Product Powers - Human Skills for Product Thinkers to Thrive in the Age of AI

Have you ever considered how the language we use might be outdated and full of hidden biases? I explore the topic of inclusive language with Dr Suzanne Wertheim, a former professor of linguistics and linguistic anthropology, who now consults on inclusive language in the workplace. This article distils the key ideas we explored in this episode.

Inclusive language isn’t just a passing trend—it’s essential for fostering collaboration, respect, and innovation, particularly in the tech world. As someone who’s seen countless examples of how communication impacts relationships and results, I can tell you that outdated language systems often alienate people without us even realising. Tech professionals especially need to upgrade how they communicate because words shape experiences and experiences define success. Here are five practical steps you can take to incorporate inclusive language in your workplace today.

🚀 Understand Why Language Matters

Language is more powerful than we give it credit for. Think about it: ever had a single word or comment derail an otherwise great meeting or pitch? That's how much influence words have. In tech, we develop tools and systems that reach global users. If our communication isn’t reflective of the diverse world we serve, we risk overlooking critical perspectives.

Research shows that inclusive language helps teams collaborate better and improves problem-solving outcomes. For instance, addressing unconscious gender bias in tech products led to smarter AI outputs. So, the first step is recognising that language sets the tone for everything we build and share.

👩‍💻 Start with Gender-Neutral Terms

One of the easiest ways to make a big impact is by ditching outdated, binary language. For example, instead of “Ladies and Gentlemen,” say “Guests” or “Team.” Replace “Husband” or “Wife” with “Partner” or “Spouse” in casual conversations. These small shifts help everyone feel seen, whether they identify within the gender binary or not.

Consider this: a train conductor announcing “Ladies and Gentlemen” may unintentionally alienate non-binary passengers. Something as simple as “Attention passengers” immediately resolves that issue.

If gender-inclusivity interests you, dive deeper: E80: Self-Help - Change the Way You Speak to Yourself.

💡 Create Space for Feedback

No matter how much effort you put into using inclusive language, mistakes happen. What truly sets inclusive workplaces apart is their willingness to listen and adapt. Make it easy for peers and team members to share feedback about your communication style—whether it’s in a one-on-one chat, through anonymous channels, or team reviews.

For example, during a training session, I received constructive feedback that my doodles weren’t gender-neutral. While caught off guard, I used the moment to learn and ask for advice.

🔍 Review Your Written and Verbal Patterns

When we rely on autopilot, we often fall back on outdated language that might exclude others. Terms like “guys” during team meetings or using masculine defaults in system manuals might seem harmless, but they can alienate other genders. Run an audit of your communication materials—emails, project documentation, and even Slack messages—and identify areas for improvement. Make it a habit to test your words before hitting "Send."

In one shocking example, a simple language misstep during a tech sales pitch cost a team £4 million! The salesperson used terms that disregarded the client’s identity. Imagine how avoidable that situation could’ve been with a little forethought.

For strategies to strengthen your workplace communication, this article may help: Communication is a Science.

🌐 Think Global, Act Local

In tech, we're often designing for a global audience. Inclusive language isn’t one-size-fits-all; it must reflect the diverse realities of your users. While some English-speaking cultures use gender-neutral terms, other languages integrate gender into almost every word. Understanding these nuances will take your inclusive language game to the next level.

For instance, languages like French or Spanish have deeply gendered grammar systems, influencing how software tools interact with users. As AI becomes smarter, embedding cultural awareness directly into these tools ensures inclusivity. It's not just about avoiding harm; it's about actively embracing better mental models.

📚 Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility

Inclusive language in technology is an ongoing commitment. Whether it's small tweaks in your Zoom meetings or reassessing how your algorithms interpret names and identities, every word makes a difference. With practice, you’ll find your language naturally aligning with your values. And the best part? These adjustments don’t just feel nice—they significantly improve collaboration and create a better workplace culture.

If you’re ready to start rethinking language, here’s your next step: start small, address feedback openly, and seek resources that help you refine.

Recommended Reads for Facilitators:

* The Inclusive Language Field Guide by Suzanne Wertheim

* Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

* Words Matter: Using Language as a Lever in Leadership by Rebecca Cooke

Guest: Dr. Suzanne Wertheim

Dr. Suzanne Wertheim is an international expert in inclusive language.

After getting her Ph.D. in Linguistics from Berkeley, she held faculty positions at Northwestern, University of Maryland, and UCLA. In 2011, she left the university system in order to apply her expertise to real-world problems.

Dr. Wertheim uses science to identify and correct problematic language that hurts business. Global clients call on her for keynotes, workshops, customized video courses, and consulting. Dr. Wertheim’s book, The Inclusive Language Field Guide, was published in 2023.

In a world driven by innovation and creativity, product design has emerged as a crucial field influencing everything from consumer products to the digital tools we use daily. But what exactly is product design, and how does it differ from traditional approaches to problem-solving? I had the pleasure of exploring these topics through a conversation with Eli Woolery, a lecturer at Stanford University and co-host of the podcast Design Better, along with his insights on design thinking and the impact of AI on the design process.

Here's what I learned from Eli's journey and insights, from the origins of human-centered design to the future of product design in an AI-driven world.

The Origins and Essence of Product Design

Eli's path into product design wasn’t linear. As a child, he dreamt of becoming a "dinosaur dentist"—inspired by watching paleontologists carefully dig up dinosaur bones using dental tools. Though Eli didn’t end up cleaning T. Rex's teeth, his curiosity about how things work led him to product design, a discipline that blends art and engineering to create solutions that meet human needs.

Product design goes far beyond aesthetics. It's about understanding people—how they use products and what challenges they face—and then designing solutions with empathy at the core. This is where Stanford’s human-centered design approach comes into play. Eli teaches something called design thinking, a method that helps to reframe difficult, often ambiguous problems by putting the human experience at the centre of the process.

As Eli puts it, design thinking "arises when the challenge is more ambiguous... it’s all about framing the right problem."

💡 3 Key Product Design Principles

Here are three important principles Eli shared that are fundamental to understanding product design:

1️⃣ Embrace Curiosity

Curiosity is not just a trait but a superpower in product design. Eli explained how asking questions, observing, and being curious about human behaviour forms the backbone of the process. Whether it's through interviews or simply watching people interact with products in their daily lives, curiosity leads to insights that drive better design.

2️⃣ Reframe the Problem

Sometimes the initial challenge is not the real challenge. Eli shared a powerful case study from Nepal where the design team set out to tackle infant mortality by creating affordable incubators. What they discovered upon visiting Nepal was that the hospitals already had plenty of incubators—the real problem was getting premature babies to the hospital in time. This led to the development of Embrace, a portable option that saved lives.

3️⃣ Prototype and Iterate

One of the biggest takeaways is to test early and often. By creating low-fidelity prototypes (even simple wireframes or paper sketches), designers can quickly get feedback from users. Eli shared anecdotes about how small changes in prototypes—like switching from a thermometer to a binary "too hot/too cold" indicator—can lead to big shifts in the effectiveness of a product.

How AI is Shaping the Future of Product Design

Can AI help with creativity, or is it a looming threat? According to Eli, the answer lies somewhere in between. On the one hand, AI tools are allowing designers to experiment and build things faster than ever before. You can ask a tool like ChatGPT to whip up an app interface or generate interview questions in a matter of seconds. There’s Galileo, a tool that lets you create a basic app or website using text prompts.

But there's a risk. AI can hallucinate—return responses that make no sense in the real world. Moreover, relying too much on AI in the early stages of design could make designers miss smaller, valuable insights that emerge from thinking through problems manually.

Eli highlights that while AI speeds up some tasks, it may also cause people to skip crucial aspects of the design process where real innovation happens. You can learn more about the intersection of humans and AI in this excellent episode.

Could AI Replace Product Designers?

Whenever we discuss AI, the question pops up: will AI eventually replace whole professions? Eli’s take is nuanced. Yes, AI can drastically change product design, but it’s more about enhancing capabilities than replacing them.

He likens it to having an excellent but flawed intern—a tool that can rapidly generate ideas but still requires human oversight. In the short term, AI might remove some mundane tasks from a designer's plate, such as generating interview questions or drafting basic design elements. But for more complex problem-solving and creative thought, human intuition will continue to be invaluable.

Product design is more than crafting sleek objects; it’s about solving real human problems with empathy, curiosity, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, understanding these principles will help you excel in today’s dynamic world of design. And in an age where AI tools are speeding up workflows, it’s essential to keep humanity at the core of the design process.

Books and Resources to Boost Your Product Design Skills

If you’re starting your product design journey and want to dive deeper, Eli recommends a few fantastic books:

* Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono – A guide to switching mental modes during the creative problem-solving process.

* Sprint by Jake Knapp – Learn how to tackle problems effectively in just five days. This is an excellent resource for design sprints and quick, effective ideation.

* Creative Confidence by Tom and David Kelley – A vital read on rediscovering and nurturing creativity, no matter your profession.

If you’re curious about how design thinking can affect your work, check out more resources on creative brainstorming techniques and how to boost innovation over at this episode.

About Eli Woolery

Elijah trained in the Product Design program at Stanford University, where he now teaches as a lecturer. He has a background in photography and filmmaking, as well as product and industrial design. He is formerly the Director of Design Education at InVision, a software design and collaboration platform.After working as a lead design engineer with Light & Motion, a vertically integrated manufacturer of consumer underwater video and photography equipment, he pursued graduate studies in marine biology at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, and co-founded the print magazine Wetpixel Quarterly in 2007. He was a founder in the second class of Innovation Endeavor's Runway Program, a venture-backed startup accelerator backed by Eric Schmidt's fund.He also founded Out of the Deep Blue, a design consultancy, where he worked on web and mobile applications for clients like Genentech and Kaiser Permanente. As a life-long worshiper of the ocean, he loves to surf, dive, and kayak.

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I’m joined by five of the track chairs who have organised the BA Summit Southern Africa 2024. I was keen to get a behind-the-scenes perspective of what conference organisers look for in good conference talk submissions.

We also delve into the importance of networking, personal growth, and the dynamic role of track chairs in making the summit a success.

If you would like to attend the conference, register here: BA Summit Southern Africa 2024

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

02:35 Lalitha's Journey and Insights

04:10 Moreblessing's Unique Perspective

05:39 Chrisanne's Experience and Role

08:20 Byron's Path and Contributions

10:35 Oupa's Role as Chief Track Chair

13:12 The Speaker Selection Process

19:51 Common Themes and Tips for Submitting Talks

22:08 Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

22:55 Tips for Broadening Your Speaking Topics

23:36 Encouragement from Lean Coffee Sessions

25:13 Unique Voices and Perspectives

26:04 Practical Tips for Public Speaking

28:41 Embracing Your Unique Style

32:49 Fun Quiz: BA Techniques

34:55 Why Attend the Durban Summit?

38:55 Networking Opportunities at the Summit

40:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guests

Chrisanne Kirstein

Chrisanne Kirstein is a seasoned professional known for her expertise in fostering inclusive cultures and driving high-performing teams. With over 15 years of experience as a business analyst consultant, she has a proven track record of success in analysis, project, and product ownership. Chrisanne has showcased her skills at various international and local events and is an active member of the business analysis and product ownership community. She is committed to mentorship and believes in empowering the next generation of professionals. Chrisanne’s passion for making a meaningful impact drives her career journey.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisanne-kirstein-a5081040/

Oupa Laka

Oupa is a highly motivated and passionate business analysis professional with over a decade of experience. Renowned for his expertise in problem-solving and effective solution crafting, his career journey began about 20 years ago, venturing through product support, systems support, then product development and channel integration before transitioning to business analysis.

Oupa’s contagious enthusiasm for business analysis inspires others to approach their work with dedication and zeal. With a firm belief in the power of collaboration, negotiation, and experimentation, he has successfully tackled complex challenges across multiple business units in various companies.

Beyond his technical prowess, Oupa’s engaging and approachable demeanor fosters an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. He effortlessly connects with individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting an environment of mutual respect and understanding. His diplomatic and tactful approach ensures seamless interactions with professionals and non-professionals at all levels.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oupa-laka-2973522a/

Lalitha Moodley

Lalitha is a Strategic Senior Business Analyst working for Jembi Health Systems, a non-profit organization, that implements health information systems in low-resource settings, emphasizing optimization through data analysis. She has years of experience in the Health, Finance, and Asset Management sectors and has experience in Business Analysis, Business Process Management, Monitoring and Risk Management, as well as Country Engagements.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalitha-moodley-2673a019/

Moreblessing Maisva

Moreblessing “Mo” Maisva is a seasoned business analyst with over a decade of experience across diverse industries, including service delivery, enterprise development, mining, tax consulting, and consumer goods. She is a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) and her expertise lies in translating complex business requirements into actionable plans, driving strategic initiatives, and improving operational efficiency. She has a proven track record of delivering results and empowering organizations to achieve their goals. She is also a skilled trainer and facilitator, passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise in Business Analysis and Business Process Engineering. Moreblessing is dedicated to driving success and innovation within the business analysis community.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moreblessing-maisva/

Byron Fortuin

Byron Fortuin is a multifaceted professional within the ICT sector and seasoned lecturer, trainer & facilitator with a rich background in the practise of business analysis. Currently, he holds the position of Senior Manager Architecture & Strategy and Senior Lecturer. His expertise lies in technology, business & systems analysis, defining and managing fintech technology platforms, architecture, and strategy.

Byron is a volunteer & mentor with the IIBA South African Chapter and conference speaker on technology, business & system analysis, he is also an advocate for financial, digital, and economic inclusion. His journey has seen him transition from roles such as call centre agent, software tester, systems & business analyst, team leader, to senior managerial positions.Byron’s commitment to knowledge sharing and collaboration, along with his 10+ years’ experience in delivering complex IT projects and solutions in telecommunications and financial services, believes in challenging the status quo, to be intentional and deliberate in what you do, plays an important part of being a Business Analyst and effective thought leader.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-fortuin-2a453137/

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Paddy Dhanda (Host)

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Felix Lee, co-founder of ADPList, shares his inspiring journey from a humble upbringing in Singapore to creating a global mentorship platform. Felix discusses the critical importance of grit and determination in achieving success. He also delves into the fundamentals behind ADPList, shedding light on how the platform connects professionals worldwide for free mentorship and support. Tune in to learn about Felix's backstory, his views on future-proofing careers in the age of AI, and his unwavering commitment to helping others.

00:00 Introduction to Exponential Growth

01:20 Singapore's Excellence

03:39 Felix's Childhood and Entrepreneurial Journey

10:08 The Birth of ADP List

12:30 The Pandemic and ADP List's Early Days

15:08 The Decision to Go Full-Time with ADP List

21:20 The Philosophy Behind Free Mentorship

25:11 The Value of Free Mentorship

25:54 Exploring the Business Model

28:39 Future-Proofing Your Career

29:47 The Power of Determination and Grit

33:24 Excellence Beyond Double Standards

35:58 The Never-Ending Journey

38:15 Joining ADPList: Who and How

39:53 Impactful Mentorship Stories

41:38 Final Thoughts

Felix Lee

Felix is the Co-founder and CEO of ADPList and sets the company's vision and strategy. Founded in 2021, ADPList is the world's go-to platform for high-quality, trusted mentorship—with 25,000+ Mentors from companies like Netflix, Airbnb, and Google. It hosts over 100 Million minutes of sessions on topics such as product design, product management, and coding in 140+ countries.

As a designer, Felix has embedded his creative roots in ADPList's culture, product, and community.

Featured on Forbes 30 under 30 Asia List and Tatler's Generation T Future Leader List in 2023. In 2021, ADPList raised $1.3 million from Sequoia Capital India and, Goodwater Capital.

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Paddy Dhanda (Host)

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

In this bonus episode, I'm joined by fellow speakers Nicola Pinkney and Paul Haywood, we delve into their talk, 'Communication is a Science,' exploring how neurodiversity impacts communication. Both diagnosed with ADHD, Nicola and Paul share personal insights and tips for improving workplace communication and understanding diverse perspectives.

00:00 Introduction to the Upcoming IRM Business Analysis Europe Conference

01:10 Special Guests: Nicola Pinkney and Paul Haywood

01:43 Understanding Neurodiversity in Communication

04:14 Nick and Paul's Backgrounds

06:26 Challenges and Rewards of Public Speaking

16:43 Insights on Neurodiversity and ADHD

27:46 Preparing for the Talk: Surprising Discoveries

38:05 Final Thoughts

Nicola Pinkney

Nicola is currently working as a Senior Business Analyst at Evri. She loves that every day is different, and is always looking for ways the BA role can add value and benefit. Nicola's current vision is to use this information to excel the role at Evri and supporting new upcoming BAs. Beyond the day-to-day, Nicola is a neurodiversity advocate in and out of the workplace, and loves doing what she can for the community. She is currently volunteering for YBA.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-pinkney-038968193/

Paul Haywood

Paul is a director at his company NXTGN LTD, with external Lead and Senior Business Analysis experience. Paul's BA superpower is innovation and forward thinking. Paul's work always considers how we can embrace the future and how we can increase accessibility in the BA role which has led to others naming Paul as a pioneer in the field of AI. Paul's passion lies within cultivating a thriving community of innovation within the business analysis discipline.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-haywood-135b4318a/

In this episode, I speak with Stu Mullinger, a seasoned business analyst, about the significance of tech conferences and public speaking in professional development. We discuss Stu's journey with the BA community, the benefits of being an active member, and his upcoming talk at the IRM European Business Analysis Conference.

Stu shares valuable advice for aspiring speakers and emphasizes the importance of building a strong BA community. This insightful discussion highlights both professional and personal advantages of engaging with industry peers and contributing to the community.

Interested in attending the BA Europe conference? You can get a 10% discount by using the following code: SPKR10.

https://irmuk.co.uk/business-analysis-conf-2024/#ticketsTo

00:00 Benefits of Public Speaking

01:12 Interview with Stu Mullinger

03:22 Stu's Journey in the BA Community

07:17 The Importance of Community Involvement

10:16 Advice for Aspiring Speakers

23:30 The Value of Blogging

28:51 Final Thoughts

Stu Mullinger

Stu Mullinger is a consultant business analyst, and is the founder of Better Business Analysis. He’s worked in business analysis for 20 years, mostly within the Legal sector. Stu lives in Bristol, UK with his husband and two cats.

Stu volunteers with IIBA’s UK Chapter, and was Communities Director for the Midlands, Wales, and the Southwest. He’s hosted many events in the BA community, and regularly speaks and blogs on business analysis topics.

In his spare time, Stu makes retro computer games and plays the piano.

Here’s the link to my blog: https://betterba.co.uk/stuart-mullinger-blog/

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Paddy Dhanda (Host)

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Paddy is joined by world-renowned investigative journalist Jamie Bartlett, author of 'The Dark Net' and co-creator of BBC's 'The Missing Crypto Queen' podcast. Jamie shares insights into his unique investigative methods, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and openness in understanding online subcultures, radical movements, and internet phenomena.

The conversation dives deep into Bartlett's experiences with various communities and dangerous situations, including researching the OneCoin cryptocurrency scam and exploring extremist forums.

This episode highlights the necessity of seeing the world through different perspectives, even when it leads to uncomfortable places.

00:00 Guest Introduction: Jamie Bartlett

02:15 The Importance of Curiosity and Openness

05:22 Understanding Radical and Controversial Groups

07:35 Fascination with Cults and Scams

11:41 Growing Up and Aspirations

17:26 Dangerous Situations in Investigative Journalism

24:00 Exploring the Depths of the OneCoin Scam

24:57 A Heartbreaking Revelation in Uganda

25:52 The Emotional Toll of Uncovering Scams

28:06 The Genesis of the Investigation

30:06 The Hunt for Dr. Ruja Ignatova

31:04 Educating the Public on Cryptocurrency Scams

33:09 Engaging Younger Audiences with Gripping Stories

43:15 The Future of the Missing Crypto Queen Podcast

45:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections

👉 Jamie Bartlett Newsletter: https://jamiejbartlett.substack.com/

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Paddy Dhanda (Host)

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Colin Corby shares practical tips for integrating digital detox into daily life, the science behind our decreasing attention spans, and the significant impact of constant digital engagement on our overall wellbeing. We also explore the relationship between technology and our cognitive abilities, emphasizing the need for balance and the benefits of reconnecting with the offline world.

00:00 The Power of Digital Detox

03:17 Personal Journey into Digital Wellbeing

06:38 Understanding Digital Detox

10:52 The Impact of Technology on Health

21:54 Creating Healthy Digital Habits

25:00 Smartphone Challenges and Sleep

25:36 The Importance of Quality Sleep

28:56 Attention and Multitasking Myths

32:22 Digital Detox and Attention Management

35:38 Perception and Neurodiversity

41:51 AI and Human Intelligence

44:34 Work-Life Balance and Digital Detox

47:35 Conclusion and Contact Information

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Paddy Dhanda (Host)

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Rachael O'Meara, former Google executive and author of 'Pause', talks about her journey from burnout to discovering the transformative power of taking intentional breaks. She shares insights on how pausing helped her realign her life and career, emphasizing the importance of intentional breaks for enhanced productivity and personal well-being. Rachael also provides practical tips for incorporating pauses into daily life, even for busy professionals, and discusses the impact of organizational culture and leadership on employee satisfaction and retention.

00:00 The Power of Pause: An Overview

01:47 Rachael's Journey: From Tech to Mindfulness

03:03 Inside Google: Culture and Cuisine

05:16 Leadership and Success at Google

07:37 The Pause Paradox: Why Slowing Down Matters

10:36 Rachel's Wake-Up Call: The Crucible Moment

15:07 The Power of Pause: Practical Applications

17:56 Signs You Need a Pause

20:25 Introduction to Daily Pauses

20:55 The Palm Pause Exercise

21:42 The Science Behind Pausing

22:19 Incorporating Pauses into Daily Life

23:54 Building the Habit of Pausing

24:46 Creating a Personalized Pause Plan

27:32 The Transformative Power of Pausing

30:08 Practical Tips for Effective Pausing

34:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Rachael O’Meara

Rachael O’Meara is an executive coach who helps corporate leaders rise to their next level of leadership by mastering their emotional intelligence or EQ - without the overwhelm. After thirteen years at Google she has a pulse on what it takes to be an outstanding leader. Her book Pause was a top business book for your career, and Pause the Journal debuted in early 2022. She’s been featured in the New York Times, WSJ.com and on the TEDx stage. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC), has an MBA from Fordham University, and a Master’s in Transformational Leadership and Coaching from the Wright Graduate University. She is a eight-time rowing national champion and currently rowing in Sarasota, FL. She is also a trauma informed breathwork facilitator. Learn more at www.rachaelomeara.com

Social Media Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/romeara/

www.instagram.com/rachael_omeara

https://www.facebook.com/rachaelmomeara 

Free Guidebook / Gift "3 Keys to Turn Burnout into Thriving as a Leader": https://pages.rachaelomeara.com/guidebook 

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Paddy Dhanda (Host)

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

The Impact of No Meeting Days: Insights from Vijay Pereira's Groundbreaking Research In this episode, Paddy Dhanda interviews Vijay Pereira about his pioneering research on the effects of 'No Meeting Days' within organizations. They delve into how excessive meetings stifle productivity, and how giving employees time off from meetings can lead to better performance, innovation, and well-being. Vijay shares findings from his study that involved 76 multinational companies and highlights the surprising behaviors of different age groups concerning meetings. They also discuss the importance of meeting hygiene, the potential challenges of implementing 'No Meeting Days', and how organizations can successfully adopt this practice.

00:00 Introduction: The Meeting Dilemma

01:41 Vijay's Background and Career Journey

03:34 The Problem with Meetings

04:10 Research on No Meeting Days

13:24 Implementing No Meeting Days

20:12 Challenges and Surprises

23:06 Key Findings and Insights

33:05 Practical Tips for Organizations

37:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Paddy Dhanda (Host)

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe