Work For Humans

Gregory Warner, an NPR international correspondent and host of Rough Translation, shares riveting stories from his global reporting adventures in high-conflict areas. He delves into how cultural norms shape workplaces, from Chinese protests through slacking to South Koreans adopting English names. Warner discusses the impact of government and family on work culture and explores the solitude faced by truck drivers and the resilience of female truckers. His insights highlight the importance of local narratives over dominant global perspectives.

In this discussion, Mike Hess, a blind tech veteran and founder of the Blind Institute of Technology, tackles the stigma surrounding disabilities in the workplace. He shares insights on the economic potential of hiring disabled professionals and how organizations can benefit from inclusive practices. Mike highlights the transformative role of technology in enhancing accessibility and bridging the employment gap. He also emphasizes the importance of valuing individuals for their skills rather than their disabilities, advocating for a cultural shift towards inclusivity.

Jessica Zwaan, the Chief Operating Officer of Whereby and author of Built for People, shares her insights on transforming the employee experience using product management principles. She emphasizes the importance of viewing work as a product and highlights how organizations often overlook the value of employee experience. Zwaan discusses the distinctions between 'people operations' and 'human operations', along with strategies to enhance workforce engagement. Her vision encourages a shift towards more meaningful work that prioritizes both employee welfare and organizational success.

Phil Terry, the founder and CEO of Collaborative Gain, shares his extensive expertise in navigating today’s fiercely competitive job market. He discusses the innovative concept of applying product management principles to job searching, emphasizing the critical importance of 'candidate market fit.' Listeners learn about building supportive networks through Job Search Councils and strategies for negotiating job offers. Phil also explores emotional challenges like imposter syndrome and the transformative power of gratitude and vulnerability in the job search process.

Join Joe Pine, an internationally recognized author and management advisor, as he explores the evolution of the Experience Economy. He discusses the shift toward mass customization in the workplace and how personalized experiences can enhance both employee and customer satisfaction. Joe delves into innovative management practices that treat work as a tailored product, the transformation of business dynamics, and the importance of authentic engagement. Learn how companies can create value through revitalizing work experiences and fostering a culture of exploration.

Vivienne Ming, a theoretical neuroscientist and AI expert, explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing human skills and team dynamics. She explains how AI can predict individual success and facilitate stronger collaborations within teams. The conversation also critiques traditional measures of educational success, urging a focus on emotional intelligence and resilience. Vivienne discusses the moral implications of market dynamics shaped by technology and emphasizes the need for meaningful connections in the workplace.

Aaron McEwan, a behavioral scientist and futurist at Gartner, dives into the seismic shifts in the workplace post-pandemic. He highlights the importance of market sensing to identify emerging trends and social movements, emphasizing how unprepared companies can falter. Aaron also explores the rise of employee activism fuelled by social media, and discusses innovative strategies like treating employees as customers to enhance engagement. With insights into rapid response teams, he reveals how organizations can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Matt Beane, a pioneer in machine intelligence and assistant professor at UC Santa Barbara, discusses the critical impacts of AI on workforce skills. He reveals how automation threatens mentor-novice relationships, leading to a loss of essential human capabilities. Beane delves into the distinction between knowledge and skill in tech environments and the challenges facing new workers. Furthermore, he emphasizes innovative methods like positive deviance for skill development, advocating for a harmonious blend of technology and human growth.

On Work for Humans, we explore what people truly seek from their work. A recurring theme we have found is the desire for puzzles to solve. In today’s episode, we chat with a puzzle expert and creator to uncover the elements that make a compelling puzzle and how we can apply these principles to create work that people genuinely love.Jasen Robillard’s career has evolved from engineer to product specialist, geological mapper, and now, jigsaw puzzle creator. He is the founder of Stumpcraft, a Canadian jigsaw company that has gained recognition for its high-quality, artisanal puzzles, with Jasen's creative vision at the core of the company's success.In this episode, Dart and Jasen discuss:- The definition and attributes of a great puzzle- How Jasen started StumpCraft- The components of a compelling puzzle- Puzzles, problems, and messes at work- Work as an empathy playground- Puzzle creation constraints - Puzzles as part of the transformation economy- And other topics…Jasen Robillard is the founder of Stumpcraft, a premium wooden jigsaw puzzle company based in Canada. With a passion for intricate design and craftsmanship, Stumpcraft locally crafts each puzzle from sustainably sourced wood, incorporating unique, laser-cut pieces of Canadian fine art to challenge and delight puzzle enthusiasts. Jasen’s career journey led him from engineer to product specialist to geological mapping and, now, to jigsaw puzzles. Stumpcraft has gained recognition for its high-quality, artisanal puzzles, with Jasen's creative vision at the core of the company's success.Resources mentioned:Tools for Thinking, by Michael Pidd: https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Thinking-Modelling-Management-Science/dp/0470721421 “C.O.R.E. Attributes,” by Justin Gary: https://justingarydesign.substack.com/p/justin-gary-core-attributes Connect with Jasen:www.StumpCraft.com Substack: https://substack.com/@jasenrobillard Work with Dart:Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what’s most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.

From managing crises to ensuring compliance and safety, HR professionals are often the first responders in the workplace. Julie Turney, an HR specialist with over 15 years in the field, found herself so focused on supporting others that she became depleted and burned out. Drawing from her journey and research, Julie now dedicates her work to creating positive workplace cultures and fostering employee engagement, especially in the face of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. Julie Turney is an HR specialist, TEDx Speaker, author, and Founder and CEO of HRatHeart Consulting Inc. In this episode, Dart and Julie discuss:- The major challenges of HR professionals- HR as first responders in the workplace- Self-care and support for HR professionals- Things all HR employees need to know - Self-forgiveness in the field - The balance between HR, leadership, employees, and regulations- Julie’s recommendation for improving HR contracts- And other topics…Julie Turney is an HR specialist, TEDx Speaker, author, and Founder and CEO of HRatHeart Consulting Inc. With over 15 years of HR experience, she is passionate about building positive workplace cultures and fostering employee engagement, especially in the face of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. Julie focuses on talent management, employee development, and organizational change. Known for her ability to blend empathetic leadership with strategic HR practices, she helps companies navigate transitions while improving overall employee satisfaction. Resources mentioned:Confessions of an HR Pro, by Julie Turney: https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Julie-Turney/dp/0578905825 HR Sound Off podcastInterview - Julie Turney X The Pivot SeriesConnect with Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjulieturney www.HRatHeart.com  Work with Dart:Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what’s most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.