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

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

Send us a textIn this episode, we hang out with David Rice, Executive Editor at People Managing People, and we're getting real about what it feels like to be a manager. Now. We got REAL about why managers are in total crisis mode these days. David doesn't hold back on why management has become basically "an experience akin to being sabotaged" (his exact words. And, we agree). We tackle the mind-blowing stat that 82% of managers get zero formal training, why Gen Z is saying "thanks but no thanks" to management roles, and why human connection might be your superpower in an AI-heavy workplace. Plus, why building your community both inside and outside work might save your sanity as a squeezed middle manager.Whether you're currently juggling direct reports or trying to figure out how to work with your own manager, this convo gives you actual strategies that won't make your eyes glaze over.Listen for:Why becoming a manager is like being "sabotaged" (seriously, this metaphor about pet training will make you laugh AND cry)How to survive being caught in the corporate sandwich between demanding execs and your stressed teamThe community-building approach that might save you from managerial isolationWhy your human skills matter way more than your technical chops in tomorrow's management worldEasy ways to build trust with team members from different generationsThe shift from obsessing over butts-in-seats to actually measuring meaningful outcomesWhether you're drowning as a middle manager or thinking about taking the leadership plunge, this episode gives you real talk for surviving today's workplace chaos.Episode Highlights ⏰ 5:20 The Manager Squeeze: David gets brutally honest about why managers are getting "dumped on every which way" right now ⏰ 11:45 Find Your People: Why you need your community both inside and outside work to survive as a manager ⏰ 15:30 Just Be Real: Why transparency is your lifeline when "everybody's terrified that a layoff is coming" ⏰ 22:30 Forget Your Title: Why you should care about "things that matter" not just your fancy LinkedIn headline ⏰ 27:15 Human > AI: Why connecting with people will make you irreplaceable when AI is doing all the technical stuffAbout David Rice: David is the Executive Editor of People Managing People - Practical guidance for leaders inspiring change. He's also the Host of the 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 textIn this episode, we sit down with John Winsor, Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School’s Digital, Design, and Data (D³) Institute, Open Assembly Founder and Author of many books including Open Talent: Leveraging a Global Workforce to Solve Your Biggest Challenges,We dug into how the open talent revolution is transforming how we work. John unpacks why both companies and workers are shifting to portfolio careers, and reveals why "we own employees" is a dying concept being replaced by "I'm gonna make it so sexy and attractive that I'm gonna attract you into it." Adopting an abundance mindset can unlock new career growth.Whether you are managing teams or building your own path, this conversation offers real strategies to thrive in the new world of work.Listen for:Why talent hoarding is killing innovation and career growthHow to shift from scarcity to abundance mindset in your careerThe three key pillars of the Open Talent model that drive successWhy the future belongs to optimists with portfolio careersSimple ways to start "moonlighting" while keeping your day jobThe leadership shift from controlling talent to attracting itWhether you're feeling stuck in a corporate role or managing teams, this episode gives you real tools to thrive in the new world of work where projects replace permanent positions.Episode Highlights ⏰ 4:30 Open Talent Defined: John explains the system that's replacing traditional employment and why it works for both companies and individuals ⏰ 10:15 The Abundance Mindset: Why scarcity thinking is killing innovation and how abundance creates better outcomes for everyone ⏰ 15:40 "We Don't Own Employees": The shocking origin story of why controlling talent is a failed approach ⏰ 22:50 Internal Talent Marketplace: How smart companies are ending talent hoarding and unlocking innovation ⏰ 29:10 Start Now: John's practical advice for testing portfolio work while still employed (hint: "just go try some shit!")About John: John Winsor is a globally recognized leader in the future of work, open talent, and AI-driven workforce strategies. Recently appointed as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School’s Digital, Design, and Data (D³) Institute, he focuses on the evolving intersection of work, technology, and talent. As the founder of Open Assembly, he has been instrumental in pioneering the adoption of open talent and freelancing models. His best-selling book, Open Talent: Leveraging a Global WorDisclaimer: 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 makes great leaders different—and how do you measure it? In this episode, we sit down with former DocuSign CEO Dan Springer to unpack the Ego Equation: (Skills ÷ Ego) ^ Work = Success. Dan shares leadership lessons from decades in tech, including how ego almost derailed his career and what changed after a layoff turned into a leadership awakening.Listen for:The Ego Equation and how to assess your leadership effectivenessHow Dan’s leadership style evolved from ego-first to impact-drivenWhy using “we” instead of “I” boosts credibility and career growthA fresh approach to performance reviews that actually motivatesSigns your ego might be sabotaging your leadership successThe mindset shift that helped Dan lead through IPOs and layoffsWhether you're a new manager or seasoned exec, this episode delivers real talk and actionable strategies to lead with humility, clarity, and purpose.Join us as we break down Dan's ego insights into strategies you can use right now—because leadership is chaotic enough without having to figure it all out alone!Episode Highlights⏰ 3:45 The Ego Equation: Dan's brilliant formula for measuring your leadership effectiveness and why a score of 16 is actually pretty damn good⏰ 9:30 Leadership Origin Story: How Dan transformed from self-described "prodigious ego" guy to discovering the power of putting the organization first⏰ 14:20 The Layoff That Changed Everything: The shocking moment when laid-off employees checked in on HIM that completely transformed Dan's leadership philosophy⏰ 19:45 We Not Me: Why saying "we" instead of "I" gives you unlimited bragging rights (and actually works better for your career)⏰ 23:10 Performance Reviews Reimagined: The counterintuitive approach Dan used at Responsys that flipped traditional performance management on its headAbout Dan Springer: Dan Springer is the CEO of Iron Clad and former CEO of DocuSign and a seasoned tech leader with decades of experience scaling some of the biggest names in SaaS. Before DocuSign, he was Chairman and CEO of Responsys, which he successfully led to a $1.6 billion acquisition by Oracle. He’s also held leadership roles at Modem Media, Telleo, NextCard, and began his career at McKinsey. He’s led billion-dollar exits, built high-growth teams, and knows first hand how ego can make—or break—great leadership. 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