. In this episode, guest host Tom Hodson talks with our own coach Beverly Jones about networking basics that remain true, even now. And they explore smart and sensitive ways to keep reaching out to others during difficult times. For more, see Bev’s article here: https://www.job-hunt.org/job-search-networking/building-your-network-during-covid.shtml

Marketing expert and serial entrepreneur Steve Kahan is worried about the job prospects for recent college grads. And he has strong opinions about how they might best launch their careers. In this episode he shares advice from his book, Be a Startup Superstar – Ignite Your Career Working at a Tech Startup. He says you don’t have to be a tech person to be a valued member of a technology startup team. And he offers general advice about building your career, including the importance of having a vision of what you want.

Top-ranking financial advisor Paul Pagnato has a new book: Transparency Wave – Exponential Changes That Will Transform Our World. Pagnato is passionate about the need for people and institutions to be transparent. He says transparency can change everything, from your financial status to your health. In this episode he talks about how transparency and trust are the cornerstones of modern society, and how companies that embrace these values are the ones that thrive. And he discusses his own values, including maintaining a positive attitude and finding ways to make a difference every day.

In this episode, a trio of Zappos marketing pros -- Derrin Hawkins, Kelly Smith and Tia Zuniga – describe how and why they crowd-sourced a book about this intriguing company. They talk about how Zappos maintains a radical focus on both serving customers and keeping employees happy. And they describe why they prefer working face-to-face, at their Las Vegas headquarters.

In this episode, we explore careers in the travel field, and describe new kinds of opportunities for agencies that specialize in luxury travel. Our guest is Sandy Saburn, a leader at Gifted Travel Network, a fast-growing, female-led company in the high-end travel industry. Sandy has always loved taking trips. And after being a career coach, a marketing expert, and a business consultant, she switched gears and became a travel expert. Here she explains how the industry is evolving, and why there’s a new wave of opportunities for people who want to work in it. She shares tips about how you could get started in the travel biz, perhaps as an advisor, and she explains what it takes to be an entrepreneur in the field. Also, she reminds us that life is short, and now is a good time to plan those trips you were saving for the future. For more see: www.giftedtravelnetwork.com

And this link from Sandy shares info on the entrepreneurial mindset: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/meredith-podcast

In this episode of Jazzed About Work, guest host Tom Hodson interviews our own Beverly Jones. Bev wears her career coaching hat this time as she gives some nuts and bolts advice about how to launch your own business … whether you’re in the middle of your career… or thinking about an alternative to retirement.

She tells you how to start planning, even if you have no idea about where to begin… how to start preparing for entrepreneurship well in advance … and what are some of the basics that will help make your business a success.

If you have the entrepreneurial itch…This is a “must-listen” podcast.

A sustainable business is one that has a minimal impact -- or maybe even a positive impact -- on the environment, and on the world generally. Our guest in this episode is Katie Secrist, of Seattle’s Sustainable Business Consulting. She helps companies think more deeply about the environmental and social impact of their activities. Katie will talk about the new wave of Certified B Corporations and other businesses that are working to be a force for good. And she’ll offer suggestions for finding a green job.

For years, Shawn Askinosie loved being a successful criminal defense lawyer in Springfield, Missouri. But then he felt like the work was killing him. In this episode, Shawn describes why he changed everything, and how today he leads Askinosie Chocolate, a company that makes small-batch artisanal chocolate -- with social responsibility cooked into every bar. Shawn also shares advice about how you can recreate your career, as he tells us about his moving and insightful book, Meaningful Work – A Quests To Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul. See more: https://askinosie.com

Today’s episode will be particularly helpful for young professionals eager to get their new jobs off to a great start. Washington career coach and personal branding strategist Robert Moment has specialized in preparing people to outshine the competition during job interviews. But some of the same techniques will support your success after you do get the job. Robert will share smart tips from his latest book, Starting A New Job – Career Planning and Job Promotion Tactics for Motivated New Employees. See more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/personalbrandingexpert/

For 30 years, retired Air Force Colonel Carla Bass worked with officers, ambassadors, and congressional delegations, drafting executive letters, talking points, personnel appraisals and nominations. Along the way she perfected her writing methodologies, composed a handbook, and taught thousands of Air Force personnel how to write powerfully. In this episode, Carla shares tips from the second edition of her classic book, Write to Influence. She says the trick to life-changing writing is to make each word and every second of the reader’s time play to your advantage. See more: https://writetoinfluence.net/improve-written-communication-skills/

For busy professionals, the workload can feel overwhelming, pushing us into a defensive mode. And it’s tough to sort out what matters when we’re constantly being distracted by messages that feel urgent, but maybe aren’t all that important. In this episode, leading productivity expert Maura Thomas offers tips for sorting out your priorities, from her latest book, "Attention Matters". She says that a good workflow management process can help you keep everything on track. See: https://maurathomas.com/productivity/personal-workflow-management-system-productive/

In today’s episode, New Jersey teacher, coach and marketing consultant Connie Whitman explains how sales and customer service skills can empower your career, no matter where you work or what you do. We discuss how – whether you are making a sale or pitching an idea – being persuasive starts with building a relationship and focusing on the other person’s needs and interests. And Connie shares her practical, easy-to-use seven-step sales and communication process. For more, listen to her podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/webtalkradio-net-enlightenment-of-change/id1313299091

Social entrepreneur and celebrated teacher Steve Mariotti has written numerous guides for starting your own business. And he is well known for launching the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, which has provided 60 hours of business training for more than a million disadvantaged young people around the world. In today’s episode, Steve gets personal as he talks about his wonderful new book, Goodbye Homeboy: How My Students Drove Me Crazy and Inspired a Movement. He explains how his belief in the power of entrepreneurship to transform society began in the 80s when he was teaching – and sometimes struggling - in some of New York City's toughest public schools. For more, visit: https://www.stevemariotti.com

Today’s theme is the importance of creating a good fit between the way we prefer to work and the organization that employs us. Our expert guest, Dr. André Martin, is an organizational psychologist who spent 20 years as a leader in major companies like Mars, Nike, Disney and Google. He tells us about his new book, “Wrong Fit, Right Fit - Why How We Work Matters More Than Ever.” André says the way our job fits our work style is so important because our identities get all tangled up with what we do, and if we are dissed in the context of work, we feel bad throughout our life. André offers tips about finding the right job, and how to create change if your current job doesn’t suit the way you like to work. He suggests that you regularly take stock of your career and the stress it causes in your whole life. He explains the value of managing up. And he describes how some smart employers are helping their talent to find the right fit. For more, see: https://www.wrongfitrightfit.com

In this episode, we revisit the popular topic of networking. Tom Hodson has a big, diverse network, but is cynical about the verb “to network.” Bev Jones notes research suggesting that creating a broad network of relationships is vital not just to your career, but to your health and happiness, as well. Tom ask questions about Bev’s recent articles on network-building for the leading career platform Job-Hunt.org. And the two of them approach agreement about the importance of getting out there and connecting with other people.

Journalist, editor and master story-teller Peter Copeland is still passionate about the career that took him around the world. In this episode, he talks about his latest book, Finding the News: Adventures of a Young Reporter. Peter describes how as a cub reporter -- through trial and error, and sometimes in war zones -- he struggled to be fast, accurate and fair. He shares the story of his happy marriage. And he offers tips for young multimedia journalists.

“The Voice of Job Seekers,” is the platform of compassionate career and jobs expert Mark Anthony Dyson. He’s a prolific writer, speaker and podcaster, and his website is a rich source of information for anyone exploring the job market. In this episode Mark offers practical advice, like how to write a modern resume, expand your networking and develop a LinkedIn profile. He shares more insights on https://thevoiceofjobseekers.com

In 2008, stay-at-home Mom Rachel Stewart reentered the job market as the unqualified bookkeeper and office manager for a tiny company, Titan Restoration. She helped to grow the company, and now she’s the EVP, and Titan is an innovative industry leader. Rachel describes how she did it in her book, “Unqualified Success – Bridging the Gap Between Where You Are Now and Where You Want To Be To Achieve Massive Success.” In this episode she describes how you, too, can close the gap between your life today and the life you dream about.

In his new book, “What Happened to Moderation?” Dr. Stephen Brewer says that Americans are drawn to extreme health care choices, just as they gravitate toward political extremes and non-stop work patterns. In today’s episode, Dr. Brewer, medical director at the Canyon Ranch Wellness Resorts, advises us to back away from trendy, over-the-top diet and exercise routines. It’s time, he says, to look at common-sense approaches to improving our health and treating routine illnesses. Exercise is vital to fitness, and fitness is a key to career performance, but that doesn’t mean you need to run marathons.

If you’re thinking about starting a business -- either now or off in a distant future – listen here. Dynamic career and personal finance expert Kerry Hannon is talking her most recent book, “Never Too Old To Get Rich – The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting a Business Mid-Life.” Kerry talks about how creating a business is not just a young person’s game, and how a huge wave of successful ventures are being launched by people in their 40’s, 50’s and beyond. And she offers tips about how you can go about laying the groundwork for your own business.

When Bob Shaff walks through a room of strangers, you can observe that he’s a master networker. Bob interacts with person after person, asking gentle questions and helping each to relax and engage with the crowd. It’s clear that he knows how to connect. But in today’s show Bob says that he didn’t start out that way. As a young engineer he was shy and isolated. Today Bob shares tips about how you can become a connector, and why it is well worth the effort. The site for Bob’s company, Customers For Life Consulting, is https://cflconsulting.com.

Some advocates for equal career opportunity assumed that, if a diverse mix of people is hired, eventually everyone would work well together. Consultant and executive coach Rob Jones says it’s not been that simple. Today’s organizations include people from a broad variety of cultural backgrounds, but not everyone is heard. Jones shares ideas about how to move past limited ideas about diversity and seek organizational cultures that can deliver equity, collaboration and the full benefits of a work force where not all people think alike. Find Rob at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertdjones/ and see the diversity summit he mentions at https://www.newdiversitysummit.com .

Everybody encounters bad days at work. And sometimes a career stumble can feel like the end of the world. In this episode, guest host Tom Hodson talks with our own Bev Jones, author of the career success book, “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.” They explore strategies for moving on after a catastrophe, like finding ways to discuss it, looking at the big picture, and learning from successful people who survive epic flops.

Right after Harvard Business School, DJ DiDonna launched a startup. And then for 7 busy years he traveled the world, supporting small businesses in emerging markets. DJ’s company was successful, but he felt burned out. So he took a break from work, doing things unrelated to his job, like taking a walking pilgrimage in Japan. DJ’s time off was life changing, and he became intrigued by the transformative power of sabbaticals. Now he’s immersed in the Sabbatical Project, researching how long breaks can change lives and improve our work culture

For some people, launching a job search seems more challenging than ever. Our repeat guest, Mark Anthony Dyson, says “think about it like the weather.” Job market conditions vary a good deal, depending on many factors, including your location, profession and skill set. But there are some broad trends worth watching. Mark warns that in some countries scammers are using fake job opportunities as way to collect private info, and we might see similar frauds in the U.S. He points to the dramatic change AI is having in the hiring process, and discusses the value of understanding at least AI basics. And Mark shares classic advice, like stay prepared for whatever happens by “thinking of job search as a lifestyle,” and keep learning and seeking opportunities to upskill. For more advice from Mark see: https://thevoiceofjobseekers.com

Jaime-Alexis Fowler began her career as an academic, hoping that a university career would allow her to create change in our society. Finding that path to be too slow, she moved on to a series of organizations where she could grow as a social innovator. Today she’s the Founder and Executive Director of Empower Work, a ground-breaking nonprofit that allows workers to connect with a coach when they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. The service allows you to connect anonymously -- by texting or web chat – when you have no place else to turn. Jaime-Alexis describes how their free coaching works, she explains why one-on-one support can be so important, and she talks about building her career as a change agent

As a child, Jessi Roberts lived in a troubled home. But, with the help of friends along the way, she forged her own path to success. And today she’s the CEO of Cheekys, the big fashion and jewelry brand “that loves the country girl.” In this show, Jessi talks about her new book, “Backroads Boss Lady: Happiness Ain’t a Side Hustle… Straight Talk on Creating the Life You Deserve.” It’s an intriguing combination of savvy business advice, particularly aimed at women entrepreneurs, and the true story of Jessi’s life. Visit: https://cheekysboutique.com

If you’re looking for a job, it helps to understand how the hiring process really works. In this show you’ll get an insider view from search firm executive Jackie Ducci, author of “Almost Hired – What’s Really Standing between You and the Job You Want.” She will talk about how recruiters operate and what employers often want. She says that searching for a job is a learned skill, and one you can develop, even if you are just starting out in the job market. She’ll shed light on vital communication skills, hiring criteria and the importance of focusing on the right job targets. Visit: https://ducciassociates.com