
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

Sep 17, 2024 • 43min
The Alchemy of Talent and team success with Vijay Pendakur
Vijay Pendaku, an expert on talent development and team success, shares valuable insights on fostering peak workplace performance. He discusses the balance between team dynamics and performance management, emphasizing leadership and connection in remote settings. Vijay highlights the importance of trust and belonging for innovation, shedding light on how to communicate these values to business leaders. He also addresses the critical role of diversity and effective communication in leadership, encouraging organizations to embrace change and invest in resilient teams.

Sep 10, 2024 • 8min
Make your communication more meaningful
Explore the art of meaningful communication and its impact on building stronger relationships. Discover effective strategies to bridge the gap between intention and understanding. Learn how authenticity plays a crucial role, especially for leaders, in fostering trust and transparency. Uncover the importance of specificity and contextual relevance in your messages to ensure they resonate with others.

Sep 3, 2024 • 9min
My secrets to not struggling with imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome can feel overwhelming, but there are effective ways to combat it. The discussion emphasizes humility and self-awareness to recognize personal strengths and limitations. Crafting a robust personal brand can open up the right career opportunities while helping filter out distractions. Strategies highlight the importance of intentionality, acknowledgment of achievements, and leveraging supportive networks to build lasting confidence. Dive into practical tips to embrace your professional journey!

Aug 27, 2024 • 37min
Setting norms and boundaries with Beth Messich
Beth Messich, an executive coach specializing in workplace boundaries and prioritization, joins Rachel to discuss effective strategies for managing overwhelm. They explore the importance of clear norms and proactive communication to improve team dynamics. Beth shares insights on navigating changes from corporate life to consulting, highlighting the value of reflection and prioritizing tasks. The conversation emphasizes the need for organizational clarity and maintaining a healthy work environment, offering actionable tips for listeners to implement.

Aug 20, 2024 • 10min
Better ways to have tricky conversations at work
Navigating tough conversations at work doesn’t have to be daunting. Explore strategies to express needs and manage conflicts effectively. Discover the power of framing discussions around risk management and personal growth. Learn how to approach difficult talks with empathy and curiosity. Tips on giving constructive feedback to superiors can shift the focus from complaints to solutions. Transform your communication style to enhance your personal brand while promoting professionalism.

Aug 13, 2024 • 43min
Coaching and supporting top talent with Saatva CPO Maureen Cawley
Maureen Cawley, a Chief People Officer, shares invaluable insights on cultivating a thriving workplace. She discusses the evolving definition of workplace success, emphasizing flexibility and personal alignment with goals. The conversation also highlights the need for qualitative metrics over mere numbers, advocating for deeper understanding of employee experiences. Cawley explores the transformative journey from competition to contribution, and the crucial role of intentional breaks in enhancing well-being and productivity. Self-recognition and patience in the workplace are also key topics.

Aug 6, 2024 • 8min
Getting real about resilience and agility
The discussion highlights the importance of resilience and agility in today's evolving workplaces. Listeners learn about micro-reskilling as a practical strategy for ongoing professional growth. There's a focus on fostering adaptability through knowledge sharing and informal coaching. The talk also emphasizes tracking progress as a key component of personal development, encouraging innovation and continuous learning to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Jul 30, 2024 • 8min
Can activation solve your team’s overwhelm?
Leaders share innovative strategies to tackle team overwhelm through activation techniques. A case study reveals how a senior leader transformed his stressed team by reducing excessive meetings. The discussion emphasizes the importance of clarifying priorities and enhancing processes to foster a healthier work culture. Open communication and accountability are highlighted as key roles of leadership in creating an engaging workplace. Tune in for practical insights that can energize your team!

7 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 8min
Cognitive offloading – Your secret weapon for success?
Discover the benefits of cognitive offloading for improved productivity and creativity. Learn how external tools and scheduling personal time can enhance focus and task management. Find out about strategies like brain dumps and mindfulness practices to optimize efficiency and creativity.

4 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 9min
How to combat "carewashing" at work
Exploring 'carewashing' in the workplace, finding a balance between workload and stress, strategies to address workplace stress and overwhelm