136. WordPress drama and the CEO big birthday crisis, PLUS Oliver Yonchev's Hot Take on A.I. - This Week in Work, 15th October 2024

Truth, Lies and Work

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join hosts Leanne Elliott, chartered psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they explore the latest trends, news, and workplace insights that are shaping the future of work.

In this week's episode, we tackle a range of stories from leadership struggles to the ongoing debates about remote work. Plus, we have an exciting new Hot Take segment featuring Oliver Yonchev, an entrepreneur and former CEO of Flight Story, the global marketing group founded with Steven Bartlett. Oliver shares his bold predictions about the future of AI and how it will shape the way we work.

Segment 1: News Roundup

Milestone Birthdays and CEO Performance

• Leanne dives into a study called The Big Birthday Crisis, which explores how CEOs nearing milestone birthdays, like 49 or 59, see a significant dip in company performance.

WordPress vs. WP Engine Drama

• Al breaks down the recent feud between Matt Mullenweg, the founder of WordPress, and WP Engine.

Remote Work vs. In-Office Connection

• Leanne covers a new study from Cornell University that challenges the idea that people form stronger bonds in person versus over video calls.

Segment 2: Hot Take with Oliver Yonchev

This week’s Hot Take comes from Oliver Yonchev, former CEO of Flight Story. Oliver’s bold prediction? He believes that AI will be able to do most of what humans do—and do it better—within two years. He discusses how advancements in AI, driven by Moore’s Law, are accelerating at an unprecedented rate, and what this means for the future of work.

Connect with Oliver on LinkedIn

Listen to Oliver's Podcast Memes and Machines

Listen to Oliver's full interview on Truth, Lies and Work

Ep38: Oliver Yonchev and The Art of Possible: Creating a Culture of Success at Flight Story

https://truthliesandwork.com/truth-lies-work-podcast/oliver-yonchev_2269/

Segment 3: Workplace Surgery

Leanne answers listener questions, offering practical advice on the following:

Question 1: Proving the ROI of Well-being Initiatives

A listener with a consulting firm struggles to quantify the value of mental health and well-being programs in their company. Leanne shares tips on how to measure their financial impact and demonstrate ROI to skeptical finance teams.

Question 2: Understanding Employee Engagement vs. Satisfaction

A product manager asks about the difference between employee satisfaction and engagement, and Leanne breaks down why keeping employees happy is not the same as keeping them engaged—and why it matters.

Question 3: Balancing Client Demands and Employee Well-being

A small business owner faces the challenge of keeping up with demanding clients while managing their team’s burnout. Leanne offers strategies for maintaining client satisfaction without sacrificing employee well-being.

Resources Mentioned:

Well-being: Productivity and Happiness at Work by Sheena Johnson, Ivan Johnson and Carey Cooper

Secret password/Easter egg = Bobi Bean

Support with Mental Health and Well-being

If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources:

• UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. For those in distress, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email [e-mail].
• US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.

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• Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
• Email: Reach out at [e-mail].
• Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.