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Well friends, we're getting deep today - and we mean DEEP.

Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work? Like you could disappear tomorrow and nobody would really notice? Yeah, we've all been there. This episode might just change how you show up everywhere.

We sat down with Zach Mercurio, researcher and author of "The Power of Mattering," and honestly? This conversation hit us right in the feelings. Zach breaks down why 30% of people feel invisible at work (despite being in meetings ALL DAY), and more importantly - what we can actually do about it.

This episode is about more than workplace recognition. It’s about creating a culture where people feel they truly count. Whether you manage others, or just want to show up with more meaning, this conversation will change the way you work, lead, and connect. After all, being "seen" isn't a nice-to-have, it's everything.

Here's what we're diving into:

⏰ 3:45 The Mattering Crisis: Why we're lonelier than ever despite being more "connected" than ever (spoiler: it's not about having more people around you)

⏰ 12:20 Transactional vs. Transformational: How our emoji responses and hurried interactions are literally making us worse at being human

⏰ 18:35 The NASA Example: How they got 300,000 people (including janitors) to feel essential to putting a man on the moon

⏰ 25:10 The NAN Framework: Notice, Affirm, Need - three simple practices that separate great leaders from everyone else

⏰ 35:45 "Bosses Are Done Being Nice": Why the pendulum swing back to command-and-control is doomed to fail (and what to do instead)

⏰ 42:30 Going First: What to do when your boss operates transactionally (hint: someone has to make the first move)

🔥 REAL TALK YOU CAN USE TODAY:

• The one question to ask your team that will change everything: "When do you feel like you matter to me?"
• Why "hurry and care can't coexist" - and what this means for your leadership
• The notebook trick that transformed a distribution center (seriously, it's so simple)
• How to spot the difference between belonging, inclusion, and actually mattering

Join us as we explore why the "squishy stuff" isn't optional anymore - it's actually what drives everything else in organizations. Because work is hard enough without feeling invisible while you're doing it.

About Zach: 

Zach Mercurio researcher, author, and speaker specializing in purposeful leadership, mattering, meaningful work, and positive organizational psychology.

He is the author or  “The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose” and “The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance,”  released by Harvard Business Review Press in 2025.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!  

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In this episode, we hang out with Lareina Yee, senior partner at McKinsey and absolute powerhouse who's helping crack the code on women's career advancement. As co-founder of the Women in the Workplace Study and co-author of "The Broken Rung," Lareina breaks down the shocking truth about the earliest career barrier holding women back (hint: it starts way earlier than most of us realize).

We get REAL about why that first promotion is such a make-or-break moment (would you believe for every 100 men promoted, only 81 women get the same opportunity?), why building the right kind of network matters more than just working hard, and how motherhood might actually be your secret career superpower if you play it right. The best part? This isn't just theoretical talk – Lareina shares actual tactical moves that could help achieve gender parity in one generation instead of waiting 150+ years.

Listen for:

• The eye-opening truth about the "broken rung" and why fixing it could slash the gender parity timeline from 150 years to just 10
• Why you absolutely need to grab some "experience capital" (especially P&L roles) if you want serious career advancement
• How to build a powerful sponsorship network even if you're totally not the networking type
• Real strategies for turning parenthood into a career boost instead of a career killer
• The critical difference between being mentored (which most women have plenty of) and being sponsored (which most women desperately lack)
• Practical moves to jump career hurdles no matter where you are on your journey

Episode Highlights 

⏰ 5:20 The Broken Rung Reality Check: Where the gender gap actually begins (and it's not where you think) 

⏰ 11:45 Experience Capital 101: The business skills that literally determine half your lifetime earnings 

⏰ 15:30 Sponsorship vs. Mentorship: Why one coffee chat buddy isn't the same as someone opening actual doors for you 

⏰ 22:30 Motherhood Game Plan: Tactical moves to avoid the "motherhood penalty" and maybe even get ahead 

⏰ 27:15 Career Pep Talk: Why you're never "off track" – just taking a more interesting route to success

Whether you're just starting out, drowning in the "messy middle," or eyeing that corner office, this conversation gives you an actual playbook for breaking through career barriers at any stage. This isn't just for women either – it's essential listening for anyone who wants to create more equitable workplaces or navigate their own career path more strategically.

About Lareina Yee: 

Lareina Yee is a senior partner at McKinsey who advises companies on growth, technology, and transformation. She co-founded the Women in the Workplace Study with Lean In.org, chairs McKinsey's Technology Council, and hosts the podcast "At the Edge." She's also a mom of three and serves on the San Francisco Ballet board – basically, she knows a thing or two about navigating complex career paths!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!  

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!

• On The Socials!  You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
• The LinkedIn Group:  We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
• Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas,  questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]

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We're breaking down two massive workplace crises the US can't ignore. 

We dive deep into the Wall Street Journal's shocking exposé on 110-hour workweeks pushing bankers to hospitalization and burnout, while examining the devastating impact of tariffs that threaten the very existence of America's small business backbone.

Listen for:

• The brutal reality of 110-hour workweeks and how they're becoming normalized across industries
• Why small businesses that make up 99.9% of American companies are facing extinction from 145% tariffs
• How tariffs are already creating job losses that will ripple through the entire economy
• The shocking story of the "morale pizza party" that turned into a demand for even more work
• Why container shipments are down 35-50% at major ports and what that means for your job
• Simple actions you can take to protect yourself from toxic work expectations
• How to support small businesses in your community before they disappear

Episode Highlights 

⏰ 4:15 Work Crisis: How 110-hour workweeks led to hospitalizations at a major financial firm and what it reveals about toxic leadership 

⏰ 10:30 Small Business Reality Check: Why these companies employ half of America and what happens when they can't survive 

⏰ 15:45 The Tariff Tsunami: Real examples of businesses facing impossible choices between raising prices or closing down 

⏰ 20:20 Employment Domino Effect: How every four shipping containers equals one American job (and they're disappearing fast) 

⏰ 25:30 Survival Guide: Practical steps for protecting your work boundaries and supporting local businesses

Join us for the real, unfiltered story behind the work headlines affecting all of us right now.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!  

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!

• On The Socials!  You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
• The LinkedIn Group:  We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
• Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas,  questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]

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In this episode, we hang out with David Rice, Executive Editor at People Managing People, and we're getting real about what it feels like to be a manager. Now. 

We got REAL about why managers are in total crisis mode these days. David doesn't hold back on why management has become basically "an experience akin to being sabotaged" (his exact words. And, we agree). We tackle the mind-blowing stat that 82% of managers get zero formal training, why Gen Z is saying "thanks but no thanks" to management roles, and why human connection might be your superpower in an AI-heavy workplace. Plus, why building your community both inside and outside work might save your sanity as a squeezed middle manager.

Whether you're currently juggling direct reports or trying to figure out how to work with your own manager, this convo gives you actual strategies that won't make your eyes glaze over.

Listen for:

• Why becoming a manager is like being "sabotaged" (seriously, this metaphor about pet training will make you laugh AND cry)
• How to survive being caught in the corporate sandwich between demanding execs and your stressed team
• The community-building approach that might save you from managerial isolation
• Why your human skills matter way more than your technical chops in tomorrow's management world
• Easy ways to build trust with team members from different generations
• The shift from obsessing over butts-in-seats to actually measuring meaningful outcomes

Whether you're drowning as a middle manager or thinking about taking the leadership plunge, this episode gives you real talk for surviving today's workplace chaos.

Episode Highlights 

⏰ 5:20 The Manager Squeeze: David gets brutally honest about why managers are getting "dumped on every which way" right now

 ⏰ 11:45 Find Your People: Why you need your community both inside and outside work to survive as a manager 

⏰ 15:30 Just Be Real: Why transparency is your lifeline when "everybody's terrified that a layoff is coming" 

⏰ 22:30 Forget Your Title: Why you should care about "things that matter" not just your fancy LinkedIn headline

 ⏰ 27:15 Human > AI: Why connecting with people will make you irreplaceable when AI is doing all the technical stuff

About David Rice: 

David is the Executive Editor of People Managing People - Practical guidance for leaders inspiring change. He's also the Host of the People Managing People Podcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!  

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!

• On The Socials!  You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
• The LinkedIn Group:  We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
• Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas,  questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we sit down with John Winsor, Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School’s Digital, Design, and Data (D³) Institute, Open Assembly Founder and Author of many books including Open Talent: Leveraging a Global Workforce to Solve Your Biggest Challenges,

We dug into how the open talent revolution is transforming how we work. John unpacks why both companies and workers are shifting to portfolio careers, and reveals why "we own employees" is a dying concept being replaced by "I'm gonna make it so sexy and attractive that I'm gonna attract you into it." Adopting an abundance mindset can unlock new career growth.

Whether you are managing teams or building your own path, this conversation offers real strategies to thrive in the new world of work.

Listen for:

• Why talent hoarding is killing innovation and career growth
• How to shift from scarcity to abundance mindset in your career
• The three key pillars of the Open Talent model that drive success
• Why the future belongs to optimists with portfolio careers
• Simple ways to start "moonlighting" while keeping your day job
• The leadership shift from controlling talent to attracting it

Whether you're feeling stuck in a corporate role or managing teams, this episode gives you real tools to thrive in the new world of work where projects replace permanent positions.

Episode Highlights 

⏰ 4:30 Open Talent Defined: John explains the system that's replacing traditional employment and why it works for both companies and individuals 

⏰ 10:15 The Abundance Mindset: Why scarcity thinking is killing innovation and how abundance creates better outcomes for everyone 

⏰ 15:40 "We Don't Own Employees": The shocking origin story of why controlling talent is a failed approach 

⏰ 22:50 Internal Talent Marketplace: How smart companies are ending talent hoarding and unlocking innovation 

⏰ 29:10 Start Now: John's practical advice for testing portfolio work while still employed (hint: "just go try some shit!")

About John: 

John Winsor is a globally recognized leader in the future of work, open talent, and AI-driven workforce strategies. Recently appointed as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School’s Digital, Design, and Data (D³) Institute, he focuses on the evolving intersection of work, technology, and talent. As the founder of Open Assembly, he has been instrumental in pioneering the adoption of open talent and freelancing models. His best-selling book, Open Talent: Leveraging a Global Workforce to Solve Your Biggest Challenges, cements his influence in shaping modern workforce strategies. When he’s not shaping the future of work, he enjoys cycling, climbing, and surfing.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!  

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!

• On The Socials!  You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
• The LinkedIn Group:  We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
• Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas,  questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

What makes great leaders different—and how do you measure it?
In this episode, we sit down with former DocuSign CEO Dan Springer to unpack the Ego Equation: (Skills ÷ Ego) ^ Work = Success. Dan shares leadership lessons from decades in tech, including how ego almost derailed his career and what changed after a layoff turned into a leadership awakening.

Listen for:

• The Ego Equation and how to assess your leadership effectiveness
• How Dan’s leadership style evolved from ego-first to impact-driven
• Why using “we” instead of “I” boosts credibility and career growth
• A fresh approach to performance reviews that actually motivates
• Signs your ego might be sabotaging your leadership success
• The mindset shift that helped Dan lead through IPOs and layoffs

Whether you're a new manager or seasoned exec, this episode delivers real talk and actionable strategies to lead with humility, clarity, and purpose.

Join us as we break down Dan's ego insights into strategies you can use right now—because leadership is chaotic enough without having to figure it all out alone!

Episode Highlights

⏰ 3:45 The Ego Equation: Dan's brilliant formula for measuring your leadership effectiveness and why a score of 16 is actually pretty damn good

⏰ 9:30 Leadership Origin Story: How Dan transformed from self-described "prodigious ego" guy to discovering the power of putting the organization first

⏰ 14:20 The Layoff That Changed Everything: The shocking moment when laid-off employees checked in on HIM that completely transformed Dan's leadership philosophy

⏰ 19:45 We Not Me: Why saying "we" instead of "I" gives you unlimited bragging rights (and actually works better for your career)

⏰ 23:10 Performance Reviews Reimagined: The counterintuitive approach Dan used at Responsys that flipped traditional performance management on its head

About Dan Springer: 

Dan Springer is the CEO of Iron Clad and former CEO of DocuSign and a seasoned tech leader with decades of experience scaling some of the biggest names in SaaS. Before DocuSign, he was Chairman and CEO of Responsys, which he successfully led to a $1.6 billion acquisition by Oracle. He’s also held leadership roles at Modem Media, Telleo, NextCard, and began his career at McKinsey. He’s led billion-dollar exits, built high-growth teams, and knows first hand how ego can make—or break—great leadership. 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!  

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!

• On The Socials!  You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
• The LinkedIn Group:  We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
• Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas,  questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Well, the work news just doesn't stop friends. Here's what's brewing. 

Incivility is costing companies billions, tariffs are threatening half a million jobs, and that perfect candidate you just interviewed? They might be an AI deep fake!

In this episode, workplace experts (us, Francesca & Mel - hello!) break down:

⏰ 2:15 Workplace Incivility: The $766 BILLION problem spiraling out of control as RTO mandates and layoffs create the perfect storm of toxicity

⏰ 8:20 Tariff Tsunami: How new policies could push unemployment to 4.7% and why your job search might now take 3-9 months

⏰ 14:30 AI Imposters: The shocking prediction that 1 in 4 job applicants could soon be deep fakes (not a typo)

⏰ 19:45 Gender Bias Bombshell: Google searches reveal we're still asking if "women can be CEOs" in 2025 (seriously?!) (Francesca apologizes for the amount of profanity in this segment) (but, she feels it was warranted). 

⏰ 23:10 Women Leaders Win: How female-led companies are quietly outperforming during market volatility

🔥 CAREER ADVICE YOU CAN USE TODAY:

• The LinkedIn job search hack that lets you see postings from THE LAST HOUR
• Why economic downturns could be your career's best friend (if you know how to pivot)
• The financial runway you need to prepare TODAY for a tougher job market
• How to network your way to safety when the job market gets shaky
• Why checking in on your burned-out manager might be your smartest career move

Join us we try to make sense out of the work headlines into strategies you can use right now—because work is chaotic enough without having to figure it all out alone!

Thanks for listening! 

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!

• On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
• The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
• Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!  

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!

• On The Socials!  You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
• The LinkedIn Group:  We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
• Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas,  questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we're talking with Dr. Margie Warrell who shares game-changing strategies for women navigating corporate America's evolving landscape. As DEI initiatives face unprecedented scrutiny, Warrell reveals how women can cultivate unshakable confidence without constantly proving their worth.

Discover actionable insights on:

• Building "courage muscles" through daily micro-challenges
• Leveraging feminine leadership strengths in high-stakes environments
• Identifying and challenging limiting beliefs that keep you playing small
• Creating psychological safety in your team, even when organizational culture resists
• Standing firm in male-dominated spaces without compromising authenticity

With 25+ years of executive coaching experience and six bestselling books, Dr. Warrell provides a masterclass in leadership resilience. She shares her personal journey balancing motherhood to four children with a thriving global career, offering practical wisdom for anyone ready to close their own "courage gap."

Perfect for professional women, allies, and leaders committed to workplace equality who want to thrive rather than just survive in today's corporate environment. Transform how you show up at work with Warrell's unforgettable advice: "Do not wait until you feel brave to do the brave thing."

About Dr. Margie Warrell 

A global authority on courageous leadership, Margie has spent over 25 years helping individuals and organizations—from NASA and Marriot to Google and Deloitte —lead more boldly.

A bestselling author of The Courage Gap and five other books, Margie has advised Fortune 500 leaders, Congressional Chiefs on Capitol Hill, entrepreneurs and rising changemakers worldwide. She’s a former Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Board, Executive Consulting and CEO Institute and, a trusted voice in Forbes, and, for podcast fans, she hosts her own Live Brave Podcast.

#WomenInLeadership #CareerDevelopment #CorporateCulture #WorkplaceEquality #FemaleEmpowerment #LeadershipSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #ConfidenceBuilding #ExecutivePresence #CourageInBusiness

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!  

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!

• On The Socials!  You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
• The LinkedIn Group:  We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
• Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas,  questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Well, AI isn't just making waves—it's creating tsunamis! AI agents are here, and they're nothing like the ChatGPT you've been using. Meanwhile, employee engagement has hit rock bottom, and Harvard is making a $200K promise that could change higher education forever.

In this episode, workplace experts (us, Mel & Francesca) break down:

⏰ 3:15 AI agents: Clippy on meth? How these digital assistants could save you an entire workday (and maybe get us to a 4-day workweek!)

⏰ 9:42 Engagement crisis: Only 30% of employees feel connected to their company's mission (yikes!) and it's costing the global economy $8.8 TRILLION

⏰ 17:30 Harvard's big move: Free tuition for families making under $200K—game-changer or PR stunt?

⏰ 21:15 Pour one out for Forever 21: The retail giant that got us through our 20s files for bankruptcy

🔥 CAREER ADVICE YOU CAN USE TODAY:

• Why you should embrace AI agents now (before your colleagues do)
• The simple thing managers can do to boost engagement when everyone's burned out
• How to prepare for the coming talent war in 2030
• What Harvard's tuition change means for accessing elite education

CONNECT WITH US: Website: https://yourworkfriends.com and on the socials.

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#AIAgents #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceTrends #HarvardTuition #4DayWorkweek

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!  

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!

• On The Socials!  You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
• The LinkedIn Group:  We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
• Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas,  questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Well, daylight savings time isn't the only thing that doesn't have us sleeping. Kidding!

Record-breaking CEO departures are sending shockwaves through the business world. Meanwhile, half of young professionals feel unprepared for their careers. What's really happening in today's workplace?

In this episode, workplace experts (us, Mel & Francesca) l break down:

⏰ 3:12 Why 56% of young workers feel unprepared for their careers 

⏰ 7:35 The skills gap nobody's talking about 

⏰ 12:20 Will the job market get worse? 5 key indicators to watch 

⏰ 18:40 Would you work in VR? Surprising survey results 

⏰ 22:15 Why CEOs are getting fired at record rates (222 in January alone!)

🔥 CAREER ADVICE YOU CAN USE TODAY:

• Why you should start networking in your sophomore year of college
• The soft skills employers actually care about more than technical experience
• How to prepare for economic uncertainty in the job market
• Why you should NEVER wait until senior year to set up LinkedIn

Subscribe for new workplace insights every Tuesdays! Your Work Friends brings you the latest business news and career strategies with authenticity and expert analysis.

CONNECT WITH US: Website: https://yourworkfriends.com and on the socials. 

#careeradvice #jobmarket #businessnews #CEOturnover #workplacetrends #careercoaching #graduateadvice #networking #economicuncertainty

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!  

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!

• On The Socials!  You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
• The LinkedIn Group:  We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
• Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas,  questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]