No April Fool's Here

Happy Wednesday, Besties!

No, this isn’t an April Fool’s Joke. We’re back - and if you want to get right to listening, go ahead right here!

For those who missed our newsletter - well, thank you for reading! In the episode, we start with a Bestie’s question that’s no doubt a first-world problem… but like us, you may now be seeing the downside of being in luxury at 30,000 feet. And then we get to the latest in the world of HR.

In this new episode:

• Intro Story: One of those “this is probably a dumb question but…” moments that turns out to be extremely relatable - especially when the setting is very not relatable (unless you have a PJ we could use…)

• Cringe Corporate Speak: We don’t have an official corporate cringe this week, but for our newsletter readers, we’re declaring it “AI enabled” because, much like your employees, we don’t know what that actually is supposed to mean in real life.

• Hot Topic: From why SHRM’s conference choice might really make people hate HR, to how to prove you have $11.5 million sitting around, we cover the hottest topics in HR land.

• Our Updates:

  • Jamie not only has a new title (you’ll have to listen to find out what it is), she has a new website - check it out here!

  • Leigh is finishing her book - join her list here so you’ll find out when pre-orders begin soon.

  • Ashley’s book The Manager Method is out! Check out her website here to get it (and the free Book Club Guide) or explore her manager training.

Discussion Guide: For Your Podcast Listening Club

• Given the intro story in the podcast, would you like to travel on a corporate jet (or does commercial actually sound better)?

• What’s something you learned about workplace norms the hard way, and how could that have been communicated better upfront?

• How do you like to see conferences balance between actual takeaways, and more “fun things” like swag and finally seeing celebrities speak/perform?

AI Prompts of the Week

Professional

• I’m in a new or different work environment (like joining a leadership meeting for the first time or going to a client’s office). What are practical ways I can figure out and observe norms, build relationships and represent myself well without overthinking everything?

• What are some practical ways I can make the most of a conference I’m attending - before, during and after it - so it actually helps me effectively network and take things away?

Personal(ish)

• What are the best things and worst things about being a PTO president?

See you soon, Besties - our meetings are moving to monthly (with in-between ones popping up as breaking news emerges in the world of work). Until then, may your questions be welcomed, your conferences be filled with celebrities and actual takeaways, and your flights (commercial or otherwise) be drama-free.

XOXO,
Jamie, Leigh & Ashley

Click here to reach out to us with your questions and comments. We love anonymous intro stories!