Modern Mentor

Quiet cracking isn’t burnout, and it’s not disengagement. It’s the early warning signal that something in the work is out of alignment. In this episode, we unpack what quiet cracking looks and feels like, why it matters more than we think, and what anyone, regardless of role, can do to stop it before it spreads. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have...

Our approach to wellness at work is wrong and it needs to be fixed. Currently we’re pushing ourselves to the edge and using wellness programs to help us recover. But what if instead of building better wellness programs, we rewired the work to just need them less? Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernm...

Clarity doesn’t come from top-down communication. It comes from shared context, built through curiosity, trust, and connection. Here’s how to create it. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the new...

Change and success live on a dial, not a switch. And when we’re only looking for complete overhauls, we miss the signals we’re achieving something new. Missing those signals can cause us to miss out on progress. That’s where the Ladder of Impact comes in.   Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@...

Workplace well-being isn't just a buzzword; it's a critical component of a thriving team. This episode looks at the current state of employee health and well-being with Dr. Rich Safeer, Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-being at Johns Hopkins Medicine. We discuss the often-overlooked signs of workplace stress, why integrating well-being practices into your day is essential, and ho...

Companies are making tough decisions these days that leaders need to help their teams through. Here are some ways to get through even the toughest of changes. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to t...

In the final installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel speaks with Jaime Klein, founder and CEO of Inspire HR. They dive into the transformative impact of AI on HR practices, drawing parallels to the early adoption phase of the internet. Jaime shares insights into how companies are integrating AI at various levels, from applicant screening to employee engagement. They also discu...

In the third installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel sits down with Brett Underhill, who heads up talent acquisition and learning and development at Taboola. They discuss the benefits of using a pilot approach to implement changes and initiatives within an organization. Brett shares insights into setting up a pilot, including clear timelines, project objectives, and engaging k...

In the second of a series of shorter form interviews, Rachel sits down with Mike Jacobson, VP of People Operations at Steno. They discuss why traditional feedback methods often fall short and how to create a more effective system for career growth. Mike shares insights on building customized learning environments that incentivize genuine engagement, as well as the hidden value of lateral career mo...

In the first of a series of shorter form interviews we're releasing in June, Rachel sits down with Alex Salas, Assistant Chief People Officer at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and head of the NYC SHRM chapter. They discuss key strategies for improving employee experience, the competitive talent landscape, the importance of trust, leadership challenges, and practical advice for achi...

Burnout doesn’t end with one big fix. Here’s how to build real, lasting relief by trading perfection for momentum—one reset, one decision, one human moment at a time. Check out all four episodes in this special series on this Spotify playlist .   Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddir...

You're not "either burned out or not burned out." Healing is a gradual process of chipping away at what drains you. Join Rachel Cooke, your Modern Mentor and founder of Lead Above Noise, in Part 3 of our burnout series. We move beyond simply identifying the problem and begin to rebuild with intention. Discover the Activation framework – Deliver, Develop, Connect, Thrive – and learn how to use each...

Managers are burning out—not just from doing too much, but from carrying too many roles that were never meant to be theirs. Let’s name the burden and start letting go of what was never yours to hold. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , T...

Team challenges can feel overwhelming to tackle head-on. Here’s how leaders in a recent Activation Bootcamp found ways to infuse small but meaningful relief into their teams—without trying to fix everything.   Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Fa...

Rachel sits down with DEI strategist Lily Zheng for a candid conversation on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They explore why real progress depends on focusing less on performative programs and more on outcomes that drive lasting change. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at...

Some work relationships feel easy. And some… don’t. When a relationship feels rocky—even without a big conflict—there’s a path to a more collegial working relationships, even if you never become best friends. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Fa...

Rachel sits down with Bonnie Davis, co-founder of HuWork, to answer your questions about building more human-centered workplaces. You’ll also hear how Bonnie and her co-founder built HuWork by combining their corporate experience, research, and coaching backgrounds along with why celebrating strengths is key to sustainable change. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available...

Everyone’s motivation dips sometimes. But when it does, we often default to the wrong solutions. Here’s how to get curious, not critical, and reignite your inner spark in some of the most common situations. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Faceb...

You want to run an offsite for you team. You're craving the connection, the alignment, the levity and the action plan. You just don't know where to begin. Well, it's here. You begin here. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , an...

In this insightful conversation, executive coach Jerry Colonna joins The Modern Mentor Podcast to explore the transformative power of empathy in leadership. He shares lessons from his work with top executives, his experiences with Startup Podcast, and his perspective on fostering belonging in the workplace.  Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a...

Tired of always fixing what’s broken? What if instead, you focused on what’s working well and built from there? Today, we’re talking about using an Appreciative Inquiry approach to problem-solving in the workplace. Let’s shift from frustration to forward momentum. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at moder...

Low morale seems to be rampant in the workplace today. So many people are feeling it - without a sense of empowerment (or budget) to change it for the better. But there are plenty of no-cost ways to drive morale in the right direction. Today let’s talk about 7 of my favorites. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Emai...

Rachel welcomes bestselling author AJ Jacobs, known for his immersive "method writing" approach. They discuss how curiosity, gratitude, and risk-taking can reignite creativity and combat workplace burnout. From living biblically for a year to becoming the healthiest person alive, AJ shares how diving deep into new experiences fuels his work and how you can apply the same principles to rediscover y...

What does kindness really mean in a business context, and how can it drive retention, culture, and success? Linda Cohen, The Kindness Catalyst, joins the Modern Mentor podcast to explore the tangible impact of kindness in leadership, how it differs from simply being nice, and actionable strategies to create a more engaged and motivated workforce. You can find Linda Cohen, The Kindness Catalyst and...

Ever feel like your ideas get ignored while someone else says the same thing and gets immediate buy-in? It’s not about speaking louder—it’s about how you position your idea. Here’s how to get people to listen—and act—on what you have to say. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtyti...