The Podcast

Where Work Meets Life

with Dr. Laura

Bringing you timely insights and inspiration from Dr. Laura and other experts at the intersection of work and life. Topics include thriving organizations, work-life wellness, career fulfillment, and advocating for a better world.

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Nov 3, 202643 minEpisode 147

What's Wrong with Today's Kids? The Stereotypes and Realities Shaping Gen Z at Work

Dr. Laura welcomes Ryan Vet, generational futurist, USA Today bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of The Ryan Vet Show, to explore the stereotypes and realities shaping Generation Z at work. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of leadership, technology, and organizational change, Ryan explains why generational labels rarely tell the whole story. He introduces the generational prism as a way to consider age alongside the moment in history people experience. This assists leaders in looking beyond assumptions that younger employees are lazy, entitled, or unwilling to work. Dr. Laura and Ryan discuss delayed life milestones, anxiety, technology, parenting influences, and the experiences that have shaped Generation Z as they enter and establish themselves in the workplace. Ryan and Dr. Laura examine why perceived generational differences can also point to leadership challenges. They explore changing approaches to productivity, the influence of smartphones and artificial intelligence, and what can be lost when technology removes friction and real-world experiences from everyday life. Ryan emphasizes that effective leadership can’t rely on a single framework or generational stereotype. Instead, leaders need to understand each person, recognize their individual skills and experiences, and adapt their leadership style accordingly. The conversation encourages leaders to examine assumptions, understand what has shaped Gen Z, and help younger employees grow into the next generation of leaders. “Instead of getting frustrated, how about you spend the time to get to know the individual and who they are and what drives them?” - Ryan Vet About Ryan Vet: Ryan Vet is a generational futurist with two decades of practitioner experience at his back. He is not a researcher who decided to speak. He is not an academic who wrote a book. He is an operator, entrepreneur, and builder who researched, synthesized, and wrote because what he observed in his own organizations demanded explanation. He is a USA Today bestselling author whose work has been recognized nationally and featured in Forbes, ABC, and NBC. His Collide newsletter reaches organizational leaders who want honest, practitioner-grounded analysis of how generational dynamics and technology are reshaping the way people work and lead. His research focus spans: generational leadership and multi-generational workforce dynamics, AI adoption and organizational readiness, change management and the human cost of transformation, and employee engagement across organizational cultures. Ryan Vet is actively speaking, writing, researching, and investing. Not as separate pursuits, but as a single integrated practice. Key Moments: 00:00 Introducing Ryan Vet and the Generational Conversation 04:18 Why Generational Differences Became Ryan’s Focus 08:42 Looking Beyond Generational Stereotypes 12:35 The Generational Prism and the Problem with Labels 17:48 Understanding Generational Blur 23:10 What Has Shaped Generation Z 29:32 Parenting, Technology, and the Bubble Wrap Generation 36:45 Why Leadership Frameworks Cannot Replace Leadership 42:58 How Stereotypes Shape What Leaders See 48:40 Productivity and Different Generational Approaches to Work 55:36 What Happens When Technology Removes Friction 1:02:15 Smartphones, Identity, Connection, and Loneliness 1:08:42 How Leaders Can Bring Out the Best in Generation Z 1:14:55 Human Wisdom, AI, and the Velocity Gap 1:20:30 Ryan’s Vision for Better Leadership and a Better World of Work Resources: Website: RyanVet.com Books: Cracking the Millennial Code by Ryan Vet | Speak Goodr by Ryan Vet LinkedIn: RyanVet YouTube: RyanCVet Podcast: The Ryan Vet Show The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Collide Newsletter “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Oct 20, 202643 min

The Women Are Not Fine: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention

Dr. Laura welcomes Hope Reese, journalist and author of The Women Are Not Fine: A Dark History of a Poisonous Sisterhood , and Lana Wells, Associate Professor and Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence at the University of Calgary, to the show for an important conversation about domestic violence awareness and prevention. Hope shares the history behind her book, which investigates a group of women in a Hungarian village who poisoned a large number of abusive men in their lives a century ago. She explores how the conditions that shaped these women’s experiences continue to affect women today. Lana brings her expertise in gender-based violence prevention to examine why domestic violence remains so prevalent and what needs to change to stop it before it starts. For Dr. Laura, who lost her niece Jasmine and Jasmine’s daughter Aaliyah to domestic violence and homicide in 2019, this issue is deeply personal and one she is committed to raising awareness about through the WITH HER ( www.withher.ca ) movement she co-founded. Dr. Laura, Hope, and Lana explore the warning signs of domestic violence, coercive control, and the cultural attitudes and institutional systems that allow abuse to continue. Lana shares research into patterns of domestic violence and prior police interactions, explaining why prevention efforts must shift responsibility away from victims and toward those causing harm. Hope highlights the power of storytelling, historical understanding, and community conversations in challenging the normalization of violence against women. Together, they discuss the importance of educating boys and men, empowering bystanders to intervene safely, and fostering empathy, healthy relationships, and accountability in families, schools, workplaces, and communities. Despite the difficult realities of domestic violence, this conversation offers hope for a future where collective action, stronger support systems, and cultural change can help create a safer world for women and girls. “Teaching men, teaching boys, having them be able to empathize, see themselves in each other, in somebody else's shoes. This is like a key challenge to our moment…” Hope Wells “And I think we're asking the wrong questions. I think we need to be asking: why does he think it's okay to hurt or control someone he loves?” Lana Wells About Hope Reese: Hope Reese is a journalist and author whose work appears in The New York Times , The Atlantic , The Boston Globe , and other publications. Her debut book, The Women Are Not Fine , investigates the Angel Makers of Nagyrév — a group of women in rural Hungary involved in one of the deadliest mass poisoning cases in history. Through archival research and reporting, Reese explores the forces behind the crimes, including survival, poverty, and violence in the aftermath of World War I. Website: HopeReese.com LinkedIn: HopeReese About Lana Wells: Lana’s ability to work across disciplines, translate knowledge into action, meaningfully advance systems change, and develop innovative policy and practice solutions has positioned her as a distinguished changemaker in Alberta and beyond. As an Associate Professor in the UCalgary Faculty of Social Work and the Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Lana founded Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence in 2010 – the first primary prevention research hub in Canada to focus solely on stopping domestic and sexual violence before it starts. In leading this work, Lana has collaborated with community leaders and policymakers to produce over a hundred violence-prevention reports used by various orders of government and community organizations throughout Canada and abroad with a focus on advancing primary prevention. Lana actively supervises graduate students within the Faculty of Social Work and is a research fellow with the School of Public Policy. Lana holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Calgary and a combined honours degree in Religious and Women Studies from McMaster University. In her spare time, you can find Lana on a bike with her family in the Rocky Mountains. Website: Shift - The Project to End Domestic Violence (PreventDomesticViolence.ca) LinkedIn: Lana-Wells-793b5531 Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention 02:46 Hope Reese on The Women Are Not Fine and Lessons from History 05:40 Lana Wells on Preventing Domestic Violence Before It Starts 08:05 Domestic Violence Trends and the Need for Male Accountability 09:51 Police Data, Warning Signs, and Preventing Escalation 11:45 Coercive Control and Patterns of Domestic Homicide 14:32 Changing Systems and Cultures That Enable Violence 17:19 Clare's Law and Access to Information About Abusive Partners 18:28 Educating Boys and Men and Challenging Harmful Group Norms 24:06 Moving Beyond Victim Blaming to Bystander Intervention 28:00 Leadership, Social Media, and the Normalization of Violence 31:52 The Power of Storytelling and Community Conversations 34:12 Finding Hope Through Relationships and Sisterhood 39:01 Building Empathy and Healthy Connections Among Men and Boys 41:20 A Wish for Future Generations of Girls 42:29 Final Reflections and a Call to Action Resources: “The Women Are Not Fine” by Hope Reese “In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder” by Jane Monckton Smith Clare’s Law Fear Is Not Love (FearIsNotLove.ca) The Men’s Project (MenAnd.ca) Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (acws.ca) “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Oct 6, 202642 min

Is It Just a Paycheque? Why Purpose in Our Careers Still Matters

Dr. Laura welcomes Scott Schieman, sociologist, professor at the University of Toronto, and author of I Want More: Why Your Job Still Matters , to the show to explore why work continues to matter beyond earning a paycheque. Drawing on decades of research into the quality of work and economic life in Canada and the United States, Scott examines how careers shape identity, self-awareness, connection, and wellbeing. He and Dr. Laura discuss the growing narrative that a job is simply a way to earn money and address how the stories and data Scott gathered reveal a more complex picture. From people questioning their careers in their twenties to those confronting the loss of identity and routine in retirement, the conversation considers how deeply work can become woven into who people are. Scott introduces the M.O.R.E. framework from his book, which explores how work can provide mooring, opening, relating, and exceeding. When diving into the meaning of work, he and Dr. Laura consider the importance of routine, opportunities to learn and create, relationships with colleagues, respect, recognition, and the feeling of contributing. They also explore the risks of all-or-nothing thinking about careers, the social impact of remote work, and why a job doesn’t need to define someone completely to shape them in meaningful ways. Through research and real stories, Dr. Laura invites listeners to become more aware of what they receive from their careers and what they want, especially as AI, changing workplace structures, and evolving expectations continue to reshape the world of work. "I would say my one wish is for people to really be mindful of the contribution that they're making. … I think that just being aware of that and kind of celebrating that, it notches up the celebration [of the] work ethic a little bit more in a way that I think would do us all a lot of good" - Scott Schieman About Scott Schieman: Professor Schieman held a Canada Research Chair from 2012 to 2026 and served as Chair of the Sociology Department from 2015 to 2021. He has served as editor of Sociology of Religion (2010 – 2013) and co-editor of Society and Mental Health , the flagship journal for the Mental Health Section of the American Sociology Association (2022 – 2025). An award-winning researcher and teacher, Schieman has received the Dean’s Excellence Award each year since he began his appointment at the University of Toronto (2004 – 2025), the Leonard I. Pearlin Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Sociological Study of Mental Health (2018), the Jeanette Wright Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision and Mentorship (2024), and the Oswald Hall Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching (2008). Professor Schieman studies what people think and feel about work–and how they talk about it. He is especially interested in the ways that work shapes the sense of self, status, and well-being. Since 2005, he has collected data from more than 55,000 workers in Canada, the United States, and South Korea. Drawing upon decades of quantitative and qualitative data, his research tells the story about the quality of work and economic life and their effects on our everyday lives. Key Moments: 00:00 Is It Just a Paycheque? Why Purpose Still Matters 01:34 Meet Scott Schieman and His Research on Work 04:05 How Work Shapes Who We Become 06:41 Career, Identity, Fulfillment, and Self-Awareness 08:25 Searching for Purpose Across Career Stages 09:42 Why Scott Wrote I Want More 13:23 How the Pandemic Changed Conversations About Work 15:47 Understanding the MORE Framework 18:13 Opening, Relating, Respect, and Recognition 21:33 Retirement and the Sudden Loss of MORE 22:08 The Problem With All-or-Nothing Career Thinking 24:02 What Real Stories Reveal About the Meaning of Work 28:37 Why Calling It “Just a Job” Can Be Protective 30:44 Remote Work, Commuting, and Human Connection 32:43 Does a Job Define Who We Are? 34:37 Why Perceptions of Work May Be More Negative Than Reality 36:05 Who I Want More Is Written For 37:45 Why Social Connection Still Matters 39:01 One Wish for a Better World of Work Resources: Website: ScottSchieman.com Book: I Want M.O.R.E.: Why Your Job Still Matters by Scott Schieman Scott Schieman on LinkedIn A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection by Nicholas Epley “Plain English with Derek Thompson” podcast International Social Survey Programme “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Sep 22, 202647 min

A Conversation About Resilience & Hope: The Real Story of Milli Vanilli

Dr. Laura welcomes Fab Morvan, artist, singer, songwriter, performer, speaker, and former member of Milli Vanilli, to Where Work Meets Life™ for a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, and personal reinvention. Fab takes Dr. Laura behind the public story of Milli Vanilli to share what it was like to be a young artist who found himself trapped in an arrangement he didn’t fully understand and how it felt to eventually become one of the most visible faces of a global music scandal. He reflects on being trapped financially and in terms of his reputation, losing trust in the people around him, and living with the intense stigma that followed. Through it all, Fab describes how music became an essential part of his healing and how curiosity, creativity, and determination helped him rebuild his confidence, his career, and, ultimately, his relationship with himself. Fab and Dr. Laura explore what his journey can teach anyone whose life or career has been shattered by circumstances they never expected. Fab shares how he learned to step away from being co-dependent, say no, forgive the people who hurt him, and forgive himself. He explains why authenticity became central to who he is today and how listening to his inner voice helped him silence self-doubt. Now a father of four, Fab speaks about love as an emotional compass and shares his excitement about his upcoming memoir, Blame It on the Game, new music, and the freedom of creating on his own terms. His story is an invitation to recognize that painful experiences don’t have to define the future and that rebuilding is possible when people reconnect with themselves, put in the work, and find the courage to move forward. "The truth takes the stairs while the lies take the elevator. But the truth always comes up, always prevails. Might take a long time sometimes, but it will show up." - Fab Morvan About Fab Morvan: Paris-born Fabrice Morvan first met his future partner, Rob Pilatus, in Munich at a local club. The two penniless teenagers—17 and 19 years old—jumped at the chance to sign a contract with German producer Frank Farian. Within months, they had created a captivating stage show that would go on to amaze millions. Milli Vanilli sold more than 7 million copies of their debut album, Girl You Know It’s True, in the U.S. alone. The duo quickly rose to MTV stardom, becoming one of the biggest musical acts of the late 1980s and early 1990s, with worldwide sales exceeding 30 million singles and 10 million albums. Along the way, they were drawn into a notorious lip-syncing scandal, which ultimately led them to publicly return their Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” in 1990. For decades, Fab Morvan has been at the center of one of pop culture’s most infamous controversies. With his recent Grammy nomination, his journey of resilience and reinvention has entered a powerful new chapter. Today, his story resonates more than ever—one of redemption, honesty, and the courage to reclaim his own voice. Resources: Instagram: @Fabmorvan TikTok: @Fabmorvan_off YouTube: @fabmorvanchannel Facebook: @Fabmorvanfanpage Website: FabMorvanOfficial.com Documentary: Milli Vanilli “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Sep 8, 202624 min

Welcome to Season 7 of Where Work Meets Life™: Sneak a peek on timely topics impacting our careers and lives

Dr. Laura reflects on nearly 150 episodes of Where Work Meets Life™ and welcomes us to season seven with a personal message reflecting on the journey that led her here in her exploration of the intersection of work and life. She shares why topics such as toxic leadership, healthy workplace cultures, leadership development, and the future of work continue to matter, while giving us a peek into thought-provoking conversations ahead. She also introduces a new community designed to support those recovering from toxic workplaces, reaffirming her commitment to helping people create healthier, more meaningful work lives. Looking beyond the workplace, Dr. Laura also shares why this season will expand into conversations about spiritual well-being, human connection, and what it truly means to thrive. She discusses the roles purpose, consciousness, and compassion play in our overall health. She highlights upcoming guests such as Celeste Warren, author and DEI thought leader, Jay Abbasi, expert on leadership and burnout, and Fab Morvan, formerly of 80s pop band Milli Vanilli. With warmth, curiosity, and hope, Dr. Laura invites us to join her for another season dedicated to helping people become healthier in their careers and create lives filled with greater meaning and freedom. "If I can help more people be inspired, be better humans, raise better humans, and have healthier work lives, then I've had an impact." - Dr. Laura About Dr. Laura: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices ( Calgary Career Counselling , Canada Career Counselling , and Synthesis Psychology ), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, is available for purchase on Amazon now. Resources: I Want M.O.R.E.: Why Your Job Still Matters by Scott Schieman (University of Toronto) The Truth About Equity: What It Really Is, What It Isn’t, and Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right by Celeste Warren “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Aug 25, 202622 min

Life Under a Control Freak Boss: How to Navigate and Regain Your Confidence

In this solo episode, Dr. Laura explores one of the eight toxic boss personas featured in her book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner : the control freak. She explains the important difference between a difficult manager who is learning to delegate and a truly toxic boss whose need for control stems from distrust and a desire to dominate every aspect of our work. From excessive micromanagement to restricting access to people and information, Dr. Laura reveals how this leadership style chips away at confidence and creates chronic anxiety, ultimately leaving us feeling trapped both at work and long after the workday ends. Dr. Laura shares practical strategies for surviving a control freak boss while protecting our wellbeing. She discusses the importance of documenting conversations, using playback techniques to clarify expectations, paying careful attention to details, and maintaining a Plan B when working in an unhealthy environment. Most importantly, she offers hope that recovery is possible. Based on her own experiences and drawing from the stories of toxic boss survivors in her North American research, Dr. Laura explains how confidence can be rebuilt one experience at a time. She assures us that escaping a toxic workplace becomes the beginning of a healthier and more fulfilling career. "Confidence is like a muscle. Confidence gets developed one experience at a time, one relationship at a time." - Dr. Laura About Dr. Laura: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices ( Calgary Career Counselling , Canada Career Counselling , and Synthesis Psychology ), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss , is available for purchase on Amazon now. Resources: The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown and Adam Grant podcast “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Aug 11, 202645 min

The Principles of Finding Inner Peace in a Challenging World

In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Laura welcomes Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman, co-authors of The Peace Guidebook , to explore what it means to cultivate inner peace during uncertain and divisive times. Elizabeth, cofounder of Best Ever You Network and leader in personal development, and Dr. Katie, a grief and change expert and licensed therapist, drew on their experience when the simple but profound question, “What does the world need right now?” led them to create a practical guide for fostering peace from the inside out. Together, they and Dr. Laura explore why peace begins within each of us, how it ripples through our relationships and communities, and why connection, compassion, and understanding are more important than ever. Dr. Laura examines the challenges of navigating conflict, judgment, grief, workplace tension, and the growing sense of disconnection many of us feel today. Elizabeth and Dr. Katie share practical insights from The Peace Guidebook , including the importance of showing up with love, pausing before reacting, and remembering that every person is carrying struggles we may not see. The conversation offers a hopeful perspective on humanity’s future and practical ways to choose peace, even in difficult moments, while reminding us that meaningful change begins one person at a time. "I believe that we will get better at inclusivity, diversity, connection, compassion, acceptance, and love. Unconditional love. That is my hope for the world, for the future." - Dr. Katie Eastman "Peace is not a weakness. It's not passive. It's not silence. It's power. And it's our participation." - Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino About Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino: Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is one of the world’s leading voices in personal development and peaceful leadership, inspiring a global movement toward authenticity, compassion, and change. She is a bestselling and award-winning author, certified Master Coach, and cofounder of BEST EVER YOU NETWORK, a global multimedia platform reaching millions. For over two decades, she has helped individuals, teams, and organizations navigate change and cultivate resilience through her compassionate and practical approach to transformation. The author of several acclaimed books, Elizabeth’s work redefines change, success, and peace as daily practices rooted in awareness, aligned action, and shared humanity. With a degree in journalism from St. Ambrose University and leadership studies at Harvard Business School, Elizabeth brings both professional depth and lived experience to her work. Contact: Website: ElizabethGuarino.com Website: Compliance4.com About Dr. Katie Eastman: Dr. Katie Eastman is an internationally acclaimed grief and change expert, licensed therapist, Master Grief Coach, cofounder of Re-Create Coaching and Counseling, and co-author of The Peace Guidebook . With over four decades of experience guiding individuals, families, organizations, and communities through life’s most complex transitions, Dr. Katie Eastman is recognized globally for her unwavering presence, emotional depth, and ability to transform heartbreak into healing. As a speaker, coach, and consultant, Dr. Katie has impacted thousands around the world through her masterful teachings on anticipatory grief, emotional resilience, compassionate leadership, and the psychology of transformation. She is also a passionate voice in the global peace movement, reminding us that peaceful living is not the absence of pain, but the presence of love, self-trust, and human connection. Contact: Website: DrKatieEastman.com Resources: BestEverYou.com The Percolate Peace Project: PercolatePeace.com The Peace Guidebook: How to Cultivate Hope, Healing, and Harmony for the Good of Humankind by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman Percolate: Let Your Best Self Filter Through by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman Harness Your PromisePower: Change Your Life, Transform the World by Matthew Cossolotto “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Jul 28, 202638 min

Servant Leadership: Why Today’s Leaders Must Confront Their Shadows

In this episode of Where Work Meets Life , Dr. Laura sits down with Dr. Max Klau, author of Developing Servant Leaders at Scale and founder of the Center for Courageous Wholeness, to explore why leadership begins with the courage to look inward. They explore the often overlooked concept of shadow, the parts of ourselves we deny, avoid, or leave unexplored, and how these hidden aspects can influence the way we lead and exercise power. Drawing on decades of experience developing leaders in organizations and public service, Max shares why confronting our shadow is essential for creating more compassionate, grounded, and effective leadership in today's world. Max has worked with organizations, civic leaders, and aspiring public servants, which has led him to understand how servant leadership requires more than good intentions. It calls for an ongoing commitment to self-awareness, humility, and personal growth. He and Dr. Laura discuss the relationship between power and purpose, the difference between leading from service versus ego, and why organizations benefit when leaders are willing to acknowledge both their strengths and their blind spots. Together, they explore how greater compassion and integrity can help create healthier workplaces, stronger communities, and a more hopeful future for our world. "The most dangerous people are the folks who are absolutely convinced that they are pure light." - Max Klau About Max Klau: Dr. Max Klau is an author, consultant, coach, developmental psychologist, and founder of the Center for Courageous Wholeness. His work sits at the intersection of inner development and service to others, helping organizations and individuals practice shadow-integrated servant leadership. After more than two decades designing transformational leadership development programs at City Year and the New Politics Leadership Academy, Dr. Klau developed an approach that views leadership as a dual journey of both inner and outer change. He believes that integrating personal development with meaningful impact is essential in a time of increasing complexity, uncertainty, and social change. Central to his work is the practice of confronting shadow, the aspects of ourselves we often avoid acknowledging because they make us uncomfortable, yet profoundly influence how we lead and serve. Dr. Klau is the author of Developing Servant Leaders at Scale: How to Do It and Why It Matters , which explores the practical methodology he developed through years of experimentation, innovation, and leadership development practice. The book outlines how organizations can cultivate servant leaders while fostering both personal growth and collective impact. Through the Center for Courageous Wholeness, Dr. Klau offers coaching, retreats, keynote presentations, and organizational consulting, all grounded in the belief that inner and outer change are deeply interconnected. He partners with values-driven organizations, leaders, teams, and communities that are committed to confronting their shadow as they seek to serve others. Resources: Dr. Max Klau LinkedIn Center for Courageous Wholeness LinkedIn “Developing Servant Leaders at Scale: How to Do It and Why It Matters” by Max Klau “Servant Leadership” by Robert K. Greenleaf Podcast: Pulling the Thread by Elise Loehnen “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Jul 14, 202621 min

Remaining Resilient Through Rejection in Your Career

In this solo episode of Where Work Meets Life ™, Dr. Laura explores the emotional impact of rejection in today’s difficult job market and shares strategies for staying resilient through career setbacks. Drawing from her experience as a psychologist, entrepreneur, and professional speaker, Dr. Laura speaks candidly about how rejection can hurt our confidence, motivation, and self-esteem. She encourages us to process difficult emotions rather than suppress them, and explains how working through reflection and self-compassion shifts our mindset, which is essential to moving forward after disappointment. Dr. Laura also discusses the importance of networking and human connection during uncertain times. She shares how putting yourself out into the community and building relationships can create opportunities that online applications cannot. From journaling emotions to learning from rejection without dwelling on it, this episode offers grounded advice for navigating setbacks with resilience and hope. Dr. Laura reminds us that rejection may ultimately become preparation for an opportunity that’s a better fit. “Rejection is often preparation. Rejection can be protection as well. Protection against an opportunity that may not have been good for you.” - Dr. Laura About Dr. Laura: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices ( Calgary Career Counselling , Canada Career Counselling , and Synthesis Psychology ), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss , is available for purchase on Amazon now. Resources: “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Jun 30, 202641 min

The Parallels Between Toxic Families and Toxic Workplaces

Dr. Laura welcomes author, speaker, breathwork coach, and community advocate Josh Connolly to Where Work Meets Life™ for a conversation about the parallels between toxic family systems and toxic workplaces. Josh draws on his own experience growing up with an alcoholic father and later overcoming addiction himself to share how healing started for him. It was truth, a safe community, and reconnecting with self that combined for his renewal. Together, he and Dr. Laura explore how toxic parents and toxic bosses can leave similar emotional wounds that include self-doubt, anxiety, people pleasing, and loss of identity. They discuss boundaries and the importance of reclaiming personal power after unhealthy work or family relationships. Josh explains how dysfunctional family roles often mirror workplace dynamics. Toxic leaders create fear, division, and favoritism that silence curiosity and authenticity, much as a toxic family does. Dr. Laura connects these insights to her work helping clients recover from toxic bosses and rebuild confidence after workplace trauma. The episode highlights the importance of emotional recovery, somatic practices like breathwork, and supportive human connection in leaving behind toxicity. Dr. Laura offers listeners validation and practical hope for healing from toxic relationships both at home and at work. “The best parent, similar to a best leader, is not one who doesn't make any mistakes, but is one that is very approachable. To be able to be open to their own mistakes and open to having conversations, looking for accountability, finding responsibility, and being able to work collaboratively to find a solution.” - Josh Connolly About Josh Connolly: Josh Connolly, an Amazon bestselling author, has taken the mental health world by storm with his groundbreaking book, "It’s Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story." This transformative guide provides readers with essential tools and guided breathwork sessions to overcome toxic family dynamics and heal from past trauma. Renowned as one of the UK's top mental health advocates, Josh connects with nearly half a million followers, delivering powerful insights and strategies. His workshops, ranging from local schools to some of the biggest brands in the world, empower individuals to connect deeply with their emotions and intuition. As an ambassador for Nacoa, Josh passionately supports those affected by parental alcohol issues, driving significant advancements in mental health awareness and support. Resources: Website: JoshConnolly.co.uk Instagram: Josh_ffw YouTube: JoshConnolly_FFW Book: “It’s Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story” by Josh Connolly Podcast: Dysfunctional Inner You Breathwork Facilitator Training : become a certified breathwork facilitator, enrollment now open “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Jun 16, 202642 min

The Power of Human Connection in an AI-Focused World

Dr. Laura welcomes psychologist, speaker, and bestselling author Dr. Jody Carrington for a powerful conversation on what it means to stay human in an increasingly AI-driven world. Dr. Laura and Jody explore the increasing disconnection people feel in spite of constant digital access. Jody reframes what we label as a mental health crisis as, instead, a deep loneliness epidemic. She shares insights on how technology, social media, and the relentless push for productivity have chipped away at meaningful relationships and emotional regulation. She highlights the essential role of connection in helping individuals and organizations thrive. Dr. Laura and Dr. Carrington also address the urgent need to prioritize emotional regulation skills as a core strategy for leadership, rather than being a secondary consideration. Dr. Carrington offers practical and thought-provoking ways for us to reconnect, from creating tech-free spaces to practicing intentional pauses that restore presence and calm. Together, Dr. Laura and Jody shine a hopeful yet honest light on modern life, emphasizing that tools like AI can create efficiency, but they can’t replace authentic interaction. Dr. Laura’s thoughtful questions guide a rich dialogue on how individuals, leaders, and communities can reclaim connection, support one another, and build environments where people feel seen and valued. “Technology isn’t the problem. How we use it is the issue, and we’re up against it as humans because we are wired for connection.” - Dr. Jody Carrington About Jody Carrington: Dr. Jody Carrington is a powerhouse speaker and fearless champion for authentic human connection. She is highly sought after for her expertise, energy, and genuine approach to helping people solve the most complex human-centred problems. This rapidly disconnected world is leaving so many of us overwhelmed, lonely, and burned out. Dr. Jody boldly believes that all humans have the capacity for good; however, so many of us these days, because of isolation and burnout, have lost access to that good. Dr. Jody’s work often involves understanding just how we got to this disconnected place, what we need to put the pieces back together, and maybe most importantly, how we collectively do "the work" to find our way back home again when (not if) we lose our way. Her authentic, honest, and often hilarious approach never fails to inspire and motivate audiences. Dr. Carrington is the founder and principal psychologist at Carrington & Company, she's written three best-selling books, speaks on hundreds of stages globally each year, and hosts the widely celebrated podcast UNLONELY. In this modern world where we look all the time, but we don't see, where we listen but we don't hear, Dr. Jody is clear on one thing: we were never meant to do any of this alone. Resources: Website: DrJodyCarrington.com “Feeling Seen” by Jody Carrington, PhD Podcast: Unlonely with Dr. Jody Carrington LinkedIn: Dr-Jody-Carrington YouTube: DrJodyCarrington Jay Baer The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown and Adam Grant podcast “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Jun 2, 202618 min

How to Stay Grounded When the World and Work Feel Unstable

Dr. Laura offers a reassuring perspective in this solo episode, exploring how to stay grounded when the world and work feel uncertain and overwhelming. Drawing on her experience as a psychologist, she explains how fear can push us into fight, flight, or freeze responses, which ultimately drain energy and disrupt relationships. Dr. Laura brings the focus back to the present moment, encouraging us to reconnect with what’s in our control today instead of getting swept up in global uncertainty and negative news cycles. Dr. Laura shares practical ways to restore calm and clarity through simple yet powerful practices, including the three W’s of walk, window, and water, which she learned from her friends at CALM. She urges us to reconnect with activities that recharge our personal energy. The importance of setting boundaries with media and social platforms, while cultivating gratitude and self-awareness in daily life, is part of achieving this recharge. With warmth and insight, Dr. Laura reminds us that even in difficult times, small intentional actions help build resilience, restore perspective, and create a sense of peace. “Staying grounded means what can you control today and this week?” - Dr. Laura About Dr. Laura: Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices ( Calgary Career Counselling , Canada Career Counselling , and Synthesis Psychology ), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. Her new book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss , is available for purchase on Amazon now. Resources: “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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May 19, 202642 min

A Call for Better Bosses: How to Become a Manager People Want to Follow

Dr. Laura welcomes executive coach, author, and former Microsoft leader Sabina Nawaz for a discussion on what it really takes to become a manager people want to follow. Drawing from her own experience of shifting from a caring leader to one she no longer recognized under pressure, Sabina shares a deeply human perspective on how pressure, more than power, quietly shapes behavior at work. Dr. Laura and Sabina explore how even the most well-intentioned managers can fall into common traps that limit their teams, including the tendency to take on too much or unknowingly diminish others’ contributions. They invite reflection on how leadership shows up in everyday moments and how small, intentional shifts can transform both personal effectiveness and team culture. Dr. Laura and Sabina unpack practical strategies to navigate busyness, create space for clearer thinking, and build feedback loops that support growth. Sabina introduces the concept of micro habits as a sustainable path to change, along with the importance of intentionally creating blank space to access deeper insight. The conversation also challenges conventional thinking about “leader” as a title, reframing leadership instead as a shared practice that can be activated by anyone. With warmth and professional curiosity, Dr. Laura guides a discussion that highlights how cultivating awareness and letting go of the need to have all the answers can unlock greater potential in managers and their teams. “It is not power that corrupts us. It is pressure, and under pressure we have a choice point.” - Sabina Nawaz About Sabina Nawaz: Sabina Nawaz is an elite executive coach who advises C-level executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions around the world. Sabina routinely gives speeches each year and teaches faculty at Northeastern and Drexel Universities. During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went from managing software development teams to leading the company’s executive development and succession planning efforts for over 11,000 managers and nearly a thousand executives, advising Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer directly. She has written for and been featured in Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, NBC, Nasdaq, and MarketWatch. Resources: Website: SabinaNawaz.com Book: “YOU’RE THE BOSS: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need)” by Sabina Nawaz LinkedIn: SabinaNawaz “The Anomaly: A Novel” by Hervé Le Tellier, translated by Adriana Hunter “Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence” by Anna Lembke MD “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career Counselling Synthesis Psychology Order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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