WorkCookie - Get Ahead with Industrial/Organizational Psychology in the Workplace

We stepped back and examined the patterns, progress, and pivots that shaped your professional growth in 2025, while also exploring how to leverage your strengths, values, and goals in your career. In this episode:  Dr. Heather Morton, Tom Bradshaw, Nic Krueger, Rich Cruz, Dr. Emi Barresi, LindaAnn Rogers, Asif Haider, Staci Lee    I/O Career Accelerator Course: https://www.seboc.com/job Visit us https://www.seboc.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/sebocLI Join an open-mic event: https://www.seboc.com/events

A second byte of episode 242: AI Robots and Human-Centered Workforce. We’re continuing the conversation on the topic of the year. We'll explore how technology can amplify, not replace, what makes us uniquely human. In this episode:  Nic Krueger, Tom Bradshaw, Rich Cruz, Staci Lee, Lee Crowson, Kat Ortiz, Dr. Emi Barresi I/O Career Accelerator Course: https://www.seboc.com/job Visit us https://www.seboc.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/sebocLI Join an open-mic event: https://www.seboc.com/events

This engaging discussion features Lee, a seasoned workplace commentator known for his insights on attention and multitasking, alongside Dr. Kim, an expert in empathy and emotional intelligence. They explore cognitive agility, emphasizing the importance of reframing change rather than merely reacting to it. Lee debunks the multitasking myth and advocates for focus-enhancing strategies. Dr. Kim highlights the role of empathy in leading effectively, underscoring how soft skills are vital in navigating today's complexities.

Dr. Emmy, an I/O practitioner with expertise in tech and people practices, joins career advisor Linda Ann Rogers to discuss transitioning from education to real-world I/O roles. They explore building confidence and identifying meaningful career paths amidst uncertainty. Dr. Emmy emphasizes the importance of secondary skills, while Linda shares insights on aligning passion with career choices. Both guests highlight the value of networking, volunteering, and continuous learning as vital tools for early-career professionals seeking to thrive in the field.

Explore the vital concept of human-centric leadership as a necessity in our tech-driven era. Discover the innovative HEARTH model, emphasizing empathy and ethical decision-making for leaders. Delve into the challenges of workforce automation and the importance of reskilling, while maintaining human connection. Hear insights on balancing profit and purpose in organizations, and the implications of AI on society. This exploration highlights how understanding human dynamics is essential for shaping a sustainable future in leadership.

In this discussion, Dr. Tom Ulrich, an engineering leader and author of *Leading Engineers*, shares insights from his extensive career in medical device software. He reveals the challenges engineers face when transitioning to leadership, emphasizing essential soft skills like communication and humility. Tom explains how to balance technical credibility with influence and highlights the importance of fostering collaboration among teams. He also discusses coaching reluctant engineers into leadership and sustaining their growth through continuous learning.

Dr. Karen Mishra, a leader in business administration and co-author of books on trustworthy leadership, discusses how leaders can foster a culture of trust. She emphasizes the importance of reliability, openness, and compassion in leadership. Mishra shares powerful examples, such as leaders who prioritize employee wellness and openly communicate, which can enhance organizational loyalty and reduce turnover. She also highlights the correlation between trust and profitability, advocating for training leaders to effectively manage trust, especially in remote environments.

Dr. MaryJo Burchard, an expert in organizational leadership and creator of the DUEL Leadership Model, shares her insights on navigating chaotic change. She emphasizes the shift from seeking buy-in to fostering readiness in teams. Discussing the impact of legacy and identity loss during change, she highlights the importance of leader language and clear communication. MaryJo also addresses signs of teams stuck in 'buy-in' mode and advocates for patience and incremental progress in implementing meaningful change.

Dr. Gaynell Vanderslice, an organizational leadership expert with over 30 years in the field, discusses her innovative Honeycomb Leadership model. She reveals why traditional leadership training often fails—lacking accountability and lasting impact. Gaynell emphasizes the importance of collective ownership in leadership development, highlighting shared learning and collaboration across all levels of an organization. She also addresses challenges like language gaps post-training and the need for ongoing accountability, ultimately advocating for a phased, collaborative approach to foster true transformation within teams.

Dr. Heather Morton, an I/O psychologist, leads a lively discussion on the ethical integration of AI in workplace settings. Nic Krueger emphasizes the need for human-centered goals amidst AI adoption. LindaAnn Rogers raises crucial points about AI ethics and the importance of verifying outputs. Rich Cruz highlights the impact of AI on mental health, advocating for responsible use. Laura Jordan shares practical applications of AI in learning and development, underscoring the necessity of ethics in AI outputs. Together, they navigate the balance between technology and employee well-being.