The Worksties

The Worksties
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Join two lifelong colleagues as they dive into candid conversations about life, work, and everything in between. With 20 years of shared history navigating careers, challenges, and triumphs, they've got plenty of stories to tell and lessons to share.

  1. 11/21/2025

    Episode 23: Apparently We’re Recording Again

    Apparently We’re Recording Again We’re back — and you know you missed us.(Not as much as we missed talking about the chaos, but close.) Episode 23 is our unofficial soft reboot: the one where life finally slowed down long enough for us to sit, breathe, and hit record again. No dramatic comeback arc… just real conversation, recalibration, decluttering, and the kind of life updates that only happen when the universe forces you to pause. In this episode, Jennifer and Danielle dive into:• The collective “reset energy” running through everyone right now• The emotional noise of visual clutter (and the joy of letting things go)• Why constant motion kills strategy, creativity, and clarity• Mindless scrolling, smut TV, and psychoanalyzing strangers on reality shows• Digital platforms and the hidden agendas behind the content we consume• The art of doing nothing — on purpose• Rebuilding life quietly, slowly, intentionally If you’ve been reorganizing your space, your mind, or your entire existence… we see you.Hit play.We’re recording again — apparently — and you know you missed us.

    32 min

  2. 08/08/2025

    Episode 22: Master Builder, Dragon Soul

    In this episode, Jennifer and Danielle explore the role of the builder…the often-unseen systems thinkers, cultural shapers, and organizational empaths who hold it all together. Tapping into the power of master number 22 and Life Path 4, the conversation centers on what it really means to build something that lasts, especially when no one’s watching.They dive into how foundational leadership happens in the middle layers of organizations, not just at the top…and how missing a single thread can cause everything to unravel. From change management and trust dynamics to misaligned vendor strategies and feedback loops that die before they reach the surface, this episode is a wake-up call for leaders, partners, and anyone shaping systems from the inside out.Whether you’ve been the one holding it all together or you’re trying to build smarter from here on out…this one’s for you.Key Topics Covered:What makes a Master Builder…and why fours are the backbone of everything- Why trust is foundational and often broken by subtle moments- Organizational threading: what happens when you miss a loop- Early warning systems and the power of seeing the "sneeze" in the data- The problem with vendor thinking and one-way revenue asks- Why Indeed’s approach is a case study in tone-deaf change- Moving from contributor to creator in your own careerTimestamps:00:00 – The Master Builder Vibe Jennifer introduces the power of the number 22 and Life Path 4, framing the episode around infrastructure, trust, and the systems that hold it all together.04:30 – Pulling the Thread (or Missing It) A deep dive into why systems people are often overlooked—and how one missed “loop” in the thread can unravel the whole organization.07:30 – Trust as a Foundation Jennifer and Danielle explore how trust is given, earned, and destroyed—and why it’s the core metric behind culture, leadership, and change management.16:00 – The Indeed Case Study: When Feedback Dies in the Funnel Using real-world examples, they unpack how layoffs, tone-deaf leadership, and broken communication loops signal a failing foundation.28:45 – Vendors vs. Partners: Are You Helping Me or Charging Me? A bold callout on transactional sales models, programmatic platforms, and the missed opportunity to advise instead of extract revenue.Until next time, we’ll be here..saying what we mean, even if our inner editor flinches.Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.Cue the music. Hold our drink. Let’s get into it. We’re about to say what you’re thinking…Music Inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOsM-DYAEhY&list=RDgOsM-DYAEhY&start_radio=1Shop Jennifer’s Store for Ausrine™ Products: ⁠https://ausrineskincare.com/TheWorkstiesThe Worksties email: theworksties@gmail.com Buy Us a Coffee! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theworksties... Riverside Podcast Platform: ⁠⁠https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig.... Music from ⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/c.... License code: XBVTFXDPGBGOXHPR ⁠⁠#TheWorksties⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#trending⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talentacquisition⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Recruiting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#WorkStories⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Staffing⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Hiring⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#realtalk⁠⁠ #recruiting #talentbranding #employerbrand #influencermarketing #socialrecruiting #futureofwork #worksties #afterhours #recruitmentmarketing #realconnection #talentstrategy

    37 min
  3. Job Market Tea: June 2025

    07/14/2025 · BONUS

    Job Market Tea: June 2025

    June 2025 Job Market Tea Lukewarm Crunch with Breadsticks: Job Market Tea, June 2025 Edition Description: After a brief hiatus, your favorite work besties are back with June’s Job Market Tea! Jennifer and Danielle break down the numbers behind the “solid but sleepy” June jobs report. From revised payrolls to rising layoffs and private sector shrinkage, this episode covers what’s real, what’s hidden, and why it all feels… weird. We also dig into: How wage growth feels flat in real lifeWhy labor force participation is the stat to watchThe ghosting cycle creeping back into recruitingA spicy take on job boards vs. the music industry (yes, really)Best served lukewarm with a side of economic uncertainty. Let’s get into it. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back: June’s Job Market Tea The worksties Return 00:25 – Payrolls revised up, unemployment drops (but does it matter?) 01:10 – Labor force participation slips to 62.3% 01:50 – Wage growth up 0.2% MoM, 3.7% YoY (real-life impact feels off) 02:30 – Layoffs: 150+ companies cut jobs, including Indeed 03:11 – Federal Reserve rate cut expectations shift 04:00 – Breadsticks & the Olive Garden economy 🍝 05:21 – Fewer jobs, more ghosting: What recruiters need to know 06:00 – Private hiring lowest in 8 months – warning bells? 07:10 – The softening private sector and shrinking workweek 08:10 – Older workers quietly stepping out 09:38 – Holiday hiring watch: Will seasonal trends show up? 10:53 – Economic sentiment vs. job market stats: the mismatch 12:13 – The impact of global uncertainty on confidence 14:50 – News, fear, and our overwhelmed lizard brains 16:44 – Netflix, band boxes, and blind auditions: a musical detour 20:03 – Music industry vs. job board giants: a parallel fall 21:34 – Big purchases, burnout, and the cost of everything 21:50 – Like, share, follow: See you next time! Shop Jennifer’s Store for Ausrine™ Products: ⁠https://ausrineskincare.com/TheWorksties The Worksties email: theworksties@gmail.com Buy Us a Coffee! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theworksties...  Riverside Podcast Platform: ⁠⁠https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig....  Music from ⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/c.... License code: XBVTFXDPGBGOXHPR ⁠⁠#TheWorksties⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#trending⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talentacquisition⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Recruiting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#WorkStories⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Staffing⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Hiring⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#realtalk⁠⁠ #recruiting #talentbranding #employerbrand #influencermarketing #socialrecruiting #futureofwork #worksties #afterhours #recruitmentmarketing #realconnection #talentstrategy

    23 min
  4. Job Market Tea: May 2025

    06/13/2025 · BONUS

    Job Market Tea: May 2025

    This is not your typical economist take.We're just two women living in this actual economy, reporting what we see and feel — because too many of the reports out there are written by people who don’t live here, don’t work here, and frankly don’t get it.In this month’s Worksties Job Market Tea, we ask: Are we cooling, cracking, or just being sold a headline?Because while the official numbers look "steady," here’s what we’re actually seeing at the seat level:Fewer people are participating in the workforceMore jobless claims are hitting the marketWage gains aren’t keeping up with the cost of livingProfessional hiring is getting cautious — and longer to close818,000 jobs in 2024 were quietly revised awayAnd the "first look" job reports? They’re only about 60 to 75 percent accurate — but they’re what drives the headlines and decisions.If you’ve been wondering why your job search feels harder, or why hiring feels slower, or why your team is hesitant to fill that role — this is why.We break it all down — not as economists, but as women who have built careers here, raised families here, and who are paying these grocery bills right alongside you.What We Cover:The real signals the May report is sendingWhy participation is the number to watchWhy longer time-to-hire is the new normalWhy professional hiring is in a strategic pauseWhy we are entering a pressure moment — and what that means for summerMarket Vibe Check:Hiring is cautious and strategic.Wage growth is not keeping up with real costs.Job seekers are pulling back.Recruiters are seeing longer fill times and tighter client spend.This is the Worksties take — the one grounded in what’s actually happening in the US job market, not what the spreadsheets overseas say is happening.Next month’s report? It’s going to be pivotal.Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.Cue the music. Hold our drink. Let’s get into it. We’re about to say what you’re thinking…This Episode is Sponsored by social jobs.comShop Jennifer’s Store for Ausrine™ Products: ⁠https://ausrineskincare.com/TheWorkstiesThe Worksties email: theworksties@gmail.com Buy Us a Coffee! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theworksties... Riverside Podcast Platform: ⁠⁠https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig.... Music from ⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/c.... License code: XBVTFXDPGBGOXHPR ⁠⁠#TheWorksties⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#trending⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talentacquisition⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Recruiting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#WorkStories⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Staffing⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Hiring⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#realtalk⁠⁠ #recruiting #talentbranding #employerbrand #influencermarketing #socialrecruiting #futureofwork #worksties #afterhours #recruitmentmarketing #realconnection #talentstrategy

    24 min

  5. 06/06/2025

    Your Name Walks Into The Room Before You Do. The Reputation Episode.

    Queue: “Rumour Has It” – Adele"Your name walks into the room before you do." That’s true whether you’re walking into a Zoom call or a conference ballroom. In today’s workforce, reputation isn’t just about performance—it’s about perception, relationships, and how much of your voice is allowed to shape the narrative.In this episode, Jennifer and Danielle unpack the realities of reputation at work: how it forms, how it gets misunderstood, what’s in your control—and what isn’tThey share real stories about 360 reviews, gendered language (aggressive vs. assertive), managing gossip in remote environments, using reputation strategically, and protecting what you’ve built—without losing yourself in the process. Whether you’re trying to evolve your professional brand, shed a label, or simply stay authentic as your leadership voice changes, this episode will resonate. Best Moment Timestamps: 02:04 "There will be no explanation, there will only be reputation." – Danielle (Taylor Swift reference that anchors the whole discussion) 03:03 Jennifer on how leadership stage (building mode vs. mentoring mode) changes how reputation forms. 06:39 Danielle: “I don’t want my name associated with something I know may fail.” — Navigating reputation tied to accountability. 14:24 Jennifer unpacks the reality of 360 reviews, how they’re used, and why perception isn’t always truth. 17:48 Jennifer shares about her inner dialogue and the harsh self-criticism that precedes anyone else’s feedback. 26:40 "Once you’ve built a good reputation, you have to be careful how and where you use it." — Jennifer on discernment and protecting professional capital. 30:29 Danielle: When feedback lacks clarity and leadership creates misaligned expectations—how reputation suffers in the gray space. 32:38 Jennifer on leadership reputation pitfalls: “You get a reputation for having no direction—and then suddenly you’re in a fire drill.” How poor communication shapes labels you didn’t intend to earn. 35:34 Jennifer closes with: “The only thing someone can count on every day from me is that I open my eyes. What happens after that? Anyone’s guess.” — a candid reflection on how reputation and leadership evolve moment to moment. Key Themes: Reputation is an asset—but also a liability if not actively shaped.Gendered leadership perceptions: when assertiveness becomes “aggressive.” 360 reviews: helpful feedback or weaponized tool?Using gossip strategically—and when not to.How your energy changes based on who’s in the room. Protecting your professional reputation while staying authentic.Tips to check alignment: Are you speaking in your own words at work? What do people come to you for advice on? That’s often where your voice lives. Do you use the same voice in meetings, emails, and your own inner monologue?In Episode 22: “Next episode we’re talking about structure, security, and why Life Path 4s are the blueprint-builders—and how that shows up when everything around you feels like it's shifting.” Until next time, we’ll be here...saying what we mean, even if our inner editor flinches.Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Cue the music. Hold our drink. Let’s get into it. We’re about to say what you’re thinking…T his Episode is Sponsored by Socialjobs.com Shop Jennifer’s Store for Ausrine™ Products: ⁠https://ausrineskincare.com/TheWorksties The Worksties email: theworksties@gmail.com Buy Us a Coffee! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theworksties... Riverside Podcast Platform: ⁠⁠https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig.... Music from ⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/c.... License code: XBVTFXDPGBGOXHPR ⁠⁠#TheWorksties⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#trending⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talentacquisition⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Recruiting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#WorkStories⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Staffing⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Hiring⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#realtalk⁠⁠ #recruiting #talentbranding #employerbrand #influencermarketing #socialrecruiting #futureofwork #worksties #afterhours #recruitmentmarketing #realconnection #talentstrategy

    38 min

  6. 05/29/2025

    Bad Blood at Work: Living with Ghosts of Clout, Climb, and Corporate Voice

    Bad Blood at Work: Living with Ghosts of Clout, Climb, and Corporate VoicePodcast: The WorkstiesHosts: Jennifer Francine Smith & Danielle GaileySponsored by: socialjobs.comEpisode Summary: In Episode 20 of The Worksties, Jennifer and Danielle channel the energy of Taylor Swift's Bad Blood to dive into the ghosts we live with at work: former alliances, lost integrity, performative leadership, and the politics of the climb. They explore the subtle...and not-so-subtle...corporate conflicts that arise when ambition, image, and organizational loyalty collide. From internal voice shifts to the dynamics of who gets to be seen as visionary, this episode pulls back the curtain on what really happens when leaders reposition themselves in the race for influence.Whether you're navigating legacy systems, emerging innovation, or trying to hold on to integrity while others play the perception game, this is your backstage pass to the new world of work. They also cover the evolution of recruiting tech, why imagination is the missing leadership skill, and how to discern real change from strategy cosplay.Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Life Path 2: The collaborator, the climber, and the corporate "dance off" 02:27 – When strategy shifts: Two leaders gunning for the same rung05:01 – Internal loyalty wars and the politics of perception07:15 – Legacy leadership vs. innovation: When blockers become "believers"10:07 – Vendor vs. labor: Redefining partnerships in a new era of tech13:32 – Recruiters, AI, and the risk of bolting on vs. building new17:50 – Do visionary leaders evolve—or just pivot for clout?23:29 – Scaling, burnout, and the personal risk of climbing too high28:13 – Social media and the illusion of support: Are those likes really loyal?34:12 – Authentic voice vs. strategic persona: Who are you when no one's watching?42:06 – The danger of being a loyalist leader in a world demanding change46:48 – Evolution, succession, and the courage to shift your inner circleSEO Keywords:corporate clout, career climb, leadership perception, internal competition, authentic leadership, change agents, TA innovation, AI recruiting strategy, organizational loyalty, political culture at work, succession politics, recruiter voice, scaling burnout, vendor partnership strategyListen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.Cue the music. Hold our drink. Let’s get into it. We’re about to say what you’re thinking…This Episode is Sponsored by Socialjobs.com Music Inspiration: https://youtu.be/QcIy9NiNbmo?si=C1IrRM8MsQD_pSxoShop Jennifer’s Store for Ausrine™ Products: ⁠https://ausrineskincare.com/TheWorkstiesThe Worksties email: theworksties@gmail.com Buy Us a Coffee! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theworksties... Riverside Podcast Platform: ⁠⁠https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig.... Music from ⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/c.... License code: XBVTFXDPGBGOXHPR ⁠⁠#TheWorksties⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#trending⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talentacquisition⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Recruiting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#WorkStories⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Staffing⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Hiring⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#realtalk⁠⁠ #recruiting #talentbranding #employerbrand #influencermarketing #socialrecruiting #futureofwork #worksties #afterhours #recruitmentmarketing #realconnection #talentstrategy

    49 min
  7. Episode 19: Bad Reputation: Serving Career Truths, Not Clickbait

    05/19/2025

    Episode 19: Bad Reputation: Serving Career Truths, Not Clickbait

    Sponsored by  @totalonlinerecruitmentadvi4033  and  @AusrineSkinCare  Queue “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts“I don’t give a damn ‘bout my bad reputation…”That’s the energy we’re bringing in Episode 19 of The Worksties. Because sometimes, you have to ruffle a few algorithms to tell the truth.In this episode, Jennifer and Danielle pull no punches as they take on the current state of LinkedIn. Once the gold standard for career connection and professional storytelling, it’s now a mess of spammy messages, AI-generated nonsense, and off-topic posts designed to game the algorithm—not add value.We get into what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to evolve. Because your professional reputation should be built on what you’ve done, not how well you can play the platform.Daniell & Jennifer discuss:The erosion of trust and value in today’s LinkedIn experienceWhy spammy sales messages are ruining the user experienceThe disconnect between the algorithm and actual career storytellingNostalgia for when LinkedIn was focused on work—not just attentionThe gap between intent and execution in “thought leadership” postsWhat a better, more human professional network could look likeHow younger generations feel about LinkedIn—and what it means for the futureTimestamps:00:00 – Opening thoughts on Life Path 19, LinkedIn fatigue, and leadership without ego03:45 – Spam DMs, misaligned outreach, and why connection should still mean something06:20 – When strategy becomes performance: Jennifer on posting without chasing reach10:01 – Career highlight reels vs. real stories: What gets seen, and what gets missed15:22 – What LinkedIn could do better: Connection insights, context, and user control18:56 – The small business perspective: Why LinkedIn and Indeed aren’t working25:52 – The future of professional networking—and what Gen Z really wantsAvailable now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, iHeart, and wherever you listen to podcasts.#TheWorksties #Episode19 #BadReputation #CareerAuthenticity #LinkedInReform #WorkCulture #professionalnetworking Cue the music. Hold our drink. Let’s get into it. We’re about to say what you’re thinking…This Episode is Sponsored by Socialjobs.com Shop Jennifer’s Store for Ausrine™ Products: ⁠https://ausrineskincare.com/TheWorkstiesThe Worksties email: theworksties@gmail.com Buy Us a Coffee! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theworksties... Riverside Podcast Platform: ⁠⁠https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig.... Music from ⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/c.... License code: XBVTFXDPGBGOXHPR ⁠⁠#TheWorksties⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#trending⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talentacquisition⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Recruiting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#WorkStories⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Staffing⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Hiring⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#realtalk⁠⁠ #recruiting #talentbranding #employerbrand #influencermarketing #socialrecruiting #futureofwork #worksties #afterhours #recruitmentmarketing #realconnection #talentstrategy

    41 min
  8. Job Market Tea Report: April 2025

    05/09/2025 · BONUS

    Job Market Tea Report: April 2025

    Worksties Job Market Tea – April 2025Episode Title: “177K Jobs, But Who’s Counting?”Sponsored by: socialjobs.com – Find work where you scroll.Theme: Steady stats. Fragile sentiment. A job market trying to keep its balance in a shifting economy.Show Notes:In this episode of The Worksties, Jennifer and Danielle break down the April 2025 U.S. Jobs Report—and what’s really going on beneath the headlines.We talk about:The 177,000 jobs added (and why the number might not mean what you think)Why long-term unemployment is rising while the unemployment rate stays steady at 4.2%Sticker shock on the shelves vs. raises that never cameWhat a 0.3% GDP contraction and high interest rates say about what’s nextWhy “optimization” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s reshaping entire sectorsThe federal government’s massive workforce reduction (260,000-plus roles impacted year to date)Tech layoffs: UPS, Meta, Microsoft and the ripple effects of AI-driven restructuringWhich sectors are still hiring and which are cooling down (spoiler: healthcare’s hot, government’s not)Real talk about unemployment gaps, invisible workers, and people falling through the cracksWe also dive into:Why the numbers don’t always match the vibeWhether automation in places like the VA is helping or hurting real peopleWhat Sedna (yes, the Inuit goddess turned planet) might have to do with all this rapid changeAs always, we finish with our Worksties Vibe Check and a May 2025 forecast you’ll actually want to hear.Shoutout to our sponsor:  @totalonlinerecruitmentadvi4033  Support the show: Link to buy us a coffee is in the show notes.Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.Cue the music. Hold our drink. Let’s get into it. We’re about to say what you’re thinking…This Episode is Sponsored by Socialjobs.com Shop Jennifer’s Store for Ausrine™ Products: ⁠https://ausrineskincare.com/TheWorkstiesThe Worksties email: theworksties@gmail.com Buy Us a Coffee! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theworksties... Riverside Podcast Platform: ⁠⁠https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig.... Music from ⁠⁠#Uppbeat⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/c.... License code: XBVTFXDPGBGOXHPR ⁠⁠#TheWorksties⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#trending⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#talentacquisition⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Recruiting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#WorkStories⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Staffing⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Hiring⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#realtalk⁠⁠ #recruiting #talentbranding #employerbrand #influencermarketing #socialrecruiting #futureofwork #worksties #afterhours #recruitmentmarketing #realconnection #talentstrategy

    25 min
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About

Join two lifelong colleagues as they dive into candid conversations about life, work, and everything in between. With 20 years of shared history navigating careers, challenges, and triumphs, they've got plenty of stories to tell and lessons to share.

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  • Creator
    The Worksties
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Worksties
  • Show Website
    The Worksties