Why Connection in Remote Teams Must Be Designed, Not Accidental (And How to Do It)
We’ve heard all the usual suspects when it comes to remote engagement—Slack check-ins, virtual happy hours, maybe an annual engagement survey if we’re lucky. But what if the problem isn’t the tools, but the assumptions? In this episode, David Rice sits down with Dr. Adora Ikwuemesi, whose recent qualitative study of remote workers in Nigeria reveals a much deeper, more nuanced picture of what truly drives—or erodes—remote engagement.Adora walks us through her seven-part framework that emerged from conversations with 24 remote workers. Spoiler: it’s not just about more communication; it’s about better connection. From the physical realities of working without reliable electricity, to the surprising role that fun plays in fostering commitment, this conversation strips engagement down to its real-world components—beyond perks and policies. If you think your team is “fine,” you may just be missing the silence before the storm.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Dr. Adora on LinkedInCheck out Dr. Adora’s website and Kendor Consulting LtdSupport the show
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23:17
From Government to Growth: Lessons in HR Leadership Across Sectors
Transitioning from the public sector to private HR isn't just a career move—it's a full-on culture shock. In this episode, Kimberly Williams, VP of People, Culture & Compliance at Walker Advertising, joins David to unpack her journey from federal HR to private enterprise, sharing hard-won lessons, surprising similarities, and the real stakes of navigating both worlds.From managing bureaucracy to confronting toxic leadership, Kimberly offers candid insights into what translates, what doesn't, and how HR professionals can advocate for fairness in any environment.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode’s sponsor: Oyster HR, Inc.Connect with Kimberly on LinkedInCheck out Walker Advertising and End Workplace AbuseSupport the show
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20:29
Offsites Are the New Office: How to Drive Connection and Alignment in a Distributed World
Jared Kleinert, founder and CEO of Offsite, shares insights on the growing importance of team retreats in today’s distributed work environment. As remote and hybrid models become the norm, retreats have evolved from perks to essential strategies for keeping teams connected, aligned, and engaged.Jared emphasizes that planning intentional offsites is crucial for retaining talent and fostering a strong company culture. The conversation explores how to design effective retreats by setting clear business goals and measuring impact through feedback and engagement metrics.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jared on LinkedInCheck out OffsiteSupport the show
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24:26
How Tone-Deaf Leadership Is Undermining Hybrid Work (And What to Do About It)
Many leaders still cling to outdated management styles focused on visible productivity rather than actual outcomes, despite a dramatic shift toward distributed teams. Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward, explains how the rise of hybrid work and AI tools highlights the need for outcomes-based management, rather than "productivity theater."Brian also points out that return-to-office mandates often miss the mark, as workplace flexibility remains essential for attracting and retaining top talent. This conversation challenges traditional views on managing distributed teams and offers practical advice for fostering effective, outcome-driven organizations in today’s hybrid work environment.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode’s sponsor: Oyster HR, Inc.Connect with Brian on LinkedInCheck out Brian’s newsletter on Substack: Work ForwardSupport the show
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27:41
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27:41
AI at Work: Why Businesses Need a New Playbook
Steve Cadigan, a talent advisor and former CHRO of LinkedIn, joins us to discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into today’s workplace. We explore how the AI revolution stands apart from past technological shifts due to its unpredictability and ongoing development, leaving even its creators both excited and uncertain about its future.We also dive into the key question: How is your organization embracing AI? Are you fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation, or just focusing on cost-cutting? The way businesses approach AI could be the difference between leveraging it as a competitive advantage or letting it slip by as a missed opportunity.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode’s sponsor: Oyster HR, Inc.Connect with Steve on LinkedInCheck out Cadigan Talent VenturesSupport the show
The People Managing People podcast, hosted by David Rice, aims to inspire people leaders, managers, and HR professionals as they build the workplace of the future and develop the talent it needs to thrive. Our guests are innovators and thought leaders exploring topics ranging from technology to performance management, workplace culture and employee experience.
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