What does it really take to reach the top of an organization? Beyond the glossy titles and corner offices lies a culture of sacrifice, long hours, and relentless client demands that shape modern leadership. In this episode, we sit down with Pat Tomlinson, CEO of Mercer, to explore the realities of work culture, the growing "996" trend of long hours, and the sacrifices it takes to rise to senior leadership. Pat shares candid reflections on his own work ethic and why hard work, visibility, and flexibility remain cornerstones for career growth, particularly in professional services. From there, the conversation expands into major workplace shifts—declining birth rates, longevity risk, and the mounting pressures on healthcare and retirement systems. We also discuss the war for talent, the evolving role of employee experience and wellness programs, and the balance between organizational support and individual accountability. Finally, we explore AI's impact on work, why productivity gains require redesigning jobs rather than bolting on technology, and the cultural challenges leaders face in adopting these tools.

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