Your Work Friends | Fresh Insights on the Now and Next of Work

Send us a textThis week, we’re breaking down three headlines that could reshape the American workplace:📉 The job market cool-down continues, with new JOLTS data showing longer unemployment durations and more people dropping out of the job hunt altogether.⚖️ The Modern Worker Employment Act could redefine what it means to be an “employee”—and put traditional full-time roles at risk.✝️ A new Trump-era memo gives federal workers the green light to evangelize at work. Is this the start of a new wave of religious expression in corporate spaces?From layoffs to labor laws to religion in the breakroom—we’ve got thoughts. If you care about where work is headed, this one's for you.#JobMarket2025 #Layoffs #ModernWorkerAct #GigEconomy #WorkplaceReligion #EmploymentLaw #FutureOfWork #HRNews #LaborMarket #YourWorkFriends #WorkplaceTrendsDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textIs your brain still working even when you're not? You're not alone—and it's probably costing you more than you think.In this episode of Your Work Friends, we sit down with Dr. Malissa Clark—organizational psychologist and author of Never Not Working—to unpack how hustle culture, job insecurity, and digital overload are making it harder than ever to truly disconnect.We talk through the 4 types of workaholism, the science behind why your body never gets to rest, and what recovery can actually look like (especially if mindfulness makes you want to scream). Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to survive the triple-peak workday, this is your permission slip to stop running on fumes.🔍 What we cover:How to know if you’re a workaholic (even if you love your job)Why overwork often looks like ambitionThe physiological toll of being “always on”Why managers—not Slack—are the real culture shapersRecovery strategies that go beyond deep breathing🎧 Featuring: Dr. Malissa Clark, Director of the Healthy Work Lab and Associate Professor at the University of GeorgiaConnect with Malissa hereDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textWhat if we stopped designing jobs like checklists—and started designing them like products employees want to buy?In this episode of Your Work Friends, we talk with Dart Lindsley, CEO and co-founder of 11 Fold, the creator of Multi-Sided Management and he's the host of the Work for Humans podcast, Dart breaks down why it’s time to stop treating employees like “inputs” and start treating them like customers—with all the same thoughtfulness, strategy, and design we use in product development.We explore:Why the “job description” is the most broken tool in HRHow to redesign work so it actually meets people’s needsWhat leaders get wrong about performance and retentionHow managers can become designers—and what that looks like in practiceIf you're a manager, HR leader, or ambitious professional who wants to shape the future of work—not just survive it—this episode is a must-listen.🔗 Connect with Dart Lindsley: 11fold.com and the Work For Humans Podcast 💬 Join our community: yourworkfriends.comDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textThis week on Your Work Friends, we’re diving into two hot topics shaking up the future of work.  1️⃣ The surprising new jobs AI is creating and why your taste and creativity might be the most valuable skills you bring to the table.First, we explore 22 new jobs AI is expected to create — and why your taste (yes, your vibe, your style, your point of view) could become your biggest career asset in an AI-driven world. We’re talking about AI auditors, world designers, and why creativity is about to pay off big.2️⃣Why some companies are getting rid of HR altogether — and whether that’s a smart move or a big mistake.Then, should HR go away? We break down why some CEOs are scrapping HR entirely, what that really means, and why splitting HR into two teams (compliance vs. people) might actually save your workplace.We cover:✔️ What happens when companies ditch HR✔️ The growing split between compliance and people strategy✔️ How AI is transforming job markets✔️ New roles like AI auditors, world builders, and taste makers✔️ How to future-proof your career in an AI-driven workplaceIf you’re a corporate leader, manager, or just trying to stay ahead in your career, this one’s for you.Should HR evolve or die? And are you ready for the new AI-powered workplace?We jammed about: AI Might Take Your Job. Here are 22 New Ones it Could Give You. Bolt has eliminated HR#FutureOfWork #HumanResources #WorkplaceTrends #AIJobs #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleStrategy #CorporateLife #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCultureDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textAI isn't replacing leaders.But it is revealing what kind of leader you really are.In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Jacqueline Carter—author, of "More Human"  researcher, and senior partner at  Potential Project—to unpack what it actually means to be a more human leader in the age of AI.We dive into:✅ The 3 skills every modern leader needs (and why only 16% are ready)✅ How AI can amplify—not replace—your awareness, wisdom, and compassion✅ The surprising ways tech is quietly eroding trust, connection, and decision-making✅ What leaders can actually do to stay in the driver’s seat✅ And why people still crave messy, imperfect humans over perfect algorithmsWhether you're in HR or leading a function, this episode is your practical guide to leading with humanity and harnessing technology—before the culture gets away from you.🔗 Bonus: Jacqueline drops a chilling story about a deepfake scam that almost cost one exec millions. Yes, really.Tune in if you want to build future-ready leadership that your team actually trusts.About Jacqueline: Jacqueline is a Senior Partner and Director of North America at Potential Project.  She is a leadership development and corporate culture expert who helps global companies create a more human world of work.Jacqueline is co-author of the most recent book, More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead (Harvard Business Review Press, 2025), Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way (Harvard Business Review, 2022).  She also co-authored The Mind of the Leader: How to Lead Yourself, Your People, and Your Organization for Extraordinary Results (Harvard Business Review, 2018) and One Second Ahead: Enhance Your Performance at Work with Mindfulness(Palgrave Macmillian, 2015).  Jacqueline is known as an inspiring, dynamic and energizing speaker with a focus on highly engaging, creative, and impactful experiences. In addition, she writes for leading publications such as Harvard Business Review, Forbes, AmericDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textThe truth about creating workplace culture that actually drives results (not just good vibes)We sat down with Joan Burke, legendary CHRO and board member and founder of the CPO Forum, who built the iconic "work of your life" culture at DocuSign, Marketo, and Responsys. This conversation reveals exactly how to create cultures where people do their best work - and why it's MORE critical now than ever.Joan doesn't just talk theory. She gives you the actual playbook for building workplace cultures that survive economic downturns, retain top talent, and drive real business results.Here's what we're diving into: ⏰ 8:15 Why "work of your life" became DocuSign's secret weapon for talent retention ⏰ 15:30 The business case for investing in people during tough economic times ⏰ 22:45 How to operationalize culture (it's not just posters on walls) ⏰ 28:20 Why 75% of your development budget should go to managers, not individual contributors ⏰ 35:10 The pandemic stress test: How great cultures actually get stronger during crisis ⏰ 48:15 Building your "work of your life" when your company doesn't prioritize culture🔥 REAL TALK YOU CAN USE TODAY:The exact questions to ask in interviews to spot authentic vs. fake cultureHow to build networks and find your tribe when you're stuck in a bad situationCEO buy-in tactics that actually work (with specific scripts) People-first cultures outperform, especially when times get tough. Here's the playbook to get there.About Joan Burke: Joan is Board Member and Advisor, Former Chief People Officer at DocuSign, Marketo, Responsys who ran business while creating environments where people could do the work of their lives. She  is now lifting up the next generation of CPOs and CHROs as the co-founder of The CPO Forum. #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #HR #TalentRetention #EmployeeEngagement #CHRO #ManagementDevelopment #CompanyCulture #WorkplaceStrategy #PeopleFirst #EmployeeExperience #OrganizationalDevelopment #TalentStrategy #WorkLifeBalance #CareerDevelopment #PodcastInterview #YourWorkFriendsDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textThe uncomfortable truth about your job security that no one's talking about : Employment is dead. We sat down with Deborah Perry Piscione, Josh Drean, authors of "Employment is Dead:How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work," and founders of the Work 3 Institute. This conversation kinda blew our minds. They break down why traditional 9-to-5 employment is literally dying  and how to thrive in what's coming next.This isn't doom and gloom. It's about seeing the massive opportunity in the biggest work transformation in 150 years.Here's what we're diving into:⏰ 5:30 Why the industrial age work model is officially dead⏰ 12:45 Why AI is moving so fast they give their book 5 months of relevance⏰ 18:20 How teenage Roblox developers make $65K and ditch traditional jobs⏰ 25:15 Gig Economy 3.0: DAOs and why Switzerland is living in the future⏰ 32:40 When money goes away: Village economies and bartering⏰ 38:50 Building multiple revenue streams and being "incredibly entrepreneurial" NOW🔥 REAL TALK YOU CAN USE TODAY:Why 50% of entry-level jobs will disappear in 1-5 yearsHow to build skills alongside AI instead of competing against itMaking revenue streams work together (the Uber driver cookie example)Join us as we explore why "wake the hell up" isn't just good advice - it's survival.About Our Guests: Deborah Perry Piscione, Globally recognized innovation thought leader, New York Times bestselling author, and serial entrepreneur who's built six companies and worked on Capitol Hill.Josh Drean, Co-founder and Director of Employee Experience at Work Three Institute, featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and The Economist for his insights on the future of work.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textWell friends, we're getting deep today - and we mean DEEP.Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work? Like you could disappear tomorrow and nobody would really notice? Yeah, we've all been there. This episode might just change how you show up everywhere.We sat down with Zach Mercurio, researcher and author of "The Power of Mattering," and honestly? This conversation hit us right in the feelings. Zach breaks down why 30% of people feel invisible at work (despite being in meetings ALL DAY), and more importantly - what we can actually do about it.This episode is about more than workplace recognition. It’s about creating a culture where people feel they truly count. Whether you manage others, or just want to show up with more meaning, this conversation will change the way you work, lead, and connect. After all, being "seen" isn't a nice-to-have, it's everything.Here's what we're diving into:⏰ 3:45 The Mattering Crisis: Why we're lonelier than ever despite being more "connected" than ever (spoiler: it's not about having more people around you)⏰ 12:20 Transactional vs. Transformational: How our emoji responses and hurried interactions are literally making us worse at being human⏰ 18:35 The NASA Example: How they got 300,000 people (including janitors) to feel essential to putting a man on the moon⏰ 25:10 The NAN Framework: Notice, Affirm, Need - three simple practices that separate great leaders from everyone else⏰ 35:45 "Bosses Are Done Being Nice": Why the pendulum swing back to command-and-control is doomed to fail (and what to do instead)⏰ 42:30 Going First: What to do when your boss operates transactionally (hint: someone has to make the first move)🔥 REAL TALK YOU CAN USE TODAY:The one question to ask your team that will change everything: "When do you feel like you matter to me?"Why "hurry and care can't coexist" - and what this means for your leadershipThe notebook trick that transformed a distribution center (seriously, it's so simple)How to spot the difference between belonging, inclusion, and actually matteringJoin us as we explore why the "squishy stuff" isn't optional anymore - it's actually what drives everything else in organizations. Because work is hard enough without feeling invisible while you're doing it.About Zach: Zach Mercurio researcher, author, and speaker specializing in purposeful leadership, mattering, meaningful work, and positive organizationDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Lareina Yee, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company and co-founder of the Women in the Workplace study, shares her insights on women's career advancement. She discusses the 'broken rung' phenomenon, revealing that for every 100 men promoted, only 81 women receive the same opportunity. Lareina emphasizes the importance of building a strong sponsor network, not just relying on mentorship. She challenges stereotypes about motherhood, suggesting it can be a career advantage if navigated intentionally. Tune in for practical strategies to accelerate gender parity!

Send us a textWe're breaking down two massive workplace crises the US can't ignore. We dive deep into the Wall Street Journal's shocking exposé on 110-hour workweeks pushing bankers to hospitalization and burnout, while examining the devastating impact of tariffs that threaten the very existence of America's small business backbone.Listen for:The brutal reality of 110-hour workweeks and how they're becoming normalized across industriesWhy small businesses that make up 99.9% of American companies are facing extinction from 145% tariffsHow tariffs are already creating job losses that will ripple through the entire economyThe shocking story of the "morale pizza party" that turned into a demand for even more workWhy container shipments are down 35-50% at major ports and what that means for your jobSimple actions you can take to protect yourself from toxic work expectationsHow to support small businesses in your community before they disappearEpisode Highlights ⏰ 4:15 Work Crisis: How 110-hour workweeks led to hospitalizations at a major financial firm and what it reveals about toxic leadership ⏰ 10:30 Small Business Reality Check: Why these companies employ half of America and what happens when they can't survive ⏰ 15:45 The Tariff Tsunami: Real examples of businesses facing impossible choices between raising prices or closing down ⏰ 20:20 Employment Domino Effect: How every four shipping containers equals one American job (and they're disappearing fast) ⏰ 25:30 Survival Guide: Practical steps for protecting your work boundaries and supporting local businessesJoin us for the real, unfiltered story behind the work headlines affecting all of us right now.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com