The Psychology of Work: Why People Do What They Do

What if being human is itself a risky, messy occupation and that's exactly where our greatest strengths lie? In this powerful episode, organizational strategist and trauma responder Charity Bell joins Dr. Bobbi Wegner to unravel why our brains struggle in today's fast-paced, unpredictable world and why "no one is ever irrational to themselves." Discover why small shifts in curiosity and self-compassion can change the way you work, lead, and live. Whether you’re tired of the blame game or simply searching for a little more peace, this conversation will leave you rethinking how you move through the world and how you treat the people in it.Charity Bell, MPA, CPTD, is a speaker and leadership and organizational development strategist who has spent more than 20 years helping people and organizations stay brave, connected, and effective when things get hard. A Harvard Kennedy School graduate and the founder of Relentless Positivity, she’s now building the Flammable Framework, the idea that being human is a uniquely risky occupation. In this episode, she and Bobbi explore how the social barriers that protected us for thousands of years have eroded, why we’re getting “burnt” by emotional activation more than ever, and what it looks like to stop expecting people not to be messy.KEY TOPICSWhy seeing people at their "worst best" reveals the function and logic behind every human behavior [05:03]How centuries of predictable, low-stimulus living contrast with our overstimulated modern brains and why it's natural to feel overwhelmed [10:10]The Flammable Framework: concrete tools for shifting perspective and reminding yourself that almost nothing is personal [22:03]Healthy apathy, boundaries, and learning to let go after you've done what you can [27:13]Why contentment requires intentional practice and understanding that people’s actions are rarely about you [38:19]Todays guest, Charity Bell, can be found online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-bell-8bb16165/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 innovative, resilient teams wasn’t just about hiring top talent, but creating a culture where people feel safe enough to take risks and bring their best ideas to the table? In this episode, Dr. Bobbi Wegner sits down with Muhammed Shabreen, a global tech leader who’s helped scale companies like Google, Actualize, and CNTXT, to reveal why psychological safety, risk-taking, and genuine empathy are the hidden engines behind high-performing teams. Whether you’re a founder, leader, or team member, you’ll never look at team dynamics the same way again. Ready to uncover what really drives innovation at work? Listen in.Muhammed Shabreen is a technology leader, entrepreneur, and AI executive with decades of experience building and scaling cutting-edge tech across global organizations and startups. He has held roles at Google and Nokia, co-founded Actualize, and led two successful startup exits. Now CTO at CNTXT, Muhammed Shabreen oversees technology across AI, robotics, data, and engineering, helping teams innovate and thrive in diverse and fast-paced environments.KEY TOPICSWhy building safe, motivated, and empowered teams is the core of true leadership [00:05:04]How innovation thrives when leaders encourage risk-taking and psychological safety [00:10:02]The importance of empathy and compassion as the most underrated leadership skills [00:28:44]Why clarity of mission, goals, and communication drives team cohesion and outcomes [00:23:10]Lessons learned from leading diverse, global teams—adapting your style to context, not just frameworks [00:22:06]Todays guest, Muhammed Shabreen, can be found online at:Website: https://www.cntxt.tech/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shabreen/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 great leadership lies not just in strategy, but in vulnerability and self-awareness? In this episode, Dr. Bobbi Wegner sits down with powerhouse leader Karin Norington-Reaves to unpack the psychology behind high-performing teams, the surprising value of public apologies, and how to navigate the “liminal spaces” of major career transitions. Through candid stories, refreshing humor, and practical tactics, they reveal how embracing our most human moments is the key to inspiring real cohesion and growth—at work and beyond. Listen in for a masterclass on how to lead with heart and clarity, even when life (and your shoes) don't match.Karin Norington-Reaves is a workforce development leader, public servant, CEO, and former law professor. As the president and CEO of Cara Collective, she draws on more than 30 years of experience across education, law, advocacy, and community development, with a driving mission to “see people win.” Karin previously served as the founding CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, connecting over 100,000 people in the Chicago area with meaningful careers and as CEO of IC Stars, preparing underrepresented talent for technology jobs. Her work exemplifies a blend of visionary leadership, community impact, and a personal dedication to lifting others up.KEY TOPICSHow Karin Norington-Reaves blends serious leadership with "childlike wonder" to keep joy in high-stakes work [04:03]The power of personality archetypes and assessments like MBTI and DiSC in shaping leadership styles and team dynamics [05:33]Why public apologies matter: refusing private apologies for public affronts to build trust and psychological safety [13:30]Spotting team disengagement in meetings, virtual and in-person and tactical ways to bring everyone back into the conversation [19:31]Embracing "liminal spaces": navigating career and identity transitions by reflecting on past coping skills and finding new personal integration [29:02]Todays guest, Karin Norington-Reaves, can be found online at:Website: https://caracollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-norington-reaves-b29a603/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 happens when you merge over 100 creative companies across cultures, continents, and languages in the midst of radical industry transformation? In this episode, global CEO Sergio Lopez joins Dr. Bobbi Wegner to reveal the psychological dynamics behind leading world-class teams at scale. Navigating tough decisions, building authentic relationships, and why he believes treating your team like family is a recipe for disaster. Don’t miss this candid, thought-provoking conversation packed with surprising insights on leadership, culture, and what really drives high performance.Sergio Lopez is the Global CEO of Omnicom Production, where he leads the integration of more than 100 content companies into a single global operation serving some of the world’s largest brands. With over two decades of experience across Europe, Latin America, and North America, Sergio specializes in building high-performing, cross-cultural creative teams. Previously, he held global roles at Publicis Production and is recognized for guiding organizations through industry-defining change—particularly as technology and AI reshape the creative landscape.KEY TOPICSThe "three Cs" that shape Sergio Lopez's leadership: creativity, curiosity, and care 04:11Why Sergio Lopez believes teams should never be called "family" in business—and the risks of a false sense of security 13:13Navigating cultural differences: how leadership style and communication adapt across global teams 17:13The importance of freedom within a framework, balancing non-negotiables with local flexibility at Omnicom 21:23Letting go of the "parent" model and empowering teams by treating everyone as adults, not children 36:11Todays guest, Sergio Lopez, can be found online at:Website: https://www.omc.com/capabilities/capability-production/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergiolopezferrero/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/

Allison Buyers, founder and CEO of Scroobious and medtech entrepreneur who co-founded an MIT spinout and raised nearly $10M, shares her journey from startup setbacks to reshaping how funding works. She explores relationship-first fundraising, how in-group bias and familiarity shape capital access, the power of loose ties, and why authenticity and reframing failure matter for founders.

What happens when a CEO leads with humility, candour, and emotional intelligence? This episode with Chris Wyndham, President and CEO of Revenova, pulls back the curtain on the power of people-first leadership. From navigating fear and trust in high-scale environments to building teams where every voice matters, Chris shares compelling stories and tactical insights on what it really takes to inspire resilience and performance in the workplace. Ready to rethink what makes teams thrive? Don’t miss this deep dive into the real psychology of work.Chris Wyndham, president and CEO of Revanova, joins the show to share how building trust, embracing emotional intelligence, and leading with humility can transform both team culture and business results. Known for his people-first approach and his belief that emotional intelligence outshines experience on any resume, Chris reveals why promises kept and genuine relationships are at the heart of every high-performing organization.Chris Wyndham is the president and CEO of Revanova, a Salesforce-native transportation management platform serving freight brokers, 3PLs, and shippers. With over 25 years of experience scaling vertical SaaS businesses in automotive, marine, heavy equipment, and more, Chris is recognized for pairing operational discipline with a deeply relational leadership style. Drawing on influences from coaching, faith, and mentorship, he helps teams unlock their potential by fostering trust, curiosity, and open communication.KEY TOPICSWhy emotional intelligence and humility matter more than experience when hiring leaders [12:24]The three-part emotional framework for leading teams through change: understandable anxiety, cautious optimism, unbridled enthusiasm [07:31]How authentic trust is built through clear commitments, mutual vulnerability, and embracing failure as learning [16:52]The power of involving all levels, including a peer-nominated "PIT crew" in decision-making and process improvement [31:47]Why great leadership starts with self-awareness, active listening, and creating a culture where everyone is seen and heard [36:08]Todays guest, Chris Wyndham, can be found online at:Website: https://revenova.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wyndham-1a29a529b/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 leading HR through rapid technological change really look like? In this episode, global HR executive Jason Desentz reveals how detective work, authentic vulnerability, and a passion for learning helped him transform powerhouse organizations like Toshiba from the inside out. Dive into surprising parallels between law enforcement and HR, unpack the messy truth behind cross-generational teams, and discover why building trust, not just crunching numbers drives the future of work. If you want a candid, actionable conversation about AI, cohesion, and the human side of high performance, you won’t want to miss this.Jason R. Desentz is a global Human Capital executive and public-company CHRO with more than 25 years advising CEOs, boards, and compensation committees across automotive, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and financial services. He currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for Toshiba's Americas operations, where he leads the full HR value chain and is pioneering the integration of AI into core HR functions. Previously he rebuilt the global HR function at Horizon Global (NYSE: HZN) and led human capital advisory work for companies from startups through mid-caps. He is a recognized keynote speaker on the future of work, AI in HR, and leadership.KEY TOPICSFrom police officer dreams to HR executive: Jason Desentz shares how detective work shaped his HR problem-solving approach [00:04:19]Coaching versus advice-giving: exploring why asking the right questions is the key to driving change and buy-in [00:06:43]Demystifying AI adoption in HR and how playing with technology builds employee comfort and innovation [00:10:08]Navigating generational and cultural differences. From Japanese harmony to American autonomy inside Toshiba [00:20:17]Why authentic vulnerability and learning from failure are Jason’s cornerstones for leadership and connection [00:25:21]Todays guest, Jason Desentz, can be found online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-desentz/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 your workspace could help cure loneliness and provide free mental health support? In this episode, we sit down with Liz Elam, the visionary who built one of Austin’s biggest coworking brands and founded GCUC, the largest coworking conference on the planet. Discover how Liz is on a mission to reimagine coworking spaces as hubs for belonging and well-being, why tackling the loneliness epidemic starts at work, and how the future of mental health might be more accessible than you think. If you’re curious about how community, innovation, and mental health are intersecting in the future of work, you won’t want to miss this conversation.Liz Elam is the founder of GCUC, the largest coworking conference in the world, and a pioneer of the coworking movement. After building Link Coworking in Austin, she became the first woman globally to exit a coworking brand in 2019. A futurist and sought-after speaker on the future of work, she hosts the bi-weekly GCUC Podcast and is on a mission to dismantle the loneliness epidemic through community.KEY TOPICSHow coworking spaces evolved from 50 to over 40,000 globally and why belonging is at their core [00:01:19]Using coworking communities to address the loneliness epidemic and mental health crisis [00:03:03]The push for coworking spaces to offer free, barrier-free mental health support and the challenges involved [00:05:29]Why measuring community, connection, and social wellness is the next big challenge for the coworking industry [00:19:30]The future of work: more solopreneurs, AI-driven shifts, and why human connection will become even more valuable [00:25:40]Todays guest, Liz Elam, can be found online at:Website: https://gcuc.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam/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/

Step inside a conversation with Lorrissa Horton, CEO of Sūmersports, as she reveals how AI is reshaping not just the future of work, but our very identities and connections as humans. From leading tech transformations at Microsoft and Cisco to tackling the fear and opportunity swirling around AI, Lorrissa Horton opens up about what it takes to guide teams through uncertainty, hold space for real human growth, and redefine value in a rapidly changing world. Whether you're a leader, a parent, or simply trying to find your footing in the age of AI, this episode is packed with stories, hard truths, and actionable insights you can’t afford to miss.Lorrissa Horton is the CEO of Sūmersports, a platform fusing NFL expertise and artificial intelligence to deliver data-driven insights across the sports industry. With over 18 years leading technology innovation at Microsoft and Cisco WebEx, Lorrissa brings a rare mix of operator experience and systems-level thinking to every conversation about the future of work. An advocate for resiliency and empathy in leadership, she draws on her personal journey as a mom, immigrant, and tech executive to help organizations navigate rapid change, build cohesive teams, and reimagine what’s possible with emerging technology.KEY TOPICSHow Lorrissa Horton's immigrant family and her mother's tech journey shaped her growth mindset and leadership approach 01:39The real-world impacts and fears of rapid AI transformation across industries, jobs, and family life 07:12Why leaders must balance transparency, empathy, and adaptability when guiding teams through uncertainty and change 10:57How intentional collaboration and human connection remain vital amid increasing AI use and digital efficiency 25:19The emotional and financial realities of job market shifts, the loss of identity, and the need for constant growth in the AI era 31:22Todays guest, Lorrissa Horton, can be found online at:Website: https://sumersports.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrissa-horton-432478b1/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/

Step inside the mind of Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG Partners, on this episode of "The Psychology of Work: Why People Do What They Do." From launching startups to leading one of the world’s fastest-growing executive search firms, Larry Hartmann shares eye-opening stories about scaling businesses, building high-performing teams, and why true leadership is all about earning followership. If you want to know how the world’s top companies and winning sports teams find and develop transformative talent, you won’t want to miss this candid and data-driven conversation with Dr. Bobbi Wegner and Larry Hartmann.Larry Hartmann is the CEO of ZRG Partners, one of the world’s fastest-growing executive search and talent advisory firms. An entrepreneur at heart, he has co-founded and scaled multiple businesses, from taking Rockford Industries public on the Nasdaq to leading ZRG to global prominence through hands-on leadership and strategic M&A. Under his direction, ZRG has grown to over 700 employees, $300M+ in revenue, and become a leader in both corporate and sports executive search. Larry is passionate about developing high-performing teams, championing data-driven talent strategies, and helping organizations unlock the kind of leadership that inspires followership and real-world results.KEY TOPICSThe entrepreneurial journey: scaling two businesses from scratch to market leaders [00:01:44]Building high-performing teams through hands-on leadership and complementary partnerships [00:08:17]Using data-driven approaches and AI for executive search, leadership assessment, and onboarding [00:16:16]The centrality of followership, trust, and emotional intelligence in great leaders [00:21:08]Maintaining culture and relational depth while scaling organizations through rapid growth [00:30:17]Todays guest, Larry Hartmann, can be found online at:Website: https://www.zrgpartners.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-hartmann-723b3a/7 Pillars of Inspired Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Inspired-Leadership-entrepreneurs-influenced/dp/B0DT2RCLB7/ref=monarch_sidesheet_imageYour 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/