The Simplifiers Podcast

Mary Baird, PHR
  • 5.0 (97)
  • Management
  • Semiweekly

Too many people are miserable at work. I'm on a mission to change that. The Simplifiers Podcast helps HR leaders, people managers, and workplace changemakers simplify the complex challenges shaping the future of work. Hosted by Mary Baird, PHR, employee experience strategist, AI for HR expert, keynote speaker, and author of Squash the Sunday Scaries, this season simplifies topics through the lens of leadership and culture strategy. Each episode delivers practical ideas to help you rebuild trust, strengthen workplace culture, lead through change, and create an employee experience that drives measurable business results. Because when employees feel supported, valued, and equipped to do their best work, customers feel the difference too. Better employee experience = better customer experience = better business results Through candid conversations with global experts, practical solo episodes, and calming guided visualizations, you'll learn how to: • Improve employee engagement and reduce burnout • Build stronger leaders and healthier workplace cultures • Turn employee listening into meaningful action • Use AI in HR simply, responsibly, and strategically • Navigate change with greater clarity and confidence • Do less, focus on what matters most, and make a greater impact No empty buzzwords. No surface-level perks. Just real-world insights and simple steps you can put into practice immediately. With 400+ episodes and listeners in more than 155 countries, The Simplifiers Podcast is here to help you gain clarity, build knowledge, look after yourself, and #dothething. New here? Follow the show and start simplifying work, leadership, and everything in between. Are you ready? Let's dive in. It's time to simplify.

  1. 11h ago ·  Bonus

    How to find calm in uncertain times (guided visualization)

    Time for a guided visualization exercise: how to find calm in uncertain times. Here in the United States, election season can bring a lot to the surface. Hope. Fear. Frustration. And some difficult conversations with people you care about. So, if you're craving a little steadiness… if you've been checking your phone, bracing for the next headline, or wondering what happens next… today's episode is for you. And so… to kick off the month, today is another guided visualization episode, which we release on the first Tuesday of every month this season. So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers. Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to find calm in uncertain times. Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b175-how-to-find-calm-in-uncertain-times-guided-visualization

  2. 11h ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Like This Interview with Robert Greene: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Robert Greene: The Surprising Reason You Feel Unhappy Even When Life Is “Good” from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power and The Law of the Sublime, Robert Greene, joins Jay to explore why so many of us feel unfulfilled, even when we're achieving everything we thought we wanted. He opens up about the life-threatening stroke that changed his perspective and inspired his new book, and shares how reconnecting with our childhood interests can help us discover our true purpose. Robert also explains why boredom, struggle, and confronting our mortality can lead to a more meaningful life, how to turn envy into gratitude, and practical ways to navigate workplace politics, complicated relationships, and the feeling that life has become stagnant. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®. JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What I Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Why We Feel Disconnected and Unfulfilled 06:27 Pursuing The Right Goals 11:32 Near-Death Experience And Writing The Sublime 13:13 Uncovering Your Authentic Self 19:51 The Looking-Glass Self 22:20 Overcoming Boredom Through Slow Disciplines 27:38 What is The Difference Between Happiness And Fulfillment? 32:15 Resisting Modern Culture And Embracing Difficulty 36:08 Building Confidence Through Small Steps 41:03 The Anxiety of Feeling Behind in Life 48:00 Connection To Others vs. Chasing Wealth 51:17 Turning Envy Into Gratitude 55:12 Real Fulfillment Beyond Financial Success 58:32 Money As Oxygen, Not Fulfillment 01:00:13 Workplace Politics And Power Dynamics 01:02:46 Why We’re Drawn to People Who Send Mixed Signals 01:04:53 Breaking Out of Repetitive Life Patterns 01:07:23 Confronting Mortality To Feel Alive 01:14:45 Transcendence, Evolution, And Spirituality 01:19:37 The Anti-Sublime Vs. the False Sublime 01:25:02 Robert On Final Five Episode Resources: Pre-order The Law of the Sublime https://sites.prh.com/lawofthesublime Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/robertgreeneofficial YouTube | https://youtube.com/@robertgreeneofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Like This Interview with Robert Greene: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

  3. Oct 27

    How to get hired when you're over 40 - with Maureen Wiley Clough

    Here's the conundrum: Early in your career, you needed more experience. Now you've got it... and suddenly, you're wondering whether you've got too much. (UGH.) You're ready to contribute. But instead of talking about what you can do, you're debating which years to leave off your resume. When did the experience you worked so hard to build become something you felt you had to hide? My special guest today is Maureen Wiley Clough, and she's simplifying how to get hired when you're over 40. Maureen is the host of It Gets Late Early, a podcast exploring the issues facing mid-career workers, including ageism. She's also experienced a layoff herself. We explore how age bias can show up in a job search, especially for women, and what to consider if you suspect it's happened to you. We talk about "Botoxing" your resume and showing the value of your experience through your LinkedIn profile and a portfolio of accomplishments. And we look at how to put your network to work, weigh fractional opportunities against a full-time role, and build more options for yourself. Because doing great work doesn't guarantee you'll be protected from a layoff. But you can take steps to give yourself more choices about what comes next. Here's how we simplify getting hired when you're over 40: Recognize age bias. What ageism means, how it can show up during a job search, and why women's experiences deserve particular attention. Consider your next steps. What to do if you suspect ageism influenced a layoff or hiring decision, and why it can be difficult to prove. Show the relevance of your experience. What Maureen means by "Botoxing" your resume and where your LinkedIn profile and portfolio of accomplishments fit in. Put your relationships to work. How to turn your network into conversations, referrals, and opportunities, even when asking for help feels uncomfortable. Build more options. How to weigh fractional work against a full-time role while staying hopeful and realistic about what comes next. Whether you're actively applying, recovering from a layoff, or thinking ahead, this conversation is an invitation to recognize what you bring to the table and explore more ways to put it to work. Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/439-how-to-get-hired-when-youre-over-40---with-maureen-wiley-clough

  4. Oct 20

    How to turn your accent into an asset - with Nammy Sirur

    Have you ever shared an idea at work, only to wonder if people were hearing your accent more than what you were actually saying? Maybe you've been asked to repeat yourself. Or you've felt pressure to change the way you speak so you'll sound like everyone else in the room. Over time, that can shake your confidence and leave you feeling like an outsider. But what if your accent isn't something you need to erase? What if it's part of the perspective, experience, and identity that makes your voice valuable? My special guest today is communication strategist Nammy Sirur, and she's simplifying how to turn your accent into an asset. We'll talk about how accent bias shapes our ideas about credibility and belonging, and what it means to modulate your accent instead of changing it. Nammy will also share practical ways to adjust your pace, pronunciation, and emphasis while staying true to yourself. Okay, it's time to dive into today's conversation with Nammy Sirur as she simplifies how to turn your accent into an asset. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: How to rebuild your confidence when people seem to hear your accent before they hear your ideas What accent bias reveals about credibility and belonging in American workplaces Why some accents are viewed as prestigious while others are treated as barriers The difference between modulating your accent and trying to erase it How adjustments to pace, pronunciation, and emphasis can improve understanding How cultural upbringing can affect self-promotion and workplace communication How to navigate unfamiliar workplace expectations while staying true to yourself What leaders can do to help people listen beyond an accent and create greater belonging Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/438-how-to-turn-your-accent-into-an-asset---with-nammy-sirur

  5. Oct 13

    How to lead yourself before leading others - with Riunita Martin

    Picture this: You get promoted. Suddenly, you're responsible for a team. The decisions come faster. The expectations get bigger. And people want answers... even when you're still figuring things out yourself. You might not have received much training on how to lead people. But before you look for a quick fix, my guest today says there's another question that deserves your attention: Who are you becoming as a leader? You say you value honesty, but what happens when telling the truth might upset your boss? You want your team to speak up, but how do you respond when someone challenges you? Those moments tell people whether they can trust you. My special guest today is Riunita Martin, and she's simplifying how to lead yourself before leading others. Her book, Build the Leader. Transform the Trajectory., challenges "the leadership lie." The belief that becoming a better leader is simply about acquiring more skills, knowledge, or frameworks. Because pressure doesn't create character. It reveals it. Becoming a leader people trust starts with taking a good, honest look at yourself first. Here's how we simplify leading yourself before leading others: Start with who you're becoming. Why leadership development needs to go deeper than learning another skill or framework. Define what you stand for. How to clarify your identity, core values, and non-negotiable standards... and what conviction looks like when those standards are tested. Look at your values in practice. What moral leadership means and how to recognize when organizational pressure is pulling you away from your principles. Uncover your blind spots. How to use assessments and reflection exercises to examine the gap between the leader you intend to be and how you're actually showing up. Turn awareness into action. What a practical growth plan should include to help you make real, sustainable changes. Whether you've just stepped into management or have been leading people for years, this conversation invites you to consider a deeper question: Are your everyday decisions building the trust you want your team to have in you? Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/437-how-to-lead-yourself-before-leading-others---with-riunita-martin

  6. Oct 6 ·  Bonus

    How to calm your nerves (ALL-STAR - guided visualization)

    Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to calm your nerves, especially if you're about to do something big in life. Maybe you're about to take the stage and deliver a presentation… or maybe you've got to have a crucial conversation and want to get your point across calm, cool, collected and confident. I mean, there are so many times our emotions and anxiety get the best of us, so how do you get yourself centered? It has everything to do with your central nervous system and today's episode is especially good to listen to 20-30 minutes before that big moment happens. So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers. Listen and participate in this all-star guided visualization exercise: How to calm your nerves. You can do this, I believe in you. It's time to SIMPLIFY. Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b174-how-to-calm-your-nerves-all-star---guided-visualization

  7. Sep 29

    How to develop future-ready leaders - with Dr Kevin Fleming

    What's the old career advice you'd get? Choose a path. Work hard. Move up. Stay there. But for the next generation of leaders, my special guest today thinks that careers may look less like climbing a ladder and more like rock climbing... moving sideways, changing direction, and finding a new route when the old one no longer works. AI is changing jobs. Career paths are becoming less predictable. And the skills that helped someone land their first role may not be the same skills they'll need five years from now. So, how do we prepare emerging leaders for a future that none of us can fully predict? My special guest today is educational futurist Dr. Kevin Fleming, and he's simplifying how to develop future-ready leaders. We'll talk about why identity clarity, transferable skills, and real-world experience matter more than ever. We'll also explore which human skills will remain valuable as AI reshapes work, and how organizations can use work-based learning and two-way mentorship to help emerging talent grow. Okay, it's time to dive into today's conversation with Dr. Kevin Fleming as he simplifies how to develop future-ready leaders. We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including: Why the traditional career ladder is giving way to more flexible, nonlinear career paths How AI is reshaping jobs and the skills emerging leaders will need Why identity clarity begins with understanding your strengths and values Which high-trust and high-touch human skills will remain valuable Why real-world experience can matter more than grades or school prestige How internships, co-ops, part-time work, entrepreneurship, and volunteering build transferable skills How organizations can use two-way mentorship to help different generations learn from each other What leaders can do now to prepare emerging talent for careers that will continue to change   Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/436-how-to-develop-future-ready-leaders---with-dr-kevin-fleming

  8. Sep 22

    How to stop chasing & start creating at work - with Justin Jones-Fosu

    You can be dependable, hardworking, and successful at what you do… and still feel unseen. You keep delivering. Keep saying yes. Keep chasing the next goal, the next bit of recognition, or the next sign that your work matters. But when does meaningful work become chasing approval? And what does that cost you as a leader? My special guest today is Justin Jones-Fosu and he's simplifying how to stop chasing & start creating at work. We'll talk about why managers shape the meaning people find in their work, often more than the organization's mission. Justin will also share how to apply his Create Meaning Cycle of Choose, Commit, and Cultivate with your team. And if you're already stretched thin and thinking, "I cannot add one more thing," we'll explore the small shifts you can make to create more meaning in the work your team is already doing. The Create Meaning Cycle: Choose: Take ownership of how you lead and the meaning you create with your team. Commit: Build consistency through small, intentional habits that help people feel seen. Cultivate: Regularly reflect on what's working, what isn't, and what needs to change. Because creating more meaning at work doesn't require another big initiative. It starts with how you recognize people, connect their work to its impact, and protect the meaningful work that may not deliver an immediate, visible result. Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/435-how-to-stop-chasing-start-creating-at-work---with-justin-jones-fosu

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Trailer

5
out of 5
97 Ratings

About

Too many people are miserable at work. I'm on a mission to change that. The Simplifiers Podcast helps HR leaders, people managers, and workplace changemakers simplify the complex challenges shaping the future of work. Hosted by Mary Baird, PHR, employee experience strategist, AI for HR expert, keynote speaker, and author of Squash the Sunday Scaries, this season simplifies topics through the lens of leadership and culture strategy. Each episode delivers practical ideas to help you rebuild trust, strengthen workplace culture, lead through change, and create an employee experience that drives measurable business results. Because when employees feel supported, valued, and equipped to do their best work, customers feel the difference too. Better employee experience = better customer experience = better business results Through candid conversations with global experts, practical solo episodes, and calming guided visualizations, you'll learn how to: • Improve employee engagement and reduce burnout • Build stronger leaders and healthier workplace cultures • Turn employee listening into meaningful action • Use AI in HR simply, responsibly, and strategically • Navigate change with greater clarity and confidence • Do less, focus on what matters most, and make a greater impact No empty buzzwords. No surface-level perks. Just real-world insights and simple steps you can put into practice immediately. With 400+ episodes and listeners in more than 155 countries, The Simplifiers Podcast is here to help you gain clarity, build knowledge, look after yourself, and #dothething. New here? Follow the show and start simplifying work, leadership, and everything in between. Are you ready? Let's dive in. It's time to simplify.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Baird, PHR
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    616
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Simplifiers Worldwide (UK) Ltd + The Simplifiers LLC (US)
  • Show Website
    The Simplifiers Podcast

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