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It's not you, work has become a bit nutty.  And, the main reason - change. 
For the past 10 years, organizations have not only been incented and are, seemingly addicted to change and disrupting their companies. Mergers, acquisitions, new leadership teams, new technologies, new strategies, new, new, new.   How do we get to this place where it really feels like we're all working constantly in a cult of disruption?

So, we called in our Friend,  leadership expert consultant and author of several books, but the latest book, The Problem With Change, Ashley Goodall.   

And, it turns out, all of that change we've experienced (and continue to experience at an accelerated rate) is not only bad for bottom lines, it suuuuuucks for humans.  With Ashley, we jammed about:

• The current state of disruption in the workplace aka "life in the blender"
• How constant change impacts humans and businesses 
• What humans need to be innovative; creative; maximize performance
• How leaders can break the cult of disruption and provide stability 

About Ashley
Drawing on two decades spent leading HR organizations at Deloitte and Cisco, Ashley Goodall reveals why change is not the same as improvement, and how, by prioritizing team cohesion (instead of reshuffling teams at will), by using real words (rather than corporate-speak), by sharing secrets (not mission statements), by fixing only the things that are truly broken (instead of moving fast and breaking everything in sight, and more, leaders at every level can create the stability that people need to thrive.

We HIGHLY recommend reading Ashley's Books: 

• The Problem With Change and The Essential Nature of Human Performance 
• Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader's Guide to the Real World
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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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• On The Socials!  You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
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This week, we're talking about...Lust.
 Lust...you know lust, that feeling of butterflies when walking into the office.  Maybe you have a simple crush with your lunch buddy. Maybe you're finding yourself going 4-years deep into their IG and accidentally hitting like. Or, maybe you find yourself receiving random notes from Chris in IT. At work, lust shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone's unwanted attention and affection.

About the "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series
You want to know what really messes employees up? Raw human emotions. Listen, we ALL experience them from time to time (we totally have), but if you don't handle them well, man can they be deal breakers. In this series, we break down
• The common spectrum of experiences with each 'sin',
• We talk about real-life (kinda salacious stories) scenarios (yeah, this stuff happens every day),
• How to not ‘commit’ the sin, and
• Most importantly, how to deal with a sinner

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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What if understanding your physiological reactions to stress could transform your leadership style and how you show up at work and in life?

This compelling episode with Mindful Leadership experts Carissa Ricci and Aurora Myers dives into the essence of mindful leadership in the workplace. Our guests share their journey and expertise on integrating mindfulness and mental health practices into corporate culture, emphasizing the significance of showing up as your full self at work. By embracing self-awareness, leaders can harness their best selves, fostering healthier and more effective team dynamics.

We'll cover: 

• Aurora and Carissa's Career Journeys 
• Understanding Mindful Leadership 
• Why Mindful Leadership is Important, Especially Now 
• Small Moves Employees can Make 
• Small Moves Managers & Leaders Can Make 
• How to Establish a Deep Mindful Leadership Practice 
• Challenges Folks Can Face
• The ROI 

Join us as we explore practical strategies for embedding mindfulness into everyday work life, even in the smallest moments. This episode is packed with insights and practical advice to help you lead a more fulfilling professional and personal life.


About Aurora & Carissa 

• About Aurora Myers: For 13 years, Aurora has studied and taught stress-management through the integration of applied yoga & mindfulness principles. She is deeply passionate about translating frameworks into proactive, relevant & accessible practices to combat modern stressors within a variety of contexts, from mindful executive leadership to personal development.
• About Carissa Ricci:  For over 15 years, Carissa has created experiences and tools designed to help people learn and grow. In her nine years in Talent Development at NIKE, she developed programs to help leaders, managers, and employees find their way and become the best versions of themselves for their teams and peers. She has witnessed the impact of what great coaching can do and gets energy from helping other people discover (and rediscover) their spark 
• About IGNITE:  Curious about how to start your Mindful Leadership journey? Join Carissa & Aurora at IGNITE thru Workshops & In Person Retreats 

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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This week, we're focusing on key studies that just dropped...

Topic 1: Rudeness Epidemic: Insights from SHRM’s Civility Index
Can workplace incivility be costing your organization more than you realize? Join us as we unravel the harsh reality that nearly 40% of daily uncivil acts happen at work. We dive into personal stories and real-life experiences that highlight these staggering numbers. Discover how the SHRM Civility Index, with its current US score of 40, categorizes the frequency of incivility in the workplace. Learn about the importance of respect and how assessing civility can lead to a healthier work environment. References: 

• SHRM Civility Index

Topic 2:  Turns Out, Becoming an AI Power User is Easy.
Despite some hesitations and the lack of a clear implementation strategy among leaders, AI is gaining traction for enhancing productivity and alleviating burnout. We'll share insights from Microsoft's and LinkedIn's 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report, revealing how employees from Gen Z to Boomers are harnessing AI to streamline tasks like transcription and meeting summarization. Tune in for practical advice to become an AI power user in your workplace and learn how this technology can help bridge the gap in workload demands. References:

• 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report

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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Adam Horne, co-founder of Open Org is on a mission: to build a more trusted, transparent world of work. 

So, we wanted to get him on the pod to talk about how in the hell do you do that? Turns out, it's not only doable (let's start with employees having ZERO surprises around biggies like compensation, benefits, etc), but, when done authentically - can improve (like majorly improve) hiring, retention and overall health of an organization.  

Our conversation covers aligning internal and external transparency, the costs of cultural mismatches and the unintentional humor (or not) of hiring managers who promise more than they deliver.  Most importantly, this episode is loaded with practical advice for creating genuine, transparent work environments. Specifically, you'll learn:

• About OpenOrg
• The Costs: When Organizations Lack Transparency 
• What Does 'Good' Organizational Transparency Look Like?
• Leading Transparency Practices 
• Benchmarks: Who's Doing This Really Well
• The Future of Transparency 

Listen as we pick Adam's brain on the whole tapestry of trust within companies and walk away with a blueprint for embedding transparency in your organizational DNA.

References: 

Learn more about OpenOrg here. In this episode, Adam referenced several free, open resources for organizations, managers and job seekers - check them out here.

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

We're back with New Week, New Headlines!

This week, we're digging into a two stories that we can't let go.

Topic 1: Top Tech Talent Exodus Over RTO
Faced with RTO mandates, some top tech talent left instead according to an article in the Washington Post this week. 

Topic 2: We Love Moms. Just Not at Work.
Following an article in Fast Company,  "Enough “Momwashing.” The U.S. gives lip service to motherhood while not supporting moms at work" we decided to dive into how (or not) US organizations don't support women through: childcare, paid leave and fair pay. 

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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 Belonging is the innate desire to be part of something larger than ourselves without sacrificing who we are.  And we know, your sense of belonging at work is directly correlated with your engagement and satisfaction.

So, we called up our friend, Dr. Beth Kaplan to talk about belonging. She's a University of Pennsylvania researcher. A speaker. And a thought leader on the topic. We went directly to the source. 

In this episode, we go deep on: 

• What is belonging? 
• Why does it matter in the workplace? 
• Common challenges with belonging 
• The small things individuals, teams and companies can do to make a BIG   belonging impact 
• Why workplaces of the future will need to be trauma-informed 

 You'll find yourself nodding along as we discuss the crucial blend of individuality and community in professional spaces.  Our conversation navigates toward the trauma-informed workplace, debunking myths about resilience and exposing the systemic issues that really need fixing. Dr. Kaplan’s insights on these complex issues are nothing short of a revelation. You don't want to miss this one.

Learn more about Dr. Kaplan:  https://drbethkaplan.com/

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

Friends!BIG news week last week as new rules for workers hit the books. So, we're breaking it down.

Topic 1: Non-Competes - Everything You Need to Know
The recent federal ban of non-compete agreements is a win for workers. But not all workers are included in this ban. We cover everything you need to know,: the history, the ruling, the next phase and what you need to do to protect yourself.  References:
 

• FTC Press Announcement
• FTC Noncompete Rule 
• U.S. Bans noncompete agreements for nearly all jobs - NPR
• FTC is sued by business groups over its ban on noncompete agreements, which may delay enforcement - CNN
• Mapped: Where noncompete agreements are banned or restricted - Axios
• Why the U.S. Chamber is Suing to Block FTC’s Noncompete Ban - U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Many workers barely recall signing noncompetes, until they try to change jobs - NPR

Topic 2: Wait, Shouldn't Everyone Get Overtime?
We tackle the latest rule by the U.S. Department of Labor on overtime pay and why its reach isn't as all-encompassing as you might think.  References:

• Samsung's 6-Day Work Week
• Google Asking Teams to Work 120 Hours a Week

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the seismic shifts occurring in the American labor landscape. With the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) recent move to ban non-compete agreements and the U.S. Department of Labor's new rule affecting overtime pay, the very foundations of employment practices are being challenged and transformed. These changes are set to reshape the future of work, offering new pathways to innovation and potentially altering the earning potential of millions of workers.

Non-compete agreements, a legacy of the 18th century, were originally designed to protect trade secrets and the competitive edge of businesses. However, their evolution has led to a broad application, often encompassing even low-wage workers. This sweeping application has raised concerns about the stifling effect non-competes have on workers' ability to move freely between jobs, potentially hampering both wage growth and innovation. The FTC's decision to ban these agreements signifies a crucial step towards prioritizing employee freedom and the fluidity of the job market.

In tandem with the changes surrounding non-competes, the Department of Labor's adjustment to the overtime pay rule reflects a modernization of the Fair Labor Standards Act. By raising the salary threshold for overtime eligibility, the expectation is that employees will be compensated more fairly for their time, especially those working beyond the traditional 40-hour workweek. Yet, the debate continues on whether these changes go far enough, given the transformation of work culture and the blurring lines between w

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 are kicking off a brand new series called Visionary Executives.  There are a lot of cool leaders out there that are doing really interesting work and bringing people in business together in a way that everyone wins.

So, today, we start this series to talk with executives the leading edge stuff they're doing and what you can take away from that, either as an employee or as an executive yourself.

And we're stoked to start with Alan Whitman, the former Chairman and CEO of Baker Tilly.  Alan's known for being a progressive leader. But what we we're interested in is how he was able to balance business results (he 3X'd the firm during his tenure) with the people stuff (he was voted #1 Advisory CEO on Glassdoor). 

We cover the big stuff:  WTH do CEOs actually do? How DID he balance results and people? What's critical for CEOs to nail?

...to the elephants in the room: Should CEOs make as much money as they do? Should they take paycuts over layoffs? Are most of them pathological or cool?

This is an inspiring conversation with a leader you is equally so. 

More about Alan. 

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

Holy hell the work news is hot this week. And here are the main stories we wanted to jam about....

Topic 1: Is AI Taking or Augmenting Your Job
AI is reshaping work and jobs -sometimes illuminating them. Sometimes augmenting them. Strap in as we dissect what it takes for companies and employees to be AI-ready, because when it comes to AI, silence is not golden—it's a red flag. Companies that are proactive in preparing for the integration of AI stand to benefit significantly. We take you behind the scenes of industry leaders like Amazon and AT&T, who are pouring resources into employee development and reskilling initiatives. This not only prepares their workforce for an AI-augmented future but also signals a commitment to their employees' career longevity.


Topic 2: The Legal Right to Disconnect
California's 'right to disconnect,' which aim to foster work-life harmony in this new digital age. The digital transformation of the workplace has  led to a blurring of the lines between professional and personal life. We reminisce about the days of indestructible Nokia phones and the infancy of Wi-Fi—technologies that have since improved collaboration but have also contributed to the 'always-on' work culture. The rise of remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic has only intensified these expectations, prompting legislative efforts to ensure employees can disconnect from work during off hours. Links to articles: 

• CNBC Article
• Global HR Lawyers lus Laboris publication
• Sogolytics Blog: What is the “Right to Disconnect” and When Will the US Adopt It?
• NYC Right to Disconnect Legislation Proposal
• NYC National Law Review Article

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]