Working Conversations

Episode 223: Owning What’s Mine and Coming Full Circle

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explores her journey back to her roots in user experience (UX) thinking and how it shapes her approach to leadership. She recounts the launch—and abrupt pause—of a keynote on "The Experience of You" just as the pandemic began, and how she pivoted to support organizations through virtual leadership challenges. Now, Dr. Anderson shares her renewed commitment to integrating UX principles into leadership, encouraging listeners to rediscover and elevate dormant aspects of their own professional identities. If you’re seeking inspiration to bring your full, authentic self to your work, this episode offers valuable insights.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/223

Episode 222: Netflix and the Adjacent Possible: What Streaming Made Possible

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson dives into the concept of the “adjacent possible,” exploring how game-changing innovations often emerge from small, strategic steps rather than giant leaps. Using Netflix’s pivotal shift to streaming as a contemporary example, she illustrates how new futures can open up when we recognize and capitalize on subtle changes. Dr. Janel offers practical advice for spotting these opportunities in our work, including creative exercises to prime divergent thinking. Whether you’re leading a team or managing your own career, this episode will inspire you to stay alert for the next big shift—right on the edge of what’s possible.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/222

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Episode 221: The Power of Small Gestures

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explores the power of small but meaningful gestures at work. Drawing on personal stories and neuroscience, she highlights how quick compliments, handwritten notes, and offers of help can make lasting impressions, boost engagement, and strengthen workplace culture. Dr. Janel unpacks why we often overlook these simple acts—citing busyness, self-doubt, and underestimating their impact—and offers practical tips for weaving them into daily routines. Regardless of your role or industry, this episode offers actionable strategies for creating a positive, connected work environment, one small gesture at a time.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/221

Episode 220: Five Ways Humans Outperform AI

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson introduces the EPOCH framework developed by researchers from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, offering a refreshing perspective on the future of work alongside AI. By breaking down Empathy, Presence, Opinion, Creativity, and Hope, Dr. Anderson highlights five uniquely human skills that machines can’t replicate and explains why these qualities are crucial for leadership, innovation, and resilience in the workplace. Packed with practical examples across industries, this episode empowers listeners to focus on growing their human skills, confidently navigate workplace changes, and harness AI for augmentation—rather than competition—as they build their careers in a rapidly evolving world.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/220

Episode 219: Unlocking the Power of S.M.A.R.T. Work Design

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson introduces the SMART Work Design model, a research-backed framework created by organizational psychologist Sharon Parker. She breaks down the acronym—Stimulating, Mastery, Agency, Relational, and Tolerable demands—showing how each component contributes to motivating, sustainable, and human-centered work. Through practical examples, including a window washer’s job, Dr. Anderson illustrates how the SMART model can be applied to any role. Whether you’re leading teams or evaluating your own workflow, this episode offers actionable strategies for improving engagement, well-being, and productivity by rethinking how work is structured—not just managed.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/219

Episode 218: Mini-Retirements for Mid-Career Professionals

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explores the concept of mini-retirements—self-funded, intentional career breaks taken for rest, exploration, or personal growth. Drawing on her friend Steve’s early experience taking a self-funded sabbatical and research from thought leaders and positive psychology, Dr. Janel unpacks why mini-retirements are increasingly relevant, especially as traditional three-stage career models are fading. She discusses how to plan for a mid-career break, the financial and career risks involved, and the substantial benefits for engagement, creativity, and renewal. Whether you’re considering a mini-retirement yourself or supporting others, this episode offers timely insights for navigating the changing future of work.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/218

Episode 217: Future Proof Your Career and Organization

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson outlines five practical micro-habits to help you future-proof your career and organization. Drawing from research on the rapidly decreasing half-life of workplace skills, she discusses the importance of small, intentional daily habits—like scanning industry headlines, micro-networking, reflecting on daily learnings, consuming information outside your field, and experimenting with small weekly changes. Dr. Anderson provides strategies for staying relevant, adaptable, and proactive in a quickly changing business environment. Whether you’re an individual contributor or a leader, you’ll discover simple, actionable ways to stay ahead of the curve and cultivate a future-ready mindset.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/217

Episode 216: How to Anticipate (and Create) the Future

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson unpacks the concept of the “adjacent possible” and how it can help you anticipate and seize new opportunities in the workplace and beyond. Drawing on examples from history, including the printing press and modern innovations like AI, she explains how each change creates a new set of possibilities. Dr. Anderson offers practical strategies to help leaders and professionals pause, brainstorm, look across industries, and cultivate adaptive thinking within teams. Whether you work in tech, business, or any field, you’ll discover actionable ideas to stay agile, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next in your work.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/216

Episode 215: The Latest in AI – Autonomous Agents Working for You

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson demystifies the emerging world of agentic AI—autonomous systems that proactively manage tasks and workflows without constant human input. She explains how agentic AI differs from assistive and generative AI, and details real-world applications, from managing speaking engagements to handling travel logistics. Dr. Anderson highlights both the transformative promise and the risks of agentic AI, offering practical examples and naming the key innovators in the space. Whether you’re a business owner, employee, or tech enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights on preparing for the next wave of AI-driven productivity and the future of work.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/215

Episode 214: Turning Curiosity Into a Competitive Advantage

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explores the often underestimated power of curiosity in the workplace. Drawing inspiration from the inquisitive primate the marmoset, she explains how cultivating curiosity leads to innovation, deeper relationships, and increased team performance. Citing research from Harvard and the Academy of Management Journal, Dr. Anderson outlines the competitive advantages of curiosity, from reducing confirmation bias to enhancing collaboration and feedback. She offers practical strategies to spark and reward curiosity at work, showing how curiosity can be a powerful tool for adaptation, resilience, and trust. Regardless of your role or organization, this episode demonstrates why curiosity is essential for future success.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/214