The Future Of Work Podcast With Jacob Morgan | Futurist | Workplace | Careers | Employee Experience & Engagement |

Have you ever wondered why good employees leave, even when they’re well-paid? It’s a puzzle many leaders face. In today’s leadership spark, we’ll dive into the three key factors that drive employees away, beyond salary: lack of growth opportunities, poor relationships with their leaders, and inadequate work-life integration. It’s important to address these issues within our organizations, and leaders should provide clear paths for growth, foster positive relationships with their teams, and establish guidelines for work-life balance. At the same time, it’s also the employees’ responsibility to seek growth opportunities and set boundaries for work-life integration.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

What’s the secret behind the communication strategies of successful leaders? Unlocking your ability to recognize different conversation styles, will leave you best equipped to face challenges ahead. Today I am joined by Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and bestselling author of “The Power of Habit” and “Smarter Faster Better,” who dives into the intricate world of effective communication through his latest work, “Super Communicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection.” In this episode, Charles will reveal how leaders can become super communicators through understanding the different types of conversations—practical, emotional, and social—and the dynamic interplay between them. You will learn to navigate these conversational types with agility, enabling you to foster deeper connections, enhance your decision-making, and cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding within your teams. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others a

Are you struggling to build trust within your team? Trust is crucial for effective teamwork. In today’s leadership spark, I explore four key strategies to enhance trust, drawing insights from expert CEOs, researchers, and psychologists. I’ll explore the power of vulnerability in trust, sharing your own challenges, acknowledging emotions, and the importance of demonstrating competence.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Why did Blockbuster really go bankrupt and what did Google have to do with it? Today I'm joined by James Keyes who is the visionary CEO behind three mega successful companies: 7-Eleven, Blockbuster, and Wild Oats. He's also the author of "Education Is Freedom: The Future Is In Your Hands." Today we're exploring how Jim increased the shareholder value at 7-Eleven by 10x, the challenges of navigating Blockbuster through the 2008 financial crisis and the rise of streaming platforms, and why Jim's philosophy of "Change Equals Opportunity" has yielded so much success. Discover the critical role of effective communication, how to genuinely engage with your team, and the secrets to cultivating a culture of relentless positivity and innovation. James Keyes lays bare the foundational pillars of leadership that not only build empires but also foster the growth of those who make them.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter

Do you ever question your own abilities and feel like a fraud, despite your achievements? You're in the company of many, including top executives, who grapple with imposter syndrome. In today's leadership spark, we delve into four effective strategies to conquer this challenge: bolster your confidence by supporting actions with data and stories, use the syndrome as a motivator to enhance interpersonal skills, leverage the Dunning-Kruger effect to acknowledge your true capabilities, and engage in positive self-talk and self-compassion to reshape your internal dialogue. These techniques are pivotal in recognizing your worth and transforming impostor syndrome into a powerful tool for personal growth and empowerment.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Is your leadership journey marked by ongoing growth and self-improvement? Embracing continuous learning signifies your path towards becoming an even more impactful leader than you were the day before. Today I am joined by Guy Kawasaki, the Chief Evangelist at Canva and former evangelist at Apple where he worked with Steve Jobs to market the Macintosh. He’s also the author of “Think Remarkable” where he reveals the three foundational pillars of successful leadership: Growth, Grit, and Grace. Discover how these concepts can revolutionize your leadership style, helping you to face challenges with resilience, pursue continuous self-improvement, and extend your success to elevate those around you. Leaders will gain practical strategies for anyone looking to make a lasting impact in their field.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

How do you make sure your voice stands out in any setting? Being a great communicator is a core leadership skill yet it’s also one that many people struggle with. In today’s episode I’m going to go over 8 strategies you can use to make sure that your message gets across regardless of who you are speaking with. I’ll go over everything from mastering the pace of your speech to engaging your audience with compelling stories. Whether you’re addressing a large audience or a small group, these strategies will help you speak confidently and persuasively and help you excel in your leadership career.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Today’s episode is actually courtesy of the Stanford Graduate School of Business that just released a new podcast called If/Then. This is an episode from that program and it features professor Jonathan Levav exploring hybrid work vs in-person work and what approach generates the best ideas. Leaders will learn about the tradeoffs managers must consider when determining workplace modalities and what the best practices are for adapting processes and connections to a distributed environment. Tune in to learn strategies for maximizing innovation and engagement as you navigate the future of work.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Overwhelmed by work stress and unsure how to tackle it? You’re not alone. This common challenge can lead to anxiety and panic attacks, with unchecked stress wreaking havoc on both our mental and physical health. It can diminish our productivity and overall happiness. Today’s leadership spark is here to help, offering 5 powerful strategies to fight back: meditation for mental clarity, healthy habits for physical strength, self-compassion for stress management, and hobbies for relaxation. Identifying whether stress stems from a temporary challenge or a toxic environment is crucial—and sometimes, the healthiest choice is to walk away. Let’s dive in and transform how we handle work stress.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

How can the strategic principles of chess be applied in a professional environment? By developing similar critical thinking skills, leaders will be prepared to address challenges with nuanced and anticipatory responses, strategizing five steps ahead in true chess fashion. Today I am joined by Danny Rensch, Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com and international chess master, as we explore how the game’s principles can be translated into effective business strategies. Listeners will gain tips on innovation, team building, and the importance of self-reflection, drawing parallels between mastering chess and excelling in leadership roles.   Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Feeling stuck in your quest for career advancement despite your ambition and hard work? It’s a common challenge in today’s fast-paced workplace. Simply putting in extra hours and taking on more tasks often doesn’t lead to the desired recognition or progression. The key lies in adopting smart, strategic approaches. After having hundreds of conversations with CEOs, I’ve distilled powerful strategies that go beyond ordinary advice. These tested and proven methods are designed to make a tangible difference in your career trajectory. In today’s leadership spark, I’ll be sharing the guide to navigating the complexities of the modern workplace with confidence and achieving the success you’ve been striving for.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Do you know how to handle toxic influences in your workplace? Conflict can oftentimes be resolved with compassion rather than defensiveness. Today I am joined by John Miles, best-selling author of “Passion Struck” and host of the Passion Struck Podcast. In this episode John will be sharing frameworks and strategies for cultivating purpose and potential in yourself and your teams through mindful shifts in mindsets and leadership approaches. You will learn how to harness purpose-driven living, applied to your career development. The model centers around four pillars - mindset shifts, behavior shifts, deliberate action, and intrinsic motivation.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Leadership isn’t just about success; it’s about impact. Jack Welch’s financial-driven approach and Elon Musk’s struggles with interpersonal relations showcase the pitfalls of traditional leadership. Tom Peters, best-selling author Thinkers50 inductee into the hall of fame, argues for a shift towards nurturing growth and fostering a positive work culture. In this leadership spark, Tom talks about the difference between being remembered for what you did at work and who you were as a person.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Failure is a powerful teacher, and nobody knows this better than Dr. Amy Edmondson, our guest in today’s discussion. A Harvard Professor and the author behind influential works like “The Fearless Organization” and “Right Kind of Wrong” Dr. Edmondson discusses how to create a culture that not only tolerates failure but learns from it. She outlines the critical distinctions between basic, complex, and intelligent failures, stressing that the real learning comes from the latter. This episode offers leaders a roadmap to build trust among their teams, encourage the sharing of missteps, and adopt a mindset of psychological safety and intelligent risk-taking.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

No matter the organization, friction is inevitable...but the key is knowing how to navigate and harness it for better leadership. In today’s discussion I sit down with Bob Sutton, Stanford professor, organizational psychologist and best selling author of books including “The No A$$hole Rule” and “The Friction Project” as he dives into the world of ‘friction-fixer’ leadership. Drawing from his extensive research, Sutton shares how to distinguish between beneficial and detrimental friction, explore the tools of ‘friction forensics,’ and implement strategies that can streamline processes, enhance performance, and reduce burnout. Join us for a captivating discussion that equips leaders with actionable tactics to conquer challenges and embrace positive change. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

In a cancel culture world, how do you speak up and share what you’re thinking? Leaders are often scared to share their opinions, worried about losing their job, status, or credibility. In today’s leadership spark, Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, addresses these challenges. He talks about the importance of being true to yourself and making hard choices, even when it’s difficult. Ray shares his own story of starting from little and working his way up, showing that facing challenges is key to growing personally and professionally. Today’s episode is all about getting rid of the victimhood mentality and taking ownership over your own path. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

In high-stakes environments like NASA, the margin for error is incredibly slim. Even minor mistakes can lead to substantial setbacks and costs, which is why Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s Former Science Mission Directorate Associate Administrator, emphasizes the critical need for precision and careful management in space exploration. In today’s leadership spark, I chat with Thomas to discuss how NASA approaches making critical decisions, having a culture of open communication, and learning from mistakes. These have all been vital elements of leadership during projects like the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. ________________ This episode is sponsored by Workleap Workleap Officevibe is a set of simple engagement, recognition and performance management tools. A game-changing product that enable businesses to team up HR leaders with their managers to instantly act on engagement insights, fuel meaningful peer recognition, and even drive continuous performance management. Visit Workleap.com/Officevibe to know mo

Running a fully remote company while making sure you can deliver on short-term goals and long-term innovation is not an easy thing to do! In today’s discussion I sit down with Workleap Co-founder and CEO Simon De Baene who shares hard-earned lessons in leadership from 18 years of building a successful company. He dives into frameworks for maintaining innovation as the company grows, and the importance of delegating without losing control. Simon also offers a candid look at both his strengths and weaknesses as a leader. You will learn the value of authenticity and humility at the top, as well as how to improve at having difficult conversations around accountability. ________________ This episode is sponsored by Workleap Workleap Officevibe is a set of simple engagement, recognition and performance management tools. A game-changing product that enable businesses to team up HR leaders with their managers to instantly act on engagement insights, fuel meaningful peer recognition, and even drive continuous performa

Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve to be where you are or that you aren’t good enough? Imposter syndrome is something that most people in the world will experience at some point in their lives and, believe it or not, many aspiring leaders often doubt their abilities and suitability for higher roles, especially when they come from backgrounds that don’t typically align with those positions. In today’s Leadership Spark, Chano Fernandez, Former Co-CEO at Workday, shares the importance of overcoming self-doubt and embracing opportunities, even when they seem out of reach. Chano also touches on leadership challenges, including the loneliness that can accompany senior executive roles, the significance of maintaining a positive attitude, and the value of connecting with employees through shared experiences. His story serves as a testament to overcoming self-doubt and reaching your maximum potential. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership

Are you lucky or are you good? The smallest and seemingly most random decisions you make in your life can have a profound impact on your career success. Does this mean that we shouldn’t try to be the best at what we do? In today’s discussion I speak with Dr. Brian Klaas, a professor at the University of College London and best-selling author of “Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters.” In this episode, Klaas offers counterintuitive advice for embracing uncertainty and experimentation over excessive optimism and control. You’ll learn how chaos theory impacts your life, if you can create your own luck, if change is driven by trends or leaders, and how meritocracy battles with luck for making the greatest impact in what you do. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/