The Psychology of Work: Why People Do What They Do

Groops

In this 30-minute episode, Dr. Bobbi and a guest expert delve into real-world workplace challenges, offering expert advice and actionable insights. Whether discussing trends we've uncovered or addressing listener-submitted concerns, each conversation is a candid, authentic exploration of team dynamics. Tune in to gain valuable strategies for enhancing connection and cohesion within your teams. Perfect for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about improving workplace culture.

  1. 6d ago

    How Founder-Market Fit and Team Values Drive Startup Success with Greg Raiz

    What does it really take to build a high-performing startup team and what separates successful founders from the rest? In this episode, Dr. Bobbi Wegner sits down with seasoned entrepreneur and investor Greg Raiz to unpack the psychology behind resilient leadership, fast execution, and what makes a team truly cohesive. Discover the secrets of founder-market fit, the surprising power of healthy conflict, and the "paprika" that sets top-performing teams apart. Whether you’re launching your own venture or just curious about the mindset of industry leaders, this candid conversation serves up actionable insights you won’t want to miss. Greg Raiz is the co-founder and General Partner of FoundersEdge, a data-driven pre-seed fund that writes $200K checks to post-exit, serial founders building AI-native software. He founded and ran Raizlabs, a mobile technology firm, for more than a decade. Rightpoint acquired it in 2017, and it was sold again to a public company in 2019. Along the way, his teams shipped products to more than 100 million users and worked with dozens of Fortune 500 companies. After his exit, Greg made more than 50 angel investments and ran Techstars Boston, backing 24 founders. That work led him to research why some founders succeed again and again, and he built the Founder Index, FoundersEdge's framework for evaluating founders on more than traction. He started his career at Microsoft working on Windows XP and holds a computer science degree from Tufts. KEY TOPICS The psychological rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and why resilience matters more than you think [03:48]What the Founder Index reveals about founder-market fit, execution speed, and the myth of the young unicorn [06:44]Why healthy conflict and the art of repair are secret weapons for high-cohesion teams [10:00]The "paprika" factor: how caring and operationalized values fuel talent, culture, and retention [24:08]The startup playbook: clarity of communication, swim lanes, and what really drives team execution [31:12] Todays guest, Greg Raiz, can be found online at: Website: https://foundersedge.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graiz/ Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at: Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/ Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-pu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

  2. Oct 22

    Why Humans Struggle: Evolution, Stress, and Finding Peace in Modern Life with Charity Bell

    What if being human is itself a risky, messy occupation and that's exactly where our greatest strengths lie? In this powerful episode, organizational strategist and trauma responder Charity Bell joins Dr. Bobbi Wegner to unravel why our brains struggle in today's fast-paced, unpredictable world and why "no one is ever irrational to themselves." Discover why small shifts in curiosity and self-compassion can change the way you work, lead, and live. Whether you’re tired of the blame game or simply searching for a little more peace, this conversation will leave you rethinking how you move through the world and how you treat the people in it. Charity Bell, MPA, CPTD, is a speaker and leadership and organizational development strategist who has spent more than 20 years helping people and organizations stay brave, connected, and effective when things get hard. A Harvard Kennedy School graduate and the founder of Relentless Positivity, she’s now building the Flammable Framework, the idea that being human is a uniquely risky occupation. In this episode, she and Bobbi explore how the social barriers that protected us for thousands of years have eroded, why we’re getting “burnt” by emotional activation more than ever, and what it looks like to stop expecting people not to be messy. KEY TOPICS Why seeing people at their "worst best" reveals the function and logic behind every human behavior [05:03]How centuries of predictable, low-stimulus living contrast with our overstimulated modern brains and why it's natural to feel overwhelmed [10:10]The Flammable Framework: concrete tools for shifting perspective and reminding yourself that almost nothing is personal [22:03]Healthy apathy, boundaries, and learning to let go after you've done what you can [27:13]Why contentment requires intentional practice and understanding that people’s actions are rarely about you [38:19] Todays guest, Charity Bell, can be found online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-bell-8bb16165/ Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at: Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/ Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-pu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

  3. Oct 8

    Building High-Performing Global Teams: Insights from AI Leader Muhammed Shabreen

    What if the secret to building innovative, resilient teams wasn’t just about hiring top talent, but creating a culture where people feel safe enough to take risks and bring their best ideas to the table? In this episode, Dr. Bobbi Wegner sits down with Muhammed Shabreen, a global tech leader who’s helped scale companies like Google, Actualize, and CNTXT, to reveal why psychological safety, risk-taking, and genuine empathy are the hidden engines behind high-performing teams. Whether you’re a founder, leader, or team member, you’ll never look at team dynamics the same way again. Ready to uncover what really drives innovation at work? Listen in. Muhammed Shabreen is a technology leader, entrepreneur, and AI executive with decades of experience building and scaling cutting-edge tech across global organizations and startups. He has held roles at Google and Nokia, co-founded Actualize, and led two successful startup exits. Now CTO at CNTXT, Muhammed Shabreen oversees technology across AI, robotics, data, and engineering, helping teams innovate and thrive in diverse and fast-paced environments. KEY TOPICS Why building safe, motivated, and empowered teams is the core of true leadership [00:05:04]How innovation thrives when leaders encourage risk-taking and psychological safety [00:10:02]The importance of empathy and compassion as the most underrated leadership skills [00:28:44]Why clarity of mission, goals, and communication drives team cohesion and outcomes [00:23:10]Lessons learned from leading diverse, global teams—adapting your style to context, not just frameworks [00:22:06] Todays guest, Muhammed Shabreen, can be found online at: Website: https://www.cntxt.tech/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shabreen/ Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at: Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/ Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-pu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

  4. Sep 24

    Archetypes, Liminal Spaces, and Leading Through Transition with Karin Norington-Reaves

    What if the secret to great leadership lies not just in strategy, but in vulnerability and self-awareness? In this episode, Dr. Bobbi Wegner sits down with powerhouse leader Karin Norington-Reaves to unpack the psychology behind high-performing teams, the surprising value of public apologies, and how to navigate the “liminal spaces” of major career transitions. Through candid stories, refreshing humor, and practical tactics, they reveal how embracing our most human moments is the key to inspiring real cohesion and growth—at work and beyond. Listen in for a masterclass on how to lead with heart and clarity, even when life (and your shoes) don't match. Karin Norington-Reaves is a workforce development leader, public servant, CEO, and former law professor. As the president and CEO of Cara Collective, she draws on more than 30 years of experience across education, law, advocacy, and community development, with a driving mission to “see people win.” Karin previously served as the founding CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, connecting over 100,000 people in the Chicago area with meaningful careers and as CEO of IC Stars, preparing underrepresented talent for technology jobs. Her work exemplifies a blend of visionary leadership, community impact, and a personal dedication to lifting others up. KEY TOPICS How Karin Norington-Reaves blends serious leadership with "childlike wonder" to keep joy in high-stakes work [04:03]The power of personality archetypes and assessments like MBTI and DiSC in shaping leadership styles and team dynamics [05:33]Why public apologies matter: refusing private apologies for public affronts to build trust and psychological safety [13:30]Spotting team disengagement in meetings, virtual and in-person and tactical ways to bring everyone back into the conversation [19:31]Embracing "liminal spaces": navigating career and identity transitions by reflecting on past coping skills and finding new personal integration [29:02] Todays guest, Karin Norington-Reaves, can be found online at: Website: https://caracollective.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-norington-reaves-b29a603/ Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at: Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/ Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-pu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

  5. Sep 10

    Leading Global Teams: Sergio Lopez on Creativity, Care, and Cultural Alignment

    What happens when you merge over 100 creative companies across cultures, continents, and languages in the midst of radical industry transformation? In this episode, global CEO Sergio Lopez joins Dr. Bobbi Wegner to reveal the psychological dynamics behind leading world-class teams at scale. Navigating tough decisions, building authentic relationships, and why he believes treating your team like family is a recipe for disaster. Don’t miss this candid, thought-provoking conversation packed with surprising insights on leadership, culture, and what really drives high performance. Sergio Lopez is the Global CEO of Omnicom Production, where he leads the integration of more than 100 content companies into a single global operation serving some of the world’s largest brands. With over two decades of experience across Europe, Latin America, and North America, Sergio specializes in building high-performing, cross-cultural creative teams. Previously, he held global roles at Publicis Production and is recognized for guiding organizations through industry-defining change—particularly as technology and AI reshape the creative landscape. KEY TOPICS The "three Cs" that shape Sergio Lopez's leadership: creativity, curiosity, and care 04:11Why Sergio Lopez believes teams should never be called "family" in business—and the risks of a false sense of security 13:13Navigating cultural differences: how leadership style and communication adapt across global teams 17:13The importance of freedom within a framework, balancing non-negotiables with local flexibility at Omnicom 21:23Letting go of the "parent" model and empowering teams by treating everyone as adults, not children 36:11 Todays guest, Sergio Lopez, can be found online at: Website: https://www.omc.com/capabilities/capability-production/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergiolopezferrero/ Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at: Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/ Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-pu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

  6. Aug 13

    Human Connection Drives Capital: Allison Byers on Relationships, Bias, and Startup Success

    What happens when you pour your heart into building a startup, only to watch someone else reap the rewards? In this episode, Allison Byers, founder and CEO of Scroobious, opens up to Dr. Bobbi Wegner about her rollercoaster journey from medtech entrepreneur to dismantler of systemic bias in venture capital. Discover the surprising power of relationships over cold pitches, the hidden traps ambitious founders face, and why authenticity, not just hustle might be your secret weapon. If you’ve ever wondered what really drives success (and survival) in the startup world, this candid conversation will challenge and inspire you. Allison Byers is passionate about applying her deep background in psychology to the world of innovation. Driven by a desire to address extreme inequities in access to innovation capital, she focuses on supporting underrepresented founders in a space that affects everyone. Combining her expertise in human behavior with her commitment to creating a fairer entrepreneurial landscape, Allison strives to break down barriers and open doors for diverse innovators. Alongside her professional work, she is also a dedicated mom, balancing multiple roles with enthusiasm for making a real difference. KEY TOPICS The emotional toll and learning from watching an acquired startup succeed after personal setbacks [02:58]The systemic barriers and stark inequity in venture capital investment for underrepresented founders [04:44]Why building relationships, not cold outreach drives capital and entrepreneurial success [08:25]How psychological principles like in-group bias and familiarity shape access to resources and funding [11:05]The value of authenticity, loose connections, and reframing failure to empower founders and strengthen networks [18:25] Todays guest, Allison Byers, can be found online at: Website: https://www.scroobious.com/ Personal Website: https://www.allisonbyers.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-byers/ Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at: Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/ Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-pu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

  7. Jul 30

    Building Trust and Emotional Intelligence in Teams with Chris Wyndham

    What happens when a CEO leads with humility, candour, and emotional intelligence? This episode with Chris Wyndham, President and CEO of Revenova, pulls back the curtain on the power of people-first leadership. From navigating fear and trust in high-scale environments to building teams where every voice matters, Chris shares compelling stories and tactical insights on what it really takes to inspire resilience and performance in the workplace. Ready to rethink what makes teams thrive? Don’t miss this deep dive into the real psychology of work. Chris Wyndham, president and CEO of Revanova, joins the show to share how building trust, embracing emotional intelligence, and leading with humility can transform both team culture and business results. Known for his people-first approach and his belief that emotional intelligence outshines experience on any resume, Chris reveals why promises kept and genuine relationships are at the heart of every high-performing organization. Chris Wyndham is the president and CEO of Revanova, a Salesforce-native transportation management platform serving freight brokers, 3PLs, and shippers. With over 25 years of experience scaling vertical SaaS businesses in automotive, marine, heavy equipment, and more, Chris is recognized for pairing operational discipline with a deeply relational leadership style. Drawing on influences from coaching, faith, and mentorship, he helps teams unlock their potential by fostering trust, curiosity, and open communication. KEY TOPICS Why emotional intelligence and humility matter more than experience when hiring leaders [12:24]The three-part emotional framework for leading teams through change: understandable anxiety, cautious optimism, unbridled enthusiasm [07:31]How authentic trust is built through clear commitments, mutual vulnerability, and embracing failure as learning [16:52]The power of involving all levels, including a peer-nominated "PIT crew" in decision-making and process improvement [31:47]Why great leadership starts with self-awareness, active listening, and creating a culture where everyone is seen and heard [36:08] Todays guest, Chris Wyndham, can be found online at: Website: https://revenova.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wyndham-1a29a529b/ Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at: Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/ Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-pu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

  8. Jul 16

    The Role of Vulnerability and Coaching in High-Performing Workplaces with Jason Desentz

    What does leading HR through rapid technological change really look like? In this episode, global HR executive Jason Desentz reveals how detective work, authentic vulnerability, and a passion for learning helped him transform powerhouse organizations like Toshiba from the inside out. Dive into surprising parallels between law enforcement and HR, unpack the messy truth behind cross-generational teams, and discover why building trust, not just crunching numbers drives the future of work. If you want a candid, actionable conversation about AI, cohesion, and the human side of high performance, you won’t want to miss this. Jason R. Desentz is a global Human Capital executive and public-company CHRO with more than 25 years advising CEOs, boards, and compensation committees across automotive, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and financial services. He currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for Toshiba's Americas operations, where he leads the full HR value chain and is pioneering the integration of AI into core HR functions. Previously he rebuilt the global HR function at Horizon Global (NYSE: HZN) and led human capital advisory work for companies from startups through mid-caps. He is a recognized keynote speaker on the future of work, AI in HR, and leadership. KEY TOPICS From police officer dreams to HR executive: Jason Desentz shares how detective work shaped his HR problem-solving approach [00:04:19]Coaching versus advice-giving: exploring why asking the right questions is the key to driving change and buy-in [00:06:43]Demystifying AI adoption in HR and how playing with technology builds employee comfort and innovation [00:10:08]Navigating generational and cultural differences. From Japanese harmony to American autonomy inside Toshiba [00:20:17]Why authentic vulnerability and learning from failure are Jason’s cornerstones for leadership and connection [00:25:21] Todays guest, Jason Desentz, can be found online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-desentz/ Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at: Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/ Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-pu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

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In this 30-minute episode, Dr. Bobbi and a guest expert delve into real-world workplace challenges, offering expert advice and actionable insights. Whether discussing trends we've uncovered or addressing listener-submitted concerns, each conversation is a candid, authentic exploration of team dynamics. Tune in to gain valuable strategies for enhancing connection and cohesion within your teams. Perfect for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about improving workplace culture.

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