Cutting Through The Noise Jon Kwan & Joanne Koo

🎙️ In this episode of "Cutting Through The Noise," we dive deep into the challenges and strategies surrounding the return to the office. 🏢💼


📊 We conducted an informal poll with people who have been working for some time, and the results were surprising! 50% preferred working from home four to five days a week, while only 10% wanted to return to the office every day. 🏠🌍


💡 But why do so many people want to work from home? We explore the reasons behind this preference and the importance of employees feeling productive and valued. We also discuss the pitfalls of remote work without collaboration. 🤝


🔑 Is the role of a Chief Experience Officer the key? And the need for a Chief Coordinating Officer to manage scheduling in a hybrid work environment??🙈📅✅


💥 Plus, we share insights on the importance of feeling connected to the organization's mission, and how companies can engage and foster loyalty in young employees. 🙌🌟


Topics Covered:


[00:00:25] Remote work may weaken employer-employee bond.[00:05:47] Survey shows mixed desire for office return.[00:08:23] Remote work eliminates wasted time, but lacks social bonding.[00:13:22] Engage young employees for increased connection.[00:15:44] Reengage employees through effective communication and managers.[00:21:38] The problem: measuring productivity, power dynamics.[00:23:37] Hybrid work schedule may lead to disconnection.[00:27:11] Forget the Chief Experience Officer (CXO). Is what we really need a Chief Coordinating Officer?!





Music: "I'm on a Roll" by Grace Mesa

In this episode, we explore the importance of human connection in the age of remote work. We discuss the use of cameras during virtual meetings, the challenges of working from home, and the potential for hybrid work situations in the future.


Join us as we dissect the nuances of virtual communication, the importance of human-to-human connection, and share insights on how to create a positive work environment in a post-COVID world.


Topics Covered:


[00:00:24] Virtual Work Etiquette: Camera On or Off?[00:08:31] Remote Work Reveals Hidden Personalities at Workplace[00:10:52] The Importance of Video Cameras in Reintegrating Offices[00:18:44] Encouraging employee participation beyond verbal communication[00:19:44] Navigating Work from Home Camera Policies[00:22:57] How to Stand Out in Virtual Meetings[00:28:52] Managing the Challenges of a Hybrid Workplace

Music: "I'm on a Roll" by Grace Mesa

In today's new world of work, the old debate of a generalist vs. a specialist still remains as relevant as ever.


In this episode we'll look at both sides of the issue:


Topics covered:


Which profile is more desired by hiring managers?How would you build a team from scratch?How should you start your career?What makes a good generalist?Siloed Thinking vs. System Thinking

Music: "I'm on a Roll" by Grace Mesa

This is a continuation from Part 1, where we go into even more detail about some of the dirty secrets b-schools don't want you to know.


Topics Covered in Part 2:


The Real CostsCalculating your payback/ROIWhat they don't tell you about rankings2yr programs aren't as expensive as you thinkSupply & demand of talentThe Top 3 considerations for an MBA

Music: "I'm on a Roll" by Grace Mesa

If you're thinking of heading back to school, the MBA is a degree that's most likely on your list. But there's so much noise out there about B-School, and it's definitely not a cheap proposition.


Since we both have MBAs and have been on the inside as staff for Top 10 B-schools, we'll take you behind the scenes and share as we always do, the Good, Bad & Ugly.


What are some of the major considerations and things they don't tell you? We've got so much good stuff, we'll be breaking this into 2 parts for you!


Topics Covered in Part 1:


Macro trends in post-graduate educationIs the 2yr MBA model dying/dead?Online vs. in-personThe importance of your WHYThe Case Study Method: What the classroom is really like"Being in the Centre" is undervaluedThe networking fallacy of B-SchoolYou must have the end in mind

Music: "I'm on a Roll" by Grace Mesa

Welcome to our FIRST episode! Recorded during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic with fear, layoffs & uncertainty all around the world, we tackle one of the questions on many young people's minds right now: Is now a good time to go back to school?


Topics covered:


Pros to going back nowWhat programs are hotTraditional in-person Master's vs. Online LearningThe value of your classmatesWhat you need in the workforceHow employers view degrees todayA view from the C-SuiteIf we had to do it all over again...

Music: "I'm on a Roll" by Grace Mesa