Tough Day Podcast

Work getting you down? Stuck in the grind and wondering if there's more to life than endless emails and meetings? In this episode of Tough Day, KVJ chats with bestselling author and workplace happiness expert Jenn Lim to uncover the secret to finding fulfillment—even in the most soul-sucking jobs. From redefining happiness to embracing the greenhouse model of self-growth, Jenn drops game-changing wisdom on how to create a work-life that actually works for you.In this episode, you will hear:Burnout 101: Why it happens and how to stop itThe difference between work-life balance vs. work-life alignmentHow to cultivate happiness at work—without faking itBurnout, boundaries, and why you’re exhausted (plus, how to fix it)AI, stress, and the fear of losing your job—how to stay aheadLearn more about Jenn Lim: Website: https://jennlim.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byjennlim/Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who knew? Curiosity isn’t just for cats—it’s the secret sauce for thriving leaders! In this episode, KVJ sits down with Mike O'Reilly—a former CFO turned executive coach—to explore how curiosity can fuel great leadership, create vibrant workplace cultures, and inspire personal growth. Mike dives into the transformative power of curiosity as both a value and a skill, sharing compelling stories, actionable insights, and practical advice for professionals at any stage of their career. With plenty of relatable moments and hands-on tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to level up their leadership game!In this episode, you will hear:Defining curiosity as a value and a skill.The role of curiosity in building trust, empathy, and engagement.Strategies for fostering curiosity in yourself and others.Tools for leaders to balance curiosity with action and execution.Frameworks to measure curiosity within organizations.Using values assessments to align personal and professional goals.Encouraging leaders to build psychological safety and seek genuine feedback.Learn more about Mike O'Reilly: LinkedIn (Mike O’Reilly): https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-o-reilly-tu/Website (The Preston Associates): https://www.theprestonassociates.com/LinkedIn (The Preston Associates): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-preston-associates/Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to decode the chaos of work in politically charged times? In this episode, host KVJ tackles the twists and turns of working through ever-changing political tides. Legal and workplace pros Benjamin Ebbink and Rick Grimaldi join the chat, unpacking upcoming shifts in workplace policies, labor relations, and the game-changing impact of AI on jobs. Plus, they dish out savvy strategies for navigating political divides in the office. Tune in for this essential discussion, your ultimate guide to thriving in any workplace, no matter how unpredictable it may be!In this episode, you will hear:Anticipated policy shifts under the Trump administration, such as labor laws and immigration reforms.The return-to-office push: cultural, legal, and practical implications.Balancing regulation and innovation in AI adoption.Do’s and Don’ts for leaders to adapt to policy and technological changes.How to prepare for workforce changes due to mergers, AI, and layoffs.Strategies for managers to foster respectful and collaborative environments.Learn more about  Rick Grimaldi & Ben Ebbink | Fisher PhillipsWebsite (Fisher Phillips): https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/index.htmlWebsite (Rick Grimaldi): https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/people/rick-grimaldi.html?tab=overviewWebsite ( Ben Ebbink): https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/people/benjamin-m-ebbink.html?tab=overviewLinkedIn (Ben Ebbink): https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminebbink/LinkedIn (Rick Grimaldi): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickegrimaldi/Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Workplace woes got you feeling stuck? In this episode of Tough Day, KVJ chats with workplace wizard Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward and one of Forbes' Future of Work 50. Brian brings 25 years of experience as a startup CEO and exec at Google and Slack to the table. He’s also worked with Future Forum and BCG and is the bestselling author of ‘How the Future Works.’  Together, they’re diving into the highs and lows of flexible work, employee engagement, and tackling real-world workplace challenges—like navigating the awkward happy hour invite or overcoming the isolation of remote work. Whether you’re a leader, a team player, or just someone dreaming of a co-working stipend, this episode has something for you. Listen and join the conversation about the future of work that works for everyone!In this episode, you will hear:How distributed work shaped Brian’s leadership approach decades before it was a trend.Why employees crave flexibility and autonomy—and how leaders can meet them halfway.Busting myths about productivity in remote vs. hybrid setups.How to combat feelings of isolation as a remote worker.What to do when your office is more “cubicle island” than collaborative space.Tips for team leaders: Anchor days, quarterly meetups, and boosting engagement.Learn more about Brian Elliott | Work ForwardWebsite: https://www.work-forward.co/LinkedIn (Brian Elliott): https://www.linkedin.com/in/belliottLinkedIn: (Work Forward): https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-forward-co/Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description: KVJ chats with Jill Unikel, Head of Product Management at Sapta, about building strong corporate cultures, navigating workplace challenges, and creating environments where diverse teams thrive.In this episode of the Tough Day, KVJ chats with Jill Unikel, Head of Product Management at Sapta, about the ins and outs of building an awesome corporate culture. Jill shares her inspiring journey from starting out as a temp to leading top-notch teams, dishing out practical tips on defining company values, keeping employees engaged, and making culture a real part of everyday work.Discover practical strategies like empowering leaders, leveraging tech, and celebrating wins, while also tackling tricky topics like managing multicultural teams and handling tough workplace dynamics.In this episode, you will hear:The role of storytelling in showcasing company culture during the hiring process. How leaders can serve as culture champions and inspire employees. Impact of subcultures within teams on broader organizational goals. Practical steps for employees to influence and shift workplace culture. Tips for managing polarizing topics and fostering inclusivity in diverse teams. Value of defining core values to guide decision-making and employee behavior. Strategies for using data and technology to personalize employee experiences.How to measure the ROI of a strong corporate culture through engagement and retention metrics. Learn more about Jill Unikel | Sapta IncWebsite: https://www.sapta.io/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jillunikel Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the intersection of creativity and innovation as KVJ chats with Craig Russell, former leader at Walt Disney Imagineering. Known for delivering groundbreaking attractions like Shanghai Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, Frozen-themed experiences, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Craig offers an insider’s perspective on crafting the seemingly impossible.Join us as Craig unpacks the messy yet rewarding process of creativity, the balance between bold ideas and business realities, and the magic of collaboration. He also shares leadership lessons from his time co-leading Imagineering and insights into fostering innovation in any workplace. Plus, we dive into his post-Disney journey, including advisory roles with creative companies like Meow Wolf. Whether you're a dreamer, a doer, or both, this episode is packed with inspiration for unleashing creativity under any constraint.In this episode, you will hear:Balancing risk, messiness, and brand alignment.Clear priorities: distinguishing between brand "deposits" and "withdrawals.How Imagineering integrates diverse teams for big betsStrategies for balancing innovation with practicality.Leadership transparency and prioritization’s role in fostering trust.How to get buy-in for bold ideas without watering them down.Managing creative frustrations under restrictive leadership.Learn more about Craig Russell | Walt Disney ImagineeringWebsite: https://sites.disney.com/waltdisneyimagineering/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-russell-36b73713/Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brace yourself for insights and laughs as KVJ and Alyene Schneidewind unpack the secrets to turning workplace woes into wins! In today’s episode, they dive into the art of building a performance-focused culture that thrives on honest feedback and continuous growth. Alyene shares her experiences as Chief Performance Officer, offering advice on navigating high-stakes projects, fostering accountability, and inspiring teams to aim higher. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned leader, you’ll find practical tips to make even the toughest days at work a little smoother.In this episode, you will hear:How to build a feedback-driven, performance-oriented culture. Tips for leading high-stakes projects and keeping your team motivated. Strategies for fostering accountability and aligning teams with company goals. Alyene’s insights on handling tough feedback and using it for growth. Practical ways to define and operationalize core company values.The role of a Chief Performance Officer in shaping a resilient workplace. Learn more about Alyene SchneidewindWebsite: https://www.logicmonitor.com/  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alyenes   Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KVJ chats with Colin Calvert, attorney and partner at Fisher Phillips, about making employee handbooks surprisingly engaging. He offers practical tips on how organizations can transform their handbooks from dry rulebooks into resources that feel more relatable and human.Get ready for a surprisingly fun deep dive into… employee handbooks! In this episode of Tough Day, KVJ chats with Colin Calvert—an attorney and partner at Fisher Phillips, a top international labor and employment law firm. Colin, a labor law expert, believes handbooks don’t have to be dull. He shares stories, surprising handbook history, and practical tips for making these workplace “rule books” more human and a lot less boring.Tune in to learn why handbooks matter and how they can be more than just “office wallpaper.”In this episode, you will hear:Discover how handbooks went from bare-bones manuals to culture-setters for companies.Why digital, easy-to-navigate handbooks are the way forward.How to integrate your company’s real culture and values.Advocating handbooks that don’t read like “rulebooks” Hybrid work models and AI-use policies making employee handbooks more dynamic than ever.Learn more about Colin CalvertWebsite: https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/people/colin-p-calvert.html?tab=overviewLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-calvert-09a43628Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, KVJ welcomes Joe Lazer, Fractional Head of Content at A.Team and bestselling co-author of The Storytelling Edge, along with Kully Jaswal, a career and executive coach and founder of Ignition Coaching LLC. Joe shares insights on storytelling in the workplace, while Kully draws from her 15 years of business experience to offer advice on resilience, emotional intelligence, and leadership communication.   Effective communication at work can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery! In this episode of the Tough Day, KVJ is joined by storytelling expert Joe Lazer and leadership coach Kully Jaswal to break down the real reasons behind workplace miscommunication.They share personal stories, actionable advice, and explore the impact of remote work on effective collaboration. Joe reveals how crafting the right narrative can unite teams, while Kully offers strategies for navigating tough conversations and building trust.Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to survive your inbox, this episode is packed with tips to improve your workplace communication skills! In this episode, you will hear:Real-life stories of workplace communication gone wrong (and right). Joe’s insights on using storytelling to build stronger teams. Kully’s expert advice on handling tough conversations with emotional intelligence. The impact of remote work on team communication and collaboration. Strategies for giving and receiving feedback effectively. How to create connection and trust with your colleagues, even in virtual settings.Role of leadership in crafting a clear and compelling vision. Learn more about Joe Lazer:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-lazer-lazauskas-8b442026 Website: https://www.a.team/  Learn more about Kully Jaswal:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kully-jaswal Website: https://www.ignition-coaching.com/ Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tough Day, KVJ interviews Lori Marcus, executive coach and board member, and Angelique Bellmer Krembs, advisor and board director, about the complexities of giving and receiving feedback. They share personal experiences, discussing both successful and uncomfortable feedback situations. They also cover how to build a culture of constructive feedback, address workplace biases, and improve communication strategies. Gain practical tips for navigating tough conversations and fostering professional growth.In this episode, you will hear: Overcoming the fear of giving difficult feedback. Real-life examples of feedback in high-pressure roles. The importance of specificity in feedback. How to balance positive and critical feedback. Strategies for managing feedback resistance. Gender differences in receiving and acting on feedback. Role of executive coaching in improving feedback skills. Tips for asking for and receiving feedback as a leader. Creating inclusive feedback rituals in teams.  Insights on managing upward feedback.Learn more about Lori Marcus    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/loritaubermarcus Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Should-Smile-More-Dismantle/dp/1947951521  Learn more about Angelique Bellmer Krembs | A.Team  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angeliquebellmerkrembs Website: https://www.a.team/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Should-Smile-More-Dismantle/dp/1947951521  Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day   Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.