The ScienceForWork Podcast

How does people analytics create real value in organizations?In this episode of the ScienceForWork Podcast, host Matt Lampe is joined by Colby Kennedy-Nesbitt for a thoughtful conversation about how people analytics can move beyond reporting and measurement to support better decisions and action at work.Drawing on evidence-based insights from I/O psychology and real-world practice, Colby shares a grounded perspective on how engagement data and analytics actually show up inside organizations, and where teams often struggle to translate insight into meaningful change.Together, they explore:Why engagement is better understood as a system rather than a single scoreHow and where analytics efforts tend to lose momentum between insight and actionHow organizational context, including size and maturity, shapes effective people analyticsThe role of communication and storytelling in helping leaders make sense of data without diluting the scienceThis episode is designed for leaders, HR partners, and practitioners who are interested in thoughtfully developing their use of people data over time, and in using evidence to support clearer sensemaking, stronger decisions, and more meaningful outcomes at work.Resources:Colby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-kennedy-nesbitt-phd-0824b979/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com

What is the real purpose of people analytics, and how do we move from interesting insights to existential impact?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, host Matt Lampe talks with Cole Napper, a leader in people analytics, about what it takes to recenter analytics around value and relevance. They discuss how the field can reconnect to business impact, what it means to build existential value, and how data, AI, and labor-market intelligence are reshaping the way organizations make decisions.Together, they examine what happens when evidence becomes action and action creates learning, reflecting the mission of ScienceForWork: bridging research and practice to #MakeWorkBetter.ResourcesCole's website: www.colenapper.comCole's Book: www.colenapper.com/bookDirectionally Correct podcast: https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.comScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com

What if the biggest challenge with AI in the workplace isn’t the technology, but the uncertainty it creates about who we are and how we contribute?In this episode of ScienceForWork, host Matt Lampe talks with organizational psychologists Josh Prasad and Neil Morelli about how AI is reshaping expectations across diverse organizations.Beneath the pace of change, many are quietly wrestling with something deeper: the fear of falling behind or being replaced. From role ambiguity and identity disruption to the pressure leaders feel to move before they’re ready, this conversation explores how people and systems are being asked to adapt before there is a shared understanding of what’s changing or why.Resources: LinkedIn (Josh): https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-prasad-phd/LinkedIn (Neil): https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmorelli/https://www.workplacelabs.io/Information & Waitlist for Josh & Neil's AI for Employee Listening Course: https://www.workplacelabs.io/courses/aiforemployeelisteningScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com

What if the way we think about workplace change is missing something essential?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, Matt talks with Dr. Paul Mastrangelo, organizational consultant and founder of First Domino Consulting. Paul brings a behavioral science lens to the challenge of organizational change, and offers practical strategies to help leaders move beyond intention and actually shift behavior.We explore why familiar frameworks often fall short, what really drives the adoption of new ways of working, and how Paul’s approach, Infectious Change Design, draws from psychology, product design, and healthcare to make change more human, scalable, and effective.Whether you're leading a transformation or helping a team adapt to something new, this episode offers evidence-based insights and tools for shaping meaningful change.Resources:Paul Mastrangelo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmastrangelo/First Domino Consulting: https://www.firstdominoconsulting.comScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.

What if we could predict turnover, long absences, or burnout before they happen?In this episode, we explore work ability, a concept rooted in occupational health that is gaining traction in I/O psychology, workforce strategy, and leadership development.Our guest is Dave Cadiz, PhD, a behavioral scientist and consultant, who unpacks the research behind work ability and its growing impact on how organizations think about workforce sustainability.Whether you are in HR, I/O, or people strategy, this episode offers practical insights into how we define and support sustainable work.If you enjoy this episode, consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with a colleague. Visit scienceforwork.com to learn more or get involved.Resources:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecadiz/https://theaimconsulting.com/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.

What if the reason people leave your organization has less to do with pay or benefits, and far more to do with how they’re treated?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, we're joined by Dr. Mark Nagy for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on the science and practice of civility in the workplace.Backed by research and real stories, this conversation offers practical ways to rethink how we treat each other at work, and why it matters more than we think.Resources:https://scienceforwork.com/Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusmgmt/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.

What actually makes leadership effective? In this episode, we explore why context, fit, and behavioral feedback matter more than checklists or credentials.In this episode, we're joined by Kevin Impelman, Principal Consultant at Summit Leadership Partners, to unpack the practical side of leadership—how to select, support, and develop leaders in ways that actually align with what the organization needs. From private equity to executive coaching, Kevin shares actionable insights from over 20 years in the field.Whether you’re in HR, consulting, or senior leadership, this episode challenges one-size-fits-all models and emphasizes the power of feedback, context, and tailored development.Resources:Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinimpelman/Connect with Summit Leadership Partners: https://www.summitleadership.com/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com

What does evidence-based look like, once you’re inside the organization?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, we're joined by Michael Vodianoi. Michael shares what he’s learned after transitioning from consulting and assessment development to an internal leadership role in a large organization.We talk about how evidence-based practice shows up in real decisions—not just slide decks—and what it takes to balance rigor with relevance. From learning through lived experience to reframing what “expertise” actually means, this episode is a candid look at how applied behavioral science can support people, not just process.Whether you’re internal, external, or somewhere in between, this episode helps reframe what it means to be science-informed in the real world.Resources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvodianoi/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com

In this episode of the ScienceForWork Podcast, our host, Dr. Matt Lampe, is joined by Dr. Teira Wilson. Dr. T shares her journey into the field of digital accessibility, emphasizing its importance in creating inclusive environments. She discusses the difference between compliance and genuine inclusion, the need for a shift in mindset towards accessibility, and the various tools and resources available for organizations. Dr. T also highlights her book on document accessibility and the role of AI in supporting accessibility efforts. The conversation underscores the critical need for awareness and proactive measures in making digital spaces accessible to all.Resources:Dr Teira's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teira-wilson/Dr Teira's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Plain-Sight-Document-Accessibility/dp/B0F7X8Z38FScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter. ​https://ScienceForWork.com

What if the key to stronger allyship is simply starting with partnership?In this episode of the ScienceForWork Podcast, our host, Dr. Matt Lampe, is joined by organizational psychologist Dr. Victoria Mattingly, who shares why allyship isn’t a title—it’s a behavior. We explore how genuine inclusion occurs through partnership, not saviorism, and why allyship must be fluid, intentional, and collaborative.You’ll hear:Why most allyship efforts overlook the partner side of the equationHow behavior, not identity, defines inclusionThe 3 traits of great allies (and great partners)What organizations can do to make allyship stickDr. Mattingly also shares insights from her upcoming book, which flips the script on how we support one another across differences—and why that reframe matters now more than ever. ResourcesLearn more: mattinglysolutions.comPreorder the book: mattinglysolutions.com/allyshipConnect with Dr. V on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vpmattinglyScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter. ​https://ScienceForWork.com