Embracing Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World with Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky
Episode Summary: In this episode of Culture Conversations, Craig Forman sits down with Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky, a renowned author and speaker on workplace culture and human connection. They delve into the challenges and opportunities of fostering meaningful connections in the modern workplace, especially in an era increasingly dominated by remote work and AI technology. Smiley emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human connection, the role of organizational culture, and the need for flexible, people-centric policies. Key Topics Discussed: The Importance of Human Connection: Smiley highlights the necessity of remembering the human element in the workplace, especially as technology and remote work become more prevalent. Balancing Flexibility and Connection: Exploring the dichotomy of enjoying remote work benefits while addressing the resulting disconnection and loneliness among employees. Organizational and Individual Roles: Discussing how both organizations and individuals can take responsibility for fostering a connected workplace. Designing for Connection: The concept of prioritizing human connection in all work environments—remote, hybrid, or in-person. Autonomy and Innovation: How giving employees more autonomy and ownership can lead to greater innovation and change. AI and the Future of Work: Smiley's perspective on AI's potential to improve work efficiency while emphasizing the critical need to reinvest the saved time back into people. Building Community: Insights from Craig’s experience in building the Culture First community and the importance of localizing leadership and topics within global frameworks. AI Ethics: The growing importance of AI ethics training and making principled decisions in the use of AI technologies. Relevant Links: Smiley’s Website: Explore Smiley’s work, download the free Workplace Belonging Toolkit, and sign up for his newsletter. LinkedIn: Connect with Smiley on LinkedIn for more insights and updates. Recommended Reading: Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg - An insightful book on the science of connection and effective communication. About Our Guest: Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky, a renowned workplace and connection expert, motivational speaker, and bestselling author. Smiley is best known for his impactful books such as "The Quarter-Life Breakthrough" and "Friendship in the Age of Loneliness," which have inspired countless individuals to find meaningful work and foster deeper connections in their lives. Smiley's work focuses on fostering workplace belonging, increasing employee engagement, and building high-performing teams. His insightful keynotes provide actionable strategies for leaders to attract and retain top talent by creating a culture of empathy, connection, and belonging. Smiley has spoken at numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Apple, Google, and Deloitte, and his TEDx talk on the quarter-life crisis has garnered over 1.5 million views. Smiley has a unique approach to creating inclusive workplaces, the challenges of modern work culture, and his strategies for building stronger human connections in the digital age. Host: Craig Forman, founder of CultureC Consulting, is an organizational psychologist and HR technology expert dedicated to improving workplace culture through employee listening and engagement programs. Connect with Us: Website: CultureC Consulting LinkedIn: Craig Forman Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss out on future episodes of Culture Conversations. Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
