In the final installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel speaks with Jaime Klein, founder and CEO of Inspire HR. They dive into the transformative impact of AI on HR practices, drawing parallels to the early adoption phase of the internet. Jaime shares insights into how companies are integrating AI at various levels, from applicant screening to employee engagement. They also discuss the shift back to in-office work, DEI initiatives, and strategies for personal and professional r...
Jun 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 852
In the third installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel sits down with Brett Underhill, who heads up talent acquisition and learning and development at Taboola. They discuss the benefits of using a pilot approach to implement changes and initiatives within an organization. Brett shares insights into setting up a pilot, including clear timelines, project objectives, and engaging key stakeholders. They also explore the challenges of maintaining quality talent during rapid hiring ...
Jun 17, 2025•18 min•Ep. 851
In the second of a series of shorter form interviews, Rachel sits down with Mike Jacobson, VP of People Operations at Steno. They discuss why traditional feedback methods often fall short and how to create a more effective system for career growth. Mike shares insights on building customized learning environments that incentivize genuine engagement, as well as the hidden value of lateral career moves for long-term fulfillment. He also tackles the common challenge of prioritizing dedicated learni...
Jun 10, 2025•21 min•Ep. 850
In the first of a series of shorter form interviews we're releasing in June, Rachel sits down with Alex Salas, Assistant Chief People Officer at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and head of the NYC SHRM chapter. They discuss key strategies for improving employee experience, the competitive talent landscape, the importance of trust, leadership challenges, and practical advice for achieving workplace success. Alex shares actionable insights on work-from-home policies, employee resour...
Jun 03, 2025•19 min•Ep. 849
Burnout doesn’t end with one big fix. Here’s how to build real, lasting relief by trading perfection for momentum—one reset, one decision, one human moment at a time. Check out all four episodes in this special series on this Spotify playlist . Find a transcript for this episode here: https://modern-mentor.simplecast.com/episodes/sustaining-momentum-in-the-battle-against-burnout/transcript Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on F...
May 27, 2025•8 min•Ep. 848
You're not "either burned out or not burned out." Healing is a gradual process of chipping away at what drains you. Join Rachel Cooke, your Modern Mentor and founder of Lead Above Noise, in Part 3 of our burnout series. We move beyond simply identifying the problem and begin to rebuild with intention. Discover the Activation framework – Deliver, Develop, Connect, Thrive – and learn how to use each pillar to reflect on your work and identify small, tangible actions that create breathing room and ...
May 20, 2025•10 min•Ep. 847
Managers are burning out—not just from doing too much, but from carrying too many roles that were never meant to be theirs. Let’s name the burden and start letting go of what was never yours to hold. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional su...
May 13, 2025•9 min•Ep. 846
Team challenges can feel overwhelming to tackle head-on. Here’s how leaders in a recent Activation Bootcamp found ways to infuse small but meaningful relief into their teams—without trying to fix everything. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your profes...
May 06, 2025•10 min•Ep. 845
Rachel sits down with DEI strategist Lily Zheng for a candid conversation on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They explore why real progress depends on focusing less on performative programs and more on outcomes that drive lasting change. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or su...
Apr 29, 2025•45 min•Ep. 844
Some work relationships feel easy. And some… don’t. When a relationship feels rocky—even without a big conflict—there’s a path to a more collegial working relationships, even if you never become best friends. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your profe...
Apr 22, 2025•9 min•Ep. 843
Rachel sits down with Bonnie Davis, co-founder of HuWork, to answer your questions about building more human-centered workplaces. You’ll also hear how Bonnie and her co-founder built HuWork by combining their corporate experience, research, and coaching backgrounds along with why celebrating strengths is key to sustainable change. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsl...
Apr 15, 2025•35 min•Ep. 842
Everyone’s motivation dips sometimes. But when it does, we often default to the wrong solutions. Here’s how to get curious, not critical, and reignite your inner spark in some of the most common situations. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips . Links: https://www...
Apr 08, 2025•8 min•Ep. 841
You want to run an offsite for you team. You're craving the connection, the alignment, the levity and the action plan. You just don't know where to begin. Well, it's here. You begin here. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Mode...
Apr 01, 2025•9 min•Ep. 840
In this insightful conversation, executive coach Jerry Colonna joins The Modern Mentor Podcast to explore the transformative power of empathy in leadership. He shares lessons from his work with top executives, his experiences with Startup Podcast, and his perspective on fostering belonging in the workplace. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Fa...
Mar 25, 2025•43 min•Ep. 839
Tired of always fixing what’s broken? What if instead, you focused on what’s working well and built from there? Today, we’re talking about using an Appreciative Inquiry approach to problem-solving in the workplace. Let’s shift from frustration to forward momentum. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscri...
Mar 18, 2025•9 min•Ep. 838
Low morale seems to be rampant in the workplace today. So many people are feeling it - without a sense of empowerment (or budget) to change it for the better. But there are plenty of no-cost ways to drive morale in the right direction. Today let’s talk about 7 of my favorites. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn...
Mar 11, 2025•10 min•Ep. 837
Rachel welcomes bestselling author AJ Jacobs, known for his immersive "method writing" approach. They discuss how curiosity, gratitude, and risk-taking can reignite creativity and combat workplace burnout. From living biblically for a year to becoming the healthiest person alive, AJ shares how diving deep into new experiences fuels his work and how you can apply the same principles to rediscover your spark. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a...
Mar 04, 2025•48 min•Ep. 836
What does kindness really mean in a business context, and how can it drive retention, culture, and success? Linda Cohen, The Kindness Catalyst, joins the Modern Mentor podcast to explore the tangible impact of kindness in leadership, how it differs from simply being nice, and actionable strategies to create a more engaged and motivated workforce. You can find Linda Cohen, The Kindness Catalyst and her work here: LinkedIn Instagram Website Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is ...
Feb 25, 2025•33 min•Ep. 835
Ever feel like your ideas get ignored while someone else says the same thing and gets immediate buy-in? It’s not about speaking louder—it’s about how you position your idea. Here’s how to get people to listen—and act—on what you have to say. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to...
Feb 18, 2025•8 min•Ep. 834
Struggling to stand out on LinkedIn? Rachel welcomes Danielle Hughes, Chief Personality Officer, to discuss how to build a genuine personal brand without oversharing. She shares tips on how to showcase your personality professionally, make meaningful connections, and grow your career with confidence. For more information on Danielle's work... check out her website https://www.morethanwordscopy.com/ Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question...
Feb 11, 2025•34 min•Ep. 833
The world of work isn’t slowing down, and success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Here are five essential skills to cultivate for sustained success in today’s workplace. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips . Links: https://www.quickand...
Feb 04, 2025•9 min•Ep. 832
Employee engagement surveys often highlight frustration with career development. Here’s how to shift the conversation and create more satisfaction—without relying on promotions alone. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern M...
Jan 28, 2025•8 min•Ep. 831
Team challenges can feel overwhelming to tackle head-on. Here’s how leaders in a recent Activation Bootcamp found ways to infuse small but meaningful relief into their teams—without trying to fix everything. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your profes...
Jan 21, 2025•8 min•Ep. 830
Burnout isn’t just about working too much. It’s also about working in the wrong ways. Here are five things to stop doing now to reclaim your energy and focus. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick ...
Jan 14, 2025•8 min•Ep. 829
Success doesn’t come from waiting for the stars to align—it comes from taking action. Here’s how to channel your inner entrepreneur to create your best year yet. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Qui...
Jan 07, 2025•8 min•Ep. 828
In today’s disconnected world, building connection at work can feel like an uphill battle. But small, intentional actions can make all the difference. Let’s explore some fresh ways to bring people closer—no forced team bonding required. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get ...
Dec 30, 2024•8 min•Ep. 827
The end of the year is the perfect time to step back and assess where you are in your career. Are you on the path you want to be on? Are you growing in the ways that matter? Let’s do a career audit and set you up for success in 2025. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get mor...
Dec 23, 2024•8 min•Ep. 826
Activation is the experience of being both deeply productive and engaged. And we all deserve to feel it. Good news is we have the power to create that experience for ourselves. Learn how to get the ball rolling. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your pro...
Dec 17, 2024•8 min•Ep. 825
Setting resolutions as we look toward a new year - a fresh start - is so tempting. And yet the likelihood of failure is super high. Here’s a fresh approach to setting yourself up for meaningful success in the new year. Zero resolutions required. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newslette...
Dec 10, 2024•7 min•Ep. 824
We know professional development is important - for performance and engagement. But when time and budgets are tight, how can we make it happen? Stick around and find out. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast . Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com . Find Modern Mentor on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a pa...
Dec 03, 2024•8 min•Ep. 823
