Hope @Work

S3: E7 Becoming Hyperadaptive with Melissa Reeve: Rewiring the Enterprise to Become AI-Native

AI is so much more than a technology implementation challenge. As AI becomes ubiquitous and starts to fulfill the grandiose promises that have been made by its creators, the systems and structures we operate in will need to be transformed. After all, organizations were purposefully designed for functional silos that no longer work in an AI-native enterprise. In her new book Hyperadaptive: Rewiring the Enterprise to Become AI-Native [https://www.melissareeve.com/book], Melissa Reeve [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamreeve/] takes us back to the start of management theory, through the messy middle and on to the 9 dimensions of a new model of architecture at work. Listen to this informative podcast to learn how to gain the adjacent competencies and durable skills needed to adapt to the future of work.

S3: E6 The Next Edge at Work: Building Smarter, Stronger Teams

In this episode of Hope @Work, I sit down with Blake Cason [https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-cason/]: professional rock climber, coach, and founder of Pivot Wellness [https://startyourpivot.com/].  Blake brings a unique perspective shaped by time on mountains and in meetings, including previous work with the World Health Organization in Africa and her current work coaching high performing teams. We discuss her philosophy of “getting to the next edge,” why curiosity is a muscle worth building, and how team dynamics can unlock performance in ways most organizations overlook. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the size of the climb ahead, this conversation offers a practical (and powerful) way forward.

S3: E5 Creating Conditions For Your Talent To Thrive At Work

In this episode, Marcus engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Aoife O'Brien, founder of "Happier at Work." Aoife shares her journey from the corporate world to creating a framework for thriving talent, inspired by her own experiences with workplace culture and leadership. They delve into the importance of psychological safety, the evolving role of AI in the workplace, and the pervasive nature of imposter syndrome. Join them as they explore how to foster environments where individuals can truly excel and find fulfillment in their work. And be sure to pick up her new book Thriving Talent, which is already on the Irish Times Bestsellers list!

S3: E4 The Empathy Deficit Is Costing You More Than You Think

What if you could increase innovation by 48% or boost profits by 21% - not through technology or strategy, but through empathy? In this episode of Hope @Work, I sit down with Mimi Nicklin [https://www.empathyeverywhere.co/], one of the world’s leading voices on empathy, to unpack the growing “empathy deficit” and what it means for organizations today. Mimi challenges the idea that empathy is a “soft” skill, reframing it as a measurable, trainable capability that drives performance and connection at scale. She also explores a surprising frontier: the role AI can play in demonstrating empathy and what that means for HR leaders designing the next generation of employee experiences. You’ll walk away with practical, actionable ways to build empathy starting immediately, including an understanding of why listening may be the most underdeveloped leadership skill today.

S3: E3 The Hidden Cost of Layoffs: What Happens to the People Who Stay

While recent headlines highlight layoffs at large companies like UPS, Amazon and Intel, far less attention is paid to the employees who remain.  Fiona Jamison, VP of Research and People Analytics at People Results shares research and insight into the often overlooked “survivor” experience.  We explore the hidden productivity tax resulting from layoffs, whether AI is actually the reason for recent reductions and the long-term implications for employer brand.  Fiona also highlights what good looks like when communicating a layoff, and what organizations can do to restore trust and hope after difficult workforce decisions.