The Breadwinners

Jennifer Owens + Rachael Ellison

For five seasons, “The Breadwinners” cohosts Jennifer Owens and Rachael Lowell Ellison have explored the hustle of work and life and its impact on every aspect of our lives. Now, Rachael takes the reins solo with “SHIFTING the Hustle.” This series takes stock of this post pandemic world to see what’s changed. What lessons have we learned from the past few years? Is there a new world of work on the horizon or are we moving backwards? This season, we’re diving into the relationship between work and well-being and asking the big questions. In 2024: Has healing become the new hustling?  We’ll feature discussions with experts, curated research, and Rachael’s reflections from the field using the SHIFT model (Security, Horizon, Impact, Fluidity, and Ties) as a lens. Join Rachael as we share stories, insights, and figure out how to fit it all together. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Navigating the SHIFT: A Compass for the Future of Work EP 192
Apr 4 2024
Navigating the SHIFT: A Compass for the Future of Work EP 192
In this series finale, host Rachael reflects on her personal journey that led to the development of the SHIFT framework, a compass for navigating the changing world of work. She revisits key insights from this season's guest experts on each of the five SHIFT domains: Security, Horizon, Impact, Fluidity, and Ties. Discover why aligning work with personal values, embracing uncertainty, setting clear objectives, allowing for flexibility, fostering belonging and leveraging AI are crucial for success in the future of work.  This series finale is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the future of work with purpose and resilience.  🔑 Key Topics: Personal Journey: How Rachael's unique path led to the creation of the SHIFT framework and her new practice. SHIFT Domains Revisited: Key takeaways from experts on Security, Horizon, Impact, Fluidity, and Ties. The AI Factor: How artificial intelligence can support the SHIFT principles in the workplace. Putting SHIFT into Practice: Introducing the Shift Leadership Approach Assessment for practical application. The SHIFT framework has illuminated our path through this transformative podcast mini-series, and now, it's your turn to take the reins and make it your own. Start by investing just 5 minutes in the the free Shift Approach Assessment Shift Approach Assessment, receive your customized report, and unlock a world of potential. 🔗Resources: Reworking Leadership: Empowering Leaders to Navigate the New AbNormal  Take the free SHIFT Approach Assessment and start your journey towards a more strategic and mindful approach to work. 🔗Guest Links: S: Lyra Health H: AskFora: See it in action! I: Charter F: Flex Strategy Group  T: The Anxious Achiever  Bonus AI: Lever Talent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Navigating the SHIFT: AI and the Future of Work  EP 191
Feb 22 2024
Navigating the SHIFT: AI and the Future of Work EP 191
In this bonus episode of "The Breadwinners: SHIFTING the Hustle Series," Rachael and Drew Fortin, CEO of Lever Talent talk about AI's role in reshaping work dynamics post-pandemic. Throughout their conversation, they explore the transformative potential of AI across the SHIFT model's dimensions—Security, Horizon, Impact, Fluidity, and Ties—highlighting AI's capacity to redefine workplace security, enhance growth opportunities, measure impact, and improve fluidity and connections within the workplace. It’s a must listen for everyone trying to get their head around how AI is changing our work and lives. Don't miss this insightful exploration into how technology is transforming the future of work.  🎧 Key Topics: Security: Exploring AI's impact on psychological safety and creating unbiased, equitable work environments. Horizon: The role of AI in expanding career development and learning opportunities for individuals. Impact: How AI aids in clarifying and measuring the contributions and success of employees. Fluidity: AI's contribution to workplace adaptability, enabling a culture of innovation and flexibility. Ties: Enhancing connections and fostering a sense of belonging through AI-enhanced communication and interaction. 🔗Resources: Lever Talent  Lever Talent Podcast  Reworking Leadership Connect with Us:  Instagram: @thebreadwinnerspodcast  X: @breadwinnerspod  Website: www.thebreadwinnerspodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Navigating the SHIFT: The Ties that Bind EP 190
Feb 15 2024
Navigating the SHIFT: The Ties that Bind EP 190
In this episode, Rachael is joined by the phenomenal Morra Aarons-Mele. Morra is a celebrated podcaster, entrepreneur, and a leading authority on mental health, leadership, and the evolving dynamics of the workplace. Together, they delve into the critical challenge of nurturing connections and cultivating a sense of community within the modern landscape of remote and hybrid work settings. Given the growing concerns about isolation and loneliness in the workplace, it's a conversation you won't want to miss.  🎧 Key Topics: A Workplace in Flux: Rachael and Morra talk about how the workplace has changed since the pandemic. They discuss the toll on feelings of belonging and connection.  Mental Health Takes Center Stage. They cover the crucial role of mental health awareness in the workplace. They spotlight the loneliness epidemic and share strategies for both leaders and employees to reconnect.  Overcoming Disconnects: They talk about the challenges of balancing personal needs for flexibility while maintaining a connected workforce. They also offer their perspectives on how leaders can support both individual autonomy and a sense of belonging. This episode is essential for anyone struggling to connect and create connections in a disconnected world. Whether you are a leader aiming to promote belonging, or an employee feeling disconnected, this episode offers valuable insights and tangible advice. 🔗Resources: The Anxious Achiever Podcast American Psychological Association 2023 Work in America Workforce Survey Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s work on loneliness Reworking Leadership Connect with Us: Instagram: @thebreadwinnerspodcast X: @breadwinnerspod Website: www.thebreadwinnerspodcast.com How do you foster connection and community in your workplace? Email us at thebreadwinners@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Navigating the SHIFT: Embracing Fluidity for the Now and Next of Work EP 189
Feb 8 2024
Navigating the SHIFT: Embracing Fluidity for the Now and Next of Work EP 189
In this episode, Rachael talks with Cali Yost. Cali is a pioneer in work flexibility and the CEO of Flex+Strategy Group. They delve into the evolving landscape of work post-pandemic, focusing on the concept of Fluidity. This episode unpacks the shift towards remote and hybrid work models. It also explores the challenges and opportunities of organizational policies on flexibility. The episode emphasizes the critical need for adaptability and the need to redefine work and life fit for all of us. 🎧 Key Topics: The Evolution of Workplaces: We explore the transition to remote and hybrid models. What does this mean for organizational culture and employee satisfaction? Adaptability in Action: We discuss strategies for navigating change in the workplace, maintaining productivity and wellbeing. Work-Life Integration: We talk about how the pandemic has reshaped our approach to balancing professional and personal lives. We also take a look at the role of flexibility in fostering a healthier work environment. The challenges of flexibility continue. We zero in on the disconnect between employee desires for autonomy and leader pushback. Cali shares insights from her group's latest report, "The Now and Next of Work." She highlights the gap between employer and employee perceptions of flexible work and suggests ways to bridge the divide. (HINT: It's about navigating discomfort and finding common ground and a common language.) Rachael and Cali's discussion is a must-listen for listeners trying to unpack the unending debates around distributed work. They share effective strategies for embracing the fluid dynamics of today's work environment. Whether you're a leader looking to adapt your organizational policies, or an employee advocating for greater work-life integration, this episode offers valuable insights. It will help you make work work in the new normal. 🔗Resources: Flex Strategy Group The Now and Next of Work The SHIFT Framework REworking Leadership Connect with Us: Instagram: @thebreadwinnerspodcast X: @breadwinnerspod Website: www.thebreadwinnerspodcast.com How do you adapt to changes in the how of work? Record us voice memo on Speakpipe or email us at thebreadwinners@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Navigating the SHIFT: Role of Security in Workplace Well-being EP 186
Jan 16 2024
Navigating the SHIFT: Role of Security in Workplace Well-being EP 186
Join host Rachael and Dr. Joe Grasso, Head of Workplace Transformation at Lyra Health, as they unpack the true meaning of 'Security' in our daily work lives. They talk about how feeling secure at work affects everything from job satisfaction to overall health. Ever wondered why some workplaces just feel better to be in, while others drain your energy? Discover why overlooking psychosocial hazards like bullying and microaggressions can lead to a toxic work environment, and why addressing these issues is not just important, but essential. Whether you're in the corner office or the newest on the team, this conversation is about making work a better place for all of us. 🔑 Key Topics: Revisiting Values: How recent years have reshaped our priorities in the workplace. The Cost of Ignoring Well-being: Understanding the tangible and intangible consequences. Creating Psychologically Healthy Workplaces: Insights into what a truly safe and supportive work environment looks like. Broad Perspectives: Valuable takeaways for breadwinners, leaders, HR professionals, and employees alike. 🔗Resources: Lyra Health The SHIFT Framework 2024 Workforce Mental Health Trends Report Why employer misunderstanding of psychological safety is hurting teams’ performance Connect with Us: Instagram: @thebreadwinnerspodcast X: @breadwinnerspod Website: www.thebreadwinnerspodcast.com What does Security look like (or not look like 😐) at work?  Record us voice memo on Speakpipe or email us hello@rachaellowellellison.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices