The Workplace Wonderers: Workplace Lessons from Experts

In this thought-provoking episode of The Workplace Wonderers, host Blake Cohen (flying solo while Kara Kirby’s on the road) sits down with fellow doctoral cohort member Ronna Weaver to explore one of the most overlooked realities in corporate life: what happens when talented employees get passed over for a promotion. Together, they unpack: The psychological stressors employees face after being passed over—and how leaders can minimize them. Why transparency and coaching matter more than ever in promotion decisions. How qualitative research helps uncover the human side of workplace experiences. The quiet struggle of middle managers—and why 71% feel unsupported. The ways doctoral study and reflection are transforming how both Blake and Ronna see leadership, systems, and self-growth. If you’ve ever been overlooked, led a team through tough transitions, or simply want to understand how empathy and inquiry can reshape leadership, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to make leadership—and workplaces—more human. Learn more about Ronna Weaver on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronna-weaver-mba-653b229/ Learn more about Kara Kirby at: Https://InsightsLG.com Learn more about Blake Cohen at: https://BlakeEvanCohen.com  

Why do great meetings feel effortless while others drain the life out of a room? Facilitator and OD leader Annie Grace joins Kara Kirby and Blake Cohen to explore the neuroscience and psychology of facilitation - from reading the room to building trust and regulating emotion in real time. The trio discusses power dynamics, trauma-informed practices, and how playful design (yes, even Post-its and LEGO) unlocks creativity and connection. This one’s for anyone who leads, teaches, or gathers people with purpose. To learn more about Annie Grace, go to: https://womenfacilitating.com https://www.theteamtogether.com To learn more about Kara Kirby, go to: https://insightslg.com To learn more about Blake Cohen, go to: https://BlakeEvanCohen.com  

In this thought-provoking episode of Workplace Wonderers, hosts Blake Cohen and Kara Kirby dive deep into the evolving conversation around “toxic workplaces” — and why the term may be losing its punch. They explore the spectrum of workplace behavior, from subtle incivility to overt bullying, and the often-overlooked “mean girl” dynamics that can erode culture. The discussion takes unexpected turns into the psychology of leaders who believe they’re doing the right thing, the manipulative tactics found in cults and organizations, and the ethical grey zones of influence. Packed with real talk, research insights, and challenging questions, this conversation will make you rethink what power, leadership, and workplace culture really mean. To find out more about Kara, go to: https://insightslg.com To find out more about Blake, go to: https://BlakeEvanCohen.com  

In this episode of The Workplace Wonderers, Blake Cohen and Kara Kirby sit down with HR transformation expert and AI educator, Surbhi Ugra, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what AI really means for HR professionals. From resume scanners and hiring bots to "humans in the loop" and AI-powered retention strategies, they cut through the noise and break down what’s hype, and discuss what’s actually happening. You’ll hear: * Why AI in HR isn't as flashy as you think (and why that’s a good thing) * How HR teams can shift from talent acquisition to talent retention * The overlooked need for domain expertise in an AI-driven future * What recruiters and job seekers both need to know about AI tools * Surbhi’s path from enterprise HR to AI-savvy consultant—and how you can follow it Whether you're AI-anxious or AI-curious, this conversation will leave you smarter, calmer, and maybe even inspired about what’s next for the future of work. To learn more about Surbhi, go to: https://crescendohrsolutions.com To learn more about Kara & Blake, go to: https://insightslg.com https://BlakeEvanCohen.com or https://TheMindCapital.com We hope you enjoyed another episode of the Workplace Wonderers!

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Valencia Harris—nonprofit leader, educator, mother, and advocate—joins Blake and Kara for a passionate discussion about the intersection of education, mental health, and parenting. With her signature warmth and eloquence, Dr. V shares personal stories about raising her son, navigating the public education system, and what it really means to empower young minds. 💡 Topics covered include: * The importance of parental advocacy in education * How early testing shapes student identity and performance * Empowerment over lesson plans: co-creating learning with students * Balancing empathy, accountability, and structure at home and in schools * Building future leaders through critical thinking and perspective-taking Whether you’re a parent, educator, or leader in any space, this episode offers deep insights into how we can better support growth, learning, and humanity in our systems—starting with the kids at our kitchen tables. To follow Dr. V, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valencia-hicks-harris-phd-8a4a4a212/ To learn more about Kara Kirby, go to: https://insightslg.com To learn more about Blake Cohen, go to: https://BlakeEvanCohen.com or https://TheMindCapital.com  

In this episode, we sit down with Mike R. Sweeney—TEDx Speaker and Founder of Saber Coaching—to explore what it means to lead with nuance, empathy, and emotional intelligence in a world that often demands hard lines and quick answers. Mike shares his powerful perspective on: Embracing “both/and” thinking instead of the limiting “either/or” mindset The importance of emotional intelligence and inclusive dialogue in conflict resolution Turning tension and paradox into a source of brilliance and innovation And so much more! About the Guest: Mike R. Sweeney is an executive coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of Saber Coaching. He works with leaders and teams to navigate complexity with clarity, empathy, and purpose. Drawing from his background in journalism, change management, and leadership development, Mike helps organizations transform conflict into collaboration and lead with heart. This is a conversation about self-awareness, empathy, and finding clarity without losing complexity. Mike’s story is grounded, inspiring, and full of practical wisdom for anyone looking to lead more humanely and effectively. To learn more about Mike, go to: https://www.sabercoaching.com To watch Mike's TEDx talk, go to: https://youtu.be/f00V7u1hrdE?si=7QYMULuGxVBi2wSo 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes that challenge the status quo and elevate the way we work and live. To learn more about Kara Kirby and/or Blake Cohen: https://insightslg.com https://blakeevancohen.com  

In this episode of The Workplace Wonderers, Kara Kirby sits down in person with Raleigh legend and hospitality powerhouse, Van Eure, owner of the iconic Angus Barn. More than just a celebrated restaurant, the Angus Barn is a masterclass in workplace culture, leadership longevity, and service excellence. Van shares the rich history behind the family-owned establishment, and more importantly, her unique philosophy on leading with heart, tradition, and high standards. From employee retention to guest experience, Van’s approach to leadership is a shining example not just for restaurant owners but for anyone looking to build a legacy through people-first practices. If you’re passionate about leadership, workplace culture, or love a good story about a local institution doing things the right way, this episode is not to be missed.

In this eye-opening episode of The Workplace Wonderers, Kara and Blake are joined by Dr. Noelle Santorelli, clinical psychologist and professor, to explore the complex and often unspoken world of Mean Girl Mom Culture. Together, they dive into: Why some adult female dynamics turn toxic, especially in parenting and community settings The evolutionary psychology behind covert aggression in women How to recognize subtle relational harm like exclusion, gossip, and passive aggression The deeper psychological roots of these behaviors — hint: it’s not just about competition Tools and insights for creating healthier, more supportive female relationships Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or someone navigating tricky group dynamics, this conversation sheds light on a cultural phenomenon many experience but few talk about. 🔍 Guest Info: Learn more about Dr. Noelle Santorelli on her socials 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge, inform, and inspire. #MeanGirlMomCulture #PsychologyOfWomen #DrNoelleSantorelli #RelationalAggression #WomenAndWork #TheWorkplaceWonderers #ParentingCulture #ToxicGroupDynamics #CovertAggression #FemaleFriendships #WorkplaceWellbeing

In this episode of The Workplace Wonderers, Kara Kirby turns the mic on her co-host, Blake Cohen, for an honest and insightful conversation about his recent TEDx experience—from the rejections to the red dot. Blake shares: How he was rejected over 10 times before finally landing a TEDx stage The surprising role that authenticity played in getting accepted What the pitch process really looks like behind the scenes The emotional highs and lows before, during, and after the talk What he didn’t expect to happen after the video went live If you’ve ever dreamed of giving a TEDx talk—or just want an inside look at the world of public speaking and personal storytelling—this episode is packed with real talk, lessons learned, and inspiration for anyone putting themselves out there. 🎥 Watch Blake’s TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/hQF_kmOcJt0?si=uokCt2MgiJwr2zSh 🔔 Subscribe for more expert stories and workplace wisdom every week! To learn more about Kara, visit: https://InsightsLG.com To learn more about Blake, visit: https://BlakeEvanCohen.com #TEDxTalk #PublicSpeaking #LeadershipJourney #AuthenticityMatters #TheWorkplaceWonderers #BlakeCohen #KaraKirby #ProfessionalGrowth #TEDxExperience #BehindTheScenes

In this episode of The Workplace Wonderer, Kara and Blake sit down with leadership powerhouse Chris Williams, a seasoned advisor with over 45 years of experience building and leading teams—from writing software to scaling departments to serving as VP of HR at Microsoft. Together, they explore the often-overlooked plight of middle managers—those caught between strategic leadership and front-line execution. Chris brings wisdom, wit, and real-world insight to the conversation, offering practical advice for supporting this essential tier of leadership. You’ll also hear: Chris’s behind-the-scenes take on Microsoft’s shift from a cutthroat to a collaborative culture. What it was really like working under Satya Nadella. How Chris became unexpectedly TikTok famous with leadership videos reaching over 250K followers. And the leadership lessons that have stood the test of time. 📲 Follow Chris at https://CLWill.com or search @CLWill on social media. ✨ Subscribe for more episodes that help you rethink the modern workplace! To Learn more about Kara Kirby: https://InsightsLG.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/karakirby84/ To learn more about Blake Cohen: https://blakeevancohen.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/  

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Velma Knowles—a Gallup-certified strengths coach, public speaker, and leadership strategist—to dive deep into the communication blind spots that hold teams and leaders back. We explore: ✅ How to identify and overcome common communication gaps ✅ Why strengths-based development is essential for leadership growth ✅ How Velma’s unique upbringing shaped her communication style and leadership philosophy ✅ Actionable tips to communicate more effectively at work Velma’s passion for people and performance shines as she shares hard-earned wisdom from her personal journey and professional experience helping organizations build cultures of trust, clarity, and collaboration. 📌 Learn more about Velma Knowles at: https://www.velmaknowles.com/about 📌 Learn more about Kara Kirby at: https://insightslg.com/ 📌 Learn more about Velma Knowles at: https://BlakeEvanCohen.com 🔔 Don’t forget to review, subscribe, and check back for more expert leadership insights every week!

In this enlightening episode of The Workplace Wonderers, hosts Blake Cohen and Kara Kirby engage with Nina Nesdoly—burnout and corporate stress management speaker, neuroscience researcher, and PhD candidate in Management. Nina shares her unique blend of scientific insights and practical strategies to help individuals and organizations combat burnout and enhance productivity.​ Nina Nesdoly Drawing from her background in neuroscience (BSc) and management (MSc), and soon to be PhD in Management, Nina discusses the neuroscience of work-life balance, the impact of stress on the brain, and actionable techniques to foster resilience in high-pressure environments. Her approach combines academic research with real-world applications, making complex concepts accessible and actionable.​ 🔑 Key Topics Covered: Understanding the neuroscience behind stress and burnout Practical strategies for stress management and burnout prevention The role of organizational culture in employee well-being Implementing sustainable practices for long-term success​ 📚 About Nina Nesdoly: Nina is a renowned speaker and consultant specializing in stress management and corporate wellness. Her TEDx talk, "How to Relieve Stress When You're Overwhelmed," was selected as an Editor's Pick, highlighting her ability to deliver engaging and timely messages. Nina's insights have been featured in media outlets such as Buzzfeed, MarketWatch, and the Financial Times. Currently pursuing her PhD focusing on work-related stress, she continues to conduct and share cutting-edge research on burnout management.​ 🔗 Connect with Nina Nesdoly: Website: https://www.ninanesdoly.com Watch her full TEDx here: https://youtu.be/9G1zyFoAaMc 🔗 Connect with Kara Kirby (Leadership and Organizational Development Expert): Website: https://insightslg.com 🔗 Connect with Blake Cohen (Corporate Speaker & Leadership Expert): Website: https://BlakeEvanCohen.com Watch his full TEDx here: https://youtu.be/hQF_kmOcJt0 ​ 📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on creating healthier, more productive workplaces.

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of Workplace Wonderers, hosts Blake Cohen (Founder of Mind Capital & Corporate Speaker) and Kara Kirby (Leadership Development Expert & Founder of Insight Leadership Group) sit down with the brilliant and beloved Henry Lucas, LCSW—owner of Louisville Health and Healing and CEO of the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition. Henry brings humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom to a conversation about: 💡 The triumphs and challenges of harm reduction work 🌱 Why he launched a therapy school to help clinicians build thriving private practices 🤣 And the time he was cheekily called “diabolical” by an employee—for being such a great leader that no one wanted to stay… because they were too inspired to go out and grow on their own! Henry’s compassion is contagious, his charm is undeniable, and his passion for helping others shines through every story he shares. Whether you're in healthcare, leadership, or simply love hearing from people who lead with purpose—this episode is for you. 🧠 Come for the insights. Stay for the laughs. Leave inspired. Henry Lucas's Websites: https://www.louisvillehealthandhealing.com/our-team/henry-j-lucas-lcsw-lcadc/ Kara Kirby: https://insightslg.com Blake Cohen: https://themindcapital.com https://blakeevancohen.com If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! We love to hear from you!

Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we work, learn, and lead — but can it ever replace great leadership? In this episode of Workplace Wonderers, Kara Kirby and Blake Cohen tackle a big question: Will the rise of A.I. make human leadership skills obsolete, or will it make them more important than ever? Guided by questions generated by artificial intelligence itself, Kara and Blake explore: The role of emotional intelligence in the age of A.I. What makes leadership irreplaceable. How technology is shaping the future of work. And a few unexpected (and hilarious) tangents along the way. This episode is thought-provoking, fun, and full of insights for anyone curious about leadership, technology, and the future of work. Learn more about Kara: https://insightslg.com Learn more about Blake: https://themindcapital.com Follow Workplace Wonderers for more real conversations about leadership, culture, and navigating the changing world of work.

Welcome back to all of our listeners! This week, we have Jason Seiden on the podcast to discuss his mission of improving how organizations cope and communicate with grieving team members.  Jason and his wife have a powerful story that influenced their decision to start a passion project called Comfort Communications. Comfort Communications helps teams normalize grief and provides predictable, consistent, and effective support to bereaved colleagues.  This episode is powerful, beautiful, and full of valuable tips on how we can best support our coworkers in their times of need.  If there is any episode that we suggest you listen to all the way through, this is it! To learn more about Jason's mission: https://jasonseiden.com/ To learn more about Kara's company: https://insightslg.com/ To learn more about Blake's company: https://themindcapital.com/ We hope you enjoy this episode of the Workplace Wonderers!  

Welcome back to you all! Today's episode is deep dive into the Workplace Wonderer's new cohost, Kara Kirby. Kara details her professional journey telling us how she went from a small town in Texas, to teaching kids English in Mexico, to helping sell tires, to being the owner of a successful Organizational Development practice called Insight Leadership! We hope you enjoy the episode and getting to know Kara better. If you did, leave us some love (you know what to do)! Learn more about Blake's Company: https://TheMindCapital.com Learn more about Kara's Company: https://insightslg.com/  

Hello to you all! Welcome back to another episode of the Wonderer Podcast hosted by Kara Kirby, Insight Leadership, and Blake Cohen, Mind Capital. On today's episode, Kara decided she wanted to take some time to interview Blake! They explore how he went from overcoming his own struggles with mental health concerns, to working in mental healthcare, and then eventually becoming an organizational and leadership psychologist. They talk challenges, pursuing dreams and goals, and sitting in uncomfortability. Thank you for watching, and we hope you enjoy!

Well, folks, we're back! On this episode, we welcome Kara Kirby to the team as the new co-host of Workplace Wonderer Podcast alongside Blake Cohen. On this episode, we take time to establish our working relationship live on the podcast! We cover a wide range of topics and most importantly, how we see ourselves working together! Oh, and we have some fun too! Please enjoy this episode of the Workplace Wonderer Podcast and leave a comment to welcome Kara Kirby to the show!

On this episode of the Workplace Wonderer, Blake Cohen sits down with his guest, Jonathan Bennett, to discuss the impact of creating a value-based organization on attracting customers. The conversation explores this topic in detail and then turns to the two men's personal journies of growth and self-discovery. This vulnerable and insightful conversation ended up exploring topics that neither person expected, but both were delighted it happened. Jonathan Bennett, C.Dir., provides sought-after leadership coaching and strategic counsel to CEOs, executive teams, politicians, and boards of directors across Canada. With experience in urban, rural, remote, and First Nations communities, Jonathan’s expertise is in social purpose business strategy, governance, branding, change, and communications. T o Connect with Jonathan: https://clearlythen.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettjonathan/ https://www.youtube.com/@UC37R_53n7UpnrqYBqP3kAhw To Connect with Blake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/ https://BlakeEvanCohen.com We hope you enjoy this episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts!

Clear #communication across your #team and #organization is crucial to the #success of your #business. However, you may want to ask yourself, "How well am I doing at communicating clearly with my team?" The odds are that you think you're doing better than you actually are. In this episode of the Workplace Wonderer, hosted by Blake Cohen, we sit down with Peggy Umbarger, Senior Branch Manager at Apple One Recruiting Services, to break down how clear communication has helped her climb the ladder in her career. We discuss what clear communication is (and isn't), the importance of #mindfulness as a leader striving to communicate clearly, #activelistening, utilizing "on times," and much more. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Workplace Wonderer! To connect with Blake, visit his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/ To connect with Peggy, check out her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyumbarger/ For reference, here's a link to the book At Your Best, which we discussed in the episode: https://a.co/d/8ShuSyD #Work #OrganizationalPsychology #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Skills

The question we have for the audience is, "Does spirituality have a place in the workplace?" We think so! This engaging conversation is informative and affirmative that a mindfulness practice may be the secret to success in the business world (and life). Lori Saitz, the founder of Zen Rabbit, joins us this week to discuss tools that some of the most successful leaders in the world utilize, tips for developing a simple meditation practice, and how meditation helped her through a difficult time in her life. To learn more about Lori, check out her website and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/ https://zenrabbit.com/ To engage with Blake, check out his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/ Please leave a review!

This week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts is an important one. Our guest is Vanina Hochman, Licensed Therapist and Family Ambassador for Family First Adolescent Services. The topic we discuss is Cultural Competency. Get ready to enjoy a lively conversation between friends as we delve into the intricacies of becoming more culturally competent. We'll explore how to enhance our ability to relate to others through self-work, share lessons from our own mistakes, and much more! Whether you're a professional in the behavioral health industry, corporate sector, or simply someone striving to be a better human being, this episode is tailored to meet your needs! Vanina Hochman, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, earned her degree in Psychology at the University of Florida and Master’s in Science from Nova Southeastern University after completing her internship at the Brief Therapy Institute and the STEPS program at Memorial Regional Hospital, an intensive inpatient adolescent substance abuse treatment program. In the last five years, Vanina expanded her role to clinical outreach and business development, where she can provide education on addiction and mental health treatment and her passion for culturally competent mental healthcare, and help bring quality treatment to individuals and families dealing with the disease. Vanina currently serves as Family Ambassador for Family First Adolescent Services. She is bilingual and fluent in Spanish, which has become an important tool in her success in accessing and treating a diverse population in the South Florida area. Although a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Vanina resides in South Florida with her husband and twin children. To learn more about Family First Adolescent Services: https://familyfirstas.com To follow Vanina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanina-hochman-ma-lmft/ To Find and/or Hire Blake, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/ #Work #Culture #HR #Culturalcompetence #Workplace #PsychologicalSafety #Management #Safe #Respect #Trust #Relationships

Everything in life has a cost, but sacrificing our self for a job sure is expensive! Today, we're joined by Marc Kantor, Founding Partner and Corporate Director of Versa Pointe, to discuss the dangers of burnout and being boundaryless when it comes to work. This discussion is not about shying away from hard work, but about understanding the fine line between dedication and burnout, a topic that resonates with all of us striving for a healthy work-life balance. Marc offers us insights, personal anecdotes, and methods to avoid burning out for our work while also being a top performer at our jobs. Marc's triumph over addiction ignited a passion to assist others on their recovery journey. Transitioning his career in 2014, Marc trained intensively to become a Certified Intervention Professional (CIP). By 2018, he felt a resounding call to dedicate himself fully to the cause, leading him to found South Florida Intervention. This initiative aims to provide personalized solutions for those grappling with the consequences of addiction. Since its inception, Marc's compassionate approach has transformed countless lives, bridging the gap between hopelessness and a life of purpose. Marc is now currently one of the founding partners of Versa Pointe, an Executive Addiction Recovery program located in Jupiter, Fl, and dedicates his life to the service of others. To find Marc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-kantor-8154512/ To learn more about Versa Pointe: https://www.versapointe.com To engage directly with Blake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/ Enjoy this episode? Leave a 5 star review for the podcast!

How are behavioral health organizations different than other industries? Do they require a different type of leadership? Do employees who work in mental health treatment need more attention if they wish to have long and successful careers? We think so! Welcome to another episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts! In today's episode, we are joined by a behavioral healthcare industry leader looking to change how leaders are developed in this field, Jamie Bassos! Jamie Leigh Bassos, M.S., BCBA, is a seasoned behavior analyst with over 20 years of experience supporting infants, children, and families in classrooms, homes, and communities. She received specialized training at the New England Center for Children and currently serves as Vice President of Continuum Behavioral Health, focusing on leadership training and development for executive and leadership staff across the U.S. She is also working towards certification as an executive coach and is dedicated to empowering individuals and teams to achieve peak performance and fulfillment. Based in South Florida with her husband and three children, Jamie is also deeply committed to personal wellness, often practicing yoga, hitting the gym, or running with her local club, Moms Run This Town. We hope you enjoy this episode, where we discuss all things leadership, nerd out on some cool theories, and have an incredibly insightful conversation! To find Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bassos-m-s-bcba/ Follow her on Instagram @Lean_into_Leadership To find Blake, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/ Enjoy this episode? Leave a review! #work #behavioralhealthcare #career #business #businessowners #culture #workplace #hr #leadership

Do our conversations at work affect our workplace's productivity, success, corporate culture, and morale? We think so! On this episode of The Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts, our host, Blake Cohen, sits down with Leadership and Workplace expert Kara Kirby to explore the impact of conversations at work. We discuss the implications of negativity, toxic behavior, approaching conversations with empathy and active listening, and then offer tips on how to improve the workplace through effective communication skills! Kara Kirby is the founder of Insights Leadership Group and devotes her work life to studying how people can flourish in their professions (excellent team practices have to be in place). She has vast experience in the field of leadership development and facilitation. To learn more about Kara's company, visit: https://insightslg.com To follow her on LinkedIn:   / kara-kirby-46632711   To connect with Blake on LinkedIn, go to:   / blakecohenmscap   Enjoy the conversation? Leave a comment, subscribe, and smash that like button!

It's not common for people to consider one's trauma when discussing leadership or workplace dynamics, but is that a mistake? We believe so! Our past shapes who we are and how we show up in our jobs. Whether you are a leader, an employee, or just someone navigating our complicated world, understanding how your past influences your current behavior is a winning strategy. This week's guest on the Workplace Wonderer is Esin Pinarli. Esin is a psychotherapist, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and a Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) specializing in IMAGO, brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic practices, and psychodrama. Through an integrative experiential approach, she helps individuals, couples, and families suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction, codependency, trauma, dysfunctional family system dynamics, and relational attachment issues to navigate life's challenges so they can become fully alive, supported, and whole. To find Esin on LinkedIn, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esin-pinarli-73ab1722/ To visit her website: https://www.eternalwellnesscounseling.com To find Blake on LinkedIn, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/ To hire Blake to assist in improving your organization's productivity, job satisfaction, and revenue through services related to company culture, team dynamics, navigating difficult conversations, emotional intelligence workshops, or more, shoot him a DM on LinkedIn or email him at [email protected]

This week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer explores the concept of employees being poached by competitors. How should a leader react? Does the leader's reaction affect the business? The way you work through the organizational issue may surprise you with how much it affects your corporate culture! To follow Blake on LinkedIn or to hire him to help improve your workplace, go to:   / blakecohenmscap   To find this week's guest, John Puls from Full Life Comprehensive, go to: https://full-life-comprehensive-care.com Or follow him on LinkedIn at:   / john-puls-lcsw-mcap-1b700111a   Enjoy this episode? Leave a review and subscribe to the channel for more great workplace-related conversations, topics, and breakdowns!

It's a #competitive world out there in the #CorporateLife! On this week's episode of the #Workplace Wonderer, Richard Triggs joins us to offer his insights on how #Organizations can find their edge by attracting and retaining top talent! Richard Triggs, founder of Arete Executive, one of Australia’s leading #executive #recruitment companies and has been featured in publications such as Fast Company and The Australian Financial Review. Richard is also the author of the best-selling book, “Uncover the Hidden Job Market – how to find and win your next senior executive role” and is soon to release his second book “Winning the War for Talent – How to attract and retain top performers”. T his important conversation is one you won't want to miss! To find out more about Richard's company, go here: https://www.areteexecutive.com.au/team/richard-triggs/ To follow Richard on LinkedIn, go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs/?originalSubdomain=au To follow Blake on LinkedIn, go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/  

This week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts, hosted by Blake Cohen, is not our usual style of episode. Jonathan Peppers, or as he calls himself "Dr. Business" joined us for a conversation that gets off track pretty quickly. "Dr. Business" is a self-proclaimed organizational guru who has some interesting ideas about leadership, workplace culture, perception, and beyond. He and Blake end up not really getting along and exploring some of their difference of opinions in this week's episode of The Workplace Wonderer! *Dr. Business is a corporate comedian for hire. Would you like to hire him for your next company retreat or event? Find me on LinkedIn, and let me know!

Tune in to a transformative conversation on leadership and self-discovery in the latest episode of 'The Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts.' Hosted by Blake Cohen, this episode features special guest Cristina Oliveri, an Organizational and Leadership Expert. Together, they delve into the complexities of career changes, emotional responses to change, and the importance of understanding ourselves to become better leaders. From taking leaps of faith to navigating challenges during life transitions, this episode offers invaluable insights for personal and professional growth. Join us as we explore the journey to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture. To find Cristina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crisoliveri/ https://www.changeworksconsultingllc.com/ To find Blake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/ Enjoy this episode?? Leave a positive review!

Explore the critical topic of mental health literacy in the workplace on the latest episode of 'The Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts.' Join host Blake Cohen and special guest Laura Kunz, Vice President of Spirence Wellness, as they delve into strategies for fostering a supportive workplace culture. From understanding mental health literacy to practicing active listening and empowering employees with purpose, this episode offers practical insights for enhancing mental well-being and productivity. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on creating inclusive and mentally healthy work environments. For more information about Spirence Wellness, go to: https://spirencewellness.com To follow Laura, check out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-a-kunz/ To follow Blake on LinkedIn, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohenmscap/ Please leave a review, share, and enjoy this episode!

Delve into the dynamics of #followership on the latest episode of 'The #Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts.'  Join host Blake Cohen and special guest Annie Laing, a Leadership and #Organizational #Expert, as they unravel the significance of followership in organizational settings.  From defining followership to #exploring its #impact on #employee #behavior and leader-follower relationships, this episode offers valuable #insights into the power of understanding followership for #effective #leadership.  Tune in for an #enlightening discussion that sheds light on the vital role followers play in shaping workplace dynamics. To find Annie go to: https://www.themindedspaces.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-laing-60571670/ To follow Blake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakecohencap Please like, comment, review, and subscribe!

Embark on a profound exploration of authentic leadership in the newest episode of 'The Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts.' Hosted by Blake Cohen, this episode features the expertise of Klifton Fehr, LMHC, an Organizational and Leadership Coach. Together, they unravel the intricacies of fostering an authentic workplace environment, delving into what it truly means to lead with heart. In this insightful conversation, discover the transformative power of bringing curiosity to every coaching and consulting situation. Klifton shares wisdom on bringing out the best in others by embracing our authentic selves and employing a coaching style centered on inquiry rather than directives. The discussion extends to the ethical dimensions of coaching, emphasizing the importance of making recommendations grounded in a deeper understanding of the underlying issues. Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of authentic leadership, where actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions pave the way for creating workplaces that thrive on genuine connections and ethical guidance. Don't miss this enriching episode on 'The Workplace Wonderer.' Want to connect with Klifton Fehr? Find him on LinkedIn Want to connect with Blake or be a guest on the show? Find him on LinkedIn Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave us a review!

🌟 Join us on "The Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts" as we delve into the profound topic of Organization Trauma with the incredible Dimple Dhabalia, writer, human-centered leadership coach, and founder of Roots in the Clouds. 🌱 Discover the transformative journey from vicarious trauma to holistic healing, as Dimple shares her expertise at the intersection of generational trauma and moral injury within helping professions. 🚀 Don't miss this insightful episode exploring mindful performance, positive psychology, and human-centered leadership. 🎙️ Tune in for a conversation that transcends workplace challenges and embraces the power of putting the "human" back into humanitarian work. ✨ More about Dimple Dhabalia: Dimple Dhabalia is a writer, human-centered leadership and story-healing coach, and founder of Roots in the Clouds. Using her personal experiences with vicarious trauma, moral injury, and compassion fatigue stemming from almost two decades of working in service of asylum seekers and refugees as a catalyst, Dimple launched Roots in the Clouds in 2021 with a personal mission of putting the “human” back into humanitarian work. Today, her cutting-edge work explores the intersection of generational trauma and moral injury within the context of helping professions and supports a holistic approach to addressing individual and organizational trauma using principles of mindful performance, positive psychology, and human-centered leadership. Dimple is the creator and host of two human-centered leadership and workplace culture podcasts, Service Without Sacrifice and What Would Ted Lasso Do?, and her new book, Tell Me My Story–Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self (Ambikia Media, 2024) is a message of hope, and a map to healing for all those working in service of others. You can connect with Dimple @dimpstory on Instagram and LinkedIn and follow her writing on Substack at dear humanitarian. Links: Her Company: https://www.rootsintheclouds.com Her Podcasts: https://pod.link/1720788849 https://pod.link/1620229368 Pre-order her book: https://www.rootsintheclouds.com/tmms CONNECT WITH BLAKE:   / blakecohencap   Enjoy this episode? Leave us a review! 

Anthony Meek joins the podcast as our first repeat guest to discuss what it takes to actually become an authentic leader. Anthony explains the road of introspection and the work required of us as we search to better serve our teams, communities, families, and beyond. We dive into understanding our own biases, learning emotional control, and developing an understanding of how Authentic Leadership is not really about the leader...it's about the followers.  Please enjoy this episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts! Enjoying the show? Please leave us a positive review and smash that 5 star button!

Join Niki Avraam and me on an episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series to discuss Creating an Ownership Culture. About Niki Avraam: Nikki is a legal entrepreneur pioneering a new leadership and workplace transformation era through speaking and business advice. With a legacy in employment and discrimination law, She has litigated numerous high-profile cases and founded Howat Avraam Solicitors. Her unconventional thinking has driven her to challenge the status quo in any industry. She believes that when others foster a sense of ownership in their roles, they evolve into architects of their careers, leading organizations to thrive. Niki teaches us what is an Ownership Culture, how to learn to prefer discomfort, and how to embrace the unpredictable. We hope you enjoy this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer! Learn more about Niki and/or connect with her at: https://Nikiavraam.com Want to learn what Blake is up to? You'll have to wait as his new venture relating to Leadership and Organizational Development is getting a facelift!

Join Cheryl Brown Merriwether and I on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic " Substance Use/Misuse & Employees." About Cheryl Brown Merriwether: Cheryl is the VP and Executive Director at ICARE International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education, a division of NET Institute that provides addiction awareness, prevention, and related solutions to businesses and individuals. She has over 25 years of experience as an HR Strategic Business Partner, Addiction Recovery Professional, and Adult Educator, working across various industries and sectors in the US and internationally. This episode dives into topics relating to creating a recovery-friendly workplace, how to do team building without having alcohol involved, and how to approach an employee who may be struggling with a substance use disorder. Learn more about ICARE at: www.icare-aware.org Enjoy this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer!

Join Mary Polanco, MSSL, and me for this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on Creating Effective Collaborative Cultures. About Mary Polanco: Mary Polanco is a retired Air Force Veteran, Author, experienced leadership trainer and curriculum developer. Her expertise in leadership and personal growth is evident through her hands-on approach through individualized workshops and personal one-on-one instruction. Mary's book "The Final Debrief" is available now! Here's how to find her and her book! Website: https://www.liveandleadwell.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-polanco-mssl-32a1a5176/ Book Link: https://www.liveandleadwell.org/your-final-debrief-launch

Join Andrea Parker and I on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic "Recruiting & Retaining Diversity." About Andrea Parker: Andrea Parker began her career as a teacher in international education. Andrea has taught English Language Learners in Elementary, Middle, and High School and developed and managed teacher training and professional development in the areas of SEL, Language Acquisition, and Learning Ecosystems. Currently, Andrea is working to create transformational learning experiences for adults, that lie at the intersection of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and Organizational Change. Andrea is trained as an “Immunity to Change” Coach and is the author of “A Letter to My Children”, in “Leading Educational Change During a Pandemic” Diversity is a powerful force in creative innovation processes, fostering inclusive workplaces, and forging psychological safety. Enjoy this episode of the Workplace Wonderer!

Join us on this episode of The Workplace Wonderer in which we sit down to have a conversation with the charming, Heather Lowe! Heather Lowe is the President and Founder of Ditched the Drink, a wellness company whose mission is to help professionals evaluate their relationship with alcohol to align with their highest, healthiest selves to do their greatest good. Heather has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Professional Human Resources Certificate, Yale University Certificate of Wellbeing, is a certified Life Coach and Certified Professional Recovery Coach. Heather offers private, online, digital classes, personalized coaching support, and corporate wellness consulting. Heather partners with the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Consumer Products where she recruits and mentors new coaches, develops content, and facilitates corporate training. Heather is a content creator, writer, and speaker. She has been featured in Thrive Global, Corporate Wellness Magazine, The Fix, Recovery Today Magazine, and Recovery Happy Hour. For more resources subscribe to www.ditchedthedrink.com, and follow Ditched the Drink on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Does alcohol belong in the workplace? What does a recovery friendly workplace look like? What team-building events can you do that don't revolve around alcohol? Learn it all on this week's episode of your favorite podcast, The Workplace Wonderer! Reach out to Blake @ https://NextLevelRecoveryAssociates.com

Welcome back to another episode of the Workplace Wonderer! This week's guest is the, one and only, Brian Cuban! Brian Cuban, the younger brother of Dallas Mavericks owner and entrepreneur Mark Cuban, is a Dallas-based attorney, author and addiction recovery advocate. He is a graduate of Penn State University and The University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Brian has been in long-term recovery from alcohol, cocaine and bulimia since April of 2007.  He currently resides in Dallas with his wife and two cats. Join us as Brian discusses his own personal journey of overcoming mental health concerns and substance use disorders, shares on the culture of law firms as it pertains to mental health, and what the future of mental health in the law field might look like! Learn more about Brian at BrianCuban.com Want to learn more about Blake's work: https://NextLevelRecoveryAssociates.com Enjoy another episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons from the Experts!

Join us on this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer where we welcome our guest, Greg Mazzeo, in discussing Inclusive Leadership. Greg sheds light on what it means to become an inclusive leader, develop an inclusive workplace, and offers insight into why inclusivity is more relevant today than ever! Please enjoy this important and enlightening conversation with Gregory Mazzeo. Want to learn more about Blake's organization? Check out: https://NextLevelRecoveryAssociates.com

Join Brian Wall and I on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series where we discuss the topic of "The Loyalty Fallacy". About Brian Wall: Brian possess over two decades of expertise in steering individuals and teams to advance clinical objectives. He's a leader in the implementation of innovative clinical programs and initiatives that holistically address behavioral health and addiction issues. Brian and I discuss knowing our own worth and understanding when it's time for us to move on from a position that we've outgrown or that's not right for us any longer. Brian is an expert clinician and an all around fantastic person. Enjoy this episode of the Workplace Wonderer!

Join Marsha Stone and I on this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic: Authentic Leadership in Behavioral Health. About Marsha Stone: Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the health and wellness industry. Skilled in Leadership, Growth, Crisis Intervention, Family Therapy, Case Management, and Prevention. Strong business and brand development professional with a Doctor of Law (JD) focused in Law from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Marsha is now the founder of Foundation Stone Family of Programs and is always seeking to provide excellent, state-of-the-art behavioral healthcare to those that need it most! The first time I got to see Marsha Stone speak she was discussing the topic of Authentic Leadership. If you know me, this is a topic that makes me giddy so I was on the edge of my seat throughout her whole presentation. What made it so special, however, wasn't the data she presented. She stood on stage in her truth and walked the walk of authentic leadership. She was vulnerable and heart-open. Even more special, though, was seeing some of her team-members in the audience agreeing with everything she said. It was clear she was up there being truly authentic. Authentic leadership is about being true to ourselves, our emotions, our mission, and "followers". This style of leadership creates bonds that go beyond the standard leader/follower relationship because authenticity is at the root of what connects us all. To learn more about Blake's company, Next Level Recovery Associates Inc, check out: NextLevelRA.com

Join Brandi Derr and I on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic: The Black Leadership Female Experience. About Brandi Derr: Dr. Brandi Derr is the Director of the Leadership PsyD program at William James College and is the founder of Cosmos Consulting. Dr. Derr is an Organizational Psychologist that provides all levels of leadership and team development, organizational assessment and intervention, and change management. This conversation with Dr. Derr is one of my favorites and is, probably, one of the most candid and open discussions we've had to date. This episode is packed with gems and golden nuggets of information pertaining to what it truly means to be an inclusive and diverse organization, how to handle diversity related situations, and how having empathy is at the root of inclusivity.  To learn more about Blake's company, Next Level Recovery Associates Inc, Check out: https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com/workplaceservices To learn more about Dr. Brandi Derr's organization, Cosmos Consulting, Check out: https://cosmosconsulting.info

Join Ryan S. Gallik 🧠 (He/Him) and I on this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic: Happiness as a Leader. About Ryan Gallik: After working nearly two decades as a Firefighter/ Paramedic, Ryan discovered that the lack of focus on mental hygiene directly has human and financial impacts. During his tenure in Public Safety, he learned that suicide is the leading cause of death among first responders; also learning that 132 people die by suicide daily in the United States. he responded to calls where people were experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and even suicidal ideations. He opted to retire from the Fire Service and become an Entrepreneur, Author, Professional Speaker, Trainer and Strategic Partner; to share his passion and knowledge on how to be resilient, mindful and empower on how to get away from the syndromes and into the strategies of being happy and healthy. This conversation discusses how find the elusive happiness, contentment vs. happiness, and a leader's role in inspiring happiness amongst their teams. Please enjoy this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer! To learn more about Ryan's Company go to:  https://mentalhygieneproject.com/ To learn more about how Next Level can help your organization, go to: https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com/workplaceservices

Join Matt Cardone and I on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic: Meditation and It’s Power for Employees. About Matt Cardone: Matt Cardone is a transformational leader focused on creating positive change through collaboration, gathering insights, and strategic planning to enable flawless execution with Advanced Recovery Systems. Matt details his experience of traveling through India, overcoming addiction, moving towards mastering meditation, and what life looks like for him today after leaving corporate America and transitioning to teaching others in the workplace the benefits of meditation. Learn more about Blake's company at: https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com/workplaceservices

Join Allison Stark and I on this episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic: No One Size Fits All Approach To Global Wellness. About Allison Stark: Allison Stark is the Senior Manager of Global Wellness at Hewlett-Packard Enterprises. She is an HR professional with over twenty years of experience in the areas of global wellness design, benefits administration, client and vendor implementation, program management, vendor management and consulting. This conversation is a great one! Imagine operating a wellness program globally across dozens of countries, cultures, and 60K+ employees!  We hope you enjoy this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer! To learn more about what Blake's company does with workplaces, please visit: https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com/workplaceservices

Join Priscilla Torres, M.S. and I on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic Navigating Generational Differences at Work! About Priscilla Torres, MS: Priscilla Torres is a dynamic HR professional with over 15 years’ experience mostly working in the healthcare, nonprofit and automotive companies. She has proven success in creating cultures of teamwork and implementing change to achieve organizational excellence. Priscilla currently serves as the Human Resources Executive for Health Choice Network, Inc. a non-profit healthcare organization that provides services to Community Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers across the nation. Priscilla maintains a part-time appointment as an Adjunct Faculty Professor at Broward College and as a speaker and trainer for speaking engagements, HR conferences and more. Listen carefully as Priscilla beautifully guides us through a minefield of generational differences at work. Enjoy! To learn more about Blake's Company, check out: https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com

Join Enin Rudel and Blake Cohen on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic of Facing the Difficult Conversations with Grace! About Enin Rudel, Dr. Enin Rudel holds a PsyD. in Organizational Leadership Psychology with a concentration in the Neuroscience of Leadership, and an MSW in Clinical Social work. As an organizational psychologist, through the use of dialogic practices, he creates space for employees to bring their authentic selves into the workplace. He is a thought leader, and an innovator in DEI. Dr. Rudel’s approaches are rooted in emotional intelligence and his award-winning, publication titled: “Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Social Architecture, and Black Male Leadership”, offered the first resource for global DEI leaders on how to elevate retention and leadership of Black male executives. The ability to have a difficult conversation, especially at work, is a key ability of a leader. Difficult conversations range from simple disagreements on how to solve problems to much larger, racially charged, discussions that can affect the entire organization's ability to function appropriately. Enjoy this engaging convo with Dr. Enin Rudel! More information on Blake's company at: https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com