Season 2 Premiere: Lynda & Joe on Life, Leadership, and What's Next

Humanity Through Video, with Ben Nathan + Fran Bryzski (Presented by: Hark)

Why does video create trust in ways that emails, Slack messages, and even AI often can't? In this episode of In The Business of Humans, Lynda and Joe are honored and thrilled to be joined by ultra-accomplished film maker Ben Nathan (Owner of All of Us Films, Impact Reel and much more), and cutting-edge entrepreneur Fran Bryzski (Founder + CEO of Hark). Together, the group explores why video storytelling has become one of the most powerful communication tools in business—and why authenticity matters. Whether you're a leader managing a remote team, building a company, creating content, working in customer experience, selling to customers, or simply trying to communicate more effectively, this conversation dives into why people connect with people—not perfectly polished messages. The group discusses how video helps preserve tone, emotion, empathy, and trust in ways that written communication often struggles to achieve. They also examine the growing role of AI in communication, where technology adds value, where it falls short, and why authentic human connection is becoming even more important in an increasingly automated world. Along the way, they explore: * Why video builds trust faster than email, Slack, or text * The psychology behind authentic communication and human connection * How leaders can use video to build stronger teams and company culture * Customer experience, customer feedback, and the emotional power of seeing real people * Why authenticity consistently outperforms perfection * The evolving relationship between AI and human communication * The challenges of remote work and digital collaboration * Practical ways to become a more confident communicator on camera * Why storytelling remains one of the most valuable leadership skills in business Ben and Fran left Lynda and Joe with incredible stories and lessons to savor for life; and we're confident you'll feel the same way! Takeaways * Video as a powerful medium for storytelling and communication * The importance of authenticity and human connection in video content Video as a Powerful Communication Tool * Authenticity in Communication Chapters * 00:00 The Power of Video Storytelling * 28:59 The Impact of Authenticity * 37:50 Introduction and Panel Guests * 38:16 Fran Briskey's Background and Role at Hark * 39:32 Ben's Experience with Ken Burns and Video Impact * 40:55 The Emotional Impact of Video * 41:38 The Role of Video in Creating Human Bonds * 42:08 Fran's Multitasking and Video's Impact on Communication * 43:32 The Power of Video in Customer Feedback * 44:25 The Influence of Video in Business Decision-Making * 45:21 The Impact of Video on Brand Loyalty and Customer Engagement * 46:14 The Role of Video in Human Connection and Understanding * 50:20 Authenticity in Video Content Creation * 51:35 The Use of Video in Documentary Filmmaking * 51:57 The Importance of Authenticity in Video Content * 01:00:35 The Impact of Video on Personal Branding and Communication * 01:04:38 The Frustration with AI Communication and Technology * 01:06:06 The Challenge of Authenticity in Written Communication * 01:07:01 The Frustration with Technology and Communication Tools * 01:11:30 Conclusion and Thank You

Code Switching at Work: Authenticity, Leadership & Belonging

What does it really mean to "code switch"—and how much of yourself should you change to succeed? In this episode of In The Business of Humans, co-hosts Lynda Harvey and Joe Gilgoff are honored to be joined by two extremely accomplished and brilliant guests: Dr. Wendy Johnson and Clarence Bongalos. Together, the group takes an honest look at one of the most complex topics in today's workplace: code switching. Whether you're navigating leadership, managing a team, interviewing for a new role, building your career, or simply trying to fit into different social and professional environments, most of us have adapted the way we communicate, behave, or present ourselves. But when does that adaptation become a valuable leadership skill—and when does it come at the expense of authenticity? The panel explores the emotional, psychological, and practical realities of code switching, including why it exists, how it affects confidence, belonging, workplace culture, diversity, leadership, and career growth, and how managers can create environments where people don't feel they have to hide parts of themselves to succeed. Along the way, they discuss: * What code switching really is—and why nearly everyone does it * The hidden emotional cost of constantly adapting to different environments * Authentic leadership versus strategic communication * Workplace culture, inclusion, belonging, and psychological safety * The role managers and executives play in creating trust * Self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and career development * When code switching is helpful—and when it's harmful * Practical strategies for staying authentic while remaining adaptable * Plus, a fun closing conversation on everyone's favorite personal pet peeves If you're interested in leadership, management, workplace psychology, communication, emotional intelligence, career advice, customer experience, company culture, diversity, inclusion, authenticity, or professional development, this conversation offers practical insights that will make you think differently about how we show up—for ourselves and for others. Chapters 00:00 — What Is Code Switching? 05:08 — The Emotional Weight of Adapting 36:48 — Survival, Belonging & Assimilation 45:25 — Courage, Self-Awareness & Authentic Leadership 01:03:18 — Pet Peeves & Lighter Moments

Season 2 Premiere: Lynda & Joe on Life, Leadership, and What's Next

Welcome back to Season 2 of In The Business of Humans with hosts Lynda Harvey and Joe Gilgoff. In this kickoff episode, Lynda and Joe reintroduce themselves, share updates from their professional and personal journeys, and set the stage for an exciting new season focused on the people side of work. From leadership and management to career growth, entrepreneurship, customer experience, workplace culture, and the evolving role of AI, they explore the conversations that help professionals build more meaningful and successful careers. Lynda draws on her extensive experience as an executive coach and leadership expert to discuss self-awareness, personal growth, and what it takes to lead effectively in today's workplace. Joe shares lessons from building customer experience teams, launching his advisory business, and helping companies create stronger relationships with both employees and customers. Together, they discuss career pivots, consulting, business development, networking, community building, and why authentic human connection remains one of the most valuable skills in any profession. The episode also introduces new resources for listeners, offers practical insights for leaders and individual contributors alike, and delivers the candid, relatable conversations that have become a hallmark of the show. Whether you're a manager, entrepreneur, customer experience leader, HR professional, executive, or someone simply looking to grow in your career, this episode provides actionable insights and fresh perspectives on navigating the modern world of work. Key Topics * Leadership and management * Career development and career transitions * Executive coaching and professional growth * Customer experience (CX) and business strategy * Entrepreneurship and consulting * Workplace culture and employee engagement * Networking and community building * AI and the future of work * Self-awareness and personal development * Building meaningful human connections at work

AI is for Humans

How does a podcast about driving humanity in the workplace tackle the imposing topic of AI for the first time? Bringing on one of the world's leading experts is a great place to start! On our special season 1 finale episode, we're joined by Aria Finger, former CEO of DoSomething.org [http://DoSomething.org] and current Chief of Staff to Reid Hoffman (Founder of LinkedIn, one of the world's leading AI experts/entrepreneurs; venture capitalists; philanthropists; authors; political influencers) and co-host with Reid of the acclaimed Possible podcast, which has explored this exact topic of AI + humanity with a curious, intellectual and optimistic lens with the likes of Sam Altman, Kara Swisher, Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah and dozens of other superstars in business + society. Aria spends her days helping to shape our current world, while also partnering with other brilliant, influential folks to imagine and help shape what our future world could look like -- including how AI will continue to evolve, and co-exist with people. And it's not all bad! You'll hear about how AI can not only uplift and empower humans in their jobs and lives, but also serve purely altruistic purposes, like powering cutting-edge medical research to save real human lives. You'll also get to know Aria, the human being: a warm, humble and funny soul, and a loving wife and mom of 3 rambunctious kids -- trying to juggle quite a lot at once, and figure this "life" thing out just like the rest of us! We love our season finale episode, and we hope that you will too.

Boundaries at Work

The age-old topic of how to establish the right boundaries at work. Is this even a thing, for career-driven people?! (Yes!) But how, without damaging our standing and growth potential?! (Please have a listen to this episode!) Whether you like the expression "work-life" balance or not, we can all agree that success at work cannot come at the cost of well being, or having a life and sources of fulfillment outside of work. In this episode of 'The Business of Humans', Lynda and Joe unpack it all! As usual, actionable advice will be offered, made more colorful with personal stories across 40+ combined years of leadership roles, successes and setbacks.