Hope @Work

In this episode of Hope @Work, I sit down with Blake Cason: professional rock climber, coach, and founder of Pivot Wellness.  Blake brings a unique perspective shaped by time on mountains and in meetings, including previous work with the World Health Organization in Africa and her current work coaching high performing teams. We discuss her philosophy of “getting to the next edge,” why curiosity is a muscle worth building, and how team dynamics can unlock performance in ways most organizations overlook. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the size of the climb ahead, this conversation offers a practical (and powerful) way forward.

In this episode, Marcus engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Aoife O'Brien, founder of "Happier at Work." Aoife shares her journey from the corporate world to creating a framework for thriving talent, inspired by her own experiences with workplace culture and leadership. They delve into the importance of psychological safety, the evolving role of AI in the workplace, and the pervasive nature of imposter syndrome. Join them as they explore how to foster environments where individuals can truly excel and find fulfillment in their work. And be sure to pick up her new book Thriving Talent, which is already on the Irish Times Bestsellers list!

What if you could increase innovation by 48% or boost profits by 21% - not through technology or strategy, but through empathy? In this episode of Hope @Work, I sit down with Mimi Nicklin, one of the world’s leading voices on empathy, to unpack the growing “empathy deficit” and what it means for organizations today. Mimi challenges the idea that empathy is a “soft” skill, reframing it as a measurable, trainable capability that drives performance and connection at scale. She also explores a surprising frontier: the role AI can play in demonstrating empathy and what that means for HR leaders designing the next generation of employee experiences. You’ll walk away with practical, actionable ways to build empathy starting immediately, including an understanding of why listening may be the most underdeveloped leadership skill today.

While recent headlines highlight layoffs at large companies like UPS, Amazon and Intel, far less attention is paid to the employees who remain.  Fiona Jamison, VP of Research and People Analytics at People Results shares research and insight into the often overlooked “survivor” experience.  We explore the hidden productivity tax resulting from layoffs, whether AI is actually the reason for recent reductions and the long-term implications for employer brand.  Fiona also highlights what good looks like when communicating a layoff, and what organizations can do to restore trust and hope after difficult workforce decisions.

Most people settle for unfulfilled potential, but in this episode, Rob Dubin explains how to intentionally design a life defined by purpose, resilience, and growth. Despite personal challenges that started when he was young, he chose to treat life as an adventure, which included spending 17 years sailing to more than 100 countries.  He worked alongside billionaires and former presidents, studying happiness and fulfilment along the way.  Rob shares hard-earned lessons on adaptability, grit, and the principle that “how you do one thing is how you do everything.” We explore practical strategies for building resilience in yourself and your teams, aligning strengths, passions, and market needs through the concept of Ikigai, and helping the next generation pursue fulfillment over mere compensation. If you’re navigating change, leading others, or seeking deeper meaning in your work, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about success and equip you to turn everyday challenges into powerful opportunities for growth.

On this first episode of Season 3, John Bernatovicz, author of HR Like a Boss and founder of HR consultancy Willory, engages in a fascinating conversation about the evolution of the HR profession.  John maintains that the HR discipline continues to be one of the most misunderstood functions in any organization, while Marcus suggests that the main focus of HR is moving from the workforce to work itself.  They both agree that the adoption of technology and in particular AI will be transformative for the profession.  Join this wide-ranging conversation to learn how HR leaders can plan and prepare for the future of work.

In this new season of the Hope @Work Podcast, Marcus Mossberger speaks with Lindsey Caplan about what he believes is the biggest challenge in every organization: communication. Lindsey is a screenwriter-turned-organizational psychologist who helps companies like Shell, Airtable, GE, and CrowdStrike influence at scale. As the founder of The Gathering Effect, she works with HR, Comms, and business leaders to design group experiences that don’t just inform—but actually move people. With 20 years of experience across Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and global consulting, Lindsey blends storytelling, behavioral science, and adult learning to spark behavior change, build buy-in, and create lasting engagement. Her work has been featured in Fast Company and Talent Management Magazine, and she’s spoken at over 50 events on the power of one-to-many influence. Her forthcoming book explores what it really takes to move a room—whether you're leading a training, a town hall, or a transformation. Want to significantly improve the impact of your Town Halls, All-Hands Meetings and other forms of corporate communication? Then this is the episode for you.

Kevin Monroe shares how his journey from personal despair led to a global movement focused on hope and gratitude, revealing how interactive experiences—not lectures—can rapidly boost hope, restore agency, and transform workplace culture.

This episode dives deep into the evolving role of leaders in the era of AI. Ken Roden joins Marcus Mossberger to explore how trust, adaptability, and human-centered leadership are critical in guiding employees through AI’s transformative impact on work. Together, they discuss how AI can free leaders to focus on authentic relationships and creative thinking, ultimately redefining what effective leadership looks like in the future of work.

What if we could do in 10 hours what used to take us 40? Inspired by Bill Gates’ bold prediction of a two-day work week within the next decade, Marcus and Brett take a deep dive into how advancements in AI and automation are reshaping the most valuable resource we have: time. This episode explores what that future could look like—from reducing burnout to rethinking how we measure productivity—and the moral, cultural, and personal implications of a world where more is done with less.

In this episode of Hope @Work, Brett Waikart joins the conversation to explore the evolving relationship between AI and the human workforce. As technology reshapes the way we work, Brett shares insights on balancing innovation with human connection, the skills that remain essential in an AI-driven world, and how we can adapt while staying true to our purpose. Whether you're excited about AI or uncertain about its impact, this episode offers a hopeful perspective on the future of work.

Hope isn’t just a feeling - it’s a strategy for resilience, motivation, and success in the workplace. In this episode, Dr. Katina Sawyer, professor, researcher, and author, explores how hope functions as an active force in leadership, shaping workplace culture and driving meaningful progress. We’ll dive into the psychology of hope, its distinction from optimism, and practical ways leaders can cultivate a hopeful environment where individuals and teams thrive. Tune in for insights on agency, autonomy, and the power of collective hope in today’s ever-changing work landscape.

The way we find and fill jobs is evolving fast, and AI is at the center of it. In this episode, Marcus Mossberger and Brett Waikart, CEO of Skillfully, dive into the challenges of modern hiring, the rise of AI-powered workplace simulations, and why traditional resumes may soon be a thing of the past. Whether you're a job seeker or an employer, this conversation will help you navigate the new hiring landscape with confidence.

Join Dr. Patricia Grabarek as she and Marcus discuss the intersection of leadership, wellness, and authenticity in the workplace. From exploring the nuances of her groundbreaking "Leading for Wellness" framework to addressing challenges like burnout and work-life balance, this episode highlights practical strategies for creating environments where employees thrive. Dr. Grabarek also introduces her book that she co-wrote, titled, Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives. Tune in for an engaging conversation on how to build positive and productive team cultures.

In this episode of Hope @Work, Marcus welcomes Julianna Bootsman, Chief Spiritual Officer, and Greg Nuk, Founder, from Copper Teams to explore how love can redefine team success. Julianna shares how tapping into the spirit of individuals drives exponential growth, while Greg highlights how AI strengthens team alignment and effectiveness. Together, they reveal how businesses can foster well-being, empathy, and innovation by enhancing team dynamics with their software.

Discover how Melissa Painter, founder of Breakthru Microbreaks, is transforming the workplace with micro-movement breaks. Learn how two-minute resets can boost creativity, reduce burnout, and redefine productivity.

In this episode, Louisa Nedkov discusses the power of compassion, the difference between joy and happiness, and how organizations can create a culture of kindness that endures beyond fleeting moments of delight.

As organizations face an evolving workforce, Dr. Emily Yarrow discusses the pivotal role of generational, cultural, and technological changes in shaping an equitable workplace for all. Tune in to learn how leaders can inspire hope and build bridges across differences.

In this episode, Niluka Kavanagh, ex-Oxford scholar, ex-KPMG professional, 3x founder, international speaker, YouTube host and founder of Imagine That: The Business School for Nomadic Entrepreneurs, shares her journey from corporate success to becoming a nomadic entrepreneur. Niluka offers insights on designing a career that integrates work, life and travel. She dives into actionable steps to build location freedom, cultivate bravery, and launch an online services business. Don’t miss Niluka's resources mentioned during the podcast: Join over 700+ people by subscribing to her weekly newsletter. Download the Imagine That Guide. Join the waitlist for the next cohort of her Academy, launching early 2025. Discover how to break boundaries and build a career without limits!

In this episode, Dan Schoepf shares insights from his extensive career in sales and leadership, emphasizing the importance of positive communication, creative problem-solving, and finding value in every interaction. From life lessons about maintaining optimism to practical strategies for successful sales, Dan provides wisdom and humor as he discusses the human side of business.

In this Hope @Work podcast, Cory Scheer shares the bold steps he took to establish TrustCentric Consulting, a company dedicated to enhancing trust within organizations. Listen as Cory explains how trust can transform leadership and workplace culture, making it a cornerstone for organizational success. Explore the key insights from Cory’s book, "Closing the Trust Gap," as he discusses how his theoretical framework and practical examples can help leaders and organizations bridge trust gaps and cultivate a high-trust environment.

In this episode, Marcus interviews Ollie Henderson, an expert in the intersection of work and personal life, to explore a transformative approach to performance management. They discuss how giving employees the autonomy to showcase their own work can significantly enhance visibility and lead to more accurate and fair evaluations. This conversation delves into the challenges of traditional top-down performance management systems and how empowering employees can foster a culture of trust and accountability. They also touch on the role of AI in reducing data overload and helping individuals curate their contributions effectively. Join Marcus and Ollie as they uncover practical strategies for creating a work environment where autonomy and accountability coexist harmoniously.

In this episode of Hope @Work, Marcus welcomes Dusty Duistermars, a seasoned expert in commercial real estate with over 20 years of experience. Together, they explore the profound changes in the commercial real estate sector brought about by the pandemic. Dusty shares insights into the shifting dynamics of office space utilization, the rise of hybrid work models, and opportunities in converting commercial spaces to residential and retail purposes. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of work and real estate.

Are you a new manager trying to figure out how to keep your best people? Counterintuitively, the key is to give them opportunities to grow beyond your team. In this episode of the Hope @Work podcast, Marcus speaks with Al Dea, Founder of The Edge of Work. They discuss the need to be an advocate and developer of talent, including the encouragement of side hustles and project work that enables them to expand their skills and experiences. Aligning people with work that they find meaningful, motivating them based on their personal preferences and supporting their long-term pursuits will actually help you develop a reputation of someone who cares - giving you the ability to attract new talent while promoting your people.

In this episode of the Hope @Work Podcast, Marcus interviews Joe O’Conner, CEO of Work Time Reduction. As the name implies, Joe is a proponent of working less hours while maintaining the same business outcomes (and employee pay). This will require a complete redesign of how humanity works. He has worked with organizations all over the world to help them run trails, with 95% of them choosing to maintain shorter hours after the trail. Employees report being happier and healthier, while employers find it easier to attract and retain talent. Most importantly, productivity stays the same or even increases. So what impact will new technologies like Generative AI have on our work hours? And when will the four day week become the norm? Listen and find out!

In this episode of the Hope @Work podcast, host Marcus Mossberger sits down with Max Fisher, a Product Manager at Infor, to explore the evolving landscape of work culture. The conversation delves into the nuances of generational differences, the shift from work-life balance to work-life integration, and the transformative potential of generative AI in the workplace. Max's insights offer a fresh perspective on how technology and personalized work environments can create more fulfilling and productive careers. Tune in for an engaging discussion that highlights the future of work and the importance of finding purpose in what you do.

Join Marcus and leadership coach Natalie Fine as they delve into the critical need for preparing the next generation of leaders in today's multifaceted workforce. Natalie shares her insights on developing leadership skills, fostering inclusive cultures, and the importance of emotional intelligence in modern management. With her extensive experience spanning public relations, tech giants, and professional services firms, Natalie offers a unique perspective on empowering individuals and organizations to thrive. Tune in to learn how to unleash talent, lead with purpose, and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.

In this episode of the Hope @Work podcast, Marcus welcomes Paul Boatman, the head of science at Infor Talent Science. Paul, an industrial and organizational psychologist, shares his journey and role at Infor, where he focuses on improving the relationship between people and their work through behavioral assessments. They delve into the importance of characteristics like humility in predicting job performance and the potential of integrating generative AI with behavioral profiles to enhance workplace interactions and coaching. Join them for a fascinating conversation on the intersection of psychology, data, and technology in the modern workplace.

Join Marcus Mossberger on the Hope @Work podcast as he engages with a diverse array of industry leaders and experts. Each episode offers valuable insights into innovative work practices, the integration of technology, and the evolving dynamics of the workplace. From exploring flexible work models and the psychology of hope to discussing the future of leadership and employee engagement, this trail brings together thought-provoking conversations aimed at reshaping and enhancing the modern work environment. Tune in to gain actionable ideas and inspiration for creating a fulfilling and productive workplace.