The POZCAST: Decoding Success with Adam Posner

Latest Episodes:

Charlotte Dales: Revolutionizing Workplace Inclusion with Inclusively Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

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Summary
In this episode, Adam Posner interviews Charlotte Dales, co-founder and CEO of Inclusively, a platform dedicated to creating equitable workplaces. Charlotte shares her journey from finance to founding Inclusively, inspired by her cousin Cameron's achievements despite challenges. The conversation delves into the importance of workplace accommodations, the role of anonymity in fostering inclusion, and the need for data-driven insights to bridge gaps in employee support. Charlotte discusses the pivot from a hiring platform to a focus on retention and the future of work, emphasizing skills-based hiring and authentic DEI practices. She also offers advice for aspiring founders on balancing personal and professional life while defining success beyond financial metrics.
Takeaways:
- Inclusively aims to create equitable workplaces through technology.
- Charlotte's inspiration came from her cousin Cameron's journey.
- Accommodations in the workplace can significantly impact employee success.
- Anonymity in requesting support is crucial for employee comfort.
- Data-driven insights help align employee needs with company offerings.
- The business model pivoted from hiring to retaining talent.
- Skills-based hiring complements the need for accommodations.
- Authenticity in DEI practices is essential for real impact.
- Balancing work and personal life can enhance productivity.
- Success is defined by the positive impact on future generations.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Inclusively and Its Mission
02:59 Charlotte's Journey: From Finance to Founding Inclusively
06:03 Inspiration from Family: Cameron's Story
08:55 The Importance of Accommodations in the Workplace
11:51 The Role of Anonymity in Workplace Inclusion
14:47 Bridging the Gap: Data-Driven Insights for Employers
17:57 Pivoting the Business Model: From Hiring to Retaining Talent
20:54 The Future of Work: Skills-Based Hiring and Inclusion
24:00 Navigating the DEI Landscape: Authenticity vs. Performative Actions
26:58 Advice for Aspiring Founders: Balancing Life and Work
29:42 Defining Success: Beyond Numbers and Exits

BEST OF: Kat Cole: Don’t Let Whatever Was Yesterday Define You- CEO @ AG1 Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

Chapters:

1:40 - Legacy of Fudgy

3:24 - The Dark Side of Humility

6:50 - Right decision at the right time

7:14 - Need of a Male figure in Life

9:23 - Be a Go-getter

12:20 - First lessons learned the hard way

15:06 - Cultural simulation in a new country

18:59 - Brand research and insights

21:58 - Entry of Cinnabon

28:25 - Cinnabon smell in the malls

31:50 - Corporate vs Customer level'

34:09 - How to handle the throttle

35:54 - Secret go-to interview Questions

39:59 - Advising for a Big Company

45:05 - Biggest challenging moment

46:52 - Single Greatest piece of advice

48:54 - Kat's North Star

Navigating the Global Performance Crisis with Gabriella Rosen Kellerman Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

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Summary"

In this episode of #thePOZcast Adam Posner interviews Dr. Gabriella Rosen-Kellerman, a physician and psychiatrist who is a pioneer at the intersection of science, technology, and human potential. They discuss her journey into psychiatry, the shift from remediation to performance in mental health, and the impact of work on mental health. Dr. Rosen-Kellerman shares insights on the global performance crisis, the role of COVID-19 in workplace dynamics, and the challenges of remote work. They also explore the concept of flourishing versus productivity, the importance of recognition in leadership, and the future of AI in the workplace. The conversation concludes with Dr. Rosen-Kellerman's career advice and reflections on the lessons learned from historical technological transitions.

Takeaways
- Dr. Gabriella Rosen-Kellerman emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health in the workplace.
- The shift from remediation to performance in mental health is crucial for employee well-being.
- COVID-19 has significantly impacted workplace dynamics and mental health.
- Remote work presents unique challenges that can affect productivity and mental health.
- Flourishing is about living a deeply meaningful life, not just being productive.
- Recognition from leaders can greatly enhance employee motivation and performance.
- AI is reshaping the workplace, requiring new skills and mindsets from employees.
- The PRISM framework outlines essential skills for future work: Prospection, Resilience, Innovation, Social Connection, and Mattering.
- Leaders need to be proactive and scenario plan to navigate the rapidly changing work environment.
- Historical lessons can guide us in supporting employees through technological transitions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Gabriella Rosen-Kellerman
03:03 The Journey into Psychiatry and Digital Health
05:44 The Shift from Remediation to Performance in Mental Health
08:46 The Impact of Work on Mental Health
12:09 Understanding the Global Performance Crisis
14:58 The Role of COVID-19 in Workplace Dynamics
17:56 The Challenges of Remote Work
21:06 Flourishing vs. Productivity
23:56 The Importance of Recognition in Leadership
27:00 AI and the Future of Work
29:41 The PRISM Framework for Future Skills
32:47 Insights from Collaborating with Dr. Martin Seligman
35:46 Navigating Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World
38:36 The Future of AI and Human Interaction
41:35 Lessons from History on Technological Transitions
44:36 Closing Thoughts and Career Advice

Julie Sexton: A Career Innovating HR Practices at Land O'Lakes Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

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Summary:

Julie Sexton, Land O'Lakes, organizational culture, HR innovation, employee engagement, technology in HR, veterans in workforce, talent acquisition, flex work, leadership, Land O'Lakes, leadership, talent management, generational differences, agriculture industry, AI in business, career advice, employee engagement, mentoring, organizational culture

Takeaways:

- Julie fell into HR by choosing it as a versatile concentration in college.
- Land O'Lakes offers a culture where employees can have a real impact.
- Transparency and humanness are key in leadership.
- People strive to do their best and want to be valued.
- The evolution of technology has greatly improved HR processes.
- Flexibility in roles can attract a diverse talent pool.
- Piloting initiatives allows for learning and adaptation.
- Supporting veterans through programs like SkillBridge is crucial.
- Diversity includes mindset and experiences, not just demographics.
- Land O'Lakes is more than just butter; it's a significant agricultural co-op. Land O'Lakes operates across the entire agricultural value chain.
- The cooperative model allows for direct ownership by farmers and producers.
- Nurturing future leaders involves experience, mentoring, and skill development.
- It's important to recognize that not everyone is suited for leadership roles.
- An individual contributor career path is essential for deep expertise.
- Understanding employee values through surveys can enhance engagement.
- Reverse mentoring programs can bridge generational gaps.
- A talent strategy aligns workforce development with business goals.
- Honest communication is crucial in performance evaluations.
- Self-reflection and openness to feedback are key to career growth.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Julie Sexton and Her Journey
02:03 The Importance of Organizational Culture
06:49 Defining and Living Organizational Culture
08:10 The Evolution of Technology in HR
10:18 AI and Innovation in Recruitment
12:25 Balancing Flexibility in Manufacturing Roles
14:41 Innovating Employee Engagement Strategies
17:08 Supporting Veterans in the Workforce
20:09 Attracting Talent Beyond Butter
21:30 Understanding Land O'Lakes' Unique Position
24:05 Nurturing Future Leaders
26:51 Navigating Multi-Generational Workplaces
28:07 Building a Talent Strategy
30:00 Evaluating Talent and Performance
30:53 Interviewing for Value Addition
33:05 Challenges Facing the Agriculture Industry
34:50 Embracing Generative AI
37:00 Career Advice and Self-Reflection

Josh Newman: Revolutionizing Workforce Design: Global Head of People and Strategy @ WPP Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

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Takeaways:

- Work architecture is essential for understanding how work gets done.

- Workforce design and strategy are closely linked.

- Employee experience mapping can enhance workforce design.

- Onboarding is a critical stage in the employee journey.

- Mutual responsibility exists in managing employee expectations.

- Technology can complicate employee experiences if not implemented thoughtfully.

- Future-ready organizations prioritize employee development and upskilling.

- HR must claim a seat at the revenue table to drive business outcomes.

- Remote work requires intentional design to foster collaboration.

- Contentment is a dynamic goal worth striving for in one's career.

Summary

In this conversation, Adam Posner and Josh Newman delve into the intricacies of workforce design and employee experience. They discuss the importance of understanding work architecture, the critical stages of employee onboarding, and the mutual responsibilities of employers and employees in managing expectations. Josh shares insights from past workforce design projects, highlighting lessons learned from failures and the significance of creating future-ready organizations that prioritize employee development. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of HR in driving revenue, the challenges of remote work, and the impact of parenthood on leadership styles. They conclude with reflections on career advice and the true definition of success.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Workforce Design and Architecture

02:59 Employee Experience Mapping: The Six Stages

05:56 Mutual Responsibility in Onboarding

08:53 Lessons from Workforce Design Failures

11:52 Future-Ready Organizations: Human-Centric Approaches

14:37 The Role of HR in Revenue Generation

17:48 Navigating Remote Work and Mentorship Challenges

20:18 The Transformative Power of Parenthood

26:44 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Productivity

31:55 The Future of Work and Employee Value Proposition

34:56 Defining Success Beyond Traditional Metrics

Joelle Emerson: The Paradigm Shift: Rethinking Workplace Culture with Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

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Takeaways

- Joelle Emerson emphasizes the importance of making the world a better place through one's work.
- Her journey into law was influenced by a personal trauma that highlighted the need for justice.
- Joelle's pivot from practicing law to consulting was driven by a desire to create proactive solutions.
- The tech industry's evolving conversation around culture and diversity has opened new opportunities for consulting.
- Hiring for 'culture fit' often leads to homogeneity rather than diversity of thought.
- Structured interview processes are essential for fair and equitable hiring practices.
- Change management is crucial for implementing new hiring strategies successfully.
- Early failures in business taught Joelle the importance of engaging people in new processes.
- Leadership alignment is key to successful DEI initiatives within organizations.
- The current state of DEI is complex, with varying definitions and levels of commitment across companies. DEI has become a target for scrutiny due to a lack of shared definitions.
- Equity is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about its goals.
- Diversity encompasses a wide range of identities beyond race and gender.
- Generational differences in the workforce require tailored management strategies.
- Training for managers must evolve to meet the complexities of modern workplaces.
- Data and AI can provide valuable insights into organizational culture.
- Reverse discrimination is a real concern, but not as common as perceived.
- Thoughtful DEI initiatives can benefit all employees, not just specific groups.
- Organizations are increasingly embedding DEI into their core practices.
- Continuous learning and upskilling are essential for employee growth.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Joelle Emerson and Paradigm
01:54 Joelle's Journey to Law and Civil Rights
04:39 The Pivot from Law to Consulting
08:31 The Birth of Paradigm and Cultural Conversations
10:05 The Flaws of 'Culture Fit' in Hiring
12:53 The Importance of Structured Interview Processes
16:10 Learning from Early Failures in Business
20:51 Aligning Leadership with DEI Initiatives
23:46 The Current State of DEI in Organizations
25:22 Understanding DEI: Definitions and Misconceptions
29:02 Generational Dynamics in the Workforce
32:53 The Evolving Role of Management in a Complex World
36:41 Data-Driven Insights: The Power of AI in Culture
39:23 Navigating Reverse Discrimination and Fairness in DEI
41:51 Future Trends: Building Cultures for Everyone
46:44 Embracing AI: Opportunities and Growth in the Workplace

Transforming Employee Benefits with Overalls CEO & Founder Jon Cooper Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

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Summary:

In this episode of #thePOZcast Adam Posner interviews Jon Cooper, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Overalls, a company focused on simplifying life for employees through innovative benefits. Jon shares his journey from a corporate background to entrepreneurship, discussing the lessons learned from his parents, the challenges faced while building Life.io, and the emotional transition during acquisitions. He elaborates on the mission of Overalls, the unique service model, and the importance of technology and AI in enhancing user experience. The conversation also touches on leadership in a remote work environment, hiring practices, and the evolving definition of success.

Takeaways

- John's parents were both small business owners, influencing his entrepreneurial spirit.

- He initially struggled with understanding the corporate world and sought practical experience.

- Life.io aimed to create a financial incentive for healthy living, akin to carbon credits.

- The acquisition process can be complex and emotionally challenging for founders.

- Overalls was born from the need to address everyday life challenges for employees.

- The service model of Overalls allows employees to send any problem for assistance.

- High adoption rates are achieved through simple messaging and user education.

- Real-life impact stories highlight the emotional connection and trust built with users.

- Navigating challenges in the business landscape requires flexibility and adaptability.

- AI enhances efficiency but should not replace the human element in service delivery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Cooper and His Journey

02:56 Early Influences and Entrepreneurial Spirit

05:46 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

08:45 The Concept Behind Life.io and Its Impact

11:44 The Acquisition Process and Emotional Transition

14:48 The Birth of Overalls and Its Mission

17:45 Understanding the Service Model of Overalls

20:54 Adoption Rates and User Experience

23:51 Real-Life Impact Stories and Trust Building

26:47 Navigating Challenges in the Business Landscape

30:00 The Role of Technology and AI in Overalls

33:00 Leadership in a Remote Work Environment

35:53 Hiring Practices and Team Dynamics

38:52 Future Challenges and Growth Opportunities

41:45 Defining Success and Personal Values

44:02 Conclusion and Future Connections

From Start Up Burnout to Finding Balance: Ben Lee's Journey Jul 11, 2025

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Summary
In this episode of #thePOZcast, Adam Posner interviews Ben Lee, a seasoned entrepreneur and wellness architect, who shares his journey from building a successful digital agency to confronting burnout and redefining success through wellness. Ben discusses the influence of his father's entrepreneurial spirit, the lessons learned from his experiences, and the importance of prioritizing health over hustle.

He reflects on his transformative experiences in Costa Rica and the vision behind his wellness lodge, ReCenter, which aims to help high achievers reconnect with purpose and community. In this conversation, Ben Lee and Adam Posner delve into the evolving landscape of wellness retreats, examining the delicate balance between luxury and profound personal transformation. They discuss the importance of creating unique experiences that cater to individual needs, the significance of men's work in personal development, and the challenges of navigating the wellness business in a competitive market. Ben shares personal anecdotes of transformation and emphasizes the importance of a purpose-driven approach to achieving success.

Takeaways
- Ben Lee emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health over hustle.
- His entrepreneurial journey was heavily influenced by his father's hustle.
- Gut instincts play a crucial role in decision-making for entrepreneurs.
- Burnout is often a gradual process rather than a singular event.
- Detoxing from hustle culture requires significant emotional and mental effort.
- Costa Rica served as a pivotal point for Ben's personal transformation.
- ReCenter aims to create a restorative environment for high achievers.
- The importance of community and connection in wellness.
- Ben's experiences highlight the paradox of wealth and freedom.
- The vision for ReCenter is to redefine wellness lodging. There needs to be a balance between luxury and deep personal transformation in wellness retreats.
- Nature plays a crucial role in helping individuals detox and reset their mindset.
- Personal transformation can take different lengths of time for different individuals.
- Creating unique and bespoke experiences is essential in the wellness industry.
- Men's work is a vital aspect of personal development and healing.
- Building a strong brand and experience is more important than competing on price.
- Success is about leading with purpose and heart, not just financial gain.
- The tourism market can be challenging, but innovative strategies can lead to success.
- AI is changing the coaching landscape, and adapting to it is essential.
- Personal health and well-being should be prioritized in business and life.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ben Lee and His Journey
02:14 The Entrepreneurial DNA and Early Influences
07:24 Lessons from Family and the Importance of Gut Instincts
09:20 The Burnout Experience and Its Impact
15:25 Detoxing from Hustle Culture
18:45 First Encounters with Costa Rica
22:55 The Vision for ReCenter and Its Mission
30:30 Finding Balance in Wellness Retreats
31:25 Detox to Retox: The Journey of Transformation
36:05 Crafting Unique Retreat Experiences
39:40 The Power of Men's Work
42:10 Navigating Business Challenges in Wellness
50:51 Aha Moments in Entrepreneurship
52:16 Redefining Success in a Purpose-Driven World

BEST OF: Will Guidara: The Pursuit of Unreasonable Hospitality Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

00:00 Introduction and Evoking Smiles
01:27 Background and Unreasonable Hospitality
12:05 Making it Cool to Care: Passion and Infectious Energy
29:31 The Importance of the Fan Meal: Preparing for Success
30:26 Building Relationships and Creating Community in the Workplace
31:18 Effective Communication and the Value of Daily Huddles
32:08 The Impact of Remote Work on Relationships and Community
33:22 Finding Purpose in Your Work
34:20 Accountability and Self-Awareness for Personal Growth
35:27 Elevating and Supporting Others for Extraordinary Achievements
36:57 The Importance of Persistence, Character, and Being Present

Abi Adamson: Breaking Down Barriers in the People Business Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

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Abi Adamson, founder of the Culture Partnership, shares her journey from a working-class background in London to becoming a leading voice in workplace culture and inclusion. Abby discusses her experiences with bias and elitism in hiring practices, the impact of name bias on job opportunities, and the importance of empathy in addressing workplace challenges. She emphasizes the need for organizational change and the role of psychological safety in fostering inclusive environments.

Abi shares her experiences with classism and racism in the workplace, detailing her journey from working in corporate environments to starting her own business. She discusses the challenges women of color face in HR dynamics, the importance of psychological safety in organizations, and the need for an authentic company culture. The conversation also highlights positive changes in workplace culture and Abi's aspirations for the future, including her desire to engage in more speaking opportunities and share her insights on culture and inclusion.

Takeaways

Abby's background shaped her perspective on workplace culture.
Experiences of bias can drive individuals to seek change.
Name bias significantly affects job opportunities for people of color.
Elitism in hiring practices limits diversity in organizations.
Challenging the status quo requires strategic navigation.
Organizational change often starts with small, incremental steps.
Toxic work environments can be identified through early red flags.
Empathy and awareness are crucial in addressing biases.
Diversity in the workplace enhances creativity and innovation.
Personal experiences can fuel professional passion and purpose. Classism can be as damaging as racism in the workplace.
Starting a business was a response to negative experiences in corporate settings.
Women of color often face unique challenges in HR dynamics.
Psychological safety is crucial for employee well-being.
Authenticity in company culture is essential for true inclusion.
Positive changes in workplace culture are happening, but more is needed.
Organizations must be open and honest about their cultural challenges.
Diversity and inclusion initiatives should be genuine, not performative.
Career advice: The magic is within you, and you are the MVP.
If there's no seat at the table, build your own table.