
Modern Mentor
Rachel Cooke is your guide to leadership and communication, helping you craft a workplace environment you can feel good about. She’ll share tips to help you balance your work and personal life, effectively invest your time, and be mindful about where you’re devoting your energy. Let Rachel help you navigate your path to success—however you define it.
Latest episodes

Apr 15, 2025 • 35min
Making work more human with Bonnie Davis
Bonnie Davis, co-founder of HuWork and a passionate advocate for human-centered practices, shares her insights on transforming workplace culture. She discusses the importance of building trust to engage talent, especially in hybrid settings. Bonnie emphasizes celebrating strengths as a catalyst for positive change and the need for meaningful connections through rituals. The conversation also touches on balancing human values with performance in a world influenced by AI and offers practical strategies for self-reflection and empowerment in the workplace.

6 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 8min
How to reignite your motivation when it dips
Everyone experiences drops in motivation, but often the solutions we pursue aren't effective. The discussion focuses on recognizing stagnant phases and suggests fostering curiosity instead of judgment. Practical strategies for reconnecting with work highlight the importance of emotional well-being and self-care. Self-compassion is emphasized to combat feelings of powerlessness, allowing individuals to regain agency over their actions and rediscover their inner spark.

Apr 1, 2025 • 9min
So you wanna DIY a team offsite...
Struggling to create a meaningful offsite for your team? Discover how to tackle team dynamics and boost productivity. Uncover essential tips for crafting a relaxed environment that encourages connection, including fun icebreakers and tasty snacks. Learn innovative exercises to align goals and improve decision-making through prioritization. Plus, find out how to streamline meetings for maximum effectiveness, ensuring every interaction counts. Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to a collaborative atmosphere!

95 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 43min
The power of empathy in leadership with Jerry Colonna
In this engaging discussion, Jerry Colonna, a world-renowned executive coach and founder of Reboot, delves into the transformative power of empathy in leadership. He shares eye-opening insights on fostering belonging in the workplace and emphasizes the significance of vulnerability for authentic connections. Colonna also navigates the complexities of conflict in organizations, highlighting the need for respectful dialogue. With a mix of humor and wisdom, he inspires leaders to embrace joy in meaningful conversations and self-reflection.

Mar 18, 2025 • 9min
How to solve workplace problems by focusing on success
Tired of always fixing what’s broken? What if instead, you focused on what’s working well and built from there? Today, we’re talking about using an Appreciative Inquiry approach to problem-solving in the workplace. Let’s shift from frustration to forward momentum.Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentorhttps://twitter.com/QDTModernMentorhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

Mar 11, 2025 • 10min
Feeling the slump? 7 easy ways to reignite workplace morale
Low morale seems to be rampant in the workplace today. So many people are feeling it - without a sense of empowerment (or budget) to change it for the better. But there are plenty of no-cost ways to drive morale in the right direction. Today let’s talk about 7 of my favorites.Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentorhttps://twitter.com/QDTModernMentorhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

12 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 48min
Finding your creative spark: AJ Jacobs on curiosity, gratitude & reinvention
AJ Jacobs, a bestselling author celebrated for his immersive 'method writing,' joins the conversation to share insights on creativity and risk-taking. He reveals how curiosity can combat burnout and reignite one's creative spark. Jacobs discusses transformative experiences, like living biblically for a year, and offers actionable strategies for idea generation. The duo highlights the power of gratitude and perspective in the workplace, encouraging listeners to align their roles with personal strengths for greater satisfaction.

Feb 25, 2025 • 33min
The power of kind leadership with Linda Cohen
Linda Cohen, known as The Kindness Catalyst, is a speaker and educator dedicated to promoting kindness in the workplace. In this engaging discussion, she reveals how kindness boosts employee engagement and retention, contrasting it with mere niceness. Linda shares actionable strategies like kindness bingo to cultivate a supportive culture, emphasizing open communication and recognition. She also highlights the transformative power of kind leadership in improving organizational morale and urges leaders to prioritize self-care and compassion.

6 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 8min
How to get your ideas truly heard at work
Ever feel overlooked while sharing ideas at work? This discussion dives into the art of positioning proposals to resonate with your audience. Learn how to craft your message by framing it around their values and concerns. The secrets of storytelling are unveiled, showing how to emotionally engage your listeners. Plus, discover powerful follow-up techniques to ensure your ideas stick and lead to action. Elevate your influence and watch your suggestions gain the attention they deserve!

15 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 34min
Authentic personal branding: How to stand out on LinkedIn with Danielle Hughes
Danielle Hughes, Chief Personality Officer of More Than Words Copy, specializes in helping professionals craft authentic personal brands on LinkedIn. She emphasizes the importance of optimizing your profile to attract recruiters and discusses the balance between vulnerability and authenticity. Danielle also shares insights on the power of showcasing your mistakes, aligning your true self with your professional branding, and using personal experiences to enhance connections. Tune in for tips on making LinkedIn work for you!
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