DEI backlash and the quiet crisis of complacent leadership

AI and the Evolution of Work: Machines Can Be the Machines

We've had two conversations about AI on this podcast: whether it could write your values, and whether it could write your strategy. This one is more personal than that. In this episode, Emily, Laurie, and Bev Attfield (joining the AI conversation for the first time) explore a question that's become impossible to avoid: what does the arrival of AI actually mean for the way we work, and for a company like Within? The conversation centres on Within's evolving belief that the evolution of work is superhuman. That AI, used well, might finally liberate us from doing robotic work so we can focus on the things that are irreducibly human. Empathy. Relationships. Creativity. The discomfort of making something that actually matters. It wouldn't be an honest conversation without the hard parts too. What does it mean for the people inside organizations who aren't ready? What do we lose when we make creativity too frictionless? These are questions we're genuinely sitting with, not ones we've figured out. If you're a leader navigating this right now, we think you'll find yourself in this conversation. Highlights 1. Why Within sees AI as an existential question, and an exciting one 2. What machines can't do: love, dream, discern, and hold accountability 3. Why the journey to an outcome still matters more than the output itself 4. What's coming next: Within is writing an AI manifesto, and you're invited along

The Work Ahead: Leading Through AI Anxiety and the Evolution of Work

In this episode, Within People Partner Bev Attfield sits down with Kate Bravery, Senior Partner and Global Leader of Talent Advisory at Mercer, for a grounded conversation about what leaders are really navigating right now as work continues to evolve. Drawing on insights from Mercer’s 2026 Global Talent Trends Report [https://www.mercer.com/insights/people-strategy/future-of-work/global-talent-trends/], Bev and Kate explore the emotional realities shaping organizations today — from AI anxiety and rapid technological change to shifting expectations around leadership, culture, and human connection at work. Together, they unpack what’s underneath many of today’s workplace challenges, why leaders need to pay attention to how change feels — not just how it functions — and how organizations can move forward with intention, curiosity, and care. This conversation is for leaders who are asking: 1. How do we support people through uncertainty and change? 2. What does meaningful leadership look like in an AI-influenced world? 3. And how do we stay human while work continues to evolve? If this episode resonates with what you’re seeing inside your organization, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to continue the conversation [withinpeople.com/contact] — we’re always curious about what leaders are navigating right now.

From words to wow: Turning values into action

How do values move from words on a wall to ways of working that truly shape a culture? In this conversation, Bev Attfield Partner at Within People sits down with Madeleine Drake Director of People and Culture at Stok [https://stok.com/] and Sabrina Banadaga VP of Marketing at Shift [https://shift.com/], to explore how values come alive in real workplaces. Together, they talk about what it takes to turn shared ideals into everyday behaviors, and how leaders can nurture belonging and purpose by living their values out loud. From using technology thoughtfully to keep values relevant, to keeping things simple and human, this episode offers practical insights for anyone looking to bring more meaning into how their organization works and grows. Listen in to discover: How values act as a compass for decision-making and belonging Why the most transformative values are the ones that feel lived, not written The role leaders play in making values thrive day-to-day Why simplicity and creativity matter in bringing values to life

A Mirror, Not a Map: What AI Can’t Do for Your Strategy

Two years ago, we asked if AI could write your purpose and values. Our answer: It can mimic the words, but not the meaning. In this episode, Emily and Laurie pick up where they left off — this time looking at AI’s role in creating vision and strategy. With 71% of companies now using or exploring AI, it’s no longer niche. But can it really give you direction, or does it just reflect back what you already know? We talk about: * How AI can act as a “mirror” for your existing thinking * The risks of skipping human participation in strategy-making * Why collective buy-in matters more than a perfect plan * Practical ways to use AI as a starting point, not the final word * Creative and collaborative approaches to building a vision your team owns We leave you with two questions to reflect on: * Would your team recognize themselves in an AI-written strategy? * Are you aligned in belief, or just in language? Don’t let a compelling plan distract you from the conversation that should have shaped it.

DEI backlash and the quiet crisis of complacent leadership

In This Episode: What does it look like to lead with courage in an era of backlash? Jeff Melnyk and Carol Kondo revisit past conversations that still resonate - from DEI and social justice to war, Pride, and legacy. This episode challenges leaders to stop sitting on the sidelines and start showing up. Podcasts Featured: The role of leadership in social justice: 3 actionable insights [/blog/rwfw-social-justice-3-actionable-insights] Pride was a riot: Creating social change from within [/blog/pride-was-a-riot-creating-social-change-from-within] Ukraine and social crises: How do business leaders respond [/blog/ep09-ukraine-and-social-crises-how-do-business-leaders-respond] Referenced Articles: Why Corporate America Is Running From DEI – Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/life-in-the-intersection/202404/why-corporate-america-is-running-from-dei] Pride events face budget shortfalls – AP News [https://apnews.com/article/pride-events-lgbtq-budget-shortfalls-48b2f80de39f8cfa8e5a46bcb1c4c86d] Performative Allyship: What It Is and Why It Hurts – Diversity Certification [https://www.diversitycertification.org/blog/performative-allyship-what-it-is-and-why-it-hurts/] Ukraine Business Initiative – U.S. Chamber of Commerce [https://www.uschamber.com/ukraine] To learn more about Within People and the work we do click here [https://withinpeople.com]