Your Work Friends

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.

Send us a textWhat's actually happening with AI in the workplace, and how can you stay ahead of the curve? In this can't-miss episode, we're joined by two powerhouse experts: Carol Scott, Senior Director at Microsoft and founder of The Action Imperative, and Teresa Fesinstine, founder of People Power AI and former Fortune 500 HR executive. They cut through the noise to reveal what's really changing in 2025, which jobs are being transformed (not just replaced), and how to position yourself for success in an AI-enhanced workplace.From practical tips on getting started with AI tools to inspiring insights about the future of work, this episode delivers actionable advice for everyone – whether you're a tech novice or an AI enthusiast. Our guests share candid perspectives on everything from performance reviews and employee engagement to the surprising ways AI is reshaping creative industries.Key Topics:The biggest myths about AI in the workplaceHow AI is actually changing jobs (not just eliminating them)Essential skills for staying relevant in an AI-driven workplacePractical ways to start using AI tools todayThe unexpected benefits of AI for non-technical professionalsReal predictions for workplace changes in 2025Featured Guests: Carol Scott - Senior Director at Microsoft, founder of The Action Imperative Teresa Fesinstine - Founder of People Power AI, CUNY Professor, 25-year HR executivePerfect for: Professionals at any level looking to understand and adapt to AI in the workplace, team leaders wanting to guide their teams through AI adoption, and anyone curious about how AI will shape the future of work.#FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #CareerDevelopment #AI #WorkTrendsDisclaimer: 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 eye-opening episode, we sit down with Michael Horn (Co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, Harvard Graduate School of Education) and Bob Moesta (Founder of Rewired Group, Kellogg School of Management) to discuss their groundbreaking book "Job Moves" and revolutionize how you think about career transitions.Discover why the traditional job search process is broken and learn how to take control of your career path by "hiring" your next job. Our guests break down the four primary career quests that drive job changes, debunk the myth of "getting lucky" in job searches, and reveal why money isn't the real motivator behind career decisions.Key topics include:Understanding the four career quests and identifying yoursWhy job descriptions are "made up" and how to navigate beyond themThe truth about career progression vs. genuine progressHow to leverage your network effectively in job searchesPractical strategies for energy management in your careerThe future of work and AI's impact on career transitionsWhether you're actively job hunting, feeling stuck in your current role, or planning your next career move, this conversation provides actionable insights for navigating the modern job market with intention and purpose.Featuring career development experts Michael Horn and Bob Moesta, this episode is essential listening for professionals ready to take control of their career trajectory in 2024 and beyond.#CareerDevelopment #JobSearch #CareerTransition #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobMoves #CareerGrowth #Leadership #FutureOfWork #CareerCoachingDisclaimer: 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 our latest episode of Your Work Friends, we dive into the art and science of crisis communications with expert Anne-Marie Squeo. From understanding what qualifies as a crisis to mastering the first 24 hours, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders, teams, and anyone navigating turbulent times.What you’ll learn:✅ How to recognize and define a crisis✅ Why the first 24 hours are critical—and what to do during them✅ The role of transparency and trust in managing stakeholders✅ How company culture shapes crisis responses✅ Real-life scenarios of effective crisis management✅ The power of courageous leadership in the toughest momentsAnne-Marie brings decades of experience to help you stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and come out stronger on the other side. Plus, she shares a wild story about a blimp, a beaver and avoiding I-95. Whether you’re a leader, communicator, or just curious about navigating high-stakes moments, this episode is for you.About Anne Marie: Anne Marie is the CEO of Proof Point Communications. Her career has taken her to the top of the corporate communications and marketing world, as well as business journalism. While at the Wall Street Journal, she earned the Pulitzer Prize and the Gerald R. Loeb Award, two of journalism’s highest honors. She later became the Chief Brand and Communications Officer of a Fortune 500 company and was named to the Forbes CMO Next list and PRWeek’s Hall of Femme in 2021. She successfully led Netflix’s secret launch of 130 countries in 2016; managed communications for IBM’s technology portfolio including AI, blockchain and cloud; and launched the brand-defining “Make Now Work” campaign for Xerox. She’s served on executive leadership teams, directly supported CEOs and other C-suite executives, successfully managed major crises, executed winning strategies and built high-performing teams from the ground up. 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 textHere's the work news we're covering this week. Nearly half of tech workers are job hunting in 2025 - but why? Join us as we dive into the shifting landscape of workplace benefits and what's really driving the Great Tech Migration. Plus, is this the end of corporate happy hours? We explore the US Surgeon General's new alcohol advisory and its impact on workplace culture. From Airbnb's remarkable response to the LA wildfires to TikTok's controversial PTO policy, and Mark Zuckerberg's problematic comments about 'masculine energy' in tech - this episode unpacks the latest workplace trends shaping corporate America. End on a positive note with updates on minimum wage increases across 21 US states affecting over 9.2 million workers.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

Ryan Stygar, an employment lawyer known for his insights on TikTok, joins Harrison J Newman, VP of Employee Benefits at Corporate Synergies, to dissect the potential implications of a second Trump administration on workplaces. They explore shifts in labor rights, healthcare, and immigration, emphasizing the importance of proactive workplace culture. Topics include predicted changes in wage policies, the future of DEI initiatives, and concerns over weakened OSHA protections. The discussion paints a vivid picture of how political dynamics may shape the workforce landscape.