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In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, the disconnect between people and their work has never been more apparent—or more urgent to address. That’s why I was thrilled to welcome Brent Kedzierski, a renowned expert on the future of work and human-centric design, to the On the Brink podcast. Brent’s mission is clear: to improve the human condition at work, one experience at a time. With more than 35 years of experience—including as Head of Learning Strategy and Innovation at Shell—he brings unique insight into why digital transformation fails, how people resist change, and what organizations can do to rebuild engagement and purpose. The Future Is Human—And Already Here As William Gibson reminds us, “The future is already here. It's just not widely distributed yet.” Brent feels the same way. People often assume technology is the answer to productivity and innovation—but without human adoption and emotional investment, it falls flat. In fact, 90% of digital transformation initiatives fail, not because the technology is flawed, but because people aren’t prepared to embrace it. Why? Because humans are fallible, social, adaptable—and resistant to change without a clear purpose. It is that clear purpose that seems to be the hardest thing to get agreement on. Without focus, people wander all over, creating meaning when there is none. Understanding the Human Condition at Work Brent grew up in Pittsburgh, a city built on industry. Watching his family work in steel mills, he developed a fascination with why people work the way they do. That question still drives him. At Shell, he led global initiatives using simulations, virtual reality, and HR analytics to optimize human performance—but found again and again that vendors focused on tech, not people. In every successful transformation, Brent starts by understanding the human experience. As he puts it, people need: * A reason to believe change is useful * Tools that are easy to use * Proof that change offers a relative advantage * Compatibility with their current reality These four principles make up 80% of successful adoption. Engagement only happens when people see, feel, and believe that something will make their work—and their lives—better. And, trust me, if they don’t “see it” they have no idea what you are talking about. What Is Human-Centric Work Design? Human-centricity isn’t new. Since the 1950s, design theorists have argued for putting people at the center of systems. But Brent takes this further by introducing the Human Experience Model, which maps out the full work journey: 1. Expectations – What workers anticipate about a task. 2. Experience – What actually happens when they perform it. 3. Adaptation – How they adjust in real time. 4. Reflection – What they take away and how it shapes future behavior. When organizations ignore this model, they create what Brent calls “experience debt”—inefficiencies, stress, and disengagement that build up over time. As Brent said, “People only change when they see the value and feel a sense of urgency. Without that, even the best-designed systems fall apart.” Health, Wellness, and the Cost of Disconnected Work The toll of misaligned work isn’t just emotional—it’s physical and economic. Brent notes that 70% of all primary care visits today are stress-related. Poor workplace design contributes to chronic conditions, burnout, and even work-related suicide. He reminds us: “Contented cows give better milk”—in other words, healthy, supported humans produce better outcomes. Organizations that invest in worker wellness—clear communication, psychological safety, autonomy, and purpose—see higher engagement and productivity. And they reduce the enormous costs of turnover, illness, and missed opportunities. Watch the video of our podcast here. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC98Ob0F-8E] Lessons from the Field Brent shared powerful case studies, including one at Shell where digital procedures on iPads replaced outdated paper manuals. Initially resisted by veteran operators, the new system became a hit—not because it was faster, but because it gave workers a voice. Their field notes were finally visible to others, prompting action. In another project, avatars in a virtual training module used thoughtful communication techniques. The surprising feedback from Gen Z trainees? “I wish my supervisor talked to me like the avatar does.” What Comes Next? As we wrapped, Brent offered a teaser: the rise of AI and the flood of data pose a new challenge. By 2026, 90% of online content is expected to be AI-generated. Yet 80% of the data companies create today is never used again—a growing source of digital waste. To navigate this future, we must design systems that balance tech innovation with human needs. Brent calls this the move from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0—where technology elevates, not replaces, people. The Takeaway: See, Feel, Think—Then Change As a corporate anthropologist, I urge clients to change only after seeing what’s going on and feeling how it impacts people. Brent’s insights reinforce that truth: transformation isn’t about adopting the newest tool. It’s about designing work that empowers humans to thrive. Let’s rethink what work really is. Not a place, not a task, but a shared human experience. Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let’s Talk! [https://www.simonassociates.net/contact-us/] From Observation to Innovation, https://www.simonassociates.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Andi-for-Kajabi-122.png Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net [https://www.simonassociates.net/] Info@simonassociates.net [Info@simonassociates.net] @simonandi [https://twitter.com/simonandi] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/]

How you might ask, did Gloria Bohan transition from being a Schoolteacher to an amazing Travel Titan. Welcome to a special episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, where we spotlight remarkable women entrepreneurs in our series, Wisdom of Women Entrepreneurs with Purpose: Hear Their Voices. I'm thrilled to kick off this journey with Gloria Bohan, a true trailblazer in the travel industry and the visionary founder of Omega World Travel. Starting with Passion, Building with Purpose Gloria's story is nothing short of inspiring. In 1972, she was a schoolteacher with no business experience, let alone a background in travel. She had a passion for cruising and a desire to pay one employee. From those humble beginnings, she built a global travel management company that now books over $1 billion in annual sales. "I didn't have a grand vision," Gloria recalls. "I just wanted to survive. But I kept doing the things I needed to do—and opportunities began to evolve." This unexpected success is a testament to the power of determination and adaptability. Lessons from a Mentor and the Power of Relationships A turning point in Gloria's journey came through mentorship. A seasoned woman in the travel industry took Gloria under her wing, staying with her for six months to train her and guide her through the nuances of the business. "She was so determined," Gloria said, recalling how her mentor—even in a slightly askew gray wig—won customers through grit and charm. "Being around people like her helped me grow into the leader I became." This hands-on mentorship helped Gloria understand that great businesses are built not just on processes but on relationships—both with customers and employees. "People are watching you," she explains. "You must lead by example, be honest with yourself, and stay true to your values." If you want to watch our video, click here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrQRBBMR6m0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrQRBBMR6m0 Growing with the Industry, Innovating Through Change Over five decades, Gloria's company has grown by continuously adapting to change—from the deregulation of the airline industry in the late '70s to the rise of PCs and today's digital and post-pandemic travel landscape. "I didn't plan it," she says. "But I kept my eyes open. I stayed curious. When new opportunities came—whether it was bidding on government contracts or adopting emerging tech—I took them." That entrepreneurial spirit remains at the heart of Omega World Travel. Gloria believes that passion must be paired with constant learning and evolution. "No company can just be what they were," she emphasizes. "You must modernize, but never lose the values that made you strong." Success with Significance: Building a Business That Gives Back Gloria champions purpose more than anything. For her, success isn't just about profits—it's about people, community, and creating meaningful impact. Her commitment to a purpose-driven business model is not only inspiring but also a powerful reminder of the potential for businesses to make a positive difference in the world. "We're not in business just to be profitable," she says. "If we don't have buy-in from our people, we don't have purpose." Gloria ensures that her company gives back, from mentoring young talent to participating in community efforts like Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity. For instance, we have a program where our employees volunteer at local schools to teach students about the travel industry. Her team gets involved, learns, grows, and contributes—building a culture of purpose that transcends the office. The Entrepreneurial Spirit in All of Us As our conversation ended, Gloria reminded listeners that entrepreneurship isn't just about owning a business—it's a mindset. "Big companies need intrapreneurs," she says. They need people with ideas, creativity, and passion who bring innovation to everything they do. Whether you're starting your own venture or shaping change within a larger organization, Gloria's journey is a masterclass in how purpose and perseverance can take you from the brink to beyond. Final Thoughts Gloria Bohan's story is a beacon for women entrepreneurs and leaders everywhere. It reminds us that significance can—and should—go hand in hand with success. As we continue this series with women like Gloria, we hope their stories help you reframe your own. We hope these stories help you reframe your own. Let's change the story—together. To learn more about Gloria Bohan: Gloria’s Profile:linkedin.com/in/gloria-bohan-07773a14 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-bohan-07773a14] Websites * owt.net  [http://www.owt.net/](Company) * owt.net/travelfaxx/  [http://owt.net/travelfaxx/](Blog) * facebook.com/omegaworldtravel?ref=search&sid=100000522586195.4089387147..1  [http://www.facebook.com/omegaworldtravel?ref=search&sid=100000522586195.4089387147..1] Connect with me: * Website: www.simonassociates.net [http://www.simonassociates.net/] * Email: info@simonassociates.net * Books:  Learn more about them here [https://www.andisimon.com/] * Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business * Women Mean Business * On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let's Talk! [https://www.simonassociates.net/contact-us/] From Observation to Innovation, https://b1979735.smushcdn.com/1979735/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Andi-for-Kajabi-122.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net [https://www.simonassociates.net/] Info@simonassociates.net [Info@simonassociates.net] @simonandi [https://twitter.com/simonandi] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/]

What if your face could reveal your deepest emotional blocks? What if your burnout, self-doubt, or imposter syndrome were not flaws—but signals calling you back to your truest self? In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I sat down with the remarkable Tammy Cho, a self-love and energy leadership coach based in British Columbia. Tammy is not just a coach—she’s a healer, a mentor, and a guide who helps leaders and entrepreneurs reconnect with their authentic selves. Using a unique combination of face and body analysis, psychosomatic therapy, human design, and NLP, Tammy helps people understand the deeper emotional and spiritual patterns shaping their lives. From Burnout to Breakthrough Tammy’s journey began as a nurse and patient care leader in one of Canada’s largest hospitals. She spent 20 years in healthcare before burning out so severely that she landed in the ER—chest pains, numbness, and a terrifying sense of disconnect. But the real wake-up call came later. After the birth of her daughter, Tammy realized she couldn’t feel joy. Watching her baby hit a dangling toy for the first time left her numb. It took a visiting nurse to point out what Tammy couldn’t see: she wasn’t bonding with her child. This emotional void forced her to confront a lifelong pattern of emotional abandonment—beginning with being left by her mother at just 20 days old. This became the catalyst for deep personal transformation. Tammy dove into therapy, personal development, NLP, and energy healing. Despite financial success, she still felt unfulfilled. It wasn’t until she discovered psychosomatic therapy—a powerful approach that integrates body, mind, heart, and soul—that true healing began. If you enjoy watching the video, click here on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNAkA8VxmKg] Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let's Talk! [https://www.simonassociates.net/contact-us/] From Observation to Innovation, https://b1979735.smushcdn.com/1979735/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Andi-for-Kajabi-122.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net [https://www.simonassociates.net/] Info@simonassociates.net [Info@simonassociates.net] @simonandi [https://twitter.com/simonandi] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/]

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I am joined by Dr. Chris Fuzie, Ed. D, leadership expert and author of the thought-provoking new book Liminal Space: Reshaping Leadership and Followership [https://www.amazon.com/Liminal-Space-Reshaping-Leadership-Followership-ebook/dp/B0D37GRY1R/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1314F4MHVJVNA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qIDHh3pVH6F4TuK0Y7xKfQ.jtOmKHCHekJGOAGFOPI4EOZCmjSZ7VYefXqsQuVzc-Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=dr.+chris+fuzie+liminal&qid=1743104755&sprefix=%2Caps%2C1219&sr=8-1]. Together, we explore how leadership is evolving and how traditional distinctions between "leader" and "follower" no longer apply in dynamic, modern organizations. Dr. Fuzie shares insights from his 28-year career in law enforcement and his academic journey in organizational leadership. Dr. Fuzie is a seasoned leader, educator, and consultant with a passion for transforming organizations through innovative leadership practices. He introduces the concept of liminal space—a transformative, in-between zone where individuals often occupy roles of both leader and follower simultaneously. Through engaging storytelling and a practical behavioral framework, he challenges us to think differently about how we lead, how we follow, and how we cultivate organizational cultures of adaptability, accountability, and grace. Whether you're in the C-suite, a middle manager, or just starting your leadership journey, this episode offers fresh and applicable insights to help you navigate fast-changing times. In This Episode, You’ll Learn about Leaderology and Liminal Space: * What liminal space is and why it matters for today's leaders and followers * Why leadership is behavior, not position—and how followership is just as critical * How Chris developed his Tessellations of Behavior model for strategic, tactical, and operational alignment * The power of clearly defined behaviors like integrity, teachability, and grace in shaping organizational culture * How the National Leaderology Association  [https://nlainfo.org/Sys/PublicProfile/69363385]is working to elevate leadership and followership as scientific disciplines * Why grace and empathy are essential tools for modern leadership in a world of rapid change and AI integration You will enjoy watching our podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o5y0hL9K-I]. Other podcasts you will enjoy: 429: Embracing the Future: How Matt Leta is Guiding Companies [https://www.simonassociates.net/429-embracing-the-future-how-matt-leta-is-guiding-companies/] 428: Al Must Transform Our Communication Strategy. Just Ask Dan Nestle! [https://www.simonassociates.net/428-al-must-transform-our-communication-strategy-just-ask-dan-nestle/] 427: Empowering Women in STEM: Rashmi Chaturvedi’s Journey [https://www.simonassociates.net/427-empowering-women-in-stem-rashmi-chaturvedis-journey/] Additional resources for you * My two award-winning books: Rethink: Smashing The Myths of Women in Business [https://www.amazon.com/Rethink-Smashing-Myths-Women-Business/dp/1734324880/] and On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1626342806/ref=cm_sw_su_dp] * Our latest book, Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success [https://www.amazon.com/Women-Mean-Business-Insights-Extraordinary/dp/1524880507], co-authored with Edie Fraser and Robyn Freedman Spizman * All of our white papers [https://www.simonassociates.net/white-papers/], particularly those on Blue Ocean Strategy * Our website: Simon Associates Management Consultants [https://www.simonassociates.net/] Connect with me: * Website: www.simonassociates.net [http://www.simonassociates.net/] * Email: info@simonassociates.net * Books: * Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business * Women Mean Business * On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let's Talk! [https://www.simonassociates.net/contact-us/] From Observation to Innovation, Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net [https://www.simonassociates.net/] Info@simonassociates.net [Info@simonassociates.net] @simonandi [https://twitter.com/simonandi] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/]

On a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of talking with Matt Leta, a visionary entrepreneur, author, and futurist who is helping organizations navigate the rapidly changing business landscape. Founder and CEO of The Future Group—home to Future Works, Future Horizon, and Future Quest—Matt joined me to share his bold vision for the future of work and how businesses can adapt and thrive in the age of AI and automation. A New Kind of Transformation What’s clear from my conversation with Matt is this: we are not heading back to the way things used to be. The fourth industrial revolution is here, and it’s rewriting the rules. Matt's experience in building digital products, advising startups, and working with giants like Apple and Google has led him to rethink how companies approach innovation. Rather than viewing AI as just another tool, Matt sees it as part of a broader cultural and structural shift—what he calls “next-gen digital transformation.” Matt believes we are entering a new age—what he calls the "age of intelligence." It’s not just about adding AI to business operations. It’s about creating a new business “brain,” where humans, software, and artificial intelligence work together in a symbiotic system. He compares this to the human brain’s evolution, where the reptilian brain, the limbic system, and the neocortex work in harmony. Businesses, he argues, must also evolve in layers—people, data/software, and intelligence—functioning as one. You will love watching our podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8LvIOdKoRE] Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let's Talk! [https://www.simonassociates.net/contact-us/] From Observation to Innovation, https://b1979735.smushcdn.com/1979735/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Andi-for-Kajabi-122.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net [https://www.simonassociates.net/] Info@simonassociates.net [Info@simonassociates.net] @simonandi [https://twitter.com/simonandi] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/]