Love Your Work!

Rachel Sparkes
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Podcast created by Work Content Creator & Your HR Bestie from Big Tech Rachel Sparkes: Helping ambitious professionals succeed in the corporate world with purpose, creativity, and humanity — no burnout, no selling out.

  1. 2d ago

    The Coaching Catchup Series - Ep 1: Why Coaching, Why Now?

    Episode 1 of 9: How to increase your joy, and your teams loyalty, engagement and retention in 90 days. Why Coaching Catch-Ups Matter for Leaders Rachel Sparkes, “your HR Bestie from Big Tech,” makes the case for why regular coaching catch-ups are not a nice-to-have, but a high-leverage leadership habit. This module focuses on the data behind engagement, retention, and manager well-being, and explains why the quality and cadence of 1:1 conversations can materially change team outcomes.In this episode, Rachel lays out the research-backed business case for weekly, fortnightly, or monthly catch-ups, and shows why the shift from “managing like a boss” to “leading like a coach” matters now more than ever. Key topics Rachel opens by framing coaching catch-ups as a course for leaders who want to increase engagement, loyalty, and trust.Global employee engagement has fallen to 20%, which Gallup says is the lowest level since 2020.Gallup estimates low engagement costs the global economy around 10 trillion dollars a year, or 9% of global GDP.Manager engagement has dropped sharply too, from 31% in 2022 to 22% in 2025.Managers influence at least 70% of the variance in team engagement scores, making direct people leaders the biggest leverage point.Timestamps 00:00 - Why this course exists for leaders01:12 - Global engagement drops to 20%02:09 - Why disengaged managers make the problem worse03:30 - Managers drive 70% of team engagement04:38 - Moving from boss-style management to coaching05:31 - Best-practice companies reach 79% manager engagement06:22 - Why weekly or monthly 1:1s outperform quarterly check-ins07:47 - Preventable turnover and the cost of silence08:16 - Adobe's shift from annual reviews to regular check-ins08:43 - What regular catch-ups do for managers themselves09:40 - Cadence plus content: the real formula for coaching catch-ups10:10 - One consistent conversation can shift outcomes in 90 days10:37 - What the People First Culture Pyramid will cover nextKey frameworks

  2. Jul 14

    Your Digital Brand - You've Read the Series. Here's Everything in One Place — and What to Do Next

    Rachel Sparks shares her insights on building a genuine digital brand, leveraging AI tools for clarity, and creating a sustainable content system. This episode is perfect for leaders, entrepreneurs, and career changers looking to authentically show up online. Keywords: digital brand, AI, content system, personal branding, career clarity, social media strategy, authenticity, Rachel Sparks Key topics The importance of authenticity in digital brandingUsing AI tools like Claude for career analysisThe three questions to define your brandA four-step system for content consistencyThe role of clarity in building an online presenceThe difference between personal and business brandsHow to leverage your unique skills for market valueThe importance of showing up as your whole self"A digital brand built on an edited version of yourself will always feel inauthentic""The rarest intersection is always a thing you've been keeping out""Clarity without a system is just a really good journal entry" Tools Mentioned Claude AI ToolLinktreeRachel Sparkes' Substackhttps://www.loveyourworkco.com/courses Chapters Introduction to Rachel Sparks and episode overview The importance of clarity in building your digital brand Questions to define what you stand for and your Difference between personal and business Using AI (Claude) for career analysis and clarity The four rare intersections of skills and market value The power of showing up as your whole self A four-step system for building your digital presence The importance of consistency and systematization Encouragement to take action and resources available

  3. Jun 26

    What Do I Stand For?

    Main Topics: The importance of authentic self-expression in all spacesLove versus fear as guiding principles in the workplaceHow love promotes creativity, connection, and organisational successThe impact of fear: disconnection, loneliness, and inequalityPractical examples of love-led leadership and workplace cultureThe role of community, growth, and purpose in professional fulfillmentRachel’s upcoming book "Let Love Lead" and case studies of love-based success Timestamps:00:00 - Embracing authenticity and showing up as your full self00:56 - Rachel’s core principle: love over fear in all aspects of work01:25 - Defining love: connection, creativity, growth, and community02:22 - The harms of fear: disconnection, loneliness, unworthiness03:16 - The importance of choosing love at every organizational stage04:13 - Creativity as a universal trait and unlocking potential through love05:11 - Leadership as an inherent human quality with influence06:08 - The need for genuine connection beyond remote work06:36 - Moving from venting to growth-minded conversations07:05 - Rachel's mission: promoting love as the ultimate force for change07:33 - Details about her manuscript "Let Love Lead" and its proof of concept08:02 - Case studies of organizations leading with love and their benefits08:59 - Join Rachel’s community for a future built on love and growth09:29 - Final thoughts: Be yourself, spread love, and love your workResources & Links: Connect with Rachel Sparkes: at https://rachelsparkes.substack.com/

  4. May 26

    They Said No to the Pentagon. They’re Giving Away 80% of Their Wealth. I’m Paying Attention.

    Watch now | After hearing Anthropic co-founders Dario and Daniela Amodei on The Oprah Podcast, I couldn’t stop thinking about what it means to choose your AI tools wisely in the workplace.

  5. Feb 17

    What Bridgertons 'Maid Wars' Teaches Us About Leadership

    Summary In this conversation, Rachel Sparkes explores leadership lessons derived from the latest Bridgerton episode, focusing on three distinct households that exemplify different leadership styles and their impacts on workplace culture. She highlights the consequences of toxic leadership, the importance of accountability, and the need for supportive environments that foster employee retention and growth. Takeaways The latest Bridgerton episode offers valuable leadership lessons.Three households represent different leadership styles and cultures.Toxic leadership leads to high turnover and poor workplace morale.Accountability is crucial for leaders when things go wrong.Investing in employees is essential for retention and trust.Modeling good leadership is key to fostering a positive culture.Supportive leadership creates thriving environments for employees.Communication and recognition are vital in leadership roles.Culture work is integral to effective leadership.Leaders must align their words with actions to build trust.Chapters 00:00nLeadership Lessons from Bridgerton 06:51 Accountability, Alignment, and Modelling in Leadership

  6. Feb 13

    Your Career Interests - Build on What You’re Already Good At

    Summary In this episode of the Love Your Work podcast, Rachel Sparkes discusses how to identify your interests and strengths in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, utilizing tools like the Gallup Strength Test and the Johari Window to gain insights into personal capabilities. Additionally, she encourages listeners to follow their curiosities as a guide for career development, suggesting that these interests can reveal potential career paths and roles that align with one's strengths and passions. Takeaways Many clients struggle to identify their interests.Focus on improving your strengths rather than weaknesses.The Gallup Strength Test can reveal top strengths.Feedback from peers can uncover blind spots.Curiosities can guide career choices.Writing down curiosities helps identify patterns.People-oriented strengths may indicate relational roles.Technical strengths may lead to problem-solving careers.Understanding your interests leads to fulfillment.Life is about doing something amazing with yours.Unlocking Your Career PotentialThe Power of Strengths in the WorkplaceChapters 00:00 Identifying Your Interests: The Journey Begins 02:33 Understanding Strengths: The Key to Career Fulfillment 04:40 Curiosity as a Compass: Following Your Passions 06:46Aligning Strengths and Interests for Success

  7. Feb 3

    Your Career Influences - Are You Motivated by Fear or Love?

    Summary In this episode of the Love Your Work podcast, Rachel Sparkes delves into the influences behind career choices, emphasising the importance of understanding emotional catalysts, the circle of influences, and universal human needs. She encourages listeners to reflect on their motivations, the people who impact their decisions, and the fundamental needs that drive their professional lives. Through exercises and insights, Rachel aims to help individuals gain clarity and fulfillment in their careers. Takeaways Understanding career decisions is crucial for fulfilment.Fear and love are primary motivators in career choices.Emotional events from childhood can shape career paths.Identifying key emotional influences can be eye-opening.The circle of influences helps clarify decision-making.VIPs should be prioritised in career decisions.Colleagues and society should have less influence.Personal values play a significant role in career satisfaction.Universal human needs affect professional engagement.Self-awareness is key to making conscious career choices.Chapters 00:00 Understanding Career Influences 09:45 Emotional Catalysts and Their Impact 10:36 The Circle of Influences

  8. Jan 27

    Your Career Identity - The Foundation of Your Career Sweet Spot

    In this episode of the "Love Your Work" podcast, Rachel Sparkes, an HR expert from Big Tech, delves into Chapter 11 of her book "Work It Real Good," focusing on the "Discover It" quadrant. This chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity, interests, and influences before pursuing career actions like job applications. Rachel discusses the significance of self-awareness and personality assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs test, to align career paths with personal traits. She also introduces the concept of character identities and behaviors, encouraging listeners to identify and enhance positive traits while addressing negative ones r

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About

Podcast created by Work Content Creator & Your HR Bestie from Big Tech Rachel Sparkes: Helping ambitious professionals succeed in the corporate world with purpose, creativity, and humanity — no burnout, no selling out.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Sparkes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Sparkes
  • Show Website
    Love Your Work!