Too many teams are stuck in a swirl. Unclear on priorities, disconnection from purpose, and lost momentum. But we don’t need org-wide overhauls to fix it. In this episode, I’m sharing four practical shifts leaders are making right now to redesign how work gets done - from the inside out.

Quiet cracking isn’t burnout, and it’s not disengagement. It’s the early warning signal that something in the work is out of alignment. In this episode, we unpack what quiet cracking looks and feels like, why it matters more than we think, and what anyone, regardless of role, can do to stop it before it spreads.

Our approach to wellness at work is wrong and it needs to be fixed. Currently we’re pushing ourselves to the edge and using wellness programs to help us recover. But what if instead of building better wellness programs, we rewired the work to just need them less?

Clarity doesn’t come from top-down communication. It comes from shared context, built through curiosity, trust, and connection. Here’s how to create it.

Change and success live on a dial, not a switch. And when we’re only looking for complete overhauls, we miss the signals we’re achieving something new. Missing those signals can cause us to miss out on progress. That’s where the Ladder of Impact comes in.

Workplace well-being isn't just a buzzword; it's a critical component of a thriving team. This episode looks at the current state of employee health and well-being with Dr. Rich Safeer, Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-being at Johns Hopkins Medicine. We discuss the often-overlooked signs of workplace stress, why integrating well-being practices into your day is essential, and how leaders can champion a healthier work environment. Learn practical strategies for incorporating small, impactful habits into your workday, even in demanding roles.

Companies are making tough decisions these days that leaders need to help their teams through. Here are some ways to get through even the toughest of changes.

In the final installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel speaks with Jaime Klein, founder and CEO of Inspire HR. They dive into the transformative impact of AI on HR practices, drawing parallels to the early adoption phase of the internet. Jaime shares insights into how companies are integrating AI at various levels, from applicant screening to employee engagement. They also discuss the shift back to in-office work, DEI initiatives, and strategies for personal and professional resilience during these rapidly evolving times.

In the third installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel sits down with Brett Underhill, who heads up talent acquisition and learning and development at Taboola. They discuss the benefits of using a pilot approach to implement changes and initiatives within an organization. Brett shares insights into setting up a pilot, including clear timelines, project objectives, and engaging key stakeholders. They also explore the challenges of maintaining quality talent during rapid hiring phases and how companies can best activate and engage their existing workforce. Brett offers actionable advice on experimenting with new ideas, leveraging pilots for valuable feedback, and ensuring sustainable project momentum.

In the second of a series of shorter form interviews, Rachel sits down with Mike Jacobson, VP of People Operations at Steno. They discuss why traditional feedback methods often fall short and how to create a more effective system for career growth. Mike shares insights on building customized learning environments that incentivize genuine engagement, as well as the hidden value of lateral career moves for long-term fulfillment. He also tackles the common challenge of prioritizing dedicated learning time and explores how empowering leaders to tailor their feedback approach can foster a culture where employees thrive. Mike's candid advice offers actionable strategies for transforming feedback into a powerful tool for both individual and organizational success.

In this first of four straight-to-the-heart-of-the-matter episodes this month, Rachel talks to people expert Alex Salas. Alex gives real strategies for enhancing employee experience and engagement.

Burnout doesn’t end with one big fix. Here’s how to build real, lasting relief by trading perfection for momentum—one reset, one decision, one human moment at a time.

Burnout isn’t solved by doing less. In this episode, we explore how managers can lead differently, inviting relief, clarity, and energy back into the system one shift at a time.

Managers are burning out—not just from doing too much, but from carrying too many roles that were never meant to be theirs. Let’s name the burden and start letting go of what was never yours to hold.

Team challenges can feel overwhelming to tackle head-on. Here’s how leaders in a recent Activation Bootcamp found ways to infuse small but meaningful relief into their teams—without trying to fix everything.

Rachel sits down with DEI strategist Lily Zheng for a candid conversation on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They explore why real progress depends on focusing less on performative programs and more on outcomes that drive lasting change.

Some work relationships feel easy. And some… don’t. When a relationship feels rocky—even without a big conflict—there’s a path to a more collegial working relationships, even if you never become best friends.

Rachel sits down with Bonnie Davis, co-founder of HuWork, to answer your questions about building more human-centered workplaces. You’ll also hear how Bonnie and her co-founder built HuWork by combining their corporate experience, research, and coaching backgrounds along with why celebrating strengths is key to sustainable change.

Everyone’s motivation dips sometimes. But when it does, we often default to the wrong solutions. Here’s how to get curious, not critical, and reignite your inner spark in some of the most common situations.

You want to run an offsite for you team. You're craving the connection, the alignment, the levity and the action plan. You just don't know where to begin. Well, it's here. You begin here.