Live+Work More Human

Welcome to Brain Snacks! This tasty morsel of a conversation between your cohosts Alexis and Sally, Alexis Zahner explains how constant screen use and digital distracting is draining your creativity. This comes directly from research for her new book Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies which is now available everywhere. Order it at the link below. This Brain Snack is a snippet of the conversation with Alexis and Sally on Digital Distraction that you can now streaming on all major platforms, or find it directly here. Order your copy of Real right now. Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks! This tasty morsel of a conversation between your cohosts Alexis and Sally, and Lodro Rinzler explores how guilt and shame impacts how we see ourselves, our relationships and how we move through the world. It's a snippet from the full conversation with Lodro Rinzler that you can find on our website, and on all major streaming platforms now. Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this short episode with Alexis and Sally, we give you a personal update from us. The news is, we're going to be taking a short break from Live+Work More Human for the next few months while we're deep in big projects. Alexis is releasing her debut book Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies (Wiley) this September, and Sally is deep in burnout consultancy working supporting people and organisations from all over the world. What this means is that we can't give you, our community, the full time and attention you deserve through our podcast. In the meantime we'll share a few brainsnack episodes from recent conversations, and let you know soon what the next steps look like for us. Please enjoy some of our previous episodes via your favourite streaming platform, on Youtube or right here: liveandworkmorehuman.com It's not a goodbye, it's a see you soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks! This tasty morsel of a conversation between your cohosts Alexis and Sally explores how self worth can be a key buffer against burnout. You will learn practical strategies to peel back the layers of influence to understand how to attune to your authentic self. Key topics How inherited values impact your thoughts about work and self worth Strategies for aligning to yourself The power of personal values How reconnecting to yourself, and valuing yourself buffers against burnout How leaders can model high self worth for their team Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Outrage is loud, exhausting, and — according to your feed — mandatory. But what if the antidote to burnout isn't more hustle, more mindfulness apps, or more optimisation... it's awe? This week, hosts Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner unpack Sally's Fast Company piece on "microdosing awe" — the radical, deceptively simple practice of pausing to notice something vast, and why it might be the most underrated tool in your burnout-prevention kit. In this episode Why awe isn't fluffy — it's a nervous-system reset that pulls you out of fight-flight-freeze and into healing mode The psychology of the "small self": why softening your ego (not shrinking yourself) is protective against burnout How awe slots into Sally's BRNT framework (Breathe, Rest, Nourish, Talk) as the connective thread, not a fifth pillar Why we're "saturated with outrage and starved of wonder" — and how algorithms are built to keep it that way Anger is initiatory, not transformative: holding outrage and awe at the same time, not choosing between them Emotional boundaries around what you consume — because nourishment isn't just food, it's your media diet The "stravification" trap: why turning awe into a measurable, optimised habit kills the whole point Practical ways to bring awe into the workplace — team WhatsApp photo threads, opening meetings with an awe share, one-on-one check-ins Sally's five straight days of sensory overload in the Amazon jungle, and what it taught her about resetting perspective back home Key takeaways Awe = an automatic nervous-system regulator. You don't have to "think" your way to calm — your body can get you there in seconds. You don't need Kilimanjaro. A sunset, a dog in the park, a piece of music — the size of the moment doesn't matter, the noticing does. The "small self" isn't about being less — it's about stepping out of ego so you can see your problems (and yourself) more clearly. Outrage and awe aren't opposites. You can be furious about broken systems and still let wonder ground you — one doesn't cancel the other out. Urgency culture is profitable, not accidental. Outrage drives engagement — recognising that removes the self-blame. Nourishment includes your media diet. What you scroll shapes your nervous system as much as what you eat. Don't gamify awe. The second you're tracking "awe points," you've lost the plot — this is the opposite of a metrics game. Bring it to work in small doses: open a meeting with an awe share, start a team photo thread, ask "what impressed you lately?" in a 1:1. Awe is a courageous, almost radical act in a culture that rewards visible exhaustion — doing it anyway is the point. Links & mentions Sally's article on microdosing awe is out via Fast Company — find the link and more of Sally's writing at salcla.com Sally's BRNT framework (Breathe, Rest, Nourish, Talk) — explored across her books and workshops Referenced: Tara Brach's teaching that "anger is initiatory, not transformative" see more at tarabrach.com Live + Work More Human is hosted by Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks! This tasty morsel of a conversation between your cohosts Alexis and Sally explores how AI can – if used effectively and thoughtfully – be a powerful tool to enhance human work, reduce burnout, and foster trust and creativity within teams. You will learn practical strategies for integrating AI ethically and in a human-centered way. Key topics AI as an enabler for human work Reducing burnout through AI Leadership strategies for AI integration Building trust and psychological safety Using AI data insights for organizational change Learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Digital connectivity was supposed to make us faster, sharper, and more connected. Instead, it's quietly taxing the very things that make leaders effective: creativity, emotional regulation, real productivity, and trust. In this episode, Alexis unpacks "the digital leader's paradox" — the tension of needing technology to perform while it simultaneously erodes the conditions for high performance. Drawing on the article she co-wrote with Professor Martin Gutmann (Lucerne School of Business) and Dr. Scott J. Allen (SMU Cox School of Business), Alexis walks through the four hidden costs of digital distraction — creative, emotional, productive, and relational — and makes the case that this isn't a personal discipline problem. It's a culture problem. She closes with the practical shifts leaders can make to design for focus, model presence, and lead the paradox rather than pretend it can be solved with a few "no phones after 6pm" rules. In this conversation, we explore: Why digital distraction should be treated as an organisational risk , not just a personal willpower issue How fragmented attention specifically undermines creativity and strategic thinking Why "always on" leadership mirrors athlete overtraining — and what happens without recovery time The real cost of interruptions: task-switching can cut productivity by up to 40%, and it can take over 20 minutes to recover focus after a single notification What phubbing is, and how it quietly erodes trust and psychological safety on a team Five concrete practices high-performing leaders use to protect focus and presence without unplugging from work entirely Why the answer isn't more discipline — it's a deliberate shift in team and organisational culture Find more information about this topic and Alexis' article right here: https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/digital-distraction-alexis-zahner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks, bite sized learning moments from Live+Work More Human. In today's Brain Snack, Dara Simkin explores the concept of achievement syndrome, its roots in early programming, and its impact on burnout and authentic living. This succinct conversation delves into systemic influences, personal identity, and strategies for fostering genuine fulfillment. Key takeaways Achievement syndrome origins and impact Systemic influences on success and burnout The role of early programming and societal norms Listen to the full conversation with Dara right here , and learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Happy Brain Snacking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply honest conversation, your intrepid cohosts Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke unpack why burnout keeps rising globally despite decades of research, media coverage, and “awareness” — and why it is *never* an individual weakness or failure. Drawing on Sally’s work in burnout prevention and Alexis’s lived experiences across marketing, government, and consulting, we explore burnout as a *perfect storm* of three intertwined layers: societal narratives that glorify work and rugged individualism, organizational cultures that reward unsustainable effort while undermining autonomy, and the internalised beliefs we carry about our worth, productivity, and “being a good worker.” We explore: Why burnout is *never* a sign of personal weakness, poor time management, or not trying hard enough — and why it disproportionately impacts top performers, high‑achievers, and deeply responsible people. Burnout as a “perfect storm”: how societal, organizational, and internalised layers interact to create chronic stress and disillusionment, often in ways that are invisible until people are already burning out. The organizational drivers of burnout, from heavy workloads and poor leadership to bureaucracy, friction, and hypocrisy cultures where wellbeing messages don’t match lived reality. The slow‑burn version of burnout: when work is not just “too much” but too misaligned, too inefficient, and too full of rework — draining spirit and motivation even when you care deeply about what you do. Societal narratives that venerate work and conflating self‑worth with job title, prestige, or salary, including generational dynamics and cross‑cultural differences between places like the US, Australia, Japan, and the Netherlands. How internalised stories about being a “good worker” or a “good girl/boy/person” can keep us stuck on the hamster wheel, over‑accepting responsibility and outsourcing our values to organisations. The existential dimension of burnout: the painful gap between the career and impact we hoped for and the reality of how work feels — and why cynicism, disillusionment, and “what’s the point?” are key warning signs. Self‑knowledge as a burnout antidote: practical reflection questions to unpack where your beliefs about work came from and whether they actually align with how you want your life to look and feel. Why self‑compassion is not indulgent but essential when disentangling self‑worth from productivity, prestige, and external approval. Concrete steps leaders can take right now: friction audits with their teams, small systems changes, and genuine role modelling of healthy behaviour instead of “do as I say, not as I do.” Reframing burnout in this way is not about blaming organisations alone or bypassing personal responsibility; it’s about seeing the whole system we swim in, so we can create more courageous, honest, and sustainable ways of living and working — together. Learn more including all the links you're after and a full transcript at liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your latest Brain Snack explores the evolving relationship with aging, challenging stereotypes, and emphasizing the value of older adults in society and the workplace. Dr. Corinne Auman shares insights on internalized ageism, the benefits of aging, and how to reframe societal narratives. Key takeaways include Internalized ageism and self-reflection The positive aspects of aging and personal growth Societal narratives and media portrayal of aging Lifelong learning and career transitions in older age Empowering older adults and challenging stereotypes Listen to the full conversation with Dr Auman right here , and learn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Happy Brain Snacking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply grounding conversation, Buddhist meditation teacher and author Lodro Rinzler joins Alexis and Sally to explore why so many of us struggle to believe the simple yet radical truth: you are good, and you are enough — exactly as you are. Drawing on his new book You Are Good, You Are Enough: Free Yourself from the Trap of Doubt and Return to Basic Goodness , Lodro unpacks the “trap of doubt,” the societal whisper of not‑enoughness we internalise from childhood, and how it shapes our identities, our work lives, and our relationships. Together, we dive into the Buddhist notion of basic goodness, how shame and guilt keep us stuck in stories that aren’t true, and why reclaiming our inherent wholeness is both an act of inner revolution and a powerful antidote to capitalist narratives that insist we’re broken and must be fixed. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they’re fundamentally flawed, not doing or being “enough,” or trying to outrun the feeling of inadequacy through busyness, productivity, or self‑improvement. In this conversation, we explore: Why the title “You Are Good, You Are Enough” feels confronting — and why so many of us instinctively think it applies to everyone except ourselves. The “trap of doubt”: the insidious inner voice that says “if people really knew you, they wouldn’t want to…” and how we begin to loosen its grip. How societal and evolutionary conditioning fuel not‑enoughness, from the “sabre‑toothed tiger” response to modern‑day emails like “we need to talk on Friday.” The “two arrows” teaching: the unavoidable pains of life (first arrow) versus the stories and self‑judgement we layer on top (second arrow) — and why putting down the second arrow is essential for healing. What Buddhists mean by “basic goodness” and how it differs from self‑help slogans or a simplistic “good vs evil” framing. Everyday glimpses of basic goodness: the micro‑moments of okayness we can reliably touch, like closing the laptop and feeling the sun on our face, or being fully present for a hug. How capitalism and consumer culture profit from our insecurity, amplifying narratives that we’re broken and must buy our way into worthiness. Shame and guilt as powerful but often invisible forces in our lives — including Lodro’s story of carrying guilt for years over a teenage breakup and discovering the other person barely remembered it. Why “you don’t meditate to become someone else”: using meditation to interrupt harsh inner commentary, return to the breath, and build new neural pathways that support self‑trust instead of self‑attack. How recognising our own basic goodness changes our relationship with challenge, giving rise to resilience, capability, and a felt sense that “whatever comes up, I can work with it.” Extending basic goodness beyond the self: seeing goodness in other people (including those we dislike or who cause harm) and in society at large, without excusing harmful behaviour. The quiet, rebellious act of rejecting “productivity = worth” in favour of living from intrinsic value and authentic presence. Learn more about Lodro and his work at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks, bite sized learning moments from Live +Work More Human. In today's episode, Mark C Crowley explores the persistent challenges of employee engagement, well-being, and organizational culture. Experts discuss systemic issues, the impact of managerial responsibility, and practical strategies for fostering healthier, more productive workplaces. Discover more in the full episode with Mark right here , and learn more at https://liveandworkmorehuman.com/ Happy Brain Snacking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alexis and Sal explore the “modern credibility crisis”: how information overload and algorithm-driven feeds are making it harder to sort fact from fiction. They unpack why even smart, educated people fall for bad advice online, the role of “surface credibility” (aesthetic polish, confidence, social proof, titles), and how cognitive overload nudges us toward oversimplified, tribal answers. You’ll hear practical prompts for slowing down, vetting sources, and matching your level of scrutiny to the importance of the decision—so you can navigate today’s information tsunami with more clarity and intention. Key takeaways you won't want to miss: How to navigate today’s credibility crisis with clearer thinking. Why cognitive overload pushes us toward mental shortcuts and passivity. What to know about deceptive “surface credibility” cues online. How to question whether someone’s expertise fits the topic. Why algorithms optimise for engagement, not truth or accuracy. How to match decision scrutiny to the stakes involved. What to know about echo chambers shaping your worldview. Why consuming less, higher-quality information is powerful. Learn more at liveandworkmorehuman.com and preorder Alexis' book right here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful Brain Snack, author Christopher O Williams explores the multifaceted nature of courage, its key elements, and how to cultivate it in personal and professional life. Discover practical strategies to unmask fear, act decisively, and embody resilience to thrive in challenging situations! Key Takeaways The constituent elements of courage: moral compass, purpose, potential, unmasking fear, acting, growth, resilience Strategies to interrogate and manage fear The importance of purpose and self-confidence in courageous acts The role of failure and resilience in personal growth The impact of calmness and joy on courageous behavior Learn more in our full conversation with Christopher right here , and discover more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Happy Brain Snacking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode unpacks imposter syndrome as more than a confidence issue, reframing it as a deeper pattern rooted in conditional self-worth and reinforced by workplace cultures that reward over-efforting. Drawing on research, lived experience, and coaching insights, Sally and Alexis explore why high achievers are often the most affected—and what it takes to shift the pattern at both an individual and systemic level. Imposter syndrome is often misunderstood as a simple lack of confidence. In reality, it is more accurately described as an “imposter phenomenon”—a persistent internal narrative of being a fraud despite clear evidence of competence. What sits beneath it is often a limiting belief: “I’m not enough.” This belief drives a form of conditional self-worth, where value is tied to performance, achievement, and external validation. The result is a cycle of over-efforting, hypervigilance, and chronic self-doubt that can quietly fuel burnout—especially in high-performing individuals and demanding work environments. One of the paradoxes explored in this conversation is that expertise can intensify imposter feelings. As knowledge deepens, so does awareness of complexity, which can widen the perceived gap between where we are and where we think we “should” be. The impact shows up in everyday behaviours: replaying minor mistakes, fixating on critical feedback, over-preparing, struggling to set boundaries, and feeling unable to switch off. While these patterns can look like dedication or high performance from the outside, they often come at a significant personal cost. Crucially, the conversation challenges the idea that more credentials, experience, or validation will resolve imposter syndrome. Because the root is internal, the work must be too. Sally introduces the Three Selfs Framework as a way to make invisible internal narratives visible, helping individuals understand and shift the beliefs driving their behaviour. Self-compassion, often dismissed as “soft,” is reframed as a critical capability. It includes both tenderness (kindness, care, boundaries) and fierceness (taking action aligned with growth). Research shows it is linked to better emotional regulation, reduced burnout, and improved performance. For leaders, the message is clear: culture change starts within. Environments that lack psychological safety, punish mistakes, or concentrate workload among high performers can amplify imposter tendencies and increase burnout risk. Modelling self-compassion, normalizing mistakes, and distributing workload more sustainably are essential leadership practices. Ultimately, addressing imposter syndrome is not about eliminating doubt entirely, but about changing our relationship with it—moving from self-criticism to self-support, and from conditional to intrinsic worth. Key takeaways Imposter syndrome is not a confidence gap; it is often rooted in a deeper belief of “I’m not enough.” High achievers are particularly vulnerable because they tie self-worth to performance and standards. Gaining more qualifications or experience does not resolve imposter feelings when the root cause is internal. Increased expertise can intensify imposter thoughts due to greater awareness of complexity (Dunning-Kruger effect). Common signs include over-preparing, difficulty setting boundaries, fixation on mistakes, and chronic self-doubt. These patterns can look like high performance but often lead to burnout and unsustainable workloads. Workplace factors like low psychological safety, high pressure, and uneven workload distribution amplify the issue. Self-compassion—both tender and fierce—is a critical skill for reducing burnout and building sustainable performance. Learn more at liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Brain Snack is a succinct cheat sheet on how to make the case for a 4 day week. We sit down with Joe O'Connor, coauthor of Do More in Four , and explore the transformative potential of a shorter workweek, its strategic implementation, and benefits for organizations and employees. Key takeaways include: A shorter workweek can differentiate your organization in a competitive talent market. Successful implementation requires careful planning, bottom-up approach, and strategic re-engineering. A 4-day week can boost productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational resilience. Listen to the full episode with Joe right here , and learn more at Live+Work More Human . Happy Brain Snacking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this open-hearted episode, Alexis and Sally engage with Fiona Vale, co-founder of Humanico, to explore the transformative power of strengths-based living. They delve into how understanding and leveraging your unique strengths can lead to greater self-awareness, enhance leadership capabilities, and foster deeper, more meaningful relationships. Fiona shares her journey from diverse career paths to founding Humanico, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting on your innate talents to thrive in today's AI-driven world. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to unlock their full potential and navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and clarity. Key Topics: The personal impact of Gallup CliftonStrengths Moving beyond roles to core human traits The unique and rare composition of individual talent profiles Practical applications in work, relationships, and community Self-awareness as a tool to prevent burnout Balancing tension among different strengths themes The irreplaceable nature of human skills in AI era Tools like the strengths wheel for team problem-solving Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro to strengths’ role in living more human (03:19) - Fiona’s founder story & Humanico’s mission (08:20) - Significance of strengths at work and beyond (12:38) - Fiona’s personal leadership insights (17:14) - Real examples of leveraging strengths in teams (22:30) - The uniqueness of strength configurations (1 in 34 million) (30:44) - The importance of dedicated thinking time (48:23) - Human skills that AI can't replicate Learn more about Fiona and her incredible work at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com And learn more about Humanico at www.humanico.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meetings should be intentional and purpose-driven. And yet so often they fall short. Today in your Brain Snack, we talk to author and expert Rebecca Hinds PhD about the dysfunction of meetings, their purpose, and how organizations can redesign their meeting culture for better productivity and connection. Rebecca Hinds shares insights on when meetings are necessary, how to reduce unnecessary meetings, and strategies to foster genuine team bonds. Key takeaways The history and evolution of meetings in the workplace The 4D CEO test for meeting necessity Effective strategies for reducing unnecessary meetings Building team connection without meetings Overcoming resistance to meeting culture change Listen to the full episode here and learn more at more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Happy Brain Snacking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not a minute goes by without the term ‘AI’ being dropped. Most of us are buried on screens for hours and hours each day. We’re speaking less, we’re connecting less, we’re so, unbelievably BUSY. So what does it mean to stay human in this chaotic, at times overwhelming, world? And why does it matter so much right now – more than ever? Join us in this compelling discussion with Dara Simkin, a global voice in play and founder of Culture Hero, as we explore the concept of being a full stack human. In a world overwhelmed by technology, Dara shares practical strategies for maintaining authenticity, emotional resilience, and human connection. This episode unpackages how to live more human amid rapid societal and technological change. In this episode, you’ll learn: The metaphor of full stack humans inspired by technology programming How biases and early programming shape our identity and behaviors The immunity to change framework to overcome resistance and foster growth The importance of emotional awareness and feeling your feelings safely Strategies for staying human: connection, play, and authenticity The role of intelligent optimism and strategic hope in shaping a better future Recognizing and navigating achievement syndrome and systemic programming How to push back against societal pressures and systems that threaten our humanity The significance of holding multiple ideas and adaptable thinking The benefits of embodying a full stack human: vitality, aliveness, and resilience Learn more about Dara's incredible work and much more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Brain Snack explores the evolving landscape of hybrid work, its profitability, impact on productivity, mental health, and the future of office mandates with Professor of Economics at Stanford University, Nick Bloom. Nick share data-driven insights and practical advice for organizations navigating post-pandemic work models. Key takeaways include: Profitability of hybrid work Impact of remote work on mental health Optimal hybrid work schedules Employee engagement and loneliness Organizational strategies for hybrid work Learn more in the full episode right here for our full conversation with Nick Bloom, and learn more about Live+Work More Human right here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.