Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel

Ahyiana Angel, LinkedIn's Podcast Ad Ops Producer and host of the Switch, Pivot, or Quit podcast, teams up with Hayley Saltzman, LinkedIn's Editor at Large, to challenge traditional notions of ambition. They dive into the tension between chasing personal fulfillment versus societal approval. The duo discusses the gendered perceptions of ambition, sharing personal stories of redefining success and overcoming fear. Listeners gain practical tips on how to reconnect with their ambitions and embrace a more authentic life.

Dr. Marcus Collins, an award-winning marketer and author of "For the Culture," dives into the challenges of navigating a divided society. He emphasizes the importance of cultural shocks as catalysts for connection. The conversation explores how empathy can bridge differing worldviews and why brands must take bold stances to build trust. Collins also discusses the tension between capitalism and democracy, and how technology accelerates cultural shifts. This insightful dialogue encourages listeners to rethink engagement in a polarized world.

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and author of "Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right With Our AI Future," shares his insights on navigating the evolving landscape of AI. He emphasizes practical strategies for career growth, enhancing job searches, and utilizing AI to boost creativity and decision-making skills. Hoffman advocates for embracing AI with curiosity to unlock its potential, while also stressing the importance of maintaining critical thinking and human intuition in the workplace.

Octavia Raheem, a rest coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and author of *Rest is Sacred*, joins to redefine the art of pausing. She emphasizes that rest is crucial for creativity and self-discovery, challenging the myth of constant productivity. Raheem shares how to integrate micro-rests into daily routines and highlights their transformative effects. Listeners are guided through a soothing rest practice that blends mindfulness, breathing, and relaxation techniques, unlocking clarity and inspiration.

In this engaging conversation, workplace culture strategist Jennifer Moss, author of "Why Are We Here?", sheds light on forging a healthier work environment. She discusses the urgent need to combat burnout, emphasizing hope, purpose, and community as foundational qualities. Jennifer offers strategies to enhance employee well-being, including celebrating small wins to boost motivation. The dialogue also explores the evolving landscape of remote work, the importance of DEI initiatives, and fostering a genuine sense of belonging among employees.

Irvin Weathersby Jr., a Brooklyn-based writer and professor, discusses the profound impact of storytelling on confronting systemic injustice. He delves into how our perceptions of history shape our present and future, emphasizing the importance of empathy and curiosity in dismantling white supremacy. Highlighting personal narratives and art's role in these discussions, Weathersby reveals the significance of reassessing monuments and cultural histories. With insights into recent DEI rollbacks, he asserts a collective responsibility in fostering understanding across societal divides.

Anne Morriss, co-founder of The Leadership Consortium, and Frances Frei, a Harvard Business School professor, dive deep into trust dynamics. They unpack the "trust triangle" of empathy, authenticity, and logic, revealing how individuals and organizations can identify their "wobbles" and strengthen their anchors. The conversation highlights common trust pitfalls in workplaces and offers actionable steps for building resilient, trust-driven environments. They also discuss the importance of ambition as a tool for transformative leadership.

Dr. Sunita Sah, a behavioral scientist and author of "Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes," dives into the psychology of decision-making and the struggle to assert boundaries. She discusses 'insinuation anxiety,' which makes saying no so challenging. Moreover, Dr. Sah emphasizes the significance of confidence in navigating authority and embracing defiance aligned with personal values. Listeners gain valuable insights on overcoming societal pressures, making authentic choices, and the art of assertive communication.

As 2024 comes to a close, Jessi Hempel invites you to kick off the new year by crafting a vision for your future. In this special episode of Hello Monday, Jessi shares a powerful exercise–writing a “dream job description” for your life five years from now. Inspired by her own transformative experience, Jessi walks you through the process of envisioning your ideal job, the role that aligns with your values, passions, and dreams, without limiting yourself by what's “realistic.”Rather than focusing on New Year's resolutions, which often feel dictated by external pressures, Jessi encourages you to tap into the power of your own imagination. This exercise is designed to help you break free from self-doubt and the negative biases that limit your growth, and instead, to visualize and manifest your dream future. Jessi’s personal story of using this exercise to transform her career path from burnout to fulfillment will inspire you to take action and start shaping your ideal future today.Start your year with a clear vision of the future you want to create. Grab a pencil, clear your mind, and get ready to dive into this transformative exercise with Jessi. Subscribe to the Hello Monday newsletter to get episodes and insights delivered straight to your inbox every Monday!

Poppy Harlow, an award-winning journalist and former CNN anchor, discusses her transformative journey following the cancellation of her show. She emphasizes the importance of pausing during career transitions, advocating for reflection over the relentless hustle. Poppy shares insights on embracing the 'messy middle' of change and highlights how empathy shapes leadership. Her story is a powerful reminder that taking a step back can lead to clearer paths and personal growth, igniting a conversation on navigating uncertainty with grace.