
Fast Company Daily
Stories, tips, and advice on how employees, managers, and businesses are working smarter, all from Fast Company and all in less than five minutes each weekday.
Latest episodes

Jul 21, 2025 • 6min
What every manager should know about ADHD
Dive into the world of neurodiversity, where the strengths of individuals with ADHD, like creativity and resilience, are celebrated. Learn how effective communication and a culture of psychological safety can empower employees. Discover the importance of tailored support strategies, such as regular breaks, to help those with ADHD thrive at work. This enlightening discussion encourages leaders to recognize and embrace the unique cognitive fingerprints of their team members.

Jul 18, 2025 • 6min
How to banish toxic positivity at work
Explore the hidden dangers of toxic positivity in the workplace and its effect on employee wellbeing. Discover how it can undermine productivity and create a superficial culture. Learn five effective strategies to foster genuine emotional expression and open communication among colleagues, enhancing overall workplace morale. It's time to embrace authenticity for a healthier work environment!

Jul 17, 2025 • 8min
Is poor communication stunting your company’s growth?
In today’s hybrid work environment, effective communication is a game-changer for business growth. The discussion reveals how communication silos can hinder progress and emphasizes the need for cohesive strategies. Five key tactics are shared to enhance organizational communication, culture, and team performance. By addressing communication gaps, companies can foster a more engaged workforce and prevent miscommunication, ultimately leading to greater success.

Jul 16, 2025 • 8min
Managers think employees should take a break from work—but they don’t promote the ones who do
Navigating work-life balance has become increasingly challenging, as many employees feel pressured to stay committed even while needing breaks. The detachment paradox reveals conflicting views on taking time off and its impact on career advancement. Insights from a CEO shed light on the importance of mental health and the necessity of cultural shifts in organizations. Listeners will discover why supporting employee well-being can lead to a more productive work environment.

Jul 15, 2025 • 9min
How to battle work intensification
Explore the rising challenge of work intensification that many employees face today. A CEO shares valuable insights on managing overwhelming workloads and emotional stress. Discover effective strategies to improve productivity and workplace dynamics. Highlights include the significance of communication and priority-setting to combat burnout. Practical advice aims to foster a healthier work environment for everyone.

Jul 14, 2025 • 8min
The real workplace threat isn’t AI. It’s leadership disconnect
The discussion reveals that the real threat to workplaces isn't AI, but rather a disconnect between leaders and employees. Effective leadership is crucial for navigating today's challenges, especially as technology evolves. There's a vital need for leaders to prioritize human connections and employee engagement over hastily adopting AI solutions. The podcast highlights the negative impact of this disconnect on business performance and underscores the importance of trust in fostering a productive work environment.

Jul 11, 2025 • 8min
5 reasons why innovation fails—and what to do about it
Innovation can stumble for a variety of reasons, and understanding these pitfalls is crucial. Leadership commitment and effective communication are vital for success. Aligning innovations with what the market truly needs can significantly enhance outcomes. Every team member, from the stockroom clerk to the senior design engineer, can contribute valuable ideas if they feel empowered. Practical strategies are explored to create a thriving innovation culture within organizations.

Jul 10, 2025 • 7min
Stop trying to ‘feel confident’
Confidence isn’t just a feeling; it’s all about behavior. Discover how acting confidently can lead to genuine assurance over time. The discussion includes practical tools to enhance communication skills, illustrated through the story of a marketing executive. Learn effective drills to boost both your verbal and physical confidence. Transform your approach to self-assurance by focusing on actions rather than emotions!

11 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 9min
The best leaders know how to ask the right questions. Here’s a model that can help you do just that
Leaders are encouraged to embrace curiosity for effective decision-making. The Curiosity Curve illustrates the shift from closed-mindedness to openness. Four pathways—imagining, empathizing, experimenting, and enlisting—are presented as tools to cultivate curiosity. By adopting these practices, leaders can foster collaboration and diverse perspectives within their teams. This approach not only enhances leadership effectiveness but also drives organizational growth.

Jul 8, 2025 • 6min
How to keep a workplace functioning in the face of layoffs
Layoffs are on the rise, with record-breaking numbers in 2025, prompting leaders to rethink their strategies. Compassion and transparency emerge as key elements for maintaining morale and productivity during tough times. The conversation dives into effective communication and respectful treatment of departing employees, highlighting the importance of retaining top talent. Additionally, the challenges in incentive programs are addressed, as organizations seek to keep high performers engaged amidst uncertainty.