The Economics of Early Childhood: Insights from a Nobel Prize Winner
Release Date: 07/30/2024
S4E8: From Cost to Competitive Edge: Walmart’s Child Care Investment w/ Meghan Klosterman
The Work-Life Equation
What if child care wasn’t just a benefit but a game-changer for employee loyalty, engagement, and even talent attraction? In this episode of The Work-Life Equation, we talk with Meghan Klosterman, Senior Manager of Child Care Programs at Walmart, about the launch of Little Squiggles Children’s Enrichment Center, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support working parents at Walmart’s headquarters. Meghan shares how her personal journey as an educator and mom shaped the vision for a center that’s more than just child care, it’s a strategic investment in employee well-being,...
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S4E7: Degrees of Impact: How Education Benefits Transform Lives w/ Chad Jones
The Work-Life Equation
What if your employee benefits could do more than support the day-to-day—they could shape someone’s entire future? In this episode, we hear from Chad Jones at Papa John’s, whose own journey from pizza maker to PhD candidate inspired a company-wide education initiative. “Dough & Degrees” is helping frontline workers earn diplomas, grow careers, and stay engaged—all while staying on the job. For employers, it’s a blueprint for retention and impact. For employees, it’s proof that the right support can unlock real opportunity. Tune in for a story that’s equal parts...
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S4E6: Why People-First Workplaces Win w/ The Band of Sisters
The Work-Life Equation
What happens when companies truly put people first? In this episode of The Work-Life Equation, we sit down with Lori Marcus and Angelique Bellmer Krembs—two powerhouse leaders from The Band of Sisters—to explore how inclusive cultures aren’t just good for morale—they’re good for business. Through real stories and bold insights, Lori and Angelique reveal how: Flexibility fuels retention and performance Empathy and equity drive innovation “People-first” must be more than a slogan—it must be a strategy If you're a leader, HR...
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S4E5: The Secret Sauce Behind Thriving Workforces w/ Alyssa Friedrich
The Work-Life Equation
How do you design benefits that actually work—for everyone? In this episode, Alyssa Friedrich, Chief People Officer at United Therapeutics, shares how flexible, inclusive benefits like child care, backup care, and mental wellness support are driving retention, equity, and engagement across a multigenerational, hybrid workforce. If you're building a people-first culture that performs, this one's for you. Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and right here on YouTube. ...
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S4E4: Care Isn’t a Cost—It’s Capital w/ Blessing Adesiyan
The Work-Life Equation
What if care wasn’t a perk, but the foundation of a thriving workforce? In this episode of The Work Life Equation, Blessing Adesiyan, founder of The Care Gap, shares how supporting caregivers boosts productivity and retention, why flexible policies create real equity, and how care is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a business imperative. Through powerful stories and bold insights, she makes the case for treating care as infrastructure, and a strategic advantage. If you're rethinking how your workplace supports people, this episode is a must-listen. ...
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S4E3: Why Childcare Is Your Secret Weapon for Talent Retention w/ Jenny Guldseth
The Work-Life Equation
What if childcare was the key to your company’s success? In this episode of The Work Life Equation, we sit down with Jenny Guldseth, Chief People & Culture Officer at Allianz Life, to explore how investing in working parents transformed their workplace. From on-site childcare to flexible leadership, Jenny shares candid stories, hard-won lessons, and bold strategies that are reshaping the future of work. A must-listen for HR leaders, people managers, and anyone rethinking the future of work. Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and right here on YouTube. ...
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S4E2: How Flexible Benefits Are Saving Careers, Families, and Bottom Lines w/ Cindy Silva
The Work-Life Equation
In this episode, Priya and Paul sit down with Cindy Silva, HR leader and benefits expert, to explore how modern employee support, from student loan repayment to elder care, is reshaping the workplace. Cindy shares how these benefits have personally impacted her and why they matter now more than ever across generations. This episode is for HR teams, company leaders, working parents, and anyone rethinking how to support employees at every life stage. Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. ...
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S4E1: How Employee needs are CHANGING 2025 w/ Subha Barry
The Work-Life Equation
In this episode, Priya and Paul sit down with Subha Barry, President of Seramount, global inclusion expert, and one of the most resilient leaders in the business. From high-stakes boardrooms to deeply personal health battles, Subha shares how her lived experiences have redefined what meaningful employee support should look like. This episode is for leaders, working parents, HR teams, and anyone rethinking how we define success at work and at home. Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and right here on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the...
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Empathy in Leadership: Lessons from Parenthood
The Work-Life Equation
In this eye-opening bonus episode, Donald Knight II, a seasoned HR leader and father, shares his journey of balancing parenthood and professional life. From his evolving perspective on parental leave to innovative approaches in supporting a multi-generational workforce, Donald offers valuable insights on creating inclusive work environments. He discusses the importance of allyship, the changing needs of Gen Z workers, and the critical skills leaders need in today's rapidly evolving workplace. Join us for a candid exploration of the modern work-life equation and discover strategies for...
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Parenting, Careers, & Purpose: Insights from Priya and Paul
The Work-Life Equation
Join Priya Krishnan and Paul Sullivan in a special bonus episode of The Work-Life Equation podcast. In this episode, they welcome Kanika Chadda-Gupta, host of That's Total Mom Sense, as she interviews Priya and Paul about their fascinating career paths, parenting journeys, and the impact of their roles. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation filled with personal anecdotes, career insights, and practical advice for parents striving to excel in their careers and personal lives.
info_outlineIn this illuminating episode of The Work-Life Equation podcast, hosts Paul Sullivan and Priya Krishnan welcome Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor James Heckman from the University of Chicago. Professor Heckman shares insights from his groundbreaking research on early childhood education and its long-term impacts on individuals and society. In this episode, Heckman explains the 'Heckman Equation,' which demonstrates the high return on investment for early childhood education programs. He discusses findings from landmark studies like the Perry Preschool Project, highlighting how early interventions can significantly improve life outcomes, including health, education, and economic prosperity. The episode also explores the challenges of implementing effective early childhood programs, considering the roles of parents, employers, and government. Heckman offers valuable insights on work-life balance and parenting, emphasizing the importance of consistency and engagement in child-rearing. This thought-provoking discussion illuminates the critical importance of investing in our youngest citizens and the far-reaching benefits for individuals, families, and society as a whole.