Working It

Michael Skapinker, a former boss at the Financial Times and a mentor to Isabel Berwick, shares invaluable career insights from their time together. They discuss the evolution of Isabel's career, highlighting personal struggles and the importance of adaptability in workplace dynamics. The conversation dives into the impact of diversity in editorial roles and busts myths around prestige in career success. Both reflect on overcoming imposter syndrome and emphasize that true professional growth comes from collaboration and learning from others.

In this conversation, Graham Allcott, founder of Think Productive and author of "KIND: The quiet power of kindness at work," alongside Bonnie Hayden Cheng, management professor and author of "The Return on Kindness," dive into the transformative power of kindness in leadership. They discuss how kindness boosts employee engagement and productivity, the distinction between kindness and niceness, and strategies for maintaining kindness even in tricky team dynamics. Their insights shed light on how empathy can lead to stronger workplace relationships and better outcomes.

Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and happiness expert, joins former FT journalist Michael Skapinker to redefine retirement. They discuss how retirement today is less about quitting work and more about pursuing passions at a slower pace. Brooks highlights the unique advantages of aging in leadership, while Skapinker emphasizes staying connected with colleagues and fresh ideas. Together, they challenge traditional notions of busyness and success, advocating for personal growth and meaningful connections in this new chapter of life.

Alison Fragale, an organizational behavior professor and author of "Likeable Badass," joins Natasha Wood, head of strategy at FT Live, to discuss authentic networking. They reveal how strategic socializing can transform awkward encounters into meaningful connections. Natasha shares her inspiring experience of reconnecting with colleagues through a relay race after maternity leave. The conversation emphasizes authenticity, shared experiences, and leveraging extracurricular activities to enhance professional relationships, moving away from superficial networking.

Craig Coben, a former senior investment banker, shares his firsthand experiences of the relentless 100-hour work weeks prevalent in investment banking. Suzi Ring, the FT’s legal correspondent, dives into the unforgiving culture of London law firms, where client satisfaction takes precedence over work-life balance. They discuss why simply hiring more staff won’t ease the burden and the evolving landscape of flexible work arrangements. Together, they explore the lasting impact of the pandemic on these demanding industries.

Christine Armstrong, a researcher and speaker on workplace dynamics, joins Andrew Hill, a senior business writer at the Financial Times, to discuss surviving corporate reorganizations. They explore the emotional impact these changes have on employees and stress the importance of clear communication from leadership. Strategies to combat workplace gossip and ensure employee morale are highlighted. They also touch upon the often-ignored truth that work isn’t everything, emphasizing the need for self-care during turbulent times.

Kevin Delaney, Editor-in-Chief of Charter, brings his expertise on workplace trends to discuss Amazon's decision to bring employees back to the office full-time. He and host Isabel Berwick dive into the impacts of this shift on employee retention, especially for women and caregivers. Delaney highlights the growing preference for hybrid models among workers, including Gen Z's desire for mentorship. The conversation raises pressing questions about diversity, technology's role in productivity, and whether other firms will follow Amazon's lead.

Dr. Audrey Tang, a psychologist and author of 'The Leader’s Guide to Resilience,' shares insights on leadership and burnout. She discusses how effective leaders manage pressure while modeling healthy behaviors. The conversation highlights the necessity of recognizing burnout signs, especially in men, and the importance of support in the workplace. Tang also addresses the unique challenges of remote work and emphasizes the balance between personal resilience and systemic changes for fostering a supportive environment.

Nate Silver, a renowned statistician, writer, and poker player, shares his insights on taking risks in our careers. He discusses the importance of understanding risk and how fear often clouds our judgment. Silver emphasizes that embracing calculated risks can lead to greater opportunities and personal growth. He also explores how age can influence decision-making, likening it to strategies in poker. Additionally, he challenges common workplace stereotypes and advocates for structured evaluations to enhance individual contributions.

Oliver Burkeman, author of 'Four Thousand Weeks' and 'Meditations for Mortals', joins Isabel Berwick to rethink productivity. He argues that the rush to do more leads to stress, and accepting our limits may be the real key to productivity. Burkeman shares practical advice on managing overwhelming email backlogs and emphasizes that deferring gratification can trap us. He encourages focusing on meaningful choices and living in the present rather than getting lost in endless to-do lists.