Wired for Wonder

Most managers aren't bad leaders — they're just busy, overwhelmed, and reaching for the tools closest to hand. In this episode, Tiffany Nugent, Chief People Officer at Concert Health and founder of Salt Wellness, puts a name to something quietly undermining organisations across every industry: checklist leadership. It's what happens when managers outsource their judgment to a script, hand a people...

In this episode of Wired for Wonder, Lori Kirkland speaks with Emilie Schmitz, Chief Human Resources Officer at Ryze Claim Solutions, about the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into the workplace. They discuss the importance of rebuilding processes with AI at the core, addressing employee concerns about job security, and the necessity of training and empowering employees to use AI ef...

Most companies talk about AI adoption. Few actually build the internal culture that makes it stick. In this episode, Jenna Eichberg, Chief People Officer at AlertMedia, gets honest about what it really takes to bring a workforce along on the AI journey — without mandating it from the top down. Jenna shares how AlertMedia is creating psychological safety as the foundation for experimentation, why l...

In this conversation, Lori Kirkland speaks with Veronica Wong, head of people operations at Kindred, about the transformative impact of AI on the workplace. They discuss the importance of anchoring to human values amidst rapid technological change, the necessity of building trust within organizations, and the role of leadership in fostering adaptability and community. Veronica shares insights on h...

In this conversation, Lori Kirkland speaks with Hallie Condon, VP of People at Chili Piper, about the intersection of AI and the human experience in the workplace. They explore how organizations can embrace change, the importance of personalizing employee experiences, and the concept of 'zone of genius' to help employees identify their strengths. Hallie shares her insights on risk-taking, the valu...

In this conversation, Lori Kirkland speaks with Lisa Hull about the transformative power of AI in the workplace, particularly in enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) outcomes. Lisa shares her experience in leading AI adoption at Worksoft, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and addressing employee fears. They discuss the role of frontline leaders, the need for collective...

In this episode of Wired for Wonder, Lori Kirkland speaks with Robb Fahrion, founder and CEO of Flying V Group, about the transformative role of AI in business and the importance of human connection in the workplace. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from integrating AI into organizations, the need for effective communication, and the evolving nature of leadership in a rapid...

In this conversation, Lori Kirkland and Trey Simmons from Tamr, explore the transformative impact of AI on the workplace, emphasizing the importance of human-centric design and creativity. They discuss the acceleration of creative processes, the need for prioritization in business, and the shift in mindset required for organizations to thrive in an AI-driven world. The dialogue highlights the sign...

In this conversation, Lori Kirkland and Brandon Meek explore the intersection of technology and human-centered design in the workplace. They discuss the challenges leaders face in adapting to rapid technological changes, particularly with AI, and the importance of internal change management. The conversation highlights the need for organizations to leverage their institutional knowledge and focus...

In this conversation, Lori Kirkland and William Collins discuss the transformative role of AI in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of understanding business problems before implementing technology. They explore the fears surrounding AI, the necessity of strategic thinking, and the human element in leadership. Collins shares insights on how to leverage technology while maintaining critical...

In this conversation, Lori Kirkland and Laurie Shakur discuss the evolving landscape of work, emphasizing the need for human-centered approaches in the face of rapid technological change. They explore the challenges faced by middle management, the importance of transparency, and the necessity of redefining employee relationships. The discussion highlights the role of play in fostering creativity a...

In this conversation, Lori Kirkland and Sherri Manning explore the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI. They discuss the importance of recognizing the human element in job architecture, the need for organizations to redefine job descriptions, and the potential of AI to facilitate individualization and creativity in the workplace. Sherri emphasizes the liberation that AI can bring to employ...

Season One of *Wired for Wonder* explored one of the biggest questions facing leaders today: how can we use AI-driven change to better serve humanity in the workplace? In this closing episode, Lori Kirkland reflects on insights gathered from conversations with leaders across industries and nearly 200 executive interviews. A clear theme emerged—AI isn’t just a technology shift; it’s a catalyst expo...

In this episode of Wired for Wonder, Lori Kirkland speaks with Alan Rudolph about the rapid changes in technology and leadership. They discuss the importance of understanding the intersection of customers and employees, the necessity of embracing AI in business, and the evolving role of leaders in a changing landscape. Alan emphasizes the need for transparency, the importance of listening and empa...

In this episode of Wired for Wonder, Lori Kirkland speaks with Mehdi Tabrizi, CEO of Ziba Design, about the evolving landscape of work and leadership in the face of technological advancements and generational shifts. They discuss the importance of empathy, innovation, and collective leadership in navigating complexity, as well as the need for organizations to embrace creativity and value creation....

In this episode of Wired for Wonder, Lori Kirkland speaks with Dr. Sergio Sanchez about the implications of AI on humanity and the workplace. They discuss the importance of staying human in the face of advancing technology, the changing job landscape due to AI, and the necessity for upskilling. Dr. Sanchez emphasizes the dual nature of AI, presenting both opportunities and threats, and draws paral...

In this episode of Wired for Wonder, Lori Kirkland speaks with Mark Matthews, the Human Resources Director of Omega Morgan, about the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI. They discuss the challenges posed by AI, the importance of leadership accountability, and the need for flexibility in workplace dynamics post-pandemic. Mark emphasizes the significance of human skills and the necessity fo...

Henry Gordon-Smith is a global thought leader in climate-smart agriculture and the Founder & CEO of Agritecture, a consulting firm that has delivered over 350 projects in 45+ countries. His expertise spans urban agriculture, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), food systems strategy, and AgTech innovation. As a Columbia University lecturer and sought-after speaker, Henry bridges practical des...

Mark Rigney is the Chief Executive Officer of Equitus Corporation, where he is responsible for business development, finance, and set the company's long-term vision and strategy. Mark has over 30 years of experience leading highly technical operations and large global business units across both commercial and government/DoD sectors to achieve excellent outcomes and P&L growth. He is known for his...

With more than 25 years of management and a decade-plus in the C-Suite, Don’s leadership career has primarily focused on organizations experiencing extraordinary change including both hyper-growth startups and complex turnarounds. His tenure includes building and scaling companies to 7, 8 and 9-figure operations including multiple C-level Exits and two successful turnarounds. Don holds an undergra...

In this episode of Wired for Wonder, Lori Kirkland speaks with Dan Swiniarski, president and COO of Wright Creative Branding, about the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the workplace. They discuss the importance of integrating AI thoughtfully, the value of collaboration, and the need for leaders to adapt their mindsets in a rapidly changing environment. Dan shares insights on foster...

In this episode of Wired for Wonder, Lori Kirkland and Binnaz Cubukcu discuss the transformative impact of AI on the workplace, emphasizing the need for organizations to rethink their design and purpose. They explore the balance between technology and human emotions, the importance of emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and communication skills for future leaders, and the common struggles o...

Mike is a transformational leader with a visionary twist. His role is to exist to serve manufacturing organizations through expansion, transformation, and growth. Passionate about creating a clear path forward and then empowering teams to drive it, his focus is on keeping everyone aligned, moving at the right pace, and delivering real impact. Manufacturing is more than a job to Mike, it’s a craft,...

In this episode of Wired for Wonder, Lori Kirkland speaks with John Reites, CEO of Thread, about the intersection of technology and humanity in the future of work, particularly in the life sciences sector. They discuss the importance of practical AI, human-centered design, and the challenges faced in clinical research. John shares insights on leadership in the age of AI, emphasizing the need for a...

Sandy Ortez is a People Operations and Talent leader with a track record of building and scaling HR and recruiting teams across global organizations. She partners closely with CEOs and leadership teams to align people strategies with business goals, shaping culture and driving sustainable growth. Her passion lies in supporting employee development and creating meaningful, high-impact workplace exp...