On this week's installment Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek welcomes Dr. Katina Sawyer, organizational psychologist, associate professor at the University of Arizona, and co-founder of Workr Beeing. Together, they explore the roots of her work in organizational psychology, what truly drives workplace well-being, and the inspiration behind her mission to help companies create healthier, more human-centered cultures. Chris and Katina also discuss the evolving nature of work-life balance, how the pandemic and generational shifts are reshaping our expectations of work, and the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in today's workplace. With insights on burnout, belonging, leadership, and the future of work, this conversation offers practical guidance for anyone striving to thrive, both on the job and beyond it.

About Katina Sawyer: Katina Sawyer is a co-founder of Workr Beeing and an Associate Professor of Management and Organizations at the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management. Her areas of expertise include diversity, work-life balance, leadership, and positive workplace behaviors. Over the years, Katina has published over 50 peer–reviewed studies, book chapters, and Harvard Business Review articles. Her work has been cited in many public outlets, including the Washington Post, Bloomberg Business Week, The Atlantic, Forbes, and The Conversation.

She has been awarded research grants from the National Science Foundation and the Society for Human Resource Management. In 2017, Katina was named Top 40 under 40 from the Philadelphia Business Journal. She also has extensive experience consulting with various organizations. Katina earned her BA in Psychology from Villanova University and a dual-PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Women's Studies from the Pennsylvania State University.