The Working Well Podcast

Employee engagement, performance, and turnover are among the top pain points for leaders, yet most companies are failing miserably to improve in these areas. If you're interested in being a better leader, connecting with your team on a deeper level, and creating an unforgettable and high-performance work environment, you won't want to miss this conversation. Welcome to The Working Well Podcast! Today, I'm excited to be joined by Ken Schmidt. As a young executive, Ken was instrumental in leading Harley-Davidson's incredible turnaround from near collapse to global dominance in the 1990s. His unconventional approach took Harley from a product-first mindset to building powerful connections that redefined what it means to be a loyal, engaged customer.  These days, he’s a sought-after executive advisor, speaker, and author. In this episode of the Working Well Podcast, Tim Boris chats with Ken Schmidt, the visionary behind Harley-Davidson's legendary turnaround. Discover how unconventional strategies can transform company culture, ignite leadership, and create loyal, high-performing teams. Perfect for leaders aiming to inspire and thrive in today's business landscape! Don't miss Ken's insights on connecting with your team and building a culture that drives success.

Podcast Introduction How can we prepare for the future of work when up to 80% of the jobs available 10 years from now haven’t been invented yet? What are people, educational institutions and companies doing to evolve and meet these unknown challenges? While AI is creating a lot of excitement, fear, uncertainty, and doubt, Generative AI is just one piece of the rapidly changing Future of Work equation. In today's episode, I’m joined by two brilliant thinkers who are leading the charge to help humans and companies evolve at lightning speed to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. They aren’t just providing technical skills, they are helping fill gaping holes in knowledge, perspective, critical reasoning, and design thinking. Factors that will be essential for thriving in the future of work.  Our conversation looks at the challenges of traditional education models, the outdated mindset of leadership, corporate recruiting, and the massive skills gaps in organizations. Of course, we also dive into the practical ways companies can address these gaps to gain a competitive advantage. Whether you're an individual seeking career growth or a company looking to future-proof your workforce, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Podcast Introduction Technology is essential for modern life, but as humans and particularly as employees, far too many of us are drowning in it. What was supposed to improve our performance and productivity has become a rat's nest of software platforms and distractions that are killing performance, productivity, and well-being.   Generative AI has only amplified the noise and the pace of change. Good news is there's a better way. My guest is Rebecca Kirstein Resch. She's at the forefront of using humane technology to help humans thrive. We dig deep into the critical people and technology challenges facing leaders and organizations today, and the implications for the sustainability of their businesses and workforce.   Welcome to the Working Well podcast show that explores the rapidly changing landscape of work and well-being. Each episode, we dive into the hottest topics in leadership. Human flourishing in the future of work. I'm your host, Tim Borys.

Think of the worst boss you’ve had. What made them so bad? Do you think their top career goal was to be seen as a horrible boss, or did they lack the training, skills, and self-awareness to learn and grow in their role? Today we dive into the topic of bad bosses, looks at the sobering stats around employee engagement, financial impact to the business, and the scary mental health impact that often results from toxic bosses and workplace cultures. My guest today Rob Kalwarowsky (Cal - Var - Row - Ski), an MIT Trained Mechanical Engineer turned leadership coach. Rob shares the eye-opening journey that led him from the world of heavy industry engineering to leadership coaching, along with important lessons for employees and bosses in today’s rapidly changing leadership landscape. Welcome to the Working Well Podcast, the show that explores the rapidly changing landscape of work and wellbeing. Each episode, We dive into the hottest topics in leadership, employee wellbeing, and the future of work! I’m your host Tim Borys. Before we dive in, let’s learn more about Rob Kalwarowsky.

These days, society has a love/hate relationship with technology. It’s an integral part of our digitally driven world, yet if we aren’t careful, getting sucked into the digital vortex can be disastrous for our mental and physical health. Thankfully some great technology companies are using their coding and behavioural science skills for good. These companies are helping people live healthier, happier, more vibrant lives. To facilitate learning, engaging with nature, and connecting with other humans. Today, we will meet Jane Wang, one of the amazing women driving this positive change and learn how her biochemistry and medical background led her to create a unique wellness technology company that’s transforming consumer health, corporate wellness, and influencing the future of the insurance industry! Welcome to the Working Well Podcast, the show that explores the rapidly changing landscape of work and wellbeing. Each episode, We dive into the hottest topics in leadership, employee wellbeing, and the future of work! I’m your host Tim Borys. Before we dive in, let’s learn more about Jane Wang.

The personal choices of employees are their own to make. However, companies also have a vested interest in ensuring that each person is as healthy, engaged, and high performing as possible. Balancing the nuances of this gray area is one of the most challenging aspects of leadership and corporate culture. Doing it well requires a customized blend of access to information, clear communication, leadership strategy, and employee engagement. The combination of these factors are important components of your unique corporate culture recipe. Today’s episode brings up a topic that’s traditionally within the employees personal choice, but the health risk is important for companies to understand and mitigate. Similar to the challenges from smoking, excess drinking and drugs, or other unhealthy behaviours, companies that can engage, inform, and help guide healthier choices in employee populations will see outsized financial, operational, and corporate culture returns.  This episode brings my background in Health Coaching and Performance to the forefront and combines it with the challenges facing companies, leaders, and the quest for improved workplace wellbeing. I look forward to your thoughts and comments. I encourage you to reach out and engage in the conversation!   Welcome to the Working Well Podcast, the show that explores the rapidly changing landscape of work and wellbeing. Each episode, We dive into the hottest topics in leadership, employee wellbeing, and the future of work! I’m your host Tim Borys.

What is potential?  As humans, how do we go about putting potential into action in our work and life?  These are big questions that businesses and leaders struggle with each day.  The good news is that the solutions can be quite simple and highly effective with a strategic shift in mindset and perspective.  Today, we're going to unpack potential and look at how individuals, teams, and organizations can harness it for transformative change. My guest today is Pam August. And she knows a lot about the power of potential in people and businesses. Pam's pedigree includes 14 years helping curate one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures. Pam guides organizations, teams, and leaders to unlock their potential for transformative results. She's a fierce champion for how developing people and culture enables strategic business success.  As Director of Culture Activation at WestJet, Pam spent over a decade proving and refining this business case.  Today, she's a trusted partner for high performance organizations around the world through her firm, Connecting Potential.  Pam is a sought after speaker, facilitator, and organization and relationship systems coach, with a Bachelor of Adult Education and a Master of Arts in Leadership. Pam takes pleasure in solving tricky problems Listening deeply, learning always, and laughing a lot.

What comes to mind when you think of a Corporate Board of Directors? Thankfully the vision of a bunch of old white dudes eating caviar and playing golf, is starting to fade…and the implications are massive It’s no secret that the pace of change continues to accelerate. This rapid transformation is redefining how businesses and boards function. The role of modern boards has changed and they are playing a great role in corporate governance and ultimately business performance. We are living in an exciting time that’s expanding the opportunity and potential for more people like you to make a positive impact on business and society. Today, we talk about why joining a Board of Directors can be a great way to do that. Why it can be beneficial to add to your career plan, how to make it happen, and how to avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when trying to join a board.

Remote work, hybrid work, and back to office orders. These topics are taking up a lot of bandwidth these days. A key part of this focus is because companies are still coming to terms with the massive workplace changes of the past few years. That has led to a mental health pandemic that doesn’t seem to be going away, and rising levels of stress and burnout in the workplace. To shed some light on these challenges and solutions, I’m excited to have Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett on the show today. She’s a rockstar PhD and organizational psychologist who was researching remote work way back in 2003. Dr. Laura is an Organizational Psychologist and expert on workplace psychology with a specialty on the future of work and career development. Her work passion is creating cultures where people stay and thrive, so that companies can attract top talent. Dr. Laura has founded several psychology and consulting practices, including Canada Career Counselling in 2009, where registered psychologists help 1000s of Canadians navigate their career and workplace challenges, and support organizations with career transitions. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Calgary, where she is currently an Adjunct Professor. Dr. Laura received a Canadian Women of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018.

Whether throwing, running, or leading, doing something “like a girl” used to have very negative connotations. Thankfully, a lot has changed in the past decade, particularly for women in science, technology, and sports. Yet, there’s still a long way to go before exhibiting feminine traits are viewed as wholly positive in leadership, business, and many parts of society. Today’s guest is Dalia Feldheim, an incredible woman who is on a mission to humanize the future of workplaces and leadership. Dalia combines science and empathy to help companies build authentic, happy, and psychologically safe workplace cultures.   Welcome to episode 47 of the Working Well Podcast, the show that explores the rapidly changing landscape of work and wellbeing. Each episode, We dive into the hottest topics in leadership, employee wellbeing, and the future of work! I’m your host Tim Borys. Before we dive in, let’s learn more about Dalia.   Dalia Feldheim founded Flow Leadership Consultancy after over two decades as a global C-suite marketing executive at Procter and Gamble where she led some of the world’s most iconic ad campaigns.   Dalia holds an Executive Masters degree in Consulting and Coaching for Change. She teaches ‘The Science of Happiness and Resilience’ as an Adjunct Professor at the Singapore Management University and works with the top tech companies to bring resilience and joy to work.   Finally, Dalia is a passionate advocate of women and female leadership. She encourages women (and men) to lean into their feminine leadership traits and “Dare to lead (more) like a girl”.

We live in a highly ambiguous world where change is accelerating at an alarming rate, yet we are not equipping ourselves, our teams, and our leaders with the skills and mindset to adapt to this environment. Kerryn Fewster is my guest today and her perspective on managing change is both unique and highly effective. We chat about the key challenges being faced by leaders and companies, the major factors missed by most change management initiatives, and what leaders can do to embrace the opportunities that ambiguity and change present. Keep listening, it’s going to be awesome! Welcome to episode 46 of the Working Well Podcast, the show that explores the rapidly changing landscape of work and wellbeing. Each episode, We dive into the hottest topics in leadership, employee wellbeing, and the future of work! I’m your host Tim Borys.   Before we get started, here’s a bit more about Kerryn. Change2020 - https://change2020.com/ Adaptiqmind - https://adaptiqminds.com/

Why are people and performance suffering so much in companies today? How can companies operationalize business strategy and employee experience in a way that helps people and companies Flourish? What is the role of leadership in making sure these changes happen? Those are just a few of the important questions we discuss today with special guest organizational psychologist Tonille Miller. Welcome to the Working Well Podcast, the show that explores the rapidly changing landscape of work and wellbeing. Each episode, We dive into the hottest topics in leadership, employee wellbeing, and the future of work! I’m your host Tim Borys.

The change we’ve experienced in the past few years has had a global impact on people, business, and society. The flexibility around how, when, and where we work has fundamentally changed, as have the conversations and expectations about the role that employees and organizations play in the dance called business. We are painfully aware of the impact that mental health, social connection, and leadership have on the wellbeing and performance of people and the companies that employ them. Today’s guest is Chris Cummings and he has a unique global perspective on workplace culture, people, and leadership mindset. As CEO of Wellbeing at Work, he runs an annual series of popular events in diverse countries around the world and has a front row seat to the corporate zeitgeist as well as important regional, cultural, and organizational trends. In our conversation, we will dive into important topics like remote and hybrid work models, employee experience, wellness, benefits, learning and development, and the impact of leadership on outcomes for people and businesses.

How can you build an engaged, high performing workplace culture…whether you are in the office, hybrid, or fully remote? Even better, how can you do it without the burnout and high turnover that often comes from a fast paced environment with high workloads? That’s the focus of today’s episode, and the answer will surprise you…or at least make you wonder why so few companies actually do it. My special guest is tech leader and serial entrepreneur Graeme Barlow. He’s an expert at building thriving companies and teams. Over the past 14 years, he’s built and scaled four successful companies, selling two of them.. Now, before you say that the tech industry is different, I encourage you to hear his simple philosophy and highly effective strategy for building businesses and teams. Regardless of your industry or company size, Graeme’s insights will be realistic and practical.

How To Solve Workplace Burnout: Insights from Deloitte, McKinsey, and Harvard Business Review

It’s no secret that we’re all unique. With over 85 Billion Neurons and over 600 trillion synaptic connections that are constantly adapting to our internal and external environments, neurodiversity and uniqueness are baked into our brains and evolution. So why do so many of our education and work environments fail to recognize and harness this diversity?  That’s the heart of today’s episode. With the help of Dr. Jason Rogers, an expert on neurodiversity and learning, we look at what current changes in the science, perception, and application of neurodiversity mean for education, business, and leadership.

Welcome to The Working Well Podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with CEO and Owner of William Joseph Agency, Ryan is an accomplished entrepreneur and CEO with a growing agency that supports a global client list. His business career began at age three in rural Saskatchewan when he began adding price tags to his coloring book pictures and hanging them on the wall of his self-proclaimed “gallery”. In 2002, after earning a commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, Ryan moved to Calgary and co-founded William Joseph Communications. Aside from their work with global businesses, the RPM and Brand Aid programs at William Joseph help fellow entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations more effectively tell their stories. Throughout our conversation, Ryan shares the lessons he’s learned about creating a vibrant corporate culture, hiring the right people, managing personal well-being, and how the values we curate and communicate daily are integral to each area. Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Today I’m excited to be hosting the amazing Serilda Summers-McGee. She’s a dynamo of a woman who’s redefining what DEI, corporate culture, and leadership look like in the workplace. Today, we dive into how these important topics are influencing employee wellbeing and organizational performance. Serilda Summers-McGee is a powerful force for positive change, business excellence, and vibrant workplace cultures. Her diverse background and refreshing perspective on people, DEI, and business performance is a true inspiration for leaders and organizations. She is Principal and CEO of Workplace Change, LLC. Her full service HR firm specializes in guiding and advising companies to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into their business and HR systems. Prior to launching her own firm, Serilda was Chief Human Resources Officer for the City of Portland, Oregon and supported a workforce of over 10,000 team members. In the past 5 years, she has won numerous awards including the “Women of Influence”, “HR Excellence”, and “CEO of the Year”. Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Welcome to The Working well Podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with psychological safety expert, Stephan Wiedner, who’s the founder of three thriving learning and development companies. We are going to shine a spotlight on psychological safety in the workplace and the challenges that leaders, employers, and companies face each day. Stephan Wiedner is a psychological safety expert whose career has focused on developing sustainable high-performance leaders, teams, and organizations. His passion for unleashing the collective potential of people has led him to cofound Noomii.com, the web’s largest network of independent life coaches, Skillsetter.com, the deliberate practice platform for interpersonal skills, and Zarango.com, the psychological safety training experts. Stephan has been a guest speaker at many business events and podcasts. His writing has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and other popular publications.  Listen to the podcast to find out more.

In this episode, I’m honoured to be joined by the venerable Dr. Steven MacGregor. We are going to look at how design thinking, athletics, and engineering impact organizational wellbeing and the performance of people in companies. Steven is a global pioneer and one of the world’s top experts on leadership, health and wellbeing in the work environment. He is a guest professor in several of the world’s leading business schools, a coach, and a consultant who has helped tens of thousands of leaders around the world bring their whole selves to the workplace. Dr. MacGregor is the author of 6 books, including Sustaining Executive Performance, Chief Wellbeing Officer, and The Daily Reset: 366 Nudges to Move Your Life Forward. And just in case you thought he was all about academics, research, and writing books, Steven is also a former international level duathlete and current outdoor enthusiast. Listen to the podcast to find out more.