Humans at Work with Michael Glazer
In this episode, we're rethinking leadership with Nicholas Janni, author of “Leader As Healer” and teacher at IMD Business School and the University of Oxford Said Business School. Nicholas introduces the revolutionary concept of leaders as healers, advocating for a shift from the hyper-rational, imbalanced corporate norms that prioritize doing over being. He shares how integrating emotional intelligence and deep personal connections can transform leadership effectiveness. Join us as Nicholas shares how embracing our whole selves helps businesses and the people who work in them can thrive...
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We've all been there: put on the spot during a meeting and found ourselves tongue-tied. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of spontaneous communication head-on. I'm joined by Matt Abrahams, who is a Lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and the host of the “Think Fast, Talk Smart,” which draws in millions of listeners per episode. His TEDx Talk has captivated a global audience, and his latest book is titled, “Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot.” Today, Matt shares his insights into preparing for those...
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This episode examines the components of building and leading high-performing teams with guests Alison Grieve and Jenni Miller, experts in transforming team dynamics at some of the world's leading companies, including PepsiCo and ING. Alison and Jenni share practical advice on the critical roles of trust, motivation, and emotional intelligence in team success, as well as advice on fostering resilience, enhancing virtual and hybrid collaborations, and creating a culture of accountability and empowerment. If you enjoy the show, please rate it on or . Your ratings help more...
info_outlineHumans at Work with Michael Glazer
Can improv help us unlock workplace success? In this episode, we explore the positive impact of improvisation on well-being, communication, and the nuances of our daily interactions. Patricia Ryan Madson, Stanford University Emerita and author of “Improv Wisdom,” provides insights on how improv maxims can enhance the way we connect, create, and engage at work – and in life. If you enjoy the show, please rate it on or . Your ratings help more people like you discover the podcast! Episode Highlights Learn how simple acts of noticing and acknowledging others can have outsized effects on...
info_outlineHumans at Work with Michael Glazer
Ever wondered what happens when we flip traditional corporate hierarchies, allowing the young to mentor the old? This episode zeroes in on reverse mentoring, showcasing its power to drive innovation and foster understanding across generations. Patrice Gordon, a pioneer at Virgin Atlantic and author of the book “Reverse Mentoring: Removing Barriers and Building Belonging in the Workplace.” Patrice explains how embracing uncomfortable moments and challenging our assumptions can lead to growth for both people and organizations. She also shares advice for setting up and running reserve...
info_outlineHumans at Work with Michael Glazer
Facing gender bias is tough. Add ageism to the mix, and the workplace becomes a whole different challenge. This episode examines the landscape for women over 50 in the workplace, spotlighted through Dr. Lucy Ryan's insights from her book, "Revolting Women." Addressing the dual hurdles of ageism and gender bias, Dr. Ryan explains how societal expectations shape professional experiences. She shares compelling stories about navigating menopause and caregiving, alongside strategies for midlife women. The discussion includes advice for employers, such as having midlife check-ins, to create a more...
info_outlineHumans at Work with Michael Glazer
Do you excel in analytical, strategic and goal-oriented tasks yet often get bogged down in thinking through how to unstick yourself from complicated situations or challenges? This episode focuses on how tapping into the power of your right brain can help you move forward through seemingly intractable challenges. The right brain is our gateway to seeing the big picture, infusing fresh ideas and deeper understanding into your life. It’s the part of our brain that helps us interpret the world through our senses and is vital for empathy, enabling us to forge genuine connections with others. Our...
info_outlineHumans at Work with Michael Glazer
Dr. Robert Lefkowitz shares anecdotes and wisdom from his extraordinary career. This episode delves into the power of storytelling and narratives, building a legacy based on mentorship, overcoming harsh criticism, and using personal values at work. Lefkowitz won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2012 for “for studies of G-protein-coupled receptors.” His memoir is titled “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm”. Today, more than half of all prescription drug sales are of drugs that target either directly or indirectly the receptors discovered by Dr. Lefkowitz and his trainees. If...
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With employee disengagement at alarming levels despite significant investments in training leaders in coaching skills, there's a pressing need to reevaluate and get practical about making coaching truly effective for people in managerial roles. This episode zeroes in on how to address this gap, introducing insights and tools for leaders to genuinely engage and empower their teams. , CEO of , has firsthand experience across 37 countries, providing a fresh and nuanced perspective on leadership, culture, and organizational transformation. Having co-authored "", Dominic brings an innovative...
info_outlineHumans at Work with Michael Glazer
How is the intersection of technology and human experience reshaping our workplaces? In this episode, we explore the dynamic evolution of work environments, where technology and human-centric practices are becoming increasingly intertwined. You’ll hear about leveraging technology to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces, simplifying work processes through AI, and shifting the focus from productivity to impact. Stela Lupushor is the founder of Reframe.Work Inc. She is also Program Director for the Strategic Workforce Planning and Talent Management Councils, as well as the Human...
info_outlineLearn how to differentiate between pressure and stress, discover the benefits of resilience-building in teams and organizations, and explore practical methods to increase adaptability and maintain focus in high-pressure situations.
Lesley Cooper is the founder and CEO of WorkingWell Limited and the co-author of “Dangerous Waters – Strategies for Improving Wellbeing at Work”. She contributes to TV and radio programs in the UK on the subject of employee wellbeing, including Channel 4’s highly acclaimed documentary “Stressed Out”. Lesley is also a full member of the International Stress Management Association.
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Episode Highlights
1:10 The difference between pressure and stress
4:08 How pressure and stress impact performance
10:11 Resiliency is a shared responsibility between employee and employer
13:36 The skills that make up someone's agility
14:50 How to move from "rigid" to "adaptable" in the face of pressure
17:43 Awareness and choosing our responses
21:22 How self-talk plays into our level of resiliency
23:40 Making time for recovery during the workday
25:54 Insights on personal energy management
29:17 Organizational responsibility for building resiliency
31:39 Two modes of being present
34:45 Time management strategy to increase focus and presence
38:47 Balancing accountability and flexibility in leadership
Lesley’s view on the greatest unmet wellbeing need at work today
"I'd say the number one thing missing in today's workplace is a focus on the quality of the work environment. We are very focused on training people to be more resilient and helping them recover when they experience burnout, but it's like cleaning up a fish and putting them back in a dirty pond. There's not enough attention given to the toxicity in the work environment that may be contributing to burnout. We need to change that, but right now, the focus is primarily on secondary and tertiary interventions like training and treatment.
On a more specific level, the COVID pandemic and the shift to digital technology has led to a lack of water cooler moments and a greater focus on well-being interventions like products and services. However, there is not enough focus on the people actually doing the work. It's important to talk to the human doing the work, not just the task they're performing. I think this relates to your podcast series on the human aspect of well-being in the workplace.
Unfortunately, we've lost contact with each other, and it's become harder to have those inconsequential conversations that make people feel valued as humans. We tend to just talk about work, and that's a loss because when you employ someone, the whole person comes to work, not just the part that does the job. We should talk to the whole person to promote well-being in the workplace."
What “working with humans” means to Lesley
“For me, it is that it's about talking to the human being and not the task.”
Resources
Follow: Lesley on LinkedIn
Visit: WorkingWell Limited
Read: Dangerous Waters – Strategies for Improving Wellbeing at Work