How do we honor our humanness when engaging with others, especially in an increasingly anti-human landscape? Join us as we welcome Tara McMullin, a renowned writer, podcaster, and producer who has spent over a decade investigating the future of work. Tara shares her evolving perspectives on work, business, and how she navigates this complex landscape through her writing. From the challenges of leading an online community to reimagining community in a digital age, Tara offers valuable insights on fostering connection in today's world.

Guest Bio

Tara McMullin is a writer, podcaster, and producer who has dedicated her career to exploring the future of work. With a wealth of experience spanning over 14 years, Tara has become a go-to resource for coaches, influencers, educators, and professionals in various fields. Her book, "What Works? A Comprehensive Framework to Change the Way We Approach Goal Setting," offers valuable insights and strategies for achieving success in the rapidly changing business landscape. Tara's expertise extends to hosting the popular podcast "What Works?", where she engages in meaningful conversations about navigating the 21st-century economy while preserving our humanity. Her work has been featured in leading publications, including Fast Company, The Muse, and Quartz.

Listen to the What Works Podcast here.

Learn more about Tara’s work and read her writing here.

Key Takeaways

00:11:58 Community management and the emotional labor it requires.

Discover how the emotional labor involved in moderating online spaces can shape our digital experiences. Tara dives into the crucial yet often overlooked roles of moderation and community management in today's digital landscape. She also opens up about her personal journey, grappling with mental health and a sense of identity, which led to a significant awakening regarding self-care and how she engages with online communities.

0:33:23 How do you define community?

Tara shares how she finds a sense of community by immersing herself in the work of others, such as reading books, listening to podcasts, and engaging with writers on platforms like Substack. Her goal is to create work that resonates with and serves others, even if it's not through direct interactions like DMs or comments. Community doesn't require a minimum number of interactions or minimum criteria as long as mutual concern exists.

00:40:00 “Where am I drawing attention to my human value?”

Tara emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the humanness of individuals in online interactions. She discusses the need to move beyond perceiving others as mere users or avatars and instead engage with them on a deeper level. By embracing our shared humanity, Tara believes we can foster authentic connections that transcend the limitations of platform-centric interactions.

Additional Resources

• What Works? A Comprehensive Framework to Change the Way We Approach Goal Setting by Tara McMullin: Tara McMullin shows you how to transform the way you set and achieve your goals to create a gentler and more fulfilling way to work toward what you truly want. In the book, you’ll explore what’s driving your pursuit of “more” (more money, more things, more prestige, etc.), set commitments to help orient your growth, and organize your actions as part of a holistic learning process.
• Immunity to Change Framework by Robert Keegan...