Episodes

  • Episode 196: The Resilience Face-Off: Street Smarts Meets Sloan MIT Smarts

    Episode 196: The Resilience Face-Off: Street Smarts Meets Sloan MIT Smarts
    Jun 9 2025
    In this episode, Bob ‘n Joyce dive into how to create and sustain organizational resiliency—a must-have competency in today’s fast-changing business world. We kick things off with a little game we call “learning.” First, we share our personal and professional takes on what makes a workplace truly resilient. Then, in the next episode, we’ll check in with the experts at MIT Sloan Management Review to see how our perspectives stack up. Some of the ideas we unpack today: • Getting real about the challenge • Community – We are ‘in this’ together • Focusing on excellence and winning • Embracing risk—and yes, learning from failure So grab a snack, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. And hey, we’d love to hear your take on resiliency too.
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    20 mins
  • Episode 195: Flugidity Revisited: Why We’re Still Talking About Structure vs. Flexibility Back by popular demand… or maybe just our own curiosity.

    Episode 195: Flugidity Revisited: Why We’re Still Talking About Structure vs. Flexibility Back by popular demand… or maybe just our own curiosity.
    Jun 3 2025
    After we hit “stop” on our last episode, Tight Ship or Jazz Band?, we realized the conversation wasn’t over. The tension between discipline and flexibility kept tugging at us — and stirred up a few stories (and laughs) we hadn’t yet shared. So we’re back, diving deeper into the power and pitfalls of routine, the magic of improvisation, and why finding that balance matters more than ever in today’s workplace. In this follow-up episode, Bob ‘n Joyce: • Unpack why some habits feel safe but may be limiting innovation • Talk about real-life moments when “flugidity” made all the difference • Explore how leaders can create cultures that flex without falling apart • Challenge listeners to reexamine what structure they’re clinging to — and why Whether you’re running a tight ship or playing in a jazz band, this encore conversation is for anyone trying to lead with more ease, creativity, and courage.
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    12 mins
  • Episode 0: Welcome to the Bob 'n Joyce Talk HR 'n OD Podcast!

    Episode 0: Welcome to the Bob 'n Joyce Talk HR 'n OD Podcast!
    Nov 9 2020
    Welcome to the Bob 'n Joyce Talk HR 'n OD Podcast. Meet us, find our why we are doing this podcast, and what our hope is for you, our listeners. Don't forget to review us on Apple Podcasts, and to check out our Facebook page by searching for bobnjoyce. View more information at www.bobnjoyce.com.
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    2 mins
  • Episode 194: Tight Ship or Jazz Band? Finding Balance in Today’s Workplace

    Episode 194: Tight Ship or Jazz Band? Finding Balance in Today’s Workplace
    May 22 2025
    Bob ‘n Joyce riff on how much structure is too much — and when it’s time to improvise. In this episode, they dive into the ongoing tug-of-war between discipline and flexibility — habits that create stability vs. the adaptability that sparks innovation. Once upon a time, businesses prized routine, rituals, and predictability. But in today’s fast-moving world, research suggests agility and openness may be even more crucial. So, which is it? The truth may lie somewhere in the messy, magical middle. In this episode, Bob ‘n Joyce: • Coin a new word: flugidity – the courage to challenge routines that no longer serve the business • Reveal how rigid habits and SOPs can create dangerous blind spots • Explore what’s changed in the workplace to shift the balance toward flexibility • Talk about the magic of mastering your craft and dancing in the moment If your weekly ritual includes tuning in to us — well, that’s one habit we fully support. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s jump in.
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    25 mins
  • Episode 193: Beyond Ping Pong Tables: How to Build a Culture of Care

    Episode 193: Beyond Ping Pong Tables: How to Build a Culture of Care
    May 9 2025
    In this episode, Bob ‘n Joyce explore what it really takes to create a workplace where people thrive — and it’s a lot more than free snacks and ping pong tables. They dive into the idea of on-site wellness centers, where employees can unplug, recharge, and access real support. Imagine a workplace that offers: ✅ Manicures and massage therapy ✅ On-site counseling for burnout or stress ✅ Flu and COVID shots without leaving the office ✅ Yoga, dance, and meditation sessions Bob ‘n Joyce make the case that this isn’t a far-out fantasy. Companies like SAS Institute in Cary, NC, have been doing it for over 40 years — and it’s a big reason they consistently rank among the best places to work in America. Tune in for fresh ideas on how your company can move beyond surface perks and start building a true culture of care. Come on in, grab a snack, and welcome!
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    18 mins
  • Episode 192: The Chosen Few: A Talent Strategy That’s Holding You Back

    Episode 192: The Chosen Few: A Talent Strategy That’s Holding You Back
    May 2 2025
    In this episode, Bob ’n Joyce explore the common practice of relying on the same group of people—time and again—to get important work done. Joyce calls them the “spoiled brats,” while Bob refers to them as the “usual suspects” or “chosen ones.” The problem? This habit unintentionally sidelines the talent in waiting—the wild cards and up-and-comers—who miss out on critical development opportunities. We dive into practical ways to tap the full potential of your organization by broadening access to special projects and growth experiences beyond the usual favorites. In this episode: • Eye-opening stories about the surprising success of newbies and wild cards • A breakdown of a common flaw in talent planning that keeps this pattern alive • Why hands-on project work often beats traditional training for impact If your company is stuck picking from the same short list—and it's holding you back—this episode is your wake-up call. So pull up a chair, grab your favorite snack, and let’s shake things up together.
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    22 mins
  • Episode 191: Creating Islands of Sanity in the Chaos – Part 2

    Episode 191: Creating Islands of Sanity in the Chaos – Part 2
    Apr 24 2025
    In today’s episode, Bob ‘n Joyce pick up where they left off in episode 185, diving deeper into how leaders can navigate turbulent and unsettling times with intention and heart. The key? Leaders must first ground themselves before engaging in conversations about what the business needs to move forward. But how do you get grounded? Where do you start, and with whom? And how can leaders truly support their teams—not just to survive, but to thrive? Here are a few hints to guide the discussion: • Start by scanning the environment before jumping into action. • Never underestimate the power of a meaningful conversation. • Speak the truth—sugarcoating doesn’t soothe, truth does. • Counter exhaustion by encouraging play and nurturing the system. Like episode 185, there are no neat bows here—just real, practical ideas to chew on. So come on in. Grab a soothing snack or beverage. Welcome!
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    30 mins
  • Episode 190: Getting Unstuck with Ernesto Gómez Arzapalo – OD Expert, Author, Academic, Entrepreneur... and All-Around Great Human

    Episode 190: Getting Unstuck with Ernesto Gómez Arzapalo – OD Expert, Author, Academic, Entrepreneur... and All-Around Great Human
    Apr 14 2025
    In this episode, Bob 'n Joyce sit down with someone who really knows how to spark transformation from the inside out—Ernesto Gómez Arzapalo. He’s worn a lot of hats—OD consultant, c-suite exec, academic, serial entrepreneur—and somehow manages to still be one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Ernesto brings the kind of wisdom you only get from decades in the trenches—leading people-first cultural overhauls for companies with tens of thousands of employees, while also launching his own ventures and guest lecturing at a top-tier business school. We dig into the ideas behind his new book, Regrowth – How Organizations Can Overcome Stalling by Unlocking Their People's Potential, and trust us: this isn’t your typical corporate jargon. Ernesto drops practical, sometimes surprising insights that can help any organization—or individual—get unstuck and thrive. This convo is full of stories, laughter, and that rare mix of head and heart. You’ll hear how Ernesto helped shift cultures inside massive companies, why unlocking human potential isn’t just HR’s job, and how his journey from Mexico to MIT continues to shape his work and life. So grab a coffee. Maybe a snack. And come hang out with us—you’ll leave this one with a full brain and a full heart. 🎧 Listen in and learn: • Why most culture change efforts fall flat—and how to do it differently • What it really means to lead through ambiguity • How to move from stuck to thriving (yes, it’s possible) • Why Ernesto believes in “regrowth,” not just “growth” ✨ Connect with Ernesto: •Website : aspenmindset1.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernesto-gómez-arzapalo-8783ab43/
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    41 mins