From A People Perspective

In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', Martin Hauck and Michaud Garneau explore the themes of personal growth, performance, and the art of clowning. They discuss the journey from aspiring circus performers to realizing the importance of hard work and vulnerability in skill development. The conversation delves into the balance of praise and effort, the role of the clown in reflecting audience emotions, and the significance of community support in professional growth. In this conversation, Michaud Garneau discusses the intersection of performance art, particularly clowning, and corporate culture. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and the challenges of bringing one's full self to work. The dialogue explores the nuances of professionalism, the need for safe spaces in the workplace, and the significance of effective communication, particularly through public speaking. Michaud shares insights on how to frame messages for leadership and the importance of understanding the audience's perspective. The conversation concludes with a focus on the tangible results of effective communication and the ongoing journey of personal development.

In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', host Martin Hauck speaks with Nancy Konopinsky, an on-demand COO and founder of Naked Consulting. They discuss Nancy's journey from studying psychology to a successful career in marketing and operations, her transition to consulting, and her focus on empowering women entrepreneurs. The conversation also touches on the importance of mindset, leadership challenges, and the role of AI in business.

In this episode of 'From a People Perspective', host Martin Hauck engages with Sejal Patel Daswani, a seasoned HR leader, discussing her unique career journey, the importance of management consulting in HR, and the evolving landscape of HR technology. They explore the challenges of scaling companies, the role of mentorship, and the impact of AI on HR practices. Sejal shares insights on building a strong culture in large organizations and the mission of Deputy in supporting frontline workers. The conversation emphasizes the need for connection, belonging, and continuous learning in the workplace.

In this episode of From a People Perspective, host Marty engages with Ali and Brandon from Progress Place, a community center dedicated to supporting individuals with mental illness. They discuss the Clubhouse model, which emphasizes community, belonging, and co-designing programs with members. The conversation highlights the importance of transitional employment programs in providing opportunities for individuals to reintegrate into the workforce while addressing stigma and promoting mental health awareness in the workplace. The episode also touches on personal insights, challenges faced during the pandemic, and the significance of open communication in fostering a supportive environment.

In this conversation, Angela Payne and Charles Fortier discuss their journey in founding LeedHR, focusing on the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. They share personal stories, insights on navigating emotional intelligence assessments, and the transformative experiences they've had with clients. The discussion also touches on the cultural readiness for emotional intelligence work, the role of AI in leadership, and the significance of curiosity and flexibility in personal and professional development.

In this conversation, David Paffenholz, founder of PeopleGPT, shares insights into his journey from education to entrepreneurship, the impact of social media on business growth, and the challenges and opportunities in the recruiting landscape. He discusses the features and functionality of PeopleGPT, the importance of addressing bias in AI, and the evolving role of recruiters in the age of technology. David also highlights the company's growth, market position, and future developments, emphasizing the significance of building a strong company culture in a virtual environment.

BTW for the keen listeners, here's a link to the David's go to album by Peter Fox.

Kai Algar shares her career journey, which has been characterized by adaptability and a diverse range of experiences. She started in business and accounting, then pursued interior design and real estate. She later explored UX and found her passion in applying it to employee experience. Kai has worked in startups, consulting, and recruitment, constantly learning and adapting to new challenges. She emphasizes the need for businesses to future-proof themselves and build equitable models in the changing world of work. In this part of the conversation, Kai and Martin discuss the need for a shift in the way education is done and the importance of self-education and self-reflection. They also explore the limitations of the current system and the need for a more flexible and adaptable approach to work. Kai emphasizes the importance of building small and medium-sized businesses that focus on sustainability and quality rather than infinite growth. They also discuss the need to dissolve hierarchies and empower employees through an employee-owned model. Finally, they touch on the challenges of scaling and pivoting in larger companies and propose a squad model as a solution. The conversation explores the need to hire for the right qualities and create decentralized work environments. It emphasizes the importance of employee ownership and equitable compensation. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by founders and the potential of generalists in the future of work. The guest shares their vision of building tools and structures to enable a more sustainable and engaging work culture.

In this episode, Martin interviews Dr. Adam Zeman, a researcher who has studied aphantasia for the past 10 years. They discuss the concept of aphantasia, which is the inability to visualize mental images, and its implications for individuals' experiences and creativity. Dr. Zeman shares that aphantasia is not a disability but rather a variation in human experience. They also explore the challenges of understanding and describing different subjective experiences, as well as the potential subtypes and genetic factors associated with aphantasia. Dr. Zeman provides resources for further exploration of the topic.

Marlon shares his entrepreneurial journey and the origin of Michael's Global Trading. He provides insights into the process of managing office furniture and equipment when a business moves or shuts down. Marlon also discusses his biggest project to date, clearing out 13 floors of furniture for a major construction company, and the impact it had on his business. He shares his plans for the future, including exploring import-export opportunities, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.