The ScienceForWork Podcast

Épisodes

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  Communicating Data People Understand, with AJ Thurston, PhD 21.07.2026 1h 2min

  Have you ever sat through a presentation that felt completely correct, and somehow also completely forgettable?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, host Matt Lampe, PsyD, talks with AJ Thurston, PhD, Chief of Market Research for military recruiting within the DoD Office of People Analytics and a professor of I/O psychology at George Mason University, about what it actually takes to communicate data so people understand it.AJ makes the case that being understood is almost entirely the communicator's responsibility, not the audience's, and that simple, honest communication is a skill worth deliberately building, no matter who you're talking to.In this conversation, AJ and Matt explore:Why the responsibility to be understood belongs to the communicator, not the audienceHow to structure a message so it sticksWhy bar charts, not fancy dashboards, are often the most effective visual you can useHow to talk about correlations and effect sizes in language a non-technical audience actually finds compellingWhere AI fits as a genuine assistant in writing, coding, and data visualization, and why the underlying skill still mattersMore from AJ:Website: ajthurston.comAdvanced resources (expectancy charts, predictive probabilities, dominance analysis): ajthurston.com/sfwLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ajthurstonTwitter/X: @ajthurstonEnjoying the ScienceForWork podcast? Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend.ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  Culture by Design with Kyle Mack, PhD 23.06.2026 56min

  Most organizations invest heavily in culture. Very few understand what their culture is.Kyle Mack, PhD, is an industrial and organizational psychologist who spent years inside large-scale employee listening programs, reading what employees actually experience versus what their companies say is their culture. In this conversation, Kyle talks about how culture is not what you say. It's what your systems reward.In this episode:Why the gap between espoused and enacted culture is the default state, not the exceptionHow hiring, promotion, and performance management are your real culture, not your values deckWhy founder imprinting persists long after the founder is goneA practical framework for HR leaders to start closing the gapConnect with Kyle: cultureagent.aiFollow ScienceForWork: ScienceForWork.com
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  Leading for Wellness with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer 02.06.2026 57min

  In this episode of the Science for Work podcast, Matt Lampe is joined by Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer to talk about the critical role of leadership in shaping workplace wellness. Patricia and Katina, co-founders of Workr Beeing and authors of Leading for Wellness, explore the journey of writing the book and their commitment to translating research into practical tools for leaders. The conversation covers authenticity and vulnerability as the foundation of trust-based leadership, flexibility and work-life balance, how leaders can create microcultures of wellness even inside difficult organizations, and the role of person-centered planning in supporting employee mental health. They also discuss where they hope organizational practice and future research go next, including the case for investing in leaders rather than programs and taking a longer view on organizational performance.Resources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workrbeeing/https://workrbeeing.com/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter. ScienceForWork.com
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  Leading Through Uncertainty with Joshua Steinfeldt 12.05.2026 51min

  How do you lead well when the ground keeps moving?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, host Matt Lampe talks with leadership coach Joshua Steinfeldt about what it looks like to lead through uncertainty.Drawing on positive psychology, contemplative science, and years of one-on-one work with leaders, Joshua brings together modern research and ancient wisdom in a way that's refreshingly practical for a moment that often feels anything but.Together, they explore:Equanimity as a leadership capacity, not just a meditation conceptThe role of the pause in agility and decision-makingWhat it means to be a secure base for the people you leadHow to hold both loss and new beginnings at the same timeThis episode is for leaders, coaches, and anyone feeling the weight of leading through change right now and looking for something worth carrying with them.Links: https://practicingcourage.com/The Courageous Life podcast (available wherever you listen)ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  Exploring People Intelligence with Cole Napper 21.04.2026 54min

  Cole Napper returns to ScienceForWork as the newly appointed Chief People Intelligence Officer at HR Bench, and brings a provocative claim: people analytics is now a commodity, and what comes next is something he calls people intelligence.In this conversation, Cole and Matt explore:Why the four branches of HR data — people analytics, talent intelligence, workforce planning, and behavioral science — are collapsing into a single intelligence layerHow AI is forcing a rebuild of HR from first principles, and why large enterprises may face the steepest climbThe case for "tokenomics" as the next workforce planning challenge — and why hourly token cost vs. hourly human cost is closer than most leaders thinkWhat it means to do science when the field is changing faster than the research can keep upMore from Cole:Directionally Correct podcast: https://www.colenapper.com/podcastPeople Analytics: Using Data-Driven HR and Gen AI as a Business Asset (book): https://www.colenapper.com/bookCole's site & newsletter: ⁠https://www.colenapper.com⁠HR Bench: https://hrbench.comEnjoying ScienceForWork? Follow the show on Spotify and share this episode with a colleague who's thinking about the future of HR.ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  Rethinking Employee Listening Programs with Craig Starbuck, PhD 07.04.2026 1h 1min

  What does it actually take to turn employee listening into meaningful organizational change?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, host Matt Lampe talks with Craig Starbuck, PhD — CEO and co-founder of OrgAcuity and President of the Society for People Analytics — about what it means to build listening programs that drive action.Craig makes the case that people analytics is fundamentally a change management function, and that listening programs built without that lens will rarely move the needle. Drawing on his background spanning engineering, people analytics, and organizational leadership, he shares what a smarter approach looks like — one that reflects how people actually work, not just how the org chart says they should.Together, they explore:Why change appetite has to be assessed before any listening effort beginsHow stakeholder buy-in shapes whether insights ever become actionWhat organizational network analysis reveals that traditional survey platforms missHow employee listening needs to evolve alongside the way work is changingThis episode is for HR leaders, people analytics practitioners, and anyone who has wondered why employee feedback so rarely leads to meaningful change.Links:https://orgacuity.com/https://societyforpeopleanalytics.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-starbuck-phd/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  Navigating Change & Understanding the Human Experience at Work with Shonna Waters, PhD 17.02.2026 53min

  In this episode of the Science For Work podcast, Matt Lampe talks with Shonna Waters about the human experience of change in organizations. Shonna emphasizes the importance of addressing fundamental human needs—security, growth, and significance—during periods of change, and how psychological ergonomics can help align organizational goals with these needs. The conversation also explores the challenges of communication during change, the impact of altitude sickness on leaders' perceptions, and the significance of identity in navigating change. Shonna offers insights on building trust, managing performance dips, and fostering resilience by focusing on identity.Links:Shonna Waters on Substack: https://substack.com/@drshonnawatersShonna Waters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonna-waters/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  Curiosity as a Psychological Tool for Work and Leadership with Dr. Todd Kashdan 27.01.2026 53min

  In this episode of the Science for Work podcast, Matt Lampe and Todd Kashdan discuss the importance of wellbeing in the workplace, emphasizing that authenticity is often misunderstood. They explore how managers can create environments that foster curiosity and engagement while navigating conflicts. Kashdan also highlights the role of AI in enhancing meaning and purpose at work, and the significance of cognitive flexibility. The episode concludes with practical advice on using personal life to heal from workplace challenges and the importance of curiosity as a tool for growth.Links:Todd Kashdan’s Substack: https://toddkashdan.substack.com/Todd Kashdan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddkashdan/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  Turning People Analytics Into Action with Colby Kennedy Nesbitt, PhD 06.01.2026 54min

  How does people analytics create real value in organizations?In this episode of the ScienceForWork Podcast, host Matt Lampe is joined by Colby Kennedy-Nesbitt for a thoughtful conversation about how people analytics can move beyond reporting and measurement to support better decisions and action at work.Drawing on evidence-based insights from I/O psychology and real-world practice, Colby shares a grounded perspective on how engagement data and analytics actually show up inside organizations, and where teams often struggle to translate insight into meaningful change.Together, they explore:Why engagement is better understood as a system rather than a single scoreHow and where analytics efforts tend to lose momentum between insight and actionHow organizational context, including size and maturity, shapes effective people analyticsThe role of communication and storytelling in helping leaders make sense of data without diluting the scienceThis episode is designed for leaders, HR partners, and practitioners who are interested in thoughtfully developing their use of people data over time, and in using evidence to support clearer sensemaking, stronger decisions, and more meaningful outcomes at work.Resources:Colby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-kennedy-nesbitt-phd-0824b979/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  People Analytics and the Work That Matters with Cole Napper 07.10.2025 53min

  What is the real purpose of people analytics, and how do we move from interesting insights to existential impact?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, host Matt Lampe talks with Cole Napper, a leader in people analytics, about what it takes to recenter analytics around value and relevance. They discuss how the field can reconnect to business impact, what it means to build existential value, and how data, AI, and labor-market intelligence are reshaping the way organizations make decisions.Together, they examine what happens when evidence becomes action and action creates learning, reflecting the mission of ScienceForWork: bridging research and practice to #MakeWorkBetter.ResourcesCole's website: www.colenapper.comCole's Book: www.colenapper.com/bookDirectionally Correct podcast: https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.comScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  AI, Role Clarity, and the Fear Behind the Pace of Change with Neil Morelli, PhD & Josh Prasad, PhD 23.09.2025 51min

  What if the biggest challenge with AI in the workplace isn’t the technology, but the uncertainty it creates about who we are and how we contribute?In this episode of ScienceForWork, host Matt Lampe talks with organizational psychologists Josh Prasad and Neil Morelli about how AI is reshaping expectations across diverse organizations.Beneath the pace of change, many are quietly wrestling with something deeper: the fear of falling behind or being replaced. From role ambiguity and identity disruption to the pressure leaders feel to move before they’re ready, this conversation explores how people and systems are being asked to adapt before there is a shared understanding of what’s changing or why.Resources: LinkedIn (Josh): https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-prasad-phd/LinkedIn (Neil): https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmorelli/https://www.workplacelabs.io/Information & Waitlist for Josh & Neil's AI for Employee Listening Course: https://www.workplacelabs.io/courses/aiforemployeelisteningScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  How Change Really Happens with Paul Mastrangelo 26.08.2025 1h 2min

  What if the way we think about workplace change is missing something essential?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, Matt talks with Dr. Paul Mastrangelo, organizational consultant and founder of First Domino Consulting. Paul brings a behavioral science lens to the challenge of organizational change, and offers practical strategies to help leaders move beyond intention and actually shift behavior.We explore why familiar frameworks often fall short, what really drives the adoption of new ways of working, and how Paul’s approach, Infectious Change Design, draws from psychology, product design, and healthcare to make change more human, scalable, and effective.Whether you're leading a transformation or helping a team adapt to something new, this episode offers evidence-based insights and tools for shaping meaningful change.Resources:Paul Mastrangelo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmastrangelo/First Domino Consulting: https://www.firstdominoconsulting.comScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.
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  Work Ability and Workforce Sustainability with Dave Cadiz, PhD 12.08.2025 45min

  What if we could predict turnover, long absences, or burnout before they happen?In this episode, we explore work ability, a concept rooted in occupational health that is gaining traction in I/O psychology, workforce strategy, and leadership development.Our guest is Dave Cadiz, PhD, a behavioral scientist and consultant, who unpacks the research behind work ability and its growing impact on how organizations think about workforce sustainability.Whether you are in HR, I/O, or people strategy, this episode offers practical insights into how we define and support sustainable work.If you enjoy this episode, consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with a colleague. Visit scienceforwork.com to learn more or get involved.Resources:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecadiz/https://theaimconsulting.com/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.
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  The Power of Civility with Dr. Mark Nagy 29.07.2025 1h 3min

  What if the reason people leave your organization has less to do with pay or benefits, and far more to do with how they’re treated?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, we're joined by Dr. Mark Nagy for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on the science and practice of civility in the workplace.Backed by research and real stories, this conversation offers practical ways to rethink how we treat each other at work, and why it matters more than we think.Resources:https://scienceforwork.com/Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusmgmt/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners working to #MakeWorkBetter.
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  Context, Fit, and Feedback: Unpacking What Makes Leadership Work with Kevin Impelman 15.07.2025 39min

  What actually makes leadership effective? In this episode, we explore why context, fit, and behavioral feedback matter more than checklists or credentials.In this episode, we're joined by Kevin Impelman, Principal Consultant at Summit Leadership Partners, to unpack the practical side of leadership—how to select, support, and develop leaders in ways that actually align with what the organization needs. From private equity to executive coaching, Kevin shares actionable insights from over 20 years in the field.Whether you’re in HR, consulting, or senior leadership, this episode challenges one-size-fits-all models and emphasizes the power of feedback, context, and tailored development.Resources:Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinimpelman/Connect with Summit Leadership Partners: https://www.summitleadership.com/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  What Evidence-Based Really Looks Like with Michael Vodianoi 08.07.2025 35min

  What does evidence-based look like, once you’re inside the organization?In this episode of the ScienceForWork podcast, we're joined by Michael Vodianoi. Michael shares what he’s learned after transitioning from consulting and assessment development to an internal leadership role in a large organization.We talk about how evidence-based practice shows up in real decisions—not just slide decks—and what it takes to balance rigor with relevance. From learning through lived experience to reframing what “expertise” actually means, this episode is a candid look at how applied behavioral science can support people, not just process.Whether you’re internal, external, or somewhere in between, this episode helps reframe what it means to be science-informed in the real world.Resources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvodianoi/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter.ScienceForWork.com
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  The Accessibility Mindset Shift with Dr. Teira Wilson 24.06.2025 34min

  In this episode of the ScienceForWork Podcast, our host, Dr. Matt Lampe, is joined by Dr. Teira Wilson. Dr. T shares her journey into the field of digital accessibility, emphasizing its importance in creating inclusive environments. She discusses the difference between compliance and genuine inclusion, the need for a shift in mindset towards accessibility, and the various tools and resources available for organizations. Dr. T also highlights her book on document accessibility and the role of AI in supporting accessibility efforts. The conversation underscores the critical need for awareness and proactive measures in making digital spaces accessible to all.Resources:Dr Teira's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teira-wilson/Dr Teira's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Plain-Sight-Document-Accessibility/dp/B0F7X8Z38FScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter. ​https://ScienceForWork.com
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  Allyship in Action with Dr. Victoria Mattingly 10.06.2025 36min

  What if the key to stronger allyship is simply starting with partnership?In this episode of the ScienceForWork Podcast, our host, Dr. Matt Lampe, is joined by organizational psychologist Dr. Victoria Mattingly, who shares why allyship isn’t a title—it’s a behavior. We explore how genuine inclusion occurs through partnership, not saviorism, and why allyship must be fluid, intentional, and collaborative.You’ll hear:Why most allyship efforts overlook the partner side of the equationHow behavior, not identity, defines inclusionThe 3 traits of great allies (and great partners)What organizations can do to make allyship stickDr. Mattingly also shares insights from her upcoming book, which flips the script on how we support one another across differences—and why that reframe matters now more than ever. ResourcesLearn more: mattinglysolutions.comPreorder the book: mattinglysolutions.com/allyshipConnect with Dr. V on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vpmattinglyScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter. ​https://ScienceForWork.com
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  What Makes DEI Meaningful (Not Performative) with Jaclyn Durant 04.06.2025 29min

  What does “belonging” actually look like in a workplace, and why do so many DEI efforts miss the mark?In this episode, our host, Dr. Matt Lampe, is joined by Jaclyn Durant, a psychology student and ScienceForWork intern, to unpack the research behind diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. They explore the difference between meaningful and performative DEI, the science behind tokenism, and why a lack of follow-through creates distrust and burnout.Tune in for a candid and insightful conversation rooted in evidence, lived experience, and practical recommendations.Resources referenced:Camargo (2023), Developing Strategies to Improve the Sense of Belonging and Mitigate TokenismWang et al. (2024), Aligning Employee Health and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the workplace: A call for synchronizationBui et al. (2019), The Resilient Organization: A Meta-Analysis of the effect of communication on team diversity and team performanceKey topics include:What tokenism looks like in practiceHow performative DEI undermines trust and mental healthWhy DEI workshops, affinity groups, and leadership accountability matterActionable strategies for creating belongingScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter.​https://ScienceForWork.com
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  Making the Invisible Visible: Unwritten Rules at Work with Dr. Anna Kallschmidt 28.05.2025 46min

  What are the hidden rules shaping your workplace?In this episode, our host, Dr. Matt Lampe, is joined by Dr. Anna Kallschmidt. They unpack the unwritten rules of work — the cultural, class-based, and neurodivergence-informed dynamics that quietly shape expectations, performance, and inclusion. They explore how these invisible norms show up, why they matter, and what organizations can do to design clarity and fairness into their systems.Resources:Connect with Dr. Anna on LinkedIn: ​https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-kallschmidt/Follow Dr. Anna on YouTube, TikTok, and her mailing list: ​https://www.youtube.com/@DrKallschmidt​tiktok: @drkallschmidt ​https://drkallschmidt.comLearn more about her upcoming book on workplace unwritten rules: ​https://drkallschmidt.com/my-book/ScienceForWork is an independent, non-profit foundation of evidence-based practitioners who want to #MakeWorkBetter.​https://ScienceForWork.com