The Psychology of Work: Why People Do What They Do

What happens when life’s greatest uncertainty becomes your daily reality and how do you find meaning, connection, and resilience along the way? In this episode, acclaimed writer and editor Jonathan Gluck shares his powerful story of living with incurable cancer, revealing intimate lessons on hope, control, and what it truly means to keep moving forward. Don’t miss this raw, deeply human conversation with Dr. Bobbi Wegner that will stay with you long after you listen.Jonathan Gluck is a writer, editor, and the author of An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope. With a career spanning years at New York Magazine and Vogue, and bylines in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more, Jonathan brings a unique perspective shaped by over two decades living with an incurable cancer diagnosis he received at age 38. His work explores how to find meaning, hope, and resilience amid profound uncertainty, offering insight not just for those facing illness, but for anyone navigating life’s unpredictable challenges.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Uncertainty is Universal: Jonathan Gluck's experience living with incurable cancer highlights how uncertainty affects not just individuals, but also teams and organizations.Storytelling as Healing: Sharing personal narratives—like Jonathan Gluck's memoir—can help people process difficult experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges.Value of Connection: Strong support systems significantly improve both mental and physical health during times of crisis or change.No Perfect Way to Cope: The episode underscores that coping with uncertainty is tough for everyone; self-compassion and acceptance are key.Purpose Through Adversity: Jonathan Gluck found meaning and agency by sharing his story, supporting others, and focusing on what matters most in life.Todays guest, Jonathan Gluck, can be found online at:Book: https://www.randomhousebooks.com/books/760582/C3/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gluck-b32b6898/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

What if leading with empathy, trust, and even softness was the key to thriving in the high-speed world of tech? In this episode, Ginger Day Emens shares how a deeply human approach to leadership transforms team dynamics, tackles workplace challenges, and redefines what it truly means to succeed.Ginger Day Emens is the Chief of Staff for the GTM Team at ControlUp, where she drives strategic alignment and execution across sales, marketing, and customer success teams. With a diverse background that spans teaching middle school science, consulting, editing, and higher education administration, Ginger blends analytical rigor with a deeply human approach to leadership. Known for cultivating trust, psychological safety, and collaboration, she brings empathy and intuition into the fast-paced world of tech operations. Her personal journey shaped by her experiences as a mother and her healing process fuels her commitment to leading from a place of love and softness, proving that care and connection are powerful assets in business.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Softness in Leadership Works: Ginger Day Emens shows that empathy and calmness can be powerful assets in tech leadership, proving that leading from love fosters better collaboration and trust.Personal Experiences Inform Leadership Style: Ginger’s background in education and her time as a stay-at-home mom have shaped her thoughtful, process-oriented, and people-focused approach.Emotional Regulation is Essential: Both speakers stress the need for self-awareness and responding thoughtfully rather than reacting emotionally, drawing parallels to skills used in therapy.Trust Drives Team Success: Building trust and psychological safety within teams enables innovation, effective communication, and long-term motivation.Balance is Key: True leadership means merging empathy with assertiveness—being caring and soft, but also setting firm boundaries when necessary.Todays guest, Ginger Day Emens, can be found online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginger-day-emens-0b0661175/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

What if the secret to building high-performing teams at work comes from the classroom? In this episode, Sri Narayanan shares the unconventional rituals, challenges, and breakthroughs that helped her transform education-inspired insights into powerful tools for workplace cohesion. Tune in for real stories, actionable strategies, and a fresh take on what really drives collaboration and growth.Sri Narayanan is the co-founder and CEO of Nala AI and founder of Kodely, where she blends education, technology, and workplace learning to build healthier, more collaborative organizational cultures. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Sri’s experience spans product development at Blackstone Venture Capital, teaching at Rutgers University, and developing enrichment programs that empower both students and teams to learn, grow, and connect.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Empowering decision-making builds confidence and drives entrepreneurship, as seen in Sri’s personal story.Solving real problems matters most—success comes from identifying actual market gaps and designing products that address them.Frequent, lightweight team rituals like stand-ups and status updates help boost cohesion, communication, and performance.Cross-departmental communication is crucial: Breaking down silos leads to better organizational alignment and fewer missed opportunities.Clear, simple mission statements unify teams and help everyone understand how their work fits into the larger purpose.Todays guest, Sri Narayanan, can be found online at:Website: https://learnwithnala.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snarayanan27/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

Ever wondered why purpose-driven teams sometimes struggle to focus or how a strong sense of belonging can make tough decisions even harder? In this episode, experts Andrea Gunn and Liana Paris pull back the curtain on the unique dynamics, surprising challenges, and powerful strategies inside high-impact animal advocacy organizations. Tune in for real-world insights that just might change how you think about leadership and culture.Liana Paris is a speaker and organizational leader known for her focus on impactful strategy. Drawing from her recent talks, she emphasizes that organizations often try to do too much, losing effectiveness. Liana encourages teams to prioritize their strengths, arguing that it’s better to excel at a few things than to spread themselves too thin.Andrea Gunn is a dedicated animal advocate motivated by the enormous challenge of animal agriculture. Over 10 billion animals are raised and killed for food yearly in the US alone. She knows firsthand the pressures that come with mission-driven work, especially for organizations that may be the only voice for animals in their region. While acknowledging the urge to tackle every animal issue, Andrea believes in the power of focus to create meaningful change. Her work is rooted in empathy for fellow advocates and a commitment to effective, strategic action for animals.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Focus is powerful: Nonprofit leaders are most effective when they prioritize and avoid trying to do too much.Culture requires intention: Strong teams reflect on what behaviors they reward and tolerate, shaping culture purposefully as they grow.Belonging has pros and cons: Deep connection to the mission builds motivation but can make tough staffing decisions more emotionally charged.Healthy conflict is necessary: Clear, honest conversations—even when uncomfortable—are vital for growth and alignment.Leader support matters: Coaching, mentorship, and leadership development help mission-driven leaders navigate challenges and make better decisions.Todays guest, Andrea Gunn, can be found online at:Website: https://www.sharpenstrategy.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamgunn/Todays guest, Liana Paris, can be found online at:Website: https://www.sharpenstrategy.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianaparis/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

What does it take to transform a team culture, dramatically reduce turnover, and inspire people with real purpose? In this episode, Lauren Von Mingee shares how she built a values-driven company, motivates her team with innovative incentives, and leads with a spirit of generosity that’s redefining what it means to succeed in business. Tune in for actionable insights and a fresh take on making work meaningful.Lauren Von Mingee is the founder and CEO of Quintessa Marketing, a performance-driven company known for its innovative approach to employee engagement and corporate responsibility. Under her leadership, Quintessa has grown to over 200 employees, dramatically reduced turnover, and built a culture focused on purpose, accountability, and giving back—including a pledge to donate half of company profits to meaningful causes. Lauren’s inspiring journey and people-first leadership continue to shape a workplace where personal purpose and team success go hand in hand.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Personal Purpose Fuels Engagement: Lauren connects each employee’s personal goals to the company’s mission to drive motivation and commitment.Incentives and Accountability: Quintessa uses individual and team-based incentives alongside clear performance metrics to boost results and reduce turnover.Strict Values Alignment: The company hires and fires based on core values (“PRAISE”), ensuring cultural fit and integrity.Agile, Direct Leadership: Lauren’s open, problem-solving approach keeps the organization flexible and fast-moving—even as it grows.Generosity as Core Strategy: Quintessa commits to giving away 50% of profits, inspiring employees and other companies (via the Gift50 pledge) to prioritize giving back.Todays guest, Lauren Von Mingee, can be found online at:Website: http://quintessamarketing.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-von-mingee-10776a17/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

Discover how Amanda Pike, an environmental engineer turned COO, uses the science of natural systems to create workplaces where people truly thrive and learn why giving your team just the right amount of structure could be the secret to unlocking their creativity and motivation. Don’t miss this episode if you want to rethink how teams grow, lead, and stay engaged!Amanda Pike is the Chief Operating Officer at thinkPARALLAX, where she draws on over 15 years of experience aligning people, purpose, and sustainability to build thriving workplaces. With a background in environmental engineering, Amanda brings a unique systems-thinking approach to organizational strategy and operations treating companies as living systems that need balance, resilience, and connection. She is passionate about distributed leadership, scalable practices, and empowering teams to create people-positive, sustainable environments, all while fostering professional growth and personal wellbeing.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Organizations as Living Systems: Amanda applies her environmental engineering background to organizational strategy, seeing workplaces as interconnected systems needing balance and resilience.Preventative vs. Reactive Approaches: Amanda stresses the importance of proactive strategies—anticipating and solving problems before they escalate, both in sustainability and organizational practices.Empowering Distributed Leadership: She champions self-managed teams and distributed decision-making, which boost engagement and growth, especially in smaller organizations with limited vertical mobility.Finding the Right Balance: Success comes from blending structure with flexibility—providing clear roles and guardrails while encouraging autonomy and exploration.Creating New Paths for Growth: By fostering entrepreneurship and rotating leadership roles, Amanda shows that organizations can offer meaningful development opportunities beyond traditional hierarchies.Todays guest, Amanda Pike, can be found online at:Website: https://www.thinkparallax.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pikeamanda/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

What does it really take to build alignment, clarity, and high performance in a fast-moving startup? In this episode, Cher Murphy, Chief of Staff at Sydecar, reveals her secrets to thriving in chaos, decoding executive psychology, and turning company values into everyday actions sharing powerful insights that every ambitious team needs to hear.Cher Murphy is the Chief of Staff at Sydecar, where she’s renowned for building clarity, alignment, and high-performing teams in a hypergrowth environment. With a career spanning operations leadership, consulting, and multiple chief of staff roles, she specializes in translating company values into daily practices, designing frameworks for connection, and leading initiatives like integrating AI into workflows. Cher thrives in fast-paced settings, balancing strategic rigor with a human touch to ensure teams feel supported and achieve their best.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Operationalizing Values: Cher Murphy demonstrates how weaving company values into everyday practices—like recognition and performance reviews—creates real cultural impact.Leadership Alignment: Adapting organizational systems to leaders’ unique styles promotes clarity and alignment across fast-moving teams.Clarity Reduces Chaos: Creating visible frameworks and clear priorities helps teams stay focused and productive during periods of rapid growth.Promoting Psychological Safety: Encouraging open, respectful communication and cross-functional collaboration fosters high-performing, innovative teams.Continuous Learning: Cher’s curiosity and inclusivity help spark new ideas and strengthen team belonging throughout the organization.Todays guest, Cher Murphy, can be found online at:Website: https://chermurphy.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chermurphy4/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

What does it take to design high-performing, deeply connected teams in today’s ever-evolving workplace? Join Dr. Bobbi Wegner and talent expert Matt Massucci as they pull back the curtain on the messy realities, unexpected lessons, and game-changing strategies behind successful hiring, team cohesion, and the future of work complete with candid stories you won’t hear anywhere else.Matt Massucci is the founder of Hirewell - Global Talent Solutions, with over 24 years of experience helping tech and fintech companies build high-performing teams. Formerly a consultant at Arthur Andersen and Deloitte, Matt combines search expertise with a consultative, advisory approach to hiring, integrating AI technology and a focus on inclusive workforce development. Based in Chicago, he partners closely with founders and executives to design teams that drive growth and create positive work environments.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Talent Strategy Must Evolve: Building great teams isn’t just about hiring—it’s about adjusting your approach as your company grows and scales.Alignment Matters: Success comes from aligning organizational and individual goals, with team cohesion and connection as fundamental drivers.Data Builds Confidence: Using market data and real-time insights makes recruiting decisions more transparent and trustworthy for companies.Scaling Brings Challenges: Even experts face setbacks growing their own companies; learning from mistakes and staying adaptable are essential.AI Supports, Doesn’t Replace Humans: While AI enhances efficiency in recruiting, human judgment and relational skills remain irreplaceable in hiring.Todays guest, Matt Massucci, can be found online at:Website: https://hirewell.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmassucci/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

What if designing a thriving workplace culture isn’t about mandates from the top but about intentionally shaping the conditions for people to come alive at work? In this episode, organizational design expert Hannah Rosenfeld reveals the six powerful levers that can transform teams and unlock lasting change from within.Hannah Rosenfeld is an Executive Design Director at IDEO, renowned for her expertise in designing systems and interventions that organically shape organizational culture. With a background in design research and a passion for systems thinking, Hannah helps organizations foster meaningful behavioral shifts, favoring intentional design over top-down mandates. Her work challenges traditional notions of culture-building by focusing on creating the conditions for innovation, collaboration, and resilience to emerge and thrive. At IDEO, she leads multidisciplinary teams, leveraging real-world prototyping to drive lasting, transformative change within organizations.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Culture Can’t Be Dictated: Real culture is an emergent property formed by everyday behaviors and mindsets, not direct top-down control.Six Levers Guide Change: Hannah Rosenfeld highlights six organizational levers strategy, structure, infrastructure, process, incentives, and talent as key points for shaping culture.Alignment Drives Motivation: Connecting individual roles to the organization’s broader strategy and purpose boosts engagement and fulfillment.Incentives Must Match Goals: Lasting change requires incentive structures that truly support the behaviors and outcomes the organization values.Change is Gradual: Transforming culture is complex and takes time; successful change comes from prototyping, patience, and a willingness to experiment.Todays guest, Hannah Rosenfeld, can be found online at:Website: https://www.ideo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-rosenfeld-86805940/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

Building Human-Centered Cultures in Fast-Growth Startups with Amy CampbellEpisode Title OptionsBuilding Human-Centered Cultures in Fast-Growth Startups with Amy CampbellStrengths-Based Leadership and the Science of Team PerformanceCulture, Burnout, and Balance: Amy Campbell’s Guide for Modern LeadersHow Psychology Powers High-Performing Teams with Dr. Amy CampbellShow NotesWhat happens when a mental health expert steps into the high-stakes world of tech startups? In this episode, Dr. Amy Campbell shares the unexpected lessons she learned building a thriving people-first culture from scratch—revealing how psychology isn’t just “nice to have,” but a true superpower for high-performing, resilient teams.Dr. Amy Campbell is the Chief People Officer at Overhaul, where she draws on her unique background in mental health, education, and corporate leadership to build people-first cultures in the fast-paced tech world. With a PhD in counseling psychology, Amy began her career as a counselor, educator, and creator of mental health programs, before moving into tech where she helped Overhaul grow from a team of five to a global organization of nearly 700 employees. She is passionate about integrating evidence-based psychology and human-centered leadership to drive both well-being and business performance, championing environments where people feel supported, engaged, and empowered to thrive.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Psychology is a business driver: Applying psychological principles and human-centered leadership leads to higher engagement, cohesion, and company success.Self-awareness matters: Effective leadership starts with leaders prioritizing their own well-being and modeling healthy behaviors.Strengths-based approaches work: Emphasizing team and individual strengths, as seen at Overhaul, boosts morale, engagement, and even profitability.Openness to experimentation and vulnerability: Great leaders aren’t afraid to experiment, show vulnerability, and foster psychological safety for their teams.Simple connections build culture: Small, fun activities like virtual water cooler moments create genuine team connection and help support a healthy, positive culture.Todays guest, Amy Campbell, can be found online at:Website: https://over-haul.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-campbell-phd-962850116/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/