Transform Your Workplace

Luis Gonzáles has been working remotely for many years, and he knows what it takes to bring teams together virtually. Tune in for an engaging discussion about breaking down silos in functional teams, how to create engaging discussions in virtual meetings, and how to make sure introverted contributors get their voice heard and feel included. More about Luis Gonzales Luis Gonzáles is a communications consultant, coach, and trainer, with more than 25 years’ experience in helping improve business outcomes for organizations. He has successfully driven learning initiatives incorporating effective communication, cross-cultural communication, customer satisfaction and soft-skills training. Currently, he works closely with CEOs, leaders, and individuals, positively impacting business outcomes through effective communication in global, multicultural, and remote work team settings. Learn more and connect with Luis Gonzáles   Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

With good quality data, organizations can create effective strategies and make informed decisions. To better understand the data we have and the process of data analysis, econometrician, author, and speaker John Johnson joins us in this episode to talk about how to use data to make sound decisions regarding our employees. John H. Johnson is President and CEO of Edgeworth Economics and Edgeworth Analytics, and has his Ph.D. in economics from MIT. He is known internationally for his ability to explain highly sophisticated concepts in a simple, straightforward manner, and brings this skill to his consulting, writing, and speaking. In this episode, you will learn about: What data within organizations should HR professionals need to be paying attention to right now? The broader definition of data The first key to good data analysis The issue of bias with data analysis Correlation versus causation Data vs. people John’s thoughts on gut feeling and decision making Advice to people who are distracted by misinformation Basic skills you can employ to make sure you’re not taken advantage of Connect with John LinkedIn Twitter Edgeworth Analytics Resources mentioned in this episode: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything Everydata: The Misinformation Hidden in the Little Data You Consume Every Day by John H. Johnson Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

In a bureaucratic organization, people are just hired to produce and produce… and produce more profits. When people are treated as instruments, they seldom give their best. How can people show up and bring their whole self to work if they don’t feel significant and aren’t given room to unleash their own genius? Bureaucracy is old-fashioned, and thus the age for organizations to be fully human is now!  To help organizations adapt to this change, I’m joined today by one of the world’s most influential iconoclastic business thinkers! In this episode, we’re bringing back humanity into the workplace with Gary Hamel! Gary Hamel is a world-renowned influential business thinker, consultant, and sought-after management speaker who has worked with leading companies worldwide and is dynamic. He is also the Director and co-founder of Management Lab and a visiting Professor at the London Business School.  Gary talks about his new book Humanocracy, which he co-wrote with Michele Zanini. He shares the principle of humanocracy and its differences with bureaucracy. Gary also shares how organizations can dismantle their bureaucratic ways and replace them with a much more human-centered system! Purchase your copy of Humanocracy at humanocracy.com and get FREE access to four hours of instructional content as well as exclusive surveys, tools, and templates for building your own hack! In this episode, you will learn about: What the data tells about people bringing their whole self to work Gary explains the meaning of “bureaucracy is a product of its time.” An illustration about how specialization within bureaucracies do and yield economies of scale The “Humanocracy” model Humankind’s most important technology Why bureaucracy is out of date Lessons from successful startups that apply to Gary’s book The toxic politicking Tools and methods to make sure information flows rapidly and make quick changes happen How organizations can demolish bureaucracy Connect with Gary LinkedIn Twitter Gary Hammel website Resources mentioned in this episode: A History of the Radical Thinkers Who Reinvented Corporate Management by Art Kleiner  Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Do you have any blind spots when it comes to your work and career? If your response is none, now you have one. Everyone has blindspots. As a leader, you need to be aware of your weaknesses as much as you are familiar with your strengths. Leadership blindspots can be a leaders’ Achilles heel. However, like any other weaknesses, when brought to attention, can turn into your greatest strength! Turn your leadership blindspots into fulfillment and growth today as Entrepreneurial and Executive Coach Malorie joins us to talk about growth mindset and leadership blindspots! Malorie Nicole is the host of the podcast, Abundantly Clear, where she talks to entrepreneurs about mindset and how leaders can achieve mental clarity, decrease stress, and achieve personal and business growth. Her podcast was listed on Forbes as the number one podcast for people that want to get unstuck that are feeling stuck in their career business.  Her work focuses on helping entrepreneurs and executives redesign their thought patterns for better performance and decreased stress. If you’re feeling stuck or wanting some change, then I encourage you to listen to this episode! Tune in as we uncover some of the common blind spots that leaders have and how to make them be aware of it. We also discuss the importance of having a growth mindset in stressful times and how you can turn difficult situations into opportunities for growth and fulfillment, for yourself, team, and business! In this episode, you will learn about: How Malorie got into coaching leaders? Malorie explains what the Abundantly Clear podcast is all about Common challenges leaders are going through right now How business owners are responding to stressful times and how their response is deciphering how next year pans out Blind spots that leaders have and how to make them aware of it The importance of having the right mindset during stressful and uncertain times How leaders can turn their blindspots into opportunities How to deal with burnout How leaders define success How good leaders are balancing work and life? The Blindspot Assessment Malorie’s advice to leaders Connect with Malorie Nicole LinkedIn Facebook Malorie Nicole website Abundantly Clear Entrepreneurial & Executive Coaching Resources mentioned in this episode: Abundantly Clear Podcast Feeling Stuck In Your Career? Add These 15 Podcasts To Your List (Forbes article) Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Technology has completely taken over our lives. It’s everywhere, and we need it more than ever, especially right now that we’re in the midst of a pandemic.  You can immediately access any information you need in just a matter of seconds through click or voice command. It certainly makes our personal and business activities easier and more efficient. And I’m certain that you’re probably reading this and listening to this podcast right now through your smartphone or computer!  But we’re too dependent on it to the point that it has disrupted our flow, productivity, behavior, relationships, and health. Technology is not bad, but how we handle it is a problem. Technology is great, and all but being overly connected also has its adverse effects. Lack of sleep, stiff shoulders, eye strain, fatigue, social comparison... these are some of the causes of overusing/ misuse of tech devices and social media.  How can we avoid these pitfalls programmed into modern technology use? Join me in this episode as we learn how technology is hijacking our lives with Erik Peper and Richard Harvey! They’ll also provide practical tools to avoid falling into traps and prevent and lessen technological stress! Erik Peper, Ph.D., is an internationally known expert on holistic health, stress management, biofeedback, and workplace health. He is also a Professor at San Francisco State University. While Richard Harvey, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Health Education at San Francisco State University and has published in biofeedback, stress and computer-related disorders, tobacco cessation, and the psychology of hardiness and courage. They will discuss their book, Tech Stress: How Technology is Hijacking Our Lives, Strategies for Coping, and Pragmatic Ergonomics, and will share their thoughts on how modern technology is impacting our physical and emotional well-being and what we can do about it. For people who’re working from home, or individuals who spend most of their time in front of a screen, I highly encourage you to listen to this episode and learn how to manage your technological stress, take control over your time and gain more productivity! Grab yourself a copy of Erik and Richard’s Tech Stress: How Technology is Hijacking Our Lives, Strategies for Coping, and Pragmatic Ergonomics 👉 here! In this episode, you will learn about: How technology is hijacking our lives Strategies for coping and pragmatic ergonomics Computer-related disorders What led to Erik and Richard to write the book, Tech Stress Are you hardwired to sit in front of a computer all day? Helpful tools  Time pressure Immobility and hypermobility: how much is too much when resting and moving How to feel slightly less depressed and have more energy The evolution of smartphones The scuba diving analogy about how smartphones impacted our productivity and behavior What is D O S E? What is it about smartphones that capture our attention every single time? How can we regulate smartphone access and focus on the task at hand? How can we adjust our lifestyles so that we’re not connected 24/7 to the virtual world? Why choosing when you do things matters The importance of giving yourself permission to make mistakes and have fun Connect with Erik Peper: Biofeedback Health Twitter @erikpeper LinkedIn Connect with Richard Harvey LinkedIn Resources mentioned in this episode: Stretch Break (FREE Software) Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Introverts and extroverts work differently. Their environment plays an important role in how they show up at work.  Most companies don’t really think about whether their workplace and culture are fit to cater to both extroverts and introverts. Mainstream company work culture tends to value extroversion over introversion. And this undermines the strengths of the quiet ones.  What if they have more to offer, but it doesn’t get into the table because leaders and employees don’t really understand how their introvert people operate? Join me in this episode, as we learn and understand the introverts' traits and how companies can bring out their true strength and talents! Jennifer Kahnweiler is an author and speaker hailed as a pioneer of the past decades' introvert revolution. Her books are focused on how introverts can lead and inspire others at work by tapping into their natural quiet strengths. She will talk about her book, Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces: How to Unleash Everyone’s Talent and Performance, and explain how your organization can create an introvert-friendly workplace where everyone thrives! We also touch on the myths related to introverts that’ll make you cringe and why introverts are not what you think they are. Create a welcoming culture that maximizes the introverts' skills and talents by listening to this episode as Jennifer offers the guides to introvert inclusion! Grab yourself a copy of Jennifer’s Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces: How to Unleash Everyone’s Talent and Performance  👉 here and unleash the introverts' natural skills and talents!  In this episode, you will learn about: How to assess whether a workplace is set up for introverted employees What is the introvert revolution? Extrovert focused systems Jennifer talks about the common hiring process in several high performing companies  Hiring an introvert vs. an extrovert person Questioning our own biases and perspective when hiring people Jennifer’s thoughts on hiring people for the future of the business The best way to deliver training, learning, and development systems to power introverts How companies and organizations are serving their introvert employees The LOUDership leadership Whether extroverted skills are more valued inside of a workplace Educating people about what introverts are Preparation, the real differentiators for introverts Understanding and nurturing relationships with your introvert people The good meeting hygiene Myths about introversion that’ll make you cringe The modes of communication that introverts tend to rely on Silence and the power of the ‘pause.’ The relevance of creating an introvert-friendly workplace Connect with Jennifer: Website LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Facebook Resources mentioned in this episode: The Introverted Leader by Jennifer Kahnweiler Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility by Patty McCord   Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Despite the efforts of companies to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and Culture, many still fail to make a meaningful difference. Leaders and top management should understand that people need a reason to bring their whole selves to work, their true identity, and their most authentic selves. How can we elevate organizational Culture and encourage our people to show up? If you’re ready to commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion and achieve collective success in your organization, this episode is for you! In this episode, we’re going to deep dive into the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion with inclusion strategist Katie Zink! Katie is Founder and Principal Consultant of Social Construct Consulting, where she helps leaders and individuals put an actional DE&I plan in place so they can create a positive and dynamic culture! Start walking the path to collective success together with your team as Katie talks about actionable DE&I plan and how we can make it work! Start Measuring Success in your Organization Culture today! Download the Guide for 5 Ways to Measure Collective Success in Your Organization here! In this episode, you will learn about: Diversity, equity, and inclusion at work Defining the needs in your organization How to successfully implement DEI strategies to your organization Building actionable solutions for lasting change Ways to measure the success of a coalition or a committee The case for visible CEO or Executive backing or buy-in Implicit bias test and other assessment to measure where your organization is at Connect with Katie: LinkedIn Katie Zink website For more information about my Community Call to Action, learn more here.    What did you think of this episode? Give us a 5-star rating and write a review on Apple Podcasts, or take our survey. Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

A bad culture can corrupt good people. — Siobhan Mchale Do you ever wonder why big companies like Enron failed to make it despite being a top energy company at its time? Why did Nokia lose over Apple even though they have the technology to compete with them? It's more than a technology or a product problem. These organizations and their downfall had something to do with their culture. Culture is a powerful force that can drive a company to its success. But a poor culture cripples any company or, worse, kills the future of the business. To avoid business failure, culture expert Siobhan Mchahale, author of The Insider's Guide to Culture Change, joins us to share her proven four-step process to demystifying culture transformation and starting down the path to positive change! She has worked with big companies and large organizations, helping leaders create a productive and culturally safe workplace. Siobhan led a low-performing Australian bank and over and over a seven-year change initiative, transformed it into one of the highest performing banks in the world! You don't want to miss this episode as Siobhan shares insider secrets about culture change, how to disrupt patterns of behavior, the power of reframing, and create the culture you desire! Don't forget to grab yourself a copy of Siobhan's  The Insider's Guide to Culture Change: Creating a Workplace That Delivers, Grows, and Adapts here! In this episode, you will learn about: What led Siobhan to write a guide about culture change The value of a good culture and the consequences of a bad culture How the culture of green at Enron led to its downfall Lessons leaders can learn from the collapse of Enron The four steps on how to be intentional about creating the culture that you desire How to affect change in three ways Why patterns are the lifeblood of culture An example of the idea of reframing How to measure culture Why and how employees tend to look for a signal from their leaders about what's important  The culture killer The failing culture of Nokia   Connect with Siobhan: LinkedIn Siobhan Mchale website What did you think of this episode? Give us a 5-star rating and write a review on Apple Podcasts, or take our survey. Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Uncertain times bring out the real quality of a leader. As we face a new reality with the COVID-19, a new type of leadership is needed. It is during these times that leaders need to be more empathic while instilling confidence, but how do they do that given the situation? Join me in this episode, as Kate Carney, an experienced business consultant, lawyer, and strategic advisor, provides the answer! Kate Carney is the founder of K8 Carney consulting, where she helps female founders scale businesses they love and make the money they deserve. She also serves as a general counsel for growth companies helping them manage risk and capture opportunities. Nobody wants to be in a tough spot. But when you're a leader, you'll be walking on tightropes most of the time. Find the courage to lead when everything is out of control as Kate talks about her ebook, Leadership & Culture In A Time Of Uncertainty, and how leaders can lead effectively in challenging times. Do you want to thrive during this time of uncertainty? Download Kate's Leadership & Culture In A Time Of Uncertainty ebook here! In this episode, you will learn about: How leaders are leading their organization in these trying times The kind of leader that we need in this new environment How leaders celebrate little victories and make sure their team members are engaged and appreciated How to make sure your employees are motivated, especially in times of uncertainties How to show appreciation and gratitude to your people Why everybody needs a North Star right now? How often should leaders be communicating information about the organization's performance and mission? Why you should be careful of micromanaging Tool recommendations by Kate Connect with Kate: Email: kate@k8carney.com LinkedIn Instagram K8 Carney Consulting Resources from this episode: Tools to maximize productivity: Zoom Slack Microsoft Outlook Microsoft teams What did you think of this episode? Give us a 5-star rating and write a review on Apple Podcasts, or take our survey. Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

It's no secret that the backbone of any organization is its people. Though they're the greatest asset of a company, employees are still treated indifferently.  The best investment you can make for your company is not automation, technology, nor data. It’s your people! Join me in this episode as Brittany and I will talk about culture and how to change toxic company systems from within so that you’re people are empowered, engaged, and fulfilled in their work! Brittany Hale is the founder and CEO of BND Consulting Group, a consulting firm with an emphasis on human-centered culture creation strategy. If you’re serious on building an inclusive culture for your people to work productively while feeling empowered, then make sure you listen to this episode, as Brittany shares why investing in your people is a great ROI for any employer, and how leaders and employers can build an inclusive culture and support their employees and propel the company forward! In this episode, you will learn about: Why diversity is a huge component to culture Canceling toxic company cultures Example of a toxic workplace culture How to maintain a healthy culture when everyone is spread apart? What it looks like to provide an employee care The business case for diversity How companies and organizations can get involved in social justice movements Connect with Brittany: LinkedIn BND Consulting Group What did you think of this episode? Give us a 5-star rating and write a review on Apple Podcasts, or take our survey. Contact Brandon: Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.