How can leaders redesign work to boost both engagement and well-being?

Why is “fit for purpose” more important than “best practice” when it comes to designing work?

My guest in this episode is Rachel Cooke, Founder of Lead Above Noise & Host of the Modern Mentor podcast.

During our conversation Rachel and I discuss:

• Why today’s leaders are under greater pressure than ever before, especially with expanding spans of control and higher expectations.
• How leaders can increase engagement and embed wellbeing directly into how work actually happens
• The importance of asking those closest to the work to redesign the work
• How to create custom solutions for your team by seeking “right practices” rather than following industry “best practices.”

Connecting with Rachel:

Connect with Rachel Cooke on LinkedIn

Learn more about Rachel and Lead Above Noise

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How does executive compensation shape company culture, performance and deliver shareholder value?

Why should CHROs think of executive compensation as a communication tool?

My guests in this episode are Ani Huang, President of Policy and Practice at the CHRO Association and Charlie Tharp, Senior Advisor for Research & Practice at the CHRO Association and the Center On Executive Compensation

During our conversation Ani, Charlie, and I discuss:

• Why executive compensation is a strategic communication system that signals culture, priorities, and long-term value.
• How executive compensation aligns to the business strategy and drives long-term value.
• Why effective executive compensation starts with developing deep financial and business acumen.
• What builds fairness and transparency in pay systems.
• How executive compensation can impact the broader pay philosophy.

Connecting with Ani and Charlie:

Connect with Ani Huang on LinkedIn

Connect with Charlie Tharp on LinkedIn

Learn more about CHRO Association

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

How can you build learning into how work gets done?

Why should organizations think of learning as a system, not as a function?

My guest in this episode are Kati Clement-Frazier, Director, School of Leadership at DaVita and Michele Graham, President of Intel and Learn at Amplity

During our conversation Kati, Michele, and I discuss:

• Why learning must be treated as an organizational capability, not a set of programs.
• How psychological safety and reflection accelerate meaningful learning and behavior change.
• Why “flow of work” learning is about team routines, relationships, and work design—not microlearning.
• Why the future of learning requires new metrics and new mindsets.
• Why compliance-driven cultures limit experimentation, agility, and capability building.

Connecting with Kati & Michele:

Connect with Kati Clement-Frazier on LinkedIn

Connect with Michele Graham on LinkedIn

Learn more about The Learning Forum’s CLO LIFT Initiative

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.