Why We Misunderstand Each Other at Work with Nick Epley (S7:E3)
We think we know what our coworkers want – but we’re often wrong. In this episode of Work Better, behavioral scientist Nick Epley reveals why we misread even those closest to us, and how asking deeper questions can unlock trust, connection, and better collaboration. Epley challenges us to rethink small talk, lean into hard conversations, and design spaces that make connection the default – not the exception.
Nick Epley is a leading behavioral scientist known for his work on social cognition and human connection. He is the John Templeton Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Director of the Roman Family Center for Decision Research. His research explores how people perceive and misunderstand each other, with notable contributions to the understanding of egocentrism, miscommunication, and anthropomorphism.
The Work Better podcast is produced by Katie Pace, with assistance from Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison provides creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.
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30:24
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30:24
Make Listening Your Superpower with Jeff Yip (S7:E2)
Listening is hardest when it matters most – and many of us are doing it wrong. In this Work Better episode, researcher Jeff Yip reveals the five mistakes that sabotage our ability to truly hear others. Find out what they are, and learn why listening is the key to connection, engagement, and leadership – and how to start doing it better.
Jeffrey Yip, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Management at Simon Fraser University and the founder of ListeningWorks. His research focuses on leadership, mentoring, and career development, with a special emphasis on interpersonal dynamics and organizational psychology. A Fulbright scholar, Yip earned his PhD in Organizational Behavior from Boston University and a master’s degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University.
The Work Better podcast is produced by Katie Pace, with assistance from Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison provides creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.
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28:45
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28:45
Leading Humans in the Age of AI with Erica Keswin (S7:E1)
94% of people say they’re more productive when they feel connected. In this episode of Work Better, Erica Keswin explains why great leaders act more like cruise directors -- curating connection, not just managing tasks. Tune in for insights on building human workplaces that boost engagement, retention, and the bottom line.
Erica Keswin is a workplace strategist, speaker, and bestselling author dedicated to helping organizations build more human-centered cultures. Her books – “Bring Your Human to Work,” “Rituals Roadmap,” and “The Retention Revolution—explore the power of connection, intentional leadership, and meaningful rituals in driving engagement and performance.” She’s also a passionate advocate for finding the sweet spot between tech and connect – especially in the age of AI – and a proud dog mom to Cruiser, her very human pup.
The Work Better podcast is produced by Katie Pace, with assistance from Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison provides creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.
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31:08
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31:08
Why Mattering Matters with Zach Mercurio - Part Two (S6:E11)
Most people want to feel like what they do matters -- but too often, they’re expected to care without being shown that they’re cared for. In this episode of Work Better, host Chris Congdon continues her conversation with researcher and author Zach Mercurio about the power of mattering. Discover how leaders can build cultures of significance by noticing, affirming, and showing people they’re needed. It’s not just about soft skills -- it’s about unlocking real performance and helping people thrive.
Zach Mercurio, Ph.D., is a researcher and advisor on purposeful leadership and the science of mattering. He helps organizations build cultures of meaning and motivation, and teaches at Colorado State University’s Center for Meaning and Purpose. His clients include the U.S. Army, Marriott, and Simon Sinek’s Optimist community.
The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.
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26:29
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26:29
Why Mattering Matters with Zach Mercurio - Part One (S6:E10)
Most people want to feel like what they do matters – but too often, they’re expected to care without being shown that they’re cared for. In this episode of Work Better, host Chris Congdon talks with Zach Mercurio, researcher and author of The Power of Mattering, about why feeling valued is essential to adding value. Learn how leaders can build cultures of significance that reduce loneliness, boost engagement, and help people thrive.
Zach Mercurio, Ph.D., is a researcher and advisor on purposeful leadership and the science of mattering. He helps organizations build cultures of meaning and motivation, and teaches at Colorado State University’s Center for Meaning and Purpose. His clients include the U.S. Army, Marriott, and Simon Sinek’s Optimist community.
The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.
The Work Better Podcast by Steelcase brings you the latest trends and research shaping the ways people work, today and in the future. Each episode invites leading thinkers in the world of work to share their insights on what’s driving change and ideas for how to make it better. Learn how to improve employee engagement, wellbeing, and productivity by creating workplaces that work better.
Stay-up-to-date on design, insights and research to help people work better at steelcase.com/subscribe.
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