Humanity Working

Humanity Working

Humanity Working is a podcast focused on employee development for the future of work. In each episode, we engage with authors, business leaders, and top-tier academics to understand how workplaces can adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This podcast aims to provide employers with actionable strategies to build a resilient, adaptable, and future-proof workforce. Join us as we navigate the changing landscape of work, exploring topics such as workforce transformation, leadership development, employee adaptability, and resilience. Discover the steps you can take to foster a humane, productive workplace that is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

  1. Bonus Episode: Leading Change in the Era of AI, Featuring Bill Kirst

    12/18/2025

    Bonus Episode: Leading Change in the Era of AI, Featuring Bill Kirst

    Paul is joined by Bill Kirst, host of the Coffee and Change podcast and author of the new book Leading Change in the Era of AI. The conversation explores the psychological and societal implications of rushing toward artificial intelligence. Kirst argues that while technology companies strive to maximize addiction and profit, individuals must pause to ask if they are losing their identity in the "race" for efficiency. From the potential for a "reverse renaissance" led by younger generations to the importance of "messy" human connection over AI simulation, this episode is a call to preserve the unique divinity of the human spirit. Key Topics Discussed: • The "Master’s Degree" in Understanding: Kirst shares a story about his 84-year-old father, who went from feeling inept about AI to feeling empowered and informed after reading the book. • The Addiction Algorithm: A look at how tech companies hire psychologists to tweak algorithms for dependency, repeating the mistakes of the social media era. • The Race to Irrelevance: Slater and Kirst discuss the fear driving governments, corporations, and individuals to adopt AI, asking: "Will we remember ourselves and who we are at the end of said race?". • The Mirror Metaphor: Kirst reveals that the backward binary code on his book cover is designed to be read in a mirror, symbolizing the need for self-reflection before engaging with technology. • Empty Calories vs. Nourishment: An analogy comparing AI interaction to "empty calories" that leave the spirit lethargic, versus the "nourishment" found in messy, authentic human relationships. • The "Reverse Renaissance": Hopeful signs that Gen Alpha and high school students are asking for permission to disconnect and say "no" to constant AI integration. • The Refuge of Human Spaces: The prediction that society will eventually place a premium on "human-only" spaces—like phone-free restaurants—to escape the perfection of the digital world. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: • Book: Leading Change in the Era of AI by Bill Kirst. • Podcast: Coffee and Change hosted by Bill Kirst. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Reactions to the Book 02:06 Common Reactions and Personal Stories 04:02 AI's Role and Ethical Concerns 08:26 The Race for AI Supremacy 15:04 Generative AI and Its Impacts 21:35 Youth Perspectives and Hesitations 26:43 Exploring Human-AI Relationships 27:49 The Emotional Impact of AI Companions 29:07 The Chemical Reactions in Human-AI Interactions 31:50 The Dangers of Over-Reliance on AI 35:41 Human Connection vs. AI Interaction 43:03 The Future of Human Interaction in a Digital World 49:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential. For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

    52 min
  2. 12/16/2025

    Written Communication, Fixed

    Written communication has expanded from formal emails to Slack messages, tweets, and video scripts. But are you being understood? In this "Quick Fix" episode, Paul and Matt break down why the way we were taught to write in school fails us at work and how the lack of intonation in text creates emotional misunderstandings. Paul introduces a four-layer framework to ensure your writing is effective and resonant, and issues a warning about using AI: don't let it destroy your authenticity. Key Takeaways: • The Sender-Receiver Gap: What feels positive to you as the sender can often be received negatively. Text lacks the vocal cues that usually signal intent, creating a gap where uncertainty and anxiety emerge. • The Framework for Excellence (The 4 Rs): To move from "functionally okay" to excellent, layer your communication to be:     1. Real: Truthful and clear.     2. Receivable: Short sentences that are easy to process.     3. Relevant: Focused on what the other person needs to know, not just what you want to say.     4. Resonant: Toned appropriately for the relationship and circumstance. • The AI Warning: While AI is useful early in the drafting process, relying on it too heavily can strip away your unique voice. This creates cognitive dissonance when people eventually meet you in person and the "real you" doesn't match your written persona. The "Quick Fix" Challenge: Before you hit send on your next important email or text, pause. Read it through the eyes of the receiver. Better yet, use a text-to-speech tool to listen to it. Hearing your words read back to you can reveal issues with tone and clarity that your eyes might miss. Resources & References: • Book Mentioned: Smart Brevity (Recommended for structure, but use with caution to remain authentic). • Tool: Speechify (Text-to-speech app). Up Next: Join us Thursday for a deep dive with Bill Kirst on maintaining our humanity in the age of AI, and tune in next Tuesday for a Quick Fix on Conflict Resolution. Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential. For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.

    23 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Humanity Working is a podcast focused on employee development for the future of work. In each episode, we engage with authors, business leaders, and top-tier academics to understand how workplaces can adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This podcast aims to provide employers with actionable strategies to build a resilient, adaptable, and future-proof workforce. Join us as we navigate the changing landscape of work, exploring topics such as workforce transformation, leadership development, employee adaptability, and resilience. Discover the steps you can take to foster a humane, productive workplace that is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.