In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we’re talking with Eric Stone, speaker and author of “Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture,” to explore the critical elements of employee engagement and high performance. Eric shares insights from his career journey and his book, offering practical strategies for leaders to foster a positive and productive workplace environment. We discuss the importance of strong relationships, clear communication, personal and professional growth, and the role of...

We are honored to have Andrea Driessen, a renowned message strategist and TED speaker, join us. Andrea, known for her impactful TEDx talk, “The Profound Power of Gratitude and Living Eulogies,” shares her insights on grace notes—living tributes that show appreciation and love in our daily lives. In the episode we explore how these simple yet profound acts can enhance our personal and professional relationships, fostering a culture of mattering and belonging. Tune in to discover practical...

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we sit down with Urs Koenig, a military peacekeeping commander, ultra-endurance champion, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Radical Humility: Be a Badass Leader and a Good Human. Urs shares his unique journey from academia and athletics to military peacekeeping and leadership coaching. He explains how his diverse experiences shaped his views on leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, self-awareness, and building strong...

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcomeIan OKeefe, Founder and CEO of ikona Analytics. With a stellar career leading people analytics teams at some of the world’s most iconic companies, such as Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and Google, Ian brings unparalleled insights into advancing people analytics strategies. Whether you’re new to people analytics or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and actionable insights. We discuss the four pillars of...

In this episode we’re joined by Melis Abacıoğlu, the visionary founder and CEO of Wellbees, to explore the pivotal role of employee wellbeing in shaping organizational culture. While investing in employee wellbeing feels like the right thing to do morally, sometimes it’s not as easy to get sufficient manpower or budget to make a real difference.  In our conversation with Melis, we discuss innovative approaches to showcase ROI on wellbeing initiatives, wellbeing initiative options for...

In today’s episode or Empowering Workplaces, our special guest Enrique Rubio, top 100 HR influencer and founder and head of global community, talks about the evolving landscape of company cultures and some of the positive changes that we have seen in recent years. While the pandemic had a positive impact on some employee experience programs, we’re seeing some initiatives and positive changes being rolled back. How can organizations effectively continue to support programs, ones focused on...

Today on Empowering Workplaces we are joined by Stephen (Shed) Shedletzky, founder of Shed Inspires and the celebrated author of “Speak Up Culture.” Shed is an igniter, speaker, and master facilitator who as a part of his career trajectory had also worked on Simon Sinek's team for over a decade. In this episode, we talk about the importance of psychological safety in the workplace and its role as the foundation of high-performing teams. Shed shares his insights on creating environments where...

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we talk about the importance of trust in the workplace with one of our favorite thought leaders, Dan Riley, co-founder of RADICL. We believe trust is the foundation to good relationships at work, do you agree? If you do, this episode has found you for a reason, because we are in a bit of a crisis. Based on recent research, only about 30% of people reporting high trust work relationships, and 35% are experiencing neutral to toxic workplace dynamics....

We are joined by Mine Dedekoca, Chief Happiness Officer at Happy Work Studio to talk about how organizations can better navigate the transition between remote, hybrid, and in-office models. Mine sheds light on crucial considerations, recognizing that the shift is not merely about where we work but fundamentally about how we work. Whether your organization is currently embracing remote work or in the process of contemplating a return to the office, this episode is a must-listen.

Stephanie Murphy, PhD, has built an outstanding reputation in the field of Employee Listening by always pushing the boundaries in the ways she connects with, and listens to employees. With over a decade of experience working with large organizations, Stephanie shares her journey from analyzing employee listening data at Dell Technologies to a more recent listening project, where her approach and methodology we bet will surprise you. Throughout the episode, Stephanie highlights the crucial...

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we talk with Richard Rosenow, VP of People Analytics Strategy at One Model, who talks about the The Three Channels of Workforce Information: conversations (“what people say”), surveys (“what people say they do”) and systems (“what people do”) as a way to build a comprehensive understanding of your workforce. During our conversation, Richard shares practical examples and strategies for harnessing the power of these channels to make informed decisions...

In today’s episode, host Sanja Licina, PhD, engages in an enlightening conversation with Shelmina Abji, a passionate advocate for empowering women and leadership growth. As the bestselling author of “Show Your Worth” and former vice president at IBM, Shelmina shares personal experiences and learnings from her own journey, highlighting intentional manager and mentor relationships as key strategies to career growth. The episode also explores the transformative power of feedback in improving...

Join host Maddie Grant on Empowering Workplaces as she engages in an insightful discussion with Gallup's Global Practice Leader, Ed O'Boyle. Together, they explore the profound linkages between workplace culture and the art of recognition. Discover the transformative power of authentic acknowledgment, its impact on employee engagement, and how fostering a culture of recognition resonates at every organizational level. Gain actionable insights from Ed's expertise on aligning values, culture,...

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, hosts Maddie Grant and Sanja Licina engage in an insightful conversation with Zoe Peterson-Ward, Chief Customer Officer at Workhuman. They explore the significance of the season of giving and discuss strategies to support employees during the holiday season. Zoe shares her background, experiences, and insights on fostering recognition, rewards, and a culture of appreciation within organizations. The discussion explores the impact of recognition...

Join hosts Sanja Licina, PhD, and Maddie Grant in an eye-opening conversation with Jordana Confino, a certified professional coach and positive psychology professor, on the risks of perfectionism. Jordana, founder of JC Coaching & Consulting, shares her personal journey of breaking free from the shackles of perfectionism, revealing insights and actionable strategies. In this episode, Jordana examines into the misconceptions surrounding perfectionism. She distinguishes between healthy...

Join us on Empowering Workplaces as we explore a fresh perspective on the art of prioritization with Deena Kara Shaffer, PhD, owner of Awakened Learning and author of the book Feel Good Learning. In today’s episode, we talk about innovative approaches to managing urgency, value, and meaningful choices in the workplace and beyond. Dr. Shaffer’s insights will challenge your preconceptions and provide you with the tools needed to navigate life’s complexities. Whether you’re a professional...

In today’s episode, our guest Kris Boesch, Founder and CEO of Choose People and Spirited Leadership, keynote speaker, and advocate for transforming workplace culture leads us on a captivating journey as we delve into the realm of spirituality in the workplace. Join us as we uncover the impact of integrating spirituality into our professional lives, fostering inclusivity, and redefining how we connect with our work and colleagues. Don’t miss this conversation with a true enthusiast for...

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, hosts Sanja Licina, PhD, and Maddie Grant welcome Cassie Holmes, a professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and author of the best-selling book “Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most.” This episode might just transform the way you think about time and happiness in your professional and personal life. Discover the surprising findings from Cassie’s research, including the relationship between...

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, hosts Sanja Licina, PhD, and Maddie Grant welcome Cassie Holmes, a professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and author of the best-selling book “Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most.” This episode might just transform the way you think about time and happiness in your professional and personal life. Discover the surprising findings from Cassie’s research, including the relationship between...

In today’s episode, we talk about the pivotal role that data and people analytics plays in considering whether to, or the best way how to have your workforce retun to the office. This topic has been top of mind for most employers for months now, with many still looking for a better way to make decisions on the best way forward. Join us for an insightful and data driven conversation with Serena Huang, PhD, Founder and CEO of Data with Serena and Chief Data Officer at Abe, that sheds light on...

In today’s episode, Eric Ortega, Employee Experience Manager and Culture Coach at World Market, takes us on a journey through the company’s remarkable transformation, driven by the redefinition of their values, and how they use them to guide their culture transformation. Discover how they truly leaned into their employee feedback, navigated organizational change, and empowered their workforce to create a workplace where everyone thrives. Eric shares both strategic and practical advice from...

In this episode, we talk about embracing your true self in the workplace, featuring our special guest, Erin Coupe, founder of Authentically EC, and whose personal journey from the corporate world to self-discovery serves as a powerful testimonial to the significance of staying authentic. Join us as we unveil Erin’s inspiring story, her strategies for self-exploration through journaling and meditation, and the profound impact that embracing your genuine self can have on your overall life...

Join Sanja Licina, PhD, and Maddie Grant as they engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Janet Pogue McLaurin, Gensler’s Global Director of Workplace Research, in this episode of Empowering Workplaces. Explore the transformative insights from Gensler’s 2023 Workplace Survey Report, uncovering the evolving needs and desires of employees in the post-pandemic era. Discover the balance between remote work and in-person collaboration, as well as the crucial role of thoughtful office...

Join host Sanja Licina, PhD, along with special guests Jasenka Šabanović Facilitator & Executive Coach Facilitator & Executive Coach at The Fast Forward Group and Guille Santana, Marketing Manager at QuestionPro for an insightful exploration of the “Wheel of Life.” In this episode, we delve into the art of achieving work-life harmony and well-being. Discover the transformative power of assessing and nurturing the diverse facets of your life – from career and relationships to health...