Work For Humans

Scientists, philanthropies, governments, and NGOs alike often find themselves in possession of an important truth that could improve the world, but the public just can't seem to hear it. As CEO of the FrameWorks Institute, Nathanial Kendall-Taylor knows that how we frame information significantly influences how people perceive and respond to it. Using rigorous social science methods, the Frameworks Institute provides evidence-based techniques that help non-profits communicate in a way that transforms public thinking and enacts social change.Nat is an expert in psychological anthropology and communications science. In addition to his role as CEO, he is also a senior fellow at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, a visiting professor at the Child Study Center at Yale School of Medicine, and a fellow at the British-American Project.In this episode, Dart and Nat discuss:- What frames are and how they impact thinking and cultural mindsets- How the FrameWorks Institute helps organizations disseminate information and ideas- The keys to conveying important information effectively- The steps needed to shift a cultural mindset - The importance of a mobilization strategy when introducing a new idea  - And other topics…Nathaniel Kendall-Taylor is the CEO of the FrameWorks Institute, a communications think tank in Washington, DC that applies framing research methods to social issues and non-profit organizations. He is also a senior fellow at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, a visiting professor at the Child Study Center at Yale School of Medicine, and a fellow at the British-American Project.As an expert in psychological anthropology and communications science, Nat’s work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Science Communication, Human Organization, and Applied Communications Research. He is a global lecturer and has presented at conferences for the National Academy of Sciences, the Parenting Research Centre in Australia, the Science and Society Symposium in Canada, and Amnesty International in the United Kingdom. Connect with Nat:www.FrameworksInstitute.org 

In every manmade job, place, and activity, design plays a pivotal role in shaping our experiences. Sadly, many designs miss the mark by neglecting the profound psychosocial impact they wield. This is where Dr. Sara Pazell steps in. As a dynamic design strategist, she empowers companies across industries to embrace human-centered work by integrating designs that ensure not only functionality but transformative success.Dr. Pazell is the managing director and principal consultant at Viva Health at Work and podcaster of WhyWork. At Viva, Sara leads companies to find solutions for human factors and ergonomics design across industries like mining, transportation, healthcare, retail, finance, food and beverage, sport and fitness, and government organizations. In this episode, Dart and Sara discuss:- The job of a work design strategist- Ergonomics and human factors in design- Why companies should consider psychosocial factors in design- The 7 principles of a human-centered organization- How to generate excitement and engagement when designing work- Improving design using failure modes analysis (in reverse)- How to contextualize design for success- The best and worst ways to generate new ideas- And other topics…Dr. Sara Pazell is a principal work design strategist, WhyWork podcaster, and managing director and principal consultant at Viva Health at Work. At Viva Health at Work, Sara leads companies in finding solutions for human factors and ergonomics design and work practices across industries like mining, transportation, healthcare, retail, finance, food and beverage, sport and fitness, and government organizations.In the past, Dr. Pazell has served as a healthcare professional, an executive business manager for health and surgical care facilities, and a trainer for business, leadership, and health and fitness training companies. She has helped publish various case studies and articles around work design and received her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Queensland, where she is an Industry Fellow.Resources mentioned:International Ergonomics Association: https://iea.cc/ Human Factors and Ergonomics Society: https://www.hfes.org/ Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia: https://www.ergonomics.org.au/Charted Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors: https://ergonomics.org.uk/ Jobs to Be Done, by Jim Kalbach: https://www.amazon.com/Jobs-Be-Done-Playbook-Organization/dp/1933820683 How Buildings Learn, by Stewart Brand: https://www.amazon.com/How-Buildings-Learn-Happens-Theyre/dp/0140139966 Connect with Sara:Viva Health at Work: https://vivahealthgroup.com.au/ WhyWork Podcast: https://whywork.com.au 

Thoughtfully designed products can promote efficacy, success, and joy – but that’s only one side of the coin. Bad design is everywhere, and poorly designed products cause more than mere discomfort; they can anger, sadden, exclude, and even kill the people who use them. From a bad interface that ended a young cancer patient’s life to product designs that exclude minority groups, Jonathan Shariat has seen his fair share of dangerous designs during his decade-long career as a senior designer – a trend he’s determined to rectify.  Jonathan is an international speaker, former podcast host, design leader at Google, and author of Tragic Design: The Impact of Bad Product Design. He is passionate about using design as a tool to improve our world, with over a decade of experience working as a senior designer for companies like Intuit, Project Ronin, and Hightail. In this episode, Dart and Jonathan discuss:- The high stakes of bad design- Incorporating accessibility and the human experience into design- Transforming pessimism into innovation- What types of design anger, sadden, and kill customers - Accidental dark patterns at work and how to fix them- How company values slowly impact design, products, and business success- The importance of qualitative research - And other topics…Jonathan Shariat is an international speaker, podcast host, and senior interaction design leader at Google. Jonathan is passionate about doing right by others and using design as a tool to improve the world we live in, with over a decade of experience working in design with startups to large companies. Before Google, Jonathan worked as a senior designer for Project Ronin, Intuit, and Hightail, as well as a product director for Therapydia.Jonathan’s insights and passion for ethical and helpful design are shared in his latest book, Tragic Design: The Impact of Bad Product Design and How to Fix It. He is also the author of a #1 most recommended article on Medium titled “How Bad UX Killed Jenny.” Resources mentioned:Tragic Design, by Jonathan Shariat and Cynthia Savard Saucier: https://www.amazon.com/Tragic-Design-Impact-Bad-Product/dp/149192361X Connect with Jonathan:www.Jonathanshariat.com

From pre-COVID to the Great Resignation and beyond, many employers face difficulties adjusting their talent acquisition strategies to meet current trends. Attracting adaptable candidates and leveraging technology for hiring could mean the difference between hiring the right candidate and the wrong one. Talent acquisition specialist Matt Alder brings over two decades of research and experience in the field to discuss his take on how to navigate the ever-changing recruitment landscape. Matt is a distinguished author, speaker, strategic consultant, and podcaster in the fields of talent acquisition and innovation. Working with Fortune and FTSE 100 employers, Matt helps organizations optimize their digital strategies to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. He is the producer and host of The Recruiting Future Podcast, the world’s leading podcast on talent acquisition with over two million downloads and counting. In this episode, Dart and Matt discuss:- The recent tests and trends in talent acquisition- Whether or not organizations need office space- AI’s impact on screening and interviewing job candidates- Scientific assessments within talent acquisition- How to maintain a recruitment team in times of less hiring- How to curate talent during recruitment- The philosophical differences between companies and their effect on talent acquisition- Changing the recruitment process to enact positive societal change- And other topics…Matt Alder is a distinguished author, speaker, strategic consultant, and podcaster in the fields of talent acquisition and innovation. He is the producer and host of the Recruiting Future podcast, the world’s leading podcast on talent acquisition. With more than two million downloads and over 500 episodes, the podcast features practitioners and thought leaders who are actively shaping the future of work.  With over two decades of research into the shifts in talent acquisition, Matt has built a reputation as a global thought leader. Working with Fortune and FTSE 100 employers, Matt helps organizations optimize their digital strategies to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. He has presented as a keynote speaker in 17 countries and counting. Matt has also authored two books on the subject of talent acquisition, Exceptional Talent and Digital Talent, as well as previously authored a column for The Herald Newspaper. Resources mentioned:The Recruiting Future podcast: https://recruitingfuture.com/ 

As a leadership expert with over 25 years of experience, business consultant Dr. Laura Fifner knows what it takes to find and groom exceptional leaders. In today's episode, Laura shares how she finds the right leaders for the right companies, and what red flags to look out for when hiring. Dr. Laura Fifner is the co-founder of Leadership Excellence Consulting. Utilizing decades of experience and a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Laura helps clients find and coach senior-level talent using scientific assessments to evaluate leadership potential. In this episode, Dart and Laura discuss:- The purpose of leadership - What personality tests Laura uses, and how they inform her thinking- The universal attributes of great leaders- How to detect a narcissistic leader- The relationship between ambition and leadership- Neuroplasticity and the cultivation of leadership skills- Behavioral interviewing- And other topics…Dr. Laura Fifner is an internal and external leadership expert with over 25 years of experience in business consulting. As the co-founder of Leadership Excellence Consulting, she helps clients find and groom the right senior-level talent using scientific assessments to value leadership potential. Laura received her Ph.D. from Purdue University in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and is a licensed psychologist in New York State. She is passionate about supporting the development of all team leaders – especially female entrepreneurs – and advocates for workplace inclusivity for individuals on the spectrum.Resources Mentioned:Burn the Boats, by Matt Higgins: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Boats-Overboard-Unleash-Potential/dp/006308886X Radical Candor, by Kim Scott: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Revised-Kick-Ass-Humanity/dp/B07XVQB7XV Power, by Jeffrey Pfeffer: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Some-People-Have-Others/dp/0061789089 Connect with Laura:Leadership Excellence Consulting: www.leadershipexcellenceconsulting.com laura@leadershipexcellence.com 

American culture has made finding a dream job one of life's ultimate goals. Personal identity and professional roles have merged into one, and this entanglement can cost us our happiness, well-being, and ultimately true career success. Why has work taken such an all-encompassing role in American lives, and why is it such a challenge for us to detach from it? Simone Stolzoff is on a mission to reclaim our lives from a work-obsessed world. As a former journalist and the author of The Good Enough Job, Simone has interviewed Michelin star chefs, Wall Street bankers, overwhelmed teachers, and other workers across the American economy to expose what we lose when we expect work to be more than a job. In this episode, Dart and Simone discuss:- Challenging myths around work and identity- How work-first culture has betrayed many employees- The transactional relationship between employers and employees- Designing a sustainably productive culture at work- Why companies should encourage employees to diversify their identities - The connection between survival, employment, and government assistance in the U.S.- And other topics…Simone Stolzoff is a designer, workplace expert and consultant, and author of The Good Enough Job. His consulting clients include Google, Meta, Microsoft, IDEO, Guild, and the State of California. As a former journalist and design lead at the global innovation firm, IDEO, his work has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and many other publications. Simone received his bachelor's degree in creative writing from The University of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree in journalism and multimedia storytelling from Stanford University.Resources mentioned:The Good Enough Job, by Simone Stolzoff: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Enough-Job-Reclaiming-Life/dp/059353896X Human Capital, by Thomas Davenport: https://www.amazon.com/Human-Capital-P-Davenport/dp/0470436816 Connect with Simone:www.thegoodenoughjob.com 

Having coached CEOs at companies like Dropbox, Qualtrics, and Twitter, Kim Scott knows a thing or two about modern leaders. Her expertise sheds light on how modern leaders often mistakenly resort to authoritarianism – inadvertently transforming themselves into workplace jerks. In this episode, Kim shares how to lead effectively, avoid the pitfalls of being too aggressive or too nice, and create healthier, more productive workplaces. Kim Scott is a New York Times bestselling author, CEO coach for Fortune 500 companies, and the co-founder of Radical Candor – a Silicon Valley company that helps organizations create healthy cultures, build cohesive teams, and achieve collaborative results. In this episode, Dart and Kim discuss:- How to simultaneously care for and challenge your team- The difference between radical leadership and aggressive leadership- How to level power dynamics for effective interpersonal communication- Creating a fairer and more reasonable workplace- Optimizing work for collaboration instead of coercion- The dangers of viewing employees as commodities- Identifying and responding to bullying, bias, and prejudice at work- And other topics…Kim Scott is a New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, team leader, and CEO coach for Fortune 500 companies. She has guided CEOs at renowned companies such as Dropbox, Qualtrics, and Twitter. She was previously on the faculty of Apple University and led AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. Kim co-founded Radical Candor, a Silicon Valley company that helps organizations create healthy cultures, build cohesive teams, and achieve collaborative results. Her expertise is reflected in two of her latest books, Just Work and Radical Candor.Kim holds an AB in Slavic Literature and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Earlier in her career, she co-founded and led business development at various startups, managed a pediatric clinic in Kosovo, and even started a diamond-cutting factory in Moscow.Resources mentioned:Radical Candor, by Kim Scott: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kick-Ass-Without-Humanity/dp/1250103509 Just Work, by Kim Scott: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Work-Prejudice-Bullying-Inclusivity/dp/1250275709 Burn It Down, by Maureen Ryan: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Down-Complicity-Change-Hollywood/dp/B0BGMM3NZJ Beyond Measure, by Margaret Heffernan: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Measure-Impact-Small-Changes/dp/1476784906 The Core Value Equation, by Darius Mirshahzadeh: https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Finding Me, by Viola Davis: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Me-Memoir-Viola-Davis/dp/0063037327 Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Karenina-Leo-Tolstoy/dp/0143035002 Connect with Kim:www.RadicalCandor.comwww.JustWorkTogether.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimm4/ 

We tend to use the word ritual to talk about everyday routines. For instance, we have our ritualistic cup of coffee in the morning. But rituals are much more than just repetitive actions. True rituals carry deep meaning, emotion, and a promise of transformation.As a professional ritual designer, Tiu De Haan has designed rituals in countless forms. She took on the heavy task of designing a ritual to unite families of organ donors with organ recipients. She designed a ritual to help a man reach peace with the death of his twin brother who died at birth. And she's created rituals to help teams bond, think outside the box, and do their best work. Tiu De Haan is a workshop facilitator, inspirational speaker, consultant, curator, and ritual designer. She has created and facilitated experiential workshops for almost two decades, working with clients like Google, Nike, the Ministry of Justice, Bank of America, and BBC.In this episode, Dart and Tiu discuss:- How to design a meaningful ritual - The difference between a habit, routine, and ritual- How rituals can inspire creativity and new ideas- The components of effective rituals- Smaller rituals you can incorporate at work- Team-building rituals- The role of the “keeper of the rituals” at work- And other topics…Tiu De Haan is a workshop facilitator, curator, inspirational speaker, and ritual designer. She has created and facilitated experiential workshops for over 17 years, including her year-long mentorship program called The Path. As a ritual designer and consultant, she has worked with clients like Google, Nike, the Ministry of Justice, L’Oréal, Bank of America, the Centre for Quantum Photonics at Bristol University, and BBC, among others. Connect with Tiu:www.Tiudehaan.com 

Claus Raasted and Paul Bulencea are dedicated to the art of transformation. Their immersive 5-day event, known as the College of Extraordinary Experiences, unites a diverse array of individuals from esteemed voice talent show judges to 16th-generation Samurais. Together, they strive to empower ordinary people, fostering personal growth and a profound level of self-awareness. Through their expertise, Claus and Paul have become accomplished design professionals, inspiring organizational transformations within companies that push employees and individuals to new heights.Claus Raasted is a Danish entrepreneur, keynote speaker, lecturer, podcaster, and transformational designer. He has spoken at over 1,000+ live events and worked for companies like Ikea, Disney, Google, Marriott, Panasonic, and the Discovery Channel, among others.Paul Bulencea is an award-winning author, educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and experience designer who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and governments across the globe. His work aims to drive growth by shifting business models from services to co-creative transformational experiences. In this episode, Dart, Claus, and Paul discuss:- The College of Extraordinary Experiences- Building a creative experience around an objective- What transformation means in different contexts- Why we should embrace difficulties instead of avoiding them- The qualities of a transformative professor or lecturer- How a CEO can introduce a transformative experience to a company- Designing the right space to cultivate change- Transformative experiences for employees- And other topics…Claus Raasted is a Danish entrepreneur, keynote speaker, lecturer, podcaster, and transformational designer. He is a live-action role-play (LARP) pioneer and current CEO of Dziobak Larp Studios, a LARP design collective. Claus has spoken at over 1,000+ live events and worked for companies like Ikea, Disney, Google, Marriott, Panasonic, and the Discovery Channel, among others.Paul Bulencea is an award-winning author, educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and experience designer who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and governments across the globe. His work aims to drive growth by shifting business models from services to co-creative transformational experiences. He holds a masters in Innovation in Tourism from the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences where he was awarded the Best University Graduate by the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.Together, Claus and Paul helped found the College of Extraordinary Experiences, a 5-day experience journey providing hands-on learning and growth for professionals from around the world.Resources Mentioned:Extraordinary.college Connect with Claus and Paul:https://www.clausraasted.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbulencea 

Higher education is supposed to help students develop skills, explore new possibilities, and design a brighter future. Instead, most students are forced to choose majors without fully understanding themselves or their options. Then, they’re shipped out on a career conveyor belt, ending up in careers they despise – all at a six-figure price tag. Dr. Farouk Dey is on a mission to challenge our restricted and traditional education system. He is leading the charge through his work at the Johns Hopkins’ Imagine Center for Integrative Learning and Life Design, empowering students to design their lives and redefine the purpose of education itself.Dr. Dey has over two decades of experience in higher education and talent development, having served in executive leadership and board roles at Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE), among others. He has been named one of LinkedIn’s Top Ten Voices in Education and is the Vice Provost of the John Hopkins’ Imagine Center.In this episode, Dart and Farouk discuss:- The Imagine Center for Integrative Learning and Life Design- How economic shifts drive national career changes- The growing need to develop minds, not just careers- Changing the outdated career service models of American universities- Balancing competition and curiosity when choosing a career- The importance of experiential learning for life design - How universities can give students a higher return on their investment- Farouk’s advice for companies who want to build a life design center- How to construct your passion, rather than "find it"- And other topics…Dr. Farouk Dey is the Vice Provost for Integrative Learning and Life Design at Johns Hopkins University. With over two decades of experience in higher education and talent development, Dr. Dey leads a newly created division of 15 departments and centers that bridge curricular and experiential learning with professional ambitions for students and alumni across the university’s nine schools.Before Johns Hopkins, Dr. Dey served in executive leadership and board roles at Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE), and others. He has also served as a keynote and TEDx speaker, consultant, and professor across the world. Dr. Dey holds a PhD and EdS in Educational Leadership, MBA and MEd in Counseling Psychology, and a BBA in Finance. Resources mentioned:Work For Humans, Ep. 53 – Designing Your Life: How to Use Design Principles to Get What You Want in Work and Life | Bill Burnett: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1949517/13012061Connect with Farouk:Imagine.jhu.eduLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faroukdey/ Twitter and YouTube: @faroukdey

Rowena Hennigan was working from home in Ireland when her daughter began to develop chronic asthma. As things worsened, she was forced to make a drastic decision; she packed up her family and moved to one of the driest parts of Europe they could find – Zaragoza, Spain. This decision not only changed their lives, perspectives, and health for the better, but it also set the foundation for Rowena’s career as a Remote Work Expert and Consultant. Rowena is a keynote speaker, university lecturer, Global Thought Leader in Remote Work and Digital Nomadism, and the founder of RoRemote, a remote skills training and consultancy company. Having lived and worked in 14 countries, her career spans over two decades of professional industry experience.In this episode, Dart and Rowena discuss:- Rowena’s experience living and working in 14 countries- The personal and professional benefits of nomadic work- Effective and ineffective approaches of countries toward remote work- How digital work changes from one location to another- Safety issues and solutions within international work- The massive skills gap in remote work- How and why companies should support nomadic employees- The mindset and preparation needed for successful nomadism- Traveling meaningfully through "slowmadism"- And other topics…Rowena Hennigan is a keynote speaker, university lecturer, Global Thought Leader in Remote Work and Digital Nomadism, and the founder of RoRemote, a remote skills training and consultancy company. Having lived and worked in 14 countries, her career spans over two decades of professional industry experience.Rowena has been selected as one of LinkedIn News Top 10 Global Voices in Remote Work 2022, a Top 25 Remote Innovator of 2021 and 2022 by Remote.com, and a member of the Board of Advisors for the Digital Nomad Association – Croatia. She is currently a Strategic Advisor for companies like WorkTripp, Camesited, ROORAL, and SafetyWing, among others. Resources Mentioned:Rowena's LinkedIn Learning Courses: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/rowena-hennigan“How to Become a Digital Nomad,” by Rowena Hennigan: https://hbr.org/2023/02/how-to-become-a-digital-nomad Digital Nomad Association: https://dnacroatia.com/Boundless Life: https://bit.ly/blrowenaDave Cook: https://www.iamdavecook.com/Connect with Rowena:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowena-hennigan/ 

From the kitchen table to self-driving cars, everything in our lives was designed by someone who wanted to solve a problem. If we can design everything from technology to living spaces, award-winning Silicon Valley designer Bill Burnett believes we can also design and build careers to create fulfillment and joy at work. By using curiosity, reframing, collaboration, and other tools, Bill teaches others how to build the right mindset to enjoy the present while designing an even greater future.Bill Burnett is an award-winning designer, New York Times best-selling author, adjunct professor, and the Executive Director of the Life Design Lab at Stanford University. Throughout his career, Bill has designed everything from the first slate computer to Hasbro Star Wars action figures, assisting and advising Fortune 100 companies and start-ups alike. In this episode, Dart and Bill discuss:- The design mindset you need to build the life you want- The problem with hyper-focusing on one goal - How to reframe problems to discover new solutions- Avoiding the sunk-cost fallacy - Enjoying what you have while building a brighter future- Management advice for interviewing and hiring adaptable employees- An antidote for the work-life balance problem - And other topics…Bill Burnett is an award-winning Silicon Valley designer and New York Times best-selling author. He currently serves as the Adjunct Professor and Executive Director of the Life Design Lab at Stanford University, and over 350 universities now use his curriculum on how to design your life. Throughout his career, he has designed everything from the first slate computer to Hasbro Star Wars action figures in the toy industry, assisting and advising Fortune 100 companies and start-ups alike. Bill is the co-author of the best-selling book Designing Your Life and recently published Designing Your New Work Life, both of which have garnered significant acclaim. His impact on design, education, and professional development continues to shape industries and inspire aspiring designers worldwide.Resources Mentioned:Designing Your New Work Life, by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans: https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Work-Life-Happiness/dp/0593467450 Designing Your Life, by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans: https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Life-Well-Lived-Joyful/dp/1101875321 Connect with Bill:www.DesigningYour.Life 

Dr. Christina Maslach is on a mission to redefine how we tackle burnout at work. For over 35 years, Dr. Maslach has researched the far reaching costs of burnout on society. Her commitment to this work led the World Health Organization to recognize burnout as an occupational phenomenon in 2019, raising the stakes for organizations worldwide. Today, Dr. Maslach is paving the way for meaningful workplace interventions that help people avoid burnout and be their best at work.Dr. Christina Maslach is the pioneer of research on the definition, predictors, and measurement of job burnout. She is a researcher, author, former administrator, and distinguished professor emerita of psychology at UC Berkeley. Dr. Maslach is also the creator of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the leading measure of burnout in the workplace validated by over three decades of research. In this episode, Dart and Christina discuss:- Dr. Maslach’s latest book, The Burnout Challenge- The impact of employee burnout on business success- Chronic job stressors and what to do about them- The effect of burnout on employee engagement and retention- Compassion fatigue at work- Components of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)- The six causes of burnout - And other topics…Dr. Christina Maslach is a researcher, author, former administrator, and distinguished professor emerita of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the creator of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the leading measure of burnout in the workplace validated by over 35 years of research. She is also the author of numerous award-winning articles and books, including The Cost of Caring, The Truth About Burnout, and The Burnout Challenge. Christian received her B.A. from Harvard University and her Ph.D. from Stanford University. She was named by Business Insider as one of the top 100 people transforming business in 2021. With over three decades of experience, she is the pioneer of research on the definition, predictors, and measurement of job burnout. Dr. Maslach’s expertise led the World Health Organization to recognize burnout as an occupational phenomenon in 2019. Resources Mentioned:The Burnout Challenge, by Christina Maslach and Michael Leiter: https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Challenge-Managing-Peoples-Relationships/dp/B0BLXX1T1W The Cost of Caring, by Christina Maslach: https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Cost-Caring-Christina-Maslach/dp/1883536359 

Eric Anicich was a USC professor with 18 consecutive journal article rejections on his desk. Not knowing where to turn to professionally, he decided to do something completely different. He signed up as a Postmates driver in the gig economy. As he completed hundreds of rides, Eric went from rejection to research, crafting an investigative project on work, identity, and the highs and lows of the gig economy. Dr. Anicich is an associate professor of management and organization at USC’s Marshall School of Business. His research on the forms and functions of social hierarchy within groups and work has been published in several prestigious outlets, such as the Harvard Business Review, the New York Times, and leading academic journals like the Academy of Management Review and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.In this episode, Dart and Eric discuss:- Eric’s research on the gig economy - The negative effects of the gig economy on employees and their life narratives- What a holding environment is and why every job needs one- Shaping personal identity through work- Algorithmic management vs. human management- When a hierarchy helps at work and when it hurts- Exploring the possibility of multiple company cultures within one organization- The challenges, opportunities, and hidden power of middle management- And other topics…Dr. Eric Anicich is an associate professor of management and organization at USC’s Marshall School of Business. His research on the forms and functions of social hierarchy within groups has appeared in Forbes, CNN, the New York Times, TIME, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and others. He has also been published in leading academic journals, including the Academy of Management Review, Organization Science, Psychological Science, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Eric received his Ph.D. from Columbia Business School, MSc from the University of Oxford, and BA from Northwestern University. He was recognized as Poets & Quant’s “Top 50 Undergraduate Business Professors” in 2021.Resources Mentioned:“Dehumanization Is a Feature of Gig Work, not a Bug,” by Eric Anicich: https://hbr.org/2022/06/dehumanization-is-a-feature-of-gig-work-not-a-bug The Anatomy of Genres, by John Truby: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Genres-Story-Forms-Explain/dp/0374539227Working, by Studs Terkel: https://www.amazon.com/Working-People-Talk-About-What/dp/1565843428“The myth of the flat start-up,” by Saerom (Ronnie) Lee: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/smj.3333Connect with Eric:USC Marshall School of Business: https://www.marshall.usc.edu/personnel/eric-anicich LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-anicich-4340a918/ Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/search?term=eric%20m.%20anicich 

Matt Higgins was a struggling teen, working at McDonald’s for $3.75/hr to put food on the table for his ailing mother. When he saw the pay increase offered to college students, he decided to do something unorthodox; he dropped out of high school, got his GED, and enrolled in college. Adults tried to talk him out of it, but Matt knew this was the right choice for him.This was Matt's first "burn the boats" moment, but it wasn't his last. In fact, Matt believes this burn-the-boats mindset has defined his career, and has led him to places like Shark Tank, Harvard Business School, and beyond. Today, he joins us on Work For Humans to discuss the Burn the Boats philosophy. Matt is the co-founder and CEO of RSE Ventures, a private equity firm that incubates and invests in enterprises like the International Champions Cup, RESY, and the Drone Racing League. He is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a current executive fellow at Harvard Business School, and the author of Burn the Boats.In this episode, Dart and Matt discuss:- How backup plans subvert our potential- Emotional intelligence and intuition in decision-making- Using anxiety to drive us- Assessing opportunity costs- Extracting value from negative situations- Acting early and taking risks for greater results- Elon Musk and Twitter- And other topics…Matt Higgins is an operator, investor, business builder, and co-founder and CEO of RSE Ventures. Matt Began his career as the youngest press secretary in New York City, later becoming an executive for the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins. As CEO of RSE Ventures, Matt and co-founder Stephen Ross have helped establish enterprises like the International Champions Cup, RESY, and the Drone Racing League. Matt received his bachelor’s degree from Queens College and his JD from Fordham University. He was a guest shark on ABC’s Shark Tank and is an executive fellow at Harvard Business School. In 2019, Matt received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for making it his mission to share his wealth of knowledge with those less fortunate. Matt recently published his first book, Burn the Boats, to continue to inspire others to toss Plan B overboard and go all in on Plan A.Resources Mentioned:Burn the Boats, by Matt Higgins: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Boats-Overboard-Unleash-Potential/dp/006308886X  Connect with Matt:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-higgins-rse/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhiggins/?hl=en www.BurntheBoatsBook.co

Over the last century, the world of work has changed extensively. We’ve experienced growth in the service sector, increased participation of women and minorities, and the rise of automation and technology – yet, oddly enough, many HR practices haven’t evolved much or at all. Melissa Swift, the Transformation Leader for North America at the Mercer consulting firm, believes that it’s time to update HR to finally meet the demands of today’s workplace.Melissa Swift is a recognized authority on humanistic workplace transformation and the author of Work Here Now: Think Like a Human and Build a Powerhouse Workplace. As the Transformation Leader for North America Mercer, she helps C-suite executives and organizations reinvent the employee experience, drive performance, and create a sustainable competitive advantage. In this episode, Dart and Melissa discuss:- Uncovering the dark history and roots of HR practices- The evolution of traditional and agile HR models- Work Here Now, by Melissa Swift- The danger of excessive customer centricity- Mapping customer journeys alongside employee journeys- Research findings on what makes work pleasant or unpleasant - The competing demands and complexities of the CPO role- The impact of unrealistic expectations in the age of technology- Pitfalls of a cost-centered approach to work- And other topics…Melissa Swift is a recognized authority on humanistic workplace transformation and the author of Work Here Now: Think Like a Human and Build a Powerhouse Workplace. She is the Transformation Leader for North America Mercer, an HR and wealth management consultancy that helps C-suite executives and organizations reinvent the employee experience, drive performance, and create a sustainable competitive advantage. Across her diverse career, Melissa has founded a research institute on leadership of the future for Russell Reynolds Associates, launched two ESG practices at Deloitte, and conducted landmark carbon credit trades for Deutsche Bank. Her research has been published in Harvard Business Review and The Wall Street Journal, and her insights have been quoted in Newsweek, The Washington Post, The Economist, and more. She has also been featured as one of Twitter’s “20 Digital Transformation Leaders to Follow” and named a “Top Influencer on the Future of Work” by Onalytica.Resources Mentioned:Work Here Now, by Melissa Swift: https://www.amazon.com/Work-Here-Now-Powerhouse-Workplace/dp/B0BVX6J4V1 The No Asshole Rule, by Robert Sutton: https://www.amazon.com/The-No-Asshole-Rule-audiobook/dp/B000NOKBYS Mapping Experiences, by James Kalbach: https://www.amazon.com/Mapping-Experiences-Complete-Alignment-Blueprints/dp/1492076635 The Anatomy of Genres, by John Truby: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Genres-Story-Forms-Explain/dp/0374539227 Humanocracy, by Gary Hamel: https://www.amazon.com/Humanocracy-Creating-Organizations-Amazing-People/dp/B08F2RZ6VH Connect with Melissa:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swiftmelissa/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/meswift 

Alain Thys is an experience architect who has positively impacted half a billion customers and over 350,000 employees worldwide. Working with top brands such as Adidas, ING, Mercedes, and Deloitte, Alain and his team have created and implemented innovative work experiences that drive business profits – without sacrificing employee and customer experiences. Alain is the former Managing Partner of Futurelab and founder of Alain Thys & Co. His company implements experiences that improve profitability by engaging teams around a common purpose, enriching customer lives through meaning, and differentiating brands from the competition.In this episode, Dart and Alain discuss:- Turning company vision into experiences for employees and customers- Designing work that motivates good employee behavior - Building custom solutions for customers- Finding and attracting the right employees for your business- The biggest mistakes in customer programs- Anticipating and meeting future customer needs- The challenges of CRMs, and potential AI solutions- Key factors that drive stakeholders and shape their experiences- And other topics…Alain Thys is an experience architect who has impacted over half a billion customers and over 350,000 employees worldwide. With his team, he has created and implemented new work experiences to help drive business profit for clients like Adidas, Audi, Mercedes, Reebok, and Toyota. His book, So You Want To Be Customer-Centric? is an executive action guide that helps businesses focus on customers without sacrificing profitability. In Belgium, Alain served as the Managing Partner of Futurelab and Advisory Board Member of BrightFish, after which he founded Shalima Ventures and Alain Thys & Co. Alain’s company implements experiences that boost revenue by engaging teams around a common purpose, enriching customer lives through meaning, and differentiating brands from the competition.Resources Mentioned:So You Want To Be Customer-Centric? , by Alain Thys: https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Customer-Centric-Profitable-Relations/dp/1463785143 Connect with Alain:www.alainthys.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainthys 

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