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. Jun 4

    From Startup to Global Leader: Larry Hartmann on Team Dynamics and Growth

    Step inside the mind of Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG Partners, on this episode of "The Psychology of Work: Why People Do What They Do." From launching startups to leading one of the world’s fastest-growing executive search firms, Larry Hartmann shares eye-opening stories about scaling businesses, building high-performing teams, and why true leadership is all about earning followership. If you want to know how the world’s top companies and winning sports teams find and develop transformative talent, you won’t want to miss this candid and data-driven conversation with Dr. Bobbi Wegner and Larry Hartmann. Larry Hartmann is the CEO of ZRG Partners, one of the world’s fastest-growing executive search and talent advisory firms. An entrepreneur at heart, he has co-founded and scaled multiple businesses, from taking Rockford Industries public on the Nasdaq to leading ZRG to global prominence through hands-on leadership and strategic M&A. Under his direction, ZRG has grown to over 700 employees, $300M+ in revenue, and become a leader in both corporate and sports executive search. Larry is passionate about developing high-performing teams, championing data-driven talent strategies, and helping organizations unlock the kind of leadership that inspires followership and real-world results. KEY TOPICS The entrepreneurial journey: scaling two businesses from scratch to market leaders [00:01:44]Building high-performing teams through hands-on leadership and complementary partnerships [00:08:17]Using data-driven approaches and AI for executive search, leadership assessment, and onboarding [00:16:16]The centrality of followership, trust, and emotional intelligence in great leaders [00:21:08]Maintaining culture and relational depth while scaling organizations through rapid growth [00:30:17] Todays guest, Larry Hartmann, can be found online at: Website: https://www.zrgpartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-hartmann-723b3a/ 7 Pillars of Inspired Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Inspired-Leadership-entrepreneurs-influenced/dp/B0DT2RCLB7/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image 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/

    43 min

  2. May 21

    Navigating Conflict and Connection in Women’s Leadership and Entrepreneurship with Katya Libin

    What happens when spiritual wisdom meets business ambition? In this episode, Katya Libin, co-founder of Jadeva and powerhouse community builder, shares her journey from immigrant roots to influential leadership in the world of female entrepreneurship. Dive into a candid and inspiring conversation with Dr. Bobbi Wegner as they unpack the secrets of scaling a business without losing yourself, the power of authentic connection, and why rethinking feminine leadership might be the key to thriving in today’s workplace. If you’re ready to challenge your definition of success and discover the sacred space where strategy and soul unite, you won’t want to miss this episode. Katya Libin, co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Jadeva, joins the show to share the journey from building HeyMama into a powerhouse network for working mothers to her current mission: helping visionary women entrepreneurs scale their businesses without losing themselves in the process. KEY TOPICS The immigrant experience as a foundation for entrepreneurial resilience [00:01:43]Redefining feminine leadership by integrating intuition, rest, and authentic alignment [00:07:29]The importance of naming and repairing relational dynamics for deeper team and community connection [00:12:22]The role of conscious practices like meditation and attunement in overcoming feelings of disconnection or being stuck [00:27:55]Bridging business and spirituality: why integration not consumption is key for women leaders [00:31:00] Todays guest, Katya Libin, can be found online at: Website: https://www.jadeva.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyalibin/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/katyalibin 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/

    34 min

  3. May 7

    Mastering Pressure and Paradoxes With Elite Performance Psychologist Jonathan Smith

    Ever wondered what Olympic athletes and high-performing CEOs have in common? In this episode, renowned performance psychologist Jonathan Smith reveals the secrets behind thriving under extreme pressure on the field and in the boardroom. Discover how self-awareness, paradoxical leadership, and genuine team trust can turn any group into a powerhouse. Whether you lead a sports team or a company, you'll take away actionable insights to help you and your team perform and feel their best every day. Jonathan Smith is a performance psychologist, consultant, and lecturer whose career spans F1, GB sprint canoeing, Paralympic teams, and national rugby, badminton, and football associations. As managing director of adaptivemind, he translates what works in Olympic-level sports to public and private sector leadership and team development. Jonathan completed his undergrad, master’s, and PhD at Loughborough University, researching how others influence motivation and how individuals handle stress under elite pressure. He’s also served as a senior lecturer in sport psychology at Newman University, and today, he helps organizations balance performance, development, and wellbeing to get the best from their teams. KEY TOPICS The three-part optimization model: performance, development, and wellbeing in sport and work [04:00]How self-awareness acts as the gatekeeper for personal and professional growth [09:27]Why high-performing teams thrive on compassionate truth-telling—balancing candor and care [14:04]Embracing paradoxes: how support, challenge, autonomy, and belonging drive team dynamics [21:27]Performing under pressure can be learned. Recognize, release, and reset for peak performance [41:42] Todays guest, Jonathan Smith, can be found online at: Website: https://www.adaptivemind.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-smith-8185a747/ 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/

    44 min

  4. Apr 9

    Inside the Mind of Leaders: Sebastien Page Talks Personality, Team Dynamics, and Workplace Happiness

    Step into the mind of Sebastian Page, chief investment officer and author of "The Psychology of Leadership," as he joins Dr. Bobbi Wegner for an eye-opening conversation on what really drives high-performing teams. From dissecting the power of personality traits to challenging popular myths about happiness and leadership, this episode delivers practical insights, candid stories, and surprising science-backed truths. Whether you're curious about why disagreeable leaders sometimes shape the best outcomes or how a Netflix binge could actually fuel your performance, you won't want to miss this engaging dive into the psychology of work. Sébastien Page is a Chief Investment Officer, author, and organizational psychology enthusiast. He oversees investment strategy across equities, fixed income, and alternatives for T. Rowe Price, managing over $500 billion in assets. His passion lies in exploring leadership through the lens of personality psychology, performance, and decision-making. Sébastien’s latest book, The Psychology of Leadership, examines how leaders think, react, and show up when stakes are high and the answers are unclear. He is a frequent speaker, podcast guest, and advocate for applying science-backed positive psychology to the workplace. KEY TOPICS The science vs. perception of happiness: why wealth and fame aren’t what drive fulfillment [04:03]Personality traits at work: balancing conscientiousness and openness for building high-performing teams [09:57]Agreeableness and conflict: how healthy disagreement fuels innovation and psychological safety in teams [22:21]Leadership effectiveness: why consistently exerting authority signals low team cohesion [30:40]Rest as performance fuel: Simone Biles and reframing downtime as a key to resilience [41:12] Todays guest, Sébastien Page, can be found online at: Sébastien’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Leadership-principles-leadership-individuals/dp/1804090921/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Sébastien-page/ 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/

    43 min

  5. Apr 2

    How “Yes, and Improv” Can Boost Team Innovation and Culture With Amanda Austin

    Ever wondered what improv comedy can teach us about building high-performing teams and authentic connections at work? In this episode, Dr. Bobbi Wegner sits down with keynote speaker, coach, and former Dallas Comedy House CEO Amanda Austin to explore the transformative power of improvisation in business. Discover how simple shifts in listening, embracing failure, and cultivating a "yes, and" culture can spark creativity, deepen trust, and bring teams together even in the face of uncertainty. Amanda Austin is a keynote speaker, coach, and the former CEO of Dallas Comedy House, where she spent over a decade helping teams and leaders think, communicate, and collaborate through the science of improvisation. She has worked with organizations like McKinsey, Hilton, Deloitte, and the U.S. Army, and teaches innovation and change in the MBA program at SMU. Amanda’s unique approach combines improv, organizational psychology, and human-centered design to help teams build trust, adapt to uncertainty, and create environments where everyone’s voice is heard. KEY TOPICS Improv isn't just offsite games, it's everyday skills for deeper listening and collaboration at work [00:02:21]The "yes, and" mindset: how acknowledging AND building on others' ideas fosters psychological safety and innovation [00:11:27]Why most teams have a connection problem, not just a communication problem and how improv addresses it [00:10:17]Embracing uncertainty and failure as core to team learning, growth, and resilience [00:22:16]How leaders' misreading of silence can signal disengagement and the early warning signs of apathy on teams [00:23:38] Todays guest, Amanda Austin, can be found online at: Website: https://www.amandaaustin.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-austin/ 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/

    35 min

  6. Mar 26

    Ellen M. Cartee Explains the Big Hug Approach to Mergers and Team Integration

    In this episode, Dr. Bobbi Wegner sits down with Ellen M. Cartee, Chief Human Resources Officer at Mobile Communications America, to explore the surprising emotional and psychological journey behind company mergers. Discover how Ellen M. Cartee and her team transform anxiety and skepticism into connection and opportunity, why over-communication trumps perfection, and what it really takes to merge cultures without losing the magic. If you think acquisitions have to be cold and chaotic, this conversation just might change your mind and show you why the "big hug" approach could be a game-changer for any team facing change. Ellen M. Cartee is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Mobile Communications America (MCA), a leading communications and security company operating at scale across the United States. With over eight years at MCA, Ellen has helped the organization grow from 365 to more than 1,700 employees, navigating 47+ acquisitions along the way. Known for pioneering "the Big Hug" approach to acquisitions, Ellen focuses on making team members feel genuinely welcomed, supported, and integral to the company’s ongoing success. Her people-first, clarity-driven leadership has helped maintain cohesion and identity through rapid expansion proving that growth doesn’t have to mean sacrificing culture. KEY TOPICS The emotional rollercoaster of acquisitions and the importance of psychological safety for employees [00:03:32]How clear, repeated communication and simple FAQs help people process change in uncertain times [00:05:08]The "dip of doom": navigating the natural grief and adjustment curves post-acquisition [00:14:01]Building a "third culture" by integrating the best of both organizations after a merger [00:22:44]Why humility, openness, and valuing people are at the heart of successful team integration [00:26:27] Todays guest, Ellen M. Cartee, can be found online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-m-cartee-484b4b5/ 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/

    33 min

  7. Mar 19

    Transforming Burnout to Growth Through Cutting-Edge Neuroscience and Ai-Driven Insights

    Ready to rethink what really drives success at work? In this episode of The Psychology of Work, Dr. Bobbi Wegner sits down with Jennie Blumenthal, former PwC partner, leadership advisor, and author of Corporate Rehab for a bold, honest conversation about why relentless hustle is breaking our teams, and how AI can actually help us unlock true leadership and growth. From pandemic reflections to practical strategies for boosting capacity without burning out, this episode unpacks why tech isn’t the issue, it's how we lead and adapt. If you want to discover how to move your team out of survival mode and into a real growth zone, this one’s for you. Jennie Blumenthal is a former PwC partner, leadership advisor, CEO and Corporate Rehab Leadership and author of Corporate Rehab. She helps enterprise leaders accelerate growth in the age of AI by transforming leadership capacity and organizational systems. Jennie’s work draws on her high-powered corporate background and personal experience overcoming burnout, allowing her to guide leaders to build more sustainable and innovative teams. KEY TOPICS How leadership capacity, not technology is the real constraint on organizational growth today 00:46Jennie Blumenthal’s personal burnout story and the pivotal moment that led her to rethink corporate leadership 05:35Why constantly pushing harder leads to diminishing returns and breaks leadership effectiveness 07:04The AI absorption gap: Why organizations struggle to leverage new technology despite rapid advances 18:33The growth zone concept: Striking a balance between burnout and disengagement for optimal team performance 22:04 Todays guest, Jennie Blumenthal, can be found online at: Website: https://www.corporate-rehab.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennieblumenthal/ 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/

    32 min

  8. Mar 12

    Leading Change in Legacy Brands: How Welch’s Blends Tradition, Innovation, and Purpose

    What happens when you try to drive innovation inside a company with 150 years of history and 600 family farmers as your owners? In this episode, Dr. Bobbi Wegner sits down with Christine Kinahan and Amanda Raymond from Welch’s to uncover how they balance honoring deep-rooted traditions with the relentless push for modernization. From stories of harvest-season hustle to navigating transformation as an operating model, discover why the “power of we” isn’t just a value, it’s their competitive edge. Whether you geek out over organizational culture or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode will make you see grape juice (and peanut butter & jelly) in a whole new light. Amanda Raymond, Director of Talent Development at Welch’s, specializes in leadership development and talent programs that help teams thrive in a rapidly changing workplace. With experience at Jobcase, DataRobot, and the TJX companies, Amanda brings a passion for growing resilient, purpose-driven teams in legacy organizations. Christine Kinahan is the Chief People Oficer at Welch’s, where she champions innovation while honoring the cooperative’s commitment to its growers. She carefully balances risk and resources, making bold yet strategic decisions that put Main Street ahead of Wall Street. Christine ensures that every change serves both the market and Welch’s customers, reflecting her dedication to meaningful progress within the cooperative model. KEY TOPICS How Welch’s cooperative model puts family farmers at the heart of the business [00:06:06]The balance of honoring tradition while driving innovation in a 150-year-old brand [00:01:33]Why leadership at Welch’s centers on empathy, resilience, and "the power of we" [00:11:35]Strategies for uniting legacy employees and new talent through transparent communication [00:19:56]Why effective organizational change starts with empowerment, overcommunication, and upward feedback [00:22:14] Todays guest, Amanda Raymond, can be found online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaraymondma/ Todays guest, Christine Kinahan, can be found online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinenacnodovitz/ 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/

    33 min
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3 Ratings

About

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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