Brain Snack: How to Design Great Meetings

Today's Brain Snack is a succinct cheat sheet on how to make the case for a 4 day week. We sit down with Joe O'Connor, coauthor of Do More in Four, and explore the transformative potential of a shorter workweek, its strategic implementation, and benefits for organizations and employees. Key takeaways include:A shorter workweek can differentiate your organization in a competitive talent market.Successful implementation requires careful planning, bottom-up approach, and strategic re-engineering.A 4-day week can boost productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational resilience.Listen to the full episode with Joe right here, and learn more at Live+Work More Human.Happy Brain Snacking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this open-hearted episode, Alexis and Sally engage with Fiona Vale, co-founder of Humanico, to explore the transformative power of strengths-based living. They delve into how understanding and leveraging your unique strengths can lead to greater self-awareness, enhance leadership capabilities, and foster deeper, more meaningful relationships. Fiona shares her journey from diverse career paths to founding Humanico, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting on your innate talents to thrive in today's AI-driven world.This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to unlock their full potential and navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and clarity.Key Topics:The personal impact of Gallup CliftonStrengthsMoving beyond roles to core human traitsThe unique and rare composition of individual talent profilesPractical applications in work, relationships, and communitySelf-awareness as a tool to prevent burnoutBalancing tension among different strengths themesThe irreplaceable nature of human skills in AI eraTools like the strengths wheel for team problem-solvingTimestamps:(00:00) - Intro to strengths’ role in living more human(03:19) - Fiona’s founder story & Humanico’s mission(08:20) - Significance of strengths at work and beyond(12:38) - Fiona’s personal leadership insights(17:14) - Real examples of leveraging strengths in teams(22:30) - The uniqueness of strength configurations (1 in 34 million)(30:44) - The importance of dedicated thinking time(48:23) - Human skills that AI can't replicateLearn more about Fiona and her incredible work at www.liveandworkmorehuman.comAnd learn more about Humanico at www.humanico.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meetings should be intentional and purpose-driven. And yet so often they fall short. Today in your Brain Snack, we talk to author and expert Rebecca Hinds PhD about the dysfunction of meetings, their purpose, and how organizations can redesign their meeting culture for better productivity and connection. Rebecca Hinds shares insights on when meetings are necessary, how to reduce unnecessary meetings, and strategies to foster genuine team bonds.Key takeawaysThe history and evolution of meetings in the workplaceThe 4D CEO test for meeting necessityEffective strategies for reducing unnecessary meetingsBuilding team connection without meetingsOvercoming resistance to meeting culture changeListen to the full episode here and learn more at more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.comHappy Brain Snacking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not a minute goes by without the term ‘AI’ being dropped. Most of us are buried on screens for hours and hours each day. We’re speaking less, we’re connecting less, we’re so, unbelievably BUSY. So what does it mean to stay human in this chaotic, at times overwhelming, world? And why does it matter so much right now – more than ever?Join us in this compelling discussion with Dara Simkin, a global voice in play and founder of Culture Hero, as we explore the concept of being a full stack human. In a world overwhelmed by technology, Dara shares practical strategies for maintaining authenticity, emotional resilience, and human connection. This episode unpackages how to live more human amid rapid societal and technological change.In this episode, you’ll learn:The metaphor of full stack humans inspired by technology programmingHow biases and early programming shape our identity and behaviorsThe immunity to change framework to overcome resistance and foster growthThe importance of emotional awareness and feeling your feelings safelyStrategies for staying human: connection, play, and authenticityThe role of intelligent optimism and strategic hope in shaping a better futureRecognizing and navigating achievement syndrome and systemic programmingHow to push back against societal pressures and systems that threaten our humanityThe significance of holding multiple ideas and adaptable thinkingThe benefits of embodying a full stack human: vitality, aliveness, and resilienceLearn more about Dara's incredible work and much more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Brain Snack explores the evolving landscape of hybrid work, its profitability, impact on productivity, mental health, and the future of office mandates with Professor of Economics at Stanford University, Nick Bloom. Nick share data-driven insights and practical advice for organizations navigating post-pandemic work models.Key takeaways include:Profitability of hybrid workImpact of remote work on mental healthOptimal hybrid work schedulesEmployee engagement and lonelinessOrganizational strategies for hybrid workLearn more in the full episode right here for our full conversation with Nick Bloom, and learn more about Live+Work More Human right here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful conversation, Alexis and Sally sit down with age expert and author Dr. Corinne Auman to candidly explore the realities of aging, challenging societal stereotypes and emphasizing the importance of a positive outlook. Corinne discusses how language, workplace biases, and cultural narratives shape our perceptions of aging, and offers practical advice on embracing this life stage with purpose and agency.Key themes we explore includeThe trouble with societal perceptions of agingHow capitalism impacts our conceptualization of agingThe impact of language and stereotypes on the aging processWorkplace ageism and diversity: and why diversity of age matters at workThe importance of cultivating a positive outlook on agingAgency’s role in our aging (and its impact on longevity!)Gender disparities in aging experiencesPractical starting points to counter your own agismLearn more about Corinne's amazing work at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Brain Snack explores the principles of Ally Leadership, emphasizing tactical communication, understanding generational differences, and inclusive leadership strategies for the modern workforce. Expert and author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You, Stephanie Chung gives us practical tips so we can all be better allies.Key takeaways include:Leaders must ask, listen, learn, and then act to be effective allies.Understanding generational and cultural differences is crucial for modern leadership.Avoid overcomplicating leadership; focus on asking and listening.Leadership in the 21st century requires inclusivity and adaptability.Learn more in the full episode right here for our full conversation with Stephanie Chung, and learn more about Live+Work More Human right here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, your hosts Alexis and Sally sit down with Rebecca Hinds PhD, an expert in organizational behavior and author of the brilliant new "Your Best Meeting Ever." The conversation delves into the pervasive dysfunction of meetings in the workplace, exploring how they have become symbols of visibility and productivity, often leading to inefficiency and frustration.Rebecca shares insights from her research, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in how meetings are designed and conducted. She introduces the concept of 'meeting doomsday,' a strategy that encourages teams to reassess their meeting schedules and eliminate unnecessary gatherings, fostering a culture of intentionality and clarity in communication.Throughout the discussion, Rebecca outlines her seven principles for effective meeting design, advocating for a user-centric approach that prioritizes the needs of attendees. She highlights the importance of clarity in meeting objectives, the role of technology in enhancing meeting effectiveness, and the necessity of creating a positive atmosphere that encourages participation. The conversation concludes with practical tips for both leaders and team members on how to navigate the complexities of meetings, ensuring they serve their intended purpose and contribute to a more human-centric workplace.Key TakeawaysMeetings should achieve something that couldn't be done via email or Slack.A packed calendar is often mistaken for productivity and value.How to get teams to reassess and redesign their meeting schedules.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Meeting Challenges07:51 Understanding Meeting Doomsday11:19 The 4D CEO Test for Meetings16:31 User-Centric Meeting Design21:37 Creating Delightful Meetings29:32 Strategies for Equal Airtime in Meetings35:34 Empowering Employees to Decline Meetings38:11 Conclusion: Making Meetings More Human38:46 Creating Flourishing WorkplacesLearn more about Rebecca's work and Live+Work More Human at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Brain Snack explores the difference between success and thriving, emphasizing the importance of agency, social connection, and meaning for a fulfilling life. Guest Jon Rosemberg shares insights from his book 'A Guide to Thriving: The Science Behind Breaking Old Patterns, Reclaiming Your Agency, and Finding Meaning' and discusses how YOU can shift from survival mode to a thriving mindset.Key insights:Difference between success and thrivingRole of agency, meaning, and social connectionImpact of social connection on health and wellbeingPracticing agency as a skillShifting from survival mode to thrivingLearn more in the full episode right here and learn more about Live+Work More Human at liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this entertaining and enlightening conversation, expert and coauthor of Do More in Four: Why It's Time for a Shorter Workweek Joe O'Connor sits down with Alexis and Sally to unpack why a shortened work week truly works. They discuss the historical context of the work week, the necessity of a shorter work week, and the impact of technology and AI on productivity. Joe emphasizes the importance of addressing busy work and pseudo work, advocating for a four-day work week as a strategic tool for organizations. This wide-ranging discussion also covers the role of AI in shaping the future of work and the need for a cultural shift in workplace expectations.Key takeawaysThe modern work week is a construct from the Industrial Revolution.Productivity gains have not translated into reduced working hours for many.AI has the potential to change the nature of work and productivity.Busy work and pseudo work are prevalent in today's work culture.A four-day work week can help attract and retain talent.Implementing a shorter work week requires careful planning and consultation.AI can help streamline processes and reduce workload.Cultural norms around work need to shift to prioritize well-being.Advocating for a shorter work week should focus on mutual benefits for employees and employers.The future of work will require a balance between technology and human-centered approaches.Learn more at liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.