Transform Your Workplace

Annie Oxenfeld discusses disaster preparedness for companies with multi-state employees. She emphasizes the importance of having contingency plans, flexible work arrangements, and support systems in place. The conversation covers communication strategies, employee assistance programs, and ways to maintain operations while prioritizing employee safety and well-being during natural disasters.   TAKEAWAYS Develop and regularly update disaster preparedness plans. Offer flexible work arrangements and support resources for affected employees. Integrate safety and disaster preparedness into company culture.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST  🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️  Host: Brandon Laws 📋  his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Josh Durham, founder of Gamut Project Solutions, to explore his leadership philosophy and the importance of relationships in the workplace. Durham shares valuable insights on building trust and empathy while fostering psychological safety in the workplace and beyond. Listen in for practical advice on building meaningful relationships and leading with purpose.   TAKEAWAYS Relationships are the most important element of effective leadership. Self-awareness combined with personal development is essential to building meaningful connections. Without mastering key leadership principles such as communication, trust, agreements, and ownership, relationships within teams and organizations will struggle. Positive transformation can only occur when basic needs for survival and belonging are met. Adopting a positive mindset and spreading goodwill often results in building positive relationships. Successful negotiations go beyond facts and figures; they require empathy to understand the other person's broader circumstances. Leadership is more effective when leaders focus on guiding and empowering their team rather than trying to solve every problem themselves. Fostering trust and psychological safety in teams is best achieved through authentic, purpose-driven leadership, rather than relying on superficial or defensive leadership behaviors.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST  🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️  Host: Brandon Laws 📋  his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

Nicole Blevins discusses key voluntary benefits trends for 2025. The conversation covers supplemental health benefits, legal plans, identity theft protection, life insurance, long-term care, and pet insurance. They emphasize the importance of offering diverse benefits to meet employee needs and retain talent, noting that 63% of employees would consider changing jobs for better benefits.   TAKEAWAYS Supplemental health benefits are gaining popularity due to increased awareness of health risks post-COVID, helping employees cover gaps in traditional insurance. Identity theft and cybersecurity protection are becoming more critical as data breaches increase, with employers considering adding these benefits to address employee concerns. Pet insurance is a rising trend, with many employers already adding this option to support employees who view pets as family members and want to ensure their care.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST  🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️  Host: Brandon Laws 📋  his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, entrepreneur and Speakers Alliance co-founder Terry Beard opens up about his journey from avoiding public speaking to becoming a confident leader in the speaking community. Terry shares how confronting his fear of the spotlight changed his life, helping him build the communication skills and confidence that have since empowered him to guide others on a similar path. Tune in for valuable insights into the transformative power of finding your own voice.   TAKEAWAYS Facing fears like public speaking can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Discovering and using your voice is the key to expressing yourself authentically and effectively in all areas of life. Authentic leadership means empowering others to face and conquer their own challenges. A support system is critical on their journey to overcoming fears.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST  🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️  Host: Brandon Laws 📋  his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

In this episode, host Brandon Laws sits down with Dr. MH Pelletier, a leading expert in workplace psychology, to discuss insights from her new book, The Resilience Plan. Dr. Pelletier explains how burnout develops gradually, as exhaustion, cynicism, and declining performance set in. That’s why we must stay self-aware, recognizing early signs of overextension before it impacts our well-being. By creating a personalized strategic resilience plan grounded in individual values, we can proactively manage stress, preserve our mental health, and optimize workplace performance. Listen in to find out how fostering resilience at both the individual and organizational levels can lead to healthier, more effective teams and workplaces.   TAKEAWAYS Recognizing early warning signs like exhaustion, cynicism, and declining performance is key to preventing full burnout. High performers often overlook signs of overextension, but staying mindful of physical and emotional cues can help prevent long-term negative impacts on mental health. A personalized resilience plan must align with your core values to ensure it’s both practical and meaningful. Regularly incorporating small, actionable habits into daily routines can safeguard resilience and prevent burnout. Leaders who prioritize self-awareness and resilience set a positive example for their teams and are better equipped to handle workplace demands. Fostering resilience at individual, team, and organizational levels creates a healthier, more productive work environment.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST  🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️  Host: Brandon Laws 📋  his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

Sit down with Scott Young, author of Get Better at Anything, to explore best practices for achieving mastery in the workplace. In this conversation, Young shares unconventional strategies for accelerating learning in today's tech-driven world, highlighting the importance of externalizing knowledge and prioritizing progress over perfection. Tune in for insight on ditching old habits and adapting to the ever-changing demands of a modern workplace.    TAKEAWAYS Young highlights the importance of leveraging technology and innovative methods to accelerate the learning process in today’s fast-paced workplace. Sharing what you know with others is essential for growth and improving efficiency within teams and organizations. Focusing on continuous improvement, rather than striving for perfection, leads to better long-term results. Letting go of outdated practices is crucial to adapting and thriving in a rapidly changing work environment. Flexibility and openness to new approaches are key to navigating the challenges posed by evolving workplace demands.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST  🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️  Host: Brandon Laws 📋  his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, entrepreneur and Gen Z expert Kat Walsh sheds light on how organizations can better attract and retain Generation Z talent in a fast-evolving workforce. She debunks common Gen Z misconceptions and illuminates their desire for work-life balance, personal development, and purpose in the workplace. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Gen Z so that, ultimately, you can realize further innovation and engagement in your business.   TAKEAWAYS Organizations often focus too much on skill-based job postings and overlook the importance of aligning their values with those of Gen Z. Gen Z places a high value on personal development, with 84% prioritizing learning and growth over job titles or promotions. Gen Z is known for seeking careers that align with their lifestyle and values. Innovation thrives when organizations encourage collaboration between Gen Z and older generations and leverage the unique strengths of each. Gen Z is known for their straightforward communication style and skepticism. Businesses that can adapt to Gen Z’s needs will be better positioned to attract and retain this growing workforce.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST  🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️  Host: Brandon Laws 📋  his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

Linda Cohen, known as the kindness catalyst, discusses the importance of kindness in the workplace and how it can transform organizational culture. She shares her journey into this field, which began with a personal project of performing 1000 acts of kindness (mitzvahs) in memory of her father. Cohen now works with various organizations, including credit unions, senior living communities, and healthcare institutions, to implement kindness strategies and improve workplace cultures. She emphasizes the impact of small acts of kindness, the need for recognition and communication, and the benefits of creating a culture where kindness is a core value.   TAKEAWAYS Kindness is a smart business strategy that improves employee retention and customer service. Small acts of kindness create a ripple effect, significantly impacting morale and workplace culture. Direct, honest communication is a crucial form of kindness in the workplace, especially during conflicts.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST  🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️  Host: Brandon Laws 📋  his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

In a recent episode of Transform Your Workplace, Dr. Yasmin Davidds, a negotiation and leadership expert, delves into the transformative power of gracious communication in the workplace. The episode emphasizes the importance of leading with humanity, gratitude, and empathy because, according to our guest, true leadership emerges when we prioritize understanding and kindness over aggressive tactics. Tune in for a compelling reminder that the journey to becoming a better leader is founded on becoming a better human being.   TAKEAWAYS Gracious and empathetic communication fosters better relationships and outcomes in the workplace. True leadership is rooted in humanity, where empathy, gratitude, and kindness are prioritized. The energy a leader brings into the workplace is reciprocal, creating an environment of emotional safety and transparency. Effective leaders must be clear about their values, guiding their decisions not just by profit but by what benefits humanity and others. Leaders should offer empathy and understanding before making requests. Personal development is essential for leadership, requiring self-awareness, social awareness, and self-regulation to connect effectively with others. The concept of "graciously assertive communication" blends kindness with directness, encouraging leaders to communicate clearly while maintaining respect and empathy.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.