The Work-Life Equation

As we close out the year on The Work Life Equation , Priya and Paul unpack the biggest insights from a year of powerful conversations with HR leaders, benefit innovators, and caregiving champions. From the "manager lottery" to the infrastructure of care, we explore how companies are evolving their support strategies—and why 94% of employees say family benefits matter more than ever.      Whether y...

What if child care wasn't just a benefit but a game-changer for employee loyalty, engagement, and even talent attraction? In this episode of The Work-Life Equation, we talk with Meghan Klosterman, Senior Manager of Child Care Programs at Walmart, about the launch of Little Squiggles Children's Enrichment Center, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support working parents at Walmart's headquart...

What if your employee benefits could do more than support the day-to- day— they could shape someone's entire future? In this episode, we hear from Chad Jones at Papa John's, whose own journey from pizza maker to PhD candidate inspired a company-wide education initiative. "Dough & Degrees" is helping frontline workers earn diplomas, grow careers, and stay engaged—all while staying on the job.   For...

What happens when companies truly put people first? In this episode of  The Work - Life Equation , we sit down with L ori Marcus and Angelique Bellmer Krembs—two powerhouse leaders from The Band of Sisters—to explore how inclusive cultures aren't just good for morale— they're good for business.   Through real stories and bold insights, L ori and Angelique reveal how:   Flexibility fuels retention...

How do you design benefits that actually work —for everyone? In this episode, Alyssa Friedrich, Chief People Officer at United Therapeutics, shares how flexible, inclusive benefits like child care, backup care, and mental wellness support are driving retention, equity, and engagement across a multigenerational, hybrid workforce.   If you're building a people-first culture that performs, this one's...

  What if care  wasn't a perk, but the foundation of a thriving workforce? In this episode of  The Work Life Equation , Blessing Adesiyan, founder of The Care Gap, shares how supporting caregivers boosts productivity and retention, why flexible policies create real equity, and how care is no longer a "nice to have", it's a business imperative. Through powerful stories and bold insights, she makes...

What if childcare was the key to your company's success? In this episode of  The Work Life Equation , we sit down with Jenny Guldseth , Chief People & Culture Officer at Allianz Life, to explore how investing in working parents transformed their workplace. From on-site childcare to flexible leadership, Jenny shares candid stories, hard-won lessons, and bold strategies that are reshaping the future...

In this episode, Priya and Paul sit down with Cindy Silva, HR leader and benefits expert, to explore how modern employee support, from student loan repayment to elder care, is reshaping the workplace. Cindy shares how these benefits have personally impacted her and why they matter now more than ever across generations.   This episode is for HR teams, company leaders, working parents, and anyone re...

In this episode, Priya and Paul sit down with Subha Barry, President of Seramount, global inclusion expert, and one of the most resilient leaders in the business. From high-stakes boardrooms to deeply personal health battles, Subha shares how her lived experiences have redefined what meaningful employee support should look like. This episode is for leaders, working parents, HR teams, and anyone re...

In this eye-opening bonus episode, Donald Knight II, a seasoned HR leader and father, shares his journey of balancing parenthood and professional life. From his evolving perspective on parental leave to innovative approaches in supporting a multi-generational workforce, Donald offers valuable insights on creating inclusive work environments. He discusses the importance of allyship, the changing ne...

Join Priya Krishnan and Paul Sullivan in a special bonus episode of The Work-Life Equation podcast. In this episode, they welcome Kanika Chadda-Gupta, host of That's Total Mom Sense, as she interviews Priya and Paul about their fascinating career paths, parenting journeys, and the impact of their roles. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation filled with personal anecdotes, career insights, and prac...

In this illuminating episode of The Work-Life Equation podcast, hosts Paul Sullivan and Priya Krishnan welcome Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor James Heckman from the University of Chicago. Professor Heckman shares insights from his groundbreaking research on early childhood education and its long-term impacts on individuals and society. In this episode, Heckman explains the 'Heckman Equati...

Chief Diversity Officer and author Mita Mallick gets candid about the myths and biases holding back working parents in today's workplaces. Drawing from her bestselling book "Reimagine" and years of leadership experience, Mita debunks the notion that extended maternity leave alone supports women, emphasizing the need to transform mindsets around involved fatherhood too. She shares powerful stories...

In this candid conversation, working moms Casandra Williams and Aurore Joshi open up about the challenges and joys of navigating careers while juggling caregiving responsibilities. Casandra, a first-generation college graduate and mother to a 2-year-old, shares her strategies for effective co-parenting and staying organized. Aurore provides a moving account of her 20-year journey as the "sandwich...

On this episode Priya and Paul are joined by Dr. Aditi Nerukar, a Harvard physician, nationally recognized stress expert, and author of the book "Rewire Your Brain for Less Stress and More Joy." Dr. Nerukar shares invaluable insights from her years of expertise working with patients on managing stress and burnout. She debunks the myth of multitasking, explaining how our brains are wired for "monot...

DeAnne Aussem , Managing Director and Wellbeing Leader at PwC, shares her inspiring journey as a female executive while navigating work, parenthood, and finding harmony across life's different spheres. DeAnne provides an inside look at PwC's pioneering "Be Well, Work Well" initiative launched in 2017 to prioritize employee wellness across six dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, fin...

Dr. Ramon Jacobs-Shaw is redefining what it means to be a modern father and healthcare leader. From growing up in rural poverty to achieving dual board certifications in pediatrics and internal medicine at elite institutions, Ramon has been driven by a passion for serving underserved populations like his own Lumbee tribe. He opens up about his roles championing health equity as Chief Clinical Offi...

In this powerful episode, author Jessica Fein discusses her new memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes, which chronicles her family's journey caring for their daughter Dalia, who was diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease at age 5. Jessica opens up about the range of emotions - fear, grief, guilt - that came with being a caregiver while also working full-time and r...

In this insightful episode, leadership expert and author Jenna Fisher shares her inspiring journey and hard-won wisdom from over 20 years of helping women navigate the corporate ranks. Drawing from her bestselling book To the Top , Jenna provides a practical playbook for creating meaningful change and closing the gender gap in executive roles. She discusses the importance of authenticity in leader...

Pulitzer-prize winning Wall Street Journal reporter and author Joann Lublin shares invaluable wisdom from her books Power Moms and Earning It which detail how executive mothers can thrive at the highest levels while navigating work and family. Lublin reveals eye-opening findings from her interviews with more than 100 trailblazing leaders across generations, including powerful strategies they used...

David Smith, a former Navy pilot who is now an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, shares eye-opening insights on achieving gender equity in the workplace and at home. Drawing from his own experiences in the male-dominated Naval Academ y and military, as well as his extensive research with co-author Brad Johnson, David dives deep into the systematic biases and everyday acti...

Dr. Dana Suskind, a trailblazing surgeon, and researcher, has built a career on the profound impact that parent-child interactions have on children's brains. Drawing from cutting-edge science and her own inspirational life story, Dr. Suskind shares practical strategies that any parent or caregiver can use to massively boost a child's cognitive development and lifelong potential. You'll learn why s...

David Newson, founder of XNW Digital, is a seasoned professional who brings a unique perspective to the discussion of work-life integration and mindful leadership. With a successful career in marketing and a genuine commitment to striking a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment, David's insights into intentional time management and navigating the challenges of parenthood an...

In this episode of The Work Life Equation podcast, co-founders Roger Brown and Linda Mason share the story of their incredible journey that inspired them to start Bright Horizons and revolutionize the child care industry. They also talk about their hopes for the future of early childhood education, especially for those in one of the most important roles: our teachers.   

Do you want your employees to be happier and more productive? Are you looking for a solution to improve their work-life balance? Look no further. Join Christine Michel Carter, Priya Krishnan, and Lars Minns, CHRO of Mercedes-Benz, North America, we discuss the key to achieving greater employee well-being and satisfaction. By implementing effective strategies, you can create a workplace environment...