Rachel Cooke is your guide to leadership and communication, helping you craft a workplace environment you can feel good about. She’ll share tips to help you balance your work and personal life, effectively invest your time, and be mindful about where you’re devoting your energy. Let Rachel help you navigate your path to success—however you define it.
…
continue reading

1
While We Were Working: Human Resources Advice and Workplace Tech Insights for The HR Practitioner Community
Jumpstart HR LLC
This weekly podcast for HR Pros and People Leaders focuses on topics like employee engagement, workplace culture, HR Technology and HR law for the agile, modern workplace. Learn more at: http://whilewewereworking.com. Host Joey Price, members of the Jumpstart HR team and guests bring their own personal perspective and years of experience to cover trending topics you might’ve missed while you were working. Visit www.jumpstart-hr.com for more episodes and to learn more about our HR Outsourcing ...
…
continue reading
Agile for Humans™ is a weekly podcast dedicated to the individuals and interactions that make agile work. The goal is to help create safe and collaborative working environments where people are empowered to do their best work.
…
continue reading

1
Fixing burnout begins with understanding burnout
10:14
10:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:14Team 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@…
…
continue reading

1
Sustaining progress: Rethinking DEI for the next generation of work with Lily Zheng
44:48
44:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:48Rachel 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 Simplecas…
…
continue reading

1
How to repair fractured relationships at work
9:10
9:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:10Some 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…
…
continue reading
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.…
…
continue reading

1
How to reignite your motivation when it dips
8:20
8:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:20Everyone’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.By Macmillan Holdings, LLC
…
continue reading
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 [email protected]…
…
continue reading

1
The power of empathy in leadership with Jerry Colonna
43:23
43:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:23In 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. …
…
continue reading

1
How to solve workplace problems by focusing on success
9:06
9:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:06Tired 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. Hav…
…
continue reading
Take our 10-minute survey and improve workplace technology for all!https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZSPLMNN In this episode of the While We Were Working podcast, host Joey Price and guest Tami Nutt discuss the latest developments at Jumpstart HR and Aspect43, including their focus on HR technology research, recent market insights, and the release of …
…
continue reading

1
Feeling the slump? 7 easy ways to reignite workplace morale
9:49
9:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:49Low 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 Si…
…
continue reading

1
Finding your creative spark: AJ Jacobs on curiosity, gratitude & reinvention
48:05
48:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:05Rachel 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…
…
continue reading

1
The power of kind leadership with Linda Cohen
32:36
32:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:36What 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. Y…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading

1
Authentic personal branding: How to stand out on LinkedIn with Danielle Hughes
33:35
33:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:35Struggling to stand out on LinkedIn? Rachel welcomes Danielle Hughes, Chief Personality Officer, to discuss how to build a genuine personal brand without oversharing. She shares tips on how to showcase your personality professionally, make meaningful connections, and grow your career with confidence. For more information on Danielle's work... check…
…
continue reading

1
The 5 skills you need for success in today’s workplace
8:54
8:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:54The world of work isn’t slowing down, and success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Here are five essential skills to cultivate for sustained success in today’s workplace.By Macmillan Holdings, LLC
…
continue reading

1
Rethinking career progression: Beyond promotions
8:08
8:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:08Employee engagement surveys often highlight frustration with career development. Here’s how to shift the conversation and create more satisfaction—without relying on promotions alone. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. F…
…
continue reading
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@…
…
continue reading
Burnout isn’t just about working too much. It’s also about working in the wrong ways. Here are five things to stop doing now to reclaim your energy and focus. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on Face…
…
continue reading

1
Use an entrepreneurial approach to achieving success this year
8:15
8:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:15Success doesn’t come from waiting for the stars to align—it comes from taking action. Here’s how to channel your inner entrepreneur to create your best year yet. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on F…
…
continue reading

1
How to build connection when everyone feels disconnected
7:56
7:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:56In today’s disconnected world, building connection at work can feel like an uphill battle. But small, intentional actions can make all the difference. Let’s explore some fresh ways to bring people closer—no forced team bonding required. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Ment…
…
continue reading
The end of the year is the perfect time to step back and assess where you are in your career. Are you on the path you want to be on? Are you growing in the ways that matter? Let’s do a career audit and set you up for success in 2025. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor?…
…
continue reading
Activation is the experience of being both deeply productive and engaged. And we all deserve to feel it. Good news is we have the power to create that experience for ourselves. Learn how to get the ball rolling. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmen…
…
continue reading

1
The anti-resolution plan for a successful 2025
7:08
7:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:08Setting resolutions as we look toward a new year - a fresh start - is so tempting. And yet the likelihood of failure is super high. Here’s a fresh approach to setting yourself up for meaningful success in the new year. Zero resolutions required. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Mo…
…
continue reading

1
Creating moments of professional development
8:07
8:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:07We know professional development is important - for performance and engagement. But when time and budgets are tight, how can we make it happen? Stick around and find out. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Me…
…
continue reading

1
The power of self-awareness at work (Reissue)
7:42
7:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:42Self-awareness is more than just knowing who you are. It’s having the insight to fully leverage your strengths and to flex your style in any moment to amplify your impact. Learn how to understand yourself and use that knowledge for good. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Men…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating tough conversations at work with Amanda Perez Leder
41:35
41:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:35Rachel talks with Amanda Perez Leder, conflict resolution specialist about how unresolved conflict can undermine an organization’s mission and how timely, facilitated conversations to foster healthier, value-driven environments. Their discussion offers practical strategies for turning workplace disagreements into growth opportunities. For more from…
…
continue reading

1
How to recover from a confidence blow at work
8:09
8:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:09A blow to our confidence can throw us off our game if we let it. But there are ways to wallow and ways to recover. Let’s choose to recover. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and …
…
continue reading

1
How to prepare for a nerve-wracking presentation
7:30
7:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:30Public speaking remains a top source of anxiety for so many adults. There are strategies anyone can use to dial the anxiety back and the confidence up. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, T…
…
continue reading
Innovation doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s driven by intentional habits that anyone can cultivate, whether you’re leading a team or working as an individual contributor. Today, we’ll break down the habits that can help you spark new ideas and keep them flowing. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. …
…
continue reading

1
Building your own success with Erika Ayers Badan
29:22
29:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:22Former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan joins the show to share insights from her new book "Nobody Cares About Your Career: Why Failure Is Good, the Great Ones Play Hurt, and Other Hard Truths." She discusses the importance of embracing challenges and taking responsibility for your career growth. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A tran…
…
continue reading
While every leadership team thinks its challenges are unique – to their company or industry – you’d be surprised how often they’re wrong. Let’s talk about some of the most common blind spots and how to resolve them. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at moder…
…
continue reading
Organizational change today is rampant. Non-stop. And organizations are frankly failing at leading their teams through it. Today let’s talk about the 5 biggest reasons for failure in change, and how to do it better. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at moder…
…
continue reading

1
Running meetings that matter with Mamie Kanfer Stewart
34:38
34:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:38Rachel sits down with Mamie Kanfer Stewart, host of The Modern Manager podcast, to dive deep into the art of leading effective and enjoyable meetings. From pinpointing desired outcomes to empowering participants, Mamie shares her wisdom on transforming meetings into productive, collaborative sessions that energize teams. They also explore when not …
…
continue reading

1
Stack your micro-credentials to find success
8:20
8:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:20In today’s competitive job market, having the right skills is critical—but it’s also important to show how those skills stand out. That’s where micro-credentials come in. In this episode, we’ll explore how stacking micro-credentials can help you stay relevant, build a niche skill set, and open doors in your career. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel…
…
continue reading

1
The Alchemy of Talent and team success with Vijay Pendakur
43:13
43:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:13Rachel sits down with Vijay Pendakur, the author of The Alchemy of Talent: Leading Teams to Peak Performance. The two dive into an engaging discussion about leadership, team dynamics, and the actionable strategies presented in Vijay's book. They discuss insights on navigating workplace challenges and building high-performing teams, plus a behind-th…
…
continue reading
Communicating is something we all do daily. But for all our efforts, we’re not always maximizing its impact. Let’s talk about ways to make our communication more meaningful. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern…
…
continue reading

1
My secrets to not struggling with imposter syndrome
8:55
8:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:55Imposter syndrome, for many, is a real challenge. But it’s overcomable. And today I’d love to share my secrets for keeping it at bay. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and Linked…
…
continue reading

1
Setting norms and boundaries with Beth Messich
36:34
36:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:34Rachel interviews executive coach Beth Messich about the importance of setting clear boundaries and prioritizing effectively to manage workplace overwhelm. They discuss strategies for preserving resources, both for the company and personally, while staying focused on what truly matters. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is avail…
…
continue reading

1
Better ways to have tricky conversations at work
9:40
9:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:40Saying hard things at work is hard. Sometimes we avoid saying them at all. Sometimes we say them in ways that damage our personal brand. But there’s always a middle ground. Let’s talk about some of the things we all struggle to say and find ways to say them better. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Ha…
…
continue reading

1
Coaching and supporting top talent with Saatva CPO Maureen Cawley
42:35
42:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:35What does a Chief People Officer believe we can all be doing more – and less – of in order to achieve the most important things? This interview with Chief People Officer, Maureen Cawley delivers some actionable tips and answers. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Emai…
…
continue reading
Resilience and agility. These are buzzwords we hear all the time. But what do they actually mean? What tangible things can we do to drive up our own capabilities? And why are they actually so important? Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quick…
…
continue reading
During an Activation bootcamp, a cohort of leaders workshopped the challenges they were having reducing their teams’ overwhelm. Here are just some of the early solutions they implemented. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]…
…
continue reading

1
Cognitive offloading – Your secret weapon for success?
8:17
8:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:17Many of us are carrying too much stuff in our brains – meetings, ideas, to-do’s. We mean well, but we’re failing to leave space for the creativity and productivity that awaits us. Learn the what, why, and how of cognitive offloading to give your mind the space it needs to do its best work!By Macmillan Holdings, LLC
…
continue reading
Carewashing - the process of companies implementing wellness programs and benefits that sound good, but fail to address real problems - is holding us all back from success. Learn how to address and reverse the trend. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at mode…
…
continue reading
Many of us have been taught labels are a bad thing. And they can be. But they can also be the key to success if we understand how to use them effectively and for good. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mento…
…
continue reading

1
How to finally have that dreaded conversation (Re-issue)
9:38
9:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:38There are so many conversations we know we should be having—the hard, the awkward, the uncomfortable. But we put them off for fear of making things worse. It’s time to have that conversation. Here’s a simple framework to help make it a win for everyone. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a questio…
…
continue reading

1
Employee engagement surveys are worsening our experience at work
8:51
8:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:51Too many companies are relying on Employee Engagement surveys to save the day. But just the opposite is happening. So what can we do instead? Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, an…
…
continue reading
We know, generically, we should be living in a season of curiosity, always asking questions. But is it really important to be doing this? And if so, how can we actually do it well? Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find…
…
continue reading

1
How can one leader change a toxic workplace culture?
8:07
8:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:07A listener asked Modern Mentor for strategies on how to change a toxic workplace culture. Here are 5 actions that listener might take. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and Linke…
…
continue reading

1
Make the workplace irreplaceable with Kevin Kelley
47:33
47:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:33Kevin Kelly, author of the new book Irreplaceable, delivers his insights around how a workplace can be designed to draw us in, to drive connection, innovation, and outstanding results. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. …
…
continue reading