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This Meeting Should Have Been a Podcast

This Meeting Should Have Been a Podcast

By: WRKdefined Podcast Network
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 Ever zoned out in a meeting and thought, this could’ve been a podcast? Same. That’s why we made one. This is the place where two Toms bring decades of HR and business experience to the mic, minus the corporate snooze-fest. We talk about the weird, messy, hilarious, and frustrating realities of work: culture clashes, leadership struggles, and the HR questions you secretly Google at 2am. With candid guest conversations, plenty of laughs, and insights that actually translate to real life, we’re here to prove work talk doesn’t have to be boring. Think of us as your meeting antidote — one part entertainment, one part inspiration, all parts “finally worth my time.”All rights reserved by WRKdefined Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Holiday Episode: Christine Mikhail & Change Resilience

    Holiday Episode: Christine Mikhail & Change Resilience
    Dec 23 2025
    In this engaging conversation, Christine Mikhail shares her journey as an entrepreneur who launched her consulting business during the pandemic. She discusses the importance of change resilience in organizations, especially in the context of the rapid changes brought about by COVID-19. Christine emphasizes the need for a psychological approach to change management, highlighting the emotional aspects that often go unaddressed. The discussion also covers various methodologies for managing change, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and the importance of future-proofing organizational culture. The conversation concludes with reflections on accountability within organizations, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding SHRM. Takeaways Christine Mikhail launched her consulting business during the pandemic. Change resilience focuses on the human aspect of change management. Organizations often overlook the emotional impact of change. AI can help alleviate mundane tasks, allowing for more creativity. Future-proofing culture involves aligning AI adoption with organizational values. Compounded change affects both personal and professional lives. Effective change management requires addressing psychological readiness. The stages of grief can be applied to understanding change. Organizations need to communicate effectively to avoid misunderstandings. Debate and healthy dialogue are essential in organizational settings. Guest Bio Christine Mikhail is an accomplished entrepreneur, organizational strategist, and certified change practitioner with a distinguished career transforming workplaces across industries. As the founder of Mikhail Consulting Group, established in 2020, Mikhail has spent the past five years partnering with leading organizations to design agile structures, cultivate adaptive cultures, and drive sustainable transformation. A trusted advisor to C-suite executives and HR leaders, Mikhail brings deep expertise in organizational design, structure, and change management, helping companies navigate complex transformations with clarity and measurable impact. Leveraging her PROSCI certification and years of hands-on experience, Mikhail developed a proprietary six-week change course—a high-impact group coaching program that equips leaders and teams with the mindset, skills, and tools to confidently lead through change. Mikhail’s thought leadership extends beyond the boardroom. As an adjunct professor, Mikhail has taught graduate-level courses in talent development focusing on performance management & employee life cycle, shaping the next generation of organizational leaders. Mikhail is also a recognized national conference speaker, having delivered keynotes and sessions at Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology conferences across the United States. Her speaking engagements focus on the evolving workplace, leadership through transformation, and the strategic role of AI in shaping organizational culture and performance. Links Mikhail Consulting Group Personal LinkedIn Business LinkedIn YouTube Channel Keywords change management, resilience, organizational development, AI, consulting, pandemic, transformation, culture, leadership, emotional intelligence Chapter list: 00:00 Introduction to Change Resilience 05:04 Christine's Journey: Launching a Business During COVID 06:09 Understanding Change Resilience vs. Change Management 16:46 The Intersection of Organizational Psychology and Change Management 25:38 Future-Proofing Work Culture with AI 30:13 The Constant of Change 33:27 Compounded Change and Its Effects 37:05 Generational Perspectives on Change 38:20 Navigating Workplace Politics 41:29 Lessons from SHRM's Controversy 45:01 The Future of Meetings and AI 51:06 END
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    51 mins
  • No More Pretending: Leadership, AI Bias, and the Search for Home

    No More Pretending: Leadership, AI Bias, and the Search for Home
    Dec 1 2025
    In this engaging conversation, Tom Horne and Tom Schin welcome Kat Kibben, owner of Three Ears Media and author of 'The Bounce Back Factor.' They explore the evolving landscape of recruitment, the impact of AI on hiring practices, and the importance of navigating uncertainty with confidence. Kat shares their insights on leadership, bias in hiring, and the significance of community in fostering effective work environments. The discussion also touches on personal growth through experiences like van life and the essence of finding a place that feels like home. Kat emphasizes that true leadership involves self-awareness and the ability to connect with others, ultimately aiming to create a positive impact in both professional and personal spheres. Our Guest: Katrina Kibben (KAT) is a leadership speaker, author, and the founder of Three Ears Media. They are known for transforming how companies attract great talent and build a healthy team culture. With 15+ years of experience at globally recognized brands like Monster.com and Randstad Worldwide, Katrina shares weekly reflections on leadership, work, and well-being in their newsletter each week at katrinakibben.com. A LinkedIn Top Voice on Hiring featured in The New York Times and Forbes, Katrina is also the author of This Was All An Accident and The Bounce Back Factor, The Leader's Guide To Liking Yourself While Leading Your People. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben/ Web site: https://threeearsmedia.com/ Book: http://thebouncebackfactorbook.com/ Takeaways Leadership is not an autonomous act; it requires community. Failure should not hold as much power as it does. Navigating uncertainty with confidence is essential for a happy life. Defining what 'good' means in hiring can mitigate bias. AI cannot remove bias; it reflects the data it is trained on. The importance of self-awareness in leadership and personal growth. Home is a place where you feel deeply safe. The journey of van life taught valuable lessons about uncertainty. Building connections is crucial in both personal and professional life. The goal of businesses should be to improve lives, not just profits. Keywords recruiting, candidate experience, AI, bias, leadership, uncertainty, personal growth, The Bounce Back Factor, Kat Kibben, Three Ears Media Additional Web Links and references: As always, a BIG thank you to The Break Signals: https://breaksignals.com/home for sharing their musical talents with us. Horne’s Hat: https://www.thelittlemoontravelers.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:11 The World of Recruiting and Candidate Experience 05:01 The Impact of AI on Recruitment 10:03 Navigating Bias in Hiring 14:04 Defining Success in Recruitment 18:02 AI and Bias: A Double-Edged Sword 23:58 Kat's Journey and Book Insights 28:46 Exploring the Concept of Home 37:46 The Bounce Back Factor: Leadership and Community 44:09 Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence
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    52 mins
  • The Basics of Workplace Experience: More Than Just Bagels

    The Basics of Workplace Experience: More Than Just Bagels
    Nov 11 2025
    In this episode, hosts Tom Schin and Tom Horne engage with Christine Miller, Chief eXperience Officer at the eXperience Group, to explore the multifaceted concept of workplace experience. They discuss the importance of the basics in creating a positive work environment, the often-overlooked significance of conference room design, and the need for frictionless office experiences. The conversation also touches on the impact of data-driven design, the challenges of returning to the office, and the emerging trend of 'job hugging' among employees. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize the critical role of awareness and intentionality in fostering a healthy workplace culture. Key Takeaways: Workplace experience goes beyond just benefits and compensation. The basics, like cleanliness and functionality, are crucial for employee satisfaction. Conference room experiences are often overlooked but can significantly impact productivity. Data analysis can inform better workplace design and employee engagement strategies. Creating frictionless environments is essential for encouraging employees to return to the office. Job hugging reflects a culture problem in many organizations. Awareness of employee needs and experiences is vital for engagement. Companies should invest in their employees to retain top talent. Effective communication and organization are key in meetings. The physical workspace should facilitate collaboration and connection among employees. Guest: Christine Miller Founder & Chief eXperience Officer of The eXperience Group. Her expertise lies in elevating employee experience from the Real Estate and Facilities Operations space. Formally trained in interior design, Christine’s career has spanned project management, corporate workplace strategy and change management, hospitality leadership, and workplace operations. She brings a people-first philosophy to every project, helping organizations create spaces and experiences that feel connected, intentional, and frictionless. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-miller-7623917/ Web sites: https://www.experienceconsultinggroup.com/ https://christine-miller-s-school5.teachable.com/p/hospitality-crash-course- Thank you to the Break Signals for your awesome music! Give them a listen at: https://breaksignals.com/home Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup 00:11 Introducing Christine Miller and Workplace Experience 01:56 Understanding Workplace Experience 06:04 The Importance of Conference Room Experience 09:39 Challenges in Workplace Design 15:54 The Role of Data in Workplace Strategy 19:42 Case Studies in Real Estate Optimization 25:49 Return to Office Strategies and Employee Engagement 27:52 Engagement and Employee Experience 30:53 Awareness in Corporate Culture 35:51 Communication and Meeting Dynamics 40:51 Job Security and Employee Sentiment
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    50 mins
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