The Real Work Chat Podcast

And we're baaaaaack! After taking a much-needed, yet brief, sabbatical, The Real Work Chat has returned with Dr. Michelle Jones-London, as she shares her journey from neuroscience to leadership, navigating workplace trauma, responding to unanticipated change, and fostering resilience in the face of systemic challenges. Together, we dive into how to build supportive teams, mange trauma immediately...

In this week's episode, Isaac and Robin connect with Dr. Sherrod Williams, who shares his journey from higher education practitioner to CEO. Together, we explore his work leading New Futures, a Washington, DC area nonprofit focused on creating college and career pathways. We also discuss the evolving role of higher education, balancing work and life as a CEO, and the importance of community and co...

This week's conversation features leadership consultant, Ashley B. Stewart, who explores the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and discomfort in leadership and personal growth. He emphasizes the role of self-awareness in the ability to navigate complex workplace dynamics, particularly in the context of systemic issues. He also tells us about the BANI framework, which describes the current...

Welcome back to The Real Work Chat, where we name workplace nonsense one story at a time! Season 2 is here, and we're going deeper (get ready). From toxic productivity to ineffective leadership, we're continuing the conversations that matter most to people navigating the real, messy, sometimes maddening world of work. This season, we're bringing you real stories from real people, because the more...

Robin and Isaac are back for Season 2 of The Real Work Chat, focusing on workplace challenges and thriving in professional life. This time around, we lean in on toxic culture, burnout, and leadership issues, providing real stories and conversations to help individuals thrive in their professional lives. Join us every other Wednesday as we name more nonsense, one story at a time!

In this final episode of Season 1 of The Real Work Chat, Isaac and Robin reflect on their journey throughout the season, discussing key insights, the importance of community, personal growth, and the power of declarations. They emphasize the significance of storytelling in understanding work dynamics and express excitement for the upcoming season, inviting listeners to continue exploring what a he...

In this episode of The Real Work Chat, hosts Isaac and Robin drop the second part of their conversation with Dr. Grace Johnson, exploring themes of self-care, identity, and the impact of high achievement on mental and physical health. We discuss the importance of community support, the challenges of navigating the holiday season, and the lessons learned from our personal experiences with stress. W...

In this episode of The Real Work Chat, hosts Isaac and Robin engage with Dr. Laurence Boitet, whose work focuses on trainee wellness in biomedical research. We discuss the challenges of work-life integration, the unique distress drivers faced by biomedical trainees, and the importance of tailored leadership approaches in fostering workplace wellbeing. Dr. Boitet emphasizes the need for organizatio...

This week's episode explores themes of leadership, community, and personal growth with their guest, Tristine Harris. We discuss the importance of work-life balance, the role of care in leadership, and the evolving workplace culture. Tristine shares her journey of self-discovery, her commitment to supporting others, and the challenges of navigating work and parenting. Our conversation emphasizes th...

In this engaging conversation, hosts Isaac and Robin check in with each other before introducing their guest, Grace Johnson. The discussion explores themes of identity beyond work, the importance of community, and the role of intuition in decision-making. Grace shares her experiences in academia, the impact of cultural context on value systems, and the significance of grounding oneself in nature....

In this episode of the Real Work Chat podcast, hosts Isaac and Robin connect with guest Makeda Richardson, co-owner and COO of Fight Into Fitness, about the complexities of workplace culture, identity, and empathy. They explore Makeda's deep experience in both nonprofit and corporate environments, discussing the challenges of accountability, the importance of community, and the role of fear in the...

In this episode of The Real Work Chat, Isaac and Robin engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Shawn Bediako about the evolving landscape of work, mental health, and the importance of trust and fairness in the workplace. They explore personal histories with work, the distinction between employment and meaningful work, and the significance of authenticity and autonomy. The discussion also touches on...

In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, hosts Robin and Isaac engage in a deep conversation about workplace wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of rest, reflection, and the need for a supportive work environment. They explore the Workplace Mental Health and Well-being Framework (2022) from the US Surgeon General for mental health in the workplace, discussing five essential elements: protection...

Robin and Isaac introduce the podcast, talk about what brought them to this space together, and outline how they hope to learn and grow through exploring wellness and nonsense at work.