DEI is one of the most polarizing topics in today’s political, corporate, and social landscape. In this episode of Top Voice Tuesday, I sit down with Janelle Benjamin, DEI strategist and founder of All Things Equitable, to explore the evolving realities of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
 
We discuss the growing pushback against DEI, how political shifts are influencing corporate strategies, and why businesses that prioritize inclusion see stronger long-term success. Janelle also shares insights on leadership buy-in, overcoming misconceptions, and the role of mentorship in fostering workplace equity.

Whether you support or question DEI, this conversation unpacks the critical issues shaping its future.

Timestamps
00:00  Start
01:00  What is DEI?
04:45  DEI in the Headlines
07:30  Corporate DEI Challenges
16:40  Business Case for Inclusion
30:15  Future of DEI

What does it really mean to redirect your career and life? In this episode of Top Voice Tuesday, I sit down with Lexy Martin, longtime researcher, workplace strategist, and former Visier executive, to discuss the power of career pivots, lifelong learning, and redefining retirement.
 
Lexy shares her 55-year journey through technology revolutions, from being one of the first female programmers at Bank of America to leading HR tech research at Visier. She introduces the concept of cocooning—taking intentional time to reflect, clear space, and realign before making your next move. We also explore the importance of purpose, financial stability, and personal reinvention in shaping a fulfilling second act. Finally, she discusses how to find purpose by giving and growing.

Timestamps
00:00  Start
03:05  Lexi’s career journey: From programmer to workplace strategist
05:57  Lessons from past technology revolutions and today’s AI shift
08:40  The secret to successful career pivots: cocooning
12:03  Why financial stability enables freedom to redirect
17:42  Finding purpose: The power of giving and growing

What does the future of work really look like? In this episode of Top Voice Tuesday, I sit down with Phil Kirschner, workplace strategy expert and former McKinsey leader, to discuss the evolution of work, AI adoption, and how businesses and individuals can navigate these changes.
 
The Future of Work conversation has changed dramatically over the past decade. While early discussions focused on automation and the gig economy, today’s workplace transformation is driven by hybrid work models, AI-powered productivity, and shifting workforce expectations. Phil shares his perspective on these trends, drawing from his extensive experience in workplace strategy. In addition, we explore the shift from traditional corporate structures to more flexible, hybrid models, the impact of AI on job roles, and Phil’s 5P Model for AI adoption—helping individuals and organizations move beyond personal use to truly transformative applications.

Timestamps
00:00  Start
02:56  Phil’s journey in workplace strategy.
09:50  How the Future of Work conversation evolved.
12:34  COVID-19’s impact on work trends.
17:16  Generational shifts in workplace expectations.
27:03  Phil’s 5P Model for AI adoption.

Remote work is here to stay—but where exactly are we in the debate? In this episode of Top Voice Tuesday, Michael J. Lopez sits down with Kaleem Clarkson, CEO of Blend Me, Inc. and a leading expert in remote work, to explore the evolving landscape of hybrid and remote work.
 
From the historical rise of remote work to the realities of return-to-office mandates, Kaleem breaks down the facts, the myths, and what the data actually tells us. They discuss the power of intentionality in workplace culture, why some return-to-office mandates are backfiring, and how companies can navigate the future of work while keeping employees engaged and productive.

Timestamps
00:00  Start
04:54  The Data Behind Remote Work: Trends Before & After the Pandemic
09:59  Return to Office: Headlines vs. Reality
20:04  What Can & Can’t Be Done Remotely? Debunking the Myths
28:58  Are Employees “Voting with Their Feet”? Talent Migration Trends
31:48  How Companies Can Communicate Their RTO Strategy the Right Wa

Want to build a workplace where people actually want to show up? In this episode of Top Voice Tuesday, I sit down with Robin Daniels, Chief Business Officer at ZenAI, to unpack what makes a truly great company culture—and why so many leaders get it wrong.
 
Robin shares his personal journey from Silicon Valley to shaping high-growth organizations and reveals why culture isn't just about perks—it's about trust, accountability, and impact. We dive into the real cost of toxic behavior, the importance of leadership consistency, and his game-changing "Say-Do Ratio" for building trust.
 
If you’re ready to create a culture where people don’t dread Mondays, this conversation is for you.

Timestamps
00:00  Start
10:05  The defining moment that made culture Robin’s top priority
13:50  Why company values must be more than just words on a wall
22:10  The real cost of tolerating toxic behavior—and what to do instead
25:45  Robin’s “Say-Do Ratio” and why it builds or breaks trust
30:40  The secret to building high-performance teams that thriv