AI as a Mirror, Not a Replacement with Michelle Duval of Marlee
Release Date: 01/05/2026
From Breast Cancer to Breakthrough Tech with Kate Dilligan of Cooler Heads
Work Made Human
On this episode of Work Made Human, hosts Nichole and Jill talk with Kate Dilligan, founder and CEO of Cooler Heads, for a conversation that’s as honest as it is inspiring. From San Diego, Kate shares her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and how that experience led her to launch Cooler Heads, a company bringing scalp cooling therapy within reach for chemotherapy patients. She opens up about the deeply human impact of hair loss during cancer treatment—how it shapes privacy, identity, and agency at work and in everyday life.
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The Safety Myth: Why “Be Yourself at Work” Can Be a Trap with Sarah Reynolds of Benifex
Work Made Human
On this episode of Work Made Human, hosts Nichole and Jill talk with Sarah Reynolds, CMO of Benifex, about what it truly means to be human at work. Sarah introduces the idea of bringing your “chosen self” rather than your “authentic self,” recognizing that safety—not pressure—is what allows people to show up fully over time. They discuss how leaders must model vulnerability first, advocate for what’s right even when it’s uncomfortable, and stop masking their own identities if they want others to feel safe doing the same. Sarah also calls out the gap between inclusive marketing...
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AI as a Mirror, Not a Replacement with Michelle Duval of Marlee
Work Made Human
On this episode of Work Made Human, hosts Nichole and Jill sit down with Michelle Duval, founder and CEO of the AI coaching platform Marlee. Michelle shares how her near-fatal autoimmune brain disease became the catalyst for her life’s mission: to democratize human potential and make deep self-understanding accessible to everyone. Michelle breaks down the core idea behind Marley—that AI, when built with intention, can act as a mirror that helps people understand themselves more deeply, not replace them. She explains why coaching should be the “operating system” of the modern workplace,...
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Work Made Human Trailer
Work Made Human
Work Made Human explores the people, purpose, and culture behind today’s most innovative startups. Hosts Nichole Mendez, BAM's Director of Talent Acquisition, and Jill Veglahn, BAM’s Head of People, chat with startup founders about building teams, shaping culture, and leading with humanity. Each episode highlights the creativity, challenges, and lessons that truly make work human.
info_outlineOn this episode of Work Made Human, hosts Nichole and Jill sit down with Michelle Duval, founder and CEO of the AI coaching platform Marlee. Michelle shares how her near-fatal autoimmune brain disease became the catalyst for her life’s mission: to democratize human potential and make deep self-understanding accessible to everyone. Michelle breaks down the core idea behind Marley—that AI, when built with intention, can act as a mirror that helps people understand themselves more deeply, not replace them. She explains why coaching should be the “operating system” of the modern workplace, unlocking the ideas, meaning, and creativity already inside every individual.