Why I'll Never Play It Safe Again - What We Accomplished and Where We're Going

Is the Workplace Broken or Just Badly Designed?

Why does work feel broken right now, and why does burnout feel so normal? In this episode of The Shift Show, Rachel Bourne sits down with workplace strategists and WORK then PLACE [https://a.co/d/0b44jAGd] co-authors Corinne Murray and Sara Escobar to unpack why work was never truly designed for humans in the first place. Together, they explore the real reasons behind return-to-office mandates, why “behavior before buildings” is a more useful lens for leaders, and how work design now has to account for physical, digital, and experiential environments. They also break down how knowledge work has changed, why AI is compressing and intensifying work, and what everyday professionals can do to create better ways of working without waiting for permission from the top. If you are trying to make sense of hybrid work, burnout, AI pressure, workplace trust, or how to create a more human-centered way of working, this conversation gives you a practical starting point. Sara Escobar [wieldingworkplace.com] utilizes knowledge built over her 20-year career leading Workplace for global companies, including CBRE, Riot Games, Netflix, Honey, and Hulu. She is the founder of Wielding Workplace, a consultancy that supports companies in using Workplace to attract and retain top talent. Her clients have included top companies in tech, media, hospitality, utility services, and finance. Corrine Murray [https://sites.google.com/agate.studio/home/home] is a workplace strategist, advisor, and writer with 15 years of experience in organizational change, employee experience, and workplace transformation. She has spearheaded transformation initiatives for companies including WeWork, American Express, RXR, Gensler, and CBRE. Key Takeaways * Work feels broken because it was never intentionally designed around human behavior * Return-to-office decisions are often driven by factors beyond collaboration * Small, team-level changes can meaningfully improve how work actually gets done Chapter Markers 00:00 — Why did Sara and Corrine write WORK then PLACE? 02:08 — What does “behavior before buildings” really mean? 06:18 — What are the real reasons behind return-to-office mandates? 12:02 — How can leaders make RTO less damaging? 14:09 — Can perks really “earn the commute”? 17:19 — Is work really built on relationships? 22:08 — Are broken workplaces caused by bad behavior or bad design? 24:00 — Is collaboration actually better in person? 27:06 — What changed about knowledge work? 31:34 — Is AI making work more intense? 34:23 — What can individuals do if work feels broken? 37:34 — How should teams measure better ways of working? 41:08 — What is the one takeaway listeners should act on now? Find answers to the most frequent audience questions: * Why does work feel so hard now? * Why are companies making people come back to the office? * Is hybrid work actually effective? * Is AI making work worse? * What can I do if I am not in charge? Keywords/themes why work feels broken, why burnout feels normal, human centered work design, return to office strategy, why companies want employees back in office, hybrid work problems, future of work podcast, knowledge work design, AI and burnout at work, workplace trust and flexibility, work design for hybrid teams, how to improve meetings at work, behavior before buildings, work then place, human centered workplace

What’s the Leadership Shift Nobody Talks About?

What’s the leadership shift nobody talks about — especially for women in leadership? Debbie McGee made every leadership shift the hard way. From bulldozer to builder. From control to trust. From protecting her image to radical transparency. After decades in Big Four accounting, global HR leadership across 30 countries, and navigating male-dominated industries, a corporate reorganization forced her to rebuild how she leads from the ground up. In this episode, we unpack the real leadership shifts most executives never say out loud: the tension between authority and vulnerability, achievement and purpose, head and heart. We also explore a topic often left out of workplace conversations: values and faith. While 55% of Americans say religion is important to them (Pew), most corporate cultures avoid discussing it entirely. Debbie shares how she integrates values openly without imposing belief — modeling servant leadership in a modern corporate world. If you’re a director, VP, or emerging female executive navigating AI, burnout, or executive presence, this conversation will challenge your leadership assumptions. Debbie's book, The Leadership Attitude, can be purchased on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Attitude-Inspiring-Success-Authenticity/dp/164225715X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EVOJRNMB25IE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.A9KCJ945Nx8ASroiFFl-7WI9IVMuZ0GKZJezfN5swQTGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.8TUz-ucVj3njXPPDQ_BVVyPAH19TbVyM4QvdVQKES-c&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Leadership+Attitude+-+by+Deborah+E+McGee&qid=1712085025&sprefix=the+leadership+attitude+-+by+deborah+e+mcgee%2Caps%2C319&sr=8-1], or at Barnes & Noble [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-leadership-attitude-deborah-e-mcgee/1145181583?ean=9781642257151] and Target [https://www.target.com/p/the-leadership-attitude-by-deborah-e-mcgee-paperback/-/A-91717423]. 3 Key Takeaways: 1. The shift from control to trust is harder than it sounds. 2. Vulnerability requires credibility — especially for women leaders. 3. Purpose-driven leadership is not weakness. It’s strength. THE SHIFTS The Old Way - The Shift - the New Way From Bulldozer to Builder to Empowerment From Head Only to Head & Heart to Empowerment From Control Everything to Trust Team to Shared Ownership From Protect from Failure to Allow Failure to Growth Culture From Chase Achievement to Lead with Purpose to Sustainable Impact From Keep Values Private to Integrate Values to Authentic Leadership From Protect Image to Radical Transparency to Psychological Safety From Western-only Model to Cross-Cultural Adaptability to Global Leadership From Take Credit to Develop Others to Multiplying Leaders From "Be as aggressive as hell" to Servant Leadership to Influence Without Domination Chapter Markers (Question-Framed) 00:00 — What’s the leadership shift nobody talks about? 01:55 — Why wasn’t the old leadership playbook built for women? 03:40 — What happens when success suddenly stops working? 06:20 — Bulldozer vs builder: what’s the difference? 13:50 — Can women lead with heart and authority? 18:30 — Why do we avoid talking about faith at work? 24:00 — What does radical transparency actually look like? 31:00 — When does vulnerability build trust — and when doesn’t it? 36:20 — Why is failure essential to leadership growth? 39:45 — What shift should leaders make next? Keywords (Women + Leadership + Cultural Relevance) women in leadership, female executive leadership, servant leadership in corporate America, vulnerability in leadership women, executive presence for women, authentic leadership, purpose-driven leadership, cross-cultural leadership women, psychological safety leadership, faith in the workplace, women CEOs, leadership mindset shift, growth mindset leaders, women leading change, modern leadership styles

Human Judgment & Domain Expertise: Put AI to Use Responsibly

In this episode of The Shift Show, we’re joined by ⁠⁠Jelena Marjanovic, PhD⁠⁠ [https://jelenamarjanovic.com/ai-at-work], a leader in responsible AI adoption and human-AI collaboration. Dive into what AI use really looks like in the workplace-beyond buzzwords and superficial stats, and focus on how humans can work with AI in ways that enhance judgment, trust, sustainable outcomes. This episode matters now because AI isn’t just a tool anymore. It’s shaping how we think, how we work, and how organizations operate. Whether you’re leading a team, integrating AI into your workflow, or simply trying to understand how humans and AI can collaborate effectively, this conversation will give you clarity, frameworks, and real-world insights. Jelena Marjanovic, PhD helps leaders, teams, and business owners navigate the rapidly shifting world of work accelerated by AI. She blends coaching psychology, adult learning science, and practical AI enablement to help professionals work smarter, lead with clarity, and adapt intelligently. ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjanovicjelena/] ⁠⁠⁠JelenaMarjanovic.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://jelenamarjanovic.com/ai-at-work] “What sets Jelena apart is her blend of practicality, emotional intelligence, and deep business experience. I love that she can shift seamlessly between coach and consultant depending on what’s needed.” — Sian Bennett, Head of Content Marketing and Communication & Small Business Owner “Her hands-on method helped our law firm rethink how we work. She turned a complex AI topic into a clear, practical path to higher efficiency.” — Nenad Cvjetićanin, Managing Partner, C&P Law TOPICS in this Episode: * What true AI adoption looks like vs. common misconceptions * How data and knowledge structures enable AI effectiveness * Importance of critical thinking as the foundation for AI use * Developing habits and questions that verify AI output * Stages of AI adoption from hesitation to over-reliance to balanced use * How teams and leaders navigate different comfort levels with AI * Shadow AI use and organizational impacts 10 Takeaways * Real organizational AI adoption is less than most industry stats suggest. Meaningful use is still emerging. * Using simple AI tools (like transcription) doesn’t equal strategic AI adoption. * Effective AI use starts with understanding your tasks, workflows, and desired outcomes. * Human judgment still matters — AI cannot yet fully replace nuanced reasoning or ethics. * Critical thinking is the most foundational skill for working with AI. * Good AI use involves repeating patterns of evaluation and verification. * Teams adopt AI at different rates, and leadership must recognize and support that. * Shadow AI use is widespread, and employees will use AI even without formal training. * Domain expertise, AI literacy, and discernment create the most effective human–AI integrators. Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Human + AI Collaboration in 2026 01:31 – Reality of AI Adoption 04:00 – True AI Adoption vs. Simple Tools 06:18 – Practical Next Steps for AI Integration 08:22 – Future Data & Knowledge Structures 11:08 – Spectrum of Human–AI Interaction 14:38 – Critical Thinking in AI Workflows 17:48 – Training and Habits for Evaluating AI 24:04 – AI Adoption Curve Explained 27:16 – Balanced Collaboration with AI 30:12 – AI Adoption Across Teams 34:05 – Shadow AI Use in Workplaces 37:27 – Social Stigma and AI Use 40:16 – Work Displacement and Skill Redesign 41:27 – Human-AI Integrator Framework 46:56 – Workforce and Apprenticeship in the AI Era 49:27 – Academia, Regulation, and AI Adoption Keywords collaboration, adoption, AI, leadership, maturity curve, critical thinking, literacy for professionals, human-in-the-loop, balanced AI use, overreliance, pitfalls, integration framework, human decision-making, automation, metacognitive cues, management spectrum, teams, shadow AI use, future of work, domain expertise, AI literacy, knowledge management, readiness, governance

What Executives Need to Know About Career Change Today

Executive careers are being reshaped in real time. AI is compressing decision cycles, private equity is redefining leadership expectations, and traditional career paths are breaking down faster than many leaders were prepared for. For senior professionals navigating transition, often for the first time in years, the challenge isn’t just tactical. It’s emotional and identity-based. This conversation matters now because it offers clarity in a moment where optionality feels safer than commitment, but specificity is what actually creates momentum. Ruben Moreno is a Founding Member of ⁠Blue Rock Human Capital⁠ [https://bluerockhumancapital.com/] and leads the Blue Rock Human Resources and Private Equity Executive Search practices. He specializes in Chief HR Officers, Human Capital Partners, Presidents, and other top C-suite leadership positions across a variety of industry verticals. With over 15 years of previous experience in corporate America, Ruben is a subject matter expert and national thought leader in executive recruitment. At Blue Rock, Ruben has been dedicated to partnering with his clients for over 20 years to identify, assess, and recruit the best Human Resources and executive leadership talent available. He has successfully placed hundreds of professionals and cultivated deep relationships across various job functions and industry verticals. His clients consider him a trusted partner who takes the time to understand their business and deliver value beyond executive search. Key Takeaways: 1. Career transitions for senior leaders are identity shifts, not just job searches. 2. Most executive transitions are triggered by involuntary change, stagnation, or a strategic crossroads. 3. Clarity beats optionality in today’s job market. 4. Specificity is now a competitive advantage in executive search. 5. The ATS is not a reflection of your worth or capability. 6. Executive coaching enables introspection before tactics. 7. Private equity operates on a fundamentally different leadership model. 8. Workforce planning is broken and becoming a serious organizational risk. 9. AI literacy is now baseline fluency for leaders. 10. Start with the end in mind when designing your next role. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Framing: Why Career Change Is Really About Identity 01:16 – Guest Introduction: Meet Ruben Moreno and Blue Rock Human Capital 03:47 – Career Change Triggers: The Three Reasons Leaders Decide It’s Time 06:04 – Career Tradeoffs: Job, Company, Career Path, Money, Geography 07:05 – Coaching vs Consulting: Why Introspection Comes Before Strategy 08:39 – Navigating Change Well: Adaptability, Risk Tolerance, and Tech Fluency 10:04 – Market Mastery: Why You Can’t Be Everything to Everyone 12:21 – Networking Over Applying: Targeting 30–40 Companies with Intention 14:27 – The Emotional Reality of Job Search: The ATS Abyss and Self-Doubt 19:25 – Due Diligence: Evaluating Red Flags Before Accepting an Offer 22:08 – Private Equity Explained: Speed, Ownership, and Operator Mentality 27:35 – Workforce Planning in the AI Era: Shifting from Jobs to Work 34:28 – Buy, Build, or Rent Talent: Applying Business Logic to People Strategy 36:07 – Building Recruiter Relationships: Why You Have to Take the Shot 41:53 – Staying Top of Mind: LinkedIn Discipline and Follow-Ups 45:15 – The Future of Leadership: AI Fluency and Shorter Planning Horizons 50:33 – Final Advice: Start With the End in Mind 54:12 – Closing & Contact Information Keywords executive career transition, executive search, insights leadership in transition, private equity leadership, C-suite career strategy, navigating career change, executive coaching mindset, future of work leadership, AI and executive leadership, workforce planning strategy, human capital strategy, career clarity for leaders, job search strategy for executives, building career resilience, leadership adaptability, market mastery vs specialization, networking for senior leaders, future-ready leadership skills

Why I'll Never Play It Safe Again - What We Accomplished and Where We're Going

“Remember, before you can be great, you’ve got to be good. Before you can be good, you’ve got to be bad. But before you can even be bad, you’ve got to try.” ― Art Williams, ⁠All You Can Do is All You Can Do⁠ [https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/27282914] Rachel's friend ⁠Lydia Wu⁠ [https://www.oopsdidithinkthatoutloud.com/], recently shared this in her newsletter and it perfectly captures what this past year has been as a podcaster and solopreneur. Today's episode is a little different. No frameworks. No expert guests. Just Rachel, talking to you—the people who showed up, who subscribed, who sent DMs at midnight saying "thank you" or "I needed this" or "you helped me land the job." This episode is for you. It's a reflection on what Rachel learned from building this thing out loud, in public, imperfectly. And it's a preview of where we're headed in 2026. If you've ever wondered whether it's worth it to put yourself out there when you might fail publicly—Rachel has some thoughts. * How do you start something new when you're afraid of failing? * How do successful people deal with criticism? * What does it take to build something from scratch while working full-time? * How do you know when to pivot vs. persist? * What skills matter most for career success in 2026? Why This Matters Now: January 2026 is the season of resolutions and restarts. You might be sitting there with a blank page, wondering if this is the year you finally start the thing, make the move, raise your hand. By thinking about your own career—wins AND stumbles—you need to give yourself permission to begin imperfectly. Rachel shares her learnings and viewpoints on: * On Public Learning & Vulnerability * On Adaptability & Unlearning * On Action Over Perfection * On Community & Creator Success Building on Daring Greatly by Brene Brown [https://brenebrown.com/book/daring-greatly/]: When you step into the arena—when you try to build something, create something, lead something—you will get dusty. You will stumble. You will have people in the stands with opinions about your performance. But you're in the arena. They're not. Key Takeaways: * You don’t become confident before you start. Confidence is built by starting. * Public practice accelerates growth faster than private perfection. * Action beats perfection every time. * Most of the stories we tell ourselves about rejection are wrong. * Being in the arena matters more than being admired from the sidelines. * Growth is not linear. It’s a spiral. * Adaptability now requires learning, unlearning, and relearning. * Energy management is more important than time management. * Support systems accelerate clarity and accountability. * The future of work requires psychological agility, not just technical skill. Chapters 00:00 – Opening Reflection: Before You Can Be Great, You Have to Try 01:15 – Gratitude & Community: Why This Show Exists, Who It’s Really For 03:57 – Lesson 1: Building in Public Is Uncomfortable, and That’s the Point 06:34 – Lesson 2: Action Beats Perfection 08:16 – Managing Self-Doubt: Your Brain Is a Biased Storyteller 09:26 – Lesson 3: Critics, Courage, and the Arena 12:40 – Lesson 4: Growth Is a Spiral, Not a Straight Line 14:38 – Support Systems: Why Coaches and Accountability Matter 15:39 – What’s Changing in 2026: What’s Next for The Shift Show 17:30 – Skills That Matter Next: Psychological & Strategic Skills for the AI Era 18:11 – Personal Update: Balancing a Full-Time Role and the Show 19:17 – Closing: Daring Greatly and Continuing to Try Episode Keywords: future of work, AI, careers, career resilience, career adaptability, navigating career change, growth mindset, building in public, overcoming imposter syndrome, leadership in the AI era, human skills, career agility, personal branding, managing uncertainty, sustainable career growth, learning, unlearning, relearning