Fully Engaged

In this deeply insightful episode of Fully Engaged, Jennifer sits down with Melissa Swift — founder of Anthrome Insight and award-winning author of Work Here Now. Melissa is a leading voice in transforming how we work, focusing on combating work intensification and reshaping leadership in modern organizations. Together, Jennifer and Melissa unpack: *What it really means to be fully engaged (hint: it’s not about hustling harder) *The science behind burnout and “the work anxiety monster” *Why interdependence might be quietly wrecking your team's productivity *The critical shift from “busy” to “impactful” work *How leaders and individual contributors can reclaim control through agency and smarter boundaries *The sneaky ways tech makes us feel overwhelmed — even if we're working fewer hours *What’s truly driving burnout in the C-Suite (yes, even CEOs are drowning in tasks!) With warmth and wisdom, Melissa challenges outdated work norms and offers data-driven, human-centered strategies to help leaders build workplaces where people truly thrive. Whether you're in HR, L&D, leadership, or just feeling overwhelmed by the modern workplace — this episode offers powerful insights and practical solutions. Listen now and discover how to stop working harder... and start working smarter, healthier, and more human.

On this episode, Jennifer speaks with Liz Ryan, Founder & CEO of Human Workplace, to explore the essence of workplace culture, employee engagement, and the human side of work. Liz, a seasoned HR professional and LinkedIn Top Voice, shares her insights on creating vibrant, trust-based workplace environments that foster creativity and innovation.  The conversation delves into the importance of moving away from fear-driven policies and embracing a culture of trust and empowerment. Liz also reflects on her unique journey from opera singer to HR leader, offering valuable lessons on how to build organizations that celebrate the human spirit. Jennifer and Liz discuss practical strategies for leaders and employees alike to navigate career transitions, overcome the fear of failure, and stay fully engaged in both work and life. Whether you're an HR professional, a leader, or someone looking to reinvigorate your career, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you create a more fulfilling and human-centered workplace.  Tune in for a lively discussion that will leave you feeling energized and ready to bring more "fizz" into your professional and personal life!

Jennifer sits down with Lindsey Leigh Hobson, Founder of The Learning and Development Collective, to explore the transformative power of leadership development, workplace culture, and the evolving role of learning and development (L&D) in today’s organizations. With over a decade of experience in leadership training and as a recognized LinkedIn Top Voice in mentoring, Lindsey shares her insights on creating personalized learning journeys, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how to balance technical skills with people skills in the workplace.  Lindsey delves into the origins of The Learning and Development Collective, a peer-to-peer support network that has grown to over 750 members since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of remote work, the rise of the metaverse in L&D, and the critical role of storytelling in leadership development. Lindsey also highlights the importance of problem-solving skills, adaptability, and self-responsibility as key traits for future leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an emerging manager, or an L&D professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking insights on how to foster a culture of engagement, belonging, and continuous learning in your organization. Tune in to discover how to elevate your leadership skills and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Jennifer welcomes her own friend Lisa Toenniges, the founder and CEO of Innovative Learning Group, to explore the evolving world of learning and development (L&D) and performance improvement. With nearly four decades of experience, Lisa shares her insights on how organizations can effectively align L&D initiatives with business outcomes, the importance of performance improvement over training for training's sake, and the role of technology in modern learning environments. Lisa discusses the challenges organizations face in implementing L&D strategies, the balance between formal training and just-in-time learning, and the future of work in the context of rapid technological change. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring L&D professionals, emphasizing the importance of understanding instructional design principles, staying connected with industry trends, and maintaining a human-centered approach to learning. Tune in to gain practical strategies for building a culture of accountability, leveraging performance support tools, and ensuring that learning initiatives drive real business results. Whether you're an L&D veteran or new to the field, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the complexities of organizational development and leadership.

This week, Jennifer connects with Johannes Sundlo, a visionary HR leader and AI enthusiast, to explore the intricate world of workplace culture, leadership, and the future of work. Johannes shares his unique perspective on what it means to be "fully engaged" and delves into the importance of workplace culture as the "sum of all parts" — from people and processes to policies and technology. The conversation takes a deep dive into the role of leadership in today’s rapidly changing, VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world, emphasizing the need for flexibility, curiosity, and a growth mindset. Johannes also discusses the intersection of AI and HR, offering practical insights on how AI is transforming HR strategies and processes, and what skills professionals need to develop to stay ahead in this evolving landscape. From building inclusive and diverse workplaces to fostering professional development, Johannes provides actionable advice for leaders and organizations looking to create environments where employees can thrive. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how to navigate the complexities of modern work with a people-first approach, all while embracing innovation and technology.

Jennifer kicks off the show with Laurie Ruettimann—HR expert, podcast host, and author of Betting on You—for a candid discussion on workplace engagement, leadership, and career growth. Laurie challenges the conventional wisdom around workplace culture, explaining why it’s often a myth and why individual accountability matters more than corporate values. She shares how leaders can truly motivate their teams—starting with improving their own work experiences first.  From her transition from corporate HR to entrepreneurship to redefining work-life balance and mentorship, Laurie brings her signature boldness and humor to the conversation. She also shares insights from her Punk Rock HR podcast and offers a fresh perspective on change management.  Whether you’re a leader, an HR professional, or rethinking your career path, this episode is packed with no-nonsense advice on making work work for you. Don’t miss this insightful and energizing conversation that will challenge how you think about being fully engaged!