Jazzed About Work

Navigating your career in a world that feels out of control can be daunting. In his thoughtful and clearly written book, What is Water? McKinsey consultant Kayvan Kian offers simple tips for changing your focus and remaining calm in challenging times. In this episode, Kayvan talks about how you can thrive by concentrating on those things that you actually CAN control, even when your environment fe...

We know that many workers are struggling, and a recent survey takes a deep look at the specifics of how employees how feel about their jobs. In this episode, Laura Hamill, an executive at software company Limeade, shares the results from their recent “2020 Employee Care Report.” We talk about how the pandemic is affecting stress and burnout in the workplace. And we discuss ways managers can suppor...

The power of learning new things is the topic in this lively conversation with guest host Tom Hodson, coach Bev Jones and frequent WOUB guest Judge Gayle Williams-Byers. Your days at work are more rewarding when tasks challenge your thinking and stretch your mind. Learning activities – whether you take micro steps or deep dives -- can inspire new ideas, help you stay relevant and make your job mor...

“Organizational culture” is a hot phrase these days in leadership discussions. And Greg Besner knows all about it. He is a highly accomplished entrepreneur who has won praise for his performances as a CEO. He was an early investor in a business that talks a lot about culture – Zappos. And CultureIQ, a company that Greg created, blends research and technology to help customers to transform their bu...

Immediately after his college graduation in 2013, John-Mark Bolton launched a company, ClearDefense Pest Control. In just a few years, he and his co-founders have built a thriving business, with a team of over 200 people working in 8 states. Their goal is to operate nationwide. In this episode, John-Mark describes how he was “raised on commission” and learned business basics as a kid. And he descr...

In two March episodes, guest host Tom Hodson talked with Bev Jones about how to build a portfolio career, as an alternative to traditional retirement. Since then, Tom has in fact retired from his leadership role at Ohio University and WOUB. While he has many interests, he’s finding the transition to be more challenging than he expected. Hear a bit of coaching in this episode, as long-time friends...

Umesh Ramakrishnan is a senior leader at Kingsley Gate Partners, a global executive search firm. And he’s a thought leader, often called upon to share insights about what it takes to rise to the top of an organization. In this episode, Umesh talks about how technology is changing the way professionals get hired. He explains why 2020 is the perfect time for organizations to invest in Diversity and...

Today’s guest has a broad career portfolio. Garrett Hope is a composer, an occasional music professor and a career coach. His podcast – The Portfolio Composer – helps composers and performers see themselves not only as artists but also as being in business. These days Garrett also is passionate about helping people make career pivots. He understands that moving forward often involves getting over...

For more than 30 years, Rosalind Clarke has been a major player in Palm Beach residential real estate. It’s a career this talented Brit fell into, after her London-based employer closed their Florida office and shut down the firm. In today’s episode, Rosalind talks about this unusually high end market, and offers insights about careers in real estate, wherever you might live. She says being a brok...

Prolific jobs and finance writer Kerry Hannon has a new book out, and it could be THE career book of 2020: “Great Pajama Jobs: Your Complete Guide to Working from Home.” In this episode, frequent guest Kerry offers good advice about how to secure and thrive in a work-from-anywhere job. We discuss how today’s job market is challenging but also full of opportunities, whether you want to try somethin...

Career expert Mark Anthony Dyson is a prolific writer and speaker, and his savvy advice has helped countless job seekers become more effective. In this return visit to Jazzed About Work, Mark focuses in on microaggressions and other special challenges faced by Black professionals. And he offers tips and techniques that are useful to anyone working to build resilience and create career success. For...

Yes -- there are jobs out there for the college class of 2020. And in this episode Scott Dettman offers tips to help them and other recent grads to find them. He suggests that you not try to go it alone, but instead develop your network, reaching out to anybody you know. At the same time, build your digital profile and improve skills that will help you work remotely. Scott has long been concerned...

Today’s guests, Karen Holst and Douglas Ferguson, are co-authors of “Start Within,” a handbook for pursuing innovation, even if you’re not a leader within your organization. They’ll share strategies for presenting your idea to stakeholders, launching a learning prototype and dealing with failures along the way. And they’ll talk about how solving problems can be enjoyable, and letting go of assumpt...

If you’re looking for billion-dollar businesses that are likely to grow in coming years, consider the world of sports. That’s the advice of today’s guest, Jackie Reau, CEO of Game Day Communications. For example, Esports -- video gaming at a competitive level – has a global audience of more than 440 million people. It generates growing revenues, including through tournaments, merchandise, tickets...

Serial entrepreneur Mark Silverman spent 30 successful years building, running and advising a series of consumer and tech companies. Then he shifted gears. He was moved to action as he watched the challenges faced by several aging family members. As he contemplated the needs of empty nesters, retirees and others wanting more meaningful lives, he decided that people need more options for finding wo...

For several years nonprofit media company WorkingNation has been warning America that we might face a massive unemployment crisis. In this Jazzed About Work episode, Joan Lynch, the company’s chief content officer, talks about why a job skills gap has long been threatening to disrupt our economy. But she also offers hope, with insights about sectors that already are creating new jobs. Along with i...

The COVID-19 crises reminds us that people truly do need to feel connected with other people. And overwhelming research suggests that a strong and diverse network of relationships is key to building a resilient career. But it can be challenging to keep networking when nothing feels normal. In this episode, guest host Tom Hodson talks with our own coach Beverly Jones about networking basics that re...

Marketing expert and serial entrepreneur Steve Kahan is worried about the job prospects for recent college grads. And he has strong opinions about how they might best launch their careers. In this episode he shares advice from his book, Be a Startup Superstar – Ignite Your Career Working at a Tech Startup. He says you don’t have to be a tech person to be a valued member of a technology startup tea...

Top-ranking financial advisor Paul Pagnato has a new book: Transparency Wave – Exponential Changes That Will Transform Our World. Pagnato is passionate about the need for people and institutions to be transparent. He says transparency can change everything, from your financial status to your health. In this episode he talks about how transparency and trust are the cornerstones of modern society, a...

In this episode, a trio of Zappos marketing pros -- Derrin Hawkins, Kelly Smith and Tia Zuniga – describe how and why they crowd-sourced a book about this intriguing company. They talk about how Zappos maintains a radical focus on both serving customers and keeping employees happy. And they describe why they prefer working face-to-face, at their Las Vegas headquarters.

In this episode of Jazzed About Work, guest host Tom Hodson interviews our own Beverly Jones. Bev wears her career coaching hat this time as she gives some nuts and bolts advice about how to launch your own business … whether you’re in the middle of your career… or thinking about an alternative to retirement. She tells you how to start planning, even if you have no idea about where to begin… how t...

A sustainable business is one that has a minimal impact -- or maybe even a positive impact -- on the environment, and on the world generally. Our guest in this episode is Katie Secrist, of Seattle’s Sustainable Business Consulting. She helps companies think more deeply about the environmental and social impact of their activities. Katie will talk about the new wave of Certified B Corporations and...

For years, Shawn Askinosie loved being a successful criminal defense lawyer in Springfield, Missouri. But then he felt like the work was killing him. In this episode, Shawn describes why he changed everything, and how today he leads Askinosie Chocolate, a company that makes small-batch artisanal chocolate -- with social responsibility cooked into every bar. Shawn also shares advice about how you c...

Today’s episode will be particularly helpful for young professionals eager to get their new jobs off to a great start. Washington career coach and personal branding strategist Robert Moment has specialized in preparing people to outshine the competition during job interviews. But some of the same techniques will support your success after you do get the job. Robert will share smart tips from his l...