Podcast
People Business w/ O'Brien McMahon
Hosted by O'Brien McMahon · EN
Every business is in some way a “people business” with success or failure often coming down to how leaders manage the people dynamics of their organization. People Business is a weekly podcast focused on what it takes to build and lead a successful, profitable business by navigating the human element.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Handling Workplace Bullies w/ Jodee Blanco
May 500:50:38Tap to summarizeJodee Blanco is an expert on the human component of effective communication. She is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, including the seminal memoir Please Stop Laughing at Me… and the founder of INJJA (It's NOT Just Joking Around!), the first survivor-led anti-bullying program in the country. She consults for schools and corporations and has taught at The University of Chicago and New York University.Mentioned on the ShowLearn more about Jodee Blanco on her website: https://www.jodeeblanco.com/Connect with Jodee Blanco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodeeblancoGet Jodee’s book, Please Stop Laughing at Me (updated, 2022): https://a.co/d/0895F99HAlso mentioned on the show: The Anger Trap by Les Carter (https://a.co/d/04r3ox0r) and Loving What Is by Byron Katie (about “The Work,” Byron Katie’s technique: https://a.co/d/03msu0XT) Listen to Jennifer Fraser, PhD on the People Business Podcast talking about the gaslit brain: https://peoplebusinesspodcast.com/jenniferfraser/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/qpPYdAKmiCY?si=DylW7mNGnQn7M4gLTimestamps(00:00:00) – Jodee Blanco sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business(00:02:37) – What’s the backstory behind Please Stop Laughing at Me, Jodee's book about bullying?(00:05:44) – What form did Jodee’s bullying take: physical, mental, or otherwise? (00:10:49) – How can victims of bullying rebuild self-confidence?(00:15:16) – Where is the line between turning suffering into power versus tipping over into vengeance?(00:23:09) – Joking around: how to distinguish between joking and bullying.(00:33:11) – How to help people who are prone to negative reactions build grit, resilience, and hardiness.(00:40:22) – Truth: determining what is true about a circumstance and how truth relates to bullying.(00:48:53) – Jodee is available to talk to you, your school, or your business about bullying and communication.
Transcribe →Self-Funding w/ Spencer Smith
Apr 2100:59:27Tap to summarizeSpencer Smith is a Senior Vice President at Pareto Health, a leading employee benefit group captive manager that helps midsize employers reduce health insurance costs and volatility. He is also the host of Self-Funded with Spencer, a podcast focused on self-funded employee benefits plans and the complex healthcare ecosystem. Mentioned on the ShowLearn more about Self Funded with Spencer, the podcast hosted by Spencer Smith: https://www.selffundedwithspencer.com/Connect with Spencer Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-fundedSpencer Smith is with ParetoHealth: https://www.paretohealth.com/Both O’Brien and Spencer are fans of the work/videos of Eric Bricker, MD. Learn more: https://www.ahealthcarez.com/Timestamps(00:00:00) –O’Brien McMahon of People Business welcomes Spencer Smith of Self Funding with Spencer(00:03:12) – How did you get started hosting a podcast about self-funded medical plans? (00:05:42) – What’s the difference between a fully insured plan and a self-funded plan? (00:08:08) – What are the benefits of a self-funded plan, beyond cost savings?(00:09:20) – When do self-funding plans make sense, or when do fully insured plans still make sense? (00:13:54) – What is the dreaded insurance "death spiral"? (00:17:21) – How difficult is it for a company switching from fully insured to a self-funded model? (00:23:01) – What are the most common mistakes for companies that tried self-funding and had it go poorly? (00:29:38) – What do typical savings look like when moving from fully insured to self-funded, assuming the plan runs as expected? (00:32:28) – What is Pareto Health, and what is Spencer’s “day job”? (00:41:47) – What is a healthcare ecosystem, and what does it mean for employees’ healthcare consumer experience? (00:44:17) – Why does Spencer think pharmacy plans are a great place to start with exploring self-funding?(00:53:34) – What is care navigation? (00:54:55) – How important is communication when it comes to healthcare benefits?
Transcribe →Understanding Chance w/ Dr. Michael Orkin
Apr 700:51:55Tap to summarizeDr. Michael Orkin is a statistics professor at Berkeley City College and a consultant known for his work on probability and gambling games. He is the author of several books, including The Story of Chance - What's Luck Got To Do With It?.Mentioned on the ShowRead The Story of Chance: Beyond the Margin of Error, by Michael Orkin: https://a.co/d/0gFTe7ohConnect with Dr. Mike Orkin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr –mike –orkin –5600584O’Brien and Michael Orkin discuss several books including: Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb; The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb; Beat the Dealer by Edward Thorp; Number Go Up by Zeke Faux; The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel; The Talent WarTimestamps(00:00:00) – Michael Orkin, PhD joins O’Brien McMahon on People Business (00:01:55) – Why are we so uncomfortable with randomness?(00:02:38) – Where do we benefit from embracing randomness, and where should we fight for order?(00:12:54) – Why are we so bad at gauging probability?(00:15:30) – Should we stop talking in probabilities for complex things?(00:21:44) – How do we know if we are skilled or it’s just chance (or luck)?(00:22:36) – Does luck play a role in success?(00:35:12) – Understanding the normal distribution curve(00:37:22) – How can companies think about elevating the talent that they have?(00:42:17) – What are the best ways to get feedback from our workforce or team?(00:44:18) – What would be the best way to get insightful information from large groups?(00:46:23) – The Lollapalooza story(00:49:24) – Where to find the book The Story of Chance: Beyond the Margin of Error, by Michael Orkin
Transcribe →Dignity Bridges the Gap w/ Dr. Donna Hicks
Mar 2400:52:32Tap to summarizeDr. Donna Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University and the former Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR). She facilitated dialogues in numerous unofficial diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Libya and Syria. She has taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard and Columbia Universities and conducts seminars in the US and abroad on dignity leadership training and on the role dignity plays in resolving conflict. She has two books on Dignity, including Dignity: It’s Essential Role in Resolving Conflict and Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People.Mentioned on the ShowRead Donna Hick’s book, Leading with Dignity: https://a.co/d/04lnHrUzDonna’s first book on dignity in conflict resolution: https://a.co/d/08CQSEgGLearn more about Donna Hicks, PhD: https://drdonnahicks.com/Donna and O’Brien discussed the Dignity Index, learn more here: https://www.dignity.us/Timestamps(00:00:00) – O'Brien McMahon welcomes dignity expert Donna Hicks, PhD to People Business(00:02:52) – Why is dignity such an important factor in negotiation and conflict resolution?(00:12:53) – Respect vs. Dignity: understanding and defining both concepts(00:15:12) – How does understanding self-dignity (our own sense of dignity) affect our ability to give dignity to others?(00:16:33) – How do we reconcile feelings of inadequacy and insecurity with the concept of “unleashing” our dignity?(00:28:30) – Dignity work in practice: how to approach mediation when both sides in a conflict feel their dignity has been violated(00:36:30) – How is someone's dignity and humanity honored while also accounting for bad behavior?(00:39:01) – Are humans wired for revenge? How do we balance our impulses with dignity?(00:48:57) – Closing thoughts on dignity from Donna Hicks, PhD
Transcribe →Modern Leadership w/ Aaron Levy
Mar 1000:54:55Tap to summarizeAaron Levy is the Founder of Raise The Bar and Stride, two companies focused on helping companies create high- performing teams by building better leaders. He is the author of the bestselling book Open, Honest, & Direct, the host of Raising The Bar on Leadership Podcast, a Thrive Global contributor, an ICF Certified Coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Over the last decade, Aaron has worked with 10,000 business leaders in various industries, inspiring them to define their goals, create tactical action plans, and achieve sustained success.Mentioned on the ShowLearn more about Aaron Levy on the Raise the Bar website: https://www.raisebar.co/team/aaron-levy-founderRead Aaron’s book Open, Honest, and Direct: https://a.co/d/081LR77OConnect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aelevyO’Brien discussed the book Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin: https://a.co/d/0iN1Z70xTimestamps(00:00:00) – Aaron Levy returns to People Business with O'Brien McMahon(00:02:42) – What is Raise the Bar and how do you help develop leadership skills in teams?(00:03:09) Have leadership lessons have evolved since the pandemic or if they remain the same?(00:04:28) How has the hybrid work world changed how we need to lead people and what skill sets have become important?(00:08:14) What opportunities exist now, post-pandemic, that didn't before?(00:14:19) What key fundamental skills are foundational for leadership development?(00:20:53) How is psychological safety created in the workplace? (00:21:44) How can someone receive feedback constructively, “like a scientist”? (00:23:51) What factors allow people to receive difficult feedback in a positive way?(00:32:09) How can difficult, tough conversations be made in a way that helps?(00:42:35) Millennials, Gen Z, are generational differences real or just examples of human nature across life stages?(00:48:11) Is there anything about how Aaron leads Raise the Bar that surprises clients?
Transcribe →Combat Gaslighting w/ Jennifer Fraser
Feb 2401:01:49Tap to summarizeDr. Jennifer Fraser is the author of The Bullied Brain and The Gaslit Brain. It is her mission to educate people on how to recognize and name these behaviors and stay safe when they show up. Mentioned on the ShowDr. Jennifer Fraser’s website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Read The Gaslit Brain: https://a.co/d/0fupTc7KGet Dr. Fraser’s book The Bullied Brain: https://a.co/d/09JvZBgoJennifer Fraser, PhD is a regular contributor to Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/jennifer-fraser-phdLearn more about BrainHQ training: https://www.brainhq.com/Timestamps(00:00:00) - Jennifer Fraser, PhD joins People Business with O'Brien McMahon(00:02:24) - Workplace dynamics: Personal agendas vs. Organizational agendas(00:06:09) - Denial: why do we think “this could never happen”?(00:11:48) - What does gaslighting look like and what is manipulative communication?(00:17:46) - What is happening in our brains when we are being gaslit?(00:23:25) - What is healthy self-esteem and status and what is unhealthy ego?(00:25:55) - Is “true” psychopathy a spectrum?(00:29:40) - DARVO: Denial; attack; reverse; victim; offender(00:35:30) - When is appropriate to terminate and when should a second chance be offered?(00:37:46) - How can workplace gaslighting be recognized earlier?(00:48:08) - What happens in the brain after gaslighting and bullying?(00:53:20) - How we should think about high status people in positions of power?(01:00:38) - Final thoughts from Jennifer Fraser, PhD
Transcribe →Slaying Emotional Vampires w/ Daniel Ratner
Feb 1000:45:30Tap to summarizeDaniel Ratner is a relationship coach, speaker, and author helping people build healthier connections by recognizing draining patterns and setting stronger boundaries. He is the author of three books, including Emotional Vampires, teaching readers how to protect their happiness from toxic people. Mentioned on the ShowCoach Dan Ratner’s website: https://coachratner.com/Connect with Coach Ratner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-ratner-45b4678a/Check out Coach Ratner’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoachratnerpodcastCoach Ratner on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoachratnerpodcastTimestamps(00:00:00) Coach Daniel Ratner sits down with O'Brien McMahon of People Business(00:03:43) What is an "emotional vampire"?(00:07:22) What are some of the red flags for narcissists?(00:08:53) How do we set the right boundaries with manipulative people in the workplace?(00:11:21) How do we protect ourselves against narcissists who love bomb people?(00:12:51) Wisdom about assessing if someone treats people well (or poorly)(00:19:50) Drama Queens and people who play the victim card(00:21:20) Is there a good way to snap people out of the victim mindset?(00:23:43) How do we find that balance between helping people change and knowing when to move on?(00:25:17) How do we build self-esteem in ourselves so it's easier to look at painful truths?(00:28:42) What kinds of activities help people build esteem outside of relationships and work?(00:36:25) What are things introverts can do to still bring positive energy into meetings?(00:41:50) Anything we didn't hit that would be important or any final message?
Transcribe →How Small Businesses Compete & Win w/ Sri Kaza
Jan 2700:52:46Tap to summarizeSri Kaza is a business leader and small business advocate with a career spanning corporate strategy, entrepreneurial ventures, and dedicated support for small businesses. He is the author of Unconvention: A Small Business Strategy Guide.Mentioned on the ShowVisit Sri’s website: https://sri-kaza.com/Connect with Sri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srikazaGet Sri’s book, Unconventional: https://a.co/d/d9swnpBO’Brien and Sri discussed the book The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek: https://a.co/d/iDTdkFG (start with this book, not this one) Timestamps(00:00:00) Sri Kaza joins People Business with O'Brien McMahon(00:02:22) Could you connect your McKinsey background to writing a book on small business strategy?(00:10:36) What's the minimum threshold for making something unique in positioning?(00:12:09) Understanding lifestyle businesses vs. scalable businesses(00:19:50) Simon Sinek's The Infinite Game(00:22:29) How do small businesses with a deeper purpose make trade-offs between business and purpose?(00:28:35) What is meant by customer “intimacy” or customer proximity?(00:38:31) How can a business owner assess their own performance and sharpen your gut?(00:40:31) What are some effective self-reflection practices?(00:45:52) What are the best ways you've seen organizations scale purpose, proximity, and position while keeping the essence of those principles?(00:52:02) Final thoughts from Sri Kaza
Transcribe →The Customer Experience Mindset w/ Mark Fithian
Jan 1300:49:28Tap to summarizeMark Fithian is the cofounder of WideOpen, a consultancy that helps organizations achieve sustainable growth through strategic customer experience. Mark’s expertise in CX is informed by more than thirty years of work across industries, partnering with leading brands such as Providence, SAP, PayPal, Optum, IBM, BMW, the American Cancer Society, and Microsoft. Before founding WideOpen, he held leadership roles on both the client and agency sides, as well as in strategic consultancies.Mentioned on the ShowRead Mark’s profile on the WideOpen website: https://www.thisiswideopen.com/our-teamConnect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfithian/Get Mark’s book, The CX Imperative: https://a.co/d/316xGzXO’Brien and Mark discussed the book Good Strategy, Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt: https://a.co/d/9GSTIfN Timestamps(00:00:00) Welcome to People Business with O'Brien McMahon(00:01:45) What is the difference between customer experience and user experience?(00:02:22) And how did you get into this work in the first place? (00:07:24) What is the purpose of business? (00:08:35) Why do businesses struggle with customer experience? (00:11:24) "The Great Distancing": what it is and why it hurts customer experience(00:13:44) What makes good incentives in customer experience? (00:15:15) How does a business know when they are doing CX well?(00:20:08) How does executive leadership get involved in good CX?(00:32:49) Who should be responsible for customer experience?(00:40:41) Mark's 5 Pillars of Customer Experience(00:44:19) What does strategy mean to you? (00:55:21) How to get started with customer experience and how to contact Mark Fithian.
Transcribe →Taking Control of Our Health w/ Brock Anderson & Tracy Awe from Function Health
Dec 1700:56:55Tap to summarizeBrock Anderson and Tracy Awe are Directors of Enterprise and Strategic Partnerships with Function Health, a biometric data company helping individuals and groups take control of their health data to live longer, healthier, more productive lives. Mentioned on the ShowListen to Dr. Mark Hyman on the Huberman Lab podcast: https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/how-to-improve-your-vitality-heal-from-disease-dr-mark-hymanLearn more about Function Health and their approach to testing and longevity: https://www.functionhealth.com/Review the study conducted by the Integrated Benefits Institute on Economic Impact of Early Disease Detection: https://www.ibiweb.org/resources/economic-impact-of-early-disease-detectionO’Brien gave a shout-out for Peter Attia’s book, Outlive. Available on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/5nSm1XnBrock Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brock-anderson-16196Tracy Awe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyaweTimestamps(00:00:00) – Tracy Awe and Brock Anderson join O’Brien McMahon on People Business(00:02:38) – What is Function Health? What is Function Health’s approach to preventative health?(00:10:20) – When should people start preventative health analysis and biometric screening?(00:15:19) – How can companies encourage people to think more long-term about their health?(00:18:48) – Do doctors welcome data from these types of screenings? How can Function members have constructive conversations with their doctors? (00:31:22) The 5 Types of Medical Consumers: segments of employees and how they use medical benefits. Population health management in practice.(00:38:21) – How does diet and exercise fit into the Function Health approach? How does Function Health support lifestyle change?(00:44:53) The Process: how many blood draws are needed?(00:44:59) Costs: what are the costs associated with bringing Function Health to employees?(00:49:16) What shifts are seen in the business clients of Function Health? Does the conversation about health shift as prevention gets a spotlight?(00:50:33) What ‘add-ons’ does Function Health offer in addition to the core blood panel?
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