This Meeting Should Have Been a Podcast Podcast By WRKdefined Podcast Network cover art

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
  • Season 2 Kickoff: Embracing AI, Trends, Tools, and Talent Insights

    Season 2 Kickoff: Embracing AI, Trends, Tools, and Talent Insights
    Mar 24 2026
    In this engaging episode, Tom and Tom explore the latest trends in remote work, AI in recruitment, workplace culture, and upcoming industry insights. They share personal stories, discuss innovative tools like Ro.am, and preview exciting guests for season two. Keywords: remote work, AI recruitment, workplace culture, hybrid work, industry trends, talent acquisition, digital office, work from anywhere, season two, workplace technology Topics Hybrid work evolution and tools like RoamAI in recruitment and resume screening biasesWorkplace culture and employee engagementUpcoming guests and industry insights Upcoming guest list: Jeffrey Shapiro https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyshapir0/ Claire Stroh https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairestroh/ Kevin Schaff https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinschaff/ Sound bites: "Top performers often have big egos" "Gen Z leads coffee badging" "Swag is about execution and impact" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Season Kickoff 01:17 Holiday Highlights and New Year Reflections 02:37 Early 2026 Work Achievements and Goals 04:20 Current Client Trends and Workplace Fears 05:49 Handling Top Performers and Workplace Behavior 08:31 Addressing Past Leadership Oversights 09:31 The Rise of Hybrid Work and Digital Office Tools 12:16 The Phenomenon of Coffee Badging and Generational Trends 15:32 Innovations in Digital Workspaces and Employee Engagement 20:22 The Future of Workplace Technology and AI Integration 24:41 Using AI to Screen Resumes and Candidate Bias 29:05 The Impact of AI on Resume Classification and Bias 32:36 Upcoming Guests and Industry Insights 34:59 Dealing with AI and Robotics Fears in Business 36:42 Swag and Promotional Strategies in Business 39:49 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes Links: Speakpipe - https://www.speakpipe.com/ThisMeetingShouldHaveBeen The Break Signals - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0N7XL0GhzD4xNtzoqhfcxR?si=WdxdLqorT3KgFd9Ues66cwRo.am
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    42 mins
  • 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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    53 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
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