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

Duena Blomstrom, co-founder of PeopleNotTech and author of Tech Led Culture, dives into the pressing issue of Human Debt in workplaces. She explains how unfulfilled emotional promises can lead to toxic cultures and disengagement among employees. Highlighting the critical need for emotional intelligence and genuine connections, Duena advocates for cultural shifts in organizations. She emphasizes that fostering psychological safety can boost creativity and productivity, offering actionable insights for creating healthier work environments.

Send us a textWe're back with New Week, New Headlines! Here's what we're talking about this week..Topic #1: Project 2025's Impacts to Workers: unpacks the conservative Project 2025 agenda and its potential ramifications for the Department of Labor and US workers. We tackle the intricate implications of a conservative policy proposal aimed at bolstering American workers and families. This segment raises thought-provoking questions about deregulation, union power, and the elimination of DEI mandates. We highlight specific changes like modifications to overtime pay and the contentious proposal to link time-and-a-half pay to working on the Sabbath, scrutinizing how these shifts could transform the American workplace. Topic #2: There's a Happiness Gap at Work: Mel's talking about the happiness gap and what we can do about it, given Fast Company's article, "There's a Happiness Gap at Work, Here's What We Learned From Leaders in Finland and Denmark - the Happiest Countries in the World". Purpose and trust emerge as central themes in our discussion on workplace dynamics. With a McKinsey report revealing that 70% of employees find their jobs define their sense of purpose, we address the growing gap between executives and frontline workers. Practical tips for leaders to foster purpose and trust are shared, from initiating meaningful dialogues about workplace purpose to ensuring equitable access to high-profile projects. 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 textFrom our LIVE event on Fishbowl...Let's talk about...ENVYYou know envy, that little green monster that likes to show up from time-to-time. 🔥 Maybe your co-worker got the promotion you've been waiting for for three years. 🔥 Maybe your college roommate made a billion dollars in tech and your back in your parents basement. 🔥 Or, maybe you find yourself hovering over the delete button of that very important presentation your teammate needs to deliver tomorrow. At work, envy shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone's jealousy. 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 the US, do you have a right to a safe, psychologically safe workplace? Because, right now, there is no legislation protecting employees from toxic work environments. None. Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Deb Falzoi and Vicky Courtemanche, founders of the End Workplace Abuse Initiative. They are spearheading efforts to implement the Workplace Psychological Safety Act in 20 states by 2025, aiming to protect employees from toxic work environments. Learn about their journey from being victims to advocates for change, emphasizing the need for accountability in combating workplace bullying. Gain insights into recognizing and addressing abuse, and discover practical strategies for creating healthier workspaces. Don't miss out on creating a culture of psychological safety at work.Check out: End Workplace Abuse: https://endworkplaceabuse.com/Sign the petition: https://endworkplaceabuse.com/sign-the-petition/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 are talking about Gluttony ...you know gluttony, that feeling of entitlement - to time, resources, office supplies. Maybe you think it is ok to spend 20-minutes of a 30-minute meeting talking about your weekend to your co-workers. Maybe you steal the free snacks before you head home from training.  Or, maybe you find yourself arguing with the same co-worker over resources for equally important projects at work. At work, gluttony shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about it. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone's appetite for overindulgence. About the "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series You want to know what really messes employees up? Raw human emotions. Listen, we ALL experience them from time to time (we totally have), but if you don't handle them well, man can they be deal breakers. In this series, we break down• The common spectrum of experiences with each 'sin', • We talk about real-life (kinda salacious stories) scenarios (yeah, this stuff happens every day), • How to not ‘commit’ the sin, and• Most importantly, how to deal with a sinnerDisclaimer: 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!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 textEver wondered how to handle that gaslighter or micromanager in your office? Join us as we explore these challenging workplace dynamics with Dr. Tessa West, a psychology professor at NYU and author of "Jerks at Work." Dr. West shares her journey from the high-end retail world to academia, offering practical advice and engaging anecdotes that illuminate the complex nature of dealing with difficult colleagues. You'll walk away with actionable strategies to not only survive but thrive in your professional environment.We highlight the significant impact of interpersonal relationships on your career, featuring discussions on the importance of nurturing meaningful connections beyond specific job contexts. Dr. West emphasizes how consistent networking can act as a safety net during career disruptions and offers insights into managing negative relationships effectively. Learn how to maintain professional composure, safeguard your reputation, and disengage from toxic colleagues without resorting to harmful tactics.Finally, we dissect the complexities of workplace culture and provide tips for navigating new job dynamics, especially in the first 90 days. Dr. West underscores the importance of gathering comprehensive information to avoid toxic work cultures and stresses the need for transparency and procedural justice in fostering a healthy work environment. Tune in for a compelling episode that not only identifies the jerks in your workplace but also equips you with the tools to excel in any professional setting. Don't forget to stay connected with us on TikTok and LinkedIn at yourworkfriendscom for more engaging content!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 textThis week, we're talking about...WRATH.Ever wonder 'what the hell is that person's problem? In this episode, we are talking about Wrath ...you know wrath, that fiery feeling that bubbles up in the pit of your stomach and you have to control your face? Maybe you lost it on your co-workers in a stressful meeting and things got awkward. Maybe you thought you were on mute but said 'this is dumb' out loud to 3000 people. Or, maybe you find yourself being the target of fury from a co-worker and you don't know why. At work, wrath shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about it. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone else directing their rage at you.About the "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series You want to know what really messes employees up? Raw human emotions. Listen, we ALL experience them from time to time (we totally have), but if you don't handle them well, man can they be deal breakers. In this series, we break down• The common spectrum of experiences with each 'sin', • We talk about real-life (kinda salacious stories) scenarios (yeah, this stuff happens every day), • How to not ‘commit’ the sin, and• Most importantly, how to deal with a sinnerDisclaimer: 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 textIt's not you, work has become a bit nutty.  And, the main reason - change. For the past 10 years, organizations have not only been incented and are, seemingly addicted to change and disrupting their companies. Mergers, acquisitions, new leadership teams, new technologies, new strategies, new, new, new.   How do we get to this place where it really feels like we're all working constantly in a cult of disruption?So, we called in our Friend,  leadership expert consultant and author of several books, but the latest book, The Problem With Change, Ashley Goodall.   And, it turns out, all of that change we've experienced (and continue to experience at an accelerated rate) is not only bad for bottom lines, it suuuuuucks for humans.  With Ashley, we jammed about:The current state of disruption in the workplace aka "life in the blender"How constant change impacts humans and businesses What humans need to be innovative; creative; maximize performanceHow leaders can break the cult of disruption and provide stability About AshleyDrawing on two decades spent leading HR organizations at Deloitte and Cisco, Ashley Goodall reveals why change is not the same as improvement, and how, by prioritizing team cohesion (instead of reshuffling teams at will), by using real words (rather than corporate-speak), by sharing secrets (not mission statements), by fixing only the things that are truly broken (instead of moving fast and breaking everything in sight, and more, leaders at every level can create the stability that people need to thrive.We HIGHLY recommend reading Ashley's Books: The Problem With Change and The Essential Nature of Human Performance 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 textThis week, we're talking about...Lust. Lust...you know lust, that feeling of butterflies when walking into the office.  Maybe you have a simple crush with your lunch buddy. Maybe you're finding yourself going 4-years deep into their IG and accidentally hitting like. Or, maybe you find yourself receiving random notes from Chris in IT. At work, lust shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone's unwanted attention and affection.About the "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series You want to know what really messes employees up? Raw human emotions. Listen, we ALL experience them from time to time (we totally have), but if you don't handle them well, man can they be deal breakers. In this series, we break down• The common spectrum of experiences with each 'sin', • We talk about real-life (kinda salacious stories) scenarios (yeah, this stuff happens every day), • How to not ‘commit’ the sin, and• Most importantly, how to deal with a sinnerDisclaimer: 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 understanding your physiological reactions to stress could transform your leadership style and how you show up at work and in life?This compelling episode with Mindful Leadership experts Carissa Ricci and Aurora Myers dives into the essence of mindful leadership in the workplace. Our guests share their journey and expertise on integrating mindfulness and mental health practices into corporate culture, emphasizing the significance of showing up as your full self at work. By embracing self-awareness, leaders can harness their best selves, fostering healthier and more effective team dynamics.We'll cover: Aurora and Carissa's Career Journeys Understanding Mindful Leadership Why Mindful Leadership is Important, Especially Now Small Moves Employees can Make Small Moves Managers & Leaders Can Make How to Establish a Deep Mindful Leadership Practice Challenges Folks Can FaceThe ROI Join us as we explore practical strategies for embedding mindfulness into everyday work life, even in the smallest moments. This episode is packed with insights and practical advice to help you lead a more fulfilling professional and personal life.About Aurora & Carissa About Aurora Myers: For 13 years, Aurora has studied and taught stress-management through the integration of applied yoga & mindfulness principles. She is deeply passionate about translating frameworks into proactive, relevant & accessible practices to combat modern stressors within a variety of contexts, from mindful executive leadership to personal development.About Carissa Ricci:  For over 15 years, Carissa has created experiences and tools designed to help people learn and grow. In her nine years in Talent Development at NIKE, she developed programs to help leaders, managers, and employees find their way and become the best versions of themselves for their teams and peers. She has witnessed the impact of what great coaching can do and gets energy from helping other people discover (and rediscover) their spark About IGNITE:  Curious about how to start your Mindful Leadership journey? Join Carissa & Aurora at IGNITE thru Workshops & In Person Retreats 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