Ashish reflects on the early experiences that shaped his leadership style, including a bold product launch that redefined a category and expanded a stagnant market. His story is a masterclass in thoughtful risk-taking, team empowerment, and cultivating a culture where it's safe to fail—and essential to dream big.

Together, Bob and Ashish dive into what makes great teams tick, how to navigate ambiguity with confidence, and why humility, learning agility, and fun are just as important as technical proficiency. Ashish’s insights are deeply human, refreshingly practical, and globally resonant.

Key Themes:

• Building teams like a tapestry—diverse, intentional, and aligned

• Moving from fear-based decision-making to bold, confident execution

• The critical difference between strategy and operationalization

• What leaders can do to foster psychological safety, curiosity, and grit

Whether you're a rising professional or a seasoned executive, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you lead—and who you bring with you.

 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Joel, author of Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work, shares how his journey from newspaper journalist to corporate PR pro to full-time speaker began with a spontaneous invitation to play improv games at a Texas Instruments executive retreat. Since then, Joel has turned his passion for humor and performance into a thriving career helping teams and leaders inject more energy, ownership, and joy into the workplace.

This episode is packed with light-hearted moments and powerful takeaways, including:

•  What improv comedy teaches us about teamwork, communication, and leadership

•  Why choice and attitude are at the heart of professional success

•  How celebrating small “ta-da” wins can boost confidence and team morale

•  The difference between skeptics and cynics—and why you shouldn't waste energy on the latter

•  Why pursuing what’s fun for you leads to fulfilling work

Whether you're navigating change, dealing with stress, or just looking for a more human way to lead, Joel’s message is a timely reminder that fun is not a luxury—it’s fuel.

Key Timestamps:

• 3:42 – Joel’s career origin story: improv meets corporate life

• 10:01 – Why fun is essential, not optional

• 16:48 – The power of small “ta-da” moments and everyday wins

• 23:30 – Leadership, ownership, and creating a passionate team culture

• 31:05 – Why improv lessons make better leaders

• 41:22 – Choice vs. perfection: navigating your path with clarity

• 53:17 – How to stay energized and resilient during challenging times

 Listen to the full episode on:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

 Learn more about Joel Zeff and his book at joelzeff.com

Lori and Cie reflect on:

• How the idea for the book emerged (hint: it wasn’t planned!)

• Why "You Should Smile More" hits women in the gut and leaves men puzzled

• The power of small “micro-corrections” and how they can shift culture

• Why allyship—especially from men—is essential, not optional

• What’s surprised them most since launching the book

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a playbook for action. Whether you're a leader, a peer, or early in your career, you'll walk away with practical tips to make your workplace more equitable.

 Key Timestamps:

• 00:01 – Intro & Guest Updates: Travel, anniversaries, and handstands in Portugal

• 03:30 – How the Book Was Born: From dinner with Indra Nooyi to microaggressions

• 10:50 – Microaggressions Explained: “Smile more,” “office housework,” and being called a “girl”

• 18:10 – Audience Reaction: Why the stories resonate across industries

• 24:25 – Practical Corrections: Note-taking, swag bags, and behavior patterns

• 30:05 – Meeting Dynamics: "Meeting before the meeting" & the role of informal norms

• 35:45 – Good Idea, Greg: How to support colleagues whose ideas get ignored

• 42:10 – What’s Changed Since Publishing: Surprising feedback from every industry

• 47:20 – Current DEI Landscape: Adjusting language without losing impact

• 51:40 – What Allyship Looks Like: Conscious action and humble curiosity

• 1:00:30 – What’s Next: Speaking tours and deep dives on mentorship and feedback

 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-club-linkedin-live-with-bob-goodwin/id1609808305
 ...or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cIoFUM1yDsf6Iy1tTCuw5

In this powerful episode of Career Club Live, host Bob Goodwin sits down with Chris Mikulski, Chief Human Resources Officer for The Americas at H&M, to talk about career growth, leadership, and the future of HR.

Chris shares the lessons he’s learned on his journey—from starting out as a seasonal retail employee to becoming a strategic HR executive at one of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands. This conversation is full of practical wisdom for job seekers, HR professionals, and anyone striving to lead with purpose.

Topics include:

• How curiosity and stretch assignments accelerated Chris’s career

• Why resilience isn’t just about survival—it's about growth

• The traits Chris looks for when hiring at H&M

• Why business acumen is non-negotiable for modern HR leaders

• The power of self-reflection, vulnerability, and forgiveness in leadership

• How HR can earn (and keep) a seat at the executive table

• The future of HR as a data-powered, people-first function

 Listen to gain real-world advice on how to build a career that aligns with your passion—and make a real impact while doing it.

 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-club-linkedin-live-with-bob-goodwin/id1609808305
 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cIoFUM1yDsf6Iy1tTCuw5

Key Themes Covered:

• Why traditional executive coaching is not scalable—and how AI changes that

• The rise of AI-native platforms and their impact on performance management, onboarding, and career development

• How AI acts as a “practice field” for developing power skills—especially in high-stakes scenarios

• Why middle managers are the first—and best—place to implement AI-based coaching

• How tools like ChatGPT and custom-built AI coaches are enhancing, not replacing, human insight

• The ethical, privacy, and bias considerations organizations must address

• The role of digital twins and organizational simulations in strategic workforce planning

Dr. Tavis also shares real-world examples from companies like Microsoft, Delta Airlines, and Mayo Clinic—demonstrating how AI coaching tools are already transforming both corporate and healthcare settings.

Special Invitation:

Dr. Tavis will be hosting the Coaching and Technology Summit at NYU in New York City on July 7–8, focused on the convergence of AI and executive coaching. The summit features top innovators, case studies, and cutting-edge tools redefining leadership development.

Register here:

https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/division-of-programs-in-business/human-capital-management/coaching-and-technology-summit.html

In this powerful episode of Career Club Live, Bob Goodwin sits down with Peter Cappelli—Wharton professor, HR legend, and truth-teller—to unpack the broken incentives driving modern talent decisions.

They dig into:

• Why U.S. accounting rules *discourage* investment in people
• How layoffs and "rank-and-yank" tactics backfire more than they help
• The real cost of turnover (hint: it’s not $4,000)
• Why internal promotions beat external hires—on both performance *and* cost
• And how HR leaders can finally speak the CEO’s language to get buy-in

Cappelli doesn’t just diagnose what’s broken—he offers a roadmap to fix it. From talent marketplaces to rethinking attrition, this episode will change how you think about people strategy in 2025 and beyond.

If you’re tired of the hamster wheel of hiring, losing, and rehiring—this conversation is for you.

Emily shares her deeply personal journey—from a childhood marked by economic challenges to leading national workforce policy initiatives impacting millions. With warmth, wisdom, and wit, she discusses the power of intentional choice, the difference between management and leadership, and the importance of empathy in building strong teams.

You’ll also hear how SHRM is leading the charge on issues like workforce participation, AI readiness, and the broken education-to-employment pipeline.

Whether you’re an HR professional, a leader navigating change, or someone in need of motivation, this episode delivers real talk, real strategy, and real heart.

Topics Include:

• Leading with “honey and lemon”
• Overcoming adversity through action
• Building teams with cultural alignment
• SHRM’s “Policy, Not Politics” approach
• Future-focused solutions for a broken workforce pipeline

Matt shares his journey from HR executive to AI innovator, why context is the missing piece in AI-driven workplaces, and how tools like Atlas Copilot help HR leaders reduce administrivia, improve decision-making, and even impact mental health in the workplace. He also dives into the biggest misconceptions about AI, what HR leaders need to know before AI changes the game, and why AI isn’t taking jobs—it’s making HR a more strategic force in business.

Key Takeaways:

• AI’s role in shifting HR from transactional to transformational

• The surprising ways AI enhances cognitive engagement instead of replacing it

• How HR leaders can use AI to become true business partners

• What most companies are getting wrong about AI adoption

Tune in to hear Matt’s insights, get practical AI strategies, and find out why AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about freeing them to do their best work.

Tune in for a candid conversation on leadership, talent strategy, and the future of HR — plus some great takeaways for professionals looking to elevate their careers.

From navigating imposter syndrome to thinking like a CEO, she delivers invaluable advice for professionals aiming to elevate their careers. Tune in to learn how to build your own path to success and why career growth is more about meandering than climbing a straight ladder.

Emotionally charged leadership takes center stage as we explore the consequences of emotional suppression in the workplace. Dina shares practical strategies from her upcoming book, "Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work," including the transformative "three N's" framework: Notice, Name, and Need. These insights are particularly relevant in a post-pandemic world, where the demand for emotional intelligence has never been higher. Leaders are challenged to embrace emotions as valuable data and cultivate environments where team members feel seen and heard, driving better decision-making and fostering healthier workplace dynamics.

Navigating the complexities of a diverse workforce requires a nuanced understanding of leadership styles and challenges, including gender bias. Through our conversation, Dina highlights the additional emotional labor often shouldered by women and people of color, and the importance of aligning personal values with company policies. As traditional leadership models face scrutiny, the discussion emphasizes the need for flexibility, such as hybrid work arrangements, and the creation of positive team environments. This episode is a must-listen for those grappling with the evolving expectations of leaders in a world that values authenticity and emotional resilience.

Join us as Dr. Kerr shares her insights into the complexities of talent acquisition, emphasizing the crucial role of accurate data and structured processes over outdated hiring practices. With a career spanning academia, the Texas legislature, and the nonprofit sector, she reveals the common pitfalls organizations face and the importance of evidence-based management in overcoming them. Her personal passions, from weightlifting to sourdough baking, offer a glimpse into the life of a woman dedicated to both professional and personal growth.

Our conversation takes a deeper look at the significance of mutual due diligence, cultural fit, and effective interviewing techniques. We explore the challenges of change management within HR departments and the necessity of using scientific data to support hiring decisions. The episode concludes with a nod to the origins of Affintus and the critical balance between intuition and analysis in achieving hiring success. Whether you're an employer or a job seeker, Dr. Kerr’s insights provide a roadmap for navigating the modern landscape of job matching.

Ellen takes us on a candid exploration of the internal roadblocks that often hinder career progression. From battling negative self-talk to confronting imposter syndrome and perfectionism, she shares strategies to overcome these challenges. Her personal anecdotes shine a light on the impact of early life messages and the common pitfalls of self-doubt. By fostering a protagonist mindset, Ellen encourages us to take risks and seize new opportunities, reminding us that the road to success is paved with courage and confidence.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of career success and avoiding its hidden perils. Ellen discusses the importance of setting boundaries, embracing personal growth, and leveraging one's strengths without succumbing to their downsides. Through her experiences, we learn about the delicate balance between being a supportive team member and ensuring personal development. Ellen’s message of empowerment and readiness resonates throughout the episode, urging listeners to trust in their capabilities and take bold steps toward their career aspirations. Tune in to discover how conviction, curiosity, and courage can transform your professional journey.

Ever faced job rejection and struggled to keep a positive mindset? Nathan's got you covered. In this episode, he unveils how to reframe your mental approach with daily goal reminders and the powerful concept of Misogi—taking on one hard challenge every year to build resilience. He recounts his experience completing an Ironman triathlon and how it reshaped his perspective on everyday challenges. Additionally, Nathan discusses the importance of feedback, leveraging frameworks like Radical Candor and SBI to provide constructive criticism effectively.

But that's not all. Nathan delves into creating a Leadership Operating Manual, a tool that can fundamentally transform how you lead and communicate within your team. From breathing exercises to the benefits of walking, discover simple yet profound methods to enhance your mental well-being. As we wrap up, you'll get actionable tips on documenting your progress and maintaining consistency, all aimed at helping you achieve long-term success. Connect with Nathan Tanner and uncover the invaluable lessons from his book, "The Unconquerable Leader," by visiting NathanTanner.net or reaching out to him on LinkedIn.

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