Punk Rock HR

Do you wonder why it feels like we’re more connected than ever before, yet it feels so difficult to keep true friendships alive? In this episode, I talk to Smiley Poswolsky, author of the book “Friendship in the Age of Loneliness: An Optimist’s Guide to Connection.” We discuss the reasons why we feel so alone despite always being connected with others online, as well as how to show up as our true selves and form authentic connections.

My guest on this episode is Cyril Bouquet. He’s a professor of innovation and strategy at the Switzerland-based IMD Business School and helps executives bring progress to a changing world. He’s also the co-author of “ALIEN Thinking: The Unconventional Path to Breakthrough Ideas.” In our conversation, Cyril discusses how people can come up with truly original ideas and foster creativity, even under stress, by thinking like an ALIEN.

In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Jeffrey McCausland, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and author of the book “Battle Tested!: Gettysburg Leadership Lessons for 21st Century Leaders”. He uses the events in the Battle of Gettysburg to explain how one can be a leader in today’s corporate world. Listen to our conversation about Gettysburg and how it relates to leadership, the need for a succession plan, and the value of succinctly communicating the mission and vision of your organization.

My guest today is Mitchell Kaplan, who has been a bookseller and owner of the independent Books & Books in the Miami area for almost 40 years. We chat about what it’s like managing a small business during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with maintaining the community that he’s helped to build in the Miami literary scene. We also talk about keeping employees motivated and how pivoting can help grow your business during challenging times.

My guest today is New York Times bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haims. She’s the author of the fantastic new book “Your Turn: How To Be An Adult.” It’s a book about adulting, but it’s also a book about overall character and integrity. She shares how you can show up and live a complete, authentic life — no matter how old you are. If you’re interested in hearing from Julie about forging an identity as an adult, learning to fend for yourself and developing character, you’re going to love this episode.

This bonus episode is a recording of a live event hosted by Old Town Books. Join me in this conversation with Stephanie Schriock, the former president of EMILY’s List, and Christina Reynolds, vice president of communications for EMILY’s List. We discuss getting women elected to office, as well as how to ascend the ranks of the corporate ladder and finally break through that stupid glass ceiling.

This week I am joined by Whitney Herrington, an HR pro who founded Kith Republic. In my conversation with Whitney, we discuss her new company, the need for workplace coaching for professionals at all levels and the likely future of workplace coaching for needs beyond the world of HR. Listen to this episode to learn how you and your team could benefit from workplace coaching.

This week I’m joined by a fellow author, podcaster, speaker and coach, Andy Storch. In this conversation, Andy shares his experience in talent development and what led him to launch his online group, the Talent Development Think Tank Community. He also shares some ideas from his book, “Own Your Career Own Your Life,” and the challenges of launching a book while undergoing treatment for cancer. If you’re ready to shift your career and your mindset, this episode is for you.

This week, I am joined by a dear friend of mine, Doug Shaw, who is a visual artist rooted in music, self-care and speaking truth to power. Doug runs an award-winning project called “We Are All Artists,” which encourages community engagement through workshops, pop-up exhibitions and a weekly free art drop, where he hides a piece of art in his neighborhood for strangers to find. In this episode, we discuss the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and self-care, Doug’s passion project that transformed a community, and the importance of embracing our own creativity.

My guest this week is John Register, a change-mindset warrior who helps business leaders and individuals overcome adversity and fear, embrace a “new normal” mindset and win at life. John is one of those people who has an inspirational story that leaves you feeling ready to transform your outlook on life. In our conversation, John shares his story of adapting to his “new normal,” the power of storytelling, the dangers of ableism, and what all that has to do with the world of work.