Future Ready Leadership With Jacob Morgan
Are you ready to lead in the future of work? Most leaders aren't! Join 5x best-selling author & futurist Jacob Morgan as he interviews the world's top CEOs, best-selling authors, and leading thinkers to bring you the insights, strategies, and tools you need to become a future ready leader. Guests include CEOs from Best Buy, Netflix, Hyatt, and GE as well as leading thinkers like Seth Godin, Dan Pink, Yuval Harari, and Marshall Goldsmith. This is the world's #1 podcast to lead in the future of work! Watch the videos on Youtube: bit.ly/406fmFP IG: https://www.instagram.com/jacobmorgan8/ LI: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobmorgan8 TW: https://twitter.com/jacobm W: https://thefutureorganization.com/
info_outline
The Black Box of AI: What the World’s Leading Expert Says We Still Don’t Know
06/16/2025
The Black Box of AI: What the World’s Leading Expert Says We Still Don’t Know
AI is the most powerful tool humanity has ever created. Yet, it’s also a black box we barely understand. How do we build the future of work with a system that can make decisions, take actions, and sometimes… make it up as it goes? In today's episode, Babak Hodjat, CTO of AI at Cognizant, joins us to uncover the truth and the hype behind today’s most powerful AI technologies. We explore the evolution of agentic AI, multi-agentic platforms, and how organizations like Cognizant are already using AI agents to streamline RFPs, HR systems, and even intranet interactions. Babak exposes the promise and pitfalls of large language models, breaks down AI hallucinations, and debates whether AI truly "understands" anything or just predicts the next word. We also unpack the difference between AI and algorithms, the current capabilities (and limits) of generative AI, and address the ongoing challenge of AI trust, ethics, and resilience in real-world business contexts. Expect mind-blowing stories about AI agents threatening to expose fake affairs, hacking game systems, and working alongside humans in a multi-agent workforce. ________________ This episode is sponsored by : Don't you hate how every HR company out there says they are powered by AI? The truth is most difficult if it's just fluff. Human Intelligence™ from is one of the few solutions that actually uses AI to help you get insights about your culture by analyzing the recognition data of your workforce. It helps managers coach better, shows you where culture is thriving, and is so effective at helping companies make smarter decisions, backs it with the industry's only ROI Guarantee. In a world of noisy tech, this one actually feels... human. Learn more at and see how Human Intelligence is becoming a force for good in the workplace. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/37022320
info_outline
Sparks: How CHROs Can Lead Human Transformation and Shape the Future of Work
06/13/2025
Sparks: How CHROs Can Lead Human Transformation and Shape the Future of Work
Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) are now responsible for shaping the future of work. But to do that, you can’t stay in the HR box. To HR leaders, it's time to stop thinking of yourself as administrators and start showing up as architects of human transformation. The new world of work operates on an entirely new playbook, we can't keep putting band-aids on outdated systems. We must start reimagining work itself. In today's Leadership Spark, we're rethinking the outdated ideas about work, engagement, and the role of HR in shaping the future. We explore why perks don’t create real employee experience, how employer branding often masks the truth about our workplaces, and what it takes to move from managing people to truly transforming how we work. ________________ This episode is sponsored by : Don't you hate how every HR company out there says they are powered by AI? The truth is most difficult if it's just fluff. Human Intelligence™ from is one of the few solutions that actually uses AI to help you get insights about your culture by analyzing the recognition data of your workforce. It helps managers coach better, shows you where culture is thriving, and is so effective at helping companies make smarter decisions, backs it with the industry's only ROI Guarantee. In a world of noisy tech, this one actually feels... human. Learn more at and see how Human Intelligence is becoming a force for good in the workplace. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36982220
info_outline
Workhuman’s Chief Human Experience Officer on Why Nice Leaders Create Weak Teams and How to Build a Resilient Culture
06/09/2025
Workhuman’s Chief Human Experience Officer on Why Nice Leaders Create Weak Teams and How to Build a Resilient Culture
The workplace is evolving, but not without friction. AI, culture, and leadership expectations are colliding, and while some leaders scramble to keep up, others are creating environments that feel more like day spas than places of work. How do you lead with kindness while still setting high expectations? In this episode of Future Ready Leadership, I spoke with KeyAnna Schmiedl, Chief Human Experience Officer at Workhuman, about what it really takes to evolve workplace culture and leadership in a time of rapid change. We explored the current state of AI and its role in supporting, not replacing the human element at work. KeyAnna sheds light on the shift from compliance-focused HR to human experience-focused leadership, and how organizations can avoid the trap of over-accommodation and instead focus on clarity, accountability, and human-centered leadership. We discussed the misapplication of psychological safety, the dangers of therapy language, the importance of building resilience and critical thinking, and why companies struggle to define and communicate their true culture. ________________ This episode is sponsored by : Don't you hate how every HR company out there says they are powered by AI? The truth is most difficult if it's just fluff. Human Intelligence™ from is one of the few solutions that actually uses AI to help you get insights about your culture by analyzing the recognition data of your workforce. It helps managers coach better, shows you where culture is thriving, and is so effective at helping companies make smarter decisions, backs it with the industry's only ROI Guarantee. In a world of noisy tech, this one actually feels... human. Learn more at and see how Human Intelligence is becoming a force for good in the workplace. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36911905
info_outline
Sparks: We’re Doing Vulnerability Wrong: Why Being Accountable Needs to Exist Along With Being Vulnerable
06/06/2025
Sparks: We’re Doing Vulnerability Wrong: Why Being Accountable Needs to Exist Along With Being Vulnerable
We’ve misunderstood what it really means to lead with vulnerability. Organizations are falling into a dangerous trap of glorifying vulnerability without pairing it with accountability. That's why workplace cultures that enable excuses, not growth, exist. In this episode, we explore why vulnerability at work has gone too far, and how it’s being misused as a shield from accountability. We draw a sharp line between simply being vulnerable and leading with vulnerability, which means owning your gaps and showing what you’re doing to grow. When vulnerability lacks follow-through, it creates a culture of entitlement instead of growth. With all the changes happening fast in the modern world of work, leaders can't afford to not course-correct. It's time to redefine what vulnerability should look like at work. ________________ This episode is sponsored by : Don't you hate how every HR company out there says they are powered by AI? The truth is most difficult if it's just fluff. Human Intelligence™ from is one of the few solutions that actually uses AI to help you get insights about your culture by analyzing the recognition data of your workforce. It helps managers coach better, shows you where culture is thriving, and is so effective at helping companies make smarter decisions, backs it with the industry's only ROI Guarantee. In a world of noisy tech, this one actually feels... human. Learn more at and see how Human Intelligence is becoming a force for good in the workplace. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36887135
info_outline
How Amazon’s Cybersecurity Chief Says Leaders Should Prepare for AI Threats
06/02/2025
How Amazon’s Cybersecurity Chief Says Leaders Should Prepare for AI Threats
AI is a double-edged sword—boosting capabilities while amplifying risks if used carelessly. Every leader today is racing to understand how AI will impact their business. So, how can you protect your organization? In this episode, Steve Schmidt, SVP and Chief Security Officer at Amazon, breaks down the real risks at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and leadership. Steve shares why the biggest cybersecurity threats aren’t just technical but human, highlighting how AI lowers the barrier for attacks like phishing and social engineering. We explore the concept of agentic AI, which doesn’t just generate information but takes action; this creates new risks that would require leaders to rethink authentication, output validation, and compartmentalization. Steve also shares how Amazon speeds up security reviews by up to 80% with AI, all while keeping humans in the loop to guard against flaws. Today, it’s of high importance to build a strong security culture, and address the rising risks of shadow AI inside organizations. Because while AI is a powerful tool, it’s not a magic bullet. Leaders must pair AI with human oversight, robust training, and thoughtful guardrails to protect their organizations. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work. But knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to , or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36814740
info_outline
Sparks: The Vulnerability Mountain: How Reaching the Peak Can Unlock Your Leadership Superpower
05/30/2025
Sparks: The Vulnerability Mountain: How Reaching the Peak Can Unlock Your Leadership Superpower
Too often, vulnerability at work is misunderstood as either oversharing or a sign of weakness. What many leaders overlook is how it can be their superpower if used the right way. In this episode, we explore how to lead with vulnerability without losing your leadership edge by pairing your openness with intention and direction. We discuss the “vulnerable leader equation,” a reminder that showing emotion or imperfection isn’t weakness when paired with purpose. You’ll also learn about the “vulnerability mountain” framework: identify what’s easy (base camp), what’s hard (the peak), and take small daily steps to climb. Plus, we touch on the importance of intention, the core of the "vulnerability wheel," and why knowing why you're opening up matters just as much as how. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work. But knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s #1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to , or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36784820
info_outline
More Than Just HR: Highlights from the 2025 Future of Work Leaders CHRO Event
05/28/2025
More Than Just HR: Highlights from the 2025 Future of Work Leaders CHRO Event
CHROs, your role has never been more vital or more complex. AI, shifting politics, hybrid work, and evolving employee expectations, have taken the front seat in today's world of work. The future says you’re no longer just managing HR, you’re redefining the workplace itself. That’s exactly why I launched Future of Work Leaders, a supportive global community built specifically for CHROs who are ready to move beyond traditional HR and are committed to building future-ready organizations. In this episode, I share highlights from our very first 2025 gathering, where CHROs from some of the world’s most respected brands came together to discuss the real challenges and opportunities shaping the future of work. I’m taking you behind the scenes of our inaugural Future of Work Leaders CHRO event, hosted at the Neiman Marcus Innovation Hub in Dallas. We brought together 40 CHROs from organizations like Johnson & Johnson, Northrop Grumman, Tractor Supply, Amway, and others to have deep, honest conversations about what’s really driving change today. Topics like the evolving role of DEI, AI integration, hybrid work models, culture transformation, and even the political climate's impact on work. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36744020
info_outline
How Sam’s Club CEO Leads an $84B Company Without Losing Humanity
05/26/2025
How Sam’s Club CEO Leads an $84B Company Without Losing Humanity
Leading a business with 100,000 employees and $84 billion in revenue isn’t for the faint of heart. Every executive talks about culture and results, but few have done it at this scale. So how do you lead without losing your soul? In this episode, Chris Nicholas, President and CEO of Sam’s Club, pulls back the curtain on what leadership really looks like when the stakes are massive. He shares why purpose and grit—not ego—are the foundation of great leadership. You’ll learn why 85% of Sam’s Club managers started as hourly workers, how Chris uses “ultra-endurance leadership” to stay sharp, and why leaders should run toward difficult things. He also unpacks his trust formula to build trust in a massive organization, how to lead without entitlement, and how to connect your work to a bigger purpose. From energy and sacrifice to upward mobility and culture, Chris shows how business performance and people-first leadership can coexist. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work. But knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to , or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36710545
info_outline
Sparks: Timeless Traits and Skills for the Future-Proof Leader
05/23/2025
Sparks: Timeless Traits and Skills for the Future-Proof Leader
We’ve all had the experience of working for a bad leader, the kind that drains your energy, stifles your motivation, and makes Monday mornings feel like a dreadful chore. But great leaders do the opposite. And in a world evolving faster than ever, we can’t afford to leave leadership to chance. In today’s Leadership Spark, we’ll tackle two big questions: Will the leader of 2030 be different from today’s leader? And if so, how? Backed by insights from 140+ CEO interviews and a global LinkedIn survey of nearly 14,000 employees, I share the timeless traits leaders must keep, and the new skills they must develop to lead in a rapidly changing world. Get a clearer understanding of what leadership really means, why most people can’t define it, and what it will take to lead organizations, and society, into the future. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work. But knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s #1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to , or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36686600
info_outline
Lead Like It’s 2025: What Today’s Leaders Must Add to their Toolkit
05/19/2025
Lead Like It’s 2025: What Today’s Leaders Must Add to their Toolkit
The rules of leadership have changed, but most leaders didn't get the memo. We’re leading in a time of constant disruption, fractured teams, and AI eating away at every corner of the workplace. It’s no longer enough to rely on outdated mindsets, old leadership playbooks, and hoping for the best. In this episode, we explore what real future-ready leadership looks like. Navy SEAL and leadership coach Rich Diviney shares why it’s not your skills, but your attributes, like resilience and adaptability, that determine how you lead under pressure and make you an elite leader. Keith Ferazzi, Founder, Chair, & CEO at Ferrazzi Greenlight, rewrites the traditional leadership script by laying out his “teamship” model for building teams that hold each other accountable. And finally, Dan Priest, US Chief AI Officer of PwC, shows how to stop fearing AI and start using it as a strategic edge. This is the mindset, model, and method leaders need to thrive and lead effectively in this next era. Don't miss it! ________________ This episode is sponsored by . These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work. But knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to , or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36621825
info_outline
Sparks: Redefining Employee Experience and How to Develop a REAL Future Ready Workplace
05/16/2025
Sparks: Redefining Employee Experience and How to Develop a REAL Future Ready Workplace
We often think of employee experience as a checklist: better offices, better technology, better perks. But we’ve been missing the bigger picture all along. In today’s Leadership Spark, we dive deep into how employee experience has fundamentally evolved, and why it's now the most powerful lever leaders have to shape trust, loyalty, and performance at work. Drawing on research from 252 organizations and insights from 150 senior executives, we’ll explore the real drivers of experience: culture, technology, and physical space. You’ll learn why work today isn't just about what people do, but about the environment that shapes how they feel, how they connect, and why they stay. If you want to future-proof your leadership and your organization, it starts with designing an experience worth fighting for. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work. But knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to , or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36589575
info_outline
How Leaders Can Reignite the American Dream at Work with Entrepreneur Mark Matson
05/12/2025
How Leaders Can Reignite the American Dream at Work with Entrepreneur Mark Matson
What if the biggest thing holding us back from living the American Dream isn’t our circumstances, but our mindset? In this episode, Mark Matson, Author of Experiencing the American Dream and CEO of Matson Money, breaks down what the American Dream really means today. Mark explains how your "screen" or the mental filters shape the way you see the world, your actions, results, and ultimately your life. He makes a strong case that the American Dream isn’t dead, it’s just being filtered through the wrong lens of the “juicy victimhood” mentality, entitlement, and resentment. He also explores how these mindsets are showing up in the workplace and it’s killing growth. Mark also points out how many people today, especially younger generations, live as if they’re still stuck in the coal mines of the past, despite having more tools, technology, and opportunity than ever before. He explains why leaders need to stop over-parenting employees because real change starts with personal accountability, resilience, and creativity. We also unpack how to build high-performance teams and how the concept of addition through subtraction helps you build a stronger team. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . Here’s a good question for you: Who in your marketing department is a flight risk? How about: Where are your talent or skills gaps? Or: Which employees make up your next generation of leaders? If you couldn’t answer any of these, then you need to check out Human Intelligence™, from . By combining AI with the rich data of their #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence unlocks insights and capabilities that redefine talent management, cultural transformation, and employee engagement. Want to learn more? Go to and learn how today’s leading companies are turning AI into a force for good with Human Intelligence. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36530790
info_outline
Sparks: The Brutal Truth About Employee Engagement No One Wants to Admit
05/09/2025
Sparks: The Brutal Truth About Employee Engagement No One Wants to Admit
We’ve thrown the entire pantry at employee engagement from hot yoga to free snacks to branded hoodies, and somehow, people are still checking out. In today’s Leadership Spark, we call out the broken cycle of gimmicky engagement strategies and look at what actually drives loyalty, performance, and retention in the modern workplace. Spoiler: it’s not about giving people more stuff. It’s about giving them something to believe in. We’ll unpack why smart companies are ditching the perks arms race and building something better: a workplace that feels like an experience, not a transaction. If you're tired of short-term fixes and ready to build real culture, press play. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . These days, it feels like there isn’t much good to go around in the world of work. But knows when we celebrate the good in each of us, we bring out the best in all of us. It’s why they created the world’s # 1 employee recognition platform — and they didn’t stop there, combining rich recognition data with AI to create Human Intelligence, so you can get uniquely good insights into performance, skills, engagement and more. To learn more about how you can join their force for good, go to , or check out their own podcast, “How We Work,” which explores the trends, issues, relationships, and experiences that shape our workplaces. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36506000
info_outline
Building Smarter Organizations Through the Human-AI Partnership with McKinsey Senior Fellow Dr. Michael Chui
05/05/2025
Building Smarter Organizations Through the Human-AI Partnership with McKinsey Senior Fellow Dr. Michael Chui
AI is becoming more powerful and autonomous. What we once thought was a future trend is now reshaping how organizations are operating today. But the biggest risk of AI isn't replacement. More likely, it's reliance. Are you prepared for what's coming? In today's episode, Dr. Michael Chui, Senior Fellow at McKinsey and QuantumBlack AI, reveals how AI is rewriting the rules of competition, leadership, and even hiring structure. You’ll learn why over-relying on AI can erode human judgment and creativity, how to build organizations that balance human decision-making with machine efficiency, and why managing AI agents will soon be as important as managing people. Dr. Chui shares how leaders can prevent “silent automation” from taking over their teams, what skills future managers must develop (including prompt engineering and oversight), and how companies can redesign roles, workflows, and organizational structures to thrive in the era of agentic AI. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . Here’s a good question for you: Who in your marketing department is a flight risk? How about: Where are your talent or skills gaps? Or: Which employees make up your next generation of leaders? If you couldn’t answer any of these, then you need to check out Human Intelligence™, from . By combining AI with the rich data of their #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence unlocks insights and capabilities that redefine talent management, cultural transformation, and employee engagement. Want to learn more? Go to and learn how today’s leading companies are turning AI into a force for good with Human Intelligence. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36433970
info_outline
Sparks: It’s Okay to be Human: How Leaders Can Turn Vulnerability Into a Superpower
05/02/2025
Sparks: It’s Okay to be Human: How Leaders Can Turn Vulnerability Into a Superpower
Most leaders think vulnerability is risky, but avoiding it is far riskier. Despite all the research and talk about authenticity, only 11% of companies view vulnerability as a leadership strength—and 84% of employees rarely, if ever, see it practiced. That’s a problem. In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore what happens when leaders embrace vulnerability, and what’s lost when they don’t. Backed by my research across thousands of employees and organizations, you'll uncover in this episode how leading with vulnerability isn’t just about being authentic. It’s a strategy for building trust, connection, and lasting impact. You'll also learn how to balance confidence with openness, and why your team might be waiting for you to go first in being vulnerable. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . Here’s a good question for you: Who in your marketing department is a flight risk? How about: Where are your talent or skills gaps? Or: Which employees make up your next generation of leaders? If you couldn’t answer any of these, then you need to check out Human Intelligence™, from . By combining AI with the rich data of their #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence unlocks insights and capabilities that redefine talent management, cultural transformation, and employee engagement. Want to learn more? Go to and learn how today’s leading companies are turning AI into a force for good with Human Intelligence. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36407300
info_outline
World’s #1 CEO Coach on Becoming a Leader Everyone Wants to Follow with Mark Thompson
04/28/2025
World’s #1 CEO Coach on Becoming a Leader Everyone Wants to Follow with Mark Thompson
What does it really take to rise to the highest levels of leadership, and stay there? In this episode, I sit down with Mark Thompson, world’s #1 CEO coach and author of CEO Ready, to explore what to become a CEO-ready leader. We’ll look at the deeper work of top-most leadership: developing functional fluency, mastering seven leadership languages, and aligning your ambitions with the reality of what leadership demands. Mark shares the mindset and methods used by the world’s most successful executives, why building trust with your boss is a make-or-break move, and how to balance confident humility with productive paranoia. We dig deeper into the sacrifices leaders make, the importance of building credibility before asking for responsibility, and how to cultivate stakeholder alignment across functions, not just within your silo. If you're eyeing the next big step in your career, this episode will help prepare you to lead at the top. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . Here’s a good question for you: Who in your marketing department is a flight risk? How about: Where are your talent or skills gaps? Or: Which employees make up your next generation of leaders? If you couldn’t answer any of these, then you need to check out Human Intelligence™, from . By combining AI with the rich data of their #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence unlocks insights and capabilities that redefine talent management, cultural transformation, and employee engagement. Want to learn more? Go to and learn how today’s leading companies are turning AI into a force for good with Human Intelligence. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36335850
info_outline
Sparks: The Hidden Danger of Separating Leadership from Management (And how to truly bridge the gap)
04/25/2025
Sparks: The Hidden Danger of Separating Leadership from Management (And how to truly bridge the gap)
We’ve made a huge leadership mistake and chances are, your organization is still making it. We’ve separated managers and leaders like they’re different species. One is focused on processes. The other on people. But that separation might be the very thing keeping your teams disengaged and your company stuck. In today’s Leadership Spark, I’m busting the outdated myth that leadership and management are two separate roles. I share a powerful story of a nuclear submarine captain that perfectly illustrates what happens when we train leaders to lead but forget to teach them how to manage. You’ll hear why giving managers leadership training won’t fix your ‘people’ problem and why the opposite approach just might. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of ’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Want to learn more? Human Intelligence at , and join their force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36304240
info_outline
CHROs Deserve Better: Introducing a Smarter Community for People Leaders
04/23/2025
CHROs Deserve Better: Introducing a Smarter Community for People Leaders
Are you a Chief Human Resource Officer trying to find a meaningful and affordable peer group that's NOT stuck in the past? I'm glad you found this episode because you're about to discover a CHRO community that's building the future of work as we speak. After speaking with over 100 CHROs for my book on employee experience, I kept hearing the same frustrations about existing groups with overpriced memberships, bloated conferences, constant sales pitches, outdated content, and a total lack of real value. So I decided to do something about it. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on "Future of Work Leaders," a new community built for CHROs, by CHROs. It’s an intimate group focused on one thing only: insight-rich conversations for forward-thinking CHROs like you. If you're a CHRO who's done playing by old rules and wants to connect with other future-ready leaders from companies like Johnson & Johnson, Northrop Grumman, Dow, Amway, and more, consider this your invite. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36276475
info_outline
Why Hybrid Work Is Here to Stay and What the Research Says with Dr. Nicholas Bloom
04/21/2025
Why Hybrid Work Is Here to Stay and What the Research Says with Dr. Nicholas Bloom
Everyone’s arguing about remote vs. in-office. But what if we’ve been asking the wrong question all along? Dr. Nicholas Bloom, Professor of Economics at Stanford and the world’s most cited expert on hybrid work, joins to set the record straight—and clear up the way his research is being misquoted everywhere. In this episode, he debunks the biggest myths about remote work, explains why hybrid work has become the go-to model for most Fortune 500 companies, and breaks down what’s really behind Amazon and Jamie Dimon’s return-to-office moves. We also get into why AI is more likely to replace fully remote roles than hybrid ones, what most people misunderstand about productivity from home, and the three-part formula every leader should follow to make hybrid work sustainable and effective. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of ’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Want to learn more? Human Intelligence at , and join their force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36237430
info_outline
Sparks: The Power of the Follow-Up: How Checking In After Conversations Can Turn Teams Into SUPER Teams
04/18/2025
Sparks: The Power of the Follow-Up: How Checking In After Conversations Can Turn Teams Into SUPER Teams
In leadership, what happens after the conversation often matters just as much as the conversation itself. Just like in sports, where athletes chase their missed shots to score on the rebound, leaders can recover from missteps by following up. Yet, many professionals leave these moments hanging, allowing misunderstandings to fester and opportunities for growth to slip away. In today's Leadership Spark, we explore why follow-up is a critical yet often overlooked tool for leaders. Checking in after a conversation can resolve misunderstandings, build trust, and create opportunities for growth. By taking the extra step to ensure your message is received as intended, you turn potential setbacks into learning moments. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of ’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Want to learn more? Human Intelligence at , and join their force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36218410
info_outline
Stagwell Vice Chair David Sable on How Remote Work Might be Killing Your Future Success
04/14/2025
Stagwell Vice Chair David Sable on How Remote Work Might be Killing Your Future Success
Remote work might be convenient, but it’s not the game-changer people think it is. If you want to grow, succeed, and actually build a career, you need to show up. That’s the message from David Sable, former CEO of Young & Rubicam and Vice Chairman at Stagwell, who believes employees should beg to be in the office—not fight against it. In this episode, David breaks down why in-person work still matters and busts the myth of remote productivity. He highlights that the best leaders won’t waste time proving to employees why they should be there. We also tackle the real impact of office culture, why career development suffers without it, and how mentorship, collaboration, and serendipity shape long-term success. You’ll discover all the reasons why leaders need to stop caving to employee demands and start running businesses the way they know they should. If you’re wondering how to future-proof your career or just trying to understand why so many leaders are pushing back on remote work this episode is for you. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of ’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Want to learn more? Human Intelligence at , and join their force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36120820
info_outline
Sparks: Can Hybrid Work Work? Why In-Person Presence is Still Essential If You Want to Stay Ahead
04/11/2025
Sparks: Can Hybrid Work Work? Why In-Person Presence is Still Essential If You Want to Stay Ahead
Remote work offers convenience and flexibility, but can it truly foster the leadership development needed to excel? While virtual environments allow for increased productivity, they often fall short in cultivating the deeper skills that come from observing, interacting, and learning in person. In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore why in-person presence remains essential for aspiring leaders. Gain insights into how face-to-face interactions with senior leaders, casual conversations, and observing real-time decision-making can accelerate leadership growth. For those with ambitions to advance, showing up when others choose to stay remote may provide a unique competitive advantage. Tune in to uncover how being physically present in the workplace can unlock opportunities, build stronger relationships, and fast-track your path to leadership. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals what good looks like in your company, with previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing.And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Learn about Human Intelligence at , and join our force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36094440
info_outline
The Untold Connection Between Fitness and Leadership Success with Alex Hutchinson
04/07/2025
The Untold Connection Between Fitness and Leadership Success with Alex Hutchinson
What do Zone 2 training, VO2 max, cold plunges, and cognitive mapping have to do with leadership? More than you think. In this episode, Alex Hutchinson—award-winning journalist, endurance expert, and best-selling author of The Explorer’s Gene—explains why the principles of elite athletic training are just as critical for leadership. You’ll learn how top CEOs train like endurance athletes to build resilience, sharpen decision-making, and avoid burnout—not by working less, but by managing stress smarter. We dive into the real impact of corporate wellness programs, the difference between acute and chronic stress, and why organizations are treating employees like high-performance athletes. Plus, we uncover why AI and algorithms are reshaping exploration, how creativity is declining, and why the best leaders take calculated risks instead of playing it safe. If you want to sustain peak performance, outthink challenges, and thrive in a world obsessed with efficiency, this episode is for you. ________________ This episode is sponsored by . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals what good looks like in your company, with previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing.And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Learn about Human Intelligence at , and join our force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36034730
info_outline
Sparks: Blessing, Curse, or Both: How Vulnerability Can Be a Liability and How to Turn It Into an Asset
04/04/2025
Sparks: Blessing, Curse, or Both: How Vulnerability Can Be a Liability and How to Turn It Into an Asset
The thing is, vulnerability in leadership isn’t always the strength it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it can sometimes be your biggest liability. In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore the surprising truth about how vulnerability can backfire, especially for CEOs and top executives. From the dangers of opening up to the wrong people, to the physiological stress responses even the most powerful leaders experience when faced with vulnerability, this episode dives into the complex reality of being open in the workplace. We also tackle the fine line between vulnerability and competence—how showing your human side can either elevate or undermine your leadership. If you're ready to rethink the way vulnerability fits into leadership, this conversation is a must-listen. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/36002545
info_outline
Leading in the Age of AI, Hybrid Work, and Redefined Success
03/31/2025
Leading in the Age of AI, Hybrid Work, and Redefined Success
The way we work, lead, and define success is evolving faster than ever. AI is transforming industries, the office is being reimagined, and the old definition of success—chasing money and titles—is being challenged. So what does this mean for you as a leader? In this special episode of the Future Leader Podcast, we’re bringing together the most game-changing conversations from Q1 2025. Martin Ford, futurist and best-selling author, unpacks how AI is reshaping jobs, businesses, and leadership. Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink, co-CEOs of Gensler, reveal how workplace design fuels creativity, culture, and sustainability in the hybrid era, and what the office of the future looks like. Sahil Bloom, author and entrepreneur, challenges the traditional view of success, introducing a new framework for wealth—time, relationships, health, mental clarity, and financial stability. The future of leadership isn’t coming, it’s already here. This episode is your chance to get ahead of the curve. Learn all the skills you need to lead in the future of work. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/35932000
info_outline
Sparks: Think Beyond Borders: How to Cultivate a Global Citizen Mindset With Solvay CEO Ilham Kadri
03/28/2025
Sparks: Think Beyond Borders: How to Cultivate a Global Citizen Mindset With Solvay CEO Ilham Kadri
Every great leader knows that the world is bigger than your comfort zone. They don’t just surround themselves with people who think like them. They seek out different perspectives, challenge their own assumptions, and learn to see through a global lens. That’s the Global Citizen Mindset, and in today’s world, it can be your competitive edge. In today's Leadership Spark, we explore how thinking beyond borders makes you a stronger leader, with insights from Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay, whose journey proves that real leadership isn’t about where you come from—it’s about how far you’re willing to see. Learn why leaders who think globally make better decisions, solve complex problems, and navigate uncertainty with confidence. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/35901670
info_outline
Bestselling Author Reveals How The World’s Best Investors Think & Why Leaders Need to Pay Attention!
03/24/2025
Bestselling Author Reveals How The World’s Best Investors Think & Why Leaders Need to Pay Attention!
Most people see investing as just stocks and numbers, but the world’s greatest investors approach it differently. Their biggest lessons go beyond money—they're about how to think, make smarter decisions, and live a richer life. William Green, bestselling author of Richer, Wiser, Happier, has interviewed over 50 legendary investors, including Charlie Munger, Howard Marks, and Sir John Templeton. Along the way, he’s uncovered powerful insights that apply not just to investing but to leadership, business, and personal growth. In this episode, William shares what leaders can learn from investors about making better decisions, avoiding costly mistakes through inversion thinking, and applying the power of compounding to knowledge, relationships, and habits. He reveals why mastering emotions matters more than mastering money, why intuition is just as critical as data, and how knowing your circle of competence helps you focus on playing games you’re equipped to win and knowing your limits. We also explore how ethical leadership isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a long-term advantage, and long-term success is often tied to integrity, self-awareness, and learning from both wins and failures. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/35834225
info_outline
Sparks: Three Strategies That Help Your Career and Why Usual Career Advice Do Not
03/21/2025
Sparks: Three Strategies That Help Your Career and Why Usual Career Advice Do Not
Most career advice is useless. "Follow your passion." "Wait for the right opportunity." "Success happens when you get lucky." These are some of the most common (and misleading) career clichés. And if you’ve been following them, you might be stuck waiting instead of building. In today’s Leadership Spark, I’m sharing three unconventional strategies that completely changed my career and helped me build a life on my own terms. First, learning how to learn is the single most important skill you can develop—waiting for someone else to teach you what you need will keep you stuck. Second, "fake it till you make it" isn’t about pretending—it’s about rewiring your mindset so you can step into opportunities before you feel ready. And finally, chasing passion is one of the biggest career mistakes people make. Passion isn’t something you find—it’s something you bring into what you do. These three shifts changed everything for me. They’ll do the same for you. Listen now. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/35804715
info_outline
Betterworks CEO Doug Dennerline on Why Annual Performance Reviews Are Broken
03/17/2025
Betterworks CEO Doug Dennerline on Why Annual Performance Reviews Are Broken
Traditional performance reviews are broken—outdated, ineffective, and dreaded by employees and managers alike. Many companies scrapped them, only to bring them back in new forms. Why? What’s really driving employee disengagement? And how can AI help leaders make smarter, unbiased decisions about performance, promotions, and career growth? In today’s episode, Doug Dennerline, CEO of Betterworks, breaks down the new performance management approach replacing outdated annual reviews, and why companies are rethinking performance tracking. We also unpack how AI is transforming feedback, goal-setting, and leadership to make smarter people decisions. Hear Doug’s take on the future of hybrid work and what most managers get wrong about employee engagement. Finally, we cover how HR’s role is evolving into a strategic force in the future of work. If you lead a team, manage performance, or want to future-proof your leadership, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. This episode is sponsored by Betterworks If you’re ready to move from managing performance to shaping the future, EmpowerHR 2025 is where it begins. This exclusive event, hosted by Betterworks, is bringing together top HR innovators to share breakthrough strategies in performance management on March 20th. Save your spot at . ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/35720795
info_outline
Sparks: Vulnerable Leadership: Revealing the Secret Formula to Any Leader’s Success
03/14/2025
Sparks: Vulnerable Leadership: Revealing the Secret Formula to Any Leader’s Success
Vulnerability alone WON’T make you a great leader. Yes, vulnerability is key to trust and connection. Leaders are told to be open, admit mistakes, and be authentic. But vulnerability without leadership can backfire. Imagine a CEO addressing their company during a crisis. They acknowledge the struggles, admit uncertainty, and… stop there. No vision. No direction. Just uncertainty. That’s not leadership. That’s fear without a plan. In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore what separates vulnerability that builds trust from vulnerability that erodes confidence. You’ll discover the real formula for impactful leadership: Vulnerability + Leadership = Trust & Competence. Hear real-world examples of leaders who got it right and those who didn’t. If you’ve ever wondered how to be authentic while still inspiring confidence, this episode is for you. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email:
/episode/index/show/futureofworkpodcast/id/35683250