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  • This week I share some thoughts on why 2025 will be the year of the AI Agent.


    Plus, how it will affect roles in B2B marketing, learning & development, and law.


    Finally, I share some advice on how you can prepare your company and team.


    READ:


    AI Agents: our new colleagues

    Work Redesign: Humans + AI Agents


    LINKS:


    Follow Ollie on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to the Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, I’m joined by David Landman, former Goldman Sachs executive turned advisor and educator.


    After two decades leading performance management, talent mobility, and talent development at Goldman, David embarked on what he calls The Long Exhale - a transformative sabbatical that reshaped his outlook on work and life.


    David shares his journey into purpose-driven work, reflecting on what it means to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and fulfilling workplace.


    Whether you’re rethinking your own career or looking for strategies to lead in the AI era, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking ideas.


    TALKING POINTS:

    David’s transformative career pivot.The intersection of AI and human connection - how technology can amplify humanity in work.Building a culture of gratitude, recognition, and authentic leadership.Reskilling and upskilling for the AI-driven future of work.

    LINKS:


    David's LinkedIn


    Follow Ollie on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to the Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • This week, I'm joined by Donald (DK) Knight, SVP of People & Culture at Warner Bros. Discovery.


    Donald has had a varied career, working in senior HR and people roles and serving as a venture partner and advisor for Valor VC, PeopleTech Partners, and Lattice.


    We had great fun discussing various topics related to company culture, wellbeing, and the skills you need to build a fulfilling work/life. You'll enjoy this.


    TALKING POINTS:

    The importance of mental fitness in the workplace and why it's a growing challenge.How leaders can cultivate positive cultures in which employees are able to express who they are.The difference between assimilation and authenticity in leadership, and why acclimation matters more.How the next generation is changing norms for the better.Tips on where to focus your time and energy.

    LINKS:


    Donald's LinkedIn


    Follow Ollie on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to the Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, I’m joined by David Blake, CEO of Degreed and a pioneer in the world of lifelong learning and skills development. 


    Degreed, founded in 2012, launched with the mission of “jailbreaking the degree”, where all skills are recognised, irrespective of how they are acquired. More than 9 million learners from hundreds of global companies now use Degreed to gain the skills to grow in their careers.


    If you've been thinking about how to manage talent in the age of AI, or how to future-proof your own skills, this episode is packed with insights.


    TALKING POINTS:

    The growing skills gap and why it’s here to stay.How AI can be leveraged to identify and bridge skills gaps within organisations.Moving beyond traditional credentials - why skills are the new currency.Practical advice for leaders on adopting a skills-based approach to workforce development.The importance of lifelong learning and how organisations can create a culture that supports it.

    LINKS:


    David's LinkedIn

    Degreed website


    Follow Ollie on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to the Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Welcome to this special episode of Future Work/Life, in which we take a step back and reflect on the key themes and insights from Season 15 so far.


    It’s been a busy few months—between speaking events and connecting with people leaders, I've had the privilege of speaking with incredible guests about the future of work, leadership, learning, and what it means to be human in an AI-powered world.


    In this episode, I bring together the standout ideas and discussions from Season 15. We talk about how AI can augment human skills, the changing landscape of workplace connection, the evolving needs of different generations, and the importance of empathy and learning cultures.


    More great guests to come before the end of the year...


    LINKS:


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, I’m joined by Grief Gang's Amber Jeffrey, a podcaster, speaker, and grief mentor.


    Despite tackling a challenging topic, I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, which was filled with laughter and positivity. We explore how grief is often hidden in the workplace, how creating space for these conversations can help people heal, and why connecting during tough times matters. I finished our conversation feeling more confident about discussing these tough topics—and I hope this episode does the same for you.


    TALKING POINTS:

    How the loss of her mum inspired Amber to start The Grief Gang.The challenge of navigating grief at work and why it's often avoided.The power of creating a space for conversations about loss and vulnerability.Amber’s journey in building The Grief Gang community and why community support is crucial.Practical ways to be there for someone dealing with grief—at work and beyond.

    LINKS:


    The Grief Gang website

    The Grief Gan Instagram

    Amber's LinkedIn


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, I’m joined by Cara Brennan Allamano, cofounder of PeopleTech Partners and experienced people leader at startups and high-growth companies. Cara has been instrumental in scaling people functions at Pinterest, Udemy, and, most recently, Lattice.


    In this episode, we explore the biggest challenges and opportunities in the world of work, how AI is reshaping jobs, and Cara's advice for people leaders and executives looking to thrive.


    TALKING POINTS:

    The historic shift in work: from agrarian and industrial to decentralised and AI-driven.Why curiosity is a critical mindset for navigating the future of work.The rising value of hands-on, practical skills alongside tech-driven roles.How the “multi-stage life” concept is reshaping career paths and personal growth.Personalisation of work experiences through AI—making employee engagement more meaningful and tailored.

    LINKS:


    Cara's LinkedIn

    PeopleTech Partners


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book a free consultation to see how I can help, HERE


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, I'm joined by Pat Wadors, newly appointed CHRO at Intuitive, a leading medical technology company. Pat has previously led HR at UKG, ServiceNow, LinkedIn, and Yahoo and is widely recognised for her transformative leadership in the people space.


    In this episode, we explore leadership, storytelling, and the power of human connection. Pat also shares insights from her upcoming book, Unlock Your Leadership Story: How to Build Understanding and Motivate Teams Using Fables and Folktales.


    TALKING POINTS:

    The role of storytelling in effective leadership.How neurodiversity shaped Pat’s leadership approach.Navigating career growth in fast-paced, innovative industries.Lessons from leading HR in some of the world’s top companies.Insights on building inclusive, high-performing teams.

    LINKS:


    Pat's LinkedIn

    Unlock Your Leadership Story: How to Build Understanding and Motivate Teams Using Fables and Folktales


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book a free consultation to see how I can help, HERE


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, I’m joined by David Hanrahan, Chief People Officer at Flare.


    Flare’s software platform is transforming the delivery of professional services within the legal sector. By simplifying complex processes, Flare empowers lawyers to deliver an elevated experience, ensuring clarity and support during key life events.


    In this episode, David and I dig into some of the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the modern workplace.


    TALKING POINTS:

    The challenge of workplace disconnection and social isolation—why addressing this is crucial for employee well-being.The ongoing debate on work models: insights on remote, hybrid, and in-office work, and why “one size fits all” doesn’t work.The evolving role of AI in HR and how it can help reduce busywork, enabling people teams to focus on more meaningful human interactions.Rethinking performance reviews—shifting from individual assessments to evaluating team performance for greater impact.Practical steps HR leaders can take to foster genuine human connection and boost team performance.

    LINKS:


    David's LinkedIn

    Flare's website


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book a free consultation to see how I can help, HERE


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was a Business Book Awards 2024 finalist. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, I’m joined by Michael Ioffe, co-founder and CEO of Arist.


    Arist is used by leading organisations to deliver behavioural training and critical knowledge through the messaging tools employees use every day, like WhatsApp, Slack, and Teams.


    Michael’s background is fascinating—from his early entrepreneurial endeavours to building a platform that’s reshaping how people learn on the job. Listen in to discover more...


    TALKING POINTS:

    How Arist leverages AI to deliver high-impact learning.The shift from legacy training methods to rapid, easy-to-deploy microlearning.The importance of meeting learners where they are - why training via SMS and tools like Teams & iMessage is so effective.The role of Stanford-backed research in Arist's development.Arist's new AI Agent, Teammate

    LINKS:


    Arist website

    Michael's LinkedIn


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book a free consultation to see how I can help, HERE


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was a Business Book Awards 2024 finalist. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, Melissa Daimler, Chief Learning Officer at Udemy, returns to the podcast.


    Melissa brings decades of experience shaping leadership, learning, and organisational culture at some of the world’s leading companies, including Adobe, Twitter, and WeWork (you can listen to what she learned during her brief spell at the latter on her previous pod appearance).


    She's also the author of ReCulturing: Design Your Company Culture to Connect with Strategy and Purpose for Lasting Success.


    TALKING POINTS:

    Why consistent clarity on priorities is the key to team success.Leaders who encourage curiosity foster innovation and growth.How organisations can create environments where continuous learning thrives.What AI means for the future of leadership and learning.Skills-based organisations

    LINKS:


    Melissa's website

    Melissa's LinkedIn profile

    ReCulturing: Design Your Company Culture to Connect with Strategy and Purpose for Lasting Success


    Carolyn Wiley's study on motivation and recognition


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book a free consultation to see how I can help, HERE


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was a Business Book Awards 2024 finalist. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, I speak with Chloe Combi, an expert on Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who’s spent years researching and advising on how these younger generations are reshaping work, education, and culture.


    Chloe is the author of Generation Z: Their Voices, Their Lives and a consultant to some of the world’s leading brands. She helps them connect with and understand the next generation of workers and consumers.


    In this episode, Chloe dives into the key factors driving these generations' workplace preferences, from feedback culture to boundary setting, and explores how organisations can adapt to attract and retain the talent of tomorrow.


    TALKING POINTS:


    Feedback Culture: Gen Z and Gen Alpha expect constant feedback—just like in the rest of their lives.

    Boundaries Matter: Younger generations prioritise mental health and set clear boundaries at work.

    Career Aspirations: Gen Z and Gen Alpha are choosing entrepreneurship and creativity over traditional careers.

    Visibility Drives Motivation: Younger workers need to feel seen to stay engaged and perform at their best.


    LINKS:


    Chloe's website

    Chloe's LinkedIn


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book a free consultation to see how I can help, HERE


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel, was a Business Book Awards 2024 finalist. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, I speak with Nancy Duarte, CEO of Duarte Inc. and the world's leading presentation expert.


    Nancy’s career is a masterclass in the art of communication. She has advised TED, worked with Al Gore on the documentary An Inconvenient Truth, and helped some of the world’s biggest companies communicate effectively. She is famous for her deep understanding of storytelling and empathy, and her analysis of speeches by Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Steve Jobs is legendary.


    Duarte Inc. has helped countless leaders and companies transform how they present ideas, blending empathy, storytelling, and data to craft powerful messages that resonate. In this episode, Nancy shares her insights on communicating authentically, leading with empathy, and adapting to an evolving technological landscape.


    TALKING POINTS:

    The Role of Storytelling in Leadership: Nancy explains why storytelling is key to authentic leadership and how leaders can use it to connect with their teams.Balancing Structure and Authenticity: Nancy discusses how to deliver scripted communications without losing authenticity and the nuances of using teleprompters effectively.Navigating Hybrid Work Challenges: Insights on maintaining visibility and transparency in distributed teams and why in-person communication remains critical.The Future of AI in Communication: Nancy’s take on the opportunities and risks of AI and how it might change how we communicate, both in business and beyond.Empathy as a Core Skill: The critical role empathy plays in leadership and communication, and how leaders can cultivate it to improve their influence and effectiveness.

    LINKS:


    Duarte Inc


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book a free consultation to see how I can help, HERE


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel: Harness the work revolution and reimagine your career without fear, was recently shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week, I speak with Nick Matthews, VP and GM of Europe, Middle East & Africa at Culture Amp.


    Nick brings a unique blend of experiences from his early days teaching Liam Neeson’s kids to swim to his career in tech. He started his career at Deloitte Consulting before moving to Yammer, which was later acquired by Microsoft, where he worked for four years before joining Culture Amp in 2016.


    Culture Amp is the world’s leading employee experience platform, revolutionizing how 25 million employees across more than 6,500 companies create a better world of work. Culture Amp empowers companies of all sizes and industries to transform employee engagement, drive performance management, and develop high-performing teams.


    TALKING POINTS:

    AI and Technical Comfort: The importance of embracing technology and AI to enhance workforce and talent strategy.Cultural Transformation: From his start at Deloitte to leadership roles in tech, Nick discusses navigating shifts in workplace culture.Employee Experience as a Culture First Approach: How Culture Amp uses employee engagement data to enhance organisational culture and drive financial success.Performance Management Evolution: Nick’s take on transforming performance management systems to accommodate modern, hybrid work environments.Future of HR Technology: Expectations for integrating AI and analytics into HR practices to enhance strategic decision-making and organisational outcomes.

    LINKS:


    Nick's LinkedIn

    Culture Amp


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book me to speak with your team.


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    My book, Work/Life Flywheel: Harness the work revolution and reimagine your career without fear, was recently shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode, I interview Isabel Berwick, presenter of the award-winning Financial Times' Working It podcast and co-writer of the Working It newsletter.


    Isabel's new book The Future-Proof Career: Strategies for thriving at every stage is published this week. We had a brilliant conversation about careers, management and changes in how we work. The book is a great read, so make sure you order a copy!


    "Covering topics as wide-ranging as the four-day working week, bridging the workplace generation gap, making sure your company walks its diversity talk, quiet quitting and the great resignation, achieving workplace equality and even micro-dosing for creativity, The Future-Proof Career spreads the word about understanding modern workplaces so we can all have happier, more productive lives."


    TALKING POINTS:

    Understanding Ambition: The importance of aligning personal ambition with career advancement.The Managerial Journey: The evolving roles of managers and non-managers in career progression.Navigating Toxicity: Identifying signs of a toxic workplace and building a healthy organisational culture.Work/Life Balance?: The realities of balancing career aspirations with personal commitments.Late Career Blooms: Celebrating the potential for growth and reinvention.

    LINKS:


    The Future-Proof Career: Strategies for thriving at every stage

    Working It

    Isabel's LinkedIn


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book me to speak with your team.


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    Work/Life Flywheel: Harness the work revolution and reimagine your career without fear, is out now. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode, I had a fascinating chat with Hannah Grady Williams, the founder of d'Skills.


    We explored the challenges of the traditional education system and how new technologies, particularly AI, can revolutionise learning and skill acquisition for young minds eager to make their mark in the world.


    d’Skills is a 10-week virtual, cohort-based bootcamp where high schoolers learn new digital and AI skills and convert them into paid, real-world projects with small businesses.


    TALKING POINTS:

    The problem with the current education systemAlternative approaches, including more hands-on, creative modelsWhy Gen Z looks at things differently and what they want from workReimagining education and careers, focused on adaptability, creativity and critical thinkingHow d'Skills empowers high-schoolers to build Impact Portfolios

    LINKS:


    d'Skills

    Hannah's LinkedIn

    Most Likely To Succeed documentary


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book me to speak with your team.


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    Work/Life Flywheel: Harness the work revolution and reimagine your career without fear, is out now. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode, my conversation with Matthew Dicks sheds light on storytelling as a craft that everyone can master, offering insights into life and work.


    Matthew Dicks is an internationally bestselling author, columnist, blogger, podcaster, playwright, and teacher. A 59-time Moth StorySLAM champion and 9-time Moth GrandSLAM champion, Matthew teaches storytelling and public speaking to individuals, corporations, universities, entrepreneurs, religious institutions, and school districts around the world. He also consults with advertising agencies, documentarians, filmmakers, writers, comedians, and more.


    TALKING POINTS:

    Demystifying Storytelling: Matthew reveals storytelling is a skill, not just an innate gift.'Homework for Life' Concept: A daily ritual that turns routine into stories.Finding Narrative Gems: How everyday life is ripe with impactful stories.Crafting Suspense: Tips for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.Injecting Humour: Learning the art of bringing humour into any story.The Role of Reflection: Matthew explains why reflection is essential to storytelling.Storytelling's Professional Edge: Using personal narratives to stand out in the workplace.

    LINKS:


    Storyworthy

    Matthew's new book, Stories Sell

    Matthew's LinkedIn


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book me to speak with your team.


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    Work/Life Flywheel: Harness the work revolution and reimagine your career without fear, is out now. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In today's episode, I sit down with David Green, Host of the Digital HR Leaders podcast, co-author of Excellence in People Analytics, and Director of Insight222 and myHRfuture.


    David's round-up of the best HR and people-related content is legendary in the industry, and he brings that incredible expertise and insight to our conversation, which explores the role of data and technology in driving growth in people and organisations.


    TALKING POINTS:

    Defining people analyticsThe impact of technology on HRTalent marketplaces and worker mobilityAI's role in leadership and business strategyVisibility and recognition in remote and hybrid teams

    LINKS:


    David's LinkedIn

    Insight222

    Digital HR Leaders podcast

    Excellence in People Analytics: How to Use Workforce Data to Create Business Value


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book me to speak with your team.


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    Work/Life Flywheel: Harness the work revolution and reimagine your career without fear, is out now. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In today’s episode, I speak with Vanesa Pazos, a Partner at NoBa Capital.


    NoBA is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage tech-enabled businesses shaping the Future of Work. Their portfolio companies deliver worker-centric solutions that make this possible. Whether it's through providing access to work opportunities, improving career development, enhancing diversity and inclusion, providing financial stability, supporting wellbeing, or fostering flexibility.


    TALKING POINTS:

    The personalisation of workThe role of community and networks to support professional and personal growthHow technology can enable personalised work experiences and real-world connections.Why focusing self-care is critical in your careerEmpowering women in the start-up ecosystem

    LINKS:


    Vanesa's LinkedIn

    NoBa Capital


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book me to speak with your team.


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    Work/Life Flywheel: Harness the work revolution and reimagine your career without fear, is out now. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jenny von Podewils, co-founder and co-CEO of Leapsome.


    Leapsome is revolutionising how companies engage with employees and foster a culture of continuous improvement, providing tools for performance management, personalised learning, and employee engagement.


    TALKING POINTS:

    Insights into the challenges managers face, especially in a post-pandemic world, and how Leapsome assists in overcoming these hurdles.The evolving workplace expectations and how younger generations prioritise purpose and meaningful conversations.Fostering a feedback culture and the significance of OKRs for transparent and effective management.Jenny's entrepreneurial journey and her approach to building a strong company culture at Leapsome.The importance of clear expectations and alignment in performance management, catering to full-time employees and external talent.The critical role of manager enablement and effectiveness as a top priority for 2024, with a focus on leveraging technology to support managers.

    LINKS:


    Leapsome

    Jenny's LinkedIn


    Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book me to speak with your team.


    Ollie's LinkedIn

    Future Work/Life Newsletter


    Work/Life Flywheel: Harness the work revolution and reimagine your career without fear, is out now. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.