Signals https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/signals en-us All rights reserved by WRKdefined Signals is Starbold’s platform for capturing and amplifying the real challenges and bold ideas shaping people and technology. Leaders and practitioners submit “signals” from their organizations—emerging trends, obstacles, or opportunities they’re seeing. Each week, those signals fuel a podcast: short, four-minute solo reactions that cut through the noise with sharp insights, alternating with 16-minute panel discussions featuring practitioners, advisors, and technology providers. Occasionally, the original signal-sender joins the conversation to add a firsthand perspective. The result is a rhythm of dialogue that helps organizations navigate complexity, act boldly, and chart a clear course forward. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b05a9300-8b93-11f0-9c31-771202414914/image/c6375a45885f2eb32c19d5f8836813b6.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Signals https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/signals episodic Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network WRKdefined Podcast Network Signals is Starbold’s platform for capturing and amplifying the real challenges and bold ideas shaping people and technology. Leaders and practitioners submit “signals” from their organizations—emerging trends, obstacles, or opportunities they’re seeing. Each week, those signals fuel a podcast: short, four-minute solo reactions that cut through the noise with sharp insights, alternating with 16-minute panel discussions featuring practitioners, advisors, and technology providers. Occasionally, the original signal-sender joins the conversation to add a firsthand perspective. The result is a rhythm of dialogue that helps organizations navigate complexity, act boldly, and chart a clear course forward. Signals is Starbold’s platform for capturing and amplifying the real challenges and bold ideas shaping people and technology. Leaders and practitioners submit “signals” from their organizations—emerging trends, obstacles, or opportunities they’re seeing. Each week, those signals fuel a podcast: short, four-minute solo reactions that cut through the noise with sharp insights, alternating with 16-minute panel discussions featuring practitioners, advisors, and technology providers. Occasionally, the original signal-sender joins the conversation to add a firsthand perspective. The result is a rhythm of dialogue that helps organizations navigate complexity, act boldly, and chart a clear course forward.

]]> WRKdefined WRKdefined@gmail.com State of Emotions In this episode of Signals, published on MLK Day, host Jeremy Ames reflects on a noticeable emotional undercurrent shaping today’s workplaces—one marked by fatigue, guardedness, and a growing insistence on separating “business” from the realities people bring with them. He explores how that separation often breaks down in practice, particularly as employees continue to experience—and in some cases endure—racially charged behavior, bias, and inequitable treatment that cannot simply be left at the door. The episode examines the tension leaders feel between maintaining neutrality and acknowledging that emotions, identity, and lived experience are already embedded in organizational life. Jeremy argues that ignoring these signals doesn’t reduce risk—it displaces it, often onto the very people with the least power to absorb it. Using his four-point framework, he connects these emotional signals to broader patterns in leadership behavior, culture, and decision-making. The episode ultimately challenges listeners to consider whether emotional distance is truly professionalism, or just avoidance dressed up as discipline. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:41:00 -0000 full WRKdefined Podcast Network In this episode of Signals, published on MLK Day, host Jeremy Ames reflects on a noticeable emotional undercurrent shaping today’s workplaces—one marked by fatigue, guardedness, and a growing insistence on separating “business” from the realities people bring with them. He explores how that separation often breaks down in practice, particularly as employees continue to experience—and in some cases endure—racially charged behavior, bias, and inequitable treatment that cannot simply be left at the door. The episode examines the tension leaders feel between maintaining neutrality and acknowledging that emotions, identity, and lived experience are already embedded in organizational life. Jeremy argues that ignoring these signals doesn’t reduce risk—it displaces it, often onto the very people with the least power to absorb it. Using his four-point framework, he connects these emotional signals to broader patterns in leadership behavior, culture, and decision-making. The episode ultimately challenges listeners to consider whether emotional distance is truly professionalism, or just avoidance dressed up as discipline. In this episode of Signals, published on MLK Day, host Jeremy Ames reflects on a noticeable emotional undercurrent shaping today’s workplaces—one marked by fatigue, guardedness, and a growing insistence on separating “business” from the realities people bring with them. He explores how that separation often breaks down in practice, particularly as employees continue to experience—and in some cases endure—racially charged behavior, bias, and inequitable treatment that cannot simply be left at the door. The episode examines the tension leaders feel between maintaining neutrality and acknowledging that emotions, identity, and lived experience are already embedded in organizational life. Jeremy argues that ignoring these signals doesn’t reduce risk—it displaces it, often onto the very people with the least power to absorb it. Using his four-point framework, he connects these emotional signals to broader patterns in leadership behavior, culture, and decision-making. The episode ultimately challenges listeners to consider whether emotional distance is truly professionalism, or just avoidance dressed up as discipline.

]]> 349 Not a Stop Sign: Keeping Equitable Momentum, Live from HR Tech In Episode 3 of Signals, recorded live from the HR Technology Conference 2025, host Jeremy Ames welcomes industry leader Maren Hogan, CEO of Red Branch Media. Together they dive into the shifting landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—once at the forefront of HR strategy but now facing setbacks. Maren shares her creative approach to sustaining progress through the RESIST framework (Resource Excellence and Strategic Innovation Systems Training), designed to help HR professionals continue vital DEI work despite shrinking budgets and organizational pushback. This candid conversation blends metaphor, marketing savvy, and a call to courage—reminding us that progress isn’t a stop sign, but a challenge to keep moving forward. Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000 Not a Stop Sign full WRKdefined Podcast Network Resisting the Backslide in Diversity & Inclusion In Episode 3 of Signals, recorded live from the HR Technology Conference 2025, host Jeremy Ames welcomes industry leader Maren Hogan, CEO of Red Branch Media. Together they dive into the shifting landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—once at the forefront of HR strategy but now facing setbacks. Maren shares her creative approach to sustaining progress through the RESIST framework (Resource Excellence and Strategic Innovation Systems Training), designed to help HR professionals continue vital DEI work despite shrinking budgets and organizational pushback. This candid conversation blends metaphor, marketing savvy, and a call to courage—reminding us that progress isn’t a stop sign, but a challenge to keep moving forward. In Episode 3 of Signals, recorded live from the HR Technology Conference 2025, host Jeremy Ames welcomes industry leader Maren Hogan, CEO of Red Branch Media. Together they dive into the shifting landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—once at the forefront of HR strategy but now facing setbacks. Maren shares her creative approach to sustaining progress through the RESIST framework (Resource Excellence and Strategic Innovation Systems Training), designed to help HR professionals continue vital DEI work despite shrinking budgets and organizational pushback. This candid conversation blends metaphor, marketing savvy, and a call to courage—reminding us that progress isn’t a stop sign, but a challenge to keep moving forward.

]]> 650 Rage Against the Machine: Organizational Courage & Psychological Safety This 16-minute panel episode of Signals explores the critical intersection of organizational courage and psychological safety with guest Angela Cheng-Cimini, CHRO at Chronicle of Philanthropy. Host Jeremy Ames dives deep into why courage is the missing corollary to psychological safety—and why it matters for leaders, employees, and organizations navigating transformation. Key Takeaways Psychological safety ≠ “say anything” — it’s about risk-taking without fear of judgment. Courage is the individual’s responsibility; a safe environment isn’t enough without action. Leaders must model courage; employees rarely leapfrog leadership in risk-taking. Organizational courage should be an evergreen skill, not a crisis-only tool. Bottom-up change is possible but requires intention, respect, and sometimes personal risk. Courage done right is intentional, compassionate, and tied to organizational health. Important Time Stamps 00:30 — Why Jeremy chose Rage Against the Machine as the episode theme 02:00 — Angela on the corollary of psychological safety and courage 04:15 — Defining psychological safety vs. the misconception of “no rules” 06:40 — Courage as the next step: swim lesson metaphor 09:30 — Leaders modeling courage and bottom-up change dynamics 12:10 — Timing courage: when to push for change 14:00 — Courage as an evergreen capability organizational courage, psychological safety, leaders, employees, environment, risk, change, speak up, transformation, agency Wed, 24 Sep 2025 21:16:00 -0000 Rage Against the Machine - Courage Meets Psychological Safety full WRKdefined Podcast Network Courage Meets Psychological Safety This 16-minute panel episode of Signals explores the critical intersection of organizational courage and psychological safety with guest Angela Cheng-Cimini, CHRO at Chronicle of Philanthropy. Host Jeremy Ames dives deep into why courage is the missing corollary to psychological safety—and why it matters for leaders, employees, and organizations navigating transformation. Key Takeaways Psychological safety ≠ “say anything” — it’s about risk-taking without fear of judgment. Courage is the individual’s responsibility; a safe environment isn’t enough without action. Leaders must model courage; employees rarely leapfrog leadership in risk-taking. Organizational courage should be an evergreen skill, not a crisis-only tool. Bottom-up change is possible but requires intention, respect, and sometimes personal risk. Courage done right is intentional, compassionate, and tied to organizational health. Important Time Stamps 00:30 — Why Jeremy chose Rage Against the Machine as the episode theme 02:00 — Angela on the corollary of psychological safety and courage 04:15 — Defining psychological safety vs. the misconception of “no rules” 06:40 — Courage as the next step: swim lesson metaphor 09:30 — Leaders modeling courage and bottom-up change dynamics 12:10 — Timing courage: when to push for change 14:00 — Courage as an evergreen capability organizational courage, psychological safety, leaders, employees, environment, risk, change, speak up, transformation, agency This 16-minute panel episode of Signals explores the critical intersection of organizational courage and psychological safety with guest Angela Cheng-Cimini, CHRO at Chronicle of Philanthropy. Host Jeremy Ames dives deep into why courage is the missing corollary to psychological safety—and why it matters for leaders, employees, and organizations navigating transformation.


Key Takeaways

  • Psychological safety ≠ “say anything” — it’s about risk-taking without fear of judgment.
  • Courage is the individual’s responsibility; a safe environment isn’t enough without action.
  • Leaders must model courage; employees rarely leapfrog leadership in risk-taking.
  • Organizational courage should be an evergreen skill, not a crisis-only tool.
  • Bottom-up change is possible but requires intention, respect, and sometimes personal risk.
  • Courage done right is intentional, compassionate, and tied to organizational health.


    • Important Time Stamps

  • 00:30 — Why Jeremy chose Rage Against the Machine as the episode theme
  • 02:00 — Angela on the corollary of psychological safety and courage
  • 04:15 — Defining psychological safety vs. the misconception of “no rules”
  • 06:40 — Courage as the next step: swim lesson metaphor
  • 09:30 — Leaders modeling courage and bottom-up change dynamics
  • 12:10 — Timing courage: when to push for change
  • 14:00 — Courage as an evergreen capability

organizational courage, psychological safety, leaders, employees, environment, risk, change, speak up, transformation, agency

]]> 1251 Signals Trailer: Meet Jeremy Ames In the debut of Signals, host Jeremy Ames shares why he launched this new podcast at the intersection of people, culture, and technology. From his 20 years in HR and people management to the bold shift he’s making now, Jeremy lays out the vision for the show: short and sharp four-minute takes, longer 16-minute deep dives, and signals submitted by leaders like Angela Cheng-Cimini of the Chronicle of Philanthropy. In this first episode, Jeremy reflects on the challenge of organizational courage, the need for psychological safety, and why “speaking truth to power” is the perfect way to begin. Sun, 07 Sep 2025 02:53:00 -0000 See the Sunrise trailer WRKdefined Podcast Network Launching a bold new chapter for HR, people, and tech In the debut of Signals, host Jeremy Ames shares why he launched this new podcast at the intersection of people, culture, and technology. From his 20 years in HR and people management to the bold shift he’s making now, Jeremy lays out the vision for the show: short and sharp four-minute takes, longer 16-minute deep dives, and signals submitted by leaders like Angela Cheng-Cimini of the Chronicle of Philanthropy. In this first episode, Jeremy reflects on the challenge of organizational courage, the need for psychological safety, and why “speaking truth to power” is the perfect way to begin. In the debut of Signals, host Jeremy Ames shares why he launched this new podcast at the intersection of people, culture, and technology. From his 20 years in HR and people management to the bold shift he’s making now, Jeremy lays out the vision for the show: short and sharp four-minute takes, longer 16-minute deep dives, and signals submitted by leaders like Angela Cheng-Cimini of the Chronicle of Philanthropy. In this first episode, Jeremy reflects on the challenge of organizational courage, the need for psychological safety, and why “speaking truth to power” is the perfect way to begin.

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