The Future Of Teamwork with Dane Groeneveld

In this episode of the Future of Teamwork podcast, Dane Groeneveld hosts Dr. André Martin, author and culture strategist, to explore the dynamics of effective teamwork and the significance of culture in organizational success. Dr. Martin shares his journey from an organizational psychologist to working with leading brands, emphasizing the importance of culture in creating high-energy workplaces where people willingly invest their discretionary effort. They discuss the changing landscape of work and the need for wellness initiatives that are integrated into the core functioning of companies rather than being ancillary. Dr. Martin introduces the concept of 'wrong fit, right fit' in both jobs and teams, highlighting how misalignments can drain creative energy and impact personal lives. The discussion delves into the nuances of leadership, the critical role of self-awareness, and the importance of re-recruiting team members by constantly realigning them with the company's goals and culture. The conversation also covers practical advice for both leaders and team members on how to foster a thriving work environment, touching upon best practices from sports and military contexts to reinforce teamwork and collective efficacy. Visit Dr. André Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/docmartinpdx/ Key Moments/Takeaways:00:00 Welcome to the Future of Teamwork Podcast02:23 Dr. André Martin's Journey: From Steel Mills to Silicon Valley03:56 Harnessing Creative Energy and Managing Negative Emotions05:52 The Impact of Work on Personal Life and Relationships06:39 Reimagining Work-Life Harmony and Personal Wellbeing09:56 The Role of Leadership in Cultivating Workplace Culture24:06 Redefining Recruitment: Authenticity and the Right Fit28:31 Unlocking Creative Energy in Every Individual28:47 Navigating Life's Challenges with Purpose30:02 Embracing Change and Uncertainty31:38 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership32:30 Revolutionizing Team Dynamics with Capability Gaps35:11 The Future of Onboarding: Coaching Beyond Orientation41:30 Learning from Life: The Ultimate Classroom46:59 Enhancing Team Performance through Collective Efficacy

In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane sits down with Nicole Olver, SVP of Administration at The Nuclear Company, to discuss her journey from Australia’s nonprofit sector to the U.S. tech and clean energy industries. Nicole shares how her early career in sustainable development shaped her approach to HR. They discuss how the energy industry is evolving, and the vital role HR plays at the executive level in aligning business strategy with people strategy. They discuss the importance of clarifying job descriptions and measurements of success, and how “rigor stops riffs.” They then look at the shift toward remote work during the COVID pandemic, and how emerging AI and the acceleration of digital practices can shape a resilient and future-focused workplace culture. Finally, Nicole and Dane look at how companies can attract talent and cultivate sustainable growth with the concept of scaffolding and creating enough structure, while still allowing people to play. If you want to infuse more creativity into your approach to teamwork, tune in to this one!Key takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork01:20 Nicole's Journey: From Australia to Clean Energy02:21 Building Sustainable Communities and Businesses03:10 Riding the Tech Wave in HR06:34 The Role of HR in Business Strategy14:14 Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace16:36 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Practices19:43 Embracing Change and Technology in the Workplace27:52 Establishing Company Norms and Processes28:49 Involving the Team in Decision Making29:45 Task Force Model for Effective Policy Making31:32 Importance of Multi-Generational and Diverse Teams32:43 Ride-Along Days and Cross-Functional Learning35:47 Challenges and Benefits of OKRs39:52 Realistic and Sustainable Business Growth41:52 Adapting Compensation Models for New Generations47:08 The Future of Work and Company Policies50:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane chats with Scott Gottesman, a strategic, results-driven HR leader with a rich history in biotech. Scott shares about his early days in the music industry and how his entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him into the world of HR. He then discusses the importance of leaders seeing value in someone and recruiting them. Scott shares his experience and strategies for managing a global HR team across 25 countries, including the foundational communication skills required to keep the team running smoothly, despite geographical and cultural differences. Finally, Scott shares about the importance of being intentional with 1:1 meetings for building high performing teams. Tune in for a great conversation on being more intentional as a leader!Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast01:47 Meet Scott Gottesman: HR Leader and Celtics Fan02:29 Scott's Journey from Music to HR08:49 Building a Global HR Career13:26 Effective Leadership in Biotech21:58 Challenges and Strategies for HR Leaders28:01 The Importance of Understanding the 'How' in Work28:57 Adapting Workforce Models for Business Growth32:02 Strategic Talent Advisory in HR34:41 Building High-Performing Cross-Functional Teams36:46 Effective Communication in Remote Teams46:03 The Significance of One-on-One Meetings48:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane chats with Gourab Mukherjee, co-founder and CEO of Aktivo Labs. Chronic disease and healthcare costs are rising every year in an unsustainable way. In response, Aktivo Labs has made it their mission to prevent chronic disease globally by focusing on lifestyle-driven, modifiable risk factors. Gourab explains how data and technology are transforming how companies support employee health, how fostering a culture of belonging and inclusivity can elevate team engagement, and how a data-driven approach to wellness can promote inclusivity. Finally, Gourab shares his perspective on how generative AI is changing the way we work as teams.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast02:13 Gourab’s Journey and Activo Labs04:37 The Importance of Preventative Healthcare06:34 Economic Incentives for Healthier Workforces09:54 Building a Health-Conscious Workplace Culture17:12 The Role of Technology in Health and Wellness37:46 Generative AI's Impact on Team Dynamics41:06 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane sits down with Jeff Frick, founder of Menlo Creek Media and host of the podcasts Work 20XX and Turn The Lens, to talk about how technology plays into teamwork today. Jeff shares about how his early experiences in the tech industry led him to focus on leadership and communication in the context of the future of work. Jeff then discusses how remote work has shifted traditional methods of ideation and team collaboration, and increased the need for psychological safety and inclusivity in decision-making. Together, Jeff and Dane reflect on how technology has made previously inaccessible resources widely available, opening doors for innovation across the globe, and stress the need for organizations to treat employees as whole individuals, not just resources. Overall, Jeff highlights the need for embracing technology while also ensuring that human skills, like leadership and communication, are not neglected.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast02:19 Jeff's Journey: From TV Store to Media Executive03:26 The Impact of COVID-19 on Media and Work04:58 The Evolution of Work and Technology06:20 AI and the Future of Communication07:53 Leadership and Communication in the Modern Era16:49 The Shift in Leadership Styles20:47 The Role of AI in Decision Making and Negotiation24:02 Human vs. Machine Negotiation24:46 Embracing Change and Innovation25:32 Creating Conditions for Success26:14 Amazon's Leadership Philosophy27:06 Frugality as an Innovation Driver28:47 Encouraging Discretionary Effort29:30 Blameless Retrospectives37:01 Managing Human Energy38:16 The Future of Education and Technology44:13 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane chats with Ashley Jablow, coach and founder at Wayfinders Collective, about bringing authenticity, energy, and one’s whole self to teamwork. Ashley shares her journey from working in the nonprofit and innovation sectors to running her own business. Dane and Ashley discuss the importance of reflection and how team members can help you see strengths you may not recognize in yourself. Ashley also talks about the value of coaching and facilitation skills and using creative tools like alter egos to encourage different perspectives and foster psychological safety during brainstorming sessions. Tune in for practical ways to bring authenticity into your team!00:00 Welcome to the Future of Teamwork02:08 Ashley's Journey: From Silicon Valley to Wayfinders Collective04:18 The Power of Design Thinking and Innovation05:51 Embracing Iteration and Experimentation09:52 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Team Feedback18:21 Discover, Define, Imagine, Iterate: A Practical Approach23:51 Balancing Long-Term Vision with Immediate Action25:22 Navigating Ambiguity and Trust in Iteration26:35 Balancing Risk and Experimentation27:04 Introducing Constraints and Honest Conversations29:25 Designing Alliances for Effective Teamwork32:09 Documenting Alliances and Ensuring Alignment35:17 Facilitation Skills and Handling Conflict40:44 The Power of Alter Egos in Team Dynamics46:05 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane sits down with Massimo Backus, author of Human First, Leader Second, and founder of Massimo Backus Leadership. Massimo shares his journey of discovering self-compassion after a humbling experience in leadership and how that shaped how he now approaches leadership with self-awareness and self-compassion. Massimo advocates for emotional fluency within teams. He argues that when teams can freely express emotions, the emotions pass more quickly, helping people make clearer, more thoughtful decisions. They also reflect on the evolution of leadership, noting how we've been conditioned by industrial-era mindsets to always strive for progress even though we're human. Listen to learn how self-compassion, accountability, and open dialogue can foster healthier, more productive workplaces.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork02:06 Massimo's Journey to Self-Compassion04:09 The Power of Self-Compassion in Leadership09:00 Implementing Self-Compassion in Teams19:45 Practical Tips for Team Check-Ins25:05 Embracing Vulnerability and Humanity26:47 The Evolution of Work and Social Contracts29:34 Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance32:14 Challenges of Servant Leadership34:19 Personal Accountability in the Workplace41:17 The Importance of Transparency43:29 Developing Self-Compassion Skills46:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this important conversation on The Future of Teamwork, Dane chats with Sonya Sepahban, CEO of OurOffice, about the importance of curiosity, data-driven DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) initiatives, and how organizations can create lasting business impact through inclusive practices. Sonya shares her journey of discovering how DEI efforts, when combined with proper business metrics, can drive both diversity and financial success. Together, Dane and Sonya explore the significance of psychological safety and transparency in the workplace. Tune in to learn how DEIB isn’t just about benefiting underrepresented groups, but improving the work environment for all employees.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast01:29 Meet Sonya Sepahban: From Aspiring Astronaut to DEIB Leader02:02 Sonya's Journey: Embracing Curiosity and Overcoming Challenges04:53 Breaking Barriers: Sonya's Experience in Engineering and DEIB08:23 The Importance of Data in DEIB Initiatives12:33 Engineering Mindset in DEIB: Connecting the Dots15:58 Challenges and Strategies in Promoting DEIB26:35 The Mission of OurOffice and the Role of Ganesha27:24 Building the Platform in India27:43 The Symbolism of Ganesha29:07 Meeting Organizations Where They Are29:56 Understanding Organizational Drivers32:34 Connecting Data for Better Insights36:23 The Importance of Historical Data38:37 Real Business Results from DEIB Efforts44:47 Creating a Psychologically Safe Space48:00 Sustainable Systems Leadership49:07 Conclusion and Contact Information

This week on The Future of Teamwork, Dane chats with “accidental workplace strategist” Phil Kirschner, about how to improve the way workplaces run and teams collaborate. Today, they’re talking about how written work guidelines can reduce meetings, encourage a sense of purpose in team members, and improve efficiency. They discuss the importance of dynamic onboarding processes and advocate for a new way to manage the holistic employee experience. Together, they cover the evolving nature of work, especially post-pandemic – and highlight the need for personalization rather than categorizing workers into rigid personas like "anchor" or "mobile" workers. Phil emphasizes that companies should continually ask, "What can we be doing better?" to eliminate inefficiency and improve overall workplace experience.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork01:24 Meet Phil Kirschner: A Journey in Workplace Strategy04:28 The Executive Mindset and Workplace Transformation09:08 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership14:49 Embracing Transparency and Documentation23:30 Remote Work and the Future of Team Dynamics28:15 The Impact of COVID on Organizational Structure29:05 Burnout and the Breakdown of Workplace Systems29:48 Challenges in Onboarding and Employee Experience30:43 The Role of Documentation and Recorded Meetings31:43 Dynamic Libraries and Onboarding Solutions33:17 The Intersection of HR and Operations35:04 Future of Work: Hybrid and Remote Roles38:37 Personalization in the Workplace46:00 Experimenting with Workspaces and Flexibility48:14 Concluding Thoughts and Practical Tips

This week on the podcast, Dane sits down with Sejal Thakkar, Chief Civility Officer, Chief Culture Officer, and keynote speaker. Today, Dane and Sejal explore how creating a culture of civility in the workplace is a crucial part of working well as a team, what microaggressions are and how they show up in the workplace, and her framework for correcting these behaviors through “calling someone in.” She shares how her framework encourages employees to share the responsibility and resolve issues collaboratively at the ground level, instead of bringing it up the chain to their supervisor or HR. Finally, she talks through how psychological safety at work can create a stronger, more effective team. This is a great conversation to combat the growing trend of incivility in the workplace.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast02:09 Sejal's Journey from Defense Attorney to Civility Advocate03:51 Understanding and Addressing Incivility10:27 The Role of Microaggressions in Workplace Incivility19:30 The Civility Action Plan (CAP) Framework24:49 Frustrations with Anti-Harassment Training25:30 Drawing Parallels with the Safety Industry26:32 Introducing the Civility Action Plan27:20 Importance of Alignment in Civility29:12 Promotion and Continuous Learning31:11 Implementing Psychological Safety32:28 Encouraging Collaborative Conflict Resolution42:23 The Role of AI in Promoting Civility44:15 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action Psychological safety at work doesn't mean that everybody is nice to each other all the time. It means that people feel free to brainstorm out loud, to voice half-finished thoughts, to share feedback, challenge the status quo, openly challenge and work through disagreements together, knowing that the organization and the leaders value honesty, candor, truth-telling, and that the team members have each other's backs.