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

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

Send us a textWell, the work news just doesn't stop friends. Here's what's brewing. Incivility is costing companies billions, tariffs are threatening half a million jobs, and that perfect candidate you just interviewed? They might be an AI deep fake!In this episode, workplace experts (us, Francesca & Mel - hello!) break down:⏰ 2:15 Workplace Incivility: The $766 BILLION problem spiraling out of control as RTO mandates and layoffs create the perfect storm of toxicity⏰ 8:20 Tariff Tsunami: How new policies could push unemployment to 4.7% and why your job search might now take 3-9 months⏰ 14:30 AI Imposters: The shocking prediction that 1 in 4 job applicants could soon be deep fakes (not a typo)⏰ 19:45 Gender Bias Bombshell: Google searches reveal we're still asking if "women can be CEOs" in 2025 (seriously?!) (Francesca apologizes for the amount of profanity in this segment) (but, she feels it was warranted). ⏰ 23:10 Women Leaders Win: How female-led companies are quietly outperforming during market volatility🔥 CAREER ADVICE YOU CAN USE TODAY:The LinkedIn job search hack that lets you see postings from THE LAST HOURWhy economic downturns could be your career's best friend (if you know how to pivot)The financial runway you need to prepare TODAY for a tougher job marketHow to network your way to safety when the job market gets shakyWhy checking in on your burned-out manager might be your smartest career moveJoin us we try to make sense out of the work headlines into strategies you can use right now—because work is chaotic enough without having to figure it all out alone!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 LinkedInDrop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.comDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be cDisclaimer: 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're talking with Dr. Margie Warrell who shares game-changing strategies for women navigating corporate America's evolving landscape. As DEI initiatives face unprecedented scrutiny, Warrell reveals how women can cultivate unshakable confidence without constantly proving their worth.Discover actionable insights on:Building "courage muscles" through daily micro-challengesLeveraging feminine leadership strengths in high-stakes environmentsIdentifying and challenging limiting beliefs that keep you playing smallCreating psychological safety in your team, even when organizational culture resistsStanding firm in male-dominated spaces without compromising authenticityWith 25+ years of executive coaching experience and six bestselling books, Dr. Warrell provides a masterclass in leadership resilience. She shares her personal journey balancing motherhood to four children with a thriving global career, offering practical wisdom for anyone ready to close their own "courage gap."Perfect for professional women, allies, and leaders committed to workplace equality who want to thrive rather than just survive in today's corporate environment. Transform how you show up at work with Warrell's unforgettable advice: "Do not wait until you feel brave to do the brave thing."About Dr. Margie Warrell A global authority on courageous leadership, Margie has spent over 25 years helping individuals and organizations—from NASA and Marriot to Google and Deloitte —lead more boldly.A bestselling author of The Courage Gap and five other books, Margie has advised Fortune 500 leaders, Congressional Chiefs on Capitol Hill, entrepreneurs and rising changemakers worldwide. She’s a former Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Board, Executive Consulting and CEO Institute and, a trusted voice in Forbes, and, for podcast fans, she hosts her own Live Brave Podcast.#WomenInLeadership #CareerDevelopment #CorporateCulture #WorkplaceEquality #FemaleEmpowerment #LeadershipSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #ConfidenceBuilding #ExecutivePresence #CourageInBusinessDisclaimer: 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, AI isn't just making waves—it's creating tsunamis! AI agents are here, and they're nothing like the ChatGPT you've been using. Meanwhile, employee engagement has hit rock bottom, and Harvard is making a $200K promise that could change higher education forever.In this episode, workplace experts (us, Mel & Francesca) break down:⏰ 3:15 AI agents: Clippy on meth? How these digital assistants could save you an entire workday (and maybe get us to a 4-day workweek!)⏰ 9:42 Engagement crisis: Only 30% of employees feel connected to their company's mission (yikes!) and it's costing the global economy $8.8 TRILLION⏰ 17:30 Harvard's big move: Free tuition for families making under $200K—game-changer or PR stunt?⏰ 21:15 Pour one out for Forever 21: The retail giant that got us through our 20s files for bankruptcy🔥 CAREER ADVICE YOU CAN USE TODAY:Why you should embrace AI agents now (before your colleagues do)The simple thing managers can do to boost engagement when everyone's burned outHow to prepare for the coming talent war in 2030What Harvard's tuition change means for accessing elite educationCONNECT WITH US: Website: https://yourworkfriends.com and on the socials.kijqi3kgV3TDP3ccWW6U#AIAgents #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceTrends #HarvardTuition #4DayWorkweekDisclaimer: 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, daylight savings time isn't the only thing that doesn't have us sleeping. Kidding!Record-breaking CEO departures are sending shockwaves through the business world. Meanwhile, half of young professionals feel unprepared for their careers. What's really happening in today's workplace?In this episode, workplace experts (us, Mel & Francesca) l break down:⏰ 3:12 Why 56% of young workers feel unprepared for their careers ⏰ 7:35 The skills gap nobody's talking about ⏰ 12:20 Will the job market get worse? 5 key indicators to watch ⏰ 18:40 Would you work in VR? Surprising survey results ⏰ 22:15 Why CEOs are getting fired at record rates (222 in January alone!)🔥 CAREER ADVICE YOU CAN USE TODAY:Why you should start networking in your sophomore year of collegeThe soft skills employers actually care about more than technical experienceHow to prepare for economic uncertainty in the job marketWhy you should NEVER wait until senior year to set up LinkedInSubscribe for new workplace insights every Tuesdays! Your Work Friends brings you the latest business news and career strategies with authenticity and expert analysis.CONNECT WITH US: Website: https://yourworkfriends.com and on the socials. #careeradvice #jobmarket #businessnews #CEOturnover #workplacetrends #careercoaching #graduateadvice #networking #economicuncertaintyDisclaimer: 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 textMost of Us Are Hiding Something at Work—And It's ExhaustingIn today's workplace, most of us are hiding something—whether it's aspects of our identity, personal struggles, or even our true ambitions. But at what cost? In this live episode, we dive deep into belonging, unhiding, and workplace authenticity with Ruth Rathblott, TEDx speaker and bestselling author, and Dr. Beth Kaplan, researcher and author of Braving the Workplace.We explore:- Why people hide at work and the emotional and professional toll it takes- The difference between belonging and fitting in (hint: they’re not the same!)- How leaders and organizations can create psychologically safe workplaces- Tactical strategies for employees to bring their best selves to work—without risking career growth- The future of leadership in a post-DEI corporate worldIf you're navigating corporate politics, career growth, and the tension between authenticity and professionalism, this episode is a must-listen.Ruth Rothblatt is a TEDx speaker, executive coach, consultant, and bestselling author of three books including "Learning to Unhide and Embrace Connection" and "Unhide and Seek: Live Your Best Life. Do Your Best Work." Recently featured in TIME magazine, Ruth is acknowledged for her expertise in unlocking individual and team potential. Drawing from her personal journey of hiding her limb difference for 25 years, she has developed frameworks to help others embrace their whole selves at work.Dr. Beth Kaplan is the author of "Braving the Workplace," recognized as a must-read by the Next Big Idea Club. As a researcher, writer, and thought leader, she has worked with prestigious organizations including Salesforce, University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University, and the Carnegie Foundation. Dr. Kaplan is currently developing a groundbreaking belonging tool with the University of Pennsylvania to measure belonging and propensity to thrive in workplace environments. Her research redefines belonging as "the innate desire to be part of something larger than ourselves without sacrificing who we are."#BelongingAtWork #Unhiding #CorporateCulture #PsychologicalSafety #CareerAdvice #WorkplaceLeadershipDisclaimer: 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 textBurnout is at an all-time high. Engagement is at an all-time low. And work? Well, it’s not working for a lot of us.In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Moss, workplace culture expert and author of Why Are We Here?, to talk about why so many of us feel unfulfilled at work—and what leaders actually need to do to fix it. We bust the biggest myths about workplace wellbeing, talk about why hope (yes, hope) is a leadership strategy, and dig into why Gen Z is side-eyeing corporate life.If you’ve ever thought, “Is this really all there is?”—you’re not alone. Let’s rethink work, together.🔊 Hit play to learn:✔️ Why toxic productivity is still running rampant✔️ What companies are getting so wrong about engagement✔️ How small changes (think: 20 minutes or less) can transform your work culture🎧 Listen now and let’s make work suck less.About Jennifer Moss: Jennifer Moss is an international speaker, award-winning journalist and author, workplace culture strategist, and cofounder of the Work Better Institute, a global workforce policy think tank. She is a nationally syndicated radio columnist and writes for Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Fortune. As a workplace expert, Jennifer is regularly invited by global media outlets to share her research and insights.With a client roster of over 150 organizations, including 50+ Fortune 500 companies, her inspiring and informative keynote presentations influence sectors from technology to healthcare, where she is trusted with the employees, leaders, and customers of our incredible partners. As a nationally syndicated radio columnist and a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review, CNN, TIME, and The Wall Street Journal, her insights are shaping the Future of Work and she received rave reviews for her happiness keynotes and public speaking on burnout in the workplace.#WorkCulture #Burnout #FutureOfWork #EmployeeEngagement #CorporateLife #JenniferMoss #WhyAreWeHere #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicProductivity #WorkSucksButItDoesntHaveToDisclaimer: 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

Discover how women are reshaping the global economy, wielding 85% of consumer spending and outpacing men in wealth accumulation. This discussion reveals the rise of the 'she economy' and why 40% of working women now earn more than their spouses. Dive into the challenges facing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives amidst backlash and learn which companies remain committed. Empower yourself with strategies to leverage economic power for positive change and support workplace equity.