

Your Work Friends | Fresh Insights on the Now and Next of Work
Mel Plett & Francesca Ranieri
We break down the now and next of work. You stay ahead.Its not just you - work is bonkers. Burnout is high, trust is low, and everything is changing at breakneck speed. Friend-to-friend? We get it. We're in it. And we're here to guide you through it. We’re two leadership insiders—and real-life friends—who’ve led teams, sat in the tough seats, and know first hand how fast, complex, and personal work has become. Every week, we break down what’s happening at work and to work, taking you behind the scenes of what's happening now, and preparing you for what you'll see in 6 months. We're bringing you breaking news, workplace trends, and interviews with top experts shaping the future of work. We cover what’s changing so you don’t get left behind.Join us for smart, unfiltered (with the occasional f*bomb or two) conversations about how work is evolving and what you can do about it.Great for: • Employees rethinking their careers and trying to navigate what comes next• People leaders shaping culture and driving change while getting the work done• Orgs wanting to build smarter, more profitable, more human workplaces• Anyone craving more honest and practical conversations about the future of workTopics we cover:Future of work, leadership, workplace culture, team dynamics, change management, human-centered strategy, layoffs, burnout, performance, career growth, workplace news, workplace humor, and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 10, 2024 • 49min
🔥 #6: Sloth - From Our Fishbowl LIVE "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series
Send us a textHelp a friend? Tell us how we're doing (we're seriously curious) by filing out this short (seriously, short) survey: https://forms.gle/VG19hQRLy8bCyFMS6ABOUT THE EPISODE: From our Fishbowl LIVE series, the "7 Deadly Work Sins", we bring you the #6th sin, SLOTH …You know sloth, that feeling of apathy, laziness, like you just don't want to be here. Maybe you slacked off on contributing to a project and let your co-workers carry the load. Maybe you keep blowing past your deadlines, and wait until something is due to share you need more time. Or, maybe you find yourself picking up the work of your teammate who routinely drops the ball. At work, sloth 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 lack of motivation and ownership. ABOUT "THE 7 DEADLY" 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

Sep 10, 2024 • 54min
🔥 #5: Greed - From Our Fishbowl LIVE "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series
Send us a textHelp a friend? Tell us how we're doing (we're seriously curious) by filing out this short (seriously, short) survey: https://forms.gle/VG19hQRLy8bCyFMS6ABOUT THE EPISODE: From our Fishbowl LIVE series, "The 7 Deadly Work Sins", we bring you sin #5: GREED. You know greed...that feeling of nothing is ever good enough and you need more - the title, the money, the accolades. Maybe you take full credit for the team project to promote yourself. Maybe you find yourself unwilling to share information with the one colleague because you don't want them to have a leg up on you. Or, maybe you find yourself being talked over in meetings and not getting the credit you deserve.At work, greed 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 taking from you. ABOUT "THE 7 DEADLY" 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

Sep 4, 2024 • 33min
New Week, New Headlines: Office Therapists on Payroll, Is Wellbeing Fixable & Don't Leave Teammates on Mountains
Send us a textThe work news just doesn't quit - here's what we're talking about....WTF News: Two stories that had us going, WTF?! WellsFargo employee dies at her desk. Co-workers don't find her for four days. Four.Teammate gets stranded on the side of a mountain during a work-sponsored team building event. Can we stop with the mountaineering already?Office Therapists on the Payroll Wall Street Journal reported on the latest employer to bring in the latest solution for mental health wellbeing - on-site, office therapists. Is this the cure for mental health in the workplace? We discuss. We referenced: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/in-office-therapy-benefit-synchrony-financial-83ab814eIs Wellbeing Fixable? US workplace wellbeing continues to decline according to the latest findings from John Hopkins and Gallup. We referencedHR Grapevine: US Workplace Wellbeing in decline, study findsUS News Work Stress May Help Bring On A-FibHow to Implement Wellbeing as a Strategic Priority at the Org Level with GallupEmployee Wellbeing Hinges on Management, Not Work ModeJohns Hopkins Study: Well-Being at Work: Fostering a Healthy Climate for AllJournal of the American Heart AssociationDisclaimer: 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

Aug 27, 2024 • 56min
How Socioeconomic Status Impacts Work w/Brayden Olson, Co-Founder of Almas Insight
Brayden Olson, co-founder of Almas Insight and author of "Twilight of the Idols," dives into the complex web of socioeconomic status and its profound impact on life opportunities. He shares eye-opening personal anecdotes revealing how access to education and career paths often hinges on inherited resources, not just hard work. The discussion also highlights how technology and leadership can either reinforce or dismantle these inequities. Olson advocates for awareness and reform, emphasizing the need for empathy and inclusivity in addressing systemic biases.

Aug 20, 2024 • 28min
New Week, New Headlines: Why Are So Many Executive Women Quitting? & Work Resorts and Remote CEOs
Send us a textThis week, we're talking about... Why Are So Many Executive Women Quitting? We tackle the unsettling trend of women leaders stepping down from Ivy League presidencies amid intense scrutiny. This concerning pattern highlights the persistent gender biases in leadership roles across academia and corporate America. As we dig into statistics from the Chronicle of Higher Education and discuss findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace Report, we underscore the need for systemic change. Work Resorts and Remote CEOs There are two stories getting heat in the great 'office debate:One: Introducing..."work resorts" where office spaces are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and offer additional layers of hospitality to get folks back to the office. Will it work or is this 2024's answer to the ping pong table?Two: Starbucks and Victoria's Secret welcomed new CEOs who will also be working 'remotely'. Begging the question about fairness of remote work policies, especially when CEOs work remotely while expecting their employees to adhere to in-office requirements. This disparity can create negative optics and affect employee morale.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

Aug 13, 2024 • 38min
How to Reduce Human Debt in the Workplace w/ Duena Blomstrom Co-Founder of PeopleNotTech & Tech Led Culture Author
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.

Aug 6, 2024 • 32min
New Week, New Headlines: Project 2025's Impacts to Workers & There's a Happiness Gap at Work
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

Aug 1, 2024 • 48min
🔥 #4: Envy - From Our Fishbowl LIVE "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series
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

Jul 23, 2024 • 35min
How to End Workplace Abuse w/ "Workplace Psychological Safety Act" Authors and End Workplace Abuse Founders, Deb Falzoi & Vicki Courtemanche
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

Jul 17, 2024 • 56min
🔥 #3: Gluttony - From Our Fishbowl LIVE "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series
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