Work For Humans

Industrial capitalism has treated workers like marionettes breaking down work into discreet, disconnected, repeatable actions. It loves uniformity and people who do what they're told. Seth Godin’s new book, The Song of Significance,  challenges us to break free of these limiting mental models, many of which are still baked into how we work. Seth Godin is an author, entrepreneur, and marketing expert whose past clients include AOL, Microsoft, Penguin, and Random House. His 20 bestselling books, Ted Talks, personal blog, and altMBA program have empowered millions of professionals to drive meaningful change at work.In this episode, Dart and Seth discuss:- The Song of Significance- Choosing and creating jobs of value instead of production- Eliminating drudgery from work- How the industrial revolution shaped work, education, and society- The power of small connections and communities in marketing- False proxies in the hiring process- The hiring method that lowers turnover and increases productivity- Criticizing work instead of the worker- And other topics…Seth Godin is a highly influential author, entrepreneur, and marketing expert whose achievements have transformed how we think about business and personal development. His company, Yoyodyne, created the first ethical commercial email and was later sold to Yahoo!, where Seth became the VP of Direct Marketing. He later founded several other successful companies, working with clients such as AOL, Microsoft, Penguin, and Random House. Seth has written 20 bestselling books translated into more than 35 languages, including Permission Marketing, Purple Cow, and, most recently, The Song of Significance. His TED Talks and personal blog have amassed millions of views, and his online workshop, altMBA, has empowered thousands of professionals to drive meaningful change in their industries. He is also the founding editor of The Carbon Almanac, a global almanac on climate created by hundreds of volunteers from over 40 countries.Resources Mentioned:The Song of Significance, by Seth Godin: https://www.amazon.com/Song-Significance-New-Manifesto-Teams/dp/0593715543The Ministry for the Future, by Kim Stanley Robinson: https://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Future-Kim-Stanley-Robinson/dp/0316300136 The Carbon Almanac, by Seth Godin and The Carbon Almanac Network: https://www.amazon.com/Carbon-Almanac-Its-Not-Late/dp/B09XBYL7J3  Connect with Seth:Blog: https://seths.blog/AI Bot: https://seths.blog/bot/Seth’s latest book: https://seths.blog/song/ 

Is joy too much to ask of work? Viral trends like the Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting have made it seem like work and life are at odds. Having studied the sociology of work for over two decades, Dr. Tracy Brower believes employees can find agency and happiness in the workplace – especially when employers create the right conditions. Dr. Tracy Brower is an author, award-winning speaker, and Ph.D. sociologist with over 25 years of experience studying work and fulfillment. She is the author of The Secrets to Happiness at Work and Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work. Her work has been translated into 16 languages and is featured in Forbes, Fast Company, TEDx, The Wall Street Journal, and Fortune.com, among others. In this episode, Dart and Tracy discuss:- The importance of agency in the workplace- Common myths about work and organizations- Valuing all types of work, and recognizing unique contributions- Creating intentional relationships at work - How employees can find purpose in their work- Creating the right growth opportunities for employees- The challenges of middle management - Employees as a Market of One - Assertive agency vs. aggressive agency in competitive markets- And other topics…Dr. Tracy Brower is an author, award-winning speaker, and Ph.D. sociologist dedicated to studying work-life fulfillment and happiness. She is the Vice President of Workplace Insights and has over 25 years of experience helping global clients reach their business goals. She is also the author of The Secrets to Happiness at Work and Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work. Tracy holds a Ph.D. in sociology, a Master of Management in Organizational Culture, and a Master of Corporate Real Estate with a workplace specialization. Her work has been translated into 16 languages and featured in Forbes, Fast Company, TEDx, The Wall Street Journal, and Fortune.com, among others. Resources Mentioned:The Secrets to Happiness at Work, by Tracy Brower: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Happiness-Work-Purpose-Fulfillment/dp/1728230896“Middle Managers Have It Bad,” by Tracy Brower: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2023/03/26/middle-managers-have-it-bad-5-things-they-need-most/?sh=1d577c89617dLean In, by Sheryl Sandberg: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Women-Work-Will-Lead/dp/0385349947 Connect with Tracy:www.TracyBrower.comSteelcase.com: https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/topics/wellbeing/happiness-work-lessons-home/ Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/?sh=7ea5a9c35185 

Jim Kalbach wrote the book on the jobs to be done research methodology (JTBD). Jim argues persuasively, that JTBD is way more than a tool for understanding what customers really want from a product. When used right, it can be the organizing principle that gets every part of a company pointing in the same direction, all towards satisfying customer needs. In this episode, Dart and Jim discuss:- Applying the Jobs to Be Done theory and methodology to business- Understanding and identifying the unmet needs of a marketplace - Promoting innovation by focusing on problems, not solutions- Jobs to Be Done in HR to find the right work for employees- Social, emotional, and differential factors that affect product market fit- Developing product lines to meet different circumstances- The Jobs to Be Done tools that help teams align their focus- And more…Jim Kalbach is an author, speaker, and instructor in innovation, design, and the future of work. After consulting for large companies such as eBay, Audi, Sony, and Citrix, Jim became Co-Founder and Principal at the JTBD (Jobs to Be Done) Toolkit, an online resource with learning, training, and content on human-centered business. He is also the current Chief Evangelist at Mural, the leading online whiteboard.Jim lived in Germany for 15 years, where he founded the European Information Architecture conferences and the leading UX design event, IA Konferenz. In 2013, he moved back to the United States and wrote Mapping Experiences and The Jobs to Be Done Playbook, among other publications. He is also the former editor of Boxes and Arrows and a former advisory board member of the Information Architecture Institute.Resources Mentioned:The Jobs To Be Done Playbook, by Jim Kalbach: https://www.amazon.com/Jobs-Be-Done-Playbook-Organization/dp/1933820683Mapping Experiences, by Jim Kalbach: https://www.amazon.com/Mapping-Experiences-Complete-Creating-Blueprints/dp/1491923539 Jobs to Be Done toolkit: https://www.jtbdtoolkit.com/The Experience Economy, by Joseph Pine: https://www.amazon.com/Experience-Economy-New-Preface-Authors/dp/1633697975Connect with Jim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalbach/www.JTBDtoolkit.com 

From the layout of the supermarket to the colors and packaging of products, companies are constantly shaping and adapting to a mix of human nature and changing consumer trends. In this episode, we apply this perspective to the workplace and explore what we can do to design work that people want.  Paco Underhill is a researcher, speaker, and expert on consumer trends, working with clients like Microsoft, McDonald's, Adidas, and Estee Lauder. He is the founder and former CEO of Envirosell, Inc. His New York Times bestseller, Why We Buy, has been translated into 27 languages and deemed a guide to consumer behavior for over two decades. In this episode, Dart and Paco discuss:- Paco’s books, How We Eat and Why We Buy- Observational research behind retail and consumer behavior- The 6 things you must consider when discussing work or retail- How to attract the right customers and employees- The shopping models of the future- Creating smoother workdays and happier employees- How to collect the right data to improve a workplace- And other topics…Paco Underhill is the founder and former CEO of Envirosell, Inc., a market research and consulting company that helped invent the science of shopping. As a researcher, speaker, and expert on consumer trends, Paco has tailored retail environments to customers, working with clients like Microsoft, McDonald's, Adidas, and Estee Lauder.Paco has lived in a multitude of cities and worked in 50 countries as a speaker, presenter, and consultant. He is a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. His New York Times bestseller, Why We Buy, has been translated into 27 languages and deemed a guide to consumer behavior for over two decades. Resources Mentioned:How We Eat, by Paco Underhill: https://www.amazon.com/How-We-Eat-Brave-World/dp/1982127090 Why We Buy, by Paco Underhill: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Buy-Science-Shopping-ebook/dp/B001QA4SY2“A Veteran Researcher Looks at the Subject of Shoes,” by Paco Underhill: https://www.therobinreport.com/a-veteran-researcher-looks-at-the-subject-of-shoes/The Experience Economy, by Joseph Pine: https://www.amazon.com/Experience-Economy-New-Preface-Authors/dp/1633697975Connect with Paco:www.pacounderhill.com

Platform businesses like Uber, Etsy, and Airbnb bring together customers who have complementary needs to a place where they can exchange value with one another. But a thriving platform can't be forced into existence. It must be cultivated like a garden. From ensuring fairness and trust, balancing innovation with regulation, and curating rights to intellectual property, these businesses must orchestrate a living system. Today we are joined by Alex Komoroski. Alex is an expert in platform businesses with over a decade of hands-on experience as a leader and product manager, designing some of the most influential platforms, and thinking deeply about the principles underlying their success. He is the Head of Corporate Strategy for Stripe and an avid writer on project management, web standards, the power dynamics and creation of platforms, and other topics.In this episode, Dart and Alex discuss:- The structure and function of platforms in business- The power dynamics of providers- Embracing uncertainty at work instead of fearing it- Employees as free agents- Building a flourishing ecosystem around a platform- Loosening boundaries at work- The rules for creating effective communities- The importance of play at work for creativity and innovation - And other topics…Alex Komoroske is an expert with over a decade of experience in project management and platforms, exploring the world of platform businesses and the keys to their success. As a former director and project manager for Google, Alex led the Google Chrome web platform product management team. He is the current Head of Corporate Strategy for Stripe.Alex graduated from Harvard University, where his thesis focused on the emergent paradynamics of Wikipedia’s user community. He is an avid writer of various term papers, articles, blogs, and other publications on project management, web standards, and the power dynamics and creation of platforms. Resources Mentioned:The Doorbell in the Jungle, by Alex Komoroske: https://medium.com/@komorama/the-doorbell-in-the-jungle-cca22fbd78d0The Flux Collective: https://read.fluxcollective.org/The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: https://www.pnas.org/Talent Wants to Be Free, by Orly Lobel: https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Wants-Be-Free-Should/dp/0300166273Next Now: https://www.next-now.org/Connect with Alex:www.komoroske.com 

As an international correspondent for NPR, Gregory Warner has lived and worked in some of the highest conflict areas in recent memory. He has climbed mountains with smugglers in Pakistan for This American Life, descended into illegal mineshafts in the Democratic Republic of Congo for Marketplace's "Working" series, and lugged his accordion across Afghanistan on the trail of the "Afghan Elvis" for Radiolab. On one occasion, while covering the terror attacks in Nairobi, he found himself in the middle of a coup. To save his own life, he had to hide in a large vase until the fighting subsided.Greg was named a Poynter Fellow in Journalism at Yale and received a Peabody Award for his journalism work. His podcast, Rough Translation, was named one of the New York Times’s Top 10 podcasts of 2021. Last season, he ran a series of surprising stories about workplaces and work cultures around the world. Today, he joins us on Work For Humans to discuss those stories.  In this episode, Dart and Gregory discuss:- The power of storytelling through a local’s perspective- Cultural norms, societal pressures, and value clashes around the world- Chinese workers protesting work through slacking- How crisis, government, and our parents shape workplace culture- South Korea’s work trend of adopting English first names- How countries brand themselves, and how this trickles down to work- The exportation of Silicon Valley's work culture- Jobs like truck driving that can push one into solitude- The danger of hearing from a narrow set of international voices- And other topics...Gregory Warner has been an international correspondent for NPR for over a decade. As the host and creator of the NPR podcast Rough Translation, he has lived around the world and in conflict zones like Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Rwanda. Gregory was named a Poynter Fellow in Journalism at Yale and has received various awards for his journalism work, including a Peabody Award. Rough Translation unpacks cultural norms, issues, and shifts close to home from a continent away. The podcast has received multiple awards from the Overseas Press Club and was named one of the New York Times’s Top 10 podcasts of 2021. Resources Mentioned:Rough Translation podcast: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510324/rough-translation Slackers@Work: A Song for the Exhausted podcast episode: https://www.npr.org/2022/05/31/1102281666/slackers-work-a-song-for-the-exhaustedOutliers, by Malcolm Gladwell: https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017930Connect with Gregory:Around the World in 85 Days substack: https://aroundtheworldin85days.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radiogrego/ 

Dr. Bob Aubrey is a pioneer of human development in Asia, striving to increase opportunities at work and improve the employee experience across borders. With experience spanning 25 countries and six continents, Bob founded and chairs the Advisory Board of the ASEAN Human Development Organisation (ADHO). His work promotes human development in the workplace across the 10 ASEAN countries as well as the world.Bob is an award-winning human development consultant, author, and educator who has worked with major multinationals across the globe. He is the Managing Director of Bob Aubrey Associates, the author of 14 books on human development, and a global expert in human resources and corporate leadership.In this episode, Dart and Bob discuss:- Global human development (HD) and how it creates a better work environment- How HR and HD work together- HD curriculum and career paths- The importance of ethics in companies and investments- Environmental Social Governance and how it improves profitability- HD within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)- HR practices in Western vs. non-Western nations- How to create an organization that prioritizes employee well-being - If and how HD can coexist with capitalism- And more…Dr. Bob Aubrey is an award-winning human development consultant, author, social entrepreneur, speaker, educator, and leadership consultant. His work as an author and consultant spans 25 countries and six continents. He is a pioneer in the field of human development in Asia as the Founder and Chair of the Advisory Board of the ASEAN Human Development Organisation (ADHO). He is also the Managing Director of Bob Aubrey Associates. Bob has authored 14 books on human development and leadership, including the first book ever written on human development careers. He is currently writing a book on ethics within ASEAN and developing the curriculum for the first human development master’s program in the region. Resources Mentioned:Human Development Careers, by Bob Aubrey: https://www.amazon.com/Human-Development-Careers-Leading-Future-ebook/dp/B08QJ1BS98 Measure of Man, by Bob Aubrey: https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Man-Leading-Human-Development-ebook/dp/B014IF1W36 The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by Thomas S. Kuhn: https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Scientific-Revolutions-50th-Anniversary-ebook/dp/B007USH7J2 Human Resource Champions, by David Ulrich: https://www.amazon.com/Human-Resource-Champions-David-Ulrich/dp/0875847196 Connect with Bob:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobaubrey/ ASEAN Human Development Organisation: https://www.aseanhdo.com/about 

Businesses have long fragmented work and home life, searching for employees that fit the mold instead of molding work around their employees. As a global expert on business leadership, management, and innovation, Margaret Heffernan helps others to integrate work with life, prioritize good people instead of obedient employees, and measure business value in more than just numbers. Margaret Heffernan is an entrepreneur, award-winning author, keynote speaker to over 14 million people, and former CEO of five businesses across two continents. As an author, she has written two of the most important business books of the decade - Uncharted and Willful Blindness – as named by the Financial Times.In this episode, Dart and Margaret discuss:- Integrating work with life to benefit businesses and employees- The problem of measuring progress and value in numbers- Focusing on good people instead of obedient employees- The morality (or lack thereof) of leadership- What data doesn’t capture and how this affects a business- Margaret’s strategies as the former CEO of five companies- Recognizing the value of different positions, employees, and types of work- And more…Margaret Heffernan is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author of six award-winning books, and former CEO of five businesses in the U.S. and the U.K. As an expert on business leadership, management, and innovation, her TED talks have impacted over 14 million people. Her book Willful Blindness was named one of the most important business books of the decade by the Financial Times. Margaret's most recent bestseller, Uncharted, is also nominated for the Financial Times Best Business Book award. Before serving as the CEO of iCast Corporation, ZineZone Corporation, and Information Corporation, Margaret worked for BBC for over a decade. She received her M.A. from Cambridge University and an Honorary Degree from the University of Bath, where she currently serves as a Professor of Practice for the MBA program. Resources Mentioned:Uncharted, by Margaret Heffernan: https://www.amazon.com/Uncharted-How-Navigate-Future/dp/B084J6R3WG A Bigger Prize, by Margaret Heffernan: https://www.amazon.com/Bigger-Prize-Margaret-Heffernan/dp/1471100766 Willful Blindness, by Margaret Heffernan: https://www.amazon.com/Willful-Blindness-audiobook/dp/B004Q3S03Q Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell: https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Malcolm-Gladwell-audiobook/dp/B00097DWY0 Connect with Margaret:www.mheffernan.com 

Today we are featuring Fred Reichheld. Named by The Economist as the "high priest" of loyalty, Fred is the creator of the Net Promoter Score (NPS).More than two-thirds of Fortune 1000 companies have reportedly used the Net Promoter Score to measure customer experience including household names like Apple, Netflix, and Disney. According to Fred, however, the vast majority of companies are using it wrong.Today, Fred shares what businesses can do differently to create a truly successful, fulfilling, and energized organization that prioritizes its customers and energizes its employees.In this episode, Dart and Fred talk about viewing a company’s progress through the experience of its customers. They discuss why Fred believes organizations are built to love customers and enrich their lives, while leaders are meant to respect and recognize their employees. Fred also speaks about the importance of maximizing value in a business by creating value for its customers.Topics Include:- Mistakes companies make when measuring progress- The ideas behind Fred’s new book, Winning on Purpose- How to use emotional relationships to propel your business- Why Fred hopes "earned growth" will replace NPS- What creates energized employees- How to track net revenue retention- The best way to increase a company’s value- And other topics…Fred Reichheld is the creator of the Net Promoter Score and pioneer of the loyalty business model. His work guides two-thirds of Fortune 1000 companies that use the Net Promoter Score to outline their customer success.Fred is a New York Times best-selling author. As a Harvard alum, he also shares his knowledge through eight Harvard Business Review articles. He is a current Fellow at Bain & Company and has previously been named one of the top 25 consultants in the world by Consulting Magazine. His work has been covered by publications like The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Fortune, Business Week, The Economist, and more.Fred’s groundbreaking concepts of “customer loyalty” and “Earned Growth Rate” have allowed him to restructure outdated business models. His teachings promote customer retention, repetition, and referrals spanning different industries. He continues to research, write, and speak about these topics across the country.Resources Mentioned:Winning on Purpose, by Fred Reichheld: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Purpose-Unbeatable-Strategy-Customers/dp/1647821789/Fred Reichheld's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredreichheldNet Promoter System: netpromotersystem.comNPSx System, by Bain: https://www.npsx.com/The Cold Start Problem, by Andrew Chen: https://www.amazon.com/The-Cold-Start-Problem/dp/B08MKNHSWC/

Marshall Goldsmith has coached over 150 millionaires, successful entrepreneurs, and C-suite executives including the CEO of Pfizer, the former President of the World Bank, and the CEO of Ford Motor Company. With over four decades of experience overcoming limiting beliefs and behaviors, Marshall’s life work helps successful individuals find greater purpose and triumph.  Marshall is widely considered the #1 Executive Coach in the World, has won the Thinkers 50 Award for #1 Leadership Thinker twice, and has written two of the Top 100 Leadership and Success Books ever written as per Amazon.com.In this episode, Dart and Marshall discuss:- What Got You Here Won’t Get You There and The Earned Life- How success can cloud perception- The structure of regret and how to avoid it- Why happiness and achievement are independent of each other- The mindset you need for a successful, earned life- The benefit of fewer choices- Aligning work with your purpose- The best coaching advice Marshall could give- And more…Marshall Goldsmith is an executive educator and coach with over four decades of experience helping top CEOs and executives achieve greater success. Having worked with the CEO of Pfizer, the CEO of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and the former President of the World Bank, he has been ranked the #1 Executive Coach in the World for the past eight years. Marshall is the only person to win the Thinkers 50 Award for #1 Leadership Thinker in the world twice.Marshall has authored or edited 36 books, including three New York Times bestsellers. Two of his books, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There and Triggers, have been recognized by Amazon.com as two of the top 100 Leadership & Success Books ever written. Marshall holds a Ph.D. from UCLA and currently teaches at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.Resources Mentioned:What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, by Marshall Goldsmith: https://www.amazon.com/What-Got-Here-Wont-There/dp/B000MGBNGW The Earned Life, by Marshall Goldsmith: https://www.amazon.com/Earned-Life-Regret-Choose-Fulfillment-ebook/dp/B09BTSMTTR 

Inspiring individual or organizational change is one of the hardest things for any leader or manager to accomplish.According to Shalini Verma, a high-energy leader at Google who practices trauma-informed management, it's not about the process or the tools. That’s the easy stuff. In her opinion, the ability to drive individual and organizational change starts with a single thread: self-awareness.In this episode, Dart and Shalini discuss the fundamentals of trauma research and how it lends itself to management. They discuss practical ways to implement trauma-informed management, how to deal with automatic responses that stem from trauma, why empathy is the key to inclusive product design, trauma as a path of evolutionary development, and much more.Topics Include:- Defining trauma- How trauma shows up in the workplace- Trauma-informed management- Practical applications of trauma-informed management- How to become more self-aware- How to heal from trauma- The connection between awareness of the body and anxiety - How to make better decisions- Inclusive product design- And other topics...Shalini Verma is the ​​Global Lead of Technical Program Management at Google, helping to improve all of Google's products through global developer tools and frameworks. Named to Crain Magazine's Tech 50 - Top Technology talent, her career has transitioned from roles in process, to product, to leadership development. She is an MIT and Harvard Business School graduate.Whether leading non-profit or for-profit organizations, her passion is to inspire leaders to transform themselves and the world. She has spent the last ten years discovering and developing tools through cross-pollination, collaboration, and experimentation across industries, age groups, and methodologies.Resources Mentioned:Listening to your heart might be the key to conquering anxiety: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/sarah-garfinkel-interoceptThe Enneagram Prison Project: https://enneagramprisonproject.org/

Bureaucracy used to make sense. A lot of sense. Information was recorded on paper, it was difficult and expensive to move, and the best way for an organization to make decisions was for managers to consolidate information and send it up a chain of command.Times have changed, but for the most part, organizations haven’t. The average Fortune 500 company still has eight layers of management passing information from the workforce to the C-Suite.And it’s absolutely killing our organizations…Gary Hamel has been described as “the world’s leading expert on business strategy” by Fortune Magazine and is the Harvard Business Review’s most reprinted author of all time.He believes that nearly every organization is suffering from systemic disabilities stemming from bureaucratic management styles. According to Gary, the solution is nothing short of a revolution in business management principles.In this episode, Dart and Gary discuss revolutionary management frameworks that business leaders can use to escape the tyranny of bureaucracy and create a thriving workforce.They discuss why Gary believes that revolutionary management principles will undoubtedly determine the industry leaders of the future, how companies can evolve their management styles in a way that dramatically expands the capabilities of employees, the future of work for employees and employers, and much more.Topics Include:- The history of bureaucracy as a management model- The shocking statistics of disengaged employees- Top-down versus bottom-up management styles- Humanocracy: Creating Organizations as Amazing as the People Inside Them- Innovations in leadership and management strategies- Roles and responsibilities of future managers- New management principles for the 21st century- How to empower employees- Strategies for reducing risk while pushing innovation- And other topics…Gary Hamel has been described by Fortune Magazine as “the world’s leading expert on business strategy,” and the Financial Times calls him a “management innovator without peer.” Hamel has been ranked by The Wall Street Journal as the world’s most influential business thinker and is a fellow of the Strategic Management Society and of the World Economic Forum.Gary Hamel has been on the faculty of the London Business School for more than 30 years and is the director of the Management Lab. Hamel has written 20 articles for the Harvard Business Review and is the most reprinted author in the Review’s history. His most recent bestsellers are Humanocracy and The Future of Management.Resources Mentioned:- Gallup Employee Engagement Trends (2022): https://www.gallup.com/workplace/391922/employee-engagement-slump-continues.aspx- Humanocracy by Gary Hamel: https://www.amazon.com/Humanocracy-Creating-Organizations-Amazing-People-ebook/dp/B07B9HFSHX/- The Future of Management by Gary Hamel: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1422102505/garyhamel-20- Domination and the Arts of Resistance: Hidden Transcripts by James C. Scott: https://www.amazon.com/Domination-Arts-Resistance-Hidden-Transcripts/dp/0300056699

Joe Pine was the first to identify many of the trends that have animated business for the last two decades, including the trend away from simple mass production to mass customization, and the emergence of the experience economy. Today, Joe joins us to discuss how those trends are influencing the future of work, and how companies might mass-customize experiences for employees. Joe Pine is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and management advisor to Fortune 500 companies and startups. His best-selling book, The Experience Economy, has been published in 15 languages and used as a company guide for over 20 years. In this episode, Dart and Joe discuss:- The progression of economic value - The Experience Economy- The current transformation economy- How to customize a customer’s experience and promote transformation- Brand authenticity- Focusing on value vs. price- The management style we need to create value- How to revitalize a business- The importance of company exploration and innovation- And more…Joseph Pine II is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and management advisor to Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial start-ups. Joe is a co-founder of Strategic Horizons LLP and a lecturer at Columbia University. His best-selling book, The Experience Economy, has been published in 15 languages and used as a company guide for over 20 years. Joe serves as a Senior Fellow with the Design Futures Council and the European Centre for the Experience Economy. He previously served as a Visiting Scholar with the MIT Design Lab, a professor at Duke University, and a manager with IBM. Joe has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and Harvard Business Review. His other published works include Infinite Possibility, Authenticity, and Mass Customization. Resources Mentioned:The Experience Economy, by Joe Pine: https://www.amazon.com/Experience-Economy-New-Preface-Authors/dp/1633697975 Mass Customization, by Joe Pine: https://www.amazon.com/Mass-Customization-Frontier-Business-Competition/dp/0875843727 Authenticity, by Joe Pine: https://www.amazon.com/Authenticity-What-Consumers-Really-Want/dp/1591391458 Travel that Can Change Your Life, by Jeffrey Kotler: www.amazon.com/Travel-That-Change-Your-Life/dp/0787909416  

Bree Groff is fighting for a future in which humanity and business performance are valued equally. As social problems like inequality, resource management, and climate action come to a head, leaders are being called to take the courageous action of designing work that serves stakeholders and humanity alike. In this episode, Dart and Bree discuss the challenges leaders are facing, the shifting norms of work, and how we can better design work for humans.Bree Groff is a partner at SYPartners, a transformation company that helps great leaders build great companies. Her work focuses on transformation, innovation, organizational design, and culture, and she has worked with companies like Calvin Klein, Target, Microsoft, and Google.In this episode, Dart and Bree discuss:- The internal work required of today’s leaders- Defining a humanity-centric organization- The root causes of bad work- Shopify’s elimination of most company meetings- Authenticity at work- Bree’s takeaways from consulting with startups- Liminal leadership- How expectations for company leaders are becoming more and more complex- And other topics…Bree Groff is a partner at SYPartners, where she focuses on transformation, innovation, organizational design, and culture while advising leaders at companies including Calvin Klein, Target, Google, Microsoft, and Diligent. Before working at SYPartners, Bree was the CEO of the global consultancy NOBL Collective.During her career, Bree has advised Fortune 500 companies as a service designer, explored decision-making as a psychology researcher, and spoken as a global keynote speaker both in-person and virtually. She holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. in Organizational Learning and Change from Northwestern University, where she is also a visiting lecturer.Resources Mentioned:The Design of Everyday Things, by Don Norman: https://www.amazon.com/Design-of-Everyday-Things-audiobook/dp/B07L5Y9HND A World Without Email, by Cal Newport: https://www.amazon.com/World-Without-Email-Reimagining-Communication/dp/B08BTGX926 Connect with Bree:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bree-groff-94281136/ www.SYPartners.com www.BreeGroff.com

How do we measure meaning? Everyone talks about meaningful work, but what does that mean, and how do we know if we have it? Michael Steger has spent a lifetime pondering these questions. Today, he joins us on Work For Humans. Michael is a professor, researcher, writer, and keynote speaker specializing in meaning, purpose, psychological strengths, and positive psychology. He is the founder and director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose, developer of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and author of over 100 peer-reviewed articles and three books, including Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace.In this episode, Dart and Michael discuss:- Positive psychology- Defining and measuring meaning- Correlations between meaningful work, company profits, and employee happiness- Michael’s book, Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace- Correlations between meaning work and salaries- How companies can create meaningful work environments- The dangers of companies superficially adopting meaning-based initiatives- And other topics…Michael Steger is a recognized authority, researcher, and professor on meaning in life, purpose, psychological strengths, and positive psychology. He is a professor at Colorado State University, an Extraordinary Professor for North-West University in South Africa, an associate editor for the Journal of Personality, a developer of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and the founder and director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose. Michael’s research centers on developing a sense of purpose and meaning in our work and lives. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and written three books, including Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace. Michael is also a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator for organizations and events worldwide.Resources Mentioned:Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace, by Michael Steger: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Meaning-Workplace-Bryan-Dik/dp/1433813149 The Meaning in Life Questionnaire: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-0167.53.1.80 IPPA World Congress on Positive Psychology: https://www.ippaworldcongress.org/ Connect with Michael:http://www.michaelfsteger.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsteger/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=T7nZ93UAAAAJ&hl=en 

From an early age, John Truby knew that stories are not just something that happens on a page. Story is all around us. It structures how we interpret events, and even how we decide how to live. For John, story forms explain the way the world works.John is a screenwriter and the founder and director of Truby’s Writers Studio in Los Angeles, where he teaches novelists, screenwriters, and TV writers the deep secrets of what makes a great story. His students have generated more than fifteen billion dollars at the box office, and studios like Sony Pictures, Disney, Fox, HBO, and AMC routinely consult John on how to improve the stories they tell. In this episode, Dart and Jon discuss:- The 14 story genres that categorize everyday life- Which genre produces fulfilling work- Reflecting on your work by creating a memoir- Business analysis as a detective story- The horror narrative of layoffs- Sales as an action genre- What the romance genre has to do with work- And other topics...Jon Truby is a screenwriter, director, screenwriting teacher, author, and Hollywood consultant for studios such as Disney, Sony Pictures, Fox, HBO, and AMC. He is the founder and director of Truby’s Writers Studio and has worked on over 1,000 film scripts over the last 30 years. Jon created his 22-step outline for storytelling in his first book, The Anatomy of Story, teaching his techniques through global masterclasses to over 50,000 students worldwide since the start of his career. His latest book, The Anatomy of Genres, was released in 2022.Resources Mentioned:The Anatomy of Genres, by Jon Truby: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Genres-Story-Forms-Explain/dp/0374539227 The Anatomy of Criticism, by Northrop Frye https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Criticism-Essays-Princeton-Classics/dp/0691202567 Winning on Purpose, by Fred Reichheld: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Purpose-Unbeatable-Strategy-Customers/dp/B09PC69XV3 The Complete Aubrey/Maturin Novels, by Patrick O’Brian: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Aubrey-Maturin-Novels-volumes/dp/039306011X Cinema Paradiso (film), 1988Master and Commander (film), 2003Shane (film), 1953Glengarry Glen Ross (play), by David MametWorld Experience Organization: https://worldxo.org/ Connect with Jon:www.truby.com www.anatomyofgenres.com 

Dan Cable found himself in a situation that millions of people experience every day. He was doing his job, meeting company standards, and getting compensated for it, but he felt something was missing. He wasn’t growing, he wasn’t learning, and his work did not make him feel whole and alive.As a researcher and professor of organizational behavior, Dan knew he needed to make a change. By exploring the neuroscience behind thriving at work, Dan has since used his experience to help companies like Coca-Cola and Twitter design better work experiences for their employees.Dan Cable is a researcher, author, and Professor of Organizational Behavior at the London Business School. He uses his expertise to assist clients like Coca-Cola, Twitter, McDonald’s, and Prudential. Dan has published three books and more than 50 articles in top scientific journals. He has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, among others.In this episode, Dart and Dan discuss:- Dan’s book, Alive at Work- The biology behind enthusiastic employees- How Dan helped reduce a company’s turnover by 30%- Why experimentation and play at work are essential- Creating conditions for experimentation at work without risking company goals- What stifles employee energy- Playing to the strengths of your team- The type of leadership that creates thriving employees- How managers can create personalized work- And more…Dan Cable is a researcher, author, and Professor of Organizational Behavior at London Business School. He uses his expertise to assist clients like Coca-Cola, Twitter, McDonald’s, and Prudential, among others. He has won the London Business School’s Excellence in Teaching Award and was selected for the 2018 Thinkers50 Radar List.Dan holds a BA from Penn State University and an MS Ph.D. from Cornell. He has published three books – Change to Strange, Alive at Work, and Exceptional – as well as more than 50 articles in top scientific journals. His work has been featured in The Economist, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and CNBC.Resources Mentioned:Alive at Work, by Daniel Cable: https://www.amazon.com/Alive-Work-Neuroscience-Helping-People/dp/1633697665Design for Belonging, by Susie Wise: https://www.amazon.com/Design-Belonging-Inclusion-Collaboration-Communities-ebook/dp/B0998BMN9HConnect with Dan:www.dan-cable.comTwitter: @dancable1

If you’ve heard of the five love languages, you know that different people express and receive love differently. For years, we’ve implemented this knowledge within our personal relationships, but Paul White has found a way to apply them to work through his book, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. Paul is a psychologist, researcher, keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and best-selling author who “makes work relationships work.” For over 25 years, he has collaborated with companies like the Mayo Clinic, HP, NASA, Microsoft, and the Salvation Army to create positive workplace environments, boost engagement, and increase productivity. His book, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, teaches how appreciation can improve working conditions while increasing company productivity and profitability.In this episode, Dart and Paul discuss:- Paul’s book, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace- How to show appreciation in the workplace- Employee recognition vs. employee appreciation- The observable benefits of appreciating your team- HR’s most misunderstood love language - The failure of recognition programs- Workplace design for ADHD employees- Four major misconceptions leaders have about appreciation at work- And other topics...Paul White is a psychologist, researcher, keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and best-selling author who “makes work relationships work.” For over 25 years, he has worked with companies like Microsoft, NASA, the Mayo Clinic, HP, and the Salvation Army to create positive workplace environments, boost engagement, and increase productivity. Paul has given lectures about his work in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. As an author, he has sold over 600,000 books, including The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, which he wrote alongside Gary Chapman. Paul has also been featured in the New York Times, Fortune, BBC news, CNN, and Forbes, among others. Resources Mentioned:The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, by Gary Chapman and Paul White: https://www.amazon.com/Languages-Appreciation-Workplace-Organizations-Encouraging-ebook/dp/B07F7NYY9P The 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Love-Languages-Secret-Lasts/dp/B079B7PJMV https://www.appreciationatwork.com/ 

From street theater performances to multimillion-dollar immersive experiences, Stacy Barton knows how to engage an audience. Through her work as a master storyteller, Stacy has learned how to use storytelling principles to design specific experiences for target audiences. Today, we discuss how to apply these principles to work design. Stacy has been creating multimillion-dollar immersive experiences for over 37 years as a designer, award-winning writer, and story lead. She uses her creativity to work with high-network individuals and companies like Disney, Ringling Bros, DreamVision, and SeaWorld, among others.In this episode, Dart and Stacy discuss:- Creating an immersive experience to engage customers- How to show your customers/employees you care about them- Discovering the story behind a brand- Finding employees that complement your company- The importance of appreciation at work- Applying storytelling to real-world business problems- Being creative within the constraints of work- And more…Stacy Barton has been creating immersive experiences as a designer, writer, and story lead for over 37 years. Utilizing immense creativity and problem-solving skills, she helps build multimillion-dollar pop-up experiences, escape rooms, shows, and theme park areas for high-network individuals and companies, including Disney, Ringling Bros, DreamVision, and SeaWorld.As a writer, Stacy brings stories to life through her scripts, narrative development, and novels. She is the award-winning author of three books, five children’s picture books, and over 30 magazine publications. She presented as a panelist for the National Association of Writers and Writing Program and is a speaker for events such as the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference and the Disney Institute. Resources Mentioned:Why We Work, by Barry Schwartz: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Work-Barry-Schwartz/dp/144237814X Connect with Stacy:https://www.stacybarton.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-barton-58b7997/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stacy-Barton/author/B001JS4R6A 

Jeff Saperstein watched his father spend his life in a job that used only a tiny portion of his true capabilities. By day, Jeff's father worked as a postman, but in his spare time, he read deeply and broadly in the classics, and he was a national chess champion and master. That would've been fine if Jeff's father had been okay with it, but he really wasn't. Jeff resolved to live a different life. He moved from New York to California where he felt the ethos was much more sky's the limit and future-oriented. He reached for and attained senior marketing roles in top companies, wrote nine books, and now helps others live their full potential through his work as a university instructor and career coach. In this episode, Dart and Jeff discuss:- Creating a legacy through your work- Managers as mentors- Finding purpose at work- Three aspects of connecting meaningfully with others- Creating an inner circle of people who share your values- Company culture- What to do when you feel stuck in your job - And other topics…Jeff Saperstein is an author, university lecturer, and certified career coach. After climbing the corporate ladder in advertising, nonprofit marketing, and fundraising, Jeff decided to follow his calling and founded his own company. Now, Jeff helps accomplished professionals experience value-based growth through meaningful career transitions.Jeff has written nine books and five case studies on business, including one bestseller. He is a lecturer at San Francisco State University, where his legacy includes promoting the growth of his students from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Resources Mentioned:The Inner Ring, C.S. Lewis speech: https://www.lewissociety.org/innerring/ The Purpose Economy, by Aaron Hurst: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Economy-Personal-Community-Changing-ebook/dp/B00JEMUB1S "8 Ways Women Can Use Their 'Relationship Capital' To Build Powerful Careers," by Jeff Saperstein: https://www.yourtango.com/self/relationship-capital-careerConnect with Jeff:https://jeffsaperstein.com/