Explore every episode of the podcast Live+Work More Human

Welcome to Brain Snacks! This tasty morsel of a conversation between your cohosts Alexis and Sally, Alexis Zahner explains how constant screen use and digital distracting is draining your creativity.

This comes directly from research for her new book Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies which is now available everywhere. Order it at the link below.

This Brain Snack is a snippet of the conversation with Alexis and Sally on Digital Distraction that you can now streaming on all major platforms, or find it directly here.

Order your copy of Real right now.

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks! This tasty morsel of a conversation between your cohosts Alexis and Sally, and Lodro Rinzler explores how guilt and shame impacts how we see ourselves, our relationships and how we move through the world.

It's a snippet from the full conversation with Lodro Rinzler that you can find on our website, and on all major streaming platforms now.

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this short episode with Alexis and Sally, we give you a personal update from us.

The news is, we're going to be taking a short break from Live+Work More Human for the next few months while we're deep in big projects.

Alexis is releasing her debut book Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies (Wiley) this September, and Sally is deep in burnout consultancy working supporting people and organisations from all over the world. What this means is that we can't give you, our community, the full time and attention you deserve through our podcast.

In the meantime we'll share a few brainsnack episodes from recent conversations, and let you know soon what the next steps look like for us. Please enjoy some of our previous episodes via your favourite streaming platform, on Youtube or right here: liveandworkmorehuman.com

It's not a goodbye, it's a see you soon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks! This tasty morsel of a conversation between your cohosts Alexis and Sally explores how self worth can be a key buffer against burnout. You will learn practical strategies to peel back the layers of influence to understand how to attune to your authentic self.

Key topics

• How inherited values impact your thoughts about work and self worth
• Strategies for aligning to yourself
• The power of personal values
• How reconnecting to yourself, and valuing yourself buffers against burnout
• How leaders can model high self worth for their team

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Outrage is loud, exhausting, and — according to your feed — mandatory. But what if the antidote to burnout isn't more hustle, more mindfulness apps, or more optimisation... it's awe?

This week, hosts Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner unpack Sally's Fast Company piece on "microdosing awe" — the radical, deceptively simple practice of pausing to notice something vast, and why it might be the most underrated tool in your burnout-prevention kit.

• Why awe isn't fluffy — it's a nervous-system reset that pulls you out of fight-flight-freeze and into healing mode
• The psychology of the "small self": why softening your ego (not shrinking yourself) is protective against burnout
• How awe slots into Sally's BRNT framework (Breathe, Rest, Nourish, Talk) as the connective thread, not a fifth pillar
• Why we're "saturated with outrage and starved of wonder" — and how algorithms are built to keep it that way
• Anger is initiatory, not transformative: holding outrage and awe at the same time, not choosing between them
• Emotional boundaries around what you consume — because nourishment isn't just food, it's your media diet
• The "stravification" trap: why turning awe into a measurable, optimised habit kills the whole point
• Practical ways to bring awe into the workplace — team WhatsApp photo threads, opening meetings with an awe share, one-on-one check-ins
• Sally's five straight days of sensory overload in the Amazon jungle, and what it taught her about resetting perspective back home

• Awe = an automatic nervous-system regulator. You don't have to "think" your way to calm — your body can get you there in seconds.
• You don't need Kilimanjaro. A sunset, a dog in the park, a piece of music — the size of the moment doesn't matter, the noticing does.
• The "small self" isn't about being less — it's about stepping out of ego so you can see your problems (and yourself) more clearly.
• Outrage and awe aren't opposites. You can be furious about broken systems and still let wonder ground you — one doesn't cancel the other out.
• Urgency culture is profitable, not accidental. Outrage drives engagement — recognising that removes the self-blame.
• Nourishment includes your media diet. What you scroll shapes your nervous system as much as what you eat.
• Don't gamify awe. The second you're tracking "awe points," you've lost the plot — this is the opposite of a metrics game.
• Bring it to work in small doses: open a meeting with an awe share, start a team photo thread, ask "what impressed you lately?" in a 1:1.
• Awe is a courageous, almost radical act in a culture that rewards visible exhaustion — doing it anyway is the point.

• Sally's article on microdosing awe is out via Fast Company — find the link and more of Sally's writing at salcla.com
• Sally's BRNT framework (Breathe, Rest, Nourish, Talk) — explored across her books and workshops
• Referenced: Tara Brach's teaching that "anger is initiatory, not transformative" see more at tarabrach.com

Live + Work More Human is hosted by Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks! This tasty morsel of a conversation between your cohosts Alexis and Sally explores how AI can – if used effectively and thoughtfully – be a powerful tool to enhance human work, reduce burnout, and foster trust and creativity within teams. You will learn practical strategies for integrating AI ethically and in a human-centered way.

Key topics

• AI as an enabler for human work
• Reducing burnout through AI
• Leadership strategies for AI integration
• Building trust and psychological safety
• Using AI data insights for organizational change

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Digital connectivity was supposed to make us faster, sharper, and more connected. Instead, it's quietly taxing the very things that make leaders effective: creativity, emotional regulation, real productivity, and trust. In this episode, Alexis unpacks "the digital leader's paradox" — the tension of needing technology to perform while it simultaneously erodes the conditions for high performance.

Drawing on the article she co-wrote with Professor Martin Gutmann (Lucerne School of Business) and Dr. Scott J. Allen (SMU Cox School of Business), Alexis walks through the four hidden costs of digital distraction — creative, emotional, productive, and relational — and makes the case that this isn't a personal discipline problem. It's a culture problem. She closes with the practical shifts leaders can make to design for focus, model presence, and lead the paradox rather than pretend it can be solved with a few "no phones after 6pm" rules.

• Why digital distraction should be treated as an organisational risk, not just a personal willpower issue
• How fragmented attention specifically undermines creativity and strategic thinking
• Why "always on" leadership mirrors athlete overtraining — and what happens without recovery time
• The real cost of interruptions: task-switching can cut productivity by up to 40%, and it can take over 20 minutes to recover focus after a single notification
• What phubbing is, and how it quietly erodes trust and psychological safety on a team
• Five concrete practices high-performing leaders use to protect focus and presence without unplugging from work entirely
• Why the answer isn't more discipline — it's a deliberate shift in team and organisational culture

Find more information about this topic and Alexis' article right here: https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/digital-distraction-alexis-zahner

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks, bite sized learning moments from Live+Work More Human. In today's Brain Snack, Dara Simkin explores the concept of achievement syndrome, its roots in early programming, and its impact on burnout and authentic living. This succinct conversation delves into systemic influences, personal identity, and strategies for fostering genuine fulfillment.

Key takeaways

• Achievement syndrome origins and impact
• Systemic influences on success and burnout
• The role of early programming and societal norms

Listen to the full conversation with Dara right here, and learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Happy Brain Snacking!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply honest conversation, your intrepid cohosts Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke unpack why burnout keeps rising globally despite decades of research, media coverage, and “awareness” — and why it is *never* an individual weakness or failure.

Drawing on Sally’s work in burnout prevention and Alexis’s lived experiences across marketing, government, and consulting, we explore burnout as a *perfect storm* of three intertwined layers: societal narratives that glorify work and rugged individualism, organizational cultures that reward unsustainable effort while undermining autonomy, and the internalised beliefs we carry about our worth, productivity, and “being a good worker.”

We explore:

• Why burnout is *never* a sign of personal weakness, poor time management, or not trying hard enough — and why it disproportionately impacts top performers, high‑achievers, and deeply responsible people.
• Burnout as a “perfect storm”: how societal, organizational, and internalised layers interact to create chronic stress and disillusionment, often in ways that are invisible until people are already burning out.
• The organizational drivers of burnout, from heavy workloads and poor leadership to bureaucracy, friction, and hypocrisy cultures where wellbeing messages don’t match lived reality.
• The slow‑burn version of burnout: when work is not just “too much” but too misaligned, too inefficient, and too full of rework — draining spirit and motivation even when you care deeply about what you do.
• Societal narratives that venerate work and conflating self‑worth with job title, prestige, or salary, including generational dynamics and cross‑cultural differences between places like the US, Australia, Japan, and the Netherlands.
• How internalised stories about being a “good worker” or a “good girl/boy/person” can keep us stuck on the hamster wheel, over‑accepting responsibility and outsourcing our values to organisations.
• The existential dimension of burnout: the painful gap between the career and impact we hoped for and the reality of how work feels — and why cynicism, disillusionment, and “what’s the point?” are key warning signs.
• Self‑knowledge as a burnout antidote: practical reflection questions to unpack where your beliefs about work came from and whether they actually align with how you want your life to look and feel.
• Why self‑compassion is not indulgent but essential when disentangling self‑worth from productivity, prestige, and external approval.
• Concrete steps leaders can take right now: friction audits with their teams, small systems changes, and genuine role modelling of healthy behaviour instead of “do as I say, not as I do.”

Reframing burnout in this way is not about blaming organisations alone or bypassing personal responsibility; it’s about seeing the whole system we swim in, so we can create more courageous, honest, and sustainable ways of living and working — together.

Learn more including all the links you're after and a full transcript at liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your latest Brain Snack explores the evolving relationship with aging, challenging stereotypes, and emphasizing the value of older adults in society and the workplace. Dr. Corinne Auman shares insights on internalized ageism, the benefits of aging, and how to reframe societal narratives.

Key takeaways include

• Internalized ageism and self-reflection
• The positive aspects of aging and personal growth
• Societal narratives and media portrayal of aging
• Lifelong learning and career transitions in older age
• Empowering older adults and challenging stereotypes

Listen to the full conversation with Dr Auman right here, and learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Happy Brain Snacking!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply grounding conversation, Buddhist meditation teacher and author Lodro Rinzler joins Alexis and Sally to explore why so many of us struggle to believe the simple yet radical truth: you are good, and you are enough — exactly as you are.

Drawing on his new book You Are Good, You Are Enough: Free Yourself from the Trap of Doubt and Return to Basic Goodness, Lodro unpacks the “trap of doubt,” the societal whisper of not‑enoughness we internalise from childhood, and how it shapes our identities, our work lives, and our relationships. Together, we dive into the Buddhist notion of basic goodness, how shame and guilt keep us stuck in stories that aren’t true, and why reclaiming our inherent wholeness is both an act of inner revolution and a powerful antidote to capitalist narratives that insist we’re broken and must be fixed.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they’re fundamentally flawed, not doing or being “enough,” or trying to outrun the feeling of inadequacy through busyness, productivity, or self‑improvement.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why the title “You Are Good, You Are Enough” feels confronting — and why so many of us instinctively think it applies to everyone except ourselves.
• The “trap of doubt”: the insidious inner voice that says “if people really knew you, they wouldn’t want to…” and how we begin to loosen its grip.
• How societal and evolutionary conditioning fuel not‑enoughness, from the “sabre‑toothed tiger” response to modern‑day emails like “we need to talk on Friday.”
• The “two arrows” teaching: the unavoidable pains of life (first arrow) versus the stories and self‑judgement we layer on top (second arrow) — and why putting down the second arrow is essential for healing.
• What Buddhists mean by “basic goodness” and how it differs from self‑help slogans or a simplistic “good vs evil” framing.
• Everyday glimpses of basic goodness: the micro‑moments of okayness we can reliably touch, like closing the laptop and feeling the sun on our face, or being fully present for a hug.
• How capitalism and consumer culture profit from our insecurity, amplifying narratives that we’re broken and must buy our way into worthiness.
• Shame and guilt as powerful but often invisible forces in our lives — including Lodro’s story of carrying guilt for years over a teenage breakup and discovering the other person barely remembered it.
• Why “you don’t meditate to become someone else”: using meditation to interrupt harsh inner commentary, return to the breath, and build new neural pathways that support self‑trust instead of self‑attack.
• How recognising our own basic goodness changes our relationship with challenge, giving rise to resilience, capability, and a felt sense that “whatever comes up, I can work with it.”
• Extending basic goodness beyond the self: seeing goodness in other people (including those we dislike or who cause harm) and in society at large, without excusing harmful behaviour.
• The quiet, rebellious act of rejecting “productivity = worth” in favour of living from intrinsic value and authentic presence.

Learn more about Lodro and his work at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks, bite sized learning moments from Live +Work More Human.

In today's episode, Mark C Crowley explores the persistent challenges of employee engagement, well-being, and organizational culture. Experts discuss systemic issues, the impact of managerial responsibility, and practical strategies for fostering healthier, more productive workplaces.

Discover more in the full episode with Mark right here, and learn more at https://liveandworkmorehuman.com/

Happy Brain Snacking!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alexis and Sal explore the “modern credibility crisis”: how information overload and algorithm-driven feeds are making it harder to sort fact from fiction. They unpack why even smart, educated people fall for bad advice online, the role of “surface credibility” (aesthetic polish, confidence, social proof, titles), and how cognitive overload nudges us toward oversimplified, tribal answers.

You’ll hear practical prompts for slowing down, vetting sources, and matching your level of scrutiny to the importance of the decision—so you can navigate today’s information tsunami with more clarity and intention.

• How to navigate today’s credibility crisis with clearer thinking.
• Why cognitive overload pushes us toward mental shortcuts and passivity.
• What to know about deceptive “surface credibility” cues online.
• How to question whether someone’s expertise fits the topic.
• Why algorithms optimise for engagement, not truth or accuracy.
• How to match decision scrutiny to the stakes involved.
• What to know about echo chambers shaping your worldview.
• Why consuming less, higher-quality information is powerful.

Learn more at liveandworkmorehuman.com and preorder Alexis' book right here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful Brain Snack, author Christopher O Williams explores the multifaceted nature of courage, its key elements, and how to cultivate it in personal and professional life. Discover practical strategies to unmask fear, act decisively, and embody resilience to thrive in challenging situations!

Key Takeaways

• The constituent elements of courage: moral compass, purpose, potential, unmasking fear, acting, growth, resilience
• Strategies to interrogate and manage fear
• The importance of purpose and self-confidence in courageous acts
• The role of failure and resilience in personal growth
• The impact of calmness and joy on courageous behavior

Learn more in our full conversation with Christopher right here, and discover more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Happy Brain Snacking!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode unpacks imposter syndrome as more than a confidence issue, reframing it as a deeper pattern rooted in conditional self-worth and reinforced by workplace cultures that reward over-efforting. Drawing on research, lived experience, and coaching insights, Sally and Alexis explore why high achievers are often the most affected—and what it takes to shift the pattern at both an individual and systemic level.

Imposter syndrome is often misunderstood as a simple lack of confidence. In reality, it is more accurately described as an “imposter phenomenon”—a persistent internal narrative of being a fraud despite clear evidence of competence. What sits beneath it is often a limiting belief: “I’m not enough.”

This belief drives a form of conditional self-worth, where value is tied to performance, achievement, and external validation. The result is a cycle of over-efforting, hypervigilance, and chronic self-doubt that can quietly fuel burnout—especially in high-performing individuals and demanding work environments. One of the paradoxes explored in this conversation is that expertise can intensify imposter feelings. As knowledge deepens, so does awareness of complexity, which can widen the perceived gap between where we are and where we think we “should” be.

The impact shows up in everyday behaviours: replaying minor mistakes, fixating on critical feedback, over-preparing, struggling to set boundaries, and feeling unable to switch off. While these patterns can look like dedication or high performance from the outside, they often come at a significant personal cost. Crucially, the conversation challenges the idea that more credentials, experience, or validation will resolve imposter syndrome. Because the root is internal, the work must be too.

Sally introduces the Three Selfs Framework as a way to make invisible internal narratives visible, helping individuals understand and shift the beliefs driving their behaviour. Self-compassion, often dismissed as “soft,” is reframed as a critical capability. It includes both tenderness (kindness, care, boundaries) and fierceness (taking action aligned with growth). Research shows it is linked to better emotional regulation, reduced burnout, and improved performance.

For leaders, the message is clear: culture change starts within. Environments that lack psychological safety, punish mistakes, or concentrate workload among high performers can amplify imposter tendencies and increase burnout risk. Modelling self-compassion, normalizing mistakes, and distributing workload more sustainably are essential leadership practices. Ultimately, addressing imposter syndrome is not about eliminating doubt entirely, but about changing our relationship with it—moving from self-criticism to self-support, and from conditional to intrinsic worth.

• Imposter syndrome is not a confidence gap; it is often rooted in a deeper belief of “I’m not enough.”
• High achievers are particularly vulnerable because they tie self-worth to performance and standards.
• Gaining more qualifications or experience does not resolve imposter feelings when the root cause is internal.
• Increased expertise can intensify imposter thoughts due to greater awareness of complexity (Dunning-Kruger effect).
• Common signs include over-preparing, difficulty setting boundaries, fixation on mistakes, and chronic self-doubt.
• These patterns can look like high performance but often lead to burnout and unsustainable workloads.
• Workplace factors like low psychological safety, high pressure, and uneven workload distribution amplify the issue.
• Self-compassion—both tender and fierce—is a critical skill for reducing burnout and building sustainable performance.

Learn more at liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Brain Snack is a succinct cheat sheet on how to make the case for a 4 day week. We sit down with Joe O'Connor, coauthor of Do More in Four, and explore the transformative potential of a shorter workweek, its strategic implementation, and benefits for organizations and employees.

 Key takeaways include:

• A shorter workweek can differentiate your organization in a competitive talent market.
• Successful implementation requires careful planning, bottom-up approach, and strategic re-engineering.
• A 4-day week can boost productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational resilience.

Listen to the full episode with Joe right here, and learn more at Live+Work More Human.

Happy Brain Snacking!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this open-hearted episode, Alexis and Sally engage with Fiona Vale, co-founder of Humanico, to explore the transformative power of strengths-based living. They delve into how understanding and leveraging your unique strengths can lead to greater self-awareness, enhance leadership capabilities, and foster deeper, more meaningful relationships. Fiona shares her journey from diverse career paths to founding Humanico, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting on your innate talents to thrive in today's AI-driven world.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to unlock their full potential and navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and clarity.

Key Topics:

• The personal impact of Gallup CliftonStrengths
• Moving beyond roles to core human traits
• The unique and rare composition of individual talent profiles
• Practical applications in work, relationships, and community
• Self-awareness as a tool to prevent burnout
• Balancing tension among different strengths themes
• The irreplaceable nature of human skills in AI era
• Tools like the strengths wheel for team problem-solving

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Intro to strengths’ role in living more human
• (03:19) - Fiona’s founder story & Humanico’s mission
• (08:20) - Significance of strengths at work and beyond
• (12:38) - Fiona’s personal leadership insights
• (17:14) - Real examples of leveraging strengths in teams
• (22:30) - The uniqueness of strength configurations (1 in 34 million)
• (30:44) - The importance of dedicated thinking time
• (48:23) - Human skills that AI can't replicate

Learn more about Fiona and her incredible work at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

And learn more about Humanico at www.humanico.co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meetings should be intentional and purpose-driven. And yet so often they fall short. Today in your Brain Snack, we talk to author and expert Rebecca Hinds PhD about the dysfunction of meetings, their purpose, and how organizations can redesign their meeting culture for better productivity and connection. Rebecca Hinds shares insights on when meetings are necessary, how to reduce unnecessary meetings, and strategies to foster genuine team bonds.

Key takeaways

• The history and evolution of meetings in the workplace
• The 4D CEO test for meeting necessity
• Effective strategies for reducing unnecessary meetings
• Building team connection without meetings
• Overcoming resistance to meeting culture change

Listen to the full episode here and learn more at more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Happy Brain Snacking!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not a minute goes by without the term ‘AI’ being dropped. Most of us are buried on screens for hours and hours each day. We’re speaking less, we’re connecting less, we’re so, unbelievably BUSY. So what does it mean to stay human in this chaotic, at times overwhelming, world? And why does it matter so much right now – more than ever?

Join us in this compelling discussion with Dara Simkin, a global voice in play and founder of Culture Hero, as we explore the concept of being a full stack human. In a world overwhelmed by technology, Dara shares practical strategies for maintaining authenticity, emotional resilience, and human connection. This episode unpackages how to live more human amid rapid societal and technological change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The metaphor of full stack humans inspired by technology programming
• How biases and early programming shape our identity and behaviors
• The immunity to change framework to overcome resistance and foster growth
• The importance of emotional awareness and feeling your feelings safely
• Strategies for staying human: connection, play, and authenticity
• The role of intelligent optimism and strategic hope in shaping a better future
• Recognizing and navigating achievement syndrome and systemic programming
• How to push back against societal pressures and systems that threaten our humanity
• The significance of holding multiple ideas and adaptable thinking
• The benefits of embodying a full stack human: vitality, aliveness, and resilience

Learn more about Dara's incredible work and much more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Brain Snack explores the evolving landscape of hybrid work, its profitability, impact on productivity, mental health, and the future of office mandates with Professor of Economics at Stanford University, Nick Bloom. Nick share data-driven insights and practical advice for organizations navigating post-pandemic work models.

• Profitability of hybrid work
• Impact of remote work on mental health
• Optimal hybrid work schedules
• Employee engagement and loneliness
• Organizational strategies for hybrid work

Learn more in the full episode right here for our full conversation with Nick Bloom, and learn more about Live+Work More Human right here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful conversation, Alexis and Sally sit down with age expert and author Dr. Corinne Auman to candidly explore the realities of aging, challenging societal stereotypes and emphasizing the importance of a positive outlook. Corinne discusses how language, workplace biases, and cultural narratives shape our perceptions of aging, and offers practical advice on embracing this life stage with purpose and agency.

Key themes we explore include

• The trouble with societal perceptions of aging
• How capitalism impacts our conceptualization of aging
• The impact of language and stereotypes on the aging process
• Workplace ageism and diversity: and why diversity of age matters at work
• The importance of cultivating a positive outlook on aging
• Agency’s role in our aging (and its impact on longevity!)
• Gender disparities in aging experiences
• Practical starting points to counter your own agism

Learn more about Corinne's amazing work at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Brain Snack explores the principles of Ally Leadership, emphasizing tactical communication, understanding generational differences, and inclusive leadership strategies for the modern workforce. Expert and author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You, Stephanie Chung gives us practical tips so we can all be better allies.

• Leaders must ask, listen, learn, and then act to be effective allies.
• Understanding generational and cultural differences is crucial for modern leadership.
• Avoid overcomplicating leadership; focus on asking and listening.
• Leadership in the 21st century requires inclusivity and adaptability.

Learn more in the full episode right here for our full conversation with Stephanie Chung, and learn more about Live+Work More Human right here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, your hosts Alexis and Sally sit down with Rebecca Hinds PhD, an expert in organizational behavior and author of the brilliant new "Your Best Meeting Ever." The conversation delves into the pervasive dysfunction of meetings in the workplace, exploring how they have become symbols of visibility and productivity, often leading to inefficiency and frustration.

Rebecca shares insights from her research, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in how meetings are designed and conducted. She introduces the concept of 'meeting doomsday,' a strategy that encourages teams to reassess their meeting schedules and eliminate unnecessary gatherings, fostering a culture of intentionality and clarity in communication.

Throughout the discussion, Rebecca outlines her seven principles for effective meeting design, advocating for a user-centric approach that prioritizes the needs of attendees. She highlights the importance of clarity in meeting objectives, the role of technology in enhancing meeting effectiveness, and the necessity of creating a positive atmosphere that encourages participation. The conversation concludes with practical tips for both leaders and team members on how to navigate the complexities of meetings, ensuring they serve their intended purpose and contribute to a more human-centric workplace.

Key Takeaways

• Meetings should achieve something that couldn't be done via email or Slack.
• A packed calendar is often mistaken for productivity and value.
• How to get teams to reassess and redesign their meeting schedules.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meeting Challenges

07:51 Understanding Meeting Doomsday

11:19 The 4D CEO Test for Meetings

16:31 User-Centric Meeting Design

21:37 Creating Delightful Meetings

29:32 Strategies for Equal Airtime in Meetings

35:34 Empowering Employees to Decline Meetings

38:11 Conclusion: Making Meetings More Human

38:46 Creating Flourishing Workplaces

Learn more about Rebecca's work and Live+Work More Human at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Brain Snack explores the difference between success and thriving, emphasizing the importance of agency, social connection, and meaning for a fulfilling life. Guest Jon Rosemberg shares insights from his book 'A Guide to Thriving: The Science Behind Breaking Old Patterns, Reclaiming Your Agency, and Finding Meaning' and discusses how YOU can shift from survival mode to a thriving mindset.

• Difference between success and thriving
• Role of agency, meaning, and social connection
• Impact of social connection on health and wellbeing
• Practicing agency as a skill
• Shifting from survival mode to thriving

Learn more in the full episode right here and learn more about Live+Work More Human at liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this entertaining and enlightening conversation, expert and coauthor of Do More in Four: Why It's Time for a Shorter Workweek Joe O'Connor sits down with Alexis and Sally to unpack why a shortened work week truly works. They discuss the historical context of the work week, the necessity of a shorter work week, and the impact of technology and AI on productivity. Joe emphasizes the importance of addressing busy work and pseudo work, advocating for a four-day work week as a strategic tool for organizations. This wide-ranging discussion also covers the role of AI in shaping the future of work and the need for a cultural shift in workplace expectations.

Key takeaways

• The modern work week is a construct from the Industrial Revolution.
• Productivity gains have not translated into reduced working hours for many.
• AI has the potential to change the nature of work and productivity.
• Busy work and pseudo work are prevalent in today's work culture.
• A four-day work week can help attract and retain talent.
• Implementing a shorter work week requires careful planning and consultation.
• AI can help streamline processes and reduce workload.
• Cultural norms around work need to shift to prioritize well-being.
• Advocating for a shorter work week should focus on mutual benefits for employees and employers.
• The future of work will require a balance between technology and human-centered approaches.

Learn more at liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Brain Snack from Live+Work More Human. In this conversation, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner engage with Margaret Andrews, a leadership expert, to explore the essential connection between self-management and effective leadership. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, understanding one's intentions versus behaviors, and the kindness inherent in self-understanding. The dialogue emphasizes that true leadership begins with a deep understanding of oneself, which ultimately benefits both the leader and their team.

Takeaways

• Understanding yourself is crucial for effective leadership.
• Self-reflection helps identify the type of leader you are and want to be.
• There is often a gap between intentions and actual behaviors.
• Leaders may feel misunderstood when their intentions don't match their actions.
• Slowing down can lead to better leadership outcomes.
• Self-management is not selfish; it's kind to yourself and others.
• Effective leadership requires ongoing self-assessment and growth.
• Listening and delegation are key skills for leaders to develop.
• High achievers may struggle with feeling stuck despite their efforts.
• Leadership is an inside job that requires personal insight. 

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Self-Management in Leadership

02:29 Understanding and Managing Yourself

05:26 The Role of Self-Reflection in Leadership

06:26 Introduction to Human-Centric Workplaces

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exploratory conversation, Sally and Alexis sit down with Christopher as he shares insights from his brand new book on courage. Christopher emphasizes that courage is a choice and a skill that can be developed. He discusses the importance of self-reflection, the impact of fear, and unpacks for us the seven choices that embody courage.

The conversation also touches on personal stories of inspiration and the contagious nature of courage within communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Courage is a choice we can actively make.
• It is essential to unmask our fears to understand them better.
• Courage can be developed as a skill over time.
• Self-reflection is crucial in understanding our motivations.
• The journey to courage often involves discomfort and growth.
• Failure should be viewed as a part of the growth process.
• Joy can be a strategic approach to resilience.
• Courage is not just for the extraordinary; it is accessible to everyone.
• Our personal stories can inspire others to be courageous.
• Courage is about serving a greater purpose beyond oneself.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Writing About Courage

03:33 Defining Courage: A Personal Exploration

08:49 Courage: More Than Just Bravery

09:33 Defining Courage: A Thoughtful Exploration

12:17 The Role of Humility in Courage

14:21 Navigating Complexity: Courage in Action

19:14 Courage as a Superpower

22:39 The Seven Choices of Courage

33:11 Rejecting Negative Voices: A Courageous Choice

44:19 Everyday Courage: Inspiration from Our Lives

Learn more about Christopher, his work and his incredible book at liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Brain Snack from Live+Work More Human. In this conversation, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner engage with Muriel Wilkins to explore the concept of being 'blocked' as a leader. They discuss how these blockages stem from underlying beliefs that can hinder effective leadership.

Muriel introduces seven common blockers that leaders face, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root causes of these beliefs to foster personal and organizational growth. The discussion highlights the interplay between personal experiences and professional roles, advocating for a holistic approach to leadership development.

Takeaways

Being blocked as a leader can manifest in various ways.

Understanding the beliefs behind behaviors is crucial.

Blockers can stem from personal experiences and fears.

The journey of unblocking is ongoing and requires self-reflection.

Leaders often experience multiple blockers at different times.

The seven blockers identified are common among leaders.

Recognizing when beliefs support or hinder leadership is key.

Leadership is about being a whole person, not just a role.

Unpacking the origin of beliefs can lead to better leadership.

Effective leadership requires addressing both behaviors and underlying beliefs.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Leadership Blockages

03:43 Exploring the Seven Blockers

06:39 Unpacking the 'Need to Be Involved' Blocker

09:41 The Impact of Fear on Leadership

11:15 Introduction to Human-Centric Workplaces

11:18 The Importance of Employee Well-Being

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leadership is undergoing a significant transformation, raising the question: Is leadership dead? While it’s certainly not extinct, recent studies suggest that leadership is facing a branding crisis. With a growing number of leaders contemplating their roles for better work-life balance, it’s essential to explore what these changes mean for the future of leadership.

In this episode, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner do just this: they dissect the evolving perception of leadership amidst generational shifts, societal pressures, and workplace transformations. Discover how future leadership can be rebranded to attract and sustain talent, with insights on wellbeing, autonomy, and meaningful work.

Key Takeaways:

• The leadership branding crisis: Why younger generations are reconsidering leadership roles
• Data highlights: 40% of leaders contemplating leaving for work-life balance; Gen Z's unique leadership aspirations
• Shift from linear career paths to lateral moves and skill diversification
• Burnout risks: The impact of linear career expectations on wellbeing
• Making leadership roles attractive: Compensation, meaning, wellbeing, and flexibility
• The importance of designing sustainable leadership structures
• Creating alternative career paths beyond traditional management
• Decentralizing decision-making to empower teams and reduce leader burden
• Reframing leadership as a growth opportunity aligned with millennial and Gen Z values
• Role of organizational culture in supporting healthy leadership practices
• Rethinking in-office expectations and remote leadership models
• The potential of sharing leadership responsibilities within teams

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Brain Snack from Live+Work More Human. In this sizzling and succinct conversation, we sit down with Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic to discuss the intricacies of authenticity in leadership, the challenges of self-deception, and the importance of understanding the impact of your actions on others. The dialogue explores the balance between being true to yourself and being aware of how you're is perceived by others, emphasizing the need for self-awareness in effective leadership.

Takeaways

• Authenticity is often oversimplified in leadership advice.
• Children learn the importance of pro-social lying early on.
• Self-deception can hinder effective leadership.
• Leaders must balance honesty with empathy.
• The intention-impact gap highlights the disconnect in leadership.
• Self-awareness is crucial for understanding one's impact on others.
• Caring about what others think can enhance leadership effectiveness.
• Narcissism in leadership can be detrimental to team dynamics.
• Cultural differences influence perceptions of authenticity.
• Effective leaders curate a consistent professional self.

Chapters

00:00 The Complexity of Authenticity

12:29 Introduction to Human-Centric Workplaces

12:29 The Importance of Employee Well-Being

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does success in our careers hinge on understanding and managing ourselves? And what's the first step on this journey towards upleveling your career and your leadership?

In this enlightening and wide-ranging conversation, Sally and Alexis sit down with Margaret Andrews, a leadership expert and author, to explore the critical importance of self-understanding in effective leadership. They discuss how managing oneself is essential for leading others, the significance of bridging the intention-impact gap, and the role of interpersonal skills in fostering a positive workplace culture.

The conversation also delves into the costs of poor leadership and the necessity of investing in emotional intelligence and self-management for organizational success. Margaret shares practical questions for leaders to reflect on their journey towards better self-management and leadership effectiveness.

• Why understanding and managing ourselves is crucial for effective leadership.
• How self-awareness leads to better understanding of others.
• The reasons the intention-impact gap is a key concept in leadership.
• That self-management is an ongoing journey for leaders.
• Why interpersonal skills are more important than technical skills in leadership.
• The key reasons poor leadership can lead to high turnover and low morale.
• How investing in leadership development is essential for organizational success.
• Why human skills are increasingly vital in the age of AI.
• That leaders should treat employees as individuals, not resources.
• How the journey of self-reflection is the first step towards becoming a better leader.

00:00 The Importance of Self-Management in Leadership

02:52 Understanding and Managing Yourself

05:49 The Role of Self-Reflection in Leadership

08:56 The Journey of Leadership Development

11:55 Characteristics of Great Bosses

17:41 The Impact of Emotional Intelligence

23:50 The Necessity of Human Skills in the Age of AI

29:53 Investing in Leadership Development

32:42 Starting Your Journey to Better Leadership

34:53 Introduction to Human-Centric Leadership

36:53 Insights from Margaret Andrews on Leadership Development

Learn more about Margaret and her incredible work and order her brilliant book at the Live+Work More Human website right here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Brain Snack from Live+Work More Human. In this conversation, Sally and Alexis explore the concept of 'uncompete' with Ruchika T. Malhotra, discussing how to shift from a competitive mindset to one that fosters collaboration and inclusion. They delve into the importance of resetting your mindset, especially in competitive environments, and how redefining success can lead to more meaningful outcomes in both personal and professional contexts.

Takeaways

• Uncompete is a necessary mindset shift.
• Resetting your mindset is foundational to change.
• Competition can be insidious and limiting.
• Collaboration can lead to better outcomes.
• Negotiation should aim for win-win situations.
• The legal profession often fosters an adversarial mindset.
• Designing for impact is crucial in leadership.
• Personal relationships can be prioritized over competition.
• The cost of competition can be isolating and high.

Chapters

00:00 Reframing Comparison and Envy

02:01 Building Community and Support

05:04 Seeking Peace as a Form of Resistance

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This incredibly timely conversation between your hosts Alexis and Sally delves into the complex relationship between loneliness and work identity, exploring how societal pressures and personal experiences shape our connection to work and each other. Sharing personal experience as well as data and expertise, Sally and Alexis discuss the impact of technology on social interactions, the challenges of forming adult friendships, and the responsibility of organizations to foster a sense of belonging.

We share candid personal anecdotes and practical strategies for combating loneliness that will resonate for everyone, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and meaningful connections.

• How loneliness is increasingly recognized as a societal issue.
• Why work can become a primary source of identity, leading to over-investment in professional roles.
• The ways creating belonging in organizations is essential for employee well-being.
• How personal experiences of loneliness can inform our understanding of workplace dynamics.
• The role of technology in facilitating connections (but why it shouldn't replace in-person interactions!).
• How engaging in community activities can foster deeper connections.
• Real talk: adult friendships are hard.
• Why we feel organizations have a responsibility to address employee loneliness.
• The ways in which courageous acts of connection can have a ripple effect.
• Why for all of us, finding meaning beyond work is crucial for mental health.

00:00 Exploring Loneliness and Work

13:39 Personal Experiences of Loneliness

24:58 The Role of Technology in Connection

33:55 Organizational Responsibility in Combating Loneliness

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Thank you for being an incredible part of the Live+Work More Human community.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Brain Snack from Live+Work More Human. In this conversation, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner speak with Tyler Rice to explore the concept of digital wellness, emphasizing the importance of finding balance with technology in our lives and workplaces. They discuss the challenges posed by an always-on culture, the significance of tactical disconnection, and practical strategies for achieving a healthier relationship with technology.

Takeaways

• Digital wellness is essential for flourishing in the digital age.
• Tactical disconnection involves small, intentional breaks from technology.
• The shift to remote work has heightened the need for digital wellness.
• Productivity should not be solely measured by connectivity.
• Finding balance with technology is crucial for mental health.
• Optimal usage of technology varies for each individual.
• Intention plays a key role in determining optimal technology use.
• The evolution of technology has changed our work-life dynamics.
• Disconnection can be as important as connection.
• Creating a healthy relationship with technology requires conscious effort.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Digital Wellness

03:45 The Importance of Digital Wellness at Work

06:46 Tipping Points in Technology and Work-Life Balance

09:45 Defining Tactical Disconnection

11:43 Introduction to Human-Centric Workplaces

Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of Live+Work More Human (formerly We Are Human Leaders), Alexis and Sally sit down with CEO and author Jon Rosemberg to discuss what it means to shift from survive, to thrive. And the impact this has for our careers and lives.

We explore the concept of survival mode as an evolutionary mechanism that many people find themselves in today. Jon generously shares his personal journey from survival to thriving, emphasizing the importance of agency, social connection, and intrinsic worth. And, our discussion explores the distinction between thriving and success, the significance of psychological flexibility, and the development of a map to guide individuals towards a thriving life. Jon encourages listeners to recognize their intrinsic value and practice agency in their daily lives, ultimately fostering a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.

• That survival mode is a natural evolutionary response.
• How we can recognize when we are in survival mode.
• The reasons thriving is about agency, meaning, and social connection.
• Why success is often defined by external factors like money and status.
• The reasons agency is the ability to make intentional choices that matter.
• How psychological flexibility allows us to adapt and find new paths.
• Reasons our identities should be complex and not solely tied to our work.
• That intrinsic worth exists beyond our productivity and achievements.
• How mall moments of agency can lead to significant change over time.
• That the journey to thriving is personal and requires self-exploration.

00:00 Understanding Survival Mode

06:05 The Shift to Thriving

12:45 Defining Thriving vs. Success

18:24 The Importance of Agency

23:34 Mapping the Journey to Thriving

25:31 The Power of Beliefs

29:49 Developing Agency Through AIR

31:21 The Importance of Psychological Flexibility

36:19 Identity and Intrinsic Worth

42:56 Embracing Agency for Personal Growth

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes, it's another brilliant Brain Snack: bite-sized learning moments from Live+Work More Human.

In today’s Brain Snack, we discuss the implications of AI on workplaces and teams, and how it can be used to drive positive human-centred outcomes. We share our thoughts on how AI can be used to address challenges like burnout, productivity and employee engagement.

For more resources like this one, check out the Live+Work More Human podcast right here.

For now, enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this frank and animated conversation, co-hosts Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke explore the complex relationship between productivity, rest, and burnout. They discuss personal experiences with productivity pressures, the societal expectations that contribute to burnout, and the importance of understanding different forms of rest.

This open and insightful dialogue emphasizes the need for self-compassion, the role of therapy and coaching, and practical strategies for preventing burnout while fostering a healthier work-life experience for all of us.

• Why the struggle with productivity and rest is common among high achievers.
• How rest should not be viewed as a reward for productivity but as a necessity.
• The ways societal pressures often dictate our sense of worth based on productivity.
• Why burnout can occur in both organizational and personal contexts.
• The power of understanding different types of rest can help in recovery and prevention of burnout.
• Why therapy and coaching can provide valuable support in managing stress and burnout.
• The reasons we see self-assessment as crucial in recognizing burnout symptoms.
• How creating boundaries around work can enhance productivity and well-being.
• The key reasons finding joy and play in life is essential for mental health.
• Why, now more than ever, it's important to connect with others and share experiences to combat feelings of isolation. 

00:00 Introduction to Chaos and Productivity

02:50 The Struggle with Productivity and Rest

05:59 The Impact of Childhood on Productivity Mindset

09:00 Understanding Different Types of Rest

11:55 Navigating Faux Productivity

14:55 The Connection Between Worth and Productivity

17:59 Societal Pressures and Personal Value

20:56 The Pervasiveness of Burnout and Its Consequences

24:29 Understanding Burnout: Personal Experiences and Definitions

30:09 The Role of Therapy and Coaching in Managing Burnout

36:09 Practical Strategies for Preventing Burnout

40:56 Finding Joy and Play in Life Despite Challenges

Learn more, including the links to the episode with Dr Saunda Dalton Smith, right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/f-productivity-busyness-burnout

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner discuss the rebranding of the podcast to 'Live+Work More Human' (formerly We Are Human Leaders), and the introduction of their new partner, Humanico. They emphasize the importance of human-centered outcomes in leadership and the need for connection in hybrid and remote teams. The conversation also highlights the exciting themes and topics planned for the upcoming season, focusing on personal development and the integration of skills in both personal and professional contexts.

• Rebranding reflects a broader understanding of leadership.
• Humanico provides a platform for organizational intelligence.
• Self-leadership is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Skills learned in work apply to personal relationships.
• The split between work and life is arbitrary.
• Community feedback shaped the rebranding decision.
• The podcast aims to invite everyone into the conversation.
• Future episodes will cover practical skills and strategies.
• The focus is on becoming the best version of ourselves.

Learn more at http://liveandworkmorehuman.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from Live and Work More Human.

In today’s Brain Snack, we share practical advice for driving more connection and belonging in hybrid and remote teams. And the do’s and don’ts for using online technology for connection, and how to best use time together wisely to drive deeper relationships.

For more resources like this one, check out the Live and Work More Human podcast right here.

For now, enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, we share advice for managers struggling to manage team productivity and not burn themselves out. This includes practical tips to help you manage up successfully. This is part of a four part brainsnack series where we answer your questions.

For more, check resources like this one, check out the We Are Human Leaders podcast right here www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast

For now, enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, we discuss how to upskill for a future that’s uncertain and unpredictable. We share our expert insights on the mindsets and behaviours that will be critical for success now, and into the future. This is part of a four part Brain Snack series where we answer your questions.

For more resources like this one, check out the We Are Human Leaders podcast right here www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast

For now, enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A must listen for everyone who wants to tap into their creativity with ease and intention! This thought-provoking conversation with authors of the brilliant new Innovation-ish Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden explores the multifaceted nature of innovation, emphasizing that it is not solely the domain of lone geniuses but rather a collaborative effort that requires curiosity, empathy, and humility.

We discuss the importance of redefining what it means to be an innovator, the myths surrounding innovation hesitation, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a safe environment for creativity. The discussion also delves into practical strategies for integrating innovation into daily life, the significance of mindset, and the power of metacognition in enhancing creative problem-solving abilities.

• Innovation is about passion and grit to solve problems.
• Curiosity, empathy, and humility are essential human qualities for innovation.
• The myth of the lone genius in innovation is misleading.
• Collaboration is crucial for generating innovative ideas.
• Mindsets influence how we perceive and approach problems.
• Cognitive caution can hinder creativity but is a natural human process.
• Creating a safe space encourages idea sharing and innovation.
• Leaders play a vital role in fostering an innovative environment.
• Innovation should be integrated into daily practices, not treated as a special event.
• Metacognition enhances our ability to innovate by allowing us to reflect on our thinking.

00:00 Defining Innovation: A New Perspective

03:01 The Human Element of Innovation

05:59 Innovation Hesitation: Understanding Barriers

08:51 The Distinction Between Innovation and Entrepreneurship

11:57 Mindsets for Innovation: A Cognitive Approach

14:40 Overcoming Self-Censorship in Creative Processes

17:53 Creating a Safe Environment for Innovation

20:42 The Role of Leadership in Fostering Innovation

23:47 Everyday Innovation: Integrating Creativity into Daily Life

26:53 Integrating Change Gradually

28:19 Understanding Moves in Problem Solving

31:22 The Power of Mindset in Innovation

35:07 Harnessing Metacognition for Creativity

48:41 Practical Steps to Foster Innovation

52:48 Introduction to Human Leadership

53:51 Cognitive Science and Innovation

54:56 The Role of Creativity in Leadership

Learn more about Tessa and Rich, order your copy of their book, and access your free BONUS Mind Map, right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/unlock-your-creativity-innovation-potential-with-tessa-forshaw-rich-braden

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Author and Disruption Expert Terence Mauri shares with Alexis and Sally his take on how leaders need to be framing disruption to harness change and remain relevant. He shares with us the risks of doing nothing in a rapidly changing world, and how AI is as much about people as it is about technology. 

For more, check out the full conversation How to Befriend Uncertainty with Terence Mauri here.

For now, enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful conversation, author and global thought leader Ruchika T. Malhotra discusses her brilliant new book Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Success, which challenges the traditional notions of competition in the workplace and life. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community, and an abundance mindset as essential elements for success.

The wide-ranging discussion explores various myths surrounding competition, the need to reset our mindsets, and the significance of reframing comparison. Ruchika also highlights the necessity of seeking peace as a form of resistance against societal pressures.

• How uncompete is about rejecting the zero-sum mindset.
• Why collaboration leads to greater success than competition.
• The many ingrained beliefs we have about competition are harmful.
• The key reasons resetting our mindset is crucial for personal growth.
• How comparison can be reframed to motivate rather than discourage.
• Why building community is essential for mental health and success.
• The legitimate concerns around male loneliness in society right now.
• Why success should be redefined to include community and support.
• How seeking peace is a powerful form of resistance.
• Why abundance mindset fosters collaboration and innovation.

Learn more about Ruchika Malhotra, her amazing new book, and her work right here.

Thanks for being a part of the We Are Human Leaders community!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Relationship Psychologist Rachel Voysey shares with Alexis and Sally her advice on navigating romantic relationships in the workplace, especially in the early stages. She gives us the non-negotiable boundaries for keeping this professional, while still allowing our relationships to grow.

For more, check out the full conversation Romance, Cheating and BFFs: Relationships at Work with Rachel Voysey.

For now, enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tyler unpacks his latest book, Tactical Disconnection: The Secret to Health, Happiness, and Productivity in an Always-on World and emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between technology use and personal wellbeing, introducing the idea of 'tactical disconnection'—small, intentional breaks from technology to enhance productivity and happiness. The discussion also explores the challenges of digital overuse, the duality of our digital and authentic selves, and practical strategies for fostering a healthier workplace culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing.

• How digital wellness is the study of living harmoniously with technology.
• The ways tactical disconnection involves small, intentional breaks from technology.
• Why finding digital balance is crucial for productivity and happiness.
• What makes it hard to disconnect and how compulsive design in technology captures our attention excessively.
• The ways we show up as both a digital self and an authentic self.
• The reasons positive psychology can motivate behavior change towards digital wellness.
• How creating communication norms in teams enhances digital wellness.
• PIA: How Perception, intention, and action are key components of digital wellness.
• Why leaders should model digital wellness behaviors for their teams.
• The ways in which health, happiness, and productivity are interconnected – and how digital wellness impacts them all.

00:00 Understanding Digital Wellness

02:55 The Importance of Digital Wellness at Work

05:56 Tipping Points in Technology and Work-Life Balance

08:55 Defining Tactical Disconnection

12:04 Challenges of Digital Wellness

14:55 Navigating the Digital Self vs. Authentic Self

18:43 Exploring Positive Psychology and Digital Wellness

23:16 The PIA Approach: Perception, Intention, Action

29:50 Creating Healthier Workplaces through Tactical Disconnection

36:41 The Interconnection of Health, Happiness, and Productivity

38:35 Introduction to Digital Wellness

39:35 Insights from Tactical Disconnection

40:35 The Importance of Digital Balance

Learn more about Tyler and his work at www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/digital-detox-tactical-disconnection-tyler-rice

Thanks for being a part of this incredible community! Feel welcome to leave us a 5 star rating or share this episode with someone you think will benefit.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Mindfulness Expert Researcher Megan Reitz shares with Alexis and Sally her advice on how we can create more spaciousness in our increasingly busy and complex world. She shares the five fundamental pillars of spaciousness, and some practical insights to begin using these to escape the busyness hamster wheel in your own life.

For more, check out the full conversation Escaping the Busyness Trap with Megan Reitz here.

For now, enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exploratory conversation, author, executive coach and expert Muriel Wilkins discusses the concept of leadership blockages, exploring how beliefs can hinder effective leadership. She identifies seven common blockers that leaders face and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and unpacking these beliefs to foster personal and organizational growth. The personal, robust discussion highlights the need for leaders to engage in a continuous journey of self-discovery and exploration, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and effective leadership style.

• How Leadership begins with self-awareness and understanding our blockages.
• Which common beliefs drive behaviors, and recognizing them is crucial for growth.
• The seven blockers that can significantly impact leadership effectiveness.
• Why unpacking beliefs is essential for sustainable leadership change.
• How internal validation is key to overcoming self-doubt in leadership.
• Why adulting in leadership involves recognizing and managing our beliefs.
• The back story on why journey of leadership is ongoing and requires continuous reflection.
• How creating a culture of feedback starts with leaders addressing their own beliefs.
• How the process of unblocking involves awareness, unpacking, and reframing beliefs.
• Just why a world of unblocked leaders can lead to more inclusive and effective organizational cultures and healthier societies.

00:00 Understanding Leadership Blockages

05:05 Exploring the Seven Blockers

08:01 Unpacking the 'Need to Be Involved' Blocker

11:03 The Impact of Fear on Leadership

13:59 The Process of Uncovering and Unblocking Beliefs

21:58 Exploring Beliefs and Feedback

25:41 The Role of Resistance in Leadership

27:23 Adult Development and Leadership Maturity

30:13 The Importance of Unpacking Beliefs

34:06 The Journey of Integration and Behavior Change

37:58 The Invisible Adventures of Leadership

38:57 Creating a Culture of Unblocked Leaders

40:56 Leading with Humanity

40:56 Creating Flourishing Workplaces

Learn more about Muriel's work and access the transcript and more right here.

Learn more about Human Leadership right here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Author and expert on Paradox Thinking, Wendy Smith shares with Alexis and Sally the dangers of either or thinking, and how this can keep us stuck both personally and professionally. She gives us language around what paradox thinking is, and her two key practical strategies to use paradox thinking to open our minds more broadly. 

For more, check out the full conversation Paradox Thinking: The Ultimate Leadership Hack in Times of Uncertainty with Wendy Smith.

For now, enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He emphasizes that wellbeing is not merely a perk but a fundamental driver of organizational success. The discussion highlights the importance of regular feedback, managerial accountability, and the role of love and positive emotions in leadership. Mark argues that leaders must understand their values and foster a caring workplace culture to enhance employee performance and satisfaction.

• Why wellbeing is the driver of organizational flourishing.
• The backstory on why engagement metrics have not improved over 20 years.
• How regular feedback is crucial for employee performance.
• Why wellbeing should not be a perk but a priority.
• The need for managers to be accountable for their impact on employees.
• How to create a caring workplace culture that enhances performance.
• Key reasons leaders should know their values to lead effectively.
• How trusting employees with autonomy improves wellbeing.
• Why love and positive emotions are essential in the workplace.
• The impact of personal accountability for effective leadership.

Mark C. Crowley is a pioneer in workplace leadership, speaker, and bestselling author of Lead from the Heart. He is the host of the acclaimed Lead from the Heart podcast. His new book is The Power of Employee Well-Being: Move Beyond Engagement to Build Flourishing Teams.

00:00 The Engagement Dilemma

04:56 Rethinking Employee Well-Being

07:52 The Shift from Engagement to Well-Being

10:50 Understanding the Business Case for Well-Being

13:47 Managerial Responsibility in Employee Well-Being

16:57 The Importance of Self-Awareness for Leaders

24:51 The Journey of Leadership and Self-Discovery

25:47 The Importance of Feedback in Leadership

30:57 Defining Personal Values and Credo

35:12 Loosening Control for Employee Wellbeing

40:53 The Role of Love in Leadership

47:48 Leading with Humanity

47:48 Creating Flourishing Workplaces

Learn more about Mark's work and where to get his latest book at https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/should-we-ditch-employee-engagement

Thank you for being a part of the incredible Human Leaders community! We appreciate you being here and sharing this journey with us. If you like what you hear, feel welcome to give us a 5 star rating and review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.