Futureworks

 CTO Royce Haynes discusses how products like Aspect can and should be helping workforce managers get back to doing what only humans can do. As we launch Aspect Intelligence, Royce talks about how AI can help spark ideas for his moms birthday party and give ideas for when extra staffing will be needed. That insight allows managers to lean into things like strategy and leadership development, while...

In this episode,  Gillian and Michelle meet with Aspect CEO Darryl Kelly to explore various themes surrounding leadership, communication, and speed within productivity. They discuss the importance of authenticity, the role of inspiration within teams, and the emotional growth that comes with leadership. The conversation also delves into the balance between speed and simplicity in decision-making,...

AI isn’t just hype or headlines—it’s a tool. And like any tool, it’s only as useful as the person using it. In this episode, Michelle sits down with Emily Heavner, product manager at Aspect (and PhD in mathematics), to demystify artificial intelligence and its place in the modern workplace. Emily shares how AI works, clears up common misconceptions, and explains why data—not magic—is the true engi...

 This episode of Futureworks dives into the intersection of lived experience and leadership with Tausha Simon—marketing manager at Aspect, executive coach, and host of the GreatFully You podcast. Tausha shares what it means to create safe spaces for emergence in the workplace, how her parenting journey with a non-verbal autistic son shaped her approach to communication, and why belonging starts wi...

On this episode of Future Works, Gillian sits down with Lindsey Comeau, Chief of Staff at Sunday and one of the best listeners in the business. With a non-linear path from dude ranch to startup operations, Lindsey has worked across customer experience, marketing, and executive leadership. Today, she acts as the connective tissue inside a fast-moving company, helping people show up, communicate, an...

In this episode of Futureworks , Michelle and Gillian welcome a very special guest—Gillian’s father, Ric Grefé. With a career spanning naval intelligence, journalism, public policy, and two decades leading AIGA, Ric brings sharp insight into how design thinking can shape leadership that’s curious, intentional, and human-centered. From “repotting” your career to reframing hierarchy and cultivating...

In this episode of Futureworks , hosts Gillian and Michelle sit down with Kelly Maiden for a candid, energizing conversation about creativity, storytelling, and what it truly means to lead—with empathy, clarity, and intention—at work and at home. Kelly shares how a single goosebump-inducing moment as a teenager launched her creative journey, and how parenting has unexpectedly shaped her leadership...

In this episode, our host, Michelle Lee, sits down with Gabriel Rodriguez to examine the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome—especially in the context of remote work. Gabriel shares his personal journey through various roles in sales and beyond, reflecting on how self-doubt and cultural expectations can hinder growth. Emphasizing the critical role of constructive feedback and supportive relations...

In this episode, hosts Gillian Grefe and Michelle Lee sit down with Lesley Pinckney for a thought-provoking discussion on how corporate culture intersects with authenticity. The trio begins by highlighting the role of food as a powerful connector, before diving into Lesley’s diverse professional path and the balancing act of “showing up” authentically within organizational norms. Lesley underscore...

In this episode, hosts Gillian Grefe and Michelle Lee welcome Stephanie Schott, whose work in executive coaching and entrepreneurial leadership offers fresh perspectives on organizational change. The conversation begins with a lighthearted catch-up and a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges of podcasting before focusing on Stephanie’s journey of inspiring meaningful transformation within...

In this episode, Gillian Grefe, Michelle Lee, and Jordan Birnbaum explore the evolving role of empathy in the modern workplace. The conversation opens with lighthearted discussions on art, pets, and favorite interview questions before diving into the deeper topic of empathy as a transformative force in business. Jordan underscores empathy’s strategic value across various roles, including sales, ma...

In this episode, hosts Gillian Grefe and Michelle Lee sit down with Darryl Kelly to discuss his inspiring professional journey and his approach to workforce innovation. The conversation weaves together Darryl's experiences in consulting, his passion for creativity, and the profound impact of human-centered design in the modern workplace. Beyond his professional insights, Darryl shares how his...

In this episode, Gillian, Michelle, and Laura dive into the evolving landscape of workplace culture, examining its significance in today’s organizations. They begin by defining work culture and exploring how it differs across teams and companies. Laura highlights the critical role of leaders in shaping culture through shared values and emphasizes the importance of creating feedback mechanisms to h...