In this bold episode of The State of Work Today, I talk with Suzanne Lucas—better known as the Evil HR Lady—about the real state of modern HR. Suzanne doesn't hold back as we dig into where HR data fails, how AI is quietly reshaping hiring (and not always in good ways), and why storytelling and improv might be HR's most underused tools. We also get real about the gender pay gap, leadership blind spots, and the danger of HR professionals making decisions based on gut, not evidence. Whether you're in HR, lead a team, or just want to understand how the workplace is changing—this one will make you think. Listen now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if everything we’ve been taught about leadership is wrong? In this episode of The State of Work Today, I’m joined by Mark C. Crowley—leadership visionary, bestselling author of Lead from the Heart, and host of one of the world’s top-ranked podcasts. Mark’s journey from a painful childhood to a career of award-winning leadership is more than inspiring—it’s a wake-up call. We explore why fear-based management is failing us, how genuine care drives exceptional performance, and why “employee engagement” needs to be replaced with something far deeper: well-being. Mark shares the science, the story, and the stakes—and what every manager needs to hear now. This conversation doesn’t just challenge the status quo. It shows you how to lead in a way that people won’t forget. Listen now to rethink what leadership can and should be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The State of Work Today, I talk with Felipe Pizarro about what makes the cooperative business model so unique—and how it changes the game in HR. Felipe shares his journey from ergonomics to executive leadership, what retail taught him about frontline engagement, and how North Central Co-op connects people, purpose, and performance. We dive into employee experience, succession planning, the power of listening, and why DEI is more than a metric—it's a commitment to community. We also talk data, AI, and what the future of HR looks like when people strategy actually leads business strategy. Listen now to learn how co-ops put people first—and why that’s smart business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The State of Work Today, I sit down with Dana E. Sherwin, CEO and founder of Thinking Patient LLC. With more than 35 years of experience in healthcare leadership—and a deeply personal health journey—Dana shares why patient-physician communication is broken and how we can fix it. We dive into how to prepare for medical appointments, what’s behind medication non-adherence, and how AI can empower patients to ask better questions. We also talk about the employer’s role in helping workers manage chronic conditions and the hidden ROI of investing in health benefits. Whether you're a patient, HR leader, or healthcare professional, this episode offers practical insight you won’t want to miss. Listen now and learn how to become the CEO of your own health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your wellness program is solving the wrong problem? In this episode of State of Work Today, I sit down with Bob Merberg—consultant, content strategist, and publisher of the HeHo newsletter—to break down what real workplace well-being looks like. We dig into the limits of health apps and step challenges, and focus on what actually drives retention, productivity, and mental health: job design, autonomy, and organizational change. If you want to build a culture that actually supports your people, this conversation is where to start. Listen now: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The State of Work Today, I sit down with Mark Mears — bestselling author, keynote speaker, and Chief Growth Officer of LEAF Growth Ventures — to talk about how leaders can go beyond managing tasks to building legacies. We dig into Mark’s LEAF model — Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Fulfillment — and why purpose is the missing ingredient in so many workplaces today. He shares powerful insights on the cost of disengagement, the myth of work-life balance, and why companies must shift from transactional management to relational leadership. If you’re a leader looking to create lasting impact, this conversation is for you. Listen now and take the first step toward legacy leadership. Visit his website and take his free self assessment here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The State of Work Today, I sit down with Andy Semotiuk—veteran immigration lawyer, Forbes contributor, and former UN correspondent. With over 40 years of experience and more than 10,000 clients helped, Andy unpacks the realities of U.S. and Canadian work visas, free trade immigration options, and the role immigration plays in closing critical labor gaps—especially in healthcare and tech. We dive into the TN visa under USMCA (or NAFTA), employer sponsorship, and the often-overlooked legal nuances that can make or break a cross-border move. Whether you're a professional looking to work abroad or an HR leader trying to hire global talent, this episode will leave you smarter—and a little more confident. —a practical guide to money, motivation, time, and balance for career starters. Listen now and learn how borders can be bridges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The State of Work Today, I sit down with Jason Lerato, a transportation industry veteran who brings a rare and valuable perspective to HR—because he’s lived both behind the wheel and behind the desk. With 20 years of hands-on experience as a long-haul driver, and a career in HR spanning recruiting, compliance, and workforce development, Jason knows what it takes to support and retain frontline workers. We dive into the cultural shifts in Canadian trucking, the rise of tech-savvy new drivers, and how to lead with empathy in an industry often defined by isolation and pressure. Jason shares real stories, practical insights, and a leadership philosophy rooted in listening, honesty, and real human connection. If you want to hear what true people-first leadership sounds like—this is the episode. Listen now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this must-listen episode of The State of Work Today, I speak with Rebecca Reed, global workplace wellbeing expert and founder of Siendo, who reveals her remarkable journey from corporate banking to frontline mental health care. Especially important this May and mental health awareness month in Canada, the US and the UK. Discover why your organization might be missing critical early warning signs of employee stress, how the overlooked phenomenon of "rust-out" can be just as devastating as burnout, and practical leadership strategies that genuinely build psychological safety. Rebecca presents compelling ROI data proving that neglecting mental health initiatives actually costs your business more than implementing effective wellbeing programs. Listen now to transform how you approach mental health in your workplace and unlock the hidden performance potential of a truly supported team. Bonus: Download Rebecca's exclusive Pressure-Performance Curve Management Tool: https://www.siendo.co.uk/pressure-performance-curve-management-tools/ Quick correction from Rebecca: Please note: Towards the end of the podcast I say, ‘the blood shifts to the amygdala’, but what I should have explained is that the amygdala becomes more active, hijacking the brain’s response system. It’s not about blood flow, but rather about neural activation and how the amygdala takes over in terms of brain activity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it really take to build a world-class talent strategy? In this episode of State of Work Today, I talk with Marcus Fischer, co-founder of Time for Hires and a seasoned leader in global talent acquisition. From starting his career in HR “by accident” to shaping recruitment strategies at Audi, Volkswagen, and Swiss banks, Marcus brings two decades of lessons in recruiting, employer branding, and the rise of AI in hiring. We explore why the old playbook for employer branding no longer works, how to attract young talent in a fast-changing world, and what the next generation of HR leaders must understand to succeed. Whether you’re in HR, a hiring manager, or just passionate about the future of work, you’ll walk away with practical insights—and a new appreciation for how careers are built, not just planned. Listen now to hear why authenticity, adaptability, and curiosity are the new cornerstones of talent acquisition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when decades of HR expertise meet today’s most pressing workplace challenges? You get this episode. I’m joined by Michael VanDervort—labor relations expert, consultant, and co-host of two HR podcasts—for a no-nonsense look at what’s really going on inside today’s workplaces. We dig into the Starbucks union wave, how AI is rewriting HR playbooks, and what employers must do to keep trust from slipping. Michael also shares how his journey from mail carrier to industry thought leader shaped his approach to culture, communication, and change. From frontline insights to executive strategy, this one’s packed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The State of Work Today podcast, I sit down with HR legend Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa’s, to talk about what it really means to be a people-first leader. From his decades of experience across manufacturing, professional services, and hospitality, Steve shares how being present, intentional, and radically human can transform company culture, boost retention, and make HR... actually cool. We talk about frontline leadership, why 98% of a GM’s time is people-related, the importance of connection, and why celebrating a 5-year work anniversary with a hoagie and a laugh might be more powerful than any performance review. Steve also opens up about flipping the “HR is scary” script, and why every location is its own cultural lab. If you’re in HR or care about building workplaces that work for people, this one’s a must-listen. Also - HR Net is a community created by Steve Browne to give HR leaders a space to connect, share resources, and support each other—be sure to join if you're looking for real-world advice, fresh ideas, and a network that truly gets what it's like to be in HR. Listen now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your dream job isn’t a title, but a feeling? On this episode of State of Work Today, I talk with Cecile Peterkin, Founder and Chief Transformation Strategist at the Leadership Coaching Center. Cecile shares her journey from science to finance to leadership coaching—driven by a deep love for people and a passion for helping others rediscover their purpose. We dig into why so many professionals feel stuck, how women can uncover and apply their untapped leadership skills, and why mentorship is critical for real transformation inside companies. If you’ve ever felt misaligned in your career or unsure how to move forward, this conversation will give you both clarity and hope. Listen now to hear how you can reconnect with what brings you joy—and build a career around it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever feel like hiring is just a gamble? In this episode of State of Work Today, I sit down with Dr. Michael Neal—optometrist, entrepreneur, and founder of Build My Team—to unpack why most hiring processes are set up to fail. Drawing from two decades in clinical practice and a hiring method rooted in psychometrics, Dr. Neal shares how he went from constant staffing chaos to building high-performing teams that actually stay. We dive into why traditional resumes don't work, what small businesses can learn from the Four Seasons and Disney, and how to spot top talent using science instead of gut instinct. If you're tired of bad hires and want a better way, this one's for you. Listen now—you’ll never look at hiring the same way again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest: Amber A. Johnson, PhD – Leadership & Strategy Consultant In this episode, I sit down with Amber Johnson, a leadership and strategy consultant with over 25 years of experience in developing leaders and driving organizational change. We get into what it really means to lead and grow people when budgets are tight and resources are limited. Amber shares smart, practical strategies for upskilling employees without formal programs, building cultures of feedback, and how both leaders and individuals can take ownership of development. If you're managing a team or thinking about your own growth, this episode is packed with real, usable insights. Listen now, and be sure to sign up for her newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hybrid work is here to stay—but are companies doing it right? In this episode, I sit down with Gary Cookson, workplace performance expert and author of Making Hybrid Working Work, to explore what it really takes to succeed in a hybrid environment. We cover why the five-day workweek is outdated, how AI is reshaping HR, and why leaders must rethink the way they manage remote teams. Gary shares practical strategies for improving team collaboration, measuring success, and preparing for the future of work. If you care about leadership, employee engagement, and the future of work, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The State of Work Today, I sit down with Paolo Gaudiano, chief scientist at Aleria and ARC, adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, and author of Measuring Inclusion. With a background in neuroscience, aerospace engineering, and complexity science, Paolo has developed a data-driven approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that goes beyond surface-level fixes. We discuss why traditional DEI strategies fall short, how inclusion—not just diversity—drives business performance, and why companies are leaving money on the table by failing to optimize their most valuable asset: their people. Paolo also breaks down how organizations can quantify the financial benefits of inclusion, avoid backlash, and create happier, more productive workplaces. Paolo is, without question, one of the smartest people I’ve ever met—he’s about as close as you can get to both a brain surgeon and a rocket scientist. And yet, he makes the case for measuring inclusion so clearly that even the rest of us can understand why companies need to rethink their approach. If you’re tired of vague DEI initiatives and want real, measurable results, this is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does the future of work really look like? In this episode of State of Work Today, I sit down with Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward, a top expert on workplace transformation, and the author of How the Future Works. With experience at Google, Slack, and Salesforce, Brian shares data-driven insights on hybrid work, AI’s impact on jobs, and how leaders can build flexible, human-centered workplaces. We cover: Why return-to-office mandates are failing The biggest workplace shift no one is talking about How AI can support—rather than replace—employees If you're a leader or business owner looking to future-proof your workforce, don’t miss this conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 4 Leadership Shifts That Separate Great Leaders from Failing Ones – with Phil Wilson Most leaders think they’re doing a good job. The truth? Many are driving their teams away without even realizing it. Phil Wilson, labor relations expert and author of The Leader Shift Playbook, has seen it all—from leadership train wrecks to companies that inspire loyalty and high performance. In this episode, he breaks down the four critical mindset shifts that separate great leaders from those who struggle to keep their teams engaged. We cover: The biggest leadership blind spot that’s killing workplace culture Why approachability is the ultimate leadership superpower How to retain top talent when employees have more power than ever What leaders must do differently to thrive in today’s workplace If you manage people—or hope to—this episode is a wake-up call you can’t afford to miss. Learn more about the new book and his approach here (or visit yourleadershift.com) yourleadershift.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most leaders think change happens from the top down. That’s why most change efforts fail. In this episode, Tim Glowa sits down with Jeppe Hansgaard, CEO of InnoVisor, to discuss the hidden networks shaping every organization. They break down why just 3% of employees drive 90% of influence, how to find them, and how to use that power to make change actually stick. If you’re in HR, change management, or just want to understand how real influence works inside companies, this conversation will change the way you see leadership. Miss this, and you’ll keep pushing change uphill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices