
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

Jun 24, 2025 • 25min
Workplace wild west: AI, return-to-office, and DEI shifts with Jaime Klein
In the final installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel speaks with Jaime Klein, founder and CEO of Inspire HR. They dive into the transformative impact of AI on HR practices, drawing parallels to the early adoption phase of the internet. Jaime shares insights into how companies are integrating AI at various levels, from applicant screening to employee engagement. They also discuss the shift back to in-office work, DEI initiatives, and strategies for personal and professional resilience during these rapidly evolving times.
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/

Jun 17, 2025 • 18min
Implementing a pilot approach to drive organizational change with Brett Underhill
Brett Underhill, head of talent acquisition and learning development at Taboola, dives into the power of pilot programs for fostering organizational change. He shares effective strategies for setting up pilots, emphasizing timelines and stakeholder engagement. The conversation highlights challenges in maintaining quality talent during rapid hiring and how to maximize employee engagement through the activation framework. Brett also provides actionable advice on leveraging feedback from experiments to ensure sustainable momentum for new initiatives.

13 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 21min
The feedback fix: Grow your team, grow your career with Mike Jacobson
In this engaging conversation, Mike Jacobson, VP of People Operations at Steno, discusses the shortcomings of traditional feedback methods and introduces innovative strategies for career growth. He emphasizes the creation of customized learning environments that boost genuine engagement and explores the often-overlooked benefits of lateral career moves. Mike also tackles the challenge of prioritizing dedicated learning time and highlights how empowering leaders to personalize feedback can cultivate a thriving workplace culture.

Jun 3, 2025 • 19min
Trust and engagement: Alex Salas's HR insights on employee sucess
Alex Salas, Assistant Chief People Officer at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and head of the NYC SHRM chapter, shares invaluable insights on enhancing employee experience. He emphasizes the critical role of trust and communication in remote work environments. The discussion touches on talent acquisition challenges and the need for adaptive strategies. Alex advocates for work-from-home policies, employee resource groups, and the importance of taking pauses to reassess organizational goals. His proactive approach promises to inspire positive change in workplaces.

8 snips
May 27, 2025 • 8min
Sustaining momentum in the battle against burnout
In a captivating discussion, experts dive into the unseen causes of workplace burnout like boredom and loneliness. They advocate for small, thoughtful choices over perfection, emphasizing the need for ongoing support systems. Strategies for sustaining momentum include celebrating small wins and embracing failure as part of growth. Listeners are encouraged to create inclusive environments that prioritize clarity and connection, making well-being a collective goal. Personal initiatives play a crucial role in achieving a balanced work-life dynamic.

15 snips
May 20, 2025 • 10min
Let activation be your burnout antidote
Explore the concept that recovery from burnout is a gradual journey rather than an instant fix. Discover the Activation framework—Deliver, Develop, Connect, Thrive—as a way to spark meaningful change in the workplace. Learn how to foster deeper connections and create a thriving environment for teams. The discussion includes actionable strategies to support organizational change and maintain positive momentum. Tune in for practical insights that can reignite your energy and build a healthier workplace culture.

May 13, 2025 • 9min
We’ve handed managers an impossible job
Managers are burning out—not just from doing too much, but from carrying too many roles that were never meant to be theirs. Let’s name the burden and start letting go of what was never yours to hold.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/
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/

May 6, 2025 • 10min
Fixing burnout begins with understanding burnout
Burnout in the workplace is more than just excessive workload—it's influenced by environment and personal boundaries. Unique insights from youth sports highlight the symptoms and prevention strategies for this widespread issue. Leaders can find meaningful ways to alleviate team stress without needing to solve every problem. Acknowledging burnout is crucial for fostering open discussions and finding effective solutions. The complexity of burnout calls for a nuanced management approach to enhance employee well-being.

Apr 29, 2025 • 45min
Sustaining progress: Rethinking DEI for the next generation of work with Lily Zheng
Rachel sits down with DEI strategist Lily Zheng for a candid conversation on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They explore why real progress depends on focusing less on performative programs and more on outcomes that drive lasting change.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/
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/

4 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 9min
How to repair fractured relationships at work
Work relationships can be a mixed bag, sometimes smooth and other times rocky. This discussion dives into how to mend those strained connections with respectful dialogue and collaboration. Open listening is spotlighted as a key to unlocking better communication, while embracing feedback lays the groundwork for stronger bonds. Plus, a personal story about a former employee illustrates the journey toward fostering meaningful workplace relationships.