The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan podcast

54:42

What does it really take to rise to the highest levels of leadership, and stay there? In this episode, I sit down with Mark Thompson, world’s #1 CEO coach and author of CEO Ready , to explore what to become a CEO-ready leader. We’ll look at the deeper work of top-most leadership: developing functional fluency, mastering seven leadership languages, and aligning your ambitions with the reality of what leadership demands. Mark shares the mindset and methods used by the world’s most successful executives, why building trust with your boss is a make-or-break move, and how to balance confident humility with productive paranoia. We dig deeper into the sacrifices leaders make, the importance of building credibility before asking for responsibility, and how to cultivate stakeholder alignment across functions, not just within your silo. If you're eyeing the next big step in your career, this episode will help prepare you to lead at the top. ________________ This episode is sponsored by Workhuman . Here’s a good question for you: Who in your marketing department is a flight risk? How about: Where are your talent or skills gaps? Or: Which employees make up your next generation of leaders? If you couldn’t answer any of these, then you need to check out Human Intelligence™, from Workhuman . By combining AI with the rich data of their #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence unlocks insights and capabilities that redefine talent management, cultural transformation, and employee engagement. Want to learn more? Go to workhuman.com and learn how today’s leading companies are turning AI into a force for good with Human Intelligence. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

1
Sparks: The Hidden Danger of Separating Leadership from Management (And how to truly bridge the gap) 11:17

4 days ago11:17

11:17

We’ve made a huge leadership mistake and chances are, your organization is still making it. We’ve separated managers and leaders like they’re different species. One is focused on processes. The other on people. But that separation might be the very thing keeping your teams disengaged and your company stuck. In today’s Leadership Spark, I’m busting the outdated myth that leadership and management are two separate roles. I share a powerful story of a nuclear submarine captain that perfectly illustrates what happens when we train leaders to lead but forget to teach them how to manage. You’ll hear why giving managers leadership training won’t fix your ‘people’ problem and why the opposite approach just might. ________________ This episode is sponsored by Workhuman . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman ’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Want to learn more? Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com , and join their force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

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CHROs Deserve Better: Introducing a Smarter Community for People Leaders 3:33

6 days ago3:33

3:33

Are you a Chief Human Resource Officer trying to find a meaningful and affordable peer group that's NOT stuck in the past? I'm glad you found this episode because you're about to discover a CHRO community that's building the future of work as we speak. After speaking with over 100 CHROs for my book on employee experience, I kept hearing the same frustrations about existing groups with overpriced memberships, bloated conferences, constant sales pitches, outdated content, and a total lack of real value. So I decided to do something about it. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on "Future of Work Leaders," a new community built for CHROs, by CHROs. It’s an intimate group focused on one thing only: insight-rich conversations for forward-thinking CHROs like you. If you're a CHRO who's done playing by old rules and wants to connect with other future-ready leaders from companies like Johnson & Johnson, Northrop Grumman, Dow, Amway, and more, consider this your invite. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

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Why Hybrid Work Is Here to Stay and What the Research Says with Dr. Nicholas Bloom 59:30

8 days ago59:30

59:30

Everyone’s arguing about remote vs. in-office. But what if we’ve been asking the wrong question all along? Dr. Nicholas Bloom, Professor of Economics at Stanford and the world’s most cited expert on hybrid work, joins to set the record straight—and clear up the way his research is being misquoted everywhere. In this episode, he debunks the biggest myths about remote work, explains why hybrid work has become the go-to model for most Fortune 500 companies, and breaks down what’s really behind Amazon and Jamie Dimon’s return-to-office moves. We also get into why AI is more likely to replace fully remote roles than hybrid ones, what most people misunderstand about productivity from home, and the three-part formula every leader should follow to make hybrid work sustainable and effective. ________________ This episode is sponsored by Workhuman . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman ’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Want to learn more? Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com , and join their force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

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Sparks: The Power of the Follow-Up: How Checking In After Conversations Can Turn Teams Into SUPER Teams 7:23

11 days ago7:23

7:23

In leadership, what happens after the conversation often matters just as much as the conversation itself. Just like in sports, where athletes chase their missed shots to score on the rebound, leaders can recover from missteps by following up. Yet, many professionals leave these moments hanging, allowing misunderstandings to fester and opportunities for growth to slip away. In today's Leadership Spark, we explore why follow-up is a critical yet often overlooked tool for leaders. Checking in after a conversation can resolve misunderstandings, build trust, and create opportunities for growth. By taking the extra step to ensure your message is received as intended, you turn potential setbacks into learning moments. ________________ This episode is sponsored by Workhuman . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman ’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Want to learn more? Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com , and join their force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

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Stagwell Vice Chair David Sable on How Remote Work Might be Killing Your Future Success 1:07:56

15 days ago1:07:56

1:07:56

Remote work might be convenient, but it’s not the game-changer people think it is. If you want to grow, succeed, and actually build a career, you need to show up. That’s the message from David Sable, former CEO of Young & Rubicam and Vice Chairman at Stagwell, who believes employees should beg to be in the office—not fight against it. In this episode, David breaks down why in-person work still matters and busts the myth of remote productivity. He highlights that the best leaders won’t waste time proving to employees why they should be there. We also tackle the real impact of office culture, why career development suffers without it, and how mentorship, collaboration, and serendipity shape long-term success. You’ll discover all the reasons why leaders need to stop caving to employee demands and start running businesses the way they know they should. If you’re wondering how to future-proof your career or just trying to understand why so many leaders are pushing back on remote work this episode is for you. ________________ This episode is sponsored by Workhuman . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman ’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Want to learn more? Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com , and join their force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

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Sparks: Can Hybrid Work Work? Why In-Person Presence is Still Essential If You Want to Stay Ahead 8:13

18 days ago8:13

8:13

Remote work offers convenience and flexibility, but can it truly foster the leadership development needed to excel? While virtual environments allow for increased productivity, they often fall short in cultivating the deeper skills that come from observing, interacting, and learning in person. In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore why in-person presence remains essential for aspiring leaders. Gain insights into how face-to-face interactions with senior leaders, casual conversations, and observing real-time decision-making can accelerate leadership growth. For those with ambitions to advance, showing up when others choose to stay remote may provide a unique competitive advantage. Tune in to uncover how being physically present in the workplace can unlock opportunities, build stronger relationships, and fast-track your path to leadership. ________________ This episode is sponsored by Workhuman . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals what good looks like in your company, with previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing.And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com , and join our force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

1
The Untold Connection Between Fitness and Leadership Success with Alex Hutchinson 59:49

22 days ago59:49

59:49

What do Zone 2 training, VO2 max, cold plunges, and cognitive mapping have to do with leadership? More than you think. In this episode, Alex Hutchinson—award-winning journalist, endurance expert, and best-selling author of The Explorer’s Gene—explains why the principles of elite athletic training are just as critical for leadership. You’ll learn how top CEOs train like endurance athletes to build resilience, sharpen decision-making, and avoid burnout—not by working less, but by managing stress smarter. We dive into the real impact of corporate wellness programs, the difference between acute and chronic stress, and why organizations are treating employees like high-performance athletes. Plus, we uncover why AI and algorithms are reshaping exploration, how creativity is declining, and why the best leaders take calculated risks instead of playing it safe. If you want to sustain peak performance, outthink challenges, and thrive in a world obsessed with efficiency, this episode is for you. ________________ This episode is sponsored by Workhuman . HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals what good looks like in your company, with previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing.And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture. Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com , and join our force for good. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

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Sparks: Blessing, Curse, or Both: How Vulnerability Can Be a Liability and How to Turn It Into an Asset 5:12

25 days ago5:12

5:12

The thing is, vulnerability in leadership isn’t always the strength it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it can sometimes be your biggest liability. In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore the surprising truth about how vulnerability can backfire, especially for CEOs and top executives. From the dangers of opening up to the wrong people, to the physiological stress responses even the most powerful leaders experience when faced with vulnerability, this episode dives into the complex reality of being open in the workplace. We also tackle the fine line between vulnerability and competence—how showing your human side can either elevate or undermine your leadership. If you're ready to rethink the way vulnerability fits into leadership, this conversation is a must-listen. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

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Leading in the Age of AI, Hybrid Work, and Redefined Success 52:49

29 days ago52:49

52:49

The way we work, lead, and define success is evolving faster than ever. AI is transforming industries, the office is being reimagined, and the old definition of success—chasing money and titles—is being challenged. So what does this mean for you as a leader? In this special episode of the Future Leader Podcast, we’re bringing together the most game-changing conversations from Q1 2025. Martin Ford, futurist and best-selling author, unpacks how AI is reshaping jobs, businesses, and leadership. Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink, co-CEOs of Gensler, reveal how workplace design fuels creativity, culture, and sustainability in the hybrid era, and what the office of the future looks like. Sahil Bloom, author and entrepreneur, challenges the traditional view of success, introducing a new framework for wealth—time, relationships, health, mental clarity, and financial stability. The future of leadership isn’t coming, it’s already here. This episode is your chance to get ahead of the curve. Learn all the skills you need to lead in the future of work. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

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Sparks: Think Beyond Borders: How to Cultivate a Global Citizen Mindset With Solvay CEO Ilham Kadri 6:15

5 weeks ago6:15

6:15

Every great leader knows that the world is bigger than your comfort zone. They don’t just surround themselves with people who think like them. They seek out different perspectives, challenge their own assumptions, and learn to see through a global lens. That’s the Global Citizen Mindset, and in today’s world, it can be your competitive edge. In today's Leadership Spark, we explore how thinking beyond borders makes you a stronger leader, with insights from Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay, whose journey proves that real leadership isn’t about where you come from—it’s about how far you’re willing to see. Learn why leaders who think globally make better decisions, solve complex problems, and navigate uncertainty with confidence. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

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Bestselling Author Reveals How The World’s Best Investors Think & Why Leaders Need to Pay Attention! 59:35

5 weeks ago59:35

59:35

Most people see investing as just stocks and numbers, but the world’s greatest investors approach it differently. Their biggest lessons go beyond money—they're about how to think, make smarter decisions, and live a richer life. William Green, bestselling author of Richer, Wiser, Happier, has interviewed over 50 legendary investors, including Charlie Munger, Howard Marks, and Sir John Templeton. Along the way, he’s uncovered powerful insights that apply not just to investing but to leadership, business, and personal growth. In this episode, William shares what leaders can learn from investors about making better decisions, avoiding costly mistakes through inversion thinking, and applying the power of compounding to knowledge, relationships, and habits. He reveals why mastering emotions matters more than mastering money, why intuition is just as critical as data, and how knowing your circle of competence helps you focus on playing games you’re equipped to win and knowing your limits. We also explore how ethical leadership isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a long-term advantage, and long-term success is often tied to integrity, self-awareness, and learning from both wins and failures. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

1
Sparks: Three Strategies That Help Your Career and Why Usual Career Advice Do Not 10:19

6 weeks ago10:19

10:19

Most career advice is useless. "Follow your passion." "Wait for the right opportunity." "Success happens when you get lucky." These are some of the most common (and misleading) career clichés. And if you’ve been following them, you might be stuck waiting instead of building. In today’s Leadership Spark, I’m sharing three unconventional strategies that completely changed my career and helped me build a life on my own terms. First, learning how to learn is the single most important skill you can develop—waiting for someone else to teach you what you need will keep you stuck. Second, "fake it till you make it" isn’t about pretending—it’s about rewiring your mindset so you can step into opportunities before you feel ready. And finally, chasing passion is one of the biggest career mistakes people make. Passion isn’t something you find—it’s something you bring into what you do. These three shifts changed everything for me. They’ll do the same for you. Listen now. ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

1
Betterworks CEO Doug Dennerline on Why Annual Performance Reviews Are Broken 51:08

6 weeks ago51:08

51:08

Traditional performance reviews are broken—outdated, ineffective, and dreaded by employees and managers alike. Many companies scrapped them, only to bring them back in new forms. Why? What’s really driving employee disengagement? And how can AI help leaders make smarter, unbiased decisions about performance, promotions, and career growth? In today’s episode, Doug Dennerline, CEO of Betterworks, breaks down the new performance management approach replacing outdated annual reviews, and why companies are rethinking performance tracking. We also unpack how AI is transforming feedback, goal-setting, and leadership to make smarter people decisions. Hear Doug’s take on the future of hybrid work and what most managers get wrong about employee engagement. Finally, we cover how HR’s role is evolving into a strategic force in the future of work. If you lead a team, manage performance, or want to future-proof your leadership, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. This episode is sponsored by Betterworks If you’re ready to move from managing performance to shaping the future, EmpowerHR 2025 is where it begins. This exclusive event, hosted by Betterworks, is bringing together top HR innovators to share breakthrough strategies in performance management on March 20th. Save your spot at empowerhr.betterworks.com . ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠ https://greatleadership.substack.com/…

The Future Of Work With Jacob Morgan

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Sparks: Vulnerable Leadership: Revealing the Secret Formula to Any Leader’s Success 10:16

7 weeks ago10:16