Make Work Not Suck

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Make Work Not Suck

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT BUSINESS, WORK & LIFE

  1. -2 J

    Why Work Feels Like It’s Taking Over Your Life (And How to Stop It)

    Do you ever feel like work has become too important—or maybe not important enough? In this episode of the Make Work Not Suck podcast, co-hosts Daniel Steere and Ryan Hodges, joined by special guest Maria Dobreva, dive deep into how to find the perfect balance between your personal and professional life. We explore why work can consume your identity, the dangers of being “always on,” and how to spot when work is overtaking your life—or not fulfilling you at all. With real stories and actionable tips, we’ll help you break free from the traps of over-attachment or disengagement, and find the work-life harmony that makes work (and life) not suck. Topics Covered: [00:00] Introduction: Are You Always “On”?[03:45] When Work Becomes Too Important: Stories from the Frontlines[10:12] The Cost of Over-Attachment to Your Job[17:18] The Other Side: Why Work Feels Meaningless[24:02] Discovering Your Motivating Pillar: Vision, Journey, Culture, or Results[30:45] Strategies for Leaders, Managers, and Employees to Find Balance[40:00] Closing Thoughts: Making Work and Life Better Key Takeaways: For Leaders: Develop recovery strategies and balance work with personal passions. Recharge spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically for a healthier perspective on work.For Managers: Balance caring for your team with caring for yourself. Support employees in finding meaning while ensuring you’re not overextending your own limits.For Employees: Take a PTO day to reflect on what you value most in life and work. If your current role doesn’t align, work with your manager to make adjustments—or find a role that does. Don’t let work run your life—take charge and make it meaningful. Listen in for the tools and mindset shifts to create balance and purpose in your career and beyond.

    39 min

  2. 14 NOV.

    Understanding and Preventing Burnout: Why Vision Matters and How to Reconnect Your Team

    In this episode of Make Work Not Suck, co-hosts Daniel Steere and Ryan Hodges tackle one of the most widespread issues in today’s workplace: burnout. Especially relevant in a post-COVID world, burnout has become a struggle for employees and leaders alike, affecting productivity, morale, and overall job satisfaction. Ryan and Daniel share personal stories of burnout, exploring its causes and offering practical solutions for employees, managers, and executives. They discuss how unclear vision, outdated processes, and lack of efficiency can lead to burnout and provide actionable steps to prevent it. This episode delves into understanding burnout’s symptoms, addressing them at every organizational level, and creating a culture of clarity and support. This episode covers: • [00:00] The Story of an “FU” Slide: Highlighting Inefficient Processes • [01:22] Welcome to the Episode: Burnout and Why It’s Timely • [02:09] Different Types of Burnout: Juggling Work and Personal Life • [02:28] Creating Burnout as a Leader: When Vision is Missing • [03:26] A Real-World Example of Wasted Effort Due to Lack of Clarity • [04:23] Identifying “Busy Work” vs. Accomplishing Real Goals • [05:08] Activity vs. Accomplishment: Why Vision is Essential • [06:17] Diagnosing Burnout in Large Organizations with Legacy Processes • [09:16] The Problem with “Sacred Cows” and Overly Complex Processes • [11:53] Outgrowing Processes: When Your Company’s Growth Creates Burnout • [13:30] Advice for Employees Feeling Burnout: Finding Efficiency • [14:32] Importance of Personal Recharging: Don’t Leave Vacation Days Unused • [17:27] Why Managers Don’t Want Their Teams to Burn Out • [18:29] Managers’ Role in Understanding and Changing Ineffective Processes • [20:15] How Executives Can Identify and Address Burnout Early • [21:33] The Silent Killer: Indifference as a Sign of Burnout • [23:34] Addressing Burnout by Providing Breaks and Support • [25:38] Taking Ownership as a Leader: Diagnosing the Gaps • [27:03] Asking for Input: How Leaders Can Drive Positive Change • [28:18] The Importance of a Clear Vision for Effective Processes • [29:30] Change Fatigue: Burnout Caused by Constant Adjustments Through real experiences and straightforward advice, Ryan and Daniel discuss how burnout can be prevented by leaders who take ownership, managers who encourage input, and employees who communicate constructively. If you’re struggling with burnout or want to prevent it in your team, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Key Takeaway: Burnout isn’t inevitable—it can be minimized with clear vision, supportive leadership, and proactive self-care. Learn how to reconnect to your work, reduce unnecessary “busy work,” and find meaningful ways to prevent burnout in your organization. Tune in to discover practical strategies to make even the hardest workdays a little less exhausting.

    39 min

  3. 7 NOV.

    Surviving Layoffs: How to Handle Getting Fired, or Let Go, with Dignity and Grace

    In this powerful episode of the Make Work Not Suck podcast, co-hosts Daniel Steere and Ryan Hodges dive deep into one of the toughest aspects of professional life: layoffs and terminations. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end, these conversations are never easy—but they don’t have to be devastating. Ryan and Daniel share personal stories of difficult terminations and discuss the most common reasons people are let go, from strategic shifts and performance issues to economic downturns. They explore what executives, managers, and employees can do to handle these moments with empathy, dignity, and professionalism, minimizing the pain and maximizing future opportunities. This episode covers: • [00:00] Introduction to the Pain of Layoffs • [04:15] Why Layoffs Happen: The Business Behind Tough Decisions • [11:20] Managing Layoffs with Dignity: Practical Tips for Managers • [16:42] What to Do When You Suspect You’re Next on the Layoff List • [25:33] How to Support Laid-Off Employees and Remaining Team Members • [32:08] Self-Reflection and Preparing Yourself for What’s Next • [40:45] Why Getting Fired Isn’t the End of the World and How to Reframe It Through real experiences and honest advice, Ryan and Daniel tackle how to make the layoff process less painful for everyone involved. If you’re facing a layoff, preparing to terminate someone, or just want to navigate difficult moments with grace, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Key Takeaway: Getting fired or firing someone is tough—but it doesn’t have to destroy your confidence or your career. Learn how to approach these conversations with empathy and integrity, setting yourself and others up for success beyond the current role.

    36 min

  4. 7 NOV.

    Stop Going Backwards: How to Build a Plan that Actually Moves Your Business Forward

    In this episode of the Make Work Not Suck podcast, Ryan Hodges and Daniel Steere dive into a common issue that holds organizations back: getting stuck in a cycle of backward analysis without taking meaningful steps forward. Through real-world examples, Ryan and Daniel discuss why business leaders often look for results without putting the right journey and culture in place to support those goals. The hosts break down how using a “backward” approach can be effective in retrospectives but becomes a roadblock when it’s time to take action. They also cover what it means to go “forward” through the wheel, aligning vision, journey, culture, and results to move projects and people in the right direction. If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in “Groundhog Day,” where problems repeat without progress, this episode offers insights on how to break the cycle. Ryan and Daniel share a practical story about how focusing on the process can help even an artist’s journey. They also touch on issues like EQ, business planning, and the importance of team alignment for hitting targets. Whether you’re a frontline employee or an executive, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you and your organization achieve long-term success. Timestamps: • [00:00] The “Results Mug” and What It Symbolizes About Going Backwards • [00:41] Why Do Companies Get Stuck in Reverse? A Real-World Example • [04:36] Understanding “The Wheel”: Vision, Journey, Culture, and Results • [07:21] When Going Backwards Through the Wheel is Okay • [09:23] Recognizing When It’s Time to Move Forward, Not Backward • [11:04] The Story of a Painter: How Vision and Results Can Get Mixed Up • [18:48] Warning Signs of Going Backwards in the Workplace • [20:21] Avoiding the “Result Without Strategy” Trap • [25:06] The Danger of Worrying About Future Steps Without Moving Forward • [27:18] Let Teams Do Their Work: Don’t Clump Together Like a Kid’s Soccer Game • [32:06] Episode Wrap-up: How to Avoid Driving Your Business Forward by Only Looking in the Rearview Mirror If your team keeps hitting roadblocks, tune in to learn how to reset your approach and start moving forward effectively. Join us to get strategies for improving your organization’s vision and results, while making work not suck for everyone. Takeaway: Whenever you’re moving forward, make sure your plan follows the right order—Vision, Journey, Culture, Results—to make meaningful, measurable progress. If you’re tired of setbacks and repeating the same mistakes, this episode is for you!

    33 min

  5. 23 OCT.

    When the Boss Goes on Vacation: Why Work Falls Apart and How to Fix It

    In this episode of the Make Work Not Suck podcast, Daniel Steere and Ryan Hodges dive into a scenario every business leader dreads—what happens when the boss goes on vacation? Whether work derails while they’re away or chaos erupts when they return, this episode unpacks the real reasons why things fall apart and how to stop it from happening. From the visionary vs. integrator dynamic to the frustration of micromanaging from vacation, this episode addresses the hard truths of why work sucks when leadership isn’t around. You’ll hear firsthand experiences, including Ryan’s recent vacation-turned-nightmare and how a lack of strong leadership led to a “shit show” of a week for the team. Key Points: • Why many leaders don’t take enough vacation—and how it affects business. • The importance of having a strong integrator in place to keep things running smoothly. • How poor planning and miscommunication turn a simple vacation into a disaster. • Strategies for leaders to prepare their teams before taking time off, and how employees can step up to ensure smooth operations. Timestamps: • [00:00] Work Sucks When the Boss Goes on Vacation • [01:02] The Reality of Team Function When Leadership Is Absent • [02:36] Why Leaders Don’t Take Enough Time Off and Its Consequences • [04:25] Ryan’s Recent Nightmare Vacation: An Ineffective Integrator • [06:17] The Visionary vs. Integrator Dynamic Explained • [07:47] Why Work Falls Apart Without Strong Leadership • [09:45] Micromanaging from Vacation and the Consequences • [12:43] The Importance of Preparing Your Team for Your Absence • [15:48] Senior vs. Junior Teams: Handling Time Away • [23:54] Why Junior Teams Fail to Think Long-Term When the Boss is Absent • [27:06] Leadership Mistakes: Returning to a Business That’s Not Ready for Growth • [30:11] Vision, Journey, and Results: The Key to Keeping the Business Moving Forward Whether you’re a CEO struggling to take a break or a team member frustrated with lack of direction when the boss leaves, this episode is packed with insights on how to keep things running smoothly. Don’t let your vacation become a work disaster—listen now and learn how to avoid it! Is your team ready to run without you? Tune in to this episode of Make Work Not Suck and discover how proper planning, communication, and leadership dynamics can keep things on track when the boss steps away.

    34 min

  6. 17 OCT.

    How to Overcome Invisible Systems and Add Value with Iky Chan

    In this episode of the Make Work Not Suck podcast, we sit down with Iky Chan, a former leader in a $12 billion multinational tech company, who shares her invaluable insights on navigating corporate challenges and unlocking your potential by identifying and addressing the "invisible systems" that hold many businesses back. From overcoming adversity as a woman in tech to turning around underperforming teams, Iky reveals how aligning work with purpose and adding value at every step can transform both individual careers and entire organizations. She discusses her journey in mastering Agile methodologies and systems thinking, and how these tools helped her make work not suck. Key Takeaways: How invisible systems can hinder performance and demoralize employees.Why focusing on adding value is the key to career growth and satisfaction.The power of adaptability, systems thinking, and understanding variability in creating high-functioning teams.How to reframe adversity and turn it into your competitive advantage in business. Timestamps: [00:00] Special Guest Introduction: Iky Chan, Former Leader in a $12 Billion Multinational Tech Company[01:17] Iky’s Journey: From Engineering to Leadership and Making Work Not Suck[03:32] When Systems Fail: Real-life Examples of Corporate Dysfunction[05:57] Turning Around Dysfunctional Teams: Iky’s Strategy for Success[08:03] Invisible Systems: How to Identify and Fix Them in Your Organization[10:32] The Importance of Understanding Variability in Systems[13:06] The Concept of "Value-Driven" Work: How to Add Value in Any Role[19:07] The Relationship Between Pay, Value, and Career Growth[22:07] Overcoming Adversity: Iky’s Approach to Turning Challenges into Success[24:06] Iky’s Coaching and Training Business: How She Helps Others Thrive in Invisible Systems About Our Guest: Iky Chan is a certified brain-based coach, specializing in mindset coaching and systems thinking. Combining neuroscience with her vast experience in the tech industry, she helps individuals and businesses unlock their potential by thriving in invisible systems. Learn more about Iky and her work at ikychan.com. If you’ve ever felt trapped by invisible systems or unsure how to add value in your role, this episode is for you! Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to make your work not suck—whether you're at the bottom of the ladder or leading a multinational team.

    26 min

  7. 9 OCT.

    Election Year Uncertainty: How It Makes Work Suck and What Leaders Can Do About It

    Election years bring a whirlwind of uncertainty that can paralyze businesses. In this episode of Make Work Not Suck, Daniel Steere and Ryan Hodges explore how political shifts impact companies at every level—from executive decisions down to the frontline employee’s daily tasks. As we approach a presidential election, we discuss how business leaders can lead their teams through uncertain times and make work suck less despite the challenges. From delayed hiring decisions to stalled projects and budget cuts, uncertainty surrounding tax policies, interest rates, and regulations is leaving companies in limbo. We explore how this affects employees’ morale, how executives can communicate during these ambiguous periods, and why scenario planning can provide clarity in an unpredictable landscape. Timestamps: • [00:00] How Election Year Uncertainty Impacts Work for Everyone • [01:18] Why Companies Are Pausing Major Decisions Until After November • [04:29] The Trump Tax Plan Expiration and What It Means for Business Owners • [06:38] Business Owners’ Dilemma: Hire Now or Wait for New Tax Regulations? • [08:47] How the Uncertainty Trickles Down to Employees and Managers • [13:35] Leadership Advice: Navigating Your Team Through Uncertainty • [17:01] Connecting the Dots Between Politics and Your Work • [19:32] Why the Election Year Affects Regulatory Industries the Most • [23:49] Practical Steps for Employees, Managers, and Executives to Cope with Uncertainty • [27:56] How Managers Can Keep Teams Focused and Engaged • [28:38] Why Now is a Good Time to Roll Out Tools Like OrgCore for Organizational Health Key Takeaways: • For Executives: Outline your company’s vision and prepare multiple scenarios depending on election outcomes. Communicate transparently with your teams about why certain decisions are being delayed and how you plan to move forward post-election. • For Managers: Increase communication, even when you don’t have all the answers. Be a steady presence and help your team understand how macroeconomic factors are influencing the company’s decisions. • For Employees: Be patient with your leaders and stay curious about how political changes might affect your work. Use this time to lean into strategic thinking and align with the company’s vision, even during uncertain times. Don’t let election uncertainty hold your business back! Whether you’re a senior executive making big decisions or an employee wondering why projects are on hold, tune in to find out how to make work suck less during this chaotic time. Subscribe and follow us for real-world business insights on how to navigate challenges and improve your work experience!

    31 min

  8. 2 OCT.

    Stop Firing the Wrong People: Fix the Real Problem in Your Business

    In this episode of Make Work Not Suck, hosts Daniel Steere and Ryan Hodges break down a common leadership pitfall: trying to “result” your way out of a problem. Too many organizations jump straight to firing people when the results don’t match expectations, but the real issue often lies in unclear vision and a missing journey. Daniel and Ryan discuss how senior leaders, who are naturally results-oriented, can easily overlook the process and culture needed to achieve those results. Instead of holding people accountable without the right support, they show how to align your vision, journey, culture, and results for sustained success. If you’re tired of not hitting your goals quarter after quarter, this episode reveals how to stop blaming your team and start fixing the underlying issues. Timestamps: • [00:00] Results Without Vision: Why It’s Doomed to Fail • [01:17] How Leaders Are Pushing Teams to Failure by Focusing Only on Results • [03:34] Why Companies Are Quick to Fire Without Addressing the Real Problem • [06:34] How to Tell If You Have a Process Problem or a People Problem • [08:31] Daniel’s Personal Experience of Being Fired for Focusing on the Journey • [11:15] The Blind Spot: Ignoring the Process and Culture Behind Results • [14:21] The Vision-Journey-Culture-Results Model: How It All Connects • [16:56] Why Documentation and Training Are Essential Before You Fire Anyone • [20:33] Mistaking a Culture Problem for a Process Problem: Common Pitfalls • [26:22] The Danger of Denying Reality in Business Key Takeaways: If your company keeps chasing results but fails to hit them, you probably have a journey problem, not a people problem.Firing people without understanding how they were trained or supported is a recipe for repeated failure.A clear vision, well-aligned processes, and a healthy culture are necessary to hit your business goals consistently.Ignoring the journey will lead to frustration, poor results, and higher employee turnover. Don’t let your blind spots derail your business! Learn how to assess whether your team’s struggles are rooted in journey or culture, and start making the shifts necessary to achieve real, sustainable results. Does this resonate with your company’s struggles? Head over to MakeWorkNotSuck.com and take our journey assessment to see if you’ve been missing a critical piece in achieving your goals. Make work not suck, starting with a clear vision and a defined journey!

    29 min
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CONVERSATIONS ABOUT BUSINESS, WORK & LIFE

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  • Création
    Meteorite Media
  • Années d’activité
    2 k
  • Épisodes
    25
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    © Copyright 2024 Meteorite Media
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    Make Work Not Suck

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