
Dear Workplace
Reimagine how you thrive at work through conversations that matter. Hosted by workplace creativity expert Monica H. Kang, we’ll study the latest trends, changes, and challenges to untangle workplace people problems. We’ll talk with executives, innovators, and experts and visit different industries around the world so that you get first dibs into the changing workforce. InnovatorsBox is a creative global leadership firm launched in 2016. Our mission is to unlock creativity for all so everyone can thrive no matter where they work. Subscribe to our newsletter at innovatorsbox.com
Latest episodes

Jul 4, 2024 • 26min
S3 E21: More Time for Sleep, Please | Rethinking Healthy Sleep Patterns
Did your smart watch tell you that you didn't get enough sleep? Well today's guest is here to tell you that data is not complete. Meet Dr. Russell G. Foster, the Head of the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology and of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford. In other words, he has thought a lot about sleep and the science of it for a long time! In his studies he has uncovered the issues with trying to find a “one-size solution for all" solution to sleep challenges, and wants to help us rethink how we understand our rest for better wellness. Discover how to better measure your sleep and understand the impacts on our brain when we don’t get enough of it. Join us at Dear Workplace as we delve into this final episode on the science of sleep and how you can rethink you and your team's wellness. Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.

Jun 27, 2024 • 24min
S3 E20: More Time for Sleep, Please | Understanding its Powers
Sleep is crucial, yet as busy professionals and leaders, achieving quality rest can feel challenging. Today, our guest Nicolas Decat, a Paris-based PhD student, will shed light on why we need to rethink our approach to sleep to thrive in both work and life. We'll explore Decat's research on the science of sleep and creativity. Join us on Dear Workplace as we delve into the methods and insights of sleep research, reimagining how we prioritize rest amidst our busy lives. Welcome to more good sleep! Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.

Jun 20, 2024 • 25min
S3 E19: Why Diversity in Supply Chain Matters with Kristin Malek
How does diversity drive value in business and the supply chain? Supplier diversity leaders offer a wealth of insights, yet this field often remains overlooked. Join me in the coming weeks as we explore key questions: Why is supplier diversity overlooked? How does it benefit companies and communities? And how can we lead more effectively? Our first guest is Kristin Malek, based in Chicago, a veteran in supplier diversity with two decades of experience. Kristin shares her journey, starting as a mother advocating for her disabled daughter, and now as Global Director of Business Diversity at CDW, reshaping perceptions of value, diversity, and innovation. Tune in to Dear Workplace for this vital conversation. Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.

Jun 13, 2024 • 36min
S3 E18: Rethink Leadership by Rethinking How We Train
Learning shapes leadership, but how we learn is equally crucial. In today's discussion, I'm joined by Ross Robinson from St. George, Utah, who specializes in training leaders and trainers. Drawing from his global experiences and diverse upbringing, Ross emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are, especially in training, sales, and people development. As Head of Client Success at Accelerate Performance Sales Consulting, he leads global clients and coaches in reimagining people development. Tune in to Dear Workplace to gain valuable insights. Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.

Jun 6, 2024 • 33min
S3 E17: Rethink Leadership by Rethinking How We Empower Parents and Leaders
Leadership evolves, especially when we become parents. But this transition isn't often discussed. How can we navigate this new terrain more effectively? We sat down with Nicola Fitzpatrick, Director of Operations at Medtronic in St.Paul, Minnesota to explore her journeys as a leader and as a parent. Join us on Dear Workplace as we delve into these important conversations about balancing leadership and parenthood in male-dominated industries and communities. Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.

May 23, 2024 • 42min
S3 E16: Why M&As Are Tough All the Time | Disrupt the Market by Democratizing M&A
I've often found the mergers and acquisition (M&A) process to be expensive and exclusive, leaving many unsure of where to start or how to succeed. Like dating, it's about finding the right partners and building a dream team, whether you're buying or selling a company. And let's not forget about culture – M&As in the United States, Asia, and Europe all come with unique challenges. Enter Marcus Yeung, Founder & CEO of SEAbridge Partners and Co-founder of match.asia. With over 30 years of experience in every aspect of M&As, Marcus has seen it all. From his beginnings as a banker in London to his current role in Singapore, he shares his passion for this complex yet human space and his vision for disrupting the industry. Join us on Dear Workplace to learn how Marcus and his team are democratizing the M&A process with match.asia. Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.

May 16, 2024 • 42min
S3 E15: Why M&As are Tough All the Time | Start with People
About 70-90 percent of mergers and aquisitions (M&As) fail within their first year. Why? Despite being a longstanding business strategy, M&As continue to stumble. In the coming weeks, we'll explore this complex world and uncover why M&As are so challenging, and how we can improve. Our first guest in this series is Jennifer J. Fondrevay, known as the "M&A Whisperer." With three M&A experiences in major global companies, Jennifer identified patterns that define M&A success or failure. Her key insight? It all starts with prioritizing people. Join us on Dear Workplace by InnovatorsBox to learn how to transform your M&A journey into a success story. Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.

May 9, 2024 • 26min
S3 E14: Falling in Love with Korean Culture with Sam Paik
After years in finance and business, Sam Paik noticed a troubling trend: overwork starting from childhood. Reflecting on the importance of childhood play and creativity, Sam saw a gap in the next generation's access to these vital experiences. Determined to make a change, he founded several education-focused companies, including Momo Camp. As a serial entrepreneur and educator, Sam is on a mission to revolutionize education, fostering environments where learning, play, and self-expression thrive. Momo Camp, his latest venture, offers a unique opportunity to experience Korea and delve into its history, addressing a significant gap in global education. Join us on Dear Workplace to discover Sam's inspiring journey and his vision for reshaping education and youth programs. Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.

May 2, 2024 • 47min
S3 E13: Falling in Love with Korean Culture with Noona's Noonchi
Have you ever found yourself moved to tears while watching a K-drama? You're not alone, and our guest today is here to explain why! Therapist Jeanie Y. Chang recognized the importance of mental well-being, yet found existing information too clinical and distant. Combining her expertise as a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified clinical trauma professional, Jeanie noticed how conversations about storytelling and K-dramas often broke barriers. Thus, Noona's Noonchi was born. Through Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and even in-person tours in Korea, Jeanie's K-drama and mental health content has resonated with over 68k followers, offering a refreshing approach to mental wellness. Join us on Dear Workplace to learn more about how we can rethink mental health through the lens of K-drama and fun. Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.

Apr 25, 2024 • 49min
S3 E12: Falling in Love with Korean Culture with Talk to Me in Korean
Anyonghaseyo! 안녕하세요! We're thrilled to welcome our guest today, Hyunwoo Sun, Founder and CEO of Talk To Me in Korean (TTMIK). Hyunwoo began his Korean language educational services in 2009, recognizing a gap in language learning options. Starting with a meetup in Seoul, he observed limitations in available tools. Understanding the transformative power of language, Hyunwoo aimed to make learning Korean fun, easy, and accessible. Today, TTMIK is a leading Korean language service, with 1.4 million users across 190 countries enjoying their textbooks, YouTube videos, podcasts, and more. Join us on Dear Workplace! Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.
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