The State of Work Today

In this episode of The State of Work Today podcast, I sit down with HR legend Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa’s, to talk about what it really means to be a people-first leader. From his decades of experience across manufacturing, professional services, and hospitality, Steve shares how being present, intentional, and radically human can transform company culture, boost retention, and make HR... actually cool.We talk about frontline leadership, why 98% of a GM’s time is people-related, the importance of connection, and why celebrating a 5-year work anniversary with a hoagie and a laugh might be more powerful than any performance review. Steve also opens up about flipping the “HR is scary” script, and why every location is its own cultural lab.If you’re in HR or care about building workplaces that work for people, this one’s a must-listen.Also - HR Net is a community created by Steve Browne to give HR leaders a space to connect, share resources, and support each other—be sure to join if you're looking for real-world advice, fresh ideas, and a network that truly gets what it's like to be in HR.Listen now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your dream job isn’t a title, but a feeling? On this episode of State of Work Today, I talk with Cecile Peterkin, Founder and Chief Transformation Strategist at the Leadership Coaching Center. Cecile shares her journey from science to finance to leadership coaching—driven by a deep love for people and a passion for helping others rediscover their purpose.We dig into why so many professionals feel stuck, how women can uncover and apply their untapped leadership skills, and why mentorship is critical for real transformation inside companies. If you’ve ever felt misaligned in your career or unsure how to move forward, this conversation will give you both clarity and hope.Listen now to hear how you can reconnect with what brings you joy—and build a career around it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever feel like hiring is just a gamble? In this episode of State of Work Today, I sit down with Dr. Michael Neal—optometrist, entrepreneur, and founder of Build My Team—to unpack why most hiring processes are set up to fail. Drawing from two decades in clinical practice and a hiring method rooted in psychometrics, Dr. Neal shares how he went from constant staffing chaos to building high-performing teams that actually stay. We dive into why traditional resumes don't work, what small businesses can learn from the Four Seasons and Disney, and how to spot top talent using science instead of gut instinct. If you're tired of bad hires and want a better way, this one's for you.Listen now—you’ll never look at hiring the same way again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amber A. Johnson, PhD, a seasoned leadership and strategy consultant, shares her wealth of knowledge on developing leaders in resource-strapped organizations. She discusses practical strategies for upskilling without formal programs and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection for personal growth. Managers play a crucial role in nurturing teams, and Amber advocates for strong communication and proactive leadership. The conversation also touches on using AI for enhanced talent development and the need for constructive feedback to foster a positive work culture.

Hybrid work is here to stay—but are companies doing it right? In this episode, I sit down with Gary Cookson, workplace performance expert and author of Making Hybrid Working Work, to explore what it really takes to succeed in a hybrid environment.We cover why the five-day workweek is outdated, how AI is reshaping HR, and why leaders must rethink the way they manage remote teams. Gary shares practical strategies for improving team collaboration, measuring success, and preparing for the future of work.If you care about leadership, employee engagement, and the future of work, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paolo Gaudiano, chief scientist at Aleria and ARC and an adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, discusses the vital role of inclusion in enhancing workplace performance. With a remarkable background in neuroscience and engineering, he emphasizes that traditional DEI strategies often miss the mark. Paolo explains how companies can quantify the financial benefits of inclusion, avoid negative backlash, and improve overall employee satisfaction. His insights challenge organizations to rethink their approaches and truly measure what matters.

What does the future of work really look like? In this episode of State of Work Today, I sit down with Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward, a top expert on workplace transformation, and the author of How the Future Works. With experience at Google, Slack, and Salesforce, Brian shares data-driven insights on hybrid work, AI’s impact on jobs, and how leaders can build flexible, human-centered workplaces.We cover: Why return-to-office mandates are failing The biggest workplace shift no one is talking about How AI can support—rather than replace—employees If you're a leader or business owner looking to future-proof your workforce, don’t miss this conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 4 Leadership Shifts That Separate Great Leaders from Failing Ones – with Phil WilsonMost leaders think they’re doing a good job. The truth? Many are driving their teams away without even realizing it.Phil Wilson, labor relations expert and author of The Leader Shift Playbook, has seen it all—from leadership train wrecks to companies that inspire loyalty and high performance. In this episode, he breaks down the four critical mindset shifts that separate great leaders from those who struggle to keep their teams engaged.We cover: The biggest leadership blind spot that’s killing workplace culture Why approachability is the ultimate leadership superpower How to retain top talent when employees have more power than ever What leaders must do differently to thrive in today’s workplace If you manage people—or hope to—this episode is a wake-up call you can’t afford to miss.Learn more about the new book and his approach here (or visit yourleadershift.com) yourleadershift.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most leaders think change happens from the top down. That’s why most change efforts fail.In this episode, Tim Glowa sits down with Jeppe Hansgaard, CEO of InnoVisor, to discuss the hidden networks shaping every organization. They break down why just 3% of employees drive 90% of influence, how to find them, and how to use that power to make change actually stick.If you’re in HR, change management, or just want to understand how real influence works inside companies, this conversation will change the way you see leadership.Miss this, and you’ll keep pushing change uphill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. James Chitwood, a performance culture expert and author of 'Leadership Is Not Enough,' challenges the belief that leadership alone drives performance. He argues that team dynamics, culture, and operations are crucial for success. The conversation explores military training's influence on teamwork, the hidden costs of layoffs, and the importance of accountability and communication over titles. Chitwood emphasizes the need for a supportive environment and comprehensive training for managers to enhance engagement and reduce turnover.