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