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Most of Us Are Hiding Something at Work—And It's Exhausting

In today's workplace, most of us are hiding something—whether it's aspects of our identity, personal struggles, or even our true ambitions. But at what cost? In this live episode, we dive deep into belonging, unhiding, and workplace authenticity with Ruth Rathblott, TEDx speaker and bestselling author, and Dr. Beth Kaplan, researcher and author of Braving the Workplace.

We explore:
- Why people hide at work and the emotional and professional toll it takes
- The difference between belonging and fitting in (hint: they’re not the same!)
- How leaders and organizations can create psychologically safe workplaces
- Tactical strategies for employees to bring their best selves to work—without risking career growth
- The future of leadership in a post-DEI corporate world

If you're navigating corporate politics, career growth, and the tension between authenticity and professionalism, this episode is a must-listen.

Ruth Rothblatt is a TEDx speaker, executive coach, consultant, and bestselling author of three books including "Learning to Unhide and Embrace Connection" and "Unhide and Seek: Live Your Best Life. Do Your Best Work." Recently featured in TIME magazine, Ruth is acknowledged for her expertise in unlocking individual and team potential. Drawing from her personal journey of hiding her limb difference for 25 years, she has developed frameworks to help others embrace their whole selves at work.

Dr. Beth Kaplan is the author of "Braving the Workplace," recognized as a must-read by the Next Big Idea Club. As a researcher, writer, and thought leader, she has worked with prestigious organizations including Salesforce, University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University, and the Carnegie Foundation. Dr. Kaplan is currently developing a groundbreaking belonging tool with the University of Pennsylvania to measure belonging and propensity to thrive in workplace environments. Her research redefines belonging as "the innate desire to be part of something larger than ourselves without sacrificing who we are."

#BelongingAtWork #Unhiding #CorporateCulture #PsychologicalSafety #CareerAdvice #WorkplaceLeadership

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.

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Burnout is at an all-time high. Engagement is at an all-time low. And work? Well, it’s not working for a lot of us.

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Moss, workplace culture expert and author of Why Are We Here?, to talk about why so many of us feel unfulfilled at work—and what leaders actually need to do to fix it. We bust the biggest myths about workplace wellbeing, talk about why hope (yes, hope) is a leadership strategy, and dig into why Gen Z is side-eyeing corporate life.

If you’ve ever thought, “Is this really all there is?”—you’re not alone. Let’s rethink work, together.

🔊 Hit play to learn:
✔️ Why toxic productivity is still running rampant
✔️ What companies are getting so wrong about engagement
✔️ How small changes (think: 20 minutes or less) can transform your work culture

🎧 Listen now and let’s make work suck less.

About Jennifer Moss: 

Jennifer Moss is an international speaker, award-winning journalist and author, workplace culture strategist, and cofounder of the Work Better Institute, a global workforce policy think tank. She is a nationally syndicated radio columnist and writes for Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Fortune. As a workplace expert, Jennifer is regularly invited by global media outlets to share her research and insights.

With a client roster of over 150 organizations, including 50+ Fortune 500 companies, her inspiring and informative keynote presentations influence sectors from technology to healthcare, where she is trusted with the employees, leaders, and customers of our incredible partners. As a nationally syndicated radio columnist and a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review, CNN, TIME, and The Wall Street Journal, her insights are shaping the Future of Work and she received rave reviews for her happiness keynotes and public speaking on burnout in the workplace.

#WorkCulture #Burnout #FutureOfWork #EmployeeEngagement #CorporateLife #JenniferMoss #WhyAreWeHere #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicProductivity #WorkSucksButItDoesntHaveTo

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.

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Think the economy is run by tech bros and Wall Street suits? Think again. Women now control 85% of consumer spending and 60% of America's personal wealth, making them the most powerful economic force in the market. In this eye-opening episode, we dive into Bank of America's latest report on the "She Economy" and explore how women are outpacing men in income growth, business ownership, and market influence. Plus, we tackle the urgent battle over DEI initiatives in corporate America and reveal how women's collective purchasing power could be the key to preserving workplace equity.

Key topics:

• The trillion-dollar female economy and why it matters
• Why 40% of working women now out-earn their husbands
• How women are driving economic growth across all sectors
• The latest on DEI rollbacks at major corporations
• Strategic ways to use your economic power for positive change
• Which major companies are standing firm on DEI (and which aren't)

Whether you're a corporate leader, entrepreneur, or professional woman, this episode reveals the true scope of female economic power and how to leverage it. Join us for an empowering discussion about women's rising influence in the global economy and what it means for the future of business.

#WomenInBusiness #SheEconomy #DEI #WomenLeaders #BusinessStrategy #CorporateAmerica #WomenEntrepreneurs #EconomicPower #WomenInLeadership #BusinessPodcast

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.

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What's actually happening with AI in the workplace, and how can you stay ahead of the curve? In this can't-miss episode, we're joined by two powerhouse experts: Carol Scott, Senior Director at Microsoft and founder of The Action Imperative, and Teresa Fesinstine, founder of People Power AI and former Fortune 500 HR executive. They cut through the noise to reveal what's really changing in 2025, which jobs are being transformed (not just replaced), and how to position yourself for success in an AI-enhanced workplace.

From practical tips on getting started with AI tools to inspiring insights about the future of work, this episode delivers actionable advice for everyone – whether you're a tech novice or an AI enthusiast. Our guests share candid perspectives on everything from performance reviews and employee engagement to the surprising ways AI is reshaping creative industries.

Key Topics:

• The biggest myths about AI in the workplace
• How AI is actually changing jobs (not just eliminating them)
• Essential skills for staying relevant in an AI-driven workplace
• Practical ways to start using AI tools today
• The unexpected benefits of AI for non-technical professionals
• Real predictions for workplace changes in 2025

Featured Guests: Carol Scott - Senior Director at Microsoft, founder of The Action Imperative Teresa Fesinstine - Founder of People Power AI, CUNY Professor, 25-year HR executive

Perfect for: Professionals at any level looking to understand and adapt to AI in the workplace, team leaders wanting to guide their teams through AI adoption, and anyone curious about how AI will shape the future of work.

#FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #CareerDevelopment #AI #WorkTrends

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.

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In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Michael Horn (Co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, Harvard Graduate School of Education) and Bob Moesta (Founder of Rewired Group, Kellogg School of Management) to discuss their groundbreaking book "Job Moves" and revolutionize how you think about career transitions.

Discover why the traditional job search process is broken and learn how to take control of your career path by "hiring" your next job. Our guests break down the four primary career quests that drive job changes, debunk the myth of "getting lucky" in job searches, and reveal why money isn't the real motivator behind career decisions.

Key topics include:

• Understanding the four career quests and identifying yours
• Why job descriptions are "made up" and how to navigate beyond them
• The truth about career progression vs. genuine progress
• How to leverage your network effectively in job searches
• Practical strategies for energy management in your career
• The future of work and AI's impact on career transitions

Whether you're actively job hunting, feeling stuck in your current role, or planning your next career move, this conversation provides actionable insights for navigating the modern job market with intention and purpose.

Featuring career development experts Michael Horn and Bob Moesta, this episode is essential listening for professionals ready to take control of their career trajectory in 2024 and beyond.

#CareerDevelopment #JobSearch #CareerTransition #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobMoves #CareerGrowth #Leadership #FutureOfWork #CareerCoaching

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.

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In our latest episode of Your Work Friends, we dive into the art and science of crisis communications with expert Anne-Marie Squeo. From understanding what qualifies as a crisis to mastering the first 24 hours, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders, teams, and anyone navigating turbulent times.

What you’ll learn:
✅ How to recognize and define a crisis
✅ Why the first 24 hours are critical—and what to do during them
✅ The role of transparency and trust in managing stakeholders
✅ How company culture shapes crisis responses
✅ Real-life scenarios of effective crisis management
✅ The power of courageous leadership in the toughest moments

Anne-Marie brings decades of experience to help you stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and come out stronger on the other side. Plus, she shares a wild story about a blimp, a beaver and avoiding I-95. 

Whether you’re a leader, communicator, or just curious about navigating high-stakes moments, this episode is for you.

About Anne Marie:
Anne Marie is the CEO of Proof Point Communications. Her career has taken her to the top of the corporate communications and marketing world, as well as business journalism. While at the Wall Street Journal, she earned the Pulitzer Prize and the Gerald R. Loeb Award, two of journalism’s highest honors. She later became the Chief Brand and Communications Officer of a Fortune 500 company and was named to the Forbes CMO Next list and PRWeek’s Hall of Femme in 2021. She successfully led Netflix’s secret launch of 130 countries in 2016; managed communications for IBM’s technology portfolio including AI, blockchain and cloud; and launched the brand-defining “Make Now Work” campaign for Xerox. She’s served on executive leadership teams, directly supported CEOs and other C-suite executives, successfully managed major crises, executed winning strategies and built high-performing teams from the ground up. 

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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Here's the work news we're covering this week. 

Nearly half of tech workers are job hunting in 2025 - but why? Join us as we dive into the shifting landscape of workplace benefits and what's really driving the Great Tech Migration. 

Plus, is this the end of corporate happy hours? We explore the US Surgeon General's new alcohol advisory and its impact on workplace culture. From Airbnb's remarkable response to the LA wildfires to TikTok's controversial PTO policy, and Mark Zuckerberg's problematic comments about 'masculine energy' in tech - this episode unpacks the latest workplace trends shaping corporate America. 

End on a positive note with updates on minimum wage increases across 21 US states affecting over 9.2 million workers.

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
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What happens at the top impacts what happens at work.

With the 2024 election on the horizon, many are asking: how could a second Trump administration reshape the workplace? From labor policies to healthcare, DEI, immigration, and safety regulations—there’s a lot to consider, whether you’re leading teams or navigating your own career.

So, we called up a few friends to talk about it. Live.

Join us as we kick things off our Sound Off Series with Attorney Ryan Stygar (fan-favorite guest!) and Harrison J. Newman, VP of Employee Benefits at Corporate Synergies, to discuss how the Trump administration may reshape workplaces in 2025.

The episode explores potential changes in the workplace under a second Trump administration, touching on labor rights, healthcare benefits, immigration policies, DEI initiatives, and workplace safety. Amidst sweeping predictions about the future of work, the importance of a proactive and supportive workplace culture is emphasized.

• Predictions about labor and wage policies under a new administration
• Concerns regarding healthcare involving the ACA and potential benefit expansions
• Immigration policy implications on H-1B visa programs for skilled workers
• The continued rollback of DEI initiatives within corporate America
• Safety regulations in jeopardy as OSHA protections may be weakened

This is a neutral, nonpartisan conversation focused on facts, possibilities, and preparation.

📍 Note: This episode is a raw, unedited recording of a live event.

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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Join Mel and Francesca, your workplace insiders, as they break down the biggest workplace news affecting your career and wallet. 

This week: Major developments in overtime pay as Texas courts strike down new federal rules, shocking new data about the salary Americans say they need to feel successful ($270K!), and the latest research on paid family leave that could change your benefits. Plus, the childcare crisis hitting working parents harder than ever.

🔍 In this episode:

• Breaking: Texas federal court invalidates nationwide overtime exemption rules
• New DOL research reveals only 27% of workers have paid family leave
• The real cost of childcare vs. rent in 2024
• Why Gen Z says they need $500K to feel successful
• Which companies are stepping up for part-time workers
• Inside Portillo's innovative corporate staffing strategy

Your Work Friends delivers no-nonsense workplace news, salary insights, and career strategy you can actually use. Perfect for professionals navigating corporate and workplaces in America who want to stay ahead of workplace trends and protect their careers.

New episodes every week. Subscribe for the latest in workplace news, labor laws, salary trends, and corporate culture.

#WorkplaceNews #CareerAdvice #CorporateAmerica #SalaryTalk #WorkLife #HRNews #Leadership #WorkTrends #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceCulture"

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 a world obsessed with productivity, could play be your team's secret weapon?

Brandon Wetzstein has helped transform teams at major organizations by tapping into the power of strategic play. In this episode, he breaks down why traditional "serious" approaches often lead to mediocre solutions, and how structured play can break through conventional thinking to unlock breakthrough ideas.

Key Episode Highlights: 
[00:03:45] Why NASA and Google use play-based methods for complex problems [00:12:30] The psychology behind why play creates psychological safety [00:18:20] How one leadership team resolved long-standing conflicts through play [00:25:15] Practical techniques for introducing play in traditional environments [00:35:40] The science of why play leads to better solutions than conventional methods

Whether you're:

• Leading a team through transformation
• Looking to drive innovation in a traditional industry
• Trying to break down silos between departments
• Building psychological safety in your team

This episode provides actionable strategies for using play as a serious business tool.

Featured Guest: Brandon Wetzstein, founder of In8 Create, certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, and expert in using play-based methodologies for organizational transformation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn 
• In8 Create 
• Book: "Play" by Dr. Stuart Brown
• LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology

Tags: workplace innovation, leadership development, team building, organizational psychology, corporate culture, professional development, business strategy, team communication, change management, employee engagement

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]