Where Work Meets Life™ with Dr. Laura

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.

  1. 1d ago

    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.

    Remaining Resilient Through Rejection in Your Career
  2. Jun 30

    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.

    The Parallels Between Toxic Families and Toxic Workplaces
  3. Jun 16

    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.

    The Power of Human Connection in an AI-Focused World
  4. Jun 2

    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.

    How to Stay Grounded When the World and Work Feel Unstable
  5. May 19

    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.

    A Call for Better Bosses: How to Become a Manager People Want to Follow
  6. May 5

    How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results

    Dr. Laura welcomes Hall of Fame speaker, author, and workplace culture expert Michael Kerr for a conversation on how leaders shape environments where people and organizations thrive. Drawing on decades of global experience, Michael believes that, rather than depleting us, work should energize us, and that leaders play a defining role in creating cultures grounded in purpose and connection. He shares that leadership is less about managing tasks and more about influencing people in meaningful ways. According to Michael, the leadership goal should be to become a culture leader who recognizes the profound effects of work on our health, relationships, and sense of identity. Together, Dr. Laura and Michael explore how small, everyday moments can have a lasting impact on trust and team cohesion. Culture is built through consistent, human interactions rather than grand gestures. They highlight the importance of simple acknowledgments and thoughtful communication in fostering hope during uncertain times. They also examine the rise of incivility in workplaces and the cost of tolerating harmful behavior, together reinforcing the importance of awareness and accountability in leadership. The message is a powerful reminder that when leaders prioritize people and lead with intention, they not only transform workplaces but also contribute to a better world.  “Leadership is about connecting with humans and influencing them in a positive way toward a better future.” - Michael Kerr “Leaders have a disproportionate impact on the happiness of their employees and the success of their culture.” — Michael Kerr About Michael Kerr: Michael Kerr, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame inductee, is an international business speaker, very funny motivational speaker, workshop trainer, and the author of six books including, Inspiring Workplaces: Creating the Kind of Workplace Where Everyone Wants to Work, and, most recently, The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses Are Laughing All the Way to the Bank. Michael travels the world researching, writing, and speaking about inspiring workplace cultures. He is known as one of North America’s leading speakers on workplace culture and on how businesses leverage their humor resources to deliver outrageous results -including lower absenteeism rates, lower employee turnover rates, less stress, more creativity, more effective communication, and increased sales. His hilarious, inspiring, and thought-provoking programs are often rated as having the greatest impact and relevance of any presentation at a conference, which is why Michael is listed as one of Canada’s most requested funny motivational business speakers. Resources: Website: MikeKerr.com Inspiring Workplaces Blog Every Other Wednesday podcast Michael Kerr books “Cher: Part One: The Memoir” by Cher   “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.

    How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results
  7. Apr 21

    Leadership in Today’s Organizations: Dr. Laura’s Bell Curve From Toxic to Great

    In this solo episode of Where Work Meets Life, Dr. Laura explores leadership through a bell curve, illustrating the range of leaders found in today’s organizations. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience as an organizational psychologist, Dr. Laura explains how leaders often rise not through careful selection, but through promotions based on technical skill or ambition. She outlines the spectrum from toxic bosses to truly great leaders and reflects on how leadership quality shapes culture, employee engagement, and organizational health. She asks us to consider where our own leaders fall on the continuum and what it would take to move leadership from merely adequate to genuinely inspiring. Dr. Laura emphasizes that great leadership is not accidental. It requires intentional hiring and thoughtful promotion processes and involves ongoing development rather than one-time training efforts. She highlights the power of mentorship and self-insight as essential qualities that help leaders grow. In a time marked by burnout, mental health challenges, and global uncertainty, Dr. Laura stresses that organizations need more great leaders who understand that people and culture drive long-term success. She offers a thoughtful reflection on leadership responsibility and a call for both organizations and individuals to invest in developing leaders who bring out the best in others. “Leading human beings is an honor and a privilege, and too often people are promoted into leadership roles without the ingredients that help someone truly thrive as a people leader.” - 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.

    Leadership in Today’s Organizations: Dr. Laura’s Bell Curve From Toxic to Great
  8. Apr 7

    Seismic Shifts Leaders Must Make to Create Connections and Drive Results

    In this episode of Where Work Meets Life™, Dr. Laura welcomes back Dr. Michelle Johnston for a thoughtful conversation about the seismic shifts leaders must make to create meaningful connections and stronger results. Inspired by her new book, The Seismic Shift in You, coauthored with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, Dr. Johnston shares how the future of leadership depends less on achievement and more on humanity. Together, they explore the powerful shift from focusing on the what to prioritizing the who, reminding us that meaningful relationships are what sustain engagement and fulfillment. Dr. Laura and Michelle offer a hopeful path forward in a time marked by burnout and disconnection. Dr. Johnston speaks candidly about her own experience with depletion and the realization that the most important relationship a leader has is with themselves. She introduces the idea of creating a connection cadence, a structured rhythm of intentional relationships and rituals that protect energy and strengthen teams. Dr. Laura’s warmth and professional curiosity bring depth to a discussion that bridges leadership psychology, burnout prevention, hybrid work realities, and workplace culture. This episode invites leaders to rethink how they show up and cultivate workplaces that truly work for people rather than against them. “I really thought we were writing a book about how we can all be better at connecting with others. And what I learned is the most important who is you. And you're not going to be good at connecting with others unless you prioritize yourself and what you value first.” - Michelle Johnston About Michelle Johnston: Dr. Michelle K. Johnston is a passionate champion of connection-driven leadership. Recently featured on NBC News with Kate Snow, she is a best-selling author, top ten executive coach, podcast host, keynote speaker, and distinguished professor whose groundbreaking work is reshaping how leaders connect, communicate, and collaborate. Widely regarded as being at the forefront of the connection movement, Michelle has spent her career showing leaders how authentic relationships drive both engagement and results. She is the bestselling author of The Seismic Shift in You: Seven Necessary Shifts to Create Connection and Drive Results, her newest book coauthored with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith. This powerful guide offers a transformative roadmap for leaders to reconnect with their priorities so they can drive more meaningful results. Her first bestselling book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership: How to Thrive in a New Era of Connection—featured by Forbes four times—spotlights real-world leaders who embraced this shift and are seeing stronger teams and better outcomes because of it. Michelle serves as a distinguished professor of leadership at Loyola University New Orleans, holds a PhD in Communication from Louisiana State University, and brings decades of insight to her coaching and keynotes. She also hosts The Seismic Shift podcast, ranked in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, where she engages executives, authors, and thought leaders on the seismic shifts shaking up the way we work and the way we live. Resources: Website: MichelleKJohnston.com Michelle Johnston on LinkedIn YouTube: @TheSeismicShiftWithMichelle “The Seismic Shift In You” by Michelle K Johnston, PhD and Marshall Goldsmith, PhD Dr. Vivek Murthy Previous Where Work Meets Life™ episode with Michelle Johnston: Seismic Shifts in Leadership   “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.

    Seismic Shifts Leaders Must Make to Create Connections and Drive Results

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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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