New research shows a level of pessimism we haven’t seen in a long time. While there are many reasons for this (politics, climate, economy, AI fears), we all need to do something about it.

In this podcast I share the research and give you five important steps you can take to avoid, reduce, and eliminate pessimism at work. (Optimism, certainty, growth, citizenship, and empathy.)

This framework will give you sound information for your own life at work, your role as a leader, and your investments in leadership development and management coaching. I also talk about our research on Trust, and the role trust plays in employee optimism.

I also discuss “The Unquenchable Power of The Human Spirit,” an idea I discuss in Irresistible, which will help you move into an optimistic view of life, work, and business.

Takeaways

• The rise of pessimism is a significant trend in the workforce. (64% on average)
• Realistic optimism is possible in any situation.
• We can reduce uncertainty through sound leadership.
• It’s ok to accept things that you cannot change.
• Citizenship as a company and individual creates positive energy.
• Growth and development is fuel for positive thinking and engagement.
• Health, sleep, exercise, nature, and relationships are your personal fuel.
• Why optimism is central to HR’s role and our job.

Research on Pessimism and Employee Engagement

MeQuilibrium State of Workforce, Summer 2025

U.S. Employee Engagement Sinks to 10-Year Low (Gallup)

Citizenship At Work: Dealing With Politics Inside and Outside The Company (podcast)

Corporate Citizenship Redefined: Trust, Inclusion, and Responsibility

Suzanne McGovern, CHRO of Ipsy, has many years of experience in consulting, HR, DEI, and business growth (PwC, IBM, Splunk) and now leads HR for a billion dollar beauty company.

In this thought-proving interview, Suzanne explains how the CHRO role has now become an “outside-in” C-level role and how complex and “mission-centric” the CHRO role can be. Suzanne also believes and explains how consulting experience is so important in the CHRO position, the importance of recruitment, hybrid work, and her perspectives on the role of AI.

Additional Information

The CHRO Insights Initiative

Why Is It So Hard To Be A Chief HR Officer (CHRO)?

Learn about Galileo, the World’s AI Expert Assistant for HR

Special Josh Bersin Academy Course: AI in HR (highly acclaimed)

This week I summarize my Irresistible Keynote and explain the five keys to building an AI-powered Superworker company. And as you’ll hear, they revolve around the value of people, not the value of technology. It’s funny how we think AI is “different” and we personify it. It’s basically a tech platform, and if you think about it that way you’ll be much better off.

Additional Information

No, Entry Level Jobs Are Not Going Away

Why AI Is A Job Creator, Not A Job Destroyer

Reinvent your Career: Galileo Learn, the AI Learning Academy for HR

The Revolution in L&D