In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we’re talking with Eric Stone, speaker and author of “Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture,” to explore the critical elements of employee engagement and high performance. Eric shares insights from his career journey and his book, offering practical strategies for leaders to foster a positive and productive work…

We are honored to have Andrea Driessen, a renowned message strategist and TED speaker, join us. Andrea, known for her impactful TEDx talk, “The Profound Power of Gratitude and Living Eulogies,” shares her insights on grace notes—living tributes that show appreciation and love in our daily lives. In the episode we explore how these simple yet profou…

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we sit down with Urs Koenig, a military peacekeeping commander, ultra-endurance champion, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Radical Humility: Be a Badass Leader and a Good Human. Urs shares his unique journey from academia and athletics to military peacekeeping and leadership coaching. He explains …

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcomeIan OKeefe, Founder and CEO of ikona Analytics. With a stellar career leading people analytics teams at some of the world’s most iconic companies, such as Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and Google, Ian brings unparalleled insights into advancing people analytics strategies. Whether you’re new to people analytic…

In this episode we’re joined by Melis Abacıoğlu, the visionary founder and CEO of Wellbees, to explore the pivotal role of employee wellbeing in shaping organizational culture. While investing in employee wellbeing feels like the right thing to do morally, sometimes it’s not as easy to get sufficient manpower or budget to make a real difference. In…

In “Anatomy of an Epidemic”, we delve into Rochester’s 1832 cholera outbreak, and contextualize the social, medical, and political aspects of the disease. We examine Rochester’s response to the epidemic, and relate it to epistemic questions about disease and public health that were preeminent in the 19th century.…

The lake sturgeon is the oldest and largest native fish species in the Great Lakes for more than 10,000 years. Prior to European contact, indigenous tribes like the Haudenosaunee revered the lake sturgeon and hunted them responsibly. With the establishment of fisheries and the industrial revolution, European immigrants caught lake sturgeons in exce…

We cannot talk about the history of the Genesee River without talking about the history of the people who have lived along it. The Genesee Valley has been home to members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy — specifically the Seneca tribe — for centuries. However, popular narratives of Rochester history all too often mischaracterize Indigenous people …

Rochester was no stranger to the flooding of the Genesee River. Four devastating floods of note wreaked havoc in the first half of the 19th century alone. We will explore the historic floods that shattered Rochester and examine how disaster can bring a community together — or not.

In the Summer of 1972, the Mount Morris Dam stood between Rochester and Hurricane Agnes, one of the most devastating storms to ever hit the United States. The storm threatened to flood the Genesee River and send thousands of cubic yards of degree hurtling into the city. Despite the water almost overtopping the dam, the city was protected. We examin…

Aquaculture is the controlled breeding and farming of fish and aquatic plants. In this episode, we discuss the life and work of Seth Green, and how a local Rochesterian pioneered the modern practice of fish farming in the Genesee valley.

The Genesee River has experienced pollution since its first settlers arrived, but how has pollution changed over time? Through the lens of Eastman Kodak and the Genesee River, this episode will follow how chemical pollution can become a permanent member of the river’s chemistry, and how we can remediate that damage.…

Ever taken a ride down the Genesee River? Hop aboard our Genesee River Cruise, and let’s go “Cruising the Genesee” to take a closer look at the physical history of the river, discovering ways in which it intersects with the human histories along its banks! Two experts help us understand the river’s physical formation, geologic erosion and so much m…

In today’s episode or Empowering Workplaces, our special guest Enrique Rubio, top 100 HR influencer and founder and head of global community, talks about the evolving landscape of company cultures and some of the positive changes that we have seen in recent years.While the pandemic had a positive impact on some employee experience programs, we’re s…

Today on Empowering Workplaces we are joined by Stephen (Shed) Shedletzky, founder of Shed Inspires and the celebrated author of “Speak Up Culture.” Shed is an igniter, speaker, and master facilitator who as a part of his career trajectory had also worked on Simon Sinek's team for over a decade.In this episode, we talk about the importance of psych…

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we talk about the importance of trust in the workplace with one of our favorite thought leaders, Dan Riley, co-founder of RADICL. We believe trust is the foundation to good relationships at work, do you agree?If you do, this episode has found you for a reason, because we are in a bit of a crisis. Based on r…

We are joined by Mine Dedekoca, Chief Happiness Officer at Happy Work Studio to talk about how organizations can better navigate the transition between remote, hybrid, and in-office models. Mine sheds light on crucial considerations, recognizing that the shift is not merely about where we work but fundamentally about how we work.Whether your organi…

Stephanie Murphy, PhD, has built an outstanding reputation in the field of Employee Listening by always pushing the boundaries in the ways she connects with, and listens to employees. With over a decade of experience working with large organizations, Stephanie shares her journey from analyzing employee listening data at Dell Technologies to a more …

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we talk with Richard Rosenow, VP of People Analytics Strategy at One Model, who talks about the The Three Channels of Workforce Information: conversations (“what people say”), surveys (“what people say they do”) and systems (“what people do”) as a way to build a comprehensive understanding of your workforce…

In today’s episode, host Sanja Licina, PhD, engages in an enlightening conversation with Shelmina Abji, a passionate advocate for empowering women and leadership growth. As the bestselling author of “Show Your Worth” and former vice president at IBM, Shelmina shares personal experiences and learnings from her own journey, highlighting intentional m…

Join host Maddie Grant on Empowering Workplaces as she engages in an insightful discussion with Gallup's Global Practice Leader, Ed O'Boyle. Together, they explore the profound linkages between workplace culture and the art of recognition. Discover the transformative power of authentic acknowledgment, its impact on employee engagement, and how fost…

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, hosts Maddie Grant and Sanja Licina engage in an insightful conversation with Zoe Peterson-Ward, Chief Customer Officer at Workhuman. They talk about the significance of the season of giving and discuss strategies to support employees during the holiday season. Zoe shares her background, experiences, and in…

Join hosts Sanja Licina, PhD, and Maddie Grant in an eye-opening conversation with Jordana Confino, a certified professional coach and positive psychology professor, on the risks of perfectionism. Jordana, founder of JC Coaching & Consulting, shares her personal journey of breaking free from the shackles of perfectionism, revealing insights and act…

Join us on Empowering Workplaces as we explore a fresh perspective on the art of prioritization with Deena Kara Shaffer, PhD, owner of Awakened Learning and author of the book Feel Good Learning. In today’s episode, we talk about innovative approaches to managing urgency, value, and meaningful choices in the workplace and beyond. Dr. Shaffer’s insi…

In today’s episode, our guest Kris Boesch, Founder and CEO of Choose People and Spirited Leadership, keynote speaker, and advocate for transforming workplace culture leads us on a captivating journey as we navigate into the realm of spirituality in the workplace. Join us as we uncover the impact of integrating spirituality into our professional liv…

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, hosts Sanja Licina, PhD, and Maddie Grant welcome Cassie Holmes, a professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and author of the best-selling book “Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most.”This episode might just transform the way you think about time an…

In today’s episode, we talk about the pivotal role that data and people analytics plays in considering whether to, or the best way how to have your workforce retun to the office. This topic has been top of mind for most employers for months now, with many still looking for a better way to make decisions on the best way forward. Join us for an insig…

In today’s episode, Eric Ortega, Employee Experience Manager and Culture Coach at World Market, takes us on a journey through the company’s remarkable transformation, driven by the redefinition of their values, and how they use them to guide their culture transformation. Discover how they truly leaned into their employee feedback, navigated organiz…

In this episode, we talk about embracing your true self in the workplace, featuring our special guest, Erin Coupe, founder of Authentically EC, and whose personal journey from the corporate world to self-discovery serves as a powerful testimonial to the significance of staying authentic. Join us as we unveil Erin’s inspiring story, her strategies f…

Join Sanja Licina, PhD, and Maddie Grant as they engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Janet Pogue McLaurin, Gensler’s Global Director of Workplace Research, in this episode of Empowering Workplaces. Explore the transformative insights from Gensler’s 2023 Workplace Survey Report, uncovering the evolving needs and desires of employees in t…

Join host Sanja Licina, PhD, along with special guests Jasenka Šabanović Facilitator & Executive Coach Facilitator & Executive Coach at The Fast Forward Group and Guille Santana, Marketing Manager at QuestionPro for an insightful exploration of the “Wheel of Life.”In this episode, we delve into the art of achieving work-life harmony and well-being.…

Join hosts Sanja Licina, PhD, and Maddie Grant in this enlightening episode of Empowering Workplaces as they dive deep into the world of imposter syndrome with their esteemed guest, Aoife O'Brien, founder of Happier at Work. Discover how organizations can support job seekers in overcoming imposter syndrome and unleash their true potential. Aoife sh…

In this thought-provoking episode of "Empowering Workplaces," hosts Sanja Licina, PhD, and Maddie Grant engage in a fascinating conversation with the esteemed guest, Juana Bordas. As a leadership and diversity expert, author of "The Power of Latino Leadership," and the founder of Mestiza Leadership International, Juana brings a wealth of knowledge …

In this episode, we sit down with Kori Gorman, director of catering and events for Entertainment, as we dive into the value of face-to-face meetings and the significance of building strong relationships in the corporate world. Discover how remote work has provided a unique opportunity to glimpse into the personal lives of employees, bringing a newf…

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we dive into the crucial topic of psychological safety with renowned experts Dr. Karolin Helbig and Minette Norman, authors of the book “The Psychological Safety Playbook.” With years of experience and research, our guests shed light on the importance of psychological safety and how it enables high-performi…

Join us in today’s episode as we venture into the intriguing world of the Future of Work, together with our special guest Al Adamsen, CEO of My Future of Work and author of the Future of Work Study. This time, we explore the profound implications of technological advancements, AI, automation, and globalization on both organizations and individuals.…

In this episode, Maddie Grant reports from on-site in San Diego at the WorkHuman conference ("the world's most transformative HR conference"), where she interviews Tom Libretto, President at Workhuman, Khalil Smith, Vice President, Inclusion, Diversity, and Engagement at Akamai Technologies, and Peter Church, Chief People Officer at Point32Health, …

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, hosts Maddie Grant and Sanja Licina, PhD, sit down with Jim Frawley, bestselling author of "Adapting in Motion" and TEDx Speaker, to discuss the exciting world of AI and how individuals and organizations can adapt to the changes it brings. They delve into Jim's insights on executive development, the impact …

In today's episode, we are joined by Meisha-ann Martin, Ph.D, Senior Director of People Analytics and Research at Workhuman, to discuss a specific way leaders can demonstrate their commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering work environment. Discover the hidden patterns and biases that affect diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and…

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, hosts Sanja Licina, PhD and Maddie Grant discuss the impact of managers on employee mental health with Dr. Richard Safeer, Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Wellbeing at Johns Hopkins Medicine and author of A Cure for the Common Company. The conversation centers around the surprising data point …

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we sit down with Claudia Miller, a sought-after career coach for women in tech, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women in the industry. Claudia shares her personal journey of navigating the corporate world as a first-generation college graduate and how she became a successful career coach.…

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, healthcare executive leadership coach and bestselling author Dr. Lizette Warner joins us to discuss the importance of authenticity and energy in leadership. Dr. Warner shares her background in healthcare and leadership development, and how she came to write her book Power, Poise, and Presence: A New Approac…

SCU catches up on NFL free agency! If the Baltimore Ravens won't pay Lamar Jackson, who should? Which teams made splashes? Why was cutting Ezekiel Elliot the right choice for the Dallas Cowboys? All that and more on this week's SCU Show!

In this episode we chat with Jamie Notter, workplace culture expert and one of the brains behind the WorkXO Culture Assessment, which is part of QuestionPro Workforce Employee Experience Platform. Jamie shares some fascinating data about "culture patterns" that have emerged from collecting over 2m data points from hundreds of organizations. Does yo…

SCU is back after a "mental health week"!He reacts to Derek Carr signing with the New Orleans Saints, explains why the Rams are no longer in the Super Bowl conversation for next season, apologizes for an earlier take on Kyle Trask and looks back at Week 2 and 3 of the XFL season while previewing Week 4 and giving his latest XFL Power Rankings on Ep…

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces, we are joined by Andrea Hollingsworth, PhD, a Psychotherapist and former university Professor who works with organizational leaders to help build cultures of compassion in the workplace. With only 30% of workers responding with self-kindness versus self-criticism when they make a mistake a work, and just a …

SCU breaks down Week 1 of the XFL season, takes a look at Week 2, gives his second Power Rankings list and talks about why he likes what the Panthers and Commanders are doing. Plus is there pressure on Philadelphia in 2023?

SCU looks at the 2023 XFL season ahead of their kickoff. Who is his favorite team based on their roster? Which players should we be watching out for? Where will the most dynamic duo come out of? Plus SO MUCH MORE!!!!!!

SCU breaks down Super Bowl LVII on Episode LXXIX! How were the Chiefs able to best the Eagles? Did the refs play a part in it? Also, could the Eagles be in trouble heading into next season? Plus how the trades of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving affects not just the Phoenix Suns and Dallas, but the Brooklyn Nets, as well!…

In this episode of Empowering Workplaces Marcus Sawyerr, CEO of EQ Community and HR tech expert joins us as we dive into the results of a joint study between QuestionPro and EQ Community where we surveyed 1,000 knowledge workers across the US to get a better understanding of their experiences with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. …