Live+Work More Human

Welcome to Brain Snacks, bite sized learning moments from Live +Work More Human.In today's episode, Mark C Crowley explores the persistent challenges of employee engagement, well-being, and organizational culture. Experts discuss systemic issues, the impact of managerial responsibility, and practical strategies for fostering healthier, more productive workplaces.Discover more in the full episode with Mark right here, and learn more at https://liveandworkmorehuman.com/Happy Brain Snacking!

In this episode, Alexis and Sal explore the “modern credibility crisis”: how information overload and algorithm-driven feeds are making it harder to sort fact from fiction. They unpack why even smart, educated people fall for bad advice online, the role of “surface credibility” (aesthetic polish, confidence, social proof, titles), and how cognitive overload nudges us toward oversimplified, tribal answers. You’ll hear practical prompts for slowing down, vetting sources, and matching your level of scrutiny to the importance of the decision—so you can navigate today’s information tsunami with more clarity and intention.Key takeaways you won't want to miss:How to navigate today’s credibility crisis with clearer thinking.Why cognitive overload pushes us toward mental shortcuts and passivity.What to know about deceptive “surface credibility” cues online.How to question whether someone’s expertise fits the topic.Why algorithms optimise for engagement, not truth or accuracy.How to match decision scrutiny to the stakes involved.What to know about echo chambers shaping your worldview.Why consuming less, higher-quality information is powerful.Learn more at liveandworkmorehuman.com and preorder Alexis' book right here.

In this insightful Brain Snack, author Christopher O Williams explores the multifaceted nature of courage, its key elements, and how to cultivate it in personal and professional life. Discover practical strategies to unmask fear, act decisively, and embody resilience to thrive in challenging situations! Key TakeawaysThe constituent elements of courage: moral compass, purpose, potential, unmasking fear, acting, growth, resilienceStrategies to interrogate and manage fearThe importance of purpose and self-confidence in courageous actsThe role of failure and resilience in personal growthThe impact of calmness and joy on courageous behaviorLearn more in our full conversation with Christopher right here, and discover more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.comHappy Brain Snacking!

This episode unpacks imposter syndrome as more than a confidence issue, reframing it as a deeper pattern rooted in conditional self-worth and reinforced by workplace cultures that reward over-efforting. Drawing on research, lived experience, and coaching insights, Sally and Alexis explore why high achievers are often the most affected—and what it takes to shift the pattern at both an individual and systemic level.Imposter syndrome is often misunderstood as a simple lack of confidence. In reality, it is more accurately described as an “imposter phenomenon”—a persistent internal narrative of being a fraud despite clear evidence of competence. What sits beneath it is often a limiting belief: “I’m not enough.”This belief drives a form of conditional self-worth, where value is tied to performance, achievement, and external validation. The result is a cycle of over-efforting, hypervigilance, and chronic self-doubt that can quietly fuel burnout—especially in high-performing individuals and demanding work environments. One of the paradoxes explored in this conversation is that expertise can intensify imposter feelings. As knowledge deepens, so does awareness of complexity, which can widen the perceived gap between where we are and where we think we “should” be.The impact shows up in everyday behaviours: replaying minor mistakes, fixating on critical feedback, over-preparing, struggling to set boundaries, and feeling unable to switch off. While these patterns can look like dedication or high performance from the outside, they often come at a significant personal cost. Crucially, the conversation challenges the idea that more credentials, experience, or validation will resolve imposter syndrome. Because the root is internal, the work must be too.Sally introduces the Three Selfs Framework as a way to make invisible internal narratives visible, helping individuals understand and shift the beliefs driving their behaviour. Self-compassion, often dismissed as “soft,” is reframed as a critical capability. It includes both tenderness (kindness, care, boundaries) and fierceness (taking action aligned with growth). Research shows it is linked to better emotional regulation, reduced burnout, and improved performance.For leaders, the message is clear: culture change starts within. Environments that lack psychological safety, punish mistakes, or concentrate workload among high performers can amplify imposter tendencies and increase burnout risk. Modelling self-compassion, normalizing mistakes, and distributing workload more sustainably are essential leadership practices. Ultimately, addressing imposter syndrome is not about eliminating doubt entirely, but about changing our relationship with it—moving from self-criticism to self-support, and from conditional to intrinsic worth.Key takeawaysImposter syndrome is not a confidence gap; it is often rooted in a deeper belief of “I’m not enough.”High achievers are particularly vulnerable because they tie self-worth to performance and standards.Gaining more qualifications or experience does not resolve imposter feelings when the root cause is internal.Increased expertise can intensify imposter thoughts due to greater awareness of complexity (Dunning-Kruger effect).Common signs include over-preparing, difficulty setting boundaries, fixation on mistakes, and chronic self-doubt.These patterns can look like high performance but often lead to burnout and unsustainable workloads.Workplace factors like low psychological safety, high pressure, and uneven workload distribution amplify the issue.Self-compassion—both tender and fierce—is a critical skill for reducing burnout and building sustainable performance.Learn more at liveandworkmorehuman.com

Today's Brain Snack is a succinct cheat sheet on how to make the case for a 4 day week. We sit down with Joe O'Connor, coauthor of Do More in Four, and explore the transformative potential of a shorter workweek, its strategic implementation, and benefits for organizations and employees. Key takeaways include:A shorter workweek can differentiate your organization in a competitive talent market.Successful implementation requires careful planning, bottom-up approach, and strategic re-engineering.A 4-day week can boost productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational resilience.Listen to the full episode with Joe right here, and learn more at Live+Work More Human.Happy Brain Snacking!

In this open-hearted episode, Alexis and Sally engage with Fiona Vale, co-founder of Humanico, to explore the transformative power of strengths-based living. They delve into how understanding and leveraging your unique strengths can lead to greater self-awareness, enhance leadership capabilities, and foster deeper, more meaningful relationships. Fiona shares her journey from diverse career paths to founding Humanico, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting on your innate talents to thrive in today's AI-driven world.This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to unlock their full potential and navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and clarity.Key Topics:The personal impact of Gallup CliftonStrengthsMoving beyond roles to core human traitsThe unique and rare composition of individual talent profilesPractical applications in work, relationships, and communitySelf-awareness as a tool to prevent burnoutBalancing tension among different strengths themesThe irreplaceable nature of human skills in AI eraTools like the strengths wheel for team problem-solvingTimestamps:(00:00) - Intro to strengths’ role in living more human(03:19) - Fiona’s founder story & Humanico’s mission(08:20) - Significance of strengths at work and beyond(12:38) - Fiona’s personal leadership insights(17:14) - Real examples of leveraging strengths in teams(22:30) - The uniqueness of strength configurations (1 in 34 million)(30:44) - The importance of dedicated thinking time(48:23) - Human skills that AI can't replicateLearn more about Fiona and her incredible work at www.liveandworkmorehuman.comAnd learn more about Humanico at www.humanico.co

Meetings should be intentional and purpose-driven. And yet so often they fall short. Today in your Brain Snack, we talk to author and expert Rebecca Hinds PhD about the dysfunction of meetings, their purpose, and how organizations can redesign their meeting culture for better productivity and connection. Rebecca Hinds shares insights on when meetings are necessary, how to reduce unnecessary meetings, and strategies to foster genuine team bonds.Key takeawaysThe history and evolution of meetings in the workplaceThe 4D CEO test for meeting necessityEffective strategies for reducing unnecessary meetingsBuilding team connection without meetingsOvercoming resistance to meeting culture changeListen to the full episode here and learn more at more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.comHappy Brain Snacking!

Not a minute goes by without the term ‘AI’ being dropped. Most of us are buried on screens for hours and hours each day. We’re speaking less, we’re connecting less, we’re so, unbelievably BUSY. So what does it mean to stay human in this chaotic, at times overwhelming, world? And why does it matter so much right now – more than ever?Join us in this compelling discussion with Dara Simkin, a global voice in play and founder of Culture Hero, as we explore the concept of being a full stack human. In a world overwhelmed by technology, Dara shares practical strategies for maintaining authenticity, emotional resilience, and human connection. This episode unpackages how to live more human amid rapid societal and technological change.In this episode, you’ll learn:The metaphor of full stack humans inspired by technology programmingHow biases and early programming shape our identity and behaviorsThe immunity to change framework to overcome resistance and foster growthThe importance of emotional awareness and feeling your feelings safelyStrategies for staying human: connection, play, and authenticityThe role of intelligent optimism and strategic hope in shaping a better futureRecognizing and navigating achievement syndrome and systemic programmingHow to push back against societal pressures and systems that threaten our humanityThe significance of holding multiple ideas and adaptable thinkingThe benefits of embodying a full stack human: vitality, aliveness, and resilienceLearn more about Dara's incredible work and much more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com