Latest news with #WorkLife
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
25 Inspiring Podcasts To Supercharge Your Career In 2025
Podcasts can help you build the skills, mindset, and network you need to succeed in your career. Whether you're commuting to the office, working from home or squeezing in learning during your lunch break, podcasts are an accessible and powerful way to fuel professional growth. Since 2014, the average time spent listening to podcasts has grown by 450%, according to Edison Research. Today, 47% of Americans ages 12 and up listen to podcasts monthly, and 34% tune in every week. The right podcast is more than just background noise. It's an investment in your career, offering fresh perspectives, actionable strategies and the motivation you need to make the most of your workday. From deep dives into the science of productivity to candid conversations with successful entrepreneurs, these shows offer something for every stage of your career journey. Here are 25 carefully selected podcasts to help you build the skills, mindset and network you need to thrive this year. WorkLife delves into the science of work and explores how to make it better, featuring unique stories and research-backed strategies from world-class organizations and thought leaders. Adam Grant explores hidden aspects of work culture, creativity and leadership to help you thrive. Host: Adam Grant, organizational psychologist, bestselling author and Wharton professor Best For: Ambitious professionals, managers and lifelong learners Why It Stands Out: Insightful, practical and full of useful takeaways, each episode unpacks the habits and mindsets behind the world's most effective teams and leaders. Tim Ferriss interviews high achievers from a range of industries, including investors, authors, athletes and entrepreneurs, to uncover their routines, tools and mindsets for success. The show is a masterclass in optimizing performance and finding unique career shortcuts. Host: Tim Ferriss, bestselling author and early-stage tech investor Best For: Growth-minded professionals, innovators and anyone seeking productivity or life hacks Why It Stands Out: Tim's deep-dive interview style reveals the real-world habits, failures and philosophies of some of the most successful people on the planet. A blend of science, stories and practical advice, Happier helps listeners create habits and mindsets that boost happiness both at work and in life. Rubin and her co-host share simple strategies to find more joy and fulfillment, even on the busiest days. Host: Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author and happiness expert Best For: Professionals seeking more work-life balance, personal fulfillment or habit-building strategies Why It Stands Out: Accessible, research-based tips delivered with warmth and humor, making self-improvement feel both doable and fun. Lewis Howes brings on world-class guests to explore what it means to live an extraordinary life and achieve your biggest goals. Episodes focus on leadership, overcoming adversity and the habits of top performers in business, sports and entertainment. Host: Lewis Howes, entrepreneur, author and former professional athlete Best For: Professionals motivated by personal stories, practical inspiration and real talk on success and resilience Why It Stands Out: A motivating blend of raw honesty, expert insights and tangible lessons from some of the world's most accomplished people. Ed Mylett interviews leaders, athletes and innovators about peak performance, mindset and the art of self-mastery. The show is packed with motivation and high-impact stories for anyone striving to unlock their potential. Host: Ed Mylett, entrepreneur, performance coach and bestselling author Best For: High-achievers, leaders and professionals seeking inspiration to elevate every aspect of their work and life Why It Stands Out: Fast-paced and energizing, each episode delivers both inspiration and effective steps for pushing past limitations and reaching new heights. This podcast brings listeners inside real executive coaching sessions, where host Muriel Wilkins helps rising leaders navigate workplace challenges and unlock their full potential. Host: Muriel Wilkins, executive coach and leadership advisor Best For: Managers, executives and professionals aspiring to leadership roles Why It Stands Out: Offers authentic, unscripted conversations and practical leadership lessons straight from the trenches. Each episode delivers concise, ready-to-use strategies for communicating with confidence, managing teams and leading through change. Host: Tom Henschel, executive coach and communications expert Best For: Professionals aiming to improve executive presence, influence and communication Why It Stands Out: Bite-sized episodes packed with tools to help you lead with clarity and credibility. Leadership legend John Maxwell and his team share wisdom on influence, vision and personal growth, helping listeners develop as both leaders and people. Host: John Maxwell, renowned leadership author and speaker Best For: Leaders at all levels, from aspiring managers to seasoned executives Why It Stands Out: Blends time-tested leadership principles with practical application, making it relevant for every stage of your career. Packed with useful career strategies, this podcast features experts sharing advice on communication, productivity, leadership and problem-solving for the modern workplace. Host: Pete Mockaitis, career coach and speaker Best For: Knowledge workers, new leaders and professionals seeking practical ways to excel Why It Stands Out: Each episode is a "how-to" for thriving at work, delivered with clarity and good humor. This show helps professionals redefine success, discover meaningful work and make bold career changes, even mid-career. Host: Scott Anthony Barlow, career coach and entrepreneur Best For: Professionals considering career pivots, job changers or anyone seeking more purpose Why It Stands Out: Real stories and tactical advice on designing a fulfilling, values-driven career. Cal Newport tackles the challenges of deep work and meaningful productivity, answering listener questions and sharing science-backed insights on how to stay focused in a distracted world. Host: Cal Newport, computer science professor and bestselling author Best For: Knowledge workers, creators, and anyone seeking to work with greater intention Why It Stands Out: Provides a thoughtful, research-driven approach to productivity without resorting to hustle culture clichés. This podcast examines how high achievers can excel at work and achieve success in life without burning out. Each episode features strategies for achieving more by prioritizing what matters. Host: Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller, leadership experts and authors Best For: Busy professionals and leaders seeking work-life balance Why It Stands Out: Proven advice for maximizing results while maintaining well-being. Host Erik Fisher interviews productivity experts and practitioners, revealing the real-world tactics that help people achieve their goals and get things done. Host: Erik Fisher, productivity podcaster and coach Best For: Anyone looking to improve habits, systems and daily efficiency Why It Stands Out: Practical tips and honest conversations about what actually works (and what doesn't) in the world of productivity. Start your day with quick, evidence-based productivity tips designed to help you make the most of your morning and set a positive tone for the rest of your workday. Host: Laura Vanderkam, time management expert and author Best For: Early risers, busy professionals and morning routine enthusiasts Why It Stands Out: Super short episodes, perfect for even the most hectic schedules. This show inspires listeners to wake up early and take control of their day through routines, habits and positive energy. Host: Jeff Sanders, productivity coach and author Best For: High performers, ambitious professionals and anyone curious about the power of morning routines Why It Stands Out: Energizing advice and interviews for making the most out of every day, starting at sunrise. Get your daily dose of artificial intelligence news and insights condensed into quick updates that keep you informed on the latest breakthroughs and trends. Host: AI Daily team Best For: Tech enthusiasts, business leaders and anyone tracking the AI revolution Why It Stands Out: Short, info-packed episodes perfect for staying ahead in the age of AI. A daily rundown of the most important stories in tech, from Silicon Valley to startups and everything in between. Host: Brian McCullough, tech commentator and entrepreneur Best For: Professionals in tech, digital media or anyone wanting to stay current Why It Stands Out: Fast, comprehensive tech news that fits into your commute. Interviews with CIOs, tech executives and digital innovators about the future of business and the strategies driving digital transformation. Host: Peter High, technology strategy advisor and author Best For: Business leaders, IT professionals and forward-thinking managers Why It Stands Out: Real-world lessons from top tech leaders who are shaping the next era of business. Hosted by the team at Andreessen Horowitz, this podcast explores tech trends, business models and ideas from startup to enterprise scale. Host: Andreessen Horowitz partners and special guests Best For: Entrepreneurs, investors and professionals interested in innovation Why It Stands Out: Features conversations with top founders, investors and thinkers in tech and business. Explores disruptive ideas, change management and the science of creativity with global thought leaders and visionaries. Host: Aidan McCullen, innovation and transformation consultant Best For: Change-makers, creative professionals and innovation enthusiasts Why It Stands Out: Deep dives into the mindsets and strategies behind lasting innovation. Dr. Laurie Santos shares the latest scientific research and inspiring stories to help you live a happier, more fulfilling life at work and beyond. Host: Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale professor and psychologist Best For: Anyone seeking to boost happiness, resilience and emotional well-being Why It Stands Out: Combines science, storytelling and practical tips in an engaging, evidence-based format. Mel Robbins delivers practical strategies, personal stories and tough-love motivation to help listeners take charge of their work and life. Each episode features honest conversations about overcoming setbacks, building confidence and finding everyday success, plus advice you can apply right away. Host: Mel Robbins, bestselling author, speaker and behavior change expert Best For: Professionals seeking practical tools, motivation and honest insights for personal and career growth Why It Stands Out: Her blend of energy, science-backed advice and real-world stories makes each episode relatable and empowering. Expect direct answers, inspiring guests and proven tools to break through obstacles and boost your momentum. Jay Shetty offers wisdom and practical tools for finding purpose, improving relationships, and achieving success, blending ancient philosophy with modern science. Host: Jay Shetty, author, coach and former monk Best For: Professionals craving meaning, purpose and personal growth Why It Stands Out: Inspirational guests and life lessons for unlocking your best self. This podcast delivers motivational advice and mindset shifts to help you overcome obstacles, increase focus and achieve your goals. Host: Rob Dial, mindset coach and speaker Best For: Professionals needing a boost of motivation or a new perspective Why It Stands Out: Quick, practical episodes with a positive, no-nonsense approach. Marie Forleo shares candid conversations with world-class guests, blending business advice with personal development tips to help you build a career and life you love. Host: Marie Forleo, entrepreneur and author Best For: Ambitious professionals and creatives balancing work, life and purpose Why It Stands Out: Warm, energetic delivery and effective strategies for thriving in all areas of life. The most successful careers are built through consistent, intentional learning. With these podcasts, you're not just consuming content; you're engaging with it. You're gaining practical tools to navigate workplace challenges, enhance your leadership skills and find greater career fulfillment. Start by choosing one podcast that speaks to your current needs, subscribe and begin investing in your most important asset, yourself.
Globe and Mail
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Globe and Mail
How to throw a little luck into your career
Interested in more careers-related content? Check out our new weekly Work Life newsletter. Sent every Monday afternoon. Who wouldn't want a little luck thrown their way for their career and life? What if you could create some of your own luck? I believe you can. There's a quote I've always loved and have made it one of my mantras: 'Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.' Some attribute this quote to Seneca, the Roman philosopher, but the origins are often debated. In more modern days, it has also been attributed to Oprah Winfrey. Well before I even knew of Oprah, I'd seen this quote. In my 20s I was trying to figure out my career path and was at a crossroads. Something about this quote buoyed my spirits and even my sense of hope. I was always preparing but sometimes I didn't know exactly what for. This quote said to me it is okay to not yet know. Prepare and when the opportunity strikes, you will see it, be ready and go for it. Create your own luck by being prepared and keeping your eyes wide open. Some people may think this luck notion is malarkey. Isn't luck random, happenstance? And how can you prepare and create luck when you don't even know what 'opportunity' you are aiming for? What if you don't know what kind of job you want? Career path still confusing? Your next step? Or you are already perfectly happy where you are? Isn't preparing in advance like shooting darts to – nowhere? Not quite. In fact, with so much uncertainty in our economy and many people feeling anxious about not knowing what is coming next, there are many ways to prepare and be ready for a lucky break to appear or to create it. Consider these hypothetical scenarios. Giorge gets a random call from a recruiter for a leadership role that he hadn't applied for but sounded interesting enough to explore further. But he's worried about how to pull his act together on such short notice. It's been ages since he's interviewed or updated his resume and he is wondering if he is prepared enough to effectively tell his story and compete with the other candidates. Francois gets the same call and while he too didn't know about the role, he's been keeping his resume updated and made sure to regularly reflect on his strengths and accomplishments because you never know when you'll need to speak about them. He ends up acing the interviews and gets the job. What a lucky break that the recruiter called (and he was ready). Zahra is ready for a change and sees a job ad with a company she has long admired. There are likely hundreds of applicants. But lucky for her she has been actively networking – just to keep current and connected, even before she was looking for a new role. It turns out one of her new acquaintances works at that company and was able to help Zahra get her resume seen. And with a good word put in, Zahra got the interview, nailed it and landed the job. What luck (that she's been networking and found someone to help). Layla's current job doesn't call for AI skills. But she knows it is coming so she takes a couple of courses. Not long after, her employer restructures and shifts focus to – you guessed it – use more AI. Layla gets to stay while others in her team were unfortunately let go. Lucky Layla (good thing she had the foresight and curiosity to learn some new AI skills). While there's no guarantee that one's preparation will garner the win or bring luck, these few examples point to how luck can happen when preparation meets opportunity. There's lots of uncertainty these days but you may have more control over your destiny than you think. Here are a few ideas on how to prepare for those yet unseen lucky breaks that either come your way – or that you create. Foster the Boy/Girl Scouts mindset of 'always being prepared': Reflect on what this means for you in your career – be it resume updates, new skills or networking. Don't wait for the opportunity to present itself and then prepare. Prepare now and always. Funny how opportunities show up once you start to kick up some dust. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. Learn, grow, be curious – and awake: Don't get too comfy in your current role/sector. Be someone who reads, stays up to date and is always curious beyond their current task/job description. Even if you are not looking for a job, stay awake to where the job market is headed – and stay alert for luck that may come your way, even if disguised as a challenge. Connect, connect, connect: No matter how skilled you are or impressive your resume is, you must nurture connections with others. If you are uncomfortable with 'networking', reframe it as connection. Remember, it's often people who can introduce you to hidden opportunities beyond those listed. And do remember to reciprocate and offer help to others as well. Stay in possibility: Lean in and take actions to do what you can – even in uncertain and ambiguous times. This will elevate your own sense of trust and confidence. I have a colleague who often says, 'Do something, and something will happen.' I love that. It gives me hope that I can generate some of my own luck. How about you? Eileen Chadnick, PCC, of Big Cheese Coaching, is an ICF credentialed, two-time ICF (International Coaching Federation) Prism award winner, who works with leaders (emerging to experienced), and organizations, on navigating, leading and flourishing in times of flux, opportunity and challenge. She is the author of Ease: Manage Overwhelm in Times of Crazy Busy.
Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Meet your new colleague, the office influencer
Office influencers are not setting out to promote their organisations. They are just sharing their work life on their personal accounts and their content goes viral. ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO The rise of workplace content on TikTok is hard to ignore. Affectionately dubbed 'WorkTok', hashtags like #WorkLife, #WorkTok and #CorporateTikTok have amassed billions of views, and turned the platform into a kind of digital water cooler – a place where creators chronicle everything from petty office politics to career tips. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
