Business is Human

“Human behavior and understanding and being able to listen and just keep your mouth shut because you care about what the other person has to say, that's going to be the key to connection versus control.”

In this Future of Work episode, Rebecca discusses the importance of recognizing the value of employees beyond their job titles, understanding their personal stories and challenges, and the critical role of connection over control in the workplace.

Rebecca shares poignant stories from her own experiences and insights from engaging directly with frontline workers, revealing how a focus on empathy and personal connection can uncover hidden talents and drive performance. She also stresses the crucial balance between growing businesses profitably and redefining success to include personal fulfillment and respect for individual uniqueness.

Join us as we unpack the ingredients for a thriving workplace in the modern age, and encourage a shift towards a more inclusive and empathetic approach to leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Emphasize fostering relationships over reinforcing hierarchy to grow a more innovative and committed team
2. Acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of team members to motivate employees and make them feel valued, which in turn increases job satisfaction and loyalty
3. Recognize that employees bring their entire selves to work, including their personal challenges and life experiences, so you can better offer more targeted support, flexibility, and opportunities for growth

Things to listen for:

[05:22] The link between success and burnout

[10:02] Why we feel better when in control of situations

[15:46] Business is about human to human service

[19:58] The frontline workers have the answers

[29:59] How caring leads to greater effort and engagement

Connect with Rebecca:

https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"Recognizing our employees is not just about their achievements—it’s about knowing who they are beyond the job title."

In this Future of Work episode, host Rebecca is joined by Maggie Miller, Senior Director at Delta Faucet Company, to share all about people-centered leadership and the dynamics of hybrid work environments.

Maggie discusses the significance of intentional leadership and the autonomy provided to employees, ensuring they not only succeed at remote work but thrive in it. She also unpacks the power of flexible, remote workplaces in creating safety and security for employees, allowing them the freedom to work across time zones, and underlining the importance of intentional in-person collaboration for invigorated problem-solving and strengthened team bonds.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Strive to understand and cater to the individual needs, goals, and wellbeing of your employees
2. Commit to remote work policies and provide the necessary technology and support for your employees to thrive
3. Make it a point to understand your employees' contributions and provide recognition for higher levels of engagement and performance

Things to listen for: 
[07:34] Believe in humanity and value individuals 
[13:32] See people's value first 
[17:07] Authenticity and leadership impacts loyalty 
[23:00] Flexible work arrangements support diverse team needs. 
[28:44] Foster intentional gatherings for productive work environments 
[31:48] Build trust through availability and communication 
[39:01] Start with caring and connecting with people 
[40:58] Moms need flexibility

Connect with Rebecca:

https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"If you don't have sympathy or empathy, you're not seeing the world of business through the lens of humans.”

In this Future of Work episode, host Rebecca discusses the key role of humility in leadership.

Rebecca explores the differences between a leader’s pride, arrogance, and even narcissism—all contrasted against the humble leader. Rebecca gets personal, sharing her own transition from a 20-year career to building her own path, and how this reflects on one's identity beyond traditional achievements.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Move away from defining your worth by your job title and achievements and reflect on who you are beyond your professional identity
2. Be a leader who listens, reflects, and values the unique perspectives of every team member to help foster collaboration and respect within your organization
3. Shift the focus from traditional business metrics to a more human-centric approach and create a business culture where every person's unique value is recognized

Things to listen for:

[06:25] Leaders need support for innovation and creativity

[08:34] Actively seek humble leadership

[14:00] The lack of empathy and confidence leads to insecurity

[17:39] Transition from achievement to a service-based identity

[19:18] Business is driven by authenticity and serving others

[22:38] Leaders must transition from pride to humility

Connect with Rebecca:

https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

“Proving yourself, working harder, taking care of the business first, and believing that the business will take care of you instead of taking care of ourselves are shown to be the root cause of burnout.”

In this Future of Work episode, host Rebecca takes the mic solo to peel back the layers on collective global reflections sparked by the pandemic and confronting the unwelcome guest at our societal table: burnout.

Rebecca challenges the deeply ingrained notions of success as we contemplate how the pressure to constantly prove and push ourselves is sowed even in the innocence of childhood. This episode confronts the uncomfortable truths about our parenting, our workplace culture, and the hollow victory of accolades over authentic well-being.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Honor the unique value that each individual brings to an organization to effect positive change in the world
2. Working harder and putting business first are the root causes of burnout - shift this mindset to one that prioritizes self-care and internal growth
3. The focus on future of work should be on deeper systemic changes rather than just the physical location of where work is done

Things to listen for:

[06:09] Don’t neglect personal well-being and joy

[07:51] The social aspect of sports can overshadow competition

[11:38] Combat burnout and redefine success with authentic self-care

[15:35] Set boundaries for yourself

[17:53] Reflect on habits, beliefs and nurture kids wisely.

Connect with Rebecca:

https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"I realized that the ladder I was climbing was leaning against the wrong wall. My success as a doctor didn't equate to my happiness.”

In this Future of Work episode, Rebecca is joined by Ashley Butler, founder and CEO of MySherri, to share her transformational journey from a high-pressure medical career to a life that aligns with her soul's purpose.

Ashley shares the power of self-worth and personal growth beyond societal and professional expectations, the impact of work culture on mental health, burnout, and the need for a societal shift towards valuing individual uniqueness and creating more sustainable ways of working, and her personal journey of transitioning from the medical profession to founding her company and the subsequent challenges and ethical decisions faced in her business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Invest time in inner work and self-discovery to build a strong personal foundation which is essential before looking to external achievements for fulfillment
2. Shift societal and professional values from external validation to recognizing intrinsic self-worth, which can help prevent burnout
3. Embrace vulnerability about personal struggles, especially in high-pressure industries, to foster a supportive environment

Things to listen for:

[12:32] Check in on high achievers as they may be struggling

[18:50] Explore your emotions as they lead to personal growth

[27:31] Rapid growth may lead to pain

[30:41] Listen to client needs and employee feedback

[38:22] Find empowerment through self-discovery

[39:57] Seek support and take time for yourself

Connect with Rebecca:

https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"People think that having people clock in and making sure that they're on the computer, is going to increase productivity and decrease turnover. It’s actually the opposite. Treat them as a whole human being and they will be forever grateful and stay.”

In this Future of Work episode, Rebecca is joined by Anna Kantzavelos, co-owner of Nora Apothecary, to discuss the powerful connections between employee satisfaction, service excellence, and the impact of a human-centered approach in the workplace.

Anna shares how personalized patient care, rooted in strong communication, leads to better health outcomes, and her philosophy at Nora Apothecary, where treating employees and customers as whole individuals rather than transactions has led to a thriving business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Prioritize human-to-human interactions with personalized care to organically grow your business
2. Honor employees' individual life circumstances and preferences by offering flexibility to result in increased loyalty and productivity
3. Treat employees as holistic individuals with understanding and trust rather than with control to drive growth and reduce turnover

Things to listen for:

[08:33] Treating employees as whole humans increases loyalty

[11:32] Being aware of love is a motivator

[16:11] Understand love languages

[24:18] Improve teamwork for business success

[31:04] Redefine success and pursue a simpler life

[33:28] Create a new path to achieve goals

Connect with Rebecca:

https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"Increasing the representation of women in leadership is not just good for gender equality; it's good for the business top line revenue.”

In this Future of Work Episode, Rebecca sits down with Shivani Berry, CEO and Founder of Arise Leadership, to explore the intricate challenges facing working mothers as they navigate the corporate ladder.

Shivani dives into the financial intricacies for working mothers while also confronting the bias and societal systems that present hurdles to women aspiring for leadership positions. Join us as Shivani imparts her wisdom on the power of self-advocacy, the importance of confidence, skill-building, and the vital support systems that can make all the difference.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Build confidence and learn to advocate for yourself to gain opportunities in leadership
2. As AI takes on more technical tasks, we need to focus on developing skills in relationship building, empathy, influence, and strategic thinking
3. A community can provide a judgment-free space for women to discuss challenges and share strategies related to career and motherhood

Things to listen for: 

[06:37] The value of community and conversations in education 
[14:52] Self-confidence is critical 
[22:39] Bringing leadership to create collaborative conversations at work 
[24:38] Real talk with friends moves us forward 
[30:14] More women should pursue leadership roles

Connect with Rebecca:

https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"We are designed for growth. We don't have to try to do it. It's a part of our DNA to seek out experiences and things for growth.”

In this Future of Work Episode, Rebecca takes the mic solo and dives into the concept of the Badass Women's Council.

Rebecca discusses the need for women to band together and nurture their growth and potential in a post-2020 world while examining the unique skills of women in the workplace, advocating for a shift towards a more impactful and human-centric approach to work. Join us as we explore the science and mindset behind the Badass Women's Council and its potential to drive positive change in the world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Form a small circle of like-minded individuals who can nurture, challenge, and support your personal and professional growth
2. Adopt a more human-centric approach to work that prioritizes connection, empathy, and making a difference
3. Redefine the value and relevance of work through prioritizing human needs while aligning them with a sustainable and effective money-making model

Things to listen for: 

[07:24] Explore growth outside current organization for personal potential 
[11:35] Figure out who challenges, advises, and inspires you 
[15:11] Women can bring valuable skills to chaos 
[18:05] Work should be about connection and impact 
[22:58] Band together for massive change in humanity

Connect with Rebecca:

https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"Leaders have to tune in with their workforce, recognize their individual needs, and affirm their valuable contributions to truly succeed.”

In this Future of Work Episode, Rebecca is joined by Brenden Rolston, owner of ActionHQ and who’s mission is to lead with purpose, creative expression and joy.

In this episode, Brenden dives into the journey from traditional corporate landscapes to a more meaningful, talent-driven environment that resonates with employees. He also brings his insights on fostering a diverse workforce within his own business, stressing the indispensable role of communication, listening, and understanding individual needs.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Listen and ask the right questions, creating a dialogue where employees feel heard and valued
2. Find a balance between remote flexibility and in-person collaboration to build a positive, energetic team environment
3. Build a culture that combines individual autonomy with the adherence to core values for a more committed workforce

Things to listen for:

[08:38] We have to adapt to change

[13:02] Work balance challenges seen in organizations

[17:35] AI is making an impact on the market and workplace

[24:07] Understanding different work preferences

[29:40] Listening is key

[37:36] Trader Joe’s exemplifies a fulfilled workplace

[41:37] Human stories matter

Connect with Rebecca:

https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"The workplace needs to be a nurturing environment, free from abuse, where everyone can thrive.”

In this Future of Work Episode, Rebecca is joined by Andrea Morehead, a celebrated news anchor and advocate for eradicating workplace abuse. Andrea’s journey is defined by the recognition that many carry their burdens in hushed tones—sharing only with those closest to them—family, friends, and at times, empathetic coworkers who have faced their own workplace struggles.

In this episode, she shares the societal impact of creating safer workplaces, the importance of advocating for the underdog, the power of unity, and Andrea's personal mission to serve and empower others after overcoming her own battles.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Seek objective support and guidance from someone outside of a toxic work environment when facing workplace abuse
2. Hold an environment of freedom, joy, and peace for well-being and professional satisfaction
3. Be intentional about being kind, authentic, and compassionate, facilitating not just individual well-being but also healthier work environments and societies

Things to listen for:

[06:58] We need to hold each other accountable

[11:26] The impact of the George Floyd incident

[27:53] The power of seeking help

[36:27] Identifying workplace abuse

[38:06] Choose happiness and healthy boundaries

Connect with Rebecca:

https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor