

How to Be Awesome at Your Job
How to be Awesome at Your Job
Get more fun, wins, meaning, and money from your job! With 25,000,000 downloads and mentions in The New York Times, Forbes, and Linkedin Learning. This show helps grow your skills and impact at any job that requires thinking and collaborating. Each week, Pete interviews thought-leaders and results-getters to discover specific, actionable insights that boost work performance. Their stories and advice sharpen the universal skills to flourish at work. Boost your time/energy management, leadership, confidence, career opportunities, and fulfillment—while still getting home earlier.Try starting with episode 0: START HERE and listener favorite episodes we put at the beginning numbered: A, B, C, D, E, and F. (Subscribe and/or sort Old to New to find these starter episodes.) Welcome!
Episodes
Mentioned books

16 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 38min
1084: How to Navigate Change and Encourage Innovation with Jeff DeGraff
Jeff DeGraff, known as the “Dean of Innovation,” is a professor at the University of Michigan, advising global leaders on change. He reveals why facts don’t change minds, focusing instead on how experiences shape our perspectives. Jeff highlights the importance of constructive conflict and shares insights on navigating overwhelming choices. He advocates for simple experimentation, illustrating how small-scale trials can drive innovation. Ultimately, he stresses the necessity of an agile mindset to embrace ambiguity in a rapidly evolving world.

14 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 47min
1083: How Tiny Actions Inspire Others through Mattering with Zach Mercurio
Zach Mercurio, a researcher and speaker on purposeful leadership, delves into the crucial concept of 'mattering' and its impact on workplace engagement. He discusses the root causes of disengagement and offers strategies for leaders to help others feel valued in just 30 seconds. Through personal anecdotes, Zach illustrates the transformative power of small acknowledgments and compassionate interactions in fostering motivation and meaningful connections. He emphasizes that even minor gestures can significantly enhance team dynamics and overall well-being.

10 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 32min
1082: How Driven People Can Achieve Success and Inner Peace with Gino Wickman
Gino Wickman, an entrepreneur and creator of the Entrepreneurial Operating System, shares insights on achieving success with inner peace. He discusses how adopting a ten-year mindset can shift your focus from short-term goals to long-term clarity. Gino reveals ten foundational disciplines that foster tranquility and effectiveness. He emphasizes making decisions from love rather than fear and highlights the importance of stillness for self-awareness. Tune in for practical strategies to align your vision with action and find true fulfillment in your journey.

8 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 30min
1081: How to Deal with Credit Stealers at Work with Andrew Palmer
Andrew Palmer, writer of the Bartleby column for The Economist and host of the Boss Class podcast, dives into the tricky waters of credit stealing at work. He discusses how no one truly benefits from taking credit for others' ideas and highlights the subtle ways this occurs. Andrew emphasizes the importance of acknowledging contributions to enhance one’s own credibility. He also explores the emotional toll on those who have their ideas misattributed and shares strategies to foster a more collaborative workplace.

13 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 45min
1080: How to Say No When the World Demands Yes with Dr. Sunita Sah
Dr. Sunita Sah, an award-winning professor at Cornell University and bestselling author, shares insights on the importance of saying no in a world that pressures compliance. She discusses the psychological toll of conforming and offers strategies to assert boundaries without damaging relationships. The conversation also highlights how redefining defiance can lead to authentic living, the role of societal expectations, and the necessity of embracing constructive dissent in professional environments. Sah provides a unique framework to help individuals reflect on their values and build assertiveness.

51 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 46min
1079: The Brain Science Behind Successful Change with Dr. Britt Andreatta
Dr. Britt Andreatta, a renowned thought leader in leadership and neuroscience, shares invaluable insights on why our brains resist change. She discusses strategies for leaders to effectively engage teams during transitions, emphasizing the significance of transparent communication and employee well-being. Britt highlights the emotional dynamics of change and the impact of burnout, promoting mindfulness as a crucial tool for managing workplace shifts. She also explores the neuroscience behind exclusion and its effects on team dynamics, making a compelling case for inclusive leadership.

12 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 36min
1078: How to Stop Playing Small and Achieve Your Greatest Goals with Richard Medcalf
Richard Medcalf, founder of Xquadrant, shares his insights from over 25 years advising elite leaders. He discusses why traditional strategies often fail high achievers and identifies signs that you might be playing it too safe. Richard emphasizes the '10X Reckoning' approach, inspiring listeners to redefine success through meaningful contributions rather than just financial gain. He also explores the role of AI in education and personal growth, while advocating for habit-building tools to achieve a more joyful and impactful life.

Jul 21, 2025 • 39min
1077: The Six Insights of Excellent Communicators with Ruth Milligan
Ruth Milligan, founder of Articulation and curator of TEDxColumbus, shares her extensive expertise in public speaking. She discusses six crucial insights for effective communication, highlighting the need to adapt styles for different audiences. Ruth tackles common challenges, such as overcoming filler words and the emotional hurdles of self-perception. She emphasizes the value of preparation, feedback, and the art of concise expression to enhance impact, alongside practical tips for transformative self-review in public speaking.

24 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 32min
1076: Asking Better Questions to Forge Deeper Relationships with Mike Litton
Mike Litton, a real estate and finance expert with 33 years of experience and host of The Mike Litton Experience, shares valuable insights on relationship-building through questioning. He discusses why questions are a superpower in forging connections and introduces 'magic questions' that encourage openness. Litton highlights the importance of curiosity, vulnerability, and understanding emotional currencies in relationships. Additionally, he explains the 73855 communication rule, emphasizing that effective interaction goes beyond mere words.

11 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 36min
1075: The Sustainable Path to Achieving Success and Finding Meaning with Kathy Oneto
Kathy Oneto, a consultant, coach, and author of Sustainable Ambition, dives into the myths surrounding ambition and the quest for fulfillment. She emphasizes the need to redefine success beyond societal norms, advocating for personal values alignment. Listeners learn about maintaining energy sustainably while overcoming inertia to achieve goals. The discussion introduces practical rest strategies, like the 'Three by Three Rule,' stressing the importance of self-awareness and adaptability for long-term satisfaction in work and life.