Do you have a talent pipeline problem? In this episode of On Work and Revolution, Debbie Goodman talks candidly about why succession plans often fail, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the corporate dramas that unfold during leadership transitions. From boardroom politics and last-minute reversals to the lack of viable internal candidates, she exposes the human and structural challenges that derail even the best-laid plans. Using real-world examples, including a high-profile leadership shake-up in South Africa’s financial sector, she highlights the need for transparency, flexibility, and proactive leadership development. Ultimately, succession planning is both an art and a science—one that requires adaptability, continuous talent nurturing, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.

Since Advaita and I haven’t done a podcast since Season 1, we thought it was time to get back behind the mics and dive deep into the intricate and nuanced world of executive search. Advaita Naidoo is the MD of Jack Hammer Africa, a prominent voice in workplace culture, leadership, and inclusivity across South Africa. On today’s episode of the On Work and Revolution podcast – we debunk common myths about executive headhunters. We get into the nuances of proactive headhunting, why internal talent teams still rely on external partners, and how executive search isn’t just about finding candidates but crafting compelling opportunities and building relationships that drive impact.

As someone who has successfully helped clients negotiate over $5 million in salary increases throughout her career, our next guest on the podcast knows a thing or two about smart salary negotiation strategies. Keri-Lynne Shaw, or KL as she prefers to be known, is the CEO of The Salary Bump, a top voice on LinkedIn, and a sought-after speaker. With over 15 years of experience as Chief People Officer in global multinationals, KL has a unique vantage point and perspective on the intricacies of compensation dynamics. She’s on a relentless mission to close the gap between what people earn and what they deserve, and you’ll want to hang on to every minute of this episode.

While on paper, extroverts seem to dominate the networking scene, did you know that introverts have a unique edge when it comes to building meaningful connections? With superpowers like deep listening, thoughtful follow-up, and an ability to cultivate authentic relationships one conversation at a time, introverts excel in building powerful networks that convert. In today’s episode of the On Work and Revolution podcast, we have Helen Nicholson, CEO of The Networking Company and author of Networking for Introverts, in the guest chair. Helen generously shares science-backed strategies that will provides a roadmap for you to confidently navigate social interactions and stand out in a world often designed for extroverts.