Here's the Deal | Leadership, Culture, and the Future of Work

skool.com/leadwithoutblinders In this episode, Shujaat and Joselle explore the concept of executive presence, particularly in the context of the AI era. They discuss the importance of soft skills, communication, and the myths surrounding executive presence. The conversation emphasizes that executive presence is not just for senior leaders but can be developed by anyone. They provide a framework fo...

skool.com/leadwithoutblinders In this episode, Shujaat and Joselle delve into the critical yet often overlooked skill of negotiation in leadership. They discuss the importance of negotiation as a foundational skill for professionals, especially in today's dynamic job market. The conversation explores various frameworks for effective negotiation, real-world scenarios, and the unique challenges...

In this conversation, Shujaat and Joselle explore the critical importance of personal branding in today's job market, especially for immigrants. They discuss how branding shapes perceptions and influences career opportunities, emphasizing the need for individuals to actively manage their personal brand. The discussion covers strategies for building a brand, the impact of AI and social media, and t...

How can a centuries-old selection process for a Pope teach us about modern corporate succession? In this episode, Shujaat Ahmad and Joselle Deocampo-Gautam reveal the surprising parallels between the Vatican's conclave and the often-unspoken rules of getting ahead in business. We explore how to strategically position yourself for future opportunities, build a legacy that lasts, and navigate the em...

In this different take on the "commencement speech for new grads", we ( your hosts Shujaat and Joselle) provide valuable insights and advice for new graduates entering the workforce. We do a live build for a framework on career crafting in a tough market. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding and leveraging different forms of capital—financial, knowledge, and network....

In this special episode, Shujaat and Joselle answer questions from the audience related to the evolving landscape of careers, particularly in the context of AI and digital transformation. They explore the importance of continuous learning, the immigrant perspective on career risks, and the necessity of building strong networks as well as life-long relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need...

In this episode, we discuss our top five predictions for the job market in 2025, focusing on the volatility of the labor market, the impact of AI, the return to office trends, the evolving corporate culture, and the rise of solopreneurs. We emphasize the importance of flexibility and adaptability in navigating these changes, encouraging listeners to embrace AI and continuous learning to thrive in...

In this episode, Joselle and Shujaat delve into the complexities of performance management, exploring the illusions that often cloud the process. Drawing parallels with the movie 'The Prestige', they discuss how performance reviews can create a façade of fairness while masking deeper issues. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the hidden dynamics of calibration meetings, th...

Summary In this episode, Joselle and Shujaat delve into the complex topic of layoffs, breaking down the deal on the anatomy of layoffs. They walk through the financial number, the game, and the systems that drive layoffs. They discuss the emotional toll on employees, and the critical role of leadership and communication. They discuss the importance of transparency, the need for individuals to prep...

In this episode, Shujaat and Joselle explore the complexities of career transitions, sharing personal stories and insights on navigating change. They discuss the importance of understanding the difference between change and transition, the non-linear nature of career paths, and the significance of listening to one's inner voice. The conversation offers a 5 step playbook for managing transitions ef...

Please see detailed show notes at the end. Summary In this episode, Joselle and Shujaat discuss the criticality of innovation amidst economic volatility, and how to lead it during such uncertain times. They explore three key strategies for leaders: dreaming big while starting small, thinking like a scientist through experimentation, and crowdsourcing innovation from within the organization. The co...

June brings in the season for commencement speeches with advice for graduating classes. However, we feel this year a commencement speech is required for leaders! This episode is our take on this speech for leaders. This special class went through unprecedented times in history during their years in college/university. They began their journey at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. They are...

Welcome to the first episode of Here's the Deal, where hosts Joselle Deocampo-Gautam and Shujaat Ahmad unravel the mysteries of AI . We discuss how the role of leadership evolves in response to the transformative changes brought by AI. We discuss what leaders need to do to embrace the impact on their businesses, organizations, careers, and purposeful living. Using Shujaat's expertise in culture ch...