In this insight-packed conversation, Stephan Meier discusses the importance of a human-centric approach to the future of work, emphasizing that technology should augment human capabilities rather than replace them. He outlines the benefits of an employee-first workplace, including increased productivity, innovation, and employee retention. Stephan also highlights the shift in perspective where employees are seen as customers, advocating for organizations to apply customer-centric strategies to enhance employee experiences. Real-world examples, such as H.E.B. and Costco, illustrate the success of employee-centric practices. The discussion touches on the concept of quiet quitting and the need for leaders to actively listen to their employees to drive engagement. Finally, Stephan shares strategies for humanizing work and motivating employees through personalized experiences and continuous learning.

What you'll learn

The future of work must be human-centric.

Technology should augment human capabilities, not replace them.

An employee-first workplace increases productivity and innovation.

Employees are the new customers, deserving of attention and care.

Real-world examples show the success of employee-centric organizations.

Quiet quitting has been a long-standing issue, not just a pandemic phenomenon.

Listening to employees is crucial for engagement and improvement.

Removing bureaucratic barriers can enhance employee experience.

Personalized experiences can motivate employees and reduce turnover.

Investing in employee experience is essential for long-term success.

Stephan Meier is one of the world’s leading experts at the intersection of behavioral economics, corporate strategy and future of work. He is currently the James P. Gorman Professor of Business Strategy and the Chair of the Management Division at Columbia Business School. He is the author of “THE EMPLOYEE ADVANTAGE: How Putting Workers First Helps Business Thrive”. He is an award-winning teacher at Columbia, and every year hundreds of students learn from him about the “human side” of strategy in Columbia’s MBA and executive education programs.

To learn more about Stephan Meier and We Are Human Leaders visit www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/employee-experience-stephan-meier

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Martin Gutmann shares with us How History's Unseen Leaders Light the Way and the hero’s journey narrative that pervades how we think about leadership.

For more, check out the full conversation with Martin here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/the-unseen-leader-martin-gutmann

For now, enjoy!

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In the wake of the Coldplay Jumbotron scandal, workplace relationships — especially cheating and affairs — have been thrust into the spotlight. And everyone seems to have their own opinion on them, so we decided to ask a relationship psychologist for some advice.

In this conversation, relationship psychologist Rachel Voysey discusses the complexities of romantic relationships and friendships in the workplace. The discussion covers the inevitability of workplace relationships, the challenges of infidelity, and the importance of communication and empathy in navigating these dynamics. Rachel emphasizes the need for leaders to approach these situations with compassion and understanding, recognizing the human element involved in workplace relationships.

This is one of the most personal, open-hearted and revealing episodes we've ever done on the podcast. You won't want to miss it.

What you’ll learn:

• Why workplace relationships occur, and how we can manage them personally and professionally.
• Why infidelity in the workplace occurs, often stemming from emotional needs rather than just desire.
• How transparency and honesty are crucial in navigating workplace relationships.
• Tips for Leaders should to approach relationship issues with compassion and understanding.
• How to navigate friendship breakdowns from misunderstandings and lack of communication.
• Proactive communication tips to prevent toxic dynamics in workplace relationships.
• How to maintain boundaries in workplace relationships to avoid discomfort.

If you'd like to learn more about Rachel Voysey, or Human Leaders find our show notes here: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/romance-cheating-bffs-relationships-rachel-voysey

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Amy Gallo shares with us her top tips for dealing with Passive Aggressive people, and what is really driving this behaviour.

For more, check out the full conversation with Amy at the link here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/working-with-difficult-people-amy-gallo

For now, enjoy!

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In this conversation, We Are Human Leaders hosts Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke discuss the profound changes in work culture brought about by the pandemic, the resurgence of old management practices, and the need for flexibility and trust in the future of work with Atlassian's Work Futurist Dom Price.

We explore the role of AI as a tool for enhancement rather than a weapon, emphasizing the importance of redesigning organizational systems to accommodate new technologies. Dom also highlights the agency of middle managers in driving change and the significance of sustainable, incremental improvements over dramatic transformations.

In this conversation, Dom shares his thoughts around the evolving landscape of work, emphasizing the importance of co-designing sustainable partnerships, redefining productivity, and focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. We discuss the need for trust in low-trust environments (and how to build it), the courage to seek feedback, and essential leadership skills for the future. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on business and the necessity for a complete overhaul of education to keep pace with societal changes.

What the episode covers:

• The pandemic acted as a catalyst for change in work practices, and how old management behaviour's are resurfacing post-pandemic.
• Flexibility and trust are essential in the future of work.
• AI is often viewed as a weapon rather than a tool, how organizations need to redesign systems to accommodate AI.
• Sustainable change comes from small, incremental steps, how to focus on continuous improvement rather than dramatic transformations.
• Redefining productivity to focus on outcomes.
• Leaders must balance process with genuine care for people and how storytelling helps them connect to people.
• The future of work will be significantly different due to AI, but rediscovering humanity in the workplace is essential. 
• Businesses should focus on solving customer problems, not just profit.

Learn more about Atlassian Work Futurist Dom Price, including where to connect with him right here: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/ai-future-of-work-atlassian-dom-price

As Human Leaders we’re seeking to lead better, living truer, and being the change we want to see in the world. This is how we recreate workplaces, and the world into a place where people flourish and thrive. Human first, leader second. Thanks for listening to the episode!

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith shares with us the seven key types of rest we all need, and how rest is distinctly different from sleep.

For more, check out the full conversation with Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/resttosuccess

For now, enjoy!

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So how do we do it? Enter Ally Leadership. A step away from performative and outdated leadership, and a stem into truly understanding, and getting the most from the brilliant human you lead.

In today’s conversation we speak to Stephanie Chung, a pioneering woman of color in the aviation sector. As an aviation trailblazer, Stephanie has 35 years of aviation experience, from a baggage handler to being the first African-American private aviation company president. And she’s now a #1 International Best Selling author with her new book, and the topic of our conversion today: Ally Leadership, How To Lead People Who Are Not Like You.

This conversation is practical, insightful and jam-packed with Stephanie’s personal career wisdom–from highlights to trials and tribulations.

Now more than ever the world needs leaders who’re ready to listen-up and learn, leaders like you.

Learn more about Stephanie Chung, including where to get her book at our shownotes page: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/allied-lead-people-different-from-you-stephanie-chung

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Heather Younger shares with us her definition of active listening and the 5 aspects of how to be an amazing active listener.

For more, check out the full conversation with Heather right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/activelistening

For now, enjoy!

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In this episode, Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke discuss the pressing challenges leaders face in today's volatile environment, focusing on technological disruption, geopolitical tensions and navigating the complexities of modern work environments, and the six critical skills leaders need to adopt to handle these uncertain times. Right now leaders have their work cut out for them, but we're here to help.

In this episode Alexis and Sally emphasize the necessity for leaders to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and adaptability while addressing the evolving expectations of the workforce. They emphasize the importance of transparent communication, strategic visioning, EQ, empathy and purpose-driven leadership, and fostering innovation and collaboration. The conversation highlights how these skills can enhance team outcomes, build trust, and create a psychologically safe workplace. They offer specific and practical advice on how to integrate the skills in a practical everyday way so leaders understand how and where they can make change.

To learn more, or to get support from Human Leaders to upskill your leadership visit us at our show notes: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/leadership-challenges-2025-alexis-zahner-sally-clarke

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Sarah Langslow shares with us how powerful our micro-interactions can be to building positive and connected relationships in the workplace, and beyond.

For more, check out the full conversation with Sarah Langslow right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/do-sweat-small-stuff-sarah-langslow

For now, enjoy!

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