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

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.

Send us a textJoin Mel and Francesca, your workplace insiders, as they break down the biggest workplace news affecting your career and wallet. This week: Major developments in overtime pay as Texas courts strike down new federal rules, shocking new data about the salary Americans say they need to feel successful ($270K!), and the latest research on paid family leave that could change your benefits. Plus, the childcare crisis hitting working parents harder than ever.🔍 In this episode:Breaking: Texas federal court invalidates nationwide overtime exemption rulesNew DOL research reveals only 27% of workers have paid family leaveThe real cost of childcare vs. rent in 2024Why Gen Z says they need $500K to feel successfulWhich companies are stepping up for part-time workersInside Portillo's innovative corporate staffing strategyYour Work Friends delivers no-nonsense workplace news, salary insights, and career strategy you can actually use. Perfect for professionals navigating corporate and workplaces in America who want to stay ahead of workplace trends and protect their careers.New episodes every week. Subscribe for the latest in workplace news, labor laws, salary trends, and corporate culture.#WorkplaceNews #CareerAdvice #CorporateAmerica #SalaryTalk #WorkLife #HRNews #Leadership #WorkTrends #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceCulture"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 a world obsessed with productivity, could play be your team's secret weapon?Brandon Wetzstein has helped transform teams at major organizations by tapping into the power of strategic play. In this episode, he breaks down why traditional "serious" approaches often lead to mediocre solutions, and how structured play can break through conventional thinking to unlock breakthrough ideas.Key Episode Highlights: [00:03:45] Why NASA and Google use play-based methods for complex problems [00:12:30] The psychology behind why play creates psychological safety [00:18:20] How one leadership team resolved long-standing conflicts through play [00:25:15] Practical techniques for introducing play in traditional environments [00:35:40] The science of why play leads to better solutions than conventional methodsWhether you're:Leading a team through transformationLooking to drive innovation in a traditional industryTrying to break down silos between departmentsBuilding psychological safety in your teamThis episode provides actionable strategies for using play as a serious business tool.Featured Guest: Brandon Wetzstein, founder of In8 Create, certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, and expert in using play-based methodologies for organizational transformation.Resources Mentioned:Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn In8 Create Book: "Play" by Dr. Stuart BrownLEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodologyTags: workplace innovation, leadership development, team building, organizational psychology, corporate culture, professional development, business strategy, team communication, change management, employee engagementDisclaimer: 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 Is Making 71% of Workers Less Productive: The Truth About Tech Burnout + Why You Need $1.6M to RetireWe're tackling tackle two major workplace challenges:AI & Burnout: We expose alarming new research that shows a massive disconnect between executives and workers when it comes to AI. While 96% of leaders are betting big on AI to boost productivity, 71% of employees report it's actually making them less productive and more stressed. We unpack five hidden digital stressors that are burning out today's workforce and share real solutions for managing the tech overwhelm. Plus, find out why Gen Z – our most tech-savvy generation – is actually the most anxious about AI's impact.The Retirement Crisis: Brace yourself: we reveal why the average American now needs $1.6M to retire comfortably – and that number keeps climbing for younger generations. We break down exactly how much each generation needs to save (Gen Z, you might want to sit down for this), and count down the surprising best states for retirement in 2024. Is traditional retirement even realistic anymore? We get honest about what retirement might actually look like for millennials and beyond, plus share practical strategies for planning your financial future - like moving to Delaware. Whether you're drowning in AI tools or wondering if you'll ever be able to retire, we've got the data, the insights, and the real talk you need to hear.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

Explore the striking findings revealing that young women endure double the ageism compared to their male counterparts. Discover the staggering $1,200 monthly costs of return-to-office policies for employees. Delve into the surprising trend of companies offering divorce benefits to boost employee wellness and productivity. Personal anecdotes highlight the ongoing struggles for gender equality and the resilience of women tackling corporate America's outdated norms. It’s a blend of serious dialogue and lighthearted discussions!

Send us a textIn this episode of Your Work Friends, Francesca and Mel dive into the long-term impacts of corporate layoffs and the crucial role of trust in AI adoption. They discuss recent research revealing how layoffs can damage employee morale, engagement, and company recovery for up to 24 months. We also explore Fortune's findings on how top European companies are building trust to facilitate AI integration, highlighting the importance of fair compensation, talent mobility, and transparent communication. With real-world examples from Spotify, Stellantis, and Salesforce, this episode offers valuable insights for both employees and leaders navigating today's rapidly changing workplace landscape. Tune in for a mix of expert analysis, practical advice, ah-has and ha-has as Francesca and Mel break down these critical workplace trends.We referenced: The Long-Term Costs of Layoffs - HBRCutting Too Much: When HR needs to pump the brakes on layoffsCompanies that announced major layoffs and hiring freezes - IntellizencePublic WARN trackerThe Best 100 Companies - FortuneDisclaimer: 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