I am excited to present Episode 13 of The Unbuzzed Podcast, featuring the delightful Jamie Jackson, the self-proclaimed Chief Meme Officer and the clever mind behind the popular accounts Humorous Resources, Millennial Misery, The Chief Meme Officer, and Parody Parenting. 

With a combined following of over 3 million, Jamie has crafted spaces where professionals can laugh about their corporate escapades, where millennials can indulge in nostalgia, where HR practitioners can escape the absurdity of their roles, and where parents can share in the delightful chaos of parenting.

In this engaging dialogue, we unpack the buzzword, one close to my heart,  “Human Resources’ and explore how humor serves as a powerful antidote to the mundane. Jamie shares her journey from a fledgling HR assistant to a creator known for her sharp wit and insightful commentary, all while shedding light on the realities of corporate life.

Last week, I stepped far outside my comfort zone in conversation with Kory—one of the most unapologetic humans I’ve had the good fortune to meet and now call a friend. This week, I did it again, this time with Tatyana, a fellow Gen Xer whose viral Instagram account, @corporategenxmom, hilariously (and painfully accurately) captures the absurdity of workplace culture.

Her journey started with an all-too-familiar irony: she was called into an HR meeting for simply agreeing with a LinkedIn post. Instead of retreating, she turned workplace frustration into comedy, creating a space where people could collectively roll their eyes at corporate antics and, for once, feel seen.

Our conversation highlighted a reality I hadn’t fully appreciated—how quickly generational perspectives shift in the workplace. The generational divide isn’t just between Boomers and Gen Z; even a six-year gap can mean two colleagues experience and interpret work, culture, and expectations in completely different ways. What seems obvious to one might be baffling to another, leaving even near-peers struggling to “get” each other.

This week, Tatyana shares why she’s chosen to stay semi-anonymous, what inspired her to create @corporategenxmom, and her take on what workplaces could look like if we truly wanted them to be better. One thing we both agreed on? Gen X has become the reluctant translator between generations, decoding office culture for those who came before and after us.

Follow her. Tatyana's captivating insights on her social media account offer both astute commentary and a refreshing dose of humor, inviting listeners to reflect on and chuckle at the peculiarities of their own professional experiences.

In the latest episode of The Unbuzzed Podcast, I had the distinct pleasure of conversing with Kory, a millennial whose boldness and transparency compelled me, a Gen Xer, to confront my preconceived notions about his generation as we unbuzzed the term ‘millennial’. While Kory certainly does not represent all millennials, he provided a revealing glimpse into the unapologetic and daring spirit that distinctly sets them apart from my own, more measured approach to work's challenges.

During our lively exchange, we explored the realities of contemporary work life—delving into topics as varied as the straightforward admission of being in it for the money, the fearless job hopping that characterizes this generation, and the all-too-familiar sting of getting fired. As Kory spoke with refreshing candor, I found myself grappling with my biases and assumptions, especially as he challenged the conventions that I have long held dear.

The conversation proved difficult for all the right reasons, as I navigated the dissonance between his unvarnished truths and my somewhat antiquated beliefs. The difficulty of our dialogue arose not from disagreement, but rather from the profound realization that we approach the world through decidedly different lenses. It was a delightful dance of ideas, a moment of reflection on how generational differences shape our perspectives. 

Initially, I had hoped to feature him on the Unbuzzed podcast to explore the nuances of legal language and its potential to create swirl amongst employees in workplaces as a buzzword. Nevertheless, as you will hear in this episode, his authentic demeanor, both as an individual and as a leader and professor, guided our conversation away from the mere term "legal" within workplaces to the more profound notion of authenticity, especially what it means to be an ‘authentic’ leader.

Matthew’s generous sharing of knowledge, coupled with his vulnerability in storytelling, leaves a lasting impression on all who have the fortune of experiencing it. I take great pride in calling him my friend and mentor.

I invite you to listen to Episode 10 of the Unbuzzed podcast, where his compelling insights await to inspire you. Listen wherever you get your pods or check us out herewww.theunbuzzedpodcast.com 

What happens when you examine a buzzword that makes your skin crawl? In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Pallavi Jain to unpack “empowerment,” a term that often leaves me questioning its true essence. As an HR professional, I’ve seen it twisted into something superficial—an empty call to action rather than a profound inward journey. With a playful wager on the table, I challenged Pallavi: I'd hope to cringe less by the end of our 90-minute chat. Spoiler alert: she won! Together, we explore the rich layers of empowerment, spurred by Pallavi’s transformative experiences that remind us to look within for real understanding. Join us as we redefine this often-abused term and discover its genuine power. Listen to wherever you get your pods.

Learn more about Pallavi here: 

Website: https://www.pallavi-jain.com

Linkedin profile: www.linkedin.com/in/pallavi-jain-leadfromwithin

TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymxrRpsBcA

#UnbuzzedPodcast #HRHumor #podcast #buzzwords #HR #HRpodcast #womeninbusiness #femaleentrepreneur #futureofwork #language

In this episode, I’m once again joined by the insightful Mauro Gonçalves Filho, and we dissect the buzzword “strategy” amid the backdrop of frequent reorgs and the rapid onset of AI. As layoffs and shifting structures become the new normal, we examine what it truly means to be strategic in these uncertain times. We'll examine whether organizational reorgs are the result of careful planning or merely reactions to uncomfortable truths. Tune in for insights that will reshape your understanding of how to navigate your career in these changing times.

In this episode, Zayne Imam joins me to unpack the often-maligned term consultant—accused of generating the very buzzwords they’re hired to clarify. With humor and insight, Zayne reveals how good advice turns into jargon and shares his spiritual approach to work, a perspective that challenges how we think about language, purpose, and connection in the workplace. Don’t miss this engaging and thoughtful conversation with someone whose wisdom is anything but buzzworthy.

“Strategy” is the word that launches a thousand eyerolls in meetings—and yet it’s the reason people are passed over for promotions or projects. But what does it really mean to be strategic? In this episode, I’m joined by Mauro Gonçalves Filho, a master of strategy who breaks it down so clearly, we needed two sessions. Mauro’s insights are as sharp as his resume, but what makes him unforgettable is his ability to turn a buzzword into a practical, everyday skill. Don’t miss this conversation—it’s a masterclass in thinking smarter, not harder.

Jonathan Z. Cohen ran 58 miles and did 1,000 pull-ups for charity—but his real superpower is turning self-doubt into action. On this episode of The Unbuzzed Podcast, we break down how resilience isn’t about being fearless but about facing fears one step at a time. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about persistence, mindset, and what it takes to keep going when everything in you says stop.

In this episode of The Unbuzzed Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Jen Fisher, who shares her journey through cancer, burnout, and the surprising revelation that burnout was the harder battle. Jen’s story is a powerful reminder of the hidden toll burnout takes and why well-being at work is more than just a buzzword. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-care, and redefining success.