Adaptive Futures

Al Adamsen

For nearly a decade, this podcast has explored how people, organizations, and technology shape the future of work. Now, as The Adaptive Futures Podcast, the journey continues with deeper conversations about what it means to adapt and thrive in an age of Ai and constant disruption. Each week, host Al Adamsen sits down with executives, innovators, and change-makers to hear their personal stories—how they got to where they are, what they’re working on today, and what they believe the future of work will hold. Guests open up about their hopes, their concerns, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Episodes run about an hour in an audio-first format, offering a mix of narrative and insight. You’ll hear career advice for students, early-career professionals, and those navigating transition, as well as practical guidance for leaders striving to build inclusive cultures and engaged workforces. In addition to these in-depth interviews, The Adaptive Futures Podcast is also home to audio versions of Al’s Future of Work Live conversations—bringing timely insights, bold ideas, and real-world practices straight to your headphones. Whether you’re a leader, a learner, or simply curious about where work is headed, join us to explore the stories, ideas, and actions shaping a more adaptive future.

  1. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic on “Don’t Be Yourself” and Why Authenticity is Overrated | Adaptive Futures Live

    10/03/2025

    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic on “Don’t Be Yourself” and Why Authenticity is Overrated | Adaptive Futures Live

    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic | Breaking the Four Authenticity Traps Psychologist, author, and innovator Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic joins Al Adamsen to rethink what “authenticity” really means at work. Drawing on his new book Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead), Tomas unpacks the Four Authenticity Traps, why “bring your whole self to work” can backfire, and how to lead with self-awareness, situational awareness, and integrity. We also explore inclusion, identity, and how to give and receive feedback in ways that build trust rather than erode it. What You’ll Learn The Four Authenticity Traps, and why well-meant advice (e.g., “always be honest,” “don’t worry what others think,” “follow your values,” “bring your whole self to work”) can create new problemsWhy authenticity is an attribution (how others experience you) and how EQ/strategic self-presentation builds trust and psychological safetyThe role of boundaries, self-control, and situational awareness in modern leadershipHow to avoid oversharing, process feedback like an adult, and use multi-source input (360s) to see your “reputation mosaic”Practical ways to “go against your nature” (learned behaviors > fixed traits) to become your future, better selfEpisode Chapters (selected) 0:00 — Welcome + why authenticity needs nuance1:15 — The origin of the book + when “being yourself” goes wrong3:26 — From Aristotle to Amy Edmondson: how we got here4:47 — Limits of “whole self at work” and the case for a professional self6:38 — What research actually measures as “authenticity”8:57 — Trust, safety, and why others decide if you’re authentic12:32 — Authenticity as privilege; power, status, and role-flexing14:40 — Self-complexity and expressing the relevant parts of you15:26 — Oversharing, boundaries, and learning from regret19:30 — The Four Traps in detail (honesty, caring what others think, values, whole self)23:48 — Aim for the better future self, not a fixed past self28:00 — Growth mindset vs. the painful reality of change31:16 — Coaching works best on the people who “need it least”32:51 — “Going against your nature” as a leadership skill40:59 — Replace authenticity debates with integrity + trustworthy behavior44:10 — Feedback that helps (and why most of it doesn’t)Resources & Links Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic → https://drtomas.comAdaptive Futures → https://adaptivefutures.ioYour Next Move If this was useful, please follow/subscribe and share it with a colleague. Explore transcripts, resources, courses, and community at Adaptive Futures. Credits Music: Ambient Background Music (Loop Version) via Adobe Stock Edited by Cash Adamsen

    53 min
  2. Frank Ricciardi of Maavee on Wellbeing at Work

    12/17/2024

    Frank Ricciardi of Maavee on Wellbeing at Work

    In this episode Al Adamsen engages in a deep conversation with Frank Ricciardi, founder and CEO of Maavee, about the multifaceted nature of wellbeing in today's world. They explore the importance of physical, emotional, and psychological health, the role of employers in supporting employee wellbeing, and the significance of community in fostering connections. Frank shares insights on the differences between wellness and wellbeing, the impact of Ai on wellbeing solutions, and his personal journey that led him to create Maavee. The discussion emphasizes the need for prevention in health, the importance of individual agency in wellbeing, and the hopes for a more connected and understanding future. Key Takeaways: Well-being encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological health.Employers play a crucial role in supporting employee wellbeing.Community connections are vital for individual wellbeing.Wellness is a journey, not a destination.Data privacy is essential in wellbeing solutions.AI can enhance personalized wellbeing experiences.Prevention is key to addressing societal health challenges.Individual agency is important in making wellbeing choices.The future of wellbeing involves understanding and acceptance.Maavee aims to create a supportive community for wellbeing.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Mavi and Well-Being03:48 The Well-Being Market Landscape06:39 Mavi's Value Proposition13:58 Navigating Personal Well-Being with Mavi21:22 The Range of Well-Being Solutions28:22 Building Community Beyond the Workplace32:49 Harnessing the Power of Intention for 202533:46 Building Community in a Digital Age35:12 Data Privacy and User Trust37:25 AI's Role in Personal Wellness41:55 Wellness for All Generations45:55 The Journey to Wellness: Frank's Story55:14 Hopes for a Compassionate Future57:11 Advice for Young People: Embrace Experiences gomaavee.com

    1h 1m

About

For nearly a decade, this podcast has explored how people, organizations, and technology shape the future of work. Now, as The Adaptive Futures Podcast, the journey continues with deeper conversations about what it means to adapt and thrive in an age of Ai and constant disruption. Each week, host Al Adamsen sits down with executives, innovators, and change-makers to hear their personal stories—how they got to where they are, what they’re working on today, and what they believe the future of work will hold. Guests open up about their hopes, their concerns, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Episodes run about an hour in an audio-first format, offering a mix of narrative and insight. You’ll hear career advice for students, early-career professionals, and those navigating transition, as well as practical guidance for leaders striving to build inclusive cultures and engaged workforces. In addition to these in-depth interviews, The Adaptive Futures Podcast is also home to audio versions of Al’s Future of Work Live conversations—bringing timely insights, bold ideas, and real-world practices straight to your headphones. Whether you’re a leader, a learner, or simply curious about where work is headed, join us to explore the stories, ideas, and actions shaping a more adaptive future.