
Hosted by Maureen Wiley Clough · EN

Meetings. Ugh. We’ve all been there, right? And the price tag is bigger than most people realize. We estimate that the cost to organizations of these unproductive meetings is approximately $259 billion in the United States and $64 billion in the United Kingdom for professional staff alone (LSE report). That’s a jaw-dropping drain on productivity—yet it’s largely preventable.In today’s episode of It Gets Late Early, I’m joined by Dr. Daniel Jolles, a behavioral scientist and psychologist at the London School of Economics, who’s back for his second appearance. Dr. Jolles and I go deep into the world of generational diversity in meetings, exploring how getting it right can significantly boost productivity and reduce wasted hours.We’re also tackling the elephant in the room: AI in the workplace. With organizations now mandating the use of AI, how can we, across all generations, navigate this technology without falling victim to bias or further exclusion?We cover the shocking stats about how unproductive meetings cost businesses billions each year and how companies can make sure that no one, especially older workers, gets left behind in the AI race.Trust me, this episode is a wake-up call. If you’re looking to fix your meetings, ensure inclusivity, and stay ahead in the AI-driven future, you don’t want to miss it.“We find that there's a huge lack of generational diversity happening in our meetings. Our research suggests that that's hurting productivity because there are diversity benefits to be gained by having voices from the younger and older employees present in meetings, especially when it comes to big-decision meetings.” ~ Dr. Daniel JollesIn This Episode:-Why employees are not that fond of meetings-The impact of generational diversity on meetings-The cost of unproductive meetings-AI’s potential to revolutionize the workplace-The impact of the proliferation of AI recording toolsAnd much more!Resources:-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guide-LSE Report: When Generations Meet by Dr. Daniel Jolles and Dr. Grace Lordan - https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii/assets/documents/When-Generations-Meet.pdfConnect with Dr. Daniel Jolles:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljolles/-Website: https://www.danieljolles.com/Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

Ever applied, interviewed, and…silence? You’re not alone. In this episode, we crack open the hiring black box: the rise of ghost jobs (roles that never close or never existed in the first place), the avalanche of AI-boosted applications, and why 31% of rejected candidates never even get an email. My guest Ariana Moon, VP of Talent Planning & Acquisition at Greenhouse, a software platform managing the hiring process, explains how their Greenhouse Verified badges reward employers who actually walk the talk—communication, fairness, respect, and preparation—so candidates can spot companies that treat people like people.We also get real about what great hiring actually looks like: structured scorecards, clear rubrics, and leaders who blend experience with fresh perspectives. Ariana shares lessons from a very millennial workforce moment (when ~10% of the company went on parental leave at once!) and how Greenhouse supports parents with thoughtful leave, re-entry, and caregiver communities—without letting careers evaporate.Whether you’re job hunting or leading a team, this episode is a playbook for a fair, respectful, and effective process—because employer brand is a long game, and candidates remember how you made them feel.Update: Since this recording, Ariana has given birth to a healthy baby boy! Both mom and baby are doing great.“Greenhouse Verified is a way that we can signal to the talent market that we are a company that prioritizes things like good communication, being prepared in how we run our interview processes, being fair in how we think about our interview processes, and being respectful when we're interacting with candidates. ” ~ Ariana S. MoonIn This Episode:-What are ghost jobs?-Greenhouse Verified initiative-Improving internal processes in the workplace-Experiences with ageism in the workplace-ERGs and supporting parents in the workplaceAnd much more!Resources:-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guideConnect with Ariana S. Moon:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariana-s-moon/-Website: https://www.greenhouse.com/Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

Marketers love chasing Gen Z. But here’s the trillions-of-dollars blind spot:Gen X and Boomers control nearly 70% of U.S. disposable income and outspend younger generations in nearly every major category — alcohol, beauty, travel, finance, and more.So why are brands still ignoring them?In this episode, I sit down with Brent Rivard, founder and CEO of Geezer Creative, an agency built on a radical idea: the “forgotten generation” isn’t just relevant — they’re the growth engine brands are missing.We unpack how the ad industry’s obsession with youth culture has aged itself out of opportunity, what’s at stake for marketers, and how Gen X and Boomers are reshaping the creative economy.You’ll also hear shocking stats about how the industry treats its veterans, the challenges older professionals face in a rapidly evolving gig economy, and why AI is becoming a make-or-break skill for creative professionals of every generation.Because if brands keep underestimating us, that’s on them. But if we underestimate ourselves? That’s on us.The creative economy is shifting fast — from AI to the rise of the gig economy — and this conversation will give you a fresh (and dare I say slightly rebellious?) perspective on where your experience fits next.“The last thing the world needed was another ad agency, so we opened one. But we didn't just open one–we opened one that has a point of view.” ~ Brent RivardIn This Episode:-Ageism in the advertising industry-Why Gen X consumers are crucial for marketing success-Geezer Creative’s approach to Gen X-centered marketing-The advantage of intergenerational marketing teams-Adapting to the gig economy in the creative space-Shifting client priorities and how agencies can adapt-AI and its impact on the creative industry-Encouraging older professionals to embrace new opportunities-Creative solutions for dealing with layoffs and market shiftsAnd much more!Resources:-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guide-The Gen X Career Meltdown - https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/28/style/gen-x-creative-work.htmlConnect with Brent Rivard and Geezer Creative:-Brent Rivard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-rivard-7ba8b37/-Geezer Creative LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/geezer-creative/-Website: https://www.geezercreative.com/Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

Why is it terrifying to present to just four people? According to Will Greenblatt, it's because our brains still think the tribe might "club us over the head" if they don't like what we say.Will's journey from Canadian child actor (yes, a self-proclaimed "nepo baby") to sought-after corporate speaking coach is anything but typical. After working with Anne Bancroft as a kid and nearly getting swept up in the Hollywood machine, a family tragedy and toxic theater school experience led him to completely reinvent himself.But here's what makes this episode essential listening: Will discovered that the same skills that make great actors also create breakthrough leaders. The difference? It's not about performing—it's about finding emotional truth and connecting authentically with your audience.The game-changing insight: When Will's clients embrace just 10% more vulnerability in meetings, they see measurable career improvements—better performance reviews, more influence, and stronger professional relationships. Because while everyone else is playing it safe, that small dose of authenticity makes you unforgettable.We dive deep into why mentorship is broken in today's workplace, how to spot genuine people in interviews, and Will's three-act framework for storytelling that builds instant trust. Plus, he shares the uncomfortable truth about why taking career risks, like leaving acting or corporate, might be the safest move you can make.“You give somebody the opportunity to destroy you, and you hope that they won't, and they might. But you can't love without that risk. And it's the same kind of thing when you tell your boss what you really think.” ~ Will GreenblattIn This Episode:-The real difference between performing and authentic communication-Why our fear of public speaking is literally prehistoric -The 10% vulnerability rule that transforms careers -How to build trust through authentic storytelling -Will's childhood-to-adult-choice framework for connection -Why the "speaker-writer-coach-creator" career is the future -How to network without being transactional And much more!Resources:-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guide-Supercharge Your Speaking Skills by Will Greenblatt - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2esQpzqZUUYD8Nxp9lKe05K1aYMpsNwUConnect with Will Greenblatt:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willgreenblatt/-Website: https://www.skool.com/speakingheroes/aboutConnect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

We’re done just talking about ageism. In this episode, we show you how to do something about it.Janine Vanderburg is the powerhouse behind Changing the Narrative and CEO of Encore Roadmap. She joins me to talk about how she and a coalition of advocates helped pass the groundbreaking Job Application Fairness Act in Colorado - legislation that bans asking for graduation dates or age identifiers in job applications. It’s a big win for both older and younger workers - and a roadmap for change in other states.Just in time for Intergenerational Week and Older Americans Month, this is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt invisible in the job market or want to turn your frustration into progress.From the importance of intergenerational teams in the workplace to the business case for older workers, Janine provides practical advice for both job seekers and employers.What you’ll get from this episode:✅ How the Job Application Fairness Act is changing the game for job seekers in Colorado✅ Why intergenerational teams are essential for business success✅ Stories of how ageism impacts real people in the workforce✅ Janine’s journey from consultant to anti-ageism advocate and how you can get involvedTune in to hear Janine’s incredible journey and learn how we can all be part of the solution. Let’s go!“My mantra personally is: It’s not too late—dreams don't have an expiration date.” ~ Janine VanderburgIn This Episode:-How Colorado became the first state to ban age-based application screening-Why this law helps both Gen Z and older generations-How to tell your story without risking your career-Why intergenerational teams drive business success - and how to make the business case-How you can bring this law to your own state (yes, there’s a toolkit!)And much more!Resources:-Colorado's Job Application Fairness Act: Advancing Age Inclusion in Hiring by Janine Vanderburg: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/colorados-job-application-fairness-act-advancing-age-vanderburg-hvmwc/-AARP Research on Age Discrimination: https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2025/older-workers-fear-age-discrimination.html-Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/id1678559416Connect with Janine Vanderburg:-Website: https://encoreroadmap.com/ and https://changingthenarrativeco.org/-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinevanderburg/Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

If you’ve ever been blindsided by a layoff, wrestled with feeling “too old” for the job search, or wondered if your career peak is behind you, this episode is for you. In this deeply honest and refreshingly human episode, I speak with Nick Passarelli, a fintech exec and former HR leader whose early career taught him the hard truth: corporate loyalty doesn’t always pay off. From leading mass layoffs at just 24 years old to witnessing longtime employees get pushed out with nowhere to go, Nick saw firsthand how brutal and impersonal the system can be. Those early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to advocating against ageism and helping older professionals navigate a work world that’s not exactly rooting for them.We talk layoffs, job searches after 50, ageism’s impact on women, and why “Jenga families” are more common than you think. Nick brings honesty, humility, and plenty of practical advice (and memes–yes, really) to a conversation every mid-career professional needs to hear.Nick's story is a powerful reminder that reinvention is possible and that empathy, preparation, and a little humor can go a long way.“Never add your work friends onto your socials because they could totally use that against you. I learned this through a friend at my old company, and I thought it was brilliant.” ~ Nick PassarelliIn This Episode:-Nick’s diverse career path, from HR to fintech-Mass layoffs during Y2K and the emotional toll-First encounter with ageism, layoffs for long-tenured workers-Transitioning from HR to compliance, adapting career focus-What it's like for a young recruiter to interview older candidates-Maximizing “prime earning years” (35-55) and balancing expenses-“Jenga families” and the financial risks of not planning for job transitions-The personal impact of job loss in your 50s-How women can set themselves up for success-Networking, upskilling, and staying positive in a job search-Keeping the fun and laughter despite your corporate situationAnd much more!Resources:-Ross Pomerantz aka Corporate Bro: https://www.instagram.com/corporate.bro/-Corporate Natalie: https://www.instagram.com/corporatenatalie/-Ben Sweeny: https://www.instagram.com/corporate.sween/-Jamie Jackson: https://www.instagram.com/humorous_resources/-LinkedIn Learning (Free and paid courses to enhance skills): https://www.linkedin.com/learning/-SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Certifications: https://www.shrm.org/mena/credentials/certificationConnect with Nick Passarelli:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-passarelli-9777454/Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

We’ve all had those painfully awkward moments–those cringey, uncomfortable feelings—the ones that make you want to disappear into the floor. But what if awkwardness wasn’t something to escape, but something to embrace? Today, I sit down with workplace performance expert Henna Pryor to unpack why discomfort is actually a good thing.Henna shares her personal journey from feeling like an outsider as a child of immigrants to discovering how awkwardness can be a growth accelerator. She also reveals surprising research on why confident people don’t avoid awkward moments—they just recover faster. Plus, we dig into how social skills are eroding in the workplace, why millennials report the most superficial relationships at work, and how different generations handle awkwardness.If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself before speaking up in a meeting, hesitated before trying something new, or let fear of embarrassment hold you back, this episode will change the way you think about discomfort.If this episode gave you the push to stop overthinking and embrace the cringe, share it with a friend! And if you really loved it, we’d be forever grateful if you left us a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more people find the show (and helps us keep embracing our awkward too).“In our 20s and 30s, we care a lot about what people think of us. In our 40s and 50s, we stop caring what other people think of us. But in our 60s and 70s, we realize they were never thinking about us in the first place, and that knowledge is so freeing.” ~ Henna PryorIn This Episode:-Why awkwardness isn’t a curse but a superpower-Henna’s childhood struggles with feeling different-How age shifts our self-consciousness (and makes us care less)-The workplace “social muscle” problem across generations-Remote work + tech = weaker social skills (and it shows)-86% of workers would rather work alone—yikes-Small steps to build social confidence without freaking out-Using humor to recover from awkward moments-Risk-taking at work: when to go for it and when to hold back-The “Cringe Chasm”—choosing between comfort and growth-The worst-case scenario exercise that flips fear on its headAnd much more!Resources:-Book: Good Awkward by Henna Pryor: https://pryoritygroup.com/book/-The Social Muscle Study: Download the full report at https://pryoritygroup.com/study/-Henna’s TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/henna_pryor_want_to_get_ahead_at_work_risk_the_awkward_momentsConnect with Henna Pryor:-Website: https://pryoritygroup.com/-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor/Connect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

Did you know that the average age for a first Botox injection is reportedly now just 26? Wild, right? That’s just one sign of how deeply ageism is woven into our lives - whether it’s in the workplace, healthcare, or even just the way we see ourselves.So, today I am chatting with Dr. Stacey Gordon, a senior fellow at NYU’s Center for Health and Aging Innovation, and Aubrey Hirsch, an author and illustrator, about their incredible public art installation in New York City, “What About Age?” This 13-panel exhibit at NYU’s Kimmel Windows puts ageism on full display - literally.We dive into why they created this project, what it was like watching college students actually stop and think about aging, and how they turned big, complex issues into eye-catching, can’t-ignore-it street art.The response has been HUGE - from people stopping and taking photos, to my LinkedIn post about it that went viral (yes, really - 2.4 million views!). Stacey and Aubrey also unpack how ageism impacts women, how it’s weirdly still okay to make ageist jokes, and why younger people need to care about this too. Tune in and let’s talk about why ending ageism isn’t just important - it’s long overdue! And if you’re in New York before March 18th, don’t miss the exhibit!“Ageism is not just ageism. It's part of a larger social structure that comprises laws, policies, macro-level issues, and communal institutions like healthcare and the workplace.” ~Dr. Stacey GordonIn This Episode:-How the “What About Age?” exhibit is challenging ageism -Why age discrimination is often overlooked, and how it affects everyone-The unexpected response to the “What About Age?" exhibit-How women face age-related biases-Age stereotypes across industries and demographics-Practical steps we can take to challenge stereotypesAnd much more!Link to an article about the NYU Art Exhibit: https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2024/september/nyu-s-kimmel-windows-presents--what-about-age---oct--1-march-18-.htmlConnect with Dr. Stacey Gordon:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceygordonempa -The Wrinkle Project: https://www.wrinkleproject.org/Connect with Aubrey Hirsch:-Website: https://aubreyhirsch.com/-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreyhirsch/ -Substack: https://aubreyhirsch.substack.comConnect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

How does a Silicon Valley techie end up transforming one of the largest nonprofits in the U.S.? Well, Naj Uddin, Chief Information Officer at AARP, joins us to share his journey from tech startups to spearheading innovation at AARP. Naj shares how AARP is doing things differently - think success coaching, mentorship programs, and hiring practices that prioritize meaningful work and support for employees at every career stage. Plus, he shares heartwarming stories of growth, like an executive assistant who leveled up into a tech role and an intern who turned mentor.And because no conversation today is complete without a mention of AI, Naj gives practical advice on how to harness AI (hello, prompt engineering!) to tailor resumes, boost skills, and stand out in today’s job market. But wait, there’s more! Naj gives the roadmap on how companies can thrive with a multigenerational workforce, from flexible work setups to creating inclusive environments. Whether you're leading a multigenerational team, navigating a career pivot, or just curious about how AARP is leading the charge, this episode* is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. So, let’s roll!“Give people meaningful work, give them support, hold them to high expectations, be clear about what they're doing, and people thrive. But, that's not something that happens automatically—you have to be deliberate about it as a manager.” ~Naj UddinIn This Episode:- Naj’s journey from Silicon Valley to leading innovation at AARP- How AARP is empowering over 100 million Americans to thrive - AARP’s strategies for creating an intergenerational workforce- How to use AI tools to boost your job prospects- The practices that make AARP a supportive and innovative workplace- How companies can replicate AARP’s successAnd much more!Learn More About AARP’s Employer Pledge Program:-https://www.aarp.org/work/employer-pledge-companies/ Connect with Naj Uddin:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/najeebuddinConnect with Maureen Clough:-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough*PS. AARP sponsored this episode of It Gets Late Early as a part of our live event package.

Ever looked back on a missed opportunity and thought, Ugh, what if? Well, you’re not alone—and that feeling of regret might actually be one of the best tools for growth. I had the privilege of chatting with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink about his book The Power of Regret—the book that gave me the final push to launch this very podcast!Dan breaks down why regret gets a bad rap in our culture of toxic positivity and how it can actually help us make smarter choices. He conducted a massive study (we’re talking 26,000+ regrets from people in 130 countries!) and uncovered four core types of regret that shape our lives. We got personal, talking about boldness regrets (yep, like not shooting your shot), connection regrets, and even my own struggles with juggling career, parenting, and ADHD. Spoiler: being kind to yourself is key.Instead of fearing regret, Dan suggests we flip the script—treat it as a guide, not a life sentence. Because in the end, regret isn’t about what we did. It’s about what we didn’t do. So, if you’re stuck in what could have been mode, this episode will help you leap forward. Tune in now!“Regret clarifies what we value and instructs us on how to live.” -Daniel PinkIn This Episode:-Daniel’s research findings on regret from 26,000 participants-The four core types of regret-Why people regret more about playing it safe than taking risks-How regret can be a powerful tool for growth-The importance of self-compassion in overcoming regret-Career regrets in the workplace and why bold moves matter-How anticipating regret can lead to smarter decisions-Why the idea of “no regrets” is misleading-Practical steps to turn regret into opportunityAnd much more!Connect with Daniel Pink:-LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpink/ -Website: https://www.danpink.com/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielpink -Daniel’s Book, The Power of Regret: https://amzn.to/33G8WF8Connect with Maureen Clough:-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/