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Dan Smolen digs into the WHY of building workplace leadership culture with guest Bret Packard.

Over a 30-year corporate career, Bret “crushed it” at managing large global teams tasked with scaling profits and market dominance. And, he was rewarded well for his hard work.

But Bret discovered early on that he wasn’t the leader of people that he wanted or needed to be.

Inspired by the corporate manager to whom he reported, Bret embarked on a journey to connect well with the people on his teams. And when he emerged as an effective leader, his people enjoyed better engagement and more success in their work and careers.

Bret also benefitted from a career-long commitment to journaling. Often, he refers to the 30 years of insight that fills the pages of the 89 journals that he kept. Bret draws on the wisdom in those journals to empower The Packard Network‘s followers to become effective leaders.

In a wide ranging discussion, Bret:

• Describes The Packard Network and its value to people in the workplace. Starts at 4:45
• Provides a summary of his 30-year corporate career and his journey to becoming a good and effective leader. Starts at 7:16
• Explains why building a workplace leadership culture is important now and to the future of work. Starts at 13:03
• Provides insight on why leaders must adopt new skill to empower Generation Z workforce members. Starts at 18:41
• Answers the question: are we hiring the right people to be leaders that the workplace needs? Starts at 28:11

Bret reflects on his own leadership journey, saying:

“I was a master at managing. So, things like strategy, plans, processes–that was me. But the part that I didn’t have down pat was connecting with people through vision, culture, ecosystem, and the way [that you communicate] with people.”

Building workplace leadership culture helps people to own their professional success. It truly is mission critical in the future of work.

About our guest:

Bret Packard earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

EPISODE DATE: April 8, 2022

Social media:

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:05 — 37.7MB)

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Dan Smolen interviews Lucas Krump on supporting men in future work.

Lucas is the CEO and Co-Founder of EVRYMAN, a platform of resources, groups, retreats, and more. It empowers men to lead fuller and more connected lives.

Men struggle with their relationship to work as much as they do in expressing their emotions. What’s more, men quite often craft identities–their personal narratives–around work and career.

Now, emerging from a two-year pandemic, many men grapple with workplace disruption and figuring our their purpose.

In a wide ranging discussion, Lucas:

• Describes EVRYMAN and its value proposition. Starts at 4:15
• Relates to why it is important for men to slow down–to relax, open up, and connect. Starts at 5:55
• Provides his backstory as a young man and successful executive that led him to EVRYMAN. Starts at 6:58
• Speaks to the emotional and behavioral disconnections that men suffer. Starts at 16:00
• Discusses The American Dream and what motivates men, disconnected from work, to engage with EVRYMAN. Starts at 21:54
• Offers insight as to how the pandemic impacted the future of work for men. Starts at 25:37

Supporting men in future work is important. And yet, Lucas is most often asked this basic question: what does it mean to be a man? His response:

“EVRYMAN does not define what it means to be a man, That’s a sacred space. Instead, what men are asking is: how do I be all of myself inside the [post-pandemic] workplace?”

While this topic seemingly relates to men exclusively, it is in the interest of all of our listeners to be a part of this discussion.

We all have male friends and family members. And they may benefit in life and in the future of work with new frames for expressing emotion and engagement such as those offered by EVRYMAN.

About our guest:

Lucas Krump received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Kansas. He also earned an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. Lucas lives and works in Hudson, New York.

EPISODE DATE: April 1, 2022

Social media:

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– Twitter

– Website

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:22 — 44.3MB)

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Dan Smolen interviews Debra Olshan Cooper to discover how personal storytelling builds brilliant careers.

Debra is the founder and principal of Your Career Design Lab. She empowers people new to the workplace and not, to find and do the work of their dreams.

What is more, by leveraging mindfulness and neurolinguistic programming (NLP) techniques, Debra poses questions which get to the heart of her clients’ career journeys:

“What were you doing when you were truly happy, when you felt joy, when you felt passion? Let’s go back to that space!”

In a wide ranging discussion, Debra:

• Summarizes the value proposition of Your Design Career Lab. Starts at 4:05
• Illustrates how she engages with careerists who seek her guidance. Starts at 9:04
• Responds to the widespread problem of career exploration as an afterthought. Starts at 14:17
• Describes how she employs mindfulness to get her clients grounded and centered. Starts at 20:27
• Discusses how effective storytelling answers the question: who are you? Starts at 35:16

Personal storytelling builds brilliant careers and helps people to live joyful, purposeful lives.

Main podcast segment starts at 3:01

About our guest:

Before founding Your Career Design Lab, Debra Olshan Cooper enjoyed a successful career in public relations, marketing communications, and business development. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Journalism at New York University. Debra lives and works near Miami, Florida.

EPISODE DATE: March 25, 2022

Social media:

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– Website

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:49 — 42.9MB)

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Dan Smolen interviews author Hana Ben-Shabat. She illustrates how the future of work is Generation Z.

Hana is the author of Gen Z 360: Preparing for the Inevitable Change in Culture, Work, and Commerce. And, to tell the generation’s story, she gleaned considerable insight from a large sampling of the cohort.

This much is evident: Gen Z is changing every aspect of life and work. And, the oldest among them, people in their early 20s, are positively shaping the future of work and the workplace.

In a wide ranging discussion, Hana:

• Describes her firm, Gen Z Planet, and its unique value to clients and prospects. Starts at 4:28
• Offers key insight she learned in writing her book about Generation Z. Starts at 5:28
• Contrasts Generation Z from the Millennials and other demographic cohorts through the lens of events. Starts at 9:11
• Provides examples of how forward thinking companies are engaging Gen Z workers. Starts at 17:24
• Explains Gen Z’s “high tech, high touch” engagement preferences and how managers can lead them to achieve successful work outcomes. Starts at 21:03
• Illustrates how Gen Z will change the workplace. Starts at 37:34

Gen Z workers thrive in what Hana describes as “high tech, high touch” environments. And, on the job, their motivations may seem contradictory: they seek financial success, recognition, and autonomy. However, they also seek intentional leadership from their bosses. According to Hana:

“The leaders of the future are going to be successful when they show empathy and compassion.”

The future of work is Generation Z. Yes, they will turn the workplace upside down. But everyone who works will benefit from better career experiences and outcomes.

About our guest:

Hana Ben-Shabat is the founder Gen Z Planet. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Tel Aviv University and an MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University. She lives and works in New York City.

EPISODE DATE: March 18, 2022

Social media:

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– Website

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:36 — 59.9MB)

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Dan Smolen explores future work recruitment with Russell White.

Russell is a veteran executive recruiter who is based in London.

For years, he supported candidate development for top brands in digital marketing, insights, and social media.

But, in the wake of the pandemic, Russell remade and rebranded his firm as Future Work.

Now, along with core executive search services offered, Future Work partners with Pimento to help enterprising talent join a community of professionals. As Future Work members, people acquire skill and knowledge that they need to find and do meaningful, purposeful work.

In a wide ranging discussion, Russell:

• Describes the transformation of his recruitment firm to Future Work. Starts at 4:21
• Explains the meaning of Future Work. Starts at 10:05
• Conveys his brand’s WHY, and the sense of community enjoyed by members. Starts at 16:33
• Advocates for the role of professional leadership. Starts at 21:49
• Speaks to his role as an avatar for candidates and community members that he wants to attract to Future Work. Starts at 35:16

In stating the value of future work recruitment, Russell says:

“Our whole proposition of Future Work, what we want to do, is to create a recruitment company with purpose.”

About our guest:

Russell White has been an executive recruiter for most of his professional career. Yet, he is also widely known around the globe as “Retro Russ,” presenting 1970s Disco music on Delite Radio. Russell earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Business Studies from Middlesex University. He lives and works in London, England.

EPISODE DATE: March 11, 2022

Social media:

– LinkedIn

– Twitter

– Website

– Delite Radio (Retro Russ)

– MixCloud (Retro Russ)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:20 — 49.9MB)

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Dan Smolen explores the emergence of a human and adaptive workplace with Rodney Evans.

Rodney is the host and executive producer of the Brave New Work Podcast. What is more, she leads The Ready which helps companies become more human and adaptive.

Out of the pandemic, we begin to recognize a future of work that is less about co-locations and siloes and more about recognizing and leading talent. And of the shift, Rodney says:

“At [their] core level, human beings want to contribute, they want meaning in their work, and they [are able] to change.”

In a wide ranging discussion, Rodney:

• Summarizes the value propositions of the Brave New Work Podcast and her consultancy, The Ready. Starts at 4:04
• Explains the “it’s the aquarium, not the fish” conundrum facing head count managers who struggle to hire and reward professionals. Starts at 6:39
• Describes executive leadership changes needed in the future of work. Starts at 8:57
• Provides a real time example of how leadership can empower professional talent. Starts at 11:15
• Envisions a novel role for human resources to positively impact the future of work. Starts at 25:40

A human and adaptive workplace helps to ensure that professional talent thrive in the future of work.

About our guest:

Rodney Evans received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Syracuse University. Earlier in her career, Rodney served companies in senior executive roles, positively impacting their human resources and organizational development. She lives and works in Durham, North Carolina.

EPISODE DATE: March 4, 2022

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:48 — 58.8MB)

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Dan Smolen asks internationally recognized Corporate Diva Dipika Trehan: will women lead future work?

A self-described “philanthrepreneur,” Dipika promotes the health, wellness, and professional success of women across the globe.

Her brands, the H.O.W. Forum and Corporate Diva, work across many verticals of holistic employee well-being and female empowerment. As Dipika explains:

“Women are looking for two things which they don’t deservingly receive: one is dignity of labor and the other is respect.”

In a wide-ranging discussion, Dipika:

• Describes her personal and professional background, the H.O.W. [Health of Women] Forum, and Corporate Diva. Starts at 4:26
• Digs into research about the challenges facing professional women. Starts at 9:30
• Supports the promise of women in the workforce. Starts at 14:43
• Explains why the workplace needs more women leaders. Starts at 15:39
• Offers reasons why “Male Samaritans” should support professional women. Starts at 23:05

Will women lead future work? We contend that it is a likely outcome.

About our guest:

Dipika Trehan earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Lady Irwin College New Delhi and an MBA from the Institute of Management Technology Ghaziabad. She is an ET Now Top Global Diversity and Inclusion Leader (2020) and alumna of the Innovation in Women’s Health Program, Mashav (Israel). Dipika lives and works in Bangalore, India.

EPISODE DATE: February 25, 2022

Social media:

– LinkedIn

– Website

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:02 — 45.4MB)

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Dan Smolen discusses mastering the digital workplace with podcaster Neil Miller.

He helps careerists to make sense of digital workplace innovations, to be truly intentional in the future of work.

Neil calls himself a “thought stealer.” Actually, he is a best-practices synthesizer. Neil helps people and companies to succeed in the digital workplace.

What is more, his journey through life and career is unusual. With a college degree in religious studies, Neil moved to India. There, he supported top clients with content development. His dazzling experiences living and working there shaped his thought-leadership.

In a wide ranging discussion, Neil:

• Describes his work and the value proposition of The Digital Workplace. Starts at 4:15
• Takes us through his adventurous move to India, to live and work. Starts at 5:06
• Summarizes the 5 Levels of a Digital Workplace. Starts at 10:20
• Supports how untraditional life and work experiences foster future work leadership. Starts at 20:21
• Discusses how perpetual learning impacts workforce professionals. Starts at 22:35
• Relates the core skills he hopes to see scale in the workplace. Starts at 26:44

Mastering the digital workplace. It is critical for success in the future of work.

About our guest:

Neil Miller earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Lincoln Christian University. He lives and works in Indianapolis, Indiana.

EPISODE DATE: February 18, 2022

Social media:

– LinkedIn

– Podcast

– Website

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:30 — 59.8MB)

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Dan Smolen discusses workplace trends for 2022 with Kettle’s Dan Rosenzweig.

Most notably, Dan explains two trends this year with the biggest workplace impact: the clubhouse as the office and pop-up venues for work.

On one hand, clubhouses enable professional talent to gather safely and with engagement. On the other, pop-up venues allow companies to reassemble team members in laboratory-like settings. Pop-ups help people re-learn people skills and test out new leadership models.

In a wide ranging interview, Dan:

• Describes the clubhouse as the office model. Starts at 4:48
• Summarizes insight gathered from Kettle’s research. Starts at 12:24
• Discusses the Great Resignation and how pop-up space can be used to empower people at work. Starts at 15:30
• Explains how Human Resources or HR can be used to foster team leadership in intentional workplaces. Starts at 27:09

The workplace trends for 2022 signal a bright future of work.

About our guest:

Dan Rosenzweig earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History from Vanderbilt University. Prior to co-founding Kettle, he worked for other co-working providers. Dan lives and works in the suburbs of New York City.

EPISODE DATE: February 11, 2022

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:17 — 47.2MB)

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Dan Smolen and podcast guest Achim Nowak delve into the Fourth Act Career.

In his first career act, Achim was a successful New York City-based theatrical director who, as a workaholic, sought perfection.

But a vision of a white house on a tropical island soon captivated his dreams.

Achim’s dreamy vision turned into reality. He found that white house on the tropical island of Tobago and moved in. As a result, he left the stage and his life in New York City. While on Tobago, Achim became an accomplished windsurfer.

But later on, needing a steady income, Achim moved back to New York to become a mediator. And that professional experience pivoted him to next act work that included helping CEOs and other C-suite executives, to:

“Show up with relaxed authority and amplify [their] personal influence for great success.”

Now, into his fourth act career, Achim has added to his résumé joyful work experiences. He is host and executive producer of the My Fourth Act Podcast; Achim interviews a wide array of professionals who, in their fourth career acts, do the work of their dreams. And, during 2021, he interviewed me on his podcast about my fourth act.

In an engaging and wide-ranging podcast discussion, Achim:

• Describes the My Fourth Act Podcast and the work he does for senior executives. Starts at 5:14
• Relives his first, second and third career acts. Starts at 7:34
• Explains how his career in theater as a director impacts his current work with corporate executives. Starts at 14:39
• Discusses the experiential commonalities that bubble up amongst his fourth act guests. Starts at 16:23
• Illustrates a day in the life of his fourth act. Starts at 21:49
• Takes us through what he believes Generation Z and the cohorts that follow may find profound and meaningful about the future of work. Starts at 29:02

This we know: the fourth act career is quite often personally satisfying and professionally fulfilling.

About our guest:

Achim Nowak earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Theater Arts from the George Washington University, and, a Masters of Arts in Organizational Psychology and International Relations from New York University. He lives and works in Hollywood, Florida.

EPISODE DATE: February 4, 2022

Social media:

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– LinkedIn

– Podcast

– Episode 23: The Beauty of a Side Hustle (with guest Dan Smolen)

– Website

– Published Work