In The Business of Humans

Lynda Harvey + Joe Gilgoff
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The Unlikely Duo: Turning Workplace Dynamics into Lifelong Friendships (and Business Wisdom!) Meet Lynda Harvey and Joe Gilgoff: a former employee and boss who morphed their professional relationship into an extraordinary, decades-spanning friendship. With 40+ years of combined experience building, scaling, and supporting top-tier Customer Support and Service departments, they've seen it all. But here's their secret: they know that the business of working is all about the business of working with humans. Get proven business facts and refreshingly honest career advice in a conversation built on trust, experience, and an amazing friendship.

  1. 5d ago

    Keen presents: Employee Experience = Customer Experience: Why Happy Teams Create Loyal Customers

    Want to create a better customer experience? Start with the people delivering it. In this episode of In The Business of Humans, Lynda Harvey and Joe Gilgoff explore the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between employee experience and customer experience. What happens when customer support employees are underpaid, undervalued, micromanaged, or given nowhere to grow? Eventually, customers feel it. Lynda and Joe unpack why the way companies treat their people shows up directly in customer interactions—and why investing in employees isn't just a culture initiative. It's a customer experience and business strategy. The conversation gets into compensation, autonomy, career growth, employee engagement, customer support, leadership, empathy, recognition, and workplace culture—and how each can ultimately affect customer satisfaction and loyalty. Joe also challenges the stigma surrounding customer service and support roles. Rather than treating CX as a cost center or an entry-level function sitting on the sidelines, what if companies recognized frontline employees for what they really are: some of the people closest to their customers? And the responsibility doesn't stop with the support team. Lynda and Joe discuss why everyone inside a company can play a role in customer experience, and what changes when organizations build a culture that keeps employees genuinely connected to the people they serve. Along the way, the conversation expands into sports, teamwork, friendship, kindness, empathy, gratitude, and the very human dynamics that determine whether teams—and businesses—thrive. In this episode: employee experience, customer experience (CX), employee engagement, customer service and support, company culture, leadership, compensation, career development, employee autonomy, empathy at work, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and building people-first organizations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Business of Humans00:32 Sponsorship and Drinking Episode Idea01:24 Keen Sponsorship and Global Talent02:17 Discussion on Utah's Data Center03:33 The Great Salt Lake and Water Crisis04:14 Impact of Water Usage on the Environment06:05 Ousting of Political Leaders in Utah07:28 Unity and Human Connection Through Sports11:24 The Psychology of Team Dynamics in Sports17:40 The Link Between Employee and Customer Experience20:22 The Interconnectedness of Team and Customer Experience23:33 The Stigma of Customer Support Roles37:33 Investing in Employee Experience and Customer Support43:40 The Impact of Employee Investment44:19 Compensation, Autonomy, and Career Growth48:06 The Role of Kindness and Empathy49:24 Fostering a Positive Work Environment50:33 The Significance of Genuine Gratitude58:23 Customer Experience and Loyalty01:03:00 The Importance of Kindness and Empathy01:07:17 The Role of Employee Investment in Customer Satisfaction

  2. Aug 27

    Keen presents: How to Actually Get Hired; modern recruiting secrets with e.l.f. Beauty's Gina Alvino

    Megastar guest alert! What does it actually take to get hired in today's job market? Lynda and Joe sit down with Gina Alvino, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at e.l.f. Beauty and a LinkedIn creator with more than 110,000 followers (and one of the best humans you'd ever meet), for an inside look at how recruiting really works—and what candidates can do to stand out. Gina has spent nearly a decade in talent acquisition, including several years working alongside Joe at Daily Harvest before joining e.l.f. Beauty, where she now leads U.S. recruiting and helps shape global hiring strategy across the company's portfolio of brands. Together, Lynda, Joe, and Gina dig into the realities of today's challenging job market: why networking and referrals matter so much, how to get a recruiter's attention, what makes a candidate memorable, and the interview mistakes that can quietly knock you out of the running. They also get into career pivots, building new skills, LinkedIn and personal branding, handling failure, answering difficult interview questions, asking better questions as a candidate, and how AI is changing both recruiting and career development. Gina shares what she listens for when interviewing candidates—and the red flags job seekers should avoid. Plus: Joe and Gina revisit their Daily Harvest days, the group gets into a little LinkedIn drama, and somehow the conversation ends with a case for talking to more people about your dreams. Whether you're actively looking for a job, considering a career change, trying to grow your professional network, preparing for an interview, building your LinkedIn presence, or simply wondering what recruiters actually want, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who spends every day on the other side of the hiring process. In this episode: the 2026 job market, recruiting and hiring, job search strategy, networking and referrals, interview tips, career pivots, LinkedIn and personal branding, AI in recruiting, career development, and how to stand out as a candidate. Takeaways Importance of genuine networking and business relationshipsChallenges and changes in the job market and recruiting landscape Navigating a challenging job market requires building new skills and considering career pivots.Networking and referrals play a crucial role in the job search process, providing opportunities to stand out and make meaningful connections. Navigating failure is an essential part of career growth.Crafting positive responses in interviews is crucial for success.Personal branding and embracing AI are key aspects of professional development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Sponsor01:24 Networking and Business Relationships05:07 LinkedIn Drama and Guest Introduction21:27 Transition to Hot Topics: Job Market and Recruiting23:04 Navigating the Challenging Job Market24:08 Building New Skills and Pivoting25:32 The Power of Networking and Referrals26:42 Standing Out in the Recruiting Process48:42 Avoiding Red Flags in Interviews49:39 Navigating Failure and Learning50:23 Interviewing with Confidence and Self-Assessment51:08 Crafting Positive Responses in Interviews52:03 Listening for Key Qualities in Candidates53:15 Asking Thoughtful Questions in Interviews59:55 Personal Branding and Professional Presence01:04:08 Finding Strengths and Embracing AI01:09:21 Dreams and Normalizing Conversation Starters

  3. Aug 4

    Toxic Workplaces Part II: How to Deal With a Toxic Boss (And Become a Better Leader)

    What makes a boss truly great—and what makes a bad one unforgettable? In this special "Toxic Workplaces Part II" episode of In The Business of Humans, Joe Gilgoff and Lynda Harvey tackle one of the biggest factors in anyone's career: leadership. From toxic bosses and first-time managers to founder-led companies and workplace culture, they explore why so many people leave managers—not companies—and what separates leaders who inspire trust from those who quietly (or loudly) destroy it. Whether you've had a terrible boss, recently stepped into management, or are trying to become the kind of leader people genuinely want to follow, this conversation is filled with practical insights, honest stories, and actionable advice. Joe and Lynda discuss how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, empathy, accountability, and intentional leadership shape healthier teams—and why many organizations continue to promote great individual contributors without teaching them how to lead people. In this episode, they explore: The biggest mistakes new managers makeWhy toxic bosses damage trust, morale, and company cultureHow to recognize unhealthy leadership before it affects your careerMoving from peer to manager without losing credibilityFounder leadership: when passion becomes a strength—and when it becomes a liabilityWhy recognition and appreciation matter more than many leaders realizeEmotional intelligence, self-awareness, and coaching as leadership superpowersHow employees can navigate difficult managers while protecting their well-beingWhen workplace behavior crosses the line into harassment or unlawful conduct—and what employees should doPractical strategies for leading people with empathy, accountability, and authenticityPlus, a lighter conversation on staying calm under pressure and, somehow, Italian food prices Whether you're a CEO, founder, executive, people manager, HR leader, entrepreneur, customer experience professional, or an employee trying to navigate a difficult workplace, this episode offers practical lessons that can help you build healthier relationships, stronger teams, and a better career. If you're interested in leadership, management, toxic bosses, workplace culture, emotional intelligence, company culture, employee engagement, first-time managers, career growth, communication, organizational psychology, HR, management training, customer experience (CX), or professional development, this conversation is for you. Great leaders don't create followers. They create environments where people can do the best work of their careers.

  4. Jul 16

    Humanity Through Video, with Ben Nathan + Fran Bryzski (Presented by: Hark)

    Why does video create trust in ways that emails, Slack messages, and even AI often can't? In this episode of In The Business of Humans, Lynda and Joe are honored and thrilled to be joined by ultra-accomplished film maker Ben Nathan (Owner of All of Us Films, Impact Reel and much more), and cutting-edge entrepreneur Fran Bryzski (Founder + CEO of Hark). Together, the group explores why video storytelling has become one of the most powerful communication tools in business—and why authenticity matters. Whether you're a leader managing a remote team, building a company, creating content, working in customer experience, selling to customers, or simply trying to communicate more effectively, this conversation dives into why people connect with people—not perfectly polished messages. The group discusses how video helps preserve tone, emotion, empathy, and trust in ways that written communication often struggles to achieve. They also examine the growing role of AI in communication, where technology adds value, where it falls short, and why authentic human connection is becoming even more important in an increasingly automated world. Along the way, they explore: Why video builds trust faster than email, Slack, or textThe psychology behind authentic communication and human connectionHow leaders can use video to build stronger teams and company cultureCustomer experience, customer feedback, and the emotional power of seeing real peopleWhy authenticity consistently outperforms perfectionThe evolving relationship between AI and human communicationThe challenges of remote work and digital collaborationPractical ways to become a more confident communicator on cameraWhy storytelling remains one of the most valuable leadership skills in business Ben and Fran left Lynda and Joe with incredible stories and lessons to savor for life; and we're confident you'll feel the same way! Takeaways Video as a powerful medium for storytelling and communicationThe importance of authenticity and human connection in video content Video as a Powerful Communication ToolAuthenticity in Communication Chapters 00:00 The Power of Video Storytelling28:59 The Impact of Authenticity37:50 Introduction and Panel Guests38:16 Fran Briskey's Background and Role at Hark39:32 Ben's Experience with Ken Burns and Video Impact40:55 The Emotional Impact of Video41:38 The Role of Video in Creating Human Bonds42:08 Fran's Multitasking and Video's Impact on Communication43:32 The Power of Video in Customer Feedback44:25 The Influence of Video in Business Decision-Making45:21 The Impact of Video on Brand Loyalty and Customer Engagement46:14 The Role of Video in Human Connection and Understanding50:20 Authenticity in Video Content Creation51:35 The Use of Video in Documentary Filmmaking51:57 The Importance of Authenticity in Video Content01:00:35 The Impact of Video on Personal Branding and Communication01:04:38 The Frustration with AI Communication and Technology01:06:06 The Challenge of Authenticity in Written Communication01:07:01 The Frustration with Technology and Communication Tools01:11:30 Conclusion and Thank You

  5. Jul 7

    Code Switching at Work: Authenticity, Leadership & Belonging

    What does it really mean to "code switch"—and how much of yourself should you change to succeed? In this episode of In The Business of Humans, co-hosts Lynda Harvey and Joe Gilgoff are honored to be joined by two extremely accomplished and brilliant guests: Dr. Wendy Johnson and Clarence Bongalos. Together, the group takes an honest look at one of the most complex topics in today's workplace: code switching. Whether you're navigating leadership, managing a team, interviewing for a new role, building your career, or simply trying to fit into different social and professional environments, most of us have adapted the way we communicate, behave, or present ourselves. But when does that adaptation become a valuable leadership skill—and when does it come at the expense of authenticity? The panel explores the emotional, psychological, and practical realities of code switching, including why it exists, how it affects confidence, belonging, workplace culture, diversity, leadership, and career growth, and how managers can create environments where people don't feel they have to hide parts of themselves to succeed. Along the way, they discuss: What code switching really is—and why nearly everyone does itThe hidden emotional cost of constantly adapting to different environmentsAuthentic leadership versus strategic communicationWorkplace culture, inclusion, belonging, and psychological safetyThe role managers and executives play in creating trustSelf-awareness, emotional intelligence, and career developmentWhen code switching is helpful—and when it's harmfulPractical strategies for staying authentic while remaining adaptablePlus, a fun closing conversation on everyone's favorite personal pet peeves If you're interested in leadership, management, workplace psychology, communication, emotional intelligence, career advice, customer experience, company culture, diversity, inclusion, authenticity, or professional development, this conversation offers practical insights that will make you think differently about how we show up—for ourselves and for others. Chapters 00:00 — What Is Code Switching? 05:08 — The Emotional Weight of Adapting 36:48 — Survival, Belonging & Assimilation 45:25 — Courage, Self-Awareness & Authentic Leadership 01:03:18 — Pet Peeves & Lighter Moments

  6. Jun 24

    Season 2 Premiere: Lynda & Joe on Life, Leadership, and What's Next

    Welcome back to Season 2 of In The Business of Humans with hosts Lynda Harvey and Joe Gilgoff. In this kickoff episode, Lynda and Joe reintroduce themselves, share updates from their professional and personal journeys, and set the stage for an exciting new season focused on the people side of work. From leadership and management to career growth, entrepreneurship, customer experience, workplace culture, and the evolving role of AI, they explore the conversations that help professionals build more meaningful and successful careers. Lynda draws on her extensive experience as an executive coach and leadership expert to discuss self-awareness, personal growth, and what it takes to lead effectively in today's workplace. Joe shares lessons from building customer experience teams, launching his advisory business, and helping companies create stronger relationships with both employees and customers. Together, they discuss career pivots, consulting, business development, networking, community building, and why authentic human connection remains one of the most valuable skills in any profession. The episode also introduces new resources for listeners, offers practical insights for leaders and individual contributors alike, and delivers the candid, relatable conversations that have become a hallmark of the show. Whether you're a manager, entrepreneur, customer experience leader, HR professional, executive, or someone simply looking to grow in your career, this episode provides actionable insights and fresh perspectives on navigating the modern world of work. Key Topics Leadership and managementCareer development and career transitionsExecutive coaching and professional growthCustomer experience (CX) and business strategyEntrepreneurship and consultingWorkplace culture and employee engagementNetworking and community buildingAI and the future of workSelf-awareness and personal developmentBuilding meaningful human connections at work

  7. Mar 18

    AI is for Humans

    How does a podcast about driving humanity in the workplace tackle the imposing topic of AI for the first time? Bringing on one of the world's leading experts is a great place to start! On our special season 1 finale episode, we're joined by Aria Finger, former CEO of DoSomething.org and current Chief of Staff to Reid Hoffman (Founder of LinkedIn, one of the world's leading AI experts/entrepreneurs; venture capitalists; philanthropists; authors; political influencers) and co-host with Reid of the acclaimed Possible podcast, which has explored this exact topic of AI + humanity with a curious, intellectual and optimistic lens with the likes of Sam Altman, Kara Swisher, Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah and dozens of other superstars in business + society. Aria spends her days helping to shape our current world, while also partnering with other brilliant, influential folks to imagine and help shape what our future world could look like -- including how AI will continue to evolve, and co-exist with people. And it's not all bad! You'll hear about how AI can not only uplift and empower humans in their jobs and lives, but also serve purely altruistic purposes, like powering cutting-edge medical research to save real human lives. You'll also get to know Aria, the human being: a warm, humble and funny soul, and a loving wife and mom of 3 rambunctious kids -- trying to juggle quite a lot at once, and figure this "life" thing out just like the rest of us! We love our season finale episode, and we hope that you will too.

  8. Mar 3

    Boundaries at Work

    The age-old topic of how to establish the right boundaries at work. Is this even a thing, for career-driven people?! (Yes!) But how, without damaging our standing and growth potential?! (Please have a listen to this episode!) Whether you like the expression "work-life" balance or not, we can all agree that success at work cannot come at the cost of well being, or having a life and sources of fulfillment outside of work. In this episode of 'The Business of Humans', Lynda and Joe unpack it all! As usual, actionable advice will be offered, made more colorful with personal stories across 40+ combined years of leadership roles, successes and setbacks.

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About

The Unlikely Duo: Turning Workplace Dynamics into Lifelong Friendships (and Business Wisdom!) Meet Lynda Harvey and Joe Gilgoff: a former employee and boss who morphed their professional relationship into an extraordinary, decades-spanning friendship. With 40+ years of combined experience building, scaling, and supporting top-tier Customer Support and Service departments, they've seen it all. But here's their secret: they know that the business of working is all about the business of working with humans. Get proven business facts and refreshingly honest career advice in a conversation built on trust, experience, and an amazing friendship.

Information

  • Creator
    Lynda Harvey + Joe Gilgoff
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Lynda Harvey + Joe Gilgoff
  • Show Website
    In The Business of Humans