What if the biggest barrier to innovation isn’t a lack of ideas—but a mountain of pointless work?

In Part Two of this series, Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and one of the world’s top speakers on simplification, walks us through her strategy to make work—and life—less overwhelming and more meaningful. She shares how organizations like Pfizer and Google cut clutter to free up creativity, and how we can do the same in our personal lives. Lisa also gets personal about parenting, mental health, and why she believes simplicity is a survival skill in the age of AI.

From ditching unnecessary meetings to raising future-ready kids, this episode is a manual for letting go of the noise and doubling down on what matters.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Why Simplicity Is a Leadership Strategy

“Simplification isn’t organizing. It’s deletion. If you removed just 10% of your clutter—mental or physical—your life would transform.”

Kill a Stupid Rule (Redux)

“Pfizer didn’t need more innovation. They needed fewer barriers. Killing one pointless process saved them thousands of hours.”

Busy ≠ Valuable

“We’ve rewarded ‘more’ instead of ‘meaningful.’ Hustle culture thrives on this lie—and it’s breaking people.”

Personal Simplicity Starts with Self-Audit

“Write down everything you do in a month. Circle what’s meaningful. Now ask: what can you delete, delegate, or decline?”

How to Say No Without Burning Bridges

“Try saying: ‘Yes, if…’ instead of ‘Yes, and…’ Boundaries are the gateway to better work.”

AI vs. Human Intelligence

“AI gives you answers. But it can’t ask the right questions. That’s where human intelligence still leads.”

What Schools Get Wrong About the Future

“We’re training kids to be future employees, not future humans. That’s got to change.”

Redefining Learning with Power Skills

“Forget soft skills—they’re power skills now. Curiosity, resilience, empathy: these will matter more than any degree.”

Raising Future-Ready Humans

“My daughter trained with the FBI. My son wants to be an entrepreneur. I bring them to my talks so they see work in action.”

Why Simplicity Is a Mental Health Imperative

“It’s not about doing less—it’s about doing more of what matters. Simplicity doesn’t just help work. It heals people.”

______________________

Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Lisa Bodell

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
18 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>170,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

Part Two of a 2-part series with Deborah Perry Piscione.

She’s been a White House staffer, a Silicon Valley founder, and now co-author of Employment is Dead. In this final chapter, Deborah unpacks the future of learning, hiring, and leadership. Her son skipped college, built a six-figure business, and learned survival in Antarctica—and she says that path may be more relevant than a classroom.

From blockchain credentials to portfolio careers and life-stage flexibility, Deborah lays out what’s next for both workers and employers. She also answers the big question: does “employment is dead” mean we stop working? Not even close. But we do stop settling.

If you’re a leader, parent, or Gen Zer trying to understand what the future holds—this one’s for you.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Degrees Are Optional, Grit Isn’t

“My son crossed the Drake Passage and got left on a roadside in Argentina. He didn’t go back to college—but he learned more than any syllabus could teach.”

Employment Is Dead? Not Quite

“I’m not saying sit in the basement and play video games. I’m saying don’t tolerate a system that treats you like a cog.”

The Rise of Life-Stage Flexibility

“Whether you’re 25 or 55, you deserve a career path that adjusts to your life—not the other way around.”

Why Employers Must Wake Up Now

“One person can now do the job of three. If leaders don’t plan for that shift, they’ll lose talent before they know what hit them.”

The Most Important Executive Role? CHRO

“Yes, you need a chief AI officer. But you need a human-centered CHRO even more—to help people evolve with the tech.”

The IBM Example

“IBM’s CEO told employees: ‘If this next chapter isn’t for you, we’ll help you find a new path.’ That’s empathy in action.”

Let’s Talk T-Shaped Talent

“It’s not just about your vertical expertise—it’s what else you bring across disciplines that makes you valuable now.”

Redefining Work in the AI Age

“New tech like smart contracts and DAOs will let us work on our terms, from anywhere, on things we actually care about.”

Why Gen Z Might Be Right

“We were told to follow one path. They’re building ten—and most of them don’t involve climbing a corporate ladder.”

What ‘Employment Is Dead’ Really Means

“Traditional jobs may be fading, but work isn’t going anywhere. What’s dying is the idea that your life has to fit inside someone else’s system.”

_________________________

Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Deborah Perry Piscione

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
18 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>170,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

What happens when a political insider, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and a bestselling author walk into a podcast? You get Deborah Perry Piscione.

In Part One of this two-part series, Deborah shares her wild career ride—from shaping policy in Washington to pioneering bottoms-up innovation in tech. She breaks down why fear is a tool in politics, but collaboration fuels real change—and how a chance encounter in a coffee shop led to her first startup and a new lens on what work could be.

From co-founding six ventures to co-authoring Employment is Dead, Deborah’s story is a masterclass in trusting your instincts, failing fast, and knowing when to break the rules. Part Two will dive deeper into AI, upskilling, and why Gen Z might be the smartest workforce we’ve ever had.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

From Capitol Hill to Palo Alto

“In D.C., I learned how to divide people. In Silicon Valley, I learned how to bring them together.”

The Starbucks That Changed Everything

“A stranger asked, ‘How can I help you?’ Three weeks later, I had venture capital.”

Six Companies, Six Books, No Master Plan

“I didn’t have a big strategy—just instincts, observation, and the nerve to try.”

Innovation Isn’t Top-Down Anymore

“The best ideas often come from the people with the smallest paychecks.”

Risk Is the Real Skill

“You can throw ten ideas at the wall. One might stick. The rest will teach you.”

Founders Dilemma: Know When to Let Go

“Sometimes it’s not about the perfect number—it’s about moving the mission forward.”

Why She Launched Work3 Institute

“People spend most of their waking hours at work. So why do so many feel terrible doing it?”

Old Model, New World

“I never understood why finishing work early meant I had to sit until 6 p.m. Taylorism still haunts us.”

Empowering Workers, Not Just Employers

“We’re not just talking to companies—we’re telling workers: you have choices now.”

Gen Z Knows More Than the Bosses

“For the first time, a generation entering the workforce understands the future of work better than the people in charge.”

_________________________

Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Deborah Perry Piscione

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
18 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>170,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

Part Three of a 3-part series with Josh Drean.

Josh isn’t here to tweak the old system—he’s here to build a new one. In this final chapter, the Work3 Institute co-founder and co-author of Employment is Dead goes deep on what it actually takes to evolve.

Vince and Josh tackle the hard stuff: Are degrees still relevant in a skills-first world? How does blockchain flip the hiring process? What if your next “employee” is actually a DAO participant with token voting power? And what happens to companies who still think Zoom fatigue is the biggest problem facing the future of work?

If your HR strategy still lives in a Word doc, this episode is your sign to evolve—or get left behind.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Degrees vs. Skills: Why the Shift Is Happening Now

“Degrees used to guarantee employment. Not anymore. Employers are waking up—skills win.”

The Truth About Ivy League Pedigree

“At Harvard, the education’s fine—but it’s the connections that count. That’s the real ROI of the degree.”

AI Has Already Broken the Hiring Process

“You’ve got AI writing job descriptions, AI writing résumés, and AI screening candidates. Humans barely touch the funnel anymore.”

Blockchain and the Rise of the Verifiable Résumé

“With blockchain, we don’t have to trust you—we already know. Your digital wallet becomes your skills passport.”

DAO 101: Flattening Hierarchies and Sharing Power

“A DAO lets frontline workers vote on strategy, not just execute it. It’s work by consensus, not command.”

Why Micromanagers Should Be Nervous

“We don’t need six layers of oversight. Tech lets teams self-govern and move faster—with less drama.”

The Gen Z Warning Shot

“Gen Z isn’t lazy—they’re just not buying the 9-to-5. If you don’t offer autonomy and impact, they’ll leave.”

Spotify’s Win: Let Work Fit Life, Not the Other Way Around

“Companies like Spotify get it—flexibility, rhythm, and respect lead to loyalty.”

From Analog to AI: Vince’s Gen X Reflection

“We learned on Lotus, adapted to Excel, and now manage in the age of ChatGPT. Tech is the bridge, not the barrier.”

Final Advice for Employers: Evolve or Be Replaced

“Change isn’t optional. Either reshape your workplace—or get ready to lose your best people to the ones who did.”

_________________________

Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Josh Drean

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
18 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>170,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

Part Two of a 3-part series on Josh Drean.

Josh has worn many hats—Harvard MBA, psychology grad, co-founder of Work3 Institute and now, co-author of Employment is Dead (Harvard Business Review Press).

In Part 1, we tore down the outdated rituals of traditional employment, including the performative disaster that is the annual engagement survey. Today in Part 2, we go behind the scenes: how did a random cold call spark a bestselling book that landed at HBR?

Josh shares the publishing highs and headaches—crafting a 120-page proposal, keeping the book relevant in a fast-changing world, and building an audience in real time on social media while the manuscript sat in editing limbo. This one’s for every creator, innovator, and future-of-work disruptor trying to stay ahead of the curve.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

A Book Born from a Cold Call

“I know this sounds completely random, but do you want to write a book together?” That’s how co-author Deborah Perry Piscione kicked off Employment is Dead. One unexpected phone call, a big idea, and a sticky title later—they caught Harvard Business Review’s attention.

Publishing in a Real-Time World

“Imagine writing a chapter a year ago, only to have it go live twelve months later—it’s outdated by then.” With AI and Web3 changing everything weekly, Josh kept the conversation fresh through TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube while waiting for the book to hit shelves.

The Proposal That Was ‘Way Too Long’

“We ended up with 120 pages—which everyone said was way too much.” But that oversized pitch sparked a bidding war. Why? Because they weren’t just selling a book. They were calling out a broken system—and offering a blueprint to fix it.

_________________________

Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Josh Drean

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
18 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>170,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

What if employment as we know it has already died—and we’re just pretending not to notice?

In Part One of this three-part series, Josh Drean—Harvard MBA, startup founder, and co-author of Employment is Dead(Harvard Business Review Press)—joins Vince to dissect the slow death of traditional work. From the failure of annual engagement surveys to the false promise of “people-first” slogans, Josh makes it clear: the current system was built for the factory floor, not the future.

We trace Josh’s journey from studying psychology to working in corporate consulting during the pandemic, and now building the Work3 Institute to help leaders redesign employment itself. Why is HR still feared? Why are employees called “assets” but treated like expenses? And how can new technologies like Web3 create better human systems?

Part Two digs into how a cold outreach led to an HBR publishing deal—and the 10 principles Josh says every modern worker wants now.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Why Engagement Surveys Are a Broken Ritual

“Surveys are the dumbest way to build a relationship. They’re not designed for honesty—and most leaders don’t really want the truth.”

The False Math of ‘People Are Our Greatest Asset’

“If people were really assets, they’d show up on the balance sheet. But they don’t. They’re an expense—and treated like one.”

The Pandemic Wake-Up Call

“I started consulting right as COVID hit. It forced companies to rethink safety, remote work, and what their employees actually needed.”

The HR Dilemma: Protector of People or Risk Manager?

“Most employees still associate HR with layoffs. That’s a brand problem—and a system design failure.”

From Assembly Lines to AI: Why Taylorism Is Still Haunting Us

“Modern work still clings to an industrial-era model—check the box, don’t ask questions. That doesn’t fit the information age.”

How Psychology Led Josh Into Web3 and DAO Culture

“My reason for doing this never changed—it’s about building better experiences. But tech gave me the tools to scale that.”

Meet the Digital Native Workforce (a.k.a. Your Kids)

“My 8-year-old builds real friendships through Fortnite. If you think digital community isn’t real—you’re already behind.”

The 10 Operating Principles of Work3

“From flexibility and autonomy to interoperability and ownership—these are the non-negotiables for the next generation of work.”

Why Forcing People Back to the Office Will Backfire

“Employees don’t want the typewriter factory version of work. RTO is a backwards step—and they know it.”

From Psychology Grad to HBR Author: Josh’s Journey Begins

“I didn’t have a tenured chair or a best-selling track record. Just a cold outreach, a clear message—and a broken system to fix.”

_________________________

Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Josh Drean

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

Overwhelmed by life? Alison Stewart gets it—and she’s building a startup to help fix it.

In Part Two, the Overalls COO shares how her team is rethinking employee benefits by offering something surprisingly human: life support, literally. Whether it’s booking a plumber, navigating eldercare, or finding summer camps before the January rush, Overalls acts as a concierge for the chaos of modern life.

Alison also opens up about what it really takes to scale an idea from zero—while trusting yourself to write the policies, run the ops, and still answer the phones. Spoiler: she’s done it all. If you’ve ever dreamed of building something meaningful from scratch, this is your operations masterclass.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

What Overalls Actually Does (Hint: It’s Not Laundry)

“We’re your life concierge—handling everything from vetting plumbers to eldercare planning. Our job is to give your time and sanity back.”

The Startup Test: From Strategy to Scheduling Cleaners

“Two weeks in, I was calling Colorado well inspectors, pitching insurance partners, and writing job descriptions. All in one day. That’s startup life.”

Why a Stay-at-Home Mom Might Be Your Next Concierge

“We tapped into an overlooked talent pool—retirees, caregivers, underemployed parents—and gave them flexible, meaningful work. It’s a win-win.”

HR Is Finally Getting Thank-You Notes

“Employers tell us: this is the first time employees are actively thanking HR for a benefit. That’s unheard of.”

The Burnout Solution That Isn’t Therapy

“Burnout isn’t always solved by meditation apps. Sometimes, it’s about having someone book that MRI or call the insurance company for you.”

Confidence as a Startup Operator: Earning It Day by Day

“Do I know how to write an HR policy? Not at first. But I figured it out. In a startup, everything’s your job.”

Why Big Company Life Doesn’t Prepare You for This

“In corporate, you focus on one slice. In startup life, you are the pie. You handle everything, whether or not you’ve done it before.”

From Lean to Leveraged: Hiring with Intention

“Writing job descriptions meant I could finally hire someone to take something off my plate. But no one else was going to write them.”

Mindset > Metrics (At Least in the Beginning)

“Don’t just optimize for titles or compensation. Start with: What am I actually excited to build? What problem do I care enough to solve?”

Advice for Fellow Change Progressives

“Talk to people. Write it down. Be honest about what lights you up—and patient with the timeline. Growth is a slow burn. Trust it.”

____________________

Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Alison Stewart

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

Not all career changes are dramatic. Some are deeply deliberate—and a little serendipitous.

In Part One, Alison Stewart, COO of Overalls, walks us through her transition from 10+ years in the financial sector to co-founding a startup she discovered on LinkedIn. With two kids at home and a stable job in a Fortune 100 company, Alison didn’t jump recklessly. Instead, she asked the hard questions: Am I fulfilled? What do I want next? And how much risk am I really willing to take?

This episode unpacks what happens when you combine career intuition with operational precision—and how a well-timed DM can change everything.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

From Corporate Climb to Personal Wake-Up Call

“Time started blending together during the pandemic. I had to ask: Am I actually happy? Or just coasting in a cycle of constant resets?”

The Treadmill of Big Company Life

“With every leadership change, we took ten steps back before we moved one forward. I was learning—but I wasn’t growing.”

Childhood Moves, Adult Adaptability

“Moving five times by age 14 taught me to see change as an opportunity. That mindset still guides me today.”

The Pregnancy + Merger Combo

“Just weeks before giving birth to my second child, my business unit was sold. The uncertainty could’ve been paralyzing—but I chose to treat it as a new beginning.”

Risk—But Not Reckless: Mapping a Smarter Pivot

“I didn’t quit cold. I asked: What am I good at? What fulfills me? What can my family support? I gave myself permission to explore—and permission to say no.”

The Non-Obvious Job Search Strategy

“Instead of applying for jobs I knew I could do, I reverse-engineered what I wanted: values, pace, purpose. I wasn’t chasing a title—I was chasing a fit.”

The Moment Overalls Popped Off the Screen

“When I read about Overalls, something clicked. I didn’t even know if they were hiring. I just knew I had to reach out.”

Why LinkedIn Isn’t Just Noise

“It wasn’t a random scroll. I used LinkedIn intentionally—to research, reflect, and eventually connect. That DM changed everything.”

Communicating Across Industries

“Moving out of insurance meant translating my skill set. I had to show how what I did mapped onto what I wanted to do.”

Community + Clarity = Career Confidence

“A networking group of MBA alumni helped me spot my own excitement. They said, ‘This one lights you up. Go for it.’ That feedback made all the difference.”

____________________

Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Alison Stewart

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
17 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1.5% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>160,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<