Avsnitt
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Can AI help heal trauma—and what does that mean for the workplace? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky welcomes Omer Golan, serial entrepreneur and founder of MyWhatIf, a nonprofit using AI to transform trauma care.
Omer’s remarkable journey—from surviving a life-altering event to building cutting-edge solutions for mental health—is as inspiring as it is thought-provoking. And yes, you’ll also hear the unforgettable story about a mobster landlord dropping a quarter-million dollars in cash on his office couch.
Maya and Omer also dive into workplace realities, including burnout, vulnerability in leadership, and finding stability in high-pressure environments. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
How MyWhatIf uses technology to offer judgment-free trauma care and reignite hope.
The importance of managing workplace expectations and providing employees with decompression time.
Why authentic, empathetic leadership fosters stronger, more cohesive teams.
Embracing open communication to build inclusive workplace dynamics.
Tips for managing emotional outbursts and staying resilient under pressure.
Finding stability amid frequent leadership changes and volatile environments.
In This Episode:
[00:00] Omer Golan's introduction
[01:28] AI and mental health support
[02:52] The role of AI in therapy
[05:12] AI as a non-judgmental tool for mental health
[06:45] How AI helps rewrite personal stories
[10:30] The concept of the "hope switch" and AI's role in reactivating it
[15:20] Omer Golan's personal trauma story and recovery
[20:45] The non-profit AI foundation and its mission
[26:29] Omer Golan's reflection on unrealistic workplace expectations
[30:15] Burnout and its connection to trauma
[35:50] The importance of vulnerability in leadership
[40:10] How AI can reduce burnout in the workplace
[45:30] The importance of focusing on unique human skills in the age of AI
Notable Quotes
[05:12] "AI is kind of like therapy in the sense that it mirrors back to you everything that you're putting into it." — Omer Golan
[06:45] "With AI, there's no judgment. There's no need to build trust. You trust it. It's there, it doesn't judge, it offers an ear so to speak, and it helps you rewrite your story in a way that a human could never help." — Omer Golan
[30:15] "Burnout definitely leads to trauma... You need to really dig deep inside of you and make sure that you don't get people to burn out. Otherwise, you might win a battle, but you're not going to win the war." — Omer Golan
[35:50] "Vulnerability is like a muscle... If you practice and you just put yourself out there in a smart way, it helps build a culture of openness and sharing." — Omer Golan
[40:10] "AI can reduce burnout... If you think about AI as a tool that helps you, you can create automations for all your repetitive tasks, and now you're free to focus on meaningful things that are way more human." — Omer Golan
[45:30] "People should focus on their soft skills, on what makes them unique and human... If there's something that I can add as a person that makes it unique, that makes it me, that AI cannot possibly provide, I should really focus on that." — Omer Golan
Resources and Links
Omer Golan
MyWhatif
LinkedIn
Maya Kadar Kovalsky
Website
LinkedIn
Workplace Weirdness
Email: [email protected]
SpeakPipe
Website
Instagram
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations. -
What if the key to a thriving workplace was something as simple as play? Could fostering creativity, community, and cognitive development unlock innovation and connection among employees?
In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky is joined by Yolonda Deon, founder of Mindful Play Learning, to discuss the power of "play" in the workplace. Yolonda, a certified birth and postpartum doula, shares her unique journey and insights on mindful play, highlighting how it fosters a positive work culture. They explore the three C's of play—community, creativity, and cognitive development—and how these elements improve engagement and productivity.
Tune in for practical advice on mentorship, mindfulness, and embracing imperfections to build a more fulfilling work environment.
Key Takeaways
The significance of play in the workplace and its impact on work culture
The three C's of play: community, creativity, and cognitive development
The consequences of a lack of play in office environments, including toxicity and dysfunction
The importance of intergenerational mentorship and learning from both successes and mistakes
Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome in professional settings
The value of mindfulness practices in the workplace and addressing judgment from colleagues
The importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in navigating workplace challenges
Encouragement for organizations to redefine play and create supportive environments for employees
In This Episode
[00:01:11] Introduction to Yolonda Deon
[00:01:38] Yolonda's first doula experience
[00:04:36] The three C's of play
[00:07:27] Role of play in office culture
[00:10:46] Weirdest workplace moment
[00:14:46] Trends in work and career paths
[00:20:11] Leveraging employee creativity
[00:23:18] Intergenerational play in the workplace
[00:26:27] Imposter syndrome in social situations
[00:28:10] Navigating social interactions
[00:32:39] Mindfulness in a toxic environment
[00:33:58] Addressing workplace comments
[00:36:16] Workplace friendships vs. colleagues
[00:41:15] Handling mistakes in professional settings
[00:46:06] Closing thoughts
Notable Quotes
[00:07:54] "When play is not a part of workplace culture, that's when you get the toxicity. That's when things don't always go well. That's when we find that there are problems in the workspace." — Yolonda Deon
[00:23:34] "We learn through our elders, either through their triumphs or their mistakes, and that's important for them to be able to reach back and teach the next generation." — Yolonda Deon
[00:26:27] "I think imposter syndrome is such a big thing in this world that we live in now." — Yolonda Deon
[00:32:39] "If going to that meditation room helps you to feel better, then focus on that. Keep meditating, keep doing your thing, and if you feel like you need to go to someone, go talk to HR and let them take care of it for you." — Yolonda Deon
[00:44:21] "My heart is always in the right place. I never mean to hurt anyone's feelings or make anyone feel uncomfortable. Charge it to my head, not my heart." — Yolonda Deon
Resources and Links
Yolonda Deon
Website
LinkedIn
Maya Kadar Kovalsky
Website
LinkedIn
Workplace Weirdness
Email: [email protected]
SpeakPipe
Website
Instagram -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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What makes a workplace truly exceptional? Is it the recognition employees receive—or how meaningful that recognition really is? How can leaders inspire trust, foster strong team dynamics, and bridge the generational gap? And when those awkward moments inevitably pop up—how do you handle them with finesse and empathy?
In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky is joined by the ever-inspiring David Homan—a CEO, composer, and superconnector. David's impact advisory firm orchestrates connections between startups, funds, and nonprofits, building relationships that scale and drive growth across industries. Together, Maya and David explore the importance of recognition in Gen Z’s work life, offering fresh insights on balancing meaningful appreciation with the pressures of workplace expectations.
But that's not all. They dive into the tricky terrain of managing a jealous boss, and yes, they even tackle the not-so-pleasant subject of how to lead a conversation about an awkward office smell—because let’s face it, these moments happen.
Tune in for a conversation packed with wisdom on leadership, recognition, and navigating those everyday workplace oddities.
Key Takeaways
The importance of recognition in the workplace, especially for Gen Z employees
Generational differences in workplace expectations and validation
Strategies for dealing with a jealous boss and maintaining professional relationships
The significance of empathy and curiosity in leadership and team dynamics
How to balance meaningful appreciation with superficial recognition
How to address awkward situations in the office, such as personal hygiene issues
The role of humor in easing uncomfortable conversations
Creating a culture of trust and open communication within organizations
The impact of personal experiences on workplace interactions and relationships
Encouraging authenticity and understanding in navigating workplace dynamics
In This Episode:
[01:14] - Introduction to David Homan
[09:32] - David’s weirdest workplace moment
[13:55] - Generational differences in recognition
[21:32] - Curiosity and empathy in leadership
[25:34] - Addressing jealousy in the workplace
[28:31] - Finding balance in workplace culture
[34:43] - Listener's struggle with small talk
[42:26] - Addressing awkward office smells
[48:01] - Handling difficult conversations
Notable Quotes
[00:19:18] "Maybe they weren't recognized and praised as much, they had to develop their own self-praise or their own systems in order to handle not being praised or being criticized." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky
[00:21:32] "Leaders should embody the skills that are necessary, like curiosity, empathy, generosity, and gratitude." — David Homan
[00:22:30] "If you need something to justify yourself, what is it feeding? It's feeding an emptiness, which means that you have self-work to do." — David Homan
[00:23:45] "How dare I ever assume that what I am feeling is more important than what somebody else is going through?" — David Homan
[00:32:51] "I led an organization for years where very few people I worked with ever asked how I was." — David Homan
[00:47:19] "There’s a way to say things in a way that hopefully is not demeaning, like talking heart to heart and just telling you that you’re going to do better with everybody on this team if they feel comfortable around you." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky
[00:49:19] "If you’re not diminishing the person, you’re commenting on the situation. Eventually, if they have any maturity, they will handle it and move on from it." — David Homan
Resources and Links
David Homan
LinkedIn
Orchestrated Connecting Website
Maya Kadar Kovalsky
Website
LinkedIn
Workplace Weirdness
Email: [email protected]
SpeakPipe
Website
Instagram -
What truly makes or breaks a thriving workplace? From whispered favoritism to tense political discussions during election seasons, the workplace is often a microcosm of life's most complex dynamics. These challenges don’t just shape daily interactions; they ripple through employee morale, mental health, and even career trajectories. Add in the need for authenticity, self-advocacy, and mentorship—especially for underrepresented groups like the Latinx community—and the stakes are even higher.
In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with John Staines, managing partner of DHR Global Human Resources, to discuss peculiar office dynamics. John shares his extensive HR experience and his dedication to mentoring the Latinx community. They address issues like favoritism, political discussions at work, and the importance of authenticity. John advises on navigating favoritism by focusing on one's contributions and suggests maintaining professionalism during peer reviews. The episode underscores the significance of open, civil conversations and fostering a positive workplace culture, even during contentious times like election seasons.
Don’t miss this chance to reshape how you approach workplace challenges! Tune in now, and let’s start building healthier, more authentic work environments together.
Key Takeaways
Favoritism in the workplace and its impact on employee morale
Insights on navigating political discussions during election seasons
The Importance of authenticity and self-advocacy in professional settings
Mentoring and support for the Latinx community in the workplace
Strategies for handling negative feedback and peer reviews
The significance of mental health and well-being in workplace culture
Encouragement of open communication and respectful dialogue among colleagues
The role of leaders in fostering a positive and inclusive workplace environment
In This Episode:
[01:15] - Introduction to John Staines
[05:21] - Advice for young Latinx professionals
[09:01] - John's weirdest workplace moment
[11:03] - Navigating political conversations in the workplace
[21:35] - Listener question on favoritism
[26:13] - Listener question on peer review feedback
[30:12] - Importance of authenticity
[34:33] - Cringeworthy listener question
[39:06] - Conclusion and thank you
Notable Quotes
[02:22] "I started coaching and mentoring when I was in leadership positions, and then when I left the corporate world about five years ago, I decided this is going to be part of my mission. I want to help emerging Latino leaders." — John Staines
[07:47] "You really need to be able to see yourself with that team. I remember going into some early job interviews and actually coming out and closing my eyes and saying to myself, can I see myself getting along with the people here?" — Maya Kadar Kovalsky
[18:44] "People are going to say things, shame on them for saying it, but shame on you if you bite. If you take the bait, don't react." — John Staines
[32:05] "If you are anxious to go into the office every day, and you feel stressed, and you don't sleep well, that's the wrong culture for you. Your health is more important than anything else." — John Staines
Resources and Links
John Staines
LinkedIn
DHR Global
Maya Kadar Kovalsky
Website
LinkedIn
Workplace Weirdness
Email: [email protected]
SpeakPipe
Website
Instagram -
Are you tired of feeling like you’re stuck in a bizarre workplace circus? Ever wonder how those cringe-worthy micromanagement moments or awkward encounters can actually be transformed into stepping stones for growth?
Welcome to the very first episode of Workplace Weirdness! Join host Maya Kadar Kovalsky as she kicks off this exciting journey into the quirks and challenges of the modern workplace. In this debut episode, Maya chats with the incredible Kavita Vora, Chief People Officer of BrainPOP, as they delve into the complexities of workplace dynamics, sharing personal anecdotes and addressing listener questions. They discuss challenges like micromanagement, emphasizing the importance of open communication and setting boundaries. The conversation also covers the nuances of remote work, including video fatigue during virtual meetings, and strategies for delivering difficult news with empathy. Throughout the episode, they underscore the value of humor and vulnerability in fostering a positive work environment, and the importance of empathy, communication, and resilience in navigating workplace challenges. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
Challenges of micromanagement and its impact on employee autonomy
Importance of open communication between employees and managers
Strategies for managing remote work dynamics, including video meeting etiquette
Approaches to delivering difficult news to teams, such as layoffs
The role of humor in diffusing tension and fostering a relaxed work atmosphere
Building trust and empathy among colleagues through shared vulnerabilities
Navigating the complexities of hybrid work environments
Encouraging proactive leadership and accountability in workplace relationships
Embracing the quirks and weirdness of office culture for personal growth and connection
In This Episode
[00:01] - Introduction to Kavita Vora
[04:07] - The importance of laughter in leadership
[04:40] - Kavita's career path
[07:45] - Skills transition from finance to HR
[10:50] - Challenges of remote work
[17:54] - Answering Listener Questions
[21:09] - Managing up: Owning your narrative
[24:08] - On-camera expectations in meetings
[25:13] - Zoom burnout and engagement
[30:02] - Navigating leadership challenges
[35:44] - Embracing vulnerability and connection
[37:49] - Mini Weirdness
[40:00] - Closing remarks
Notable Quotes
[12:54] "I wish I had people around me, but I totally understand. You can't go to extremes. It depends on which industry, of course. If you're doing work that needs to be done out of a factory, there's no way to do that remotely." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky
[21:49] "If you're going to ask me every five minutes what I'm doing, I can't get anything done." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky
[28:43] "If they're feeling it's difficult, their team is probably feeling it difficult, and it is hard to lead through these moments." — Kavita Vora
[33:00] "I think that you're right that the management should have communicated better, but they didn't for whatever reason they had." —Maya Kadar Kovalsky
[37:24] "It's better to just move on quickly and not let it ruin your day or your week or your month." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky
[38:15] "Vulnerability makes you look more human and people feel empathy towards you." — Kavita Vora
[39:09] "The biggest CEO of the biggest company has had an embarrassing moment, and we just have to acknowledge that it's part of the journey." — Maya Kadar Kovalsky
Resources and Links
Kavita Vora
LinkedIn
Maya Kadar Kovalsky
Website
LinkedIn
Workplace Weirdness
Email: [email protected]
SpeakPipe
Website -
Welcome to "Workplace Weirdness," the podcast that takes a deep dive into the delightful oddities of office life. Ever wondered why the break room smells like a science experiment or why your boss insists on using 'synergy' in every meeting? We've got you covered!
Join Maya and her revolving door of guest hosts as they unravel the mysteries of cubicle culture and decode the cryptic behaviors of your coworkers. From bizarre email sign-offs to the enigma of office fridge politics, no topic is too weird for us to tackle.
Each week, we'll talk about hot HR topics, answer listener questions and dissect an awkward workplace theme, all while keeping things light, fun, and packed with HR humor. Tune in, because in the world of work, the only thing you can count on is the unexpected!
So, grab your coffee, put your feet up on that ergonomic footrest, and let's get weird at work together. Trust us, it’ll be a productivity boost like no other!
