In this final episode of our three-part series on stress and health, we focus on what companies can do to support employee well-being and reduce workplace stress. From innovative job redesign to wellness programs, we’ll explore practical, organizational strategies that help foster a healthier, more productive work environment. Plus, we discuss the importance of normalizing mental health conversations at work and share real-life examples of companies that are getting it right.
Tune in for actionable insights on how organizations can create lasting stress solutions—and don’t forget to follow us on X (@mbamindpodcast) for more updates and behind-the-scenes content!
In this episode of MBA Mindset, we tackle one of the biggest challenges professionals face today: setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. We'll explore how to manage work-life spillover, avoid burnout, and create healthier boundaries that promote long-term success and well-being. From practical boundary-setting strategies to examples of companies that are getting it right, this episode will help you take control of your time and mental health.
Plus, we’ll dive into insights from the Meikles & Dimes podcast on time poverty and the secret to a happier, more balanced life.
Join the conversation and follow us on X (@mbamindpodcast) for more tips and updates!
In this episode of MBA Mindset, we dive deep into the critical relationship between mental health and sleep. We explore the realities of workaholism, psychological distress, and how chronic sleeplessness impacts your productivity, well-being, and overall performance. Drawing from personal stories and expert insights, we’ll unpack why prioritizing mental health and rest is more essential than ever in today’s fast-paced work environments. Whether you're a manager or a team member, this episode will give you the tools to foster a healthier, more balanced work-life approach.
Tune in to discover why rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Don't forget to follow us on X (@mbamindpodcast) for more insights, updates, and behind-the-scenes content!
In this episode of MBA Mindset, we continue our discussion on Human Resource Systems and Practices, focusing on what happens after a new employee is hired. We’ll explore onboarding, employee training, and ongoing development programs that help integrate new hires and ensure long-term success. Learn how to build an effective onboarding process and strategies to support continuous employee growth and retention.
Share your thoughts on onboarding best practices with us on X (@mbamindpodcast). Don’t forget to subscribe, rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Podcasts, and share with your colleagues!
In this episode of MBA Mindset, we begin our deep dive into Human Resource Systems and Practices, focusing on the critical steps leading up to a new employee’s hiring. We’ll cover recruitment strategies, job analysis, and how to select the right candidates to fit your organizational culture. Discover the key elements that make the hiring process efficient and effective, along with insights into aligning your recruitment efforts with long-term business goals.
Connect with us on X (@mbamindpodcast) to share your thoughts on hiring practices. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Podcasts, and share it with your network!
In this episode of MBA Mindset, we continue exploring organizational culture, focusing on how to change existing cultures. Whether you're navigating a startup or leading a long-established organization, shifting deeply embedded values and behaviors can be a challenge. We’ll discuss strategies to overcome resistance and implement lasting cultural change, with insights from frameworks like Kotter’s Eight-Step Plan. Learn how to effectively lead change and transform your organization's culture for long-term success.
Connect with us on X (@mbamindpodcast) to share your experiences with cultural change. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Podcasts, and share with your colleagues!
In this episode of MBA Mindset, we dive into the heart of what shapes an organization: its culture. Organizational culture defines how employees interact, make decisions, and drive success. We'll explore how culture is created, sustained, and changed over time. Learn how strong cultures propel businesses forward and what happens when cultures become liabilities. Real-world examples and frameworks, like the Competing Values Framework, provide actionable insights for managers and leaders looking to foster innovation, collaboration, and ethical behavior within their teams.
Connect with us on X (@mbamindpodcast) to share your experiences with organizational culture. Don’t forget to subscribe and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Podcasts!
In this episode of MBA Mindset, we continue our deep dive into the art of negotiation. Spencer Harris explores the key steps in the negotiation process—from defining ground rules to closing the deal—and how individual factors like personality, emotions, and culture can influence negotiation outcomes.
We also highlight powerful techniques from former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss, including accusation audits, mirroring, labeling, and no-oriented questions. These strategies help create trust, manage emotions, and achieve better results in high-stakes negotiations.
Whether you're negotiating deals, salaries, or partnerships, this episode provides actionable tools to sharpen your negotiation skills.
Got your own negotiation stories or questions? Join us on X @mbamindpodcast and share your thoughts!
Negotiation is a vital skill in every business professional’s toolkit. In this episode of MBA Mindset, Spencer Harris breaks down the core concepts of negotiation, including the two primary approaches: distributive bargaining and integrative bargaining. Whether you’re aiming for the best deal in a salary negotiation or building long-term business partnerships, understanding these approaches is essential for success.
We’ll also discuss the importance of preparation, including knowing your BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and why thorough planning gives you the upper hand in any negotiation.
Want to master negotiation? This episode provides the foundation to elevate your skills and outcomes.
Have thoughts on negotiation strategies? Join the conversation on X @mbamindpodcast. We’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of MBA Mindset, we continue our exploration of conflict in organizations, focusing on how to manage and resolve it effectively. Spencer Harris breaks down the remaining stages of the conflict process, explaining how conflict escalates and the behaviors that come into play.
We also discuss practical strategies for handling conflict—whether it’s between individuals, within teams, or across departments. Learn how to manage dysfunctional conflict, foster collaboration, and turn potential disagreements into opportunities for growth.
To hear real-world examples and gain actionable tips on conflict resolution, tune in to this episode and take your conflict management skills to the next level.
Have your own insights on resolving workplace conflict? Share them with us on X @mbamindpodcast, and let’s keep the conversation going!
In this episode of MBA Mindset, we delve into the nature of conflict in organizations. Conflict is inevitable when working with others, but it isn’t always a bad thing. When managed effectively, conflict can drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and strengthen teams.
Join Spencer Harris as he explains the key concepts of conflict, including task, relationship, and process conflict, and walks through the first two stages of the conflict process. We’ll also explore how conflict emerges, the conditions that give rise to it, and the difference between functional and dysfunctional conflict.
This episode lays the groundwork for understanding and navigating conflict in any workplace. Don’t forget to tune in for Part 2, where we cover conflict resolution strategies and managing outcomes.
Have thoughts on conflict in your workplace? Join the conversation on X @mbamindpodcast. We’d love to hear your insights!
This highlights episode of MBA Mindset offers a condensed, brief overview of the full discussion on organizational politics—the subtle power dynamics that influence decision-making, promotions, and career advancement. Spencer touches on key concepts like defensive behaviors, impression management, and the power of using your voice in the workplace, along with a personal story about navigating office politics in a family business.
If you’re interested in learning more about what you heard in this highlights version, be sure to check out the full episode for a deeper dive into these important concepts. And don’t forget to connect with us on X at @mbamindpodcast to share your thoughts and experiences with organizational politics!
In this full episode of MBA Mindset, we dive deep into the world of organizational politics—the behind-the-scenes power plays that shape decision-making, promotions, and career paths. Spencer breaks down key concepts such as defensive behaviors, impression management techniques, and the role of voice versus silence in the workplace. Drawing from both research and his own experiences navigating politics in a family business, Spencer offers practical strategies for ethically managing organizational politics while advancing your career.
Want to weigh in on the conversation? Connect with us on X at @mbamindpodcast to share your thoughts, experiences, and tips on handling office politics!
In this highlights edition of MBA Mindset, Spencer Harris breaks down the key concepts of power dynamics in the workplace. From Formal Power to Personal Power, discover how these forces shape leadership and influence team dynamics. Spencer also shares a quick personal story about Servant Leadership and challenges listeners to reflect on their own use of power.
Want more? Check out the full episode for an in-depth exploration of power, leadership, and ethical influence in the workplace. Don’t forget to join the conversation on X by tagging @mbamindpodcast with your thoughts on power dynamics!
In this episode of MBA Mindset, we dive into the complex and often misunderstood concept of power in the workplace. Spencer Harris breaks down the two main types of power—formal and personal—and explores how each can influence leadership, team dynamics, and organizational culture. Drawing on real-world experience, including a personal story about servant leadership, Spencer shows how power can be wielded ethically to inspire and empower teams.
We’ll also introduce French and Raven’s Five Bases of Power, a foundational framework that provides a deeper understanding of the sources of power leaders draw from. Plus, we’ll ask a thought-provoking question: Does power corrupt? Take a moment to reflect, then join the conversation on X by tagging @mbamindpodcast.
This episode is packed with actionable insights and a challenge to take a closer look at how power is distributed in your own workplace. Whether you’re leading a team or navigating the complexities of office politics, understanding power is key to driving positive change.
Next Episode Preview: Stay tuned as we explore how power in group settings becomes political, with a deep dive into organizational politics and the behaviors that shape workplace dynamics.
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French and Raven 1959 Research in PDF form - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/215915730_The_bases_of_social_power
Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse -
https://a.co/d/1e7c0oO
In this first episode of MBA Mindset, host Spencer Harris introduces the podcast and its purpose. As an MBA student and the owner of Voyant Digital, Spencer blends academic insights with over a decade of real-world experience working in marketing teams, agencies, and consulting for major brands. This episode sets the stage for what listeners can expect from the series—deep dives into business, leadership, and marketing topics, connecting classroom theory with practical application. Tune in and learn how MBA Mindset can help you grow, whether you're managing a business, leading a team, or pursuing your own MBA.