The New Way We Work

Innovating for impact: how this Alabama-based tech institute fuels biosciences discovery Oct 04, 2024

Alabama’s ecosystem of innovation is built on the strength of its entrepreneurs, workforce, policymakers, and community leaders. Leading economic development at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Carter Wells has long worked at the intersection of these stakeholders, fueling innovation, collaboration, and impact across 45 biotech companies in the state. In this custom episode, learn how Carter connects Alabama’s best institutions, organizations, and people behind HudsonAlpha’s mission — and how Alabama creates an ecosystem for this mission to thrive.

Celebrating Fast Company's 5th Annual Queer 50 Jun 17, 2024

For the past five years, Fast Company has published the annual Queer 50, a list of the most influential LGBTQ leaders in business, tech, and beyond. The list is a celebration of queer representation and influence in the highest ranks of business. Honorees include those working on addressing the most relevant topics of our time, including responsible AI, trans rights, healthcare, and the future of work. In this episode, we wanted to hear from some of our Queer 50 honorees about the strengths that enable their best work and what inspires them to work through challenges. To read more detailed profiles of 2024’s Queer 50 honorees, go to fastcompany.com/queer-50.

Adapting to change Jun 10, 2024

Our show is based on the premise that work is changing everyday. But there’s a big problem with that: Change is hard, scary . . . and necessary. Now more than ever, as AI is integrated into our jobs, we are asked to adapt to seismic shifts at a much faster rate than in the past. But it’s human nature to resist uncomfortable changes, even if we know it might be for the best. So how can we make these shifts a little easier? Can we train our brains to become more adaptable? Sanam Hafeez is a neuropsychologist who has studied how our brains adapt to change, and she explains how underlying emotions affect our ability to adapt in the workplace.

No one knows what’s in the fine print Jun 03, 2024

One in five American workers have signed a noncompete clause in their employment contract, and many likely had no idea what they were agreeing to. Noncompete clauses typically prevent workers from joining competitors for a certain period of time after their employment; and although many people only expect to see those restrictions only in high-level positions, they actually apply to a surprising number of jobs. Low-wage workers in fast-food service, nurses and other healthcare professionals, and even temporary Amazon employees have all found themselves bound by noncompete clauses that make it nearly impossible to find another job. Earlier this spring, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) banned the use of noncompetes for most workers, prompting legal challenges from business organizations that will continue for many months. But if that ban goes into effect, the FTC believes it could raise wages by as much as $300 million. Evan Starr, an economist and professor of management and organization at the University of Maryland, studies noncompetes and believes the ban would also enable greater innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Figuring out your best office communication style May 27, 2024

Should you send an email, or is Slack the better way to communicate with your colleagues? Is it ever okay to text a client? Can you use emojis with your boss—and if you can, should you? Communication at work can be really fraught and depends on the subject matter, your industry, your company culture, plus your individual style and preference. And given all that, there’s lots of room for mistakes and misunderstandings.In this LinkedIn Audio conversation with senior editors Lydia Dishman and Julia Herbst, we talked about navigating the world of workplace communication styles, and how to pick the best method for your particular situation.

Work is ableist May 20, 2024

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 61 million adults in the United States have at least one disability, and for nearly half that population, the disability is invisible or at least not apparent. These conditions often don’t manifest in ways that are immediately evident to others—such as chronic pain, diabetes, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, arthritis, and more. And although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to protect against discrimination, many employees or job candidates are reluctant or scared to disclose a disability for fear they wouldn’t be treated fairly or even get hired in the first place. And it seems many employers are clueless about what they’re doing wrong. So how can we make advocacy easier, open up opportunities, and build a world of work that works for everyone? Ludmila Praslova, a professor of psychology at Vanguard University, recently wrote about how her autism affected her onboarding experience at a new job. In her new book, ‘The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work,’ Praslova delves into the challenges of self-advocacy, disclosing a disability, and what employers need to change to create neuro-inclusive environments.

The workday is poorly designed May 13, 2024

We take for granted the standard 40-hour, 5-day workweek, but this structured schedule was implemented to suit a very different reality than most of us work and live in today. In recent years, the 4-day workweek has gained attention. But that kind of restructuring seems to leave many with more logistical questions than answers: What about parents trying to match a school schedule, or sleep-deprived medical workers, or service workers who usually don’t know their scheduling needs in advance? Is there a way to redesign the workday and workweek to accommodate the needs of both employees and businesses—in a way that’s humane and can also work across industries? It’s a problem that Mark Takano continues address in Congress, as the representative from California’s 39th district. Takano introduced a 32-hour workweek bill in 2021 and is also pushing to restore the Overtime Act, which would increase the threshold for full-time salaried workers nationally.

Why so many of us feel lonely at work May 06, 2024

Leaders have tried to sell work as ‘one big family’ for years. With the proliferation of terms like ‘office besties’ and ‘work spouses,’ many employees have viewed work as a type of family too. But anyone who has been passed over for a promotion they deserved or laid off after years of hard work knows the hard truth: Work isn’t your family. In fact, work can make people feel lonely by preventing them from connecting with their community, and some mental health experts have called loneliness a health epidemic. So, how can we prioritize our mental health and our ambition at the same time? How can we feel less alone at work and foster meaningful relationships while still protecting our ‘real lives’? To dig into these questions for answers, we talked with Ann Shoket, former editor-in-chief of ‘Seventeen’ magazine; author of ‘The Big Life,’ a guide for career-driven young women; and CEO of TheLi.st, a private community of innovators across media, technology, and business.

Hiring is broken Apr 29, 2024

Even as the nature of work changes and innovations transform our jobs, the hiring process feels stuck in the same biased, ineffective rut. Too often, when companies finds themselves with an open position, they fall back on the same broken methods: mining leadership’s narrow, professional networks, or posting the same ineffective job ads in the same places. So how can we fix a system that’s so ingrained in the traditional corporate psyche? How can we really reach unexpected and underrepresented candidates? If it were possible to, say, burn the whole thing down and start from scratch, what would a new, more effective hiring process look like? We put that question to Kimberly Brown, founder of Manifest Yourself, a consulting company focused on career development for women and people of color. Brown, who sees both companies and job candidates struggling with poor communication and too few resources, believes that a few key changes could start to improve the experience for everyone.

Nobody knows how much anybody is making Apr 22, 2024

No matter what job you have, you’ve probably felt at various points in your career that you don’t make enough. And because money can be a taboo topic, we rarely reveal what our salaries are—even with the people we’re closest to. In a recent survey, only about half the participants said they share their salary with family members, while just 32% said they share how much they make with close friends. This secrecy helps keep gender, racial, and executive-to-worker pay gaps thriving. Fortunately, the tide has been slowly turning in the past few years. More companies have adopted at least partial-salary-transparency policies, and even some states and cities have introduced laws supporting salary transparency or salary ranges. Hannah Williams, a content creator and host of the TikTok channel, Salary Transparent Street, has a knack for talking to people about salaries. She believes that it’s a conversation we need to have in order to make work a better deal for everyone.

Hard work isn’t (always) rewarded Apr 15, 2024

One of the secret problems with work is that hard work alone isn’t enough to get ahead. It’s a tough wake-up call for those of us who spent our school years working to get all As and doing all the things we were told were the key to a successful life. The truth is, work—and the rest of the “real world”—isn’t a meritocracy. The most hard-working, and even the smartest or most-talented, people aren’t always the ones who end up in power. So if hard work alone isn’t what matters, what does? And is there a way to shift what we value to make things more fair? Jill Katz, founder of Assemble HR Consulting, focuses on answering these questions of culture and change in the workplace.

Your manager is bad at their job Apr 08, 2024

Fifty percent of people say they’ve quit a job because of a bad boss. Why are so many managers unable to effectively manage? And is there a way to learn how to be a better manager? Leadership coach Lia Bosch joins host Kathleen Davis to talk about what companies get wrong about management and how bosses can be better at their jobs.

The problem with work is . . . Apr 01, 2024

Welcome back to Season 12 of ‘The New Way We Work’!Even in the best of times, there’s always been an undercurrent of conflict between the priorities of corporate leadership and the needs of employees. But in the last several years, that tension has increased noticeably. Whether it’s the ongoing battles over employees returning to the office (or not), the renewed uproar over executive pay, or missteps in handling layoffs, the conflicts between employees and management only seem to grow. This season on ‘The New Way We Work,’ we’re looking at the problems with work, how we got here, and how to solve them. For this first episode, Work-Life editors Julia Herbst and AJ Hess discuss the most fundamental problem with work: that employees and management don’t see eye to eye.

We are back with new episodes next week! Mar 25, 2024

The New Way We Work is back for a new season next week and we are unpacking the biggest problems with work! Problems like lack of pay transparency, how hard work too often goes unrewarded, how the wrong people end up as managers, and so much more.

Powering the Future - AI Bootcamp FROM FASTCO WORKS AND SAP Mar 24, 2024

The impact of AI on finance departments will be huge.

Supply Ch(AI)n Strategy Session - AI Bootcamp FROM FASTCO WORKS AND SAP Mar 11, 2024

How artificial intelligence is shaping the product journeys from procurement to end customers.

Time for Growth - AI Bootcamp FROM FASTCO WORKS AND SAP Mar 04, 2024

In this podcast, leaders in HR and AI reveal what it will take for businesses to get their staff on board.

How to fix everything that's wrong with meetings Feb 12, 2024

According to surveys, the average employee spends more than 4 hours a week in meetings, but around 90% of people consider their meetings to be unproductive. While it’s tempting to eliminate meetings altogether, they are often a necessary part of getting work done. In this recent LinkedIn Audio conversation with ‘Fast Company’ senior editor Julia Herbst, we talked about how to drastically cut down on the number of meetings and make the ones that remain more productive and inclusive.

Everything you need to know about what work will be like in 2024 Feb 05, 2024

Work has changed a lot in the last few years: from the shift to remote work to the struggle over returning to the office, from the great resignation to mass layoffs at tech and media companies, from the rise in union organizing to the rise in AI in workplaces. So what does 2024 hold for companies, leaders, and employees? Today’s episode is a recording of a recent LinkedIn Audio conversation with Fast Company Staff Editor AJ Hess breaking down advice and predictions for what to expect next.

How to make performance reviews less tedious and more useful Dec 26, 2023

The end of the year brings a lot of office traditions: holiday parties, year-end bonuses if you’re lucky, and often performance reviews. In this LinkedIn Audio conversation with senior editor Julia Herbst, we talk about common biases to avoid, what to say about areas of improvement, and how to get the most out of the process.

Looking back at the biggest stories from 2023 Dec 18, 2023

Kate Davis is joined by Fast Company podcast hosts KC Ifeanyi, Yasmin Gange and Josh Christensen to discuss the biggest stories from 2023

Designing an office workers actually want to return to Dec 11, 2023

Workplaces move through design trends and conceptual themes just like other parts of modern interior commercial design. Remember the evolution of the cubicle farm, or the early 2000s’ startup office with a long communal desk (and ping pong table nearby)? But now, with our in-office and work-from-home routines in flux, what design elements will the future office feature? Fast Company writer Nate Berg talks through several design proposals centered around Gen Z employees, remote workers, and hybrid work styles with some of the top office design firms. Check out our deep dive into new office design concepts, including what both employers and employees are looking for, plus images of these hypothetical workspaces: RTO in 2024: Fast Company’s 8-point guide for designing an office your workers actually want to return to.

Your biggest career risks Dec 04, 2023

Sometimes, taking a scary, big career risk is the move that changes everything. We asked attendees at the Fast Company Innovation Festival a few months ago to share the biggest career risks they’ve ever taken. We heard everything, from switching to a new industry to dedicating their work to a cause they care about.

Science-based ways to help boost emotional intelligence at work Nov 20, 2023

Emotional intelligence remains a workplace buzzword that confuses many people. On this episode from our LinkedIn Audio series, Farah Harris, author of ‘The Color of Emotional Intelligence,’ discusses how emotional awareness and management play into our office lives. It’s a skill often treated as optional, but mastering emotional intelligence—the ability to manage your emotions and understanding the emotions of those around you—is essential for weathering transitions, maintaining healthy relationships, and communicating clearly.

How do I know if I should quit my job? Nov 19, 2023

Quitting a job is a huge decision, so what are the signs that it’s time to go? Chronic burnout or toxic colleagues might be a few of the red flags.

Forget the midlife crisis. The ‘midlife collision’ is having a huge impact on the workforce Nov 13, 2023

For decades, the typical image of a midlife crisis has been a man buying a sports car or getting a divorce and marrying a younger woman. Whether or not that still rings true, for women in the workplace that has nothing to do with reality. Midlife for women is the time when menopause, family caregiving, career ambitions, and a range of other personal shifts come together. In fact, author and consultant Lucy Ryan calls it the “midlife collision” and advocates for workplaces to offer much more flexibility for women in this stage of life. She says we need to reframe the typical career timeline to include a robust, energetic, and creative period of work later in life, when women with a supportive workplace can adapt to these changes while staying engaged and productive in their jobs.

How to talk about your biggest weakness Nov 12, 2023

"What's your biggest weakness?" remains one of the trickier job interview questions frequently posed to an interviewee. How do you tout your skills and accomplishments while being honest about your challenges?

We spent a week letting AI bots handle our emails and meetings. It didn’t go quite as planned Nov 06, 2023

After hearing from experts about how AI is changing the office, we decided to test out a few AI tools and report back on how they brilliantly changed our workflow. But as it turns out, some of these tools are definitely not ready to deliver the productivity boosts they promise.

Why you need a cover letter Nov 05, 2023

Writing a cover letter, especially when not required by a job application, can feel like a big pain. But it really makes a big difference—here’s why.

FROM FASTCO WORKS AND CAPITAL ONE: Empathy and Innovation: Keeping the Customer at the Center Nov 03, 2023

Companies now have mountains of data to help drive decisions and develop products, but a holistic approach to product development must also prioritize customers’ needs and preferences. In this podcast interview, Stephanie Mehta, CEO of Mansueto Ventures, the parent of Fast Company, sits down with Emily Roberts, Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Consumer Product at Capital One to hear how to harness the power of technology and customer feedback loops to innovate products and experiences.

This is how AI is changing nearly every aspect of work Oct 30, 2023

This year, funding for AI-related startups has surpassed $23 billion dollars, and thousands of AI tools promise to automate tasks in every type of job. But instead of thinking about how technology can replace humans, Aneesh Raman, vice president and head of the Opportunity Project at LinkedIn, believes this system-level change will bring more humanity into the workplace. Aneesh shared his thoughts on a skill-first approach to job searching, why philosophy and ethics are in-demand areas of expertise, and how to think about the growth of AI in the long term.

How to give negative feedback Oct 29, 2023

Giving negative feedback at work may feel uncomfortable, but it's a necessary part of communication. Here are some tips for making the process constructive.

FROM FASTCO WORKS AND SAP - Growth Agents: How Pink Lily went from a side hustle to a multimillion-dollar company Oct 26, 2023

The company’s director of finance explains how her job goes well beyond accounting. Tina Hetzer, director of finance at Pink Lily, is one of the rising financial stars who are helping to bring their businesses to the next level. She built Pink Lily’s finance team from scratch and has helped the company become one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country. In this podcast, part of the SAP-sponsored Growth Agents series, Hetzer discusses the cash-flow challenges unique to fashion retailers and explains how working at a smaller, founder-run company can fuel greater collaboration across the organization.

When you can’t afford to live where you work Oct 23, 2023

The housing crisis in the U.S. continues to get worse, with the highest mortgage rates in a generation currently and rents outpacing inflation by more than 40%. And the problem isn’t just in cities like New York and San Francisco. It’s affecting many other places where tourism is a major industry or high-cost areas that have unique jobs (like being a ski patroller), which don’t pay enough to actually afford the rent there. ‘Fast Company’ writer Pavithra Mohan has been interviewing people in a variety of occupations about the real-life struggles of being priced out of housing in the place where your job requires you to be.

For more, check out our ongoing series of firsthand accounts on the topic:

I make $60,000 working in the Hamptons. Here’s how the other half lives

What it’s like to be a ski patroller in an expensive mountain town

How to manage a micromanaging boss Oct 22, 2023

If your boss is constantly checking up on you, looking over your shoulder—literally, figuratively, even virtually—here are some strategies for creating a better working relationship.

FROM FASTCO WORKS AND SAP - Growth Agents: Duolingo’s CFO on how the company took over the language learning space Oct 19, 2023

Duolingo’s freemium subscription model, beloved brand and strategic investments have allowed it to execute its educational mission and become a cultural touchstone. Matthew Skaruppa, CFO of Duolingo, is one of the rising financial stars who are helping to bring their businesses to the next level. Since he joined the company in 2020, Duolingo has grown its base of monthly active users by more than 80%. Each month, 75 million users hone their language skills on the Duolingo app. In this podcast, part of the SAP-sponsored Growth Agents series, Skaruppa discusses how his analytical background has allowed to him to be a more strategy-oriented CFO. For him, that has meant balancing big aspirations and finite resources, and turning the uncertainties of tomorrow into action today.

Why the childcare industry isn’t unionized Oct 16, 2023

A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. went over the “childcare cliff” as billions of dollars of pandemic-era federal funding for childcare expired. But childcare providers have been struggling since well before the pandemic, with rising costs and little recourse but to raise their own prices. The chain reaction now for providers, children, and parents could mean a large decrease in women in the workforce and lower wages for workers. Fast Company staff writer Pavithra Mohan explains why the childcare industry has been so difficult to unionize, and what new efforts are starting to emerge.

Tips on salary negotiation Oct 15, 2023

It's nerve-racking to negotiate your salary, especially with a new employer! Here's how to reframe the conversation and ask for what you want.

FROM FASTCO WORKS AND SAP - Growth Agents: The inside story of Sweetgreen’s rapid rise to the top Oct 10, 2023

Mitch Reback, CFO of Sweetgreen, is one of the rising corporate financial stars who is helping to take their companies to the next level. When he started, Sweetgreen had 25 stores; today, there are more than 220—and Reback says the company is still in its “infancy.” In this podcast, part of the SAP-sponsored Growth Agents series, Reback takes a deep dive into his role as a growth agent. Capital is the engine that drives growth, and Reback says his job is to make sure the company has adequate capital to grow as well as determining how best to allocate it, including investments in stores, marketing, staff, and technology—or, as he puts it, to push innovation forward in a way that’s capital efficient.

How DEI work is being threatened since the affirmative action ban—and how companies fight back Oct 09, 2023

When the Supreme Court ruled in June that race-based affirmative action practices in college admissions was unconstitutional, it not only sent universities scrambling, but it also caused a lot of confusion within companies. What would it mean for diversity, equity, and inclusion departments and initiatives? It didn’t help that as soon as the decision was issued, opponents of DEI efforts capitalized on the confusion with fear-mongering and misinformation. So, how does the affirmative-action ruling actually change both hiring and DEI initiatives at companies? LaFawn Davis, senior vice president of Environmental, Social, and Governance at Indeed, helped to parse out exactly what the ruling changes . . . and what it doesn’t.

Why companies should care about their employees' happiness and creating good jobs Oct 02, 2023

We’re in an era where employee fulfillment and purpose are essential, but have management principles caught up? Today’s episode was recorded live at the Fast Company Innovation Festival last week in New York City, with Rachel Korberg, founder and executive director of the Family and Workers Fund, and Sarah Kalloch, executive director of the nonprofit Good Jobs Institute. We talked about the science behind what makes a good job, how that meaning has changed, and why getting employee satisfaction right is so important right now.

How to regain focus and re-find your motivation Sep 25, 2023

Find it difficult to focus at work? Is the environment the problem, or is it our own brain? In this special conversation from LinkedIn Audio, Fast Company's Work Life team breaks down what’s really behind our inability to focus, how to deal with distractions and train your brain to concentrate, and how to find motivation in your work.

Forget about FOMO, we have JOMO Sep 18, 2023

We’ve all heard of FOMO, fear of missing out, but what about . . . JOMO? Podcast producer Blake Odom joins this episode to talk about the ‘Joy of Missing Office,’ with input from a few ‘Fast Company’ staffers who work remotely. Besides the comforts of home and skipping a terrible commute, what else do we love to miss about office life?

Welcome to The New Way We Work! Sep 18, 2023

What your company probably got wrong about its return-to-office plan Sep 11, 2023

Many companies are still trying to figure out how to coax employees back to the office and how to design hybrid models that work for everyone. Not going so well yet: Bosses are clashing with employees who want to continue working remotely or at least maintain some of the flexibility they’ve had over the past few years.

Gleb Tsipursky, frequent ‘Fast Company’ contributor and CEO of the future-of-work consultancy, Disaster Avoidance Experts, says that a top-down RTO approach is sure to backfire. He talks about how to avoid resentment and instead foster more engagement from employees—also, the importance of managing skills specifically for the hybrid workplace.

New season coming soon! Sep 06, 2023

The next season of The New Way We Work starts next week! This fall, we might not be heading back to school but policies around coming back to the office (or not!) are still on a lot of people's minds. We'll also be digging into how the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action in college admissions might affect the workplace, anxiety over AI, and the pushback against productivity culture. Plus, what would your dream office look and feel like?

How to know when it’s time to quit your job Aug 21, 2023

Thinking of quitting your job? Whether you are miserable and dream of quitting your job in a dramatic TikTok-worthy fashion, or if you’re just feeling stagnant and uninspired, leaving your job is a huge decision. In this special LinkedIn Audio conversation, Fast Company Editors Kathleen Davis, Julia Herbst, and AJ Hess offer advice on red flags to look out for, steps to take once you know it’s time, and how quitting can be a good career move.

Essential Advice for Landing Your Dream Job Jul 20, 2023

In this special interview from LinkedIn Audio, Judith Humphrey, Fast Company contributor and author of the new book "The Job Seeker’s Script" gives her best advice for job searching. What pieces of your resume can you trim, and what parts should you highlight? How important are cover letters...really? And once you land the interview, how do you answer the classic prompt, "Tell me a bit about yourself"?

Fast Company's 4th annual Queer 50 list Jun 12, 2023

Fast Company's fourth annual Queer 50 list, which publishes on Tuesday June 13th, celebrates the representation and influence of LGBTQ women and nonbinary leaders across industries. The individuals on the list have a seat at the table among the highest ranks for billion-dollar companies and powerful positions in advocacy, politics, and entertainment. They are also, in many cases, doing critical work to ensure that other marginalized folks have access to the same positions in the future.

What we've learned about work over the last 5 years Jun 05, 2023

On June 6, 2018 the first episode of this podcast aired with an episode titled “What’s ruining our sleep.” The show at the time was called “Secrets of the Most Productive People” a nod to Fast Company's annual magazine package of the same name where we ask people from across industries how they get things done. Since then, this show has covered nearly every area of work life from imposter syndrome to ambition to DEI issues.

How to avoid procrastination May 30, 2023

Today’s episode is an edited version of a recent LinkedIn Audio conversation with Senior Staff Editor Julia Herbst. We dug into research on the different forms procrastination can take and explore strategies for overcoming it.

Presenting! The new season of 'Most Innovative Companies' May 25, 2023

Is AI coming for our jobs?? ‘Fast Company’ senior staff editor Max Ufberg explains that it is . . . but that it’s not all bad news.

And Yaz chatted with Loom CEO Joe Thomas—Loom is essentially TikTok for business, which sounds crazier than it is—about how video conferencing is here to stay.

Also, a special thanks to Marfa Public Radio for helping us out with some recording on this episode!

How to deal with a bad boss May 22, 2023

Today’s episode is an edited version of a LinkedIn Audio discussion I had recently with Senior Editor Julia Herbst and Staff Editor AJ Hess where we covered how to manage your manager and offered advice for managers to make sure they aren’t making missteps that could make employees disengage.

What is the real value of a college degree? And how to make a career without one May 15, 2023

Kate Davis talks with Fast Company Editor, Christopher Zara, about his book "Uneducated: A Memoir of Flunking Out, Falling Apart, and Finding My Worth"

Is it possible to have HR that employees don't hate? May 08, 2023

Kate Davis talks with Lars Schmidt about what a progressive, employee-centric human resources department would look like? What roles would it contain? And, If there is a future where HR is no longer the butt of office jokes?

Lars is the founder of the HR consultancy Amplify, speaker, host of the Redefining Work podcast, author of the book Redefining HR, and a regular contributor to Fast Company

How retirement looks different for Gen Z than it does for boomers May 01, 2023

How is retirement changing for those with a few years versus a few decades left in the workforce? How can you plan for retirement at any age or career stage? How is retirement likely to change over the next generation? On this week's episode, Kate Davis talks with Emily Guy Birken to answer these questions. Birken is an author, money coach, and retirement expert who has written several books including "Choose Your Retirement" and "The 5 Years Before You Retire". She’s also written several personal finance articles for Fast Company.

The two sides of ageism in the workplace for women Apr 24, 2023

Earlier this season, Kate Davis talked to New York Times columnist Jessica Grose about a piece Grose wrote called “the hour between babe and hag”. The article examines gendered ageism. Jessica writes that there seems to be about 10 years when a woman can hope to be taken seriously at work. Roughly from age 35-45. On either end of that, women are more likely to face ageism. On one side for being perceived as too young, and on the other side as being past their prime. In this episode, we hear a conversation between two women on other side of the this "hour".

What do Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z want from work? Apr 10, 2023

Kate Davis and the work life team at Fast Company talk about what different generations of employees want out of work

Employee Surveillance: who's doing it and why? Apr 03, 2023

Kate Davis talks with Albert Fox Cahn about what employers tracking and what tools are they using, If there any regulations around employee surveillance, and if your boss even has to tell you that you are being monitored. Albert Fox Cahn is the founder and executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project. He’s also a fellow at Yale Law School’, and at The Harvard Kennedy School.

What’s a human’s place in the AI Future of Work? Mar 27, 2023

The earliest Artificial Intelligence program was written way back in 1951 but outside of science fiction AI didn’t enter the mainstream conversation until decades later. At Fast Company we’ve been covering AI technologies for many years but nothing has compared to the excitement and fear that Open AI and their artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT has caused since it launched this past November. These new AI tools can feel at times like a novelty or at other times a harbinger of doom.

But we’ve seen the panicked headlines that “the robots are taking our jobs” for years. How disruptive is AI? How can we use AI to our advantage? And is there anything we, as regular humans can do to not only keep our jobs but hold on to our humanity?

How will AI change our jobs Mar 20, 2023

On today's episode, Kate explains how AI might change our jobs. A 2021 poll found that 48% of Americans fear that automation will reduce the number of jobs, but is there really something to be afraid of?

You can't fix DEI issues just by throwing money at the problem Mar 13, 2023

Kate Davis talks with Amber Cabral about diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Amber is an Inclusion Strategist, certified coach, speaker and author of Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture.

What's next for workplace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mar 06, 2023

On the latest episode of ‘The New Way We Work,’ we discuss what happens when companies cut their DEI departments to save money. Wema Hoover, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion expert noted that many companies may be trimming DEI roles because they never took it seriously to begin with.

For one brief moment workers were empowered Feb 27, 2023

Kate Davis talks with Fast Company Senior Editor Julia Herbst about an article she recently wrote looking at whether employees are still feeling as empowered and in control of their careers as they did a year ago.

The Unsustainability of American Motherhood Feb 20, 2023

Kate Davis talks with Jessica Grose, New York Times opinion writer, about her new book “Screaming on the inside: the Unsustainability of American Motherhood”

We are back with new episodes on February 20th! Feb 13, 2023

We are back with new episodes on February 20th!

The Future of the Labor Movement Feb 06, 2023

This week we have a panel recorded at the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York last fall. This discussion was one of my favorites from the Festival - Fast Company editor Morgan Clendaniel spoke to Sara Nelson, President of the Flight Attendants union; Christian Smalls, President, Amazon Labor Union; and Saket Soni, Founder, Resilience Force about the future of the labor movement, how covid changed workplaces and the dynamic between employees and management. The three labor leaders explain the forces that led up to this new worker moment and share their insights on what’s permanently changed for businesses and the economy.

How to support your employees mental health Jan 30, 2023

Today’s episode was recorded at the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York last fall. Bhavik Shah, principal from Mind Share Partners presented a workshop about how to support mental health of employees. He joined me in the podcast booth on the festival floor to talk about how he thinks the workplace will change over the next few years, how leaders can address and support mental health for their employees beyond benefits, and more.

How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions Jan 23, 2023

When it comes to New Years Resolutions, why do so many of us fail – and what’s the secret to those few that manage to follow through? For this LinkedIn Audio from Tuesday 1/10, Fast Company's Work Life editors comb through all the best advice around goal setting and share their tips.

What makes work meaningful? Jan 09, 2023

Last year, Dr. David Rock of the Neuroleadship Institute came on The New Way We Work to talk about the factors that make work meaningful. He pointed to five forms of motivation, using the acronym "SCARF" which stands for status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fairness. On today's episode Kate Davis and producer Josh Christensen take the SCARF assessment and discuss their results.

Looking back at the biggest stories from 2022 Dec 26, 2022

Kate Davis, KC Ifeanyi, and Amelia Hemphill discuss the biggest stories at Fast Company this past year and share their favorite moments from Fast Company podcasts. Kate highlights The New Way We Work's 4-part miniseries "Ambition Diaries," which examined the effects of the pandemic on women's progress in the workplace. KC reviews some of the biggest trends in the creator economy. Amelia explains some of the most innovative approaches to sustainability, including a toilet that incinerates your bowel movement under water. Finally, Kate, KC, and Amelia share their New Year's resolutions.

Subscribe to The New Way We Work, Creative Control, and World Changing Ideas on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Mistakes to avoid when writing your resume Dec 19, 2022

In good economic times and bad. Fresh out school, mid-career, in your second or third act. After a layoff or a resignation. Following a short stint or a long tenure. We will all find ourselves looking for a job at several points in our lives. Which is probably why resume advice has always been among the most popular content on Fast Company. We’ve all written one, but no one knows if they are getting it right: Should you include an objective statement? Do you really need to keep your résumé to one page? How important is it to tailor your résumé for each job? Is it okay to omit your graduation date? There are a lot of long held beliefs about résumé dos and don’ts.

Fast Company’s Work Life editors have been covering job-hunting for years, so earlier this fall I teamed up with Senior Editor Julia Herbst and Staff Editor AJ Hess to highlight the most common résumé mistakes, offer advice and take questions on a LinkedIn Audio event.

What is the worst office jargon? Dec 12, 2022

Kate Davis is joined by Fast Company editors Lydia Dishman and Julia Herbst to debate what office jargon is the absolute worst.

The Science of Miscommunication Dec 05, 2022

Kat Davis talks with Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic about miscommunication in the workplace

How to know whether to take the job or not Nov 28, 2022

Kate Davis explains five red flags to watch out for when interviewing for a job. For more tips, check out the article link below.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90734998/10-signs-you-shouldnt-take-the-job

Introducing 'World Changing Ideas' from Fast Company Nov 23, 2022

It’s Thanksgiving tomorrow and what better way to spend it than examining how our food is produced?

While we can’t live without food, we also can’t afford to have the current agricultural industries, which grow and produce our food, continue contributing to climate change at such a rapid pace. The global population is larger than ever before, but in order for industrial agriculture to provide for everyone while not destroying the planet in the process, a lot has to change.

Could bioengineered food be the next world-changing idea? We looked at three companies working on revolutionizing the food landscape:

Meatable is headed by Daan Luining, who was part of the team that created the first cultivated burger. Cultivated meat requires only three months to develop versus the three years it takes for a cow to mature before it’s slaughtered for food. But how will the end product’s taste and texture measure up to traditional animal meat?

Neggst is creating a completely vegan egg made from fava beans, sweet potatoes, and peas. It may fry like a chicken egg, but will it help decrease environmental degradation?

Perfect Day has made an animal-free ice cream that contains the same protein found in milk but it doesn't come from cows. Its taste might be indistinguishable from our beloved cow-derived ice cream, but the verdict is still out on whether this cellular-fermentation process will make a significant dent in greenhouse gas emissions.

How to plan for the future in an uncertain world - long term career thinking in times of crisis Nov 21, 2022

Kate Davis talks with Dorie Clark about how to future proof your career (as much as possible). Dorie has been a guest on the show before, she’s also a contributor to Fast Company, Harvard Business Review and others and has been named the #1 Communication Coach and one of the Top 50 Business Thinkers in the World. She teaches at both Duke and Columbia Business Schools, and she is the author of several books, including The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World.

How to explain gaps in your resume Nov 14, 2022

How to prepare for the recession and layoffs - is there such a thing as a recession proof job? Nov 07, 2022

How do you prepare for a looming recession and the possibility of layoffs? Is there such a thing as a recession proof job? Kate Davis is joined by Amanda Augustine to answer these questions. Amanda is an expert in career advancement, ranging from developing one’s professional brand to acing job interviews. She’s a speaker and contributor for many publications including Fast Company and has served as a career expert for Top Resume since 2015.

What happens after leaving the traditional workforce? Oct 31, 2022

Kate Davis is joined by Kim Rittberg, host of the podcast Mom’s Exit Interview, to discuss what the next career chapter is for some of those women who left the traditional workforce in 2020

FROM AWS AND FAST CO. WORKS: At the Edge of Innovation: A Conversation with AWS’s Jan Hofmeyr Oct 27, 2022

In this special podcast episode, hear the latest on what’s taking place in edge computing and hybrid cloud from a top industry executive at AWS. Also learn how these innovations can ultimately help you transform your business.

Ambition Diaries: Does ambition even matter anymore? Oct 24, 2022

On this fourth and final episode of Ambition Diaries, Kate examines is ambition really matters anymore after the pandemic and how we are recalibrating in the new world of work.

Ambition Diaries: The Most Important Decision Oct 17, 2022

In this episode we’ll hear from several of the mothers and daughters in the series about how decisions around marriage and children played out in their homes and careers. From the cost of childcare limiting career options, to delegating responsibilities to a babysitter. From grappling with questions of fulfillment in motherhood to approaching child rearing in more creative ways. And finally how mothers navigate model for their daughters what it’s like to love their jobs, even when it means less time at home.

Ambition Diaries: Still Not Equal Oct 10, 2022

On the second episode in Ambition Diaries, we hear stories of workplace discrimination. ” it calls to mind a bygone era of Mad Men style overt sexism and racism. And while that kind of egregious behavior does still happen, the discrimination most prevalent in workplaces of all types can fly under the radar of those note experiencing it. It’s in many of the issues that we try to root out regularly on The New Way We Work

Ambition Diaries: The Broken Promise of the American Dream Oct 03, 2022

Over the course of several months, seven reporters from across the country recorded intimate conversations between mothers and daughters about issues like unpaid labor, discrimination, pay gap, career advancement, work life balance, and how the pandemic has changed our relationship to work. The result is a 4-part mini series called Ambition Diaries. In this first episode of the series we explore economic mobility.

LIVE! from Fast Company Innovation Festival: Beyond Burnout Sep 26, 2022

Kate Davis hosts a live episode of The New Way We Work at Fast Company Innovation Festival. She talks about burnout and why so many employees are unhappy at work with Ludmila Praslova and Phoebe Gavin.

Ludmila is a professor of Organizational psychology at Vanguard University of Southern California with extensive experience in talent systems, inclusion and wellbeing. She is a frequent contributor to Fast Company and Harvard Business Review.

Phoebe is a career and leadership coach specializing in career strategy, negotiation, and self-advocacy. She’s also the Executive Director of Talent and Development at Vox.com where she oversees the employee life-cycle from candidate to employee to alumni.

A new season of The New Way We Work starts October 3rd with a special four-part mini series called Ambition Diaries.

MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES: How this company hopes NFTs will transform fantasy sports Sep 20, 2022

On this week's Most Innovative Companies Podcast, Nicolas Julia, CEO and cofounder of Sorare talks about his vision for democratizing NFTs through the world’s biggest sports.

MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES PODCAST: This CEO is betting on AI to solve the world’s biggest problems Sep 13, 2022

On this week’s Most Innovative Companies Podcast, Alexandr Wang, CEO and founder of Scale AI, explains how his company is using data to tackle problems from access to healthcare to supplies for the war in Ukraine.

MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES PODCAST: These smart farms are 100 times more productive than traditional agriculture Aug 30, 2022

On the latest episode of the Most Innovative Companies podcast, Irving Fain, founder and CEO of the vertical farming company Bowery, explains how being an outsider to agriculture has helped him come up with new ideas.

Lessons on innovation from over 100 founders Aug 23, 2022

James Vincent is joined by Rebekah Jefferis, Stephen Butler and Nick Barham, his partners at FNDR, to discuss lessons they've learned from their work with 126 founders.

FROM FRESHWORKS AND FAST CO. WORKS: What is the future of the employee experience? Aug 22, 2022

Every company’s success is tied to its talent - recruiting and retaining the employees needed to deliver high-level customer experiences that support the bottom line. Yet rapid transformation has disrupted many things that organizations used to do to maintain great company cultures. So how can business leaders reimagine their employee experiences to meet the needs of their workforces? How does that translate into better customer experiences? In this thought-provoking podcast episode, FastCo Works will hear from Freshworks CMO Stacey Epstein as she shares some of the latest industry best practices and learnings for companies navigating these work culture shifts.

MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES PODCAST: What does the combination of the digital and physical world look like? Aug 16, 2022

On this week’s Most Innovative Companies Podcast, Nate founder and CEO Albert Saniger discusses the role technology plays in our lives, and the autonomy we hold over our decisions and our data.

Best of The New Way We Work: "Culture Fit" Aug 08, 2022

Kate Davis talks to Dr. Courtney McCluney, assistant professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University, about code-switching at work and what companies really mean when they talk about "culture fit".

MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES: Want to innovate? This is how to break out of your ‘yes bubble’ Aug 02, 2022

On this week’s Most Innovative Companies podcast, Joanna Coles explains the business case for all leaders to surround themselves with independent working minds that are connected to culture, both within the broader world around us as well as the communities we live, work, and thrive in.

MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES: How complacency can be a company's downfall Jul 26, 2022

On this week’s episode of Most Innovative Companies podcast, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence talks with James Vincent about why companies should embrace innovation even when they don’t need to.

Best of The New Way We Work: This is why your boss is so bad at his job Jul 25, 2022

Kate Davis is joined by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic to discuss how the people who end up in leadership positions often possess the traits least suited to manage and lead people. Dr. Chamorro-Premuzic is the Chief Innovation Officer at Manpower Group, Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University, a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review and Fast Company and the author of several books including “Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (and how to fix it)”

MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES PODCAST: Why power is shifting back to the hands of creators Jul 19, 2022

On this week's Most Innovative Companies Podcast, Jack and Sam dive into why the creator economy isn’t new, but a fresh iteration of a much older phenomenon, as well as the beauty of Web3 as it applies to ownership. By focusing on “love” as opposed to “likes”, Patreon has helped change the way art is brought back autonomy to artists and creators around the world, enabling them to receive fair pay—as opposed to fractions of cents—for their creative output.

Subscribe to Most Innovative Companies on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Introducing the new season of 'Most Innovative Companies' with James Vincent Jul 12, 2022

On this week's Most Innovative Companies, Joe Percoco, cofounder and co-CEO of Titan, shares his thoughts with host James Vincent about why, while a financial crisis is undeniably a challenge to companies, it can also bring key opportunities for growth. His company Titan is a consumer fintech opening up access to expert-led investment opportunities for as little as $100. Operating in that space means that Percoco has seen this crisis from the eye of the storm.

You can listen and subscribe to Most Innovative Companies on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The science of what makes work meaningful Jun 20, 2022

Kate Davis talks with Dr. David Rock about what makes for meaningful work. David is the Co-Founder & CEO of NeuroLeadership Institute, a cognitive science consultancy that has advised some of the biggest companies. He is also the author of four books including Your Brain at Work.

Announcing Fast Company's Third Annual Queer 50 List Jun 13, 2022

What's driving the new labor movement? Jun 06, 2022

Kate Davis is joined by Kim Kelly to discuss what’s behind the new labor movement and what both employees and managers should be thinking about at their workplaces. Kim is the author of FIGHT LIKE HELL: The Untold History of American Labor. Her writing on labor, class, politics, and culture has appeared in The New Republic, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and more.

5 Leadership lessons from Pop Culture's Worst Bosses May 30, 2022

On this episode we take a look at some of the most infamous bosses from TV and film and see if there are any leadership lessons we can learn from their mistakes.

This is what it’s like to have employer support for abortion care May 23, 2022

On the latest episode of The New Way We Work, we hear from Emma Hernandez about her experience accessing abortion care at two different points in her life: with and without employer support.

Access to safe and legal abortion over the last five decades has had a tremendous impact on women. Women’s labor force participation went from about 43% in 1970 to 58% in 2019. It’s an issue that impacts labor force participation and career opportunity, as well as the health of the economy. As we reported in our recent package, The Business Case for Abortion Access, state-level abortion restrictions also reportedly already cost the U.S. economy about $105 billion each year, due to women leaving the workforce, reducing overall earnings, and increasing turnover. That will increase exponentially as more bans and restrictions go into place.

How to avoid inadvertently being a bad boss May 16, 2022

Kate Davis talks with Diana Kander about the pitfalls even the most well meaning manager might fall into and how to avoid them. Diana is an author, keynote speaker, and host of The Growth League podcast, which catalogs rules for growth from remarkable women. She also co-authored a Fast Company article titled “We interviewed 50 ‘bad bosses’ to learn it only takes a few toxic behaviors for everything to go”

Pandemic habits to keep and drop as we head back to the office May 09, 2022

What is the future of the modern office? May 02, 2022

Kate Davis talks to Nena Martin about what the office of the future should look like. Nena is Global Technology Leader and Director of Workplace for the design and architecture firm Gensler. She has extensive experience in commercial architectural interiors of all types, she’s worked with clients including Apple, Google, Facebook,and many more in the process of creating new headquarters and corporate campuses.

How to make friends at work Apr 25, 2022

Kate Davis and Josh Christensen talk about how to make friends at work. The two Fast Company articles we pulled tips from for this episode are How to make office friends if you’re planning to keep working from home By Corey Weiner and You can make friends at work. Here is how to foster life-long connections By Tracy Brower

https://www.fastcompany.com/90644805/how-to-make-office-friends-if-youre-planning-to-keep-working-from-home

https://www.fastcompany.com/90739266/you-can-make-real-friends-at-work-here-is-how-to-revitalize-your-connection-building

The Great Reentry and what you need to know Apr 18, 2022

Kate Davis talks with Mark C. Crowley about The Great Reentry and what leaders need to know to make this transition work.

The history of workplace benefits Apr 11, 2022

What if benefits weren't tied to your job? Apr 04, 2022

Kate Davis talks with Sara Horowitz about the future of portable benefits. Sara is the founder and former executive director of the Freelancers Union and founder of the mutualists society. She is also an author whose most recent book is “Mutualism: Building the Next Economy from the Ground Up”.

Freelancing in 2022 Mar 28, 2022

Why are so many people joining the freelance economy? Mar 21, 2022

Kate Davis talks with Hayden Brown about why so many workers are freelancing and how this trend will only continue to grow. Hayden is president and CEO of Upwork, a work marketplace that connects businesses with highly-skilled talent.

How many meetings do we really need at work? Mar 14, 2022

Kate Davis is joined by The New Way We Work producer Josh Christensen and Fast Company's senior VP of Entertainment Scott Mebus to talk about their work meeting audit. If you'd like to audit your own meetings, you can find instructions in this Fast Company Article: https://www.fastcompany.com/90727966/you-can-cancel-most-of-your-meetings-if-you-do-these-5-things

What if we actually paid for unpaid labor? Mar 07, 2022

Kate Davis talks with Melissa Boteach about what it would look like if we paid for unpaid labor. Melissa is Vice President for Income Security, Child Care and Early Learning at the National Women’s Law Center. Melissa also oversees their advocacy, policy, and public education strategies on these issues.

Two people, one job: How job sharing could be the future of workplace flexibility Feb 28, 2022

On today's episode, The New Way We Work producer talks with Irenka Krone and Nina Prochazka about job sharing. They cohead communication, network and knowledge management at CINFO, and work together at Association PTO, advocating for flexible work models and coaching job share partners.

What is the future of workplace flexibility? Feb 21, 2022

Kate Davis joined by Kenzo Fong and Josh Foreman to discuss the future of workplace flexibility. Kenzo is CEO & Founder of Rock who recently wrote for Fast Company about asynchronous work. And Josh is the CEO and Founder of Indebted who recently wrote about how his company moved to a 4 day work week.

What happened when we took personality tests Feb 14, 2022

Kate Davis and her producer, Josh Christensen, take the Myers-Briggs and Big Five personality tests.

If you'd like to take the Big Five, follow this link: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/IPIP-BFFM/

Why your personality test results are probably wrong Feb 07, 2022

Kate Davis talks to Dr. Art Markman about why everyone's favorite personality test--The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator--is unreliable, especially when used in the hiring process. Art is a professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin and Founding Director of the Program in the Human Dimensions of Organizations.

We Are Back With New Episodes! Jan 31, 2022

The New Way We Work is back on February 7th with brand new episodes.

Working 9-to-5: Workplaces and Workspaces in the Zoom Era (From Fast Company Innovation Festival 2021) Jan 17, 2022

We are taking a short break from new episodes of The New Way We Work. We will be back with new episodes this February where we will talk about personality assessments, unions, retirement and so much more. To hold you over, here is a panel from Fast Company's Innovation Festival this past fall called "Working 9-to-5: Workplaces and Workspaces in the Zoom Era" hosted by Staff Editor--and regular contributor to The New Way We Work--Julia Herbst.

2021 In Review and New Year's Resolutions Dec 27, 2021

Today we have a special holiday episode where Kate Davis is joined by KC Ifeayni--host of Creative Conversation--and Talib Visram--host of World Changing Ideas--to reflect on the past year here at Fast Company and to share some new year's resolutions

What Companies Should Be Doing For Their Employees Mental Health Dec 20, 2021

Kate Davis is joined by Dr. Jessica Jackson to discuss what mental health support should look like at work. Dr. Jackson is a psychologist and the Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Care Lead at Modern Health. Plus, we have a custom segment from Fast Co. Works and McKinsey & Company about how we take the speed and innovation we achieved during COVID and lock it in by design for sustained performance with Brooke Weddle, partner at McKinsey & Company.

Am I a Narcissist? Dec 13, 2021

Kate Davis and her producer, Josh Christensen, take the Narcissistic Personality Inventory assessment to see just how narcissistic they might be. If you'd like to take the assessment yourself, follow this link: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/NPI/

This is why your boss is so bad at his job Dec 06, 2021

Kate Davis is joined by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic to discuss how the people who end up in leadership positions often possess the traits least suited to manage and lead people. Dr. Chamorro-Premuzic is the Chief Innovation Officer at Manpower Group, Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University, a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review and Fast Company and the author of several books including “Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (and how to fix it)”

What I Left the Childcare Industry During the Pandemic Nov 29, 2021

On today's episode, we here from a childcare provider who left the industry after 20 years in the business.

How Can We Fix The Child Care Crisis? Nov 22, 2021

The fragility of the country’s childcare infrastructure is one of America’s most enduring economic and societal challenges. This special recording of The New Way We Work podcast will explore public policy proposals, private sector initiatives, and other solutions that will help strengthen the economy and put people back on the job.

Plus, a bonus segment from Fast Co. Works in partnership with McKinsey & Company. Fast Co. works correspondent Ted Brown talks with Liz Hilton Segel, McKinsey & Company’s Global Leader for Industry Practices, about the importance of well-being and the role leaders play in prioritizing this.

The Frustratingly Familiar History of Workplace Sexual Harassment Nov 15, 2021

Staff editor Lydia Dishman dives deep into the all too familiar history of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Why is Harassment INCREASING for Remote Workers During the Pandemic? Nov 08, 2021

Kate Davis talks with Ellen Pao about the rise in workplace harassment during the pandemic, what's possibly causing the problem, and what companies should be doing to fix it. Pao is a tech investor and advocate, the former CEO of reddit, and CEO and cofounder of the diversity and inclusion nonprofit Project Include.

Why I Love the Office Nov 01, 2021

Kate Davis talks to staff editor Lydia Dishman about her appreciation of going back to the office

How Do You Collaborate When Your Company is Remote or Hybrid? Oct 25, 2021

Kate Davis talks with Natalie Nixon about creativity, collaboration and company culture. Natalie is the president of Figure 8 Thinking, author of The Creativity Leap: Unleash Curiosity, Improvisation and Intuition at Workand a contributor to Fast Company

Why I Love Remote Work Oct 18, 2021

On today's episode we hear from someone who loves remote work despite initial reservations. Plus, we have another custom segment from Fast Co. Works and McKinsey & Company about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with Lareina Yee, Senior Partner at McKinsey and Company

How to Keep Working Remote, But Still Advance in Your Career Oct 11, 2021

Kate Davis talks with Dorie Clark about how to advance in your career when you are working from home. Clark is an author, professor of business at Duke and Columbia, and a contributor for the Harvard Business Review and Fast Company

Why I Quit My Job Oct 04, 2021

On this week's episode, we hear from a retail worker about what led them to quit their job and join the great resignation. Plus, we have a custom segment from Fast Co. Works and McKinsey & Company about getting hybrid work right with Bryan Hancock, partner at McKinsey & Company and global leader of its talent work.

What is Behind The Great Resignation Sep 27, 2021

Kate Davis talks with Fast Company contributor Stephanie Vozza about why so many people are quitting their jobs, who they are most likely to be, and what industries are most affected.

Do You Hate the Open Office? Here's How it Came to Be Sep 20, 2021

In this week's episode, Fast Company reporter Lydia Dishman dives deep into the history (and future) of the office.

Should We All Be Returning to the Office? Sep 13, 2021

On this week's episode, Kate Davis talks to Fast Company contributor Gwen Moran about who should--and shouldn't--return to the office.

Subscribe to The New Way We Work wherever you listen. If you liked this episode, leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

We want to hear from you. How do you feel about returning to the office? Did you make the decision to stay remote? Are you transitioning into a new job or career? Email us at podcasts@fastcompany.com or tweet at us with the hashtag #NewWayWeWork

The New Way We Work is produced by Joshua Christensen.

For more on the return to the office:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90655710/the-unspoken-reasons-employees-dont-want-remote-work-to-end

https://www.fastcompany.com/90652534/employees-say-these-4-things-can-ease-the-transition-back-to-the-office

https://www.fastcompany.com/90648555/6-pandemic-work-habits-we-shouldnt-lose-in-our-new-normal

https://www.fastcompany.com/90641007/6-ways-to-reduce-anxiety-about-going-back-to-the-office

https://www.fastcompany.com/90643759/we-still-need-conference-rooms-heres-what-they-should-look-like-post-pandemic

We're Back with New Episodes! Sep 09, 2021

The New Way We Work returns with new episodes on September 13. We will be diving deep into the return to the office, "The Great Resignation", and the child care crisis.

How Depop is Tapping Into What Gen Z Wants with its Fashion Resale App Sep 07, 2021

In this episode, we’re talking about social media. While Facebook and Twitter still dominate the space, apps like TikTok and Clubhouse are offering people new ways to express themselves and form communities.

Amy chatted with Maria Raga, the CEO of Depop, the fashion resale app that’s become popular with Gen Z. The platform has 30 million registered users: 90% of them are under 26 years old. They discuss Depop’s unique approach to social commerce and how it has fostered a deep connection with younger users.

Best of The New Way We Work: How can we disconnect and manage digital distraction? Aug 30, 2021

In today's modern environment, it's impractical to live a completely digital-free life. But as Newport points out, you can keep your smartphone and stay sane at the same time. The key is to practice digital minimalism, and spend your online time "on a small number of carefully selected activities that strongly support things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else."

Best of The New Way We Work: The Real Reasons Why You Can't Stop Procrastinating Aug 23, 2021

In this weeks 'Best Of' episode, Fast Company reporter Pavithra Mohan spoke to Nir Eyal, author of Indistractable: How To Control Your Attention And Choose your life. Nir gets to the heart of what’s really behind procrastination, and why discipline and willpower are a myth when it comes to combating distraction. And if you like what you hear in this episode, Nir is leading a workshop on this topic at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival on Tuesday September 28th, go to events.fastcompany.com to sign up.

How NBA Top Shot is Transforming Trading Cards into NFTs Aug 23, 2021

On this episode, we’re going to talk about the gaming industry, which is worth more than 160 billion dollars globally. Over the past year and a half, as people have gone from sheltering at home to tentative re-engagement with the world to….whatever is in store for us this fall, games have taken on an outsized role in our lives.

Amy sat down with Roham Gharegozlou, CEO of Dapper Labs, the company behind NBA Top Shot, to discuss why he wants to do far more than just digitize the age-old pastime of buying and selling trading cards.

Best of The New Way We Work: How to Focus When It's All Just Too Much Aug 16, 2021

Fast Company has been writing about how to beat distractions and find more focus at work for years, but right now all of the normal advice feels less practical. Between the stress and worry that has accompanied the pandemic and economic crisis--coupled with the tumultuous presidential election--staying focused can feel impossible.

On today's 'Best Of' episode, we go back to November of 2020 when Kate Davis talked to Dr. Art Markman about how to manage stress and focus when it's all just too much.

Why Investors are Pouring Billions into This Miniature DNA Chip Aug 09, 2021

In this episode, we’re talking about biotech and health. If this past year and a half is any indication, investment in these sectors is critical. We’ve seen how we can confront a global pandemic with fast-tracked RNA-based vaccines. We’ve harnessed genomics to track and diagnose illness as it spreads. And the rise of telemedicine has made healthcare more accessible to all.

Amy talked with Twist Bioscience CEO and Co-founder Emily LeProust about the MIC winner's cutting-edge technology that has pioneered what’s known as synthetic DNA. It’s used in therapeutics and precision medicine, but has applications across agriculture, biomaterials, and even data storage.

Best of The New Way We Work: How to Ask for (and Land) That Promotion Aug 09, 2021

Once upon a time, putting your head down, doing good work, and staying loyal to a company may have been enough to get a promotion. But these days, that's no longer the case. In today's constantly changing workforce, companies reward employees who can bring results and aren't afraid to be vocal about it. It's often on the individual to devise their own strategies and sometimes even design their own path. Sometimes, that preparation may take longer than you think.

In this 'Best Of' episode of The New Way We Work, Kate and Anisa examine how to ask for--and land--that promotion.

Best of The New Way We Work: The right (and wrong) answers to common job interview questions Aug 02, 2021

On this week's 'Best Of' episode, we go back to 2019 when Kate and Anisa broke down how to prepare for a job interview and what employers are really asking with those common interview questions.

The New Way We Work Presents the Most Innovative Companies Podcast Jul 29, 2021

We're talking about AI in this episode. Once the villain of Sci Fi thrillers, AI is one of the most crucial—and misunderstood—sectors that we cover here at Fast Company. The truth is, AI—in some form or another—underpins the operations of just about every company these days, from powering self-driving technologies in our cars to serving up product recommendations when we’re shopping online. And though we’re increasingly aware of how algorithms can perpetuate and amplify inequities, AI is also being used by companies to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, increasing crop yields, fighting disinformation, and helping us track and control a global pandemic.

We're featuring one such company: Pachama, an MIC honoree that’s taking on climate change with the help of some advanced AI and data science. Amy speaks with Co-founder and CEO Diego Saez Gil about how Pachama is revolutionizing the fight against global warming.

Best of The New Way We Work: How to avoid the biggest resume mistakes Jul 26, 2021

On this "Best of The New Way We Work" episode, we go back to 2019 when Kate and Anisa dove into all things career-related, starting with the most basic tool to get your foot in the door: your resume. What are some resume mistakes you should stay away from? Are there common advice you’ve unknowingly follow that hiring managers and recruiters actually hate? The cohosts answer listener questions about resumes and Kate challenges her boss to debate common resume advice.

Best of The New Way We Work: When is the Right Time to Quit Your Job Jul 19, 2021

Of all the decisions that you'll have to make over the course of your career, one of the biggest is when it's the right time to leave a job? Like many career decisions, the answer isn't straightforward. As we discuss in this week's "Best Of" episode of The New Way We Work, some signs are more obvious than others. For starters, a toxic workplace is almost always never worth staying in. When a role or company no longer offers you the opportunities to grow, it might be time to look elsewhere. And when your job starts to impact other areas of your life in a negative way, you should, at minimum, assess the possibility of change.

Best of The New Way We Work: Can You Really Unplug on Vacation? Jul 12, 2021

Taking a vacation is not a given in our work culture and if you do, it's likely that you'll check a few work emails here and there. But not taking the time to disconnect can actually make you less productive.

Best of The New Way We Work: Is unlimited vacation as great as it sounds? Jul 05, 2021

On this episode, The New Way We Work is back with another one of our greatest hits. This one is from late 2019 and it’s a fun bonus episode where Kate Davis debates VP of Entertainment, Scott Mebus, on the controversial topic of unlimited vacation. The idea that employees can choose how much vacation they take has inspired passionate opinions on what’s appropriate for workers to expect, what a company hopes for in offering something so elusive, and how it plays out differently in practice than in theory. This is another one that’s gotten more relevant with time as the pandemic saw burned our workers taking even fewer vacation days.

Best of The New Way We Work: How do you know if you're about to burn out? Jun 28, 2021

This episode is from early 2019 where Kate Davis and former co-host, Anisa Purbasari-Horton, spoke to former lawyer turned burnout and resilience expert Paula Davis-Laack about why our work and achievement-centric culture might be to blame for the high rates of burnout in America, along with what signs we should look out for, and how we can prevent it from taking over our lives.

Best of The New Way We Work: Is Work-Life Balance Possible? Jun 21, 2021

It has been over 100 episodes since this podcast began, first as Secrets of the Most Productive People and now The New Way We Work, so we are rebroadcasting some of the best episodes from the past 4 years this summer. In this episode from 2018, Kate Davis and Anisa Purbasari-Horton talked to author Tiffany Dufu about how to find work life balance.

Why We're Entering a Significant Moment in the Fight for Equity in Tech Jun 16, 2021

On this week's episode, we feature highlights from Fast Company's Black in Tech special report. For the full report, follow this link: https://www.fastcompany.com/90644593/1-year-3-8-billion-later-how-2020s-race-reckoning-shook-up-big-tech

The New Way We Work Presents Fast Company's 2nd Annual Queer 50 List Jun 07, 2021

In this bonus episode, Kate Davis talks to senior staff editor Julia Herbst about Fast Company's second annual Queer 50 list. Plus, we hear highlights from interviews with this years honorees including Black Lives Matters co-founder Alicia Garza.

To see the full list, follow this link: https://www.fastcompany.com/queer-50/2021

How Employers Fail Trans Workers and What Can Be Done May 31, 2021

Kate Davis talks to Gabriel Arkles, Senior Counsel at the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, about trans rights at work, healthcare disparities and his work on Aimee Stephens Supreme Court case last summer.

Produced by Joshua Christensen

Fast Company Presents 'Hit the Ground Running' May 24, 2021

The New Way We Work would like to introduce you to a new podcast from Fast Company that we think you are going to love. It’s called Hit the Ground Running and it’s all about how to navigate the ever changing world of work as an early career professional. The show is hosted by Yasmin Gagne and Christina Royster, two women in their 20s on staff here at Fast Company. In this episode they talk about how to use social media as a working professional.

Subscribe to Hit the Ground Running by following the links below:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Fastcompany.com

What it's like to be queer at work in 2021 May 17, 2021

Kate Davis talks to LaFawn Davis, Group Vice President of Environmental, Social & Governance at Indeed, about how to make a more inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees, intersectionality, and the spike of anti-trans legislation in states across the country.

Produced by Joshua Christensen

How Temporary Disability is a Battleground for Workers May 10, 2021

According to Simply Insurance, nearly 6% of Americans will experience a short-term disability each year, and around 40% of those people will have their applications for disability insurance declined. On this episode, Kate Davis reports on how difficult it can be to qualify for temporary disability.

More on this topic from Fastcompany.com:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90414895/exclusive-i-left-google-because-of-pregnancy-discrimination

Produced by Joshua Christensen

This is One of the Most Overlooked Elements of Diversity at Work May 03, 2021

Kate Davis speaks with Hiren Shukla, the founder and global leader of Neuro-Diverse Centers of Excellence at EY Global, about how neurodiverse persons are so often marginalized in the workforce.

Read more on fastcompany.com:

https://www.fastcompany.com/40421510/what-is-neurodiversity-and-why-companies-should-embrace-it

https://www.fastcompany.com/90424650/too-often-neurodiverse-hiring-efforts-overlook-female-job-seekers

https://www.fastcompany.com/90543909/how-companies-can-support-neurodiverse-employees-who-choose-to-come-out

Produced by Joshua Christensen

Nearly 30 Years Since the ADA, Employers Are Still Failing Disabled Workers Apr 26, 2021

We take a look back at the history of disabled workers rights legislation over the past century and how there are still loopholes and gaps that employers can exploit to discriminate.

See full text of the ADA here

How to Make the Hiring Process More Equitable for Disabled Workers Apr 19, 2021

Kate Davis talks with Lydia X. Z. Brown about how disabled workers have to go about disclosing disabilities at work and what companies should be doing to make their hiring processes more equitable. Lydia is a scholar and advocate in disability studies and technology policy and also the Policy Counsel for the Privacy & Data Project at the Center for Democracy & Technology.

How the U.S. Almost Had Universal Child Care....Twice Apr 12, 2021

Kate Davis takes a look back at two moments in U.S. history when our government nearly had universal childcare, but failed to follow through.

Fast Company has been reporting on the recent attacks on AAPI people and ways you can get involved and help, from places you can donate and volunteer to how you can help build a more inclusive workplace for everyone. Here are links to those stories:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90616185/these-groups-are-fighting-anti-asian-violence-in-america-heres-how-you-can-help-them

https://www.fastcompany.com/90622433/how-to-support-asian-owned-businesses-yelp-just-made-it-easier

https://www.fastcompany.com/40590269/asian-americans-on-being-likable-in-the-modern-workplace

https://www.fastcompany.com/90201530/heres-another-reason-why-the-model-minority-myth-is-so-damaging

The Motherhood Tax and the Fatherhood Bonus Apr 05, 2021

Kate Davis talks with author, speaker and podcast host Claudia Reuter about the penalty women face when they decide to have children.

The History of Women Being Pushed Out of the Workforce Mar 29, 2021

Fast Company reporter Pavithra Mohan explains the history of women being pushed out of the workforce going back to the beginning of the 20th century.

The Glass Cliff Mar 22, 2021

Kate Davis talks to Michelle Ryan about her research on the glass cliff. Ryan is a professor of social and organisational psychology at the University of Exeter. She’s also the incoming director of the Global Institute of Women’s Leadership at the Australian National University. She, along with Alex Haslam, coined the term “glass cliff” as part of their research back in 2004.

Leaving a Career to Find a More Equitable Workplace Mar 16, 2021

On this bonus episode, we hear Jenna's story of landing her dream job in broadcast news and leaving that industry behind to find a more equitable workplace that allowed her to have a family without sacrificing income and stability.

How Do We Close the Gender Pay Gap? Mar 08, 2021

Kate Davis talks to Maria Colacurcio, CEO of Syndio, about the gender pay gap, pay equity, and what companies can do to make real progress in closing the gap.

Links to more reporting on the pay gap from FastCompany.com:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90609641

https://www.fastcompany.com/section/short-changed

BONUS: The Emotional Cost of Speaking Up Mar 01, 2021

On this bonus episode, Kate Davis and her producer, Josh Christensen, recap lessons learned from the last five episodes on race in the workplace. Then, we hear from Kelly and his experience as a Black man in white dominant work culture.

The toll of codeswitching and the tyranny of culture fit Feb 22, 2021

Kate Davis talks to Dr. Courtney McCluney, assistant professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University, about code-switching at work and what companies really mean when they talk about "culture fit".

BONUS: The History Behind Diversity and Racial Bias Training at Work Feb 15, 2021

On this bonus episode, Fast Company reporter, Lydia Dishman, takes us through the history of diversity and racial bias training. From the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to Reagan's deregulation to the events of this past summer.

White privilege, professional bias and tone policing at work Feb 08, 2021

Kate Davis talks to Mimi Fox Melton, acting CEO of Code 2040, about how white privilege manifests in the work place and tone policing.

Subscribe to The New Way We Work on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

BONUS: The Truth Behind Diversity Reports Feb 01, 2021

Fast Company Staff Writer, Pavithra Mohan, dives into the limitations of diversity reports like the ones we've seen from companies like Google, Facebook and Amazon since 2014.

Debunking the Pipeline Problem Jan 25, 2021

Kate Davis talks with Racial Equity Strategist and Leadership Coach, Dorianne St. Fleur, about where companies can start in building a more equitable workplace. Then, Kate talks with Porter Braswell, co-founder and CEO of Jopwell, about the myth of the pipeline problem.

This episode of The New Way We Work is sponsored by Cove, the stress cancelling wearable. Cove is now available at FeelCove.com

TRAILER: New Year, New Season, New Name Jan 04, 2021

Secrets of the Most Productive People returns January 25 with new episodes and new name.

BONUS: Highlights from Fast Company’s seventh annual Secrets of the Most Productive People issue Dec 28, 2020

In this bonus episode, you'll hear highlights from interviews with Brandy Zadrozny, Bubba Wallace, N.K. Jemisin, Gina McCarthy and Jacqui Guichelaar.

LIVE SHOW: The Year That Changed Everything Dec 21, 2020

On December 16, Fast Company Podcast Network went live on Facebook and Youtube. Creative Conversation host, KC Ifeanyi, was joined by Kate Davis--host of Secrets of the Most Productive People--and Talib Visram--host of Fast Break--to talk about 2020.

How to Deal with Isolation Dec 14, 2020

Kate Davis is joined by Fast Company Staff Writer, Pavithra Mohan, and Alana Kaufman LCSW, a psychotherapist and the founder and director of the Talk Suite, to discuss how to cope with isolation this holiday season.

Stories from the new way we work: Kathaleen Dec 07, 2020

Kathaleen Pittman, who runs Hope Medical Group for Women--one of three clinics that provide abortions in Louisiana--shares her story about the continued threats to reproductive rights in Louisiana and running a clinic during the pandemic.

How to end the imbalance of emotional and unpaid labor at home and work Nov 30, 2020

Kate Davis talks to Gemma Hartley--writer, reporter, and author of Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward--about the disproportionate burden of emotional and unpaid labor women bear both at home and in the workplace.

Stories from the new way we work: Shantelle Nov 23, 2020

This past June, after the world saw the horrific video of George Floyd being killed, millions took to the streets to protest the continued systemic oppression of Black Americans. This tragedy--and the activism that followed--made individuals examine their own complicity, families have tough conversations and workplaces reckon with their own culture, policies and approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

For a lot of companies this, sadly, may be the first time they are thinking about how equitable their office is...or, at the very least, that they haven’t done nearly enough. For many people of color, navigating work life is a minefield of microaggressions and ignorance. This is certainly the case for Shantelle. Shantelle is a Black woman who started her career in finance, but changed career paths about 10 years ago and began working in Marketing. This is her story.

How to focus when it's all just too much Nov 16, 2020

Fast Company has been writing about how to beat distractions and find more focus at work for years, but right now all of the normal advice feels less practical. Between the stress and worry that has accompanied the pandemic and economic crisis--coupled with the tumultuous presidential election--staying focused can feel impossible.

On today's episode, Kate Davis talks to Dr. Art Markman about how to manage stress and focus when it's all just too much.

Stories from the New Way We Work: Pedro Nov 09, 2020

On this week's Productivity Dispatch, we hear from Pedro who spent Election Day working at a polling place in his neighborhood.

Why Microaggressions Persist in Even "Good" Offices and How to Combat Them Nov 02, 2020

Dorianne St. Fleur joins Kate Davis to discuss microaggressions in the work place, how to be an ally and DARVO. Dorianne is a Racial Equity Strategist and Leadership Coach who specializes in helping organizations build anti-racist workplaces.

Productivity Dispatch: Stories from the New Way We Work #2 Oct 26, 2020

Liz Neitge is an actor and bartender from New York City. When the pandemic hit in March, both her industries shut down over night. As restaurants began to re-open this summer, Liz attempted to re-enter the work force, but the risks gave her pause. This is her story.

How COVID-19 Long-haulers Fight for Understanding from Employers Oct 19, 2020

Fast Company staff writer, Pavithra Mohan, joins host Kate Davis to discuss her reporting on individuals experiencing long term, lingering effects of COVID-19 and how they are fighting for understanding from employers.

Productivity Dispatch: Stories From the New Way We Work Oct 05, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has forever changed the world and the way we work. Right now, millions of American workers across every industry are on the front lines of figuring out this new normal. To highlight the stories of everyday people, Secrets of the Most Productive People is launching its new series, Productivity Dispatch: Stories From the New Way We Work. Our first story is from Jeanne, an emergency manager from New York.

Creativity Equation: Collaboration Oct 01, 2020

A custom series on science, technology, and innovation in partnership with GSK.

In this episode, we hear from GSK's Chief Scientific Officer and President of R&D Hal Barron as he explains how GSK collaborates with its competitors to solve the world's biggest problems.

Listener Survey 2020 Sep 28, 2020

Find our 2020 listener survey at fastcompany.com/mostproductivesurvey and submit your responses by October 9th for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

Reinventing Education: Can your school open while avoiding a COVID-19 outbreak? Sep 21, 2020

In this last episode in Secrets of the Most Productive Peoples “Reinventing Education” mini series, where we take a look at how school nurses are preparing for school reopening as well as what epidemiologists are thinking about how to emerge from this crisis.

Reinventing Education: How the Private and Public Sectors are addressing Child Care Sep 14, 2020

In today’s episode we are take a look at the possible solutions to the child care crisis. Host Kate Davis is joined by Staff Writer Pavithra Mohan to discuss what businesses are doing to support working parents. Then, Kate talks to Lauren Hogan, Managing Director at the National Association for the Education of Young Children, to explore ideas of what bigger institutional changes can be made on a public policy level.

Reinventing Education: How Teachers are Preparing for the Coming School Year Sep 08, 2020

There’s no question: School looks different this year. Some students will attend in-person classes. Others will participate in a hybrid model, mixing online and in-person classes. Still others will stay entirely virtual, logging into classes from their bedrooms or kitchen tables.

In this episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People's Reinventing Education series, contributing editor, Lydia Dishman, joins Kate Davis to discuss how teacher's across the country are preparing for the coming school year.

Reinventing Education: How Three Families are Preparing for the New School Year Aug 31, 2020

Amidst a growing global pandemic with persistent outbreaks and a patchwork of reopening plans, one of the biggest issues facing our nation is what to do about education and childcare for the countries over 73 million children. The far reaching impact of ongoing school closures in America has the ripple effect on all aspects of life and the economy.

Over the next month we will talk to teachers about how they are dealing with remote learning or the idea of returning to the classroom. We’ll hear from epidemiologists about how we should be planning for inevitable outbreaks, and explore both the private and public sector solutions to both taking care of kids' education and well being and retaining and supporting working parents.

On today's episode, Fast Company Associate Editor, Yazmin Gagne, joins host, Kate Davis, to tell the story of three families and the struggles they are facing while working, caring for and educating their kids.

Secrets of the Most Productive People Returns for Season 5 Aug 17, 2020

Secrets of the Most Productive People will be back in your feeds on August 31st where we'll be exploring one of the biggest issues facing our nation during the COVID-19 pandemic: the reopening of schools.

How to Find a Job During A Pandemic Jun 15, 2020

Dorianne St Fleur--Diversity & Inclusion Strategist, Career Development Coach and Founder of Your Career Girl Inc.--joins Secrets of the Most Productive People to discuss how to look for a job during the pandemic.

If you have a problem in your career or on the job hunt, tell us about it. Leave us a voicemail at ‪833-582-3278, send an email to MostProductive@fastcompany.com or tweet with #FCMostProductive and we will find an expert to answer your question.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

How We Start to Break the Mental Health Stigma at Work Jun 01, 2020

On this week’s episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People, we talk about the mental health struggles so many of us are facing right now. We also speak with Alice Boyes, a former clinical psychologist and the author of The Healthy Mind Toolkit and The Anxiety Toolkit. Boyes gives us insight into the accommodations that employees have a right to at work and offers tips on how to broach the subject of mental health issues with your manager.

If you have a problem in your career or on the job hunt, tell us about it. Leave us a voicemail at ‪833-582-3278, send an email to MostProductive@fastcompany.com or tweet with #FCMostProductive and we will find an expert to answer your question.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

FAST BREAK: New Pixar-like Robot, Time Management Tips, and Normal People May 25, 2020

This week we’ll learn about a new toy robot that could help children socialize, a good alternative to Rosé and some handy productivity tips.

Be sure to check in with us next week for another roundup of helpful tips and creative ideas to stay positive throughout this challenging time.

You can subscribe to Fast Break on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen.

If you like this show, please leave us a rating or a review.

Parenting in a Pandemic May 18, 2020

This week, Fast Company deputy editor Kate Davis and Head of Video and Podcasting Scott Mebus are talking about parenting during a pandemic. How can working parents attempt to get everything done, what should managers do to support all of their employees, possible tensions among those without kids, and how this unprecedented time may be forcing us to rethink work overall.

When shelter in place orders went into effect in most of the country in March, parents across industries had to scramble to find childcare. For those of us lucky enough to not only keep our jobs but have jobs that can be done from home has meant trying to do the impossible: work and take care of children full time.

They also talk with Dr. Jennifer Goldman-Wetzler, an expert on conflict and organizational psychology, the founder of Alignment Strategies Group, and the author of the new book Optimal Outcomes: Free Yourself from Conflict at Work, at Home, and in Life.

You can listen and subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

PRESENTING Fast Break from Fast Company Magazine May 11, 2020

Presenting Fast Break, a new podcast from Fast Company Magazine.

This week we’ll learn about how some companies are adjusting their advertising game, why the L.A Clippers are helping change the way people watch sports, and some self care tips for working moms.

You can subscribe to Fast Break on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen.

If you like this show, please leave us a rating or a review.

How to Productively Manage a Team in Times of Crisis May 04, 2020

As COVID-19 has spread, many aspects of our working lives have changed. Some of us wear masks and face-shields; some join meetings from our couches; others juggle conference calls and toddler nap times.

For leaders overseeing teams, there are also new challenges. As information about the virus and economic conditions change rapidly, leaders must make quick (and often painful) decisions about staffing, shutting down offices, and pivoting business plans overnight.

Meanwhile, there are the more mundane—but still critical—day-to-day challenges of overseeing a team effectively during a global pandemic. How do you hold meetings when your team is suddenly all remote? How can you accommodate more flexible employee schedules while still meeting productivity goals? How often should you be communicating with your employees?

To get answers to these questions, on this week’s episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People, assistant editor Pavithra Mohan and I speak with Eric Pliner, CEO of YSC consulting. Pliner, who is an executive coach for Fortune 500 companies, also shares his thoughts on the importance of thinking long term and acting in a way that will elevate company culture beyond the immediate crisis.

You can listen and subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Mentorship and Career Development During COVID-19 Apr 27, 2020

In the this bonus episode of Secrets of Secrets of the Most Productive people, hosts Pavithra Mohan and Julia Herbst discuss how you can continue your professional connections and develop career skills while sheltered at home during this pandemic.

The Real Reasons Why You Can't Stop Procrastinating Apr 20, 2020

As far as obstacles to productivity go, procrastination is a challenge that many run into over and over again. Add the uncertainties caused by COVID-19 and the distractions that working in unsettling environment brings, tackling things that require effort and brainpower can feel downright impossible.

That's because as my cohost Pavithra Mohan and I discuss on this week's episode of Secrets Of The Most Productive People, procrastination—at its core—is about our unwillingness to deal with unpleasant emotions. It's not a time-management issue, nor is it an issue about willpower and discipline. We often procrastinate because in our heads, we assume that as soon as we start that thing we're putting off, we will experience bad feelings.

Mohan also spoke to Nir Eyal, author of Indistractable: How To Control Your Attention And Choose your life about why discipline and willpower is a myth when it comes to combating distraction and procrastination, and the role of internal and external triggers. We also discuss how self-compassion can go a long way in combating distraction and procrastination.

You can listen and subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Inc. Magazine Presents 'What I Know' Apr 17, 2020

From our friends at Inc. Magazine, please enjoy this trailer to What I Know. Subscribe to What I Know on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

The greatest businesses weren’t born from moments of genius. They emerged after years of discovery--and often after years of failure. What I Know from Inc. magazine takes you inside the messy, painful, and --every so often -- transcendent journey of starting a company. Through candid interviews, Inc. senior writer Christine Lagorio-Chafkin draws out the real grit and true lessons behind innovative companies and remarkable brands.

Night-owls vs. Morning-birds: Who's More Productive Apr 13, 2020

In this bonus episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People, Pavithra Mohan moderates a debate between Scott Mebus and Ruth Reader to determine who is more productive: night-owls or morning-birds.

How to Manage Relationships When Everyone in Your Household is Working from Home? Apr 06, 2020

COVID-19 has upended every aspect of our life, including the way we work. For many office workers who are fortunate to remain employed during this period, that can mean working from home for the foreseeable future. That in itself comes with its challenges, as we’ve discussed in previous episodes. But add other household members to the mix—whether that be spouses, children, siblings, or roommates—and it’s a whole new dilemma altogether.

On this week’s episode of Secrets Of The Most Productive People, Anisa Purbasari Horton and Pavithra Mohan discusses their experience working from home while their significant others are also doing the same. They also speak with Dr Rachel Sussman a New York-based licensed family and marriage therapist and relationship expert, to speak about what couples, parents, and roommates can do to take care of their mental health while keeping their relationships strong. Scott Mebus, head of video and podcasts for Fast Company and Inc, will also make an appearance to talk about what it’s like to be a parent during this time.

You can listen and subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

How to be More Productive Working From Home Mar 30, 2020

In this bonus episode, the Secrets of the Most Productive People team talks through how they've been coping working from home and provides some tips for how you can be more productive.

PRESENTING: Book Smart from Inc. Magazine Mar 26, 2020

Now introducing Book Smart, a new podcast from our friends at Inc. Magazine. Each week, host Cameron Albert-Deitch highlights the books beloved by well-known founders and entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Warren Buffet. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

How to Deal with Stress and Anxiety During a Global Pandemic Mar 23, 2020

We're currently living in a time where uncertainty is our reality. The global pandemic that is Covid-19 has disrupted almost every aspect of modern life, including the way we work. On this week's episode of Secrets Of The Most Productive People, co-hosts Anisa Purbasari Horton, Pavithra Mohan, and Julia Herbst discuss all of the ways that stress and anxiety have impacted their working lives and the different ways that they are learning to tackle it. They also share some tools and practices that have helped them stay sane and ways to look for a silver lining in these challenging times.

Productivity Confidential: Productivity with a Purpose Mar 14, 2020

Companies in industries from tech to retail to hospitality have found a novel way of getting their employees to be more productive: They let their staff pursue their passions, on company time. It may seem counterintuitive, but by allowing personnel the opportunity to do anything from volunteer to create a fully operational nonprofit, firms are giving their people a chance to connect with their communities, learn new skills, and come back to the office energized and invigorated.

In this episode of Productivity Confidential, we talk to Richard Achée, global technology partnerships lead on the Google Chrome enterprise team, about his experience in Google’s famed “20% Time” program, where employees can use a full fifth of their time to pursue personal projects. Achée discusses his own 20% Time project, how its helped him do his day job better, and how other companies can let their staff follow their dreams without hurting the bottom line.

How to Beat Imposter Syndrome Mar 09, 2020

Impostor syndrome is something that cohosts Pavithra Mohan and Anisa Purbasari Horton have had to battle throughout their professional lives. But as they both discussed on this week's episode of Secrets Of The Most Productive People, it never quite goes away. They learned that rather than trying to make it disappear, they needed to learn how to act in spite of their impostor syndrome tendencies.

Mohan also spoke to Fast Company contributor, and author and CEO of The Memo, Minda Harts, about why impostor syndrome is especially prevalent to women of color and under-represented minorities in the workplace. While there are things that individuals can do to not let impostor syndrome get in the way of their success, workplaces also have a responsibility to ensure that they are creating a better and more inclusive culture.

Productivity Confidential: The Employee Engagement Boost Feb 29, 2020

Innovation in employee benefits has a long history. Take sabbaticals, a benefit that began in academic institutions. These long breaks allowed professors and researchers to take time off to pursue personal projects or simply recharge their creativity over the course of several months off. Those novel approaches are slowly inching themselves into the corporate world and companies from Patagonia to McDonald’s to Intel. And it’s not just sabbaticals that are growing in popularity, perks like unlimited PTO, 4-day work weeks, and company-funded personal experiences are becoming more widely accepted across industries. Company leaders see these perks as a way to give back to loyal personnel, and employees are increasingly searching out organizations that are embracing new approaches to time off.

But it’s not as simple as awarding staff a bundle of PTO and walking away. How do you pick up the slack for key team members when work hours aren’t the same as extended leave? How do you decide when an employee is eligible for different tiers of perks? And how do you measure the “performance” of such unique benefits? In this episode, we talk to Mike DeFrino, CEO of Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, about the benefits he’s implemented, the challenges they present, and how these benefits help keep employees engaged.

How to Beat Open Office Distractions Feb 24, 2020

In Season 1 of Secrets of the Most Productive People, we examined why people found it so difficult to focus in an open office. This week, we try to figure out how beat the distractions that make open office work so hard. Fast Company editorial assistant, Talib Visram, tried out three different methods to combat open office distractions and then reported back to co-host Pavithra Mohan on what he learned, what he'd do differently, and how effective each method was in helping him be more productive.

More Productive Mondays: Where is the best place to get work done Feb 17, 2020

On this bonus episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People, Fast Company assistant editor, Pavithra Mohan, and Fast Company staff editor, Julia Herbst, break down the pros and cons of where we get our work done.

Open offices have become common place in many industries. While they may give you an opportunity to collaborate at a higher level, you can't always shut out the distractions when you need to get a solitary task done. You can always work from home to beat the distractions, but what are the downsides?

Leave Secrets of The Most Productive People a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. You can follow Fast Company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

How to Get More Sleep Feb 10, 2020

On this episode of Secrets of the Most Produtive People, Scott Mebus, VP of video and podcasts for Fast Company and Inc., shires his longtime battle with getting enough sleep with co-host Anisa Purbasari-Horton. Some of his issues include a long commute, having a son who is an early riser, and the day-to-day stress of modern work life. He spoke to Dr. Janet Kennedy, psychologist and founder of NYC Sleep Doctor, about what we can all do to get a little bit more shut-eye.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts

Productivity Confidential: Productivity @200mph Dec 14, 2019

Winning a Formula 1 race is about more than pure speed. Drivers, pit crews, and team managers need to make hundreds of decisions in the blink of an eye, all while flying around a winding track at speeds up to 200 miles per hour.

For decades, those decisions were driven by instinct and experience. But modern Formula 1 races are increasingly driven by technology and information, with teams analyzing massive data sets to uncover advantages that can mean the difference between standing in the winner’s circle and coming up a few milliseconds short.

Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull Racing, knows more about what it takes to lead a winning Formula 1 operation than almost anyone. In this episode of Productivity Confidential, we talk to Horner about staying cool under pressure, how data has revolutionized racing, and what it takes to keep a winning team hungry.

What to Expect in Season 4 Dec 11, 2019

Secrets of the Most Productive People returns in February 2020 with Season 4. In the meantime, make sure to catch up on episodes you might have missed on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Secrets of the Most Productive People answer your questions! Dec 04, 2019

This week's episode is all about YOU. On this bonus episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People, Kate and Anisa answer your most pressing questions about your career, the workplace, and all those other awkward job-related topics.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts

Productivity Confidential: Data and Doctors Nov 23, 2019

Doctors and nurses have to remain productive under pressure. Their decisions are quite literally life-and-death, and quick access to patient data is vital to making informed decisions about patient needs. For years, that data was managed on pen and paper, but the recent revolution in healthcare data has fueled a technology-driven revolution in how healthcare providers do their jobs. On this episode of Productivity Confidential, we talk to Dr. Anil Jain, chief health information office of IBM’s Watson Health initiative, about how data is creating a brand new frontier of care from state-of-the-art hospitals to rural medical centers around the world.

LIVE from FCNY 2019 : How to train your brain to make a habit change Nov 13, 2019

If you've ever attempted to meet an ambitious goal, you're probably familiar with just how difficult it is to change your habits. You're also probably aware of how much influence the mind has in determining whether or not you'll be successful in that endeavor. Some days, it feels like your brain corresponds with your body and your actions. Other days, it feels like they don't want to do anything to comply.

In a bonus episode for Secrets Of The Most Productive People, recorded live at the Fast Company Innovation Festival, we hear from neuroscientist and Fast Company contributor Tara Swart, as well as author and behavioral designer Nir Eyal, as they talk about the relationship between our brains and our actions. We debunk misconceptions like the right brain/left brain concept and the (false) belief that you only use 10% of your brain.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Productivity Confidential: Productive Creativity Nov 09, 2019

Productivity and creativity have always been talked about as if they’re two sides of the same coin. You could only be creative if you didn’t have to think about productivity and vice versa. Joe Brown, senior portfolio director at legendary design firm IDEO, thinks that conventional wisdom is faulty. Brown has spent years not only designing products but designing the systems in which those products live, and he’s learned that creating an infrastructure that separates your creative and productive work is less than the sum of its parts. In this episode of Productivity Confidential, we talked to Brown about where creativity and productivity meet—and how technology is making that convergence clearer than ever.

Is unlimited vacation as great as it sounds? Oct 30, 2019

Once revered as a magical work-perk, unlimited vacation has become a polarizing debate among office dwellers. The concept that an individual worker can choose how much vacation they are allowed to claim has inspired passionate opinions on what’s appropriate for workers to expect, what a company hopes for in offering something so elusive, and why any of these opinions matter in the first place. On this BONUS episode of The Secrets of the Most Productive People, Host Kate Davis is joined by the VP of Video and Podcasting, Scott Mebus, to face each other head-to-head and defend their personal stance on unlimited vacation.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Productivity Confidential: Can a Four Day Work Week Work? Oct 26, 2019

After years of fighting tooth and nail for it, the labor movement in America finally won the battle for the 40-hour work week. Workers were no longer expected to work day and night without fair compensation. It was a victory that changed the way we think about work, and the modern work week was born.

That was nearly 80 years ago, and since then there hasn’t been much of a discussion about whether or not, with the rise of next-generation technology, it’s still a valuable guide rail for the majority of workers. But, business leaders are beginning to look critically at whether the traditional work week is worth maintaining with all the new technology available to keep employees engaged, and the results have been satisfying. On this episode of Productivity Confidential, we talk to Natalie Nagele, cofounder of Wildbit, about her mission to institute a 32-hour work week in her company and why sometimes the best thing you can do for a company’s success is telling employees to stop working so hard.

When is the right time to quit your job? Oct 16, 2019

Of all the decisions that you'll have to make over the course of your career, one of the biggest is when it's the right time to leave a job? Like many career decisions, the answer isn't straightforward. As we discuss in this week's episode of Secrets Of The Most Productive People, some signs are more obvious than others. For starters, a toxic workplace is almost always never worth staying in. When a role or company no longer offers you the opportunities to grow, it might be time to look elsewhere. And when your job starts to impact other areas of your life in a negative way, you should, at minimum, assess the possibility of change.

If you have a problem in your career or on the job hunt, tell us about it. Leave us a voicemail at ‪(201) 371-3278 or tweet with #FCMostProductive and we will find an expert to answer your question.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

How to ask for (and land) a promotion Oct 02, 2019

Once upon a time, putting your head down, doing good work, and staying loyal to a company may have been enough to get a promotion. But these days, that's no longer the case. In today's constantly changing workforce, companies reward employees who can bring results and aren't afraid to be vocal about it. It's often on the individual to devise their own strategies and sometimes even design their own path. Sometimes, that preparation may take longer than you think.

If you have a problem in your career or on the job hunt, tell us about it. Leave us a voicemail at ‪(201) 371-3278 or tweet with #FCMostProductive and we will find an expert to answer your question.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Introducing Fast Company’s Creative Conversation podcast Sep 25, 2019

We are sharing an episode from another Fast Company podcast, Creative Conversation. As an editor and writer for Fast Company magazine, Kc Ifeanyi covers some of the most creative minds in film, television, business and beyond. In this podcast, he unpacks the most frustrating parts of the creative process by talking to psychologists, scholars, and experts who are on the forefront of understanding creativity.

Subscribe to Creative Conversation on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

How to manage any type of boss Sep 18, 2019

On the long list of crucial job skills that you aren't taught in school, how to manage up ranks high. You may enter the workforce with the belief that your boss is there to manage your performance, and their management style is something you have no control over. Learning the best way to manage your boss, however, is an essential skill that you'll use throughout your career (it also works with colleagues who have different working styles). Whether you have a micromanager who needs constant updates, or the opposite—a boss who is totally MIA—there are usually subtle ways you can help them adjust their style to make your working life easier.

If you have a problem in your career or on the job hunt, tell us about it. Leave us a voicemail at ‪(201) 371-3278 or tweet with #FCMostProductive and we will find an expert to answer your question.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Work Smarter: How to stay productive while working for yourself Sep 11, 2019

Reporting to a boss keeps many employees focused and productive. But how do you stay accountable to your goals when you are your own boss? Chris Denson, host of Innovation Crush and innovation consultant, shares his strategies for getting things done.

If you have a problem in your career or on the job hunt, tell us about it. Leave us a voicemail at ‪(201) 371-3278 or tweet with #FCMostProductive and we will find an expert to answer your question.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

How to make good first impressions in the workplace Sep 04, 2019

Starting a new job is stressful for anyone. Not only do you have to get used to new people, new environment, and maybe a new commute. You also have to figure what the unwritten rules and etiquettes are, and who you should talk to for specific questions. Then there's the challenge of actually doing good work and impressing your hiring manager. That in itself can feel like an overwhelming challenge. On this week's episode of Secrets Of The Most Productive People, we tackle this tricky (yet necessary) step of starting a new job.

If you have a problem in your career or on the job hunt, tell us about it. Leave us a voicemail at ‪(201) 371-3278 or tweet with #FCMostProductive and we will find an expert to answer your question.

Subscribe to this episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Work Smarter: This is what to do when your online presence says all the wrong things Aug 28, 2019

On this mini episode, marketing expert Dorie Clark is back on the show to answer a listener’s question. This listener recently moved to a new city and asks if his presence online is hurting his chances while job hunting. When you google his name, you get pages and pages of results about an internationally known mass murderer. Dorie Clark gives expert advice to help this listener navigating a tricky situation.

If you have a problem in your career or on the job hunt, tell us about it. Leave us a voicemail at ‪(201) 371-3278 or tweet with #FCMostProductive and we will find an expert to answer your question.

Subscribe to Secrets of the Most Productive People on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This is what to say (and what not to say) during any salary negotiation Aug 21, 2019

Talking about money can be really uncomfortable. No matter how you frame the conversation there is a lot of potential for missteps. Which is why on this episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People, the cohosts break down how exactly what to frame your ask and the common minefields to avoid (hint: don't mention how expensive your rent is or how your co-worker makes more). Stever Robbins, the host of the Get-it-Done Guy podcast, answers questions from listeners.

If you have a problem on the job search or in your career, tell us about it. Leave us a voicemail at ‪(201) 371-3278 or tweet with #FCMostProductive and we will find an expert to answer your question.

Work Smarter: How do I talk to my manager about unpaid overtime? Aug 14, 2019

On this episode we’re answering an intern’s question about overtime. How do you approach your manager when you’re working overtime and not getting paid for it? Donna Morris, the Chief Human Resources Officer of Adobe, offers advice.

This is the first episode of a series called Work Smarter Wednesdays—expert advice for your most challenging questions. You’ll find Work Smarter Wednesdays during the weeks between regular episodes of Secrets of the Most Productive People.

If you have a problem on the job search or in your career, tell us about it. Leave us a voicemail at ‪(201) 371-3278 or tweet with #FCMostProductive and we will find an expert to answer your question.

How to follow up after a job interview without being annoying Aug 07, 2019

For many people the entire job interview process can feel like blind dating: Do you like them? Do they like you? Is there a future? And just like with dating, even if that first meeting went well, it's totally possible to screw it up if you follow up in the wrong way. With job interviews there's a well-known way to make a good impression: send a thank you note, and a sure-fire way to sour a good thing: annoy the hiring manager by checking in too frequently or too aggressively. But there is still a lot in the process that can be confusing: What exactly should your thank you note say? How long should you wait before checking in? What if you get another job offer?

Productivity Confidential: Wellness @ Work—How New Programs And Platforms Are Helping Us Feel and Work Better Aug 03, 2019

(Presented by Citrix) When Nicole Wolfe, director of partnerships at ClassPass, first started her career, wellness was defined by numbers. There were weight loss goals, daily step counts, weekly activity goals. But wellness has undergone a sea change in the last decade, with both people and firms understanding that health goes way beyond counting calories and building up a sweat. On this episode of Productivity Confidential, we talk with Wolfe about the transforming wellness landscape, and how companies are beginning to understand that healthy, happy teams are productive teams.

The right (and wrong) answers to common job interview questions Jul 24, 2019

On this episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People, co-hosts Kate and Anisa help listeners figure out exactly what to say (and what to avoid) in sticky situations. How do you answer some tricky questions such as “What are you weaknesses?” “What questions do you ask at the end of an interview?” Here are three ways to make a good impression at a job interview. 1. Build rapport and relationships with everyone you meet during the interview process. That includes the receptionist, the team member who spoke to you while you were waiting, and of course, your interviewer. Remember that everyone you interact is forming their first impression of you, even when your interview hasn't officially started. 2. Have anecdotes and statistics ready. If you listened to our previous episode, you know that the more you can quantify, the better. Make sure can articulate these in your interviews as well. The interviewer might have glanced at your resume, but an interview is your opportunity to remind them why your experience and achievements makes you a perfect candidate for this role. 3. Ask smart questions. It's a red flag when a candidate doesn't have any questions at the end of an interview, because it can give off the impression that they're not interested in their role. When you ask specific questions, that tells the hiring manager that you've put a lot of time and effort into learning more about the company, which is a characteristic that any manager would want to see in an employee. We’re answering your questions: What’s the career question that Google can’t help you out with? In the next few episodes we’ll be tackling how to answer the most common interview questions, how to negotiate your starting salary, and more. Leave a voice mail with your question at ‪(201) 371-3278, and your question might be featured on an upcoming episode.

Productivity Confidential: RIP Cubicle—Inside The Innovative New Office Designs That Will Change The Way We Work Jul 13, 2019

(Presented by Citrix) For decades, the image of the American office was a grim one. Endless rows of cubicles; harsh, humming, fluorescent lighting; stiff task chairs that make your back ache just looking at them. Recently, though, there’s been a shift, with employers injecting best practices from the wellness industry into the workplace and seeing productivity skyrocket. Rachel Gutter, president of the International WELL Building Institute, has made it her mission to make wellness a central component of any office. Think of IWBI as a LEED rating for wellness, with buildings and offices awarded designations based on how they integrate employee wellness into the workplace. On this episode of Productivity Confidential, we sat down with Gutter to talk about why focusing on wellness can be the key to unlocking a company’s potential.

What should your online presence say about you? Jul 10, 2019

Not so long ago, most people didn’t have to worry about their online presence or personal brand. Unless you were a celebrity, politician, or prominent CEO or entrepreneur in a public-facing company, doing well in your career involved doing good work and making in-person connections. Applying for a job meant mailing (or physically dropping) off your résumé and cover letter. Social media changed all that. As we’ve discovered in this week’s episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People podcast, marketing strategist and Duke University professor Dorie Clark recounted a story of when a client almost didn’t hire someone because they couldn’t find any information about the candidate online. At minimum, employers expect an updated LinkedIn profile. The more content you can create (such as a blog post), the better. Here are three things you should consider when you’re auditing your online presence: 1. Keep everything as up-to-date as possible. This includes LinkedIn, Twitter, and your personal website if you have one. You never know when people might need your expertise, or when your dream company wants to hire someone with your skills and qualifications. 2. Make yourself accessible. You want to have some way for people to contact you, whether it’s by email, Twitter direct messages, or messages on your personal website. There’s no point showcasing the value that you can bring, only for people to struggle to get in touch with you. 3. Stay true to yourself. It’s easy in the social media age to feel like you need to present a certain image, but in a world of curated filters, anything that doesn’t come across as genuine is going to be obvious. Just be strategic about what you share. And new this season, we’re answering your questions: What’s the career question that Google can’t help you out with? In the next few episodes we’ll be tackling how to answer the most common interview questions, how to negotiate your starting salary, and more. Leave a voice mail with your question at ‪(201) 371-3278, and your question might be featured on an upcoming episode.

Is writing a cover letter worth it? Jun 26, 2019

No one likes writing them, and recruiters just skim them. Is it finally time for cover letters to die? Not so fast. On this episode, cohosts Kate and Anisa share why this tool is still crucial in a job search. They talk to Jamie Hichens, a senior talent acquisition programs manager at Glassdoor. She reviews hundreds of cover letters a month, so she knows all the best practices and mistakes to avoid. If you don't know where to start, here are three tips to write a compelling cover letter: 1. Address it to the right person. 2. Give the hiring manager a reason to keep reading. 3. Includes specific examples. And new this season, the cohosts are answering your questions: What's the career question that Google can't help you out with? In the next few episodes we'll be tackling how to answer the most common interview questions, how to negotiate your starting salary, and more. Leave a voicemail with your question at (201) 371-3278, and your question might be featured on an upcoming episode. If this episode was helpful to your job search, please let us know. Leave us a review wherever you listen.

Productivity Confidential: Artificial Intelligence—Friend or Foe? Jun 22, 2019

(Presented by Citrix) Whether we see it as a threat or a practical productivity booster, artificial intelligence is shifting the way we work. Embracing AI at work and harnessing its power to find efficiencies can open up a new realm of possibilities. AI allows people to focus more on distinctly human tasks like creativity, empathy and intuition by freeing workers from repetitive tasks and managing high volumes of data. On this episode of Productivity Confidential, we sat down with Chris Heilmann from Microsoft, to discuss what AI means for the workforce, productivity and its effect on the job market.

How to avoid the biggest resume mistakes Jun 12, 2019

This season of Secrets of the Most Productive People dives deep into all things career-related, starting with the most basic tool to get your foot in the door: your resume. What are some resume mistakes you should stay away from? Are there common advice you’ve unknowingly follow that hiring managers and recruiters actually hate? The cohosts answer listener questions about resumes and Kate challenges her boss to debate common resume advice.

Productivity Confidential: How to keep your business together when your employees are everywhere Jun 08, 2019

(Presented by Citrix) If you check emails by phone on-the-go or work from home occasionally, you’re part of the remote workforce. Cutting-edge technology and a new generation of entrepreneurs and managers are transforming the concept of the 9 to 5. In today’s always-on work culture, employees who want flexibility in their schedule, location, and commute are finding more ways to work how, when and where they want than ever before. On this episode of the Productivity Confidential podcast, we sat down with Sara Sutton, CEO and founder of FlexJobs, to talk about the challenges and opportunities of building a remote-first office, why she's a telecommuting evangelist, and how to get your office to embrace the future of work.

What Can You Expect in Season Three? Jun 05, 2019

New Episodes of Secrets of the Most Productive People start June 12. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The Morning Routines of the Most Successful People May 08, 2019

There’s a reason why so many successful people are intentional about how they start their day. On the final episode of season 2 of Secrets of the Most Productive People, the cohosts talk to Benjamin Spall–coauthor of My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired–about what successful people have in common when it comes to how they spend their mornings. What is ideal for one person might not work for another, but the one thing that sets many successful people apart is that they use that time to take control of their day, rather than letting the day control them.

How to Train Your Brain to be More Resilient to Failure Apr 24, 2019

Fast Company deputy editor Kate Davis and assistant editor Anisa Purbasari Horton speaks to Intern Queen CEO and founder Lauren Berger about seeing failure as part of the journey to success.

Myths About Introverts and Extroverts Apr 10, 2019

There are many misconceptions about introverts and extroverts--introverts are shy, extroverts are not. The reality is that shyness has nothing to do with introversion or extraversion. Whether you're one or the other depends on how you draw your energy source. Do you recharge by being alone, or would you prefer to be surrounded with people? This week, Kate Davis and Anisa Purbasari Horton spoke to bestselling author and award-winning speaker Susan Cain about how to determine whether you're one or the other, why a lot of people fall somewhere in-between, and why the workplace is often designed in favor of extroverts.

Is Creativity the Enemy of Productivity? Mar 27, 2019

The creative process is long and messy. When you need to come up with a novel solution to a thorny problem is precisely when your brain seems to shut down. As Anisa Purbasari Horton and Kate Davis found out on this week’s episode of Secrets Of The Most Productive People, often our journey to creativity involves a lot of activity that seems “unproductive.” As psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman said, we need to change how we think about productivity when it comes to creativity—and embrace the non-linear path that comes with it.

Is Mind Over Matter a Real Thing? Mar 13, 2019

We spend most of our lives “in our heads,” processing the world and other people though our own beliefs and biases. Yet, most of us understand very little about how our brains really work, and what they are actually capable of. On this week’s episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People, We spoke to Tara Swart to understand exactly what our brains are capable of and how to build new neuro-pathways in our brain.

How do you know if you're about to burn out? Feb 27, 2019

Chronic stress and burnout are common occurrences in today’s workplace. About one in five “highly-engaged” U.S. workers reported experiencing some sort of burnout, according to a 2018 study conducted at the Yale Center of Emotional Intelligence. This week, we spoke to former lawyer turned burnout and resilience expert Paula Davis-Laack about why our work and achievement-centric culture might be to blame, what signs we should look out for, and how we can prevent it from taking over our lives.

How can we disconnect and manage digital distraction? Feb 13, 2019

In today's modern environment, it's impractical to live a completely digital-free life. But as Newport points out, you can keep your smartphone and stay sane at the same time. The key is to practice digital minimalism, and spend your online time "on a small number of carefully selected activities that strongly support things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else."

How do you make a to-do list that works? Jan 30, 2019

When it comes to one of productivity's most basic elements, the to-do list, everyone has their own approach. So in this episode of "Secrets of the Most Productive People" we talked to the creator of the popular bullet journal about how to figure out what system works for you.

Four Day Work Week: Impossible Dream or Plausible Plan? Jan 16, 2019

Shorter workweeks can improve productivity and boost morale. But while a 3-day weekend sounds great, American work culture and expectations aren't there yet. We talk to CEO and founder of FlexJobs, Sara Sutton, about the pros and cons of a 4 day workweek.

How Can You Keep Your New Year's Resolutions? Jan 02, 2019

So many of us (close to half of all Americans) make New Year's resolutions. The bad news is that just 8% of us will actually keep them all year.

What Should You Expect in Season Two? Dec 19, 2018

New Episodes of Secrets of the Most Productive People start January 2nd with "How Can You Keep Your New Year's Resolutions?" Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Productivity Myths Busted! - Live from the Fast Company Innovation Festival Oct 31, 2018

Are morning people more productive than night owls? Do successful people have to give up work-life balance? Psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman and time management expert Laura Vanderkam busted some of the biggest productivity myths at the Fast Company Innovation Festival.

Is Work-Life Balance Possible? Oct 17, 2018

In our always-connected universe, achieving work-life balance can seem impossible. In this final episode of season one, Tiffany Dufu insists that to feel at peace, we need to learn to let go of our high expectations, and forgive ourselves from falling short from time to time.

How Can We Make and Break Habits? Oct 03, 2018

When it comes to making or breaking habits–there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Learn what some habit-building strategies might be, along with why certain personality types don’t do well with accountability partners.

How Can We Feel Less Busy? Sep 19, 2018

Telling someone you're "busy" is a surefire way to shut down the conversation. This is how you can change the way you look at your time and your life.

How Can We Improve Our Willpower? Sep 05, 2018

Researchers have long debated whether or not our willpower and decision-making capacity is finite. One thing is clear, though–not all decisions are created equal–and some will require more brain juice than others. Decision-making expert Sheena Iyengar joins Kate and Anisa to tell us about how we can train ourselves and structure our lives to to make better decisions.

Are Some Times Of Day Better to Work Than Others? Aug 22, 2018

Some of us are not just that productive in the morning and forcing us to concentrate at a 9 a.m. meeting is a recipe for a wasted day. Fortunately, there are ways to get around this dilemma if you don't have complete control of your schedule.

Is It Possible to Multitask? Aug 08, 2018

You probably spend many of your working hours multitasking--whether you realize it or not. Does working with multiple tabs open (guilty) or eating your lunch in front of your screen (guilty again!) really cause your productivity to suffer?

Can You Really Unplug on Vacation? Jul 25, 2018

Taking a vacation is not a given in our work culture and if you do, it's likely that you'll check a few work emails here and there. But not taking the time to disconnect can actually make you less productive.

Is Striving for Inbox Zero Worth It? Jul 11, 2018

There are two types of people in the world: those who have hundreds or even thousands of unread emails, and those who break out in hives just thinking about that first group.

How Can You Focus In An Open Office? Jun 20, 2018

In this episode, senior editor Kate Davis and editorial assistant Anisa Purbasari Horton talk about their struggles with working in an open-office, and the workarounds that work for them.

What's Ruining Your Sleep? Jun 06, 2018

In this first episode of Secrets of the Most Productive People, senior editor Kate Davis and Editorial Assistant Anisa Purbasari Horton dive into what's ruining their sleep (anxious mind and toddler, respectively) and then are joined by expert Gary Zammit, Executive Director of the Sleep Disorders Institute who offers some solutions.

Welcome to the Secrets of the Most Productive People podcast! Jun 01, 2018

Join Fast Company editors Kate Davis and Anisa Purbasari-Horton as they try to figure out how to get it all done. In this bi-weekly podcast they’ll sort out fact from fiction on things like multi-tasking, sleep, and email and get expert advice on how to work smarter instead of harder.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected