Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel

Епизоде

• Jenny Hagel on How to Build a Creative Career When the Odds Are Against You 01.06.2026 28мин

  Comedy writer Jenny Hagel has six Emmy nominations. The other week, she wrote 20 jokes. One made it to television. She doesn’t see this as failure, though. It’s the nature of the job. And it might offer the most useful career lesson you'll hear all year. Jenny is a writer on Late Night with Seth Meyers, where she also regularly appears on camera in the popular segment Jokes Seth Can’t Tell. She is also the author of a new book of essays called Advice No One Asked For. In this episode, Jessi Hempel sits down with Jenny to talk about the arc of her non-traditional career, and what it actually takes to keep going in the face of failure. In this episode, Jessi and Jenny discuss: The live advice show Jenny built during the writer's strike, and how a room full of strangers asking earnest questions accidentally became the most community-building thing she's ever done How humor acts as a spoonful of sugar that lets us endure the heavy stuff a little longer The 411 call that landed Jenny a grad school internship Why the find-yourself period matters, and what gets lost when young people skip it The writing advice Jenny gives everyone: the part where you create and the part where you judge have to be two completely separate steps How growing up queer in the '80s and '90s inadvertently became a blueprint for every out-the-box decision she's made since Why a creative career isn't all-or-nothing, and what the middle actually looks like Find Advice No One Asked For wherever books are sold, and follow Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn.
• Bonus: Lesbian Bars and the Secret Formula for Belonging 28.05.2026 15мин

  Lesbian bars aren’t just nightlife, they’re evolving spaces of community and chosen family, and they have a special place in Jessi Hempel’s heart. On this bonus episode, Jessi sits down with one of Hello Monday’s own producers,  Rachel Karp, to talk about her new book The Lesbian Bar Chronicles: The Living History and Hopeful Future of America's Dyke Dives and Sapphic Spaces.  Rachel’s journey started as a passion project: a documentary podcast in which the Cruising podcast team went on a road trip to visit every lesbian bar in the US. Their goal was to tell the history of lesbian bars and stories of the people who go to them. Now, those stories– and the lessons we can learn from them about how to create real-life community spaces–are in a book. In this episode: Why Rachel and the Cruising podcast team went on their road trip Why lesbian bars have endured, even as culture, technology, and rights have shifted What makes physical spaces of belonging different from digital communities The role of leadership in shaping inclusive, values-driven spaces What “chosen family” looks like in practice, and why it matters What anyone (queer or not) can learn from lesbian bars Follow Jessi Hempel and Rachel Karp on LinkedIn.
• How to Build a Career You Actually Believe In 25.05.2026 29мин

  We're trained to climb ladders and chase titles, but what if the real metric of career success was the positive impact you have on the world? In this episode from the Hello Monday archives, host Jessi Hempel sits down with Rutger Bregman to explore moral ambition—a framework for building a career based on what positive impact you can have on the world.  Rutger's groundbreaking book, Moral Ambition: How to Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference, is a wake-up call for anyone who's felt something was missing from their work. Whether you're early in your career, questioning your path, or rebuilding after a layoff, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for pivoting toward meaningful work. In this episode, Jessi and Rutger explore: What moral ambition is, and why it's the antidote to burnout Why "follow your passion" is the wrong advice for building a sustainable career How to shift from success-driven to service-driven work Which industries funnel talented people into unfulfilling roles, and how to break free Real-world examples of people solving humanity's biggest problems How to build coalitions and find collaborators aligned with your values The hidden cost of prestige, and how to redefine what winning looks like This episode is a call to action for anyone who wants to do good—and do it well. Follow Rutger Bregman and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn
• We're Lonelier Than Ever. Ritual Is the Answer. 18.05.2026 28мин

  Rituals work. They help us make meaning, process transition, and connect with each other. That’s why we’ve been doing them for more than 300,000 years. So why, in this century, have we largely abandoned them?  This week, bestselling author, repeat Hello Monday guest, and longtime friend Bruce Feiler joins us in the studio to talk about his new book, A Time to Gather: How Ritual Created the World and How It Can Save Us. Bruce traveled to 16 countries on six continents to explore why ritual matters and identify how we can bring it back into our everyday lives. In this episode: Why ritual is the original human algorithm and why we've abandoned it The difference between self-care and group care, and why the latter matters so much The rise of new rituals: cancer-versaries, sober-versaries, infertility ceremonies, and divorce parties Why funerals are disappearing, and what we're losing when they do A live ritual design class: Bruce walks Jessi through building one for her daughter's preschool graduation The three things every ritual needs: a beginning, a middle, and an end From "rites of passage" to "bites of passage": why small, frequent moments of connection matter as much as the big ones Virtual vs. ritual: why 2026 feels like the year we're choosing to come back together in person Follow Jessi Hempel and Bruce Feiler on LinkedIn. And let us know how you’re incorporating ritual into your own life. 
• Feed Drop: WorkLife with Molly Graham 14.05.2026 40мин

  You might think the biggest, most prestigious job is always the right career move. Patty Stonesifer — founding CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and an early Amazon board member — says that’s exactly the wrong way to decide what to do next. So what should guide your career? In this special episode from WorkLife with Molly Graham, Patty shares the nine-word personal mission statement she’s used for decades to filter opportunities, turn down what doesn’t fit, and speak up for what matters. Patty shares how you can write your own, and even coaches Molly through creating hers in real time.WorkLife is a podcast from TED where host and company builder Molly Graham and her expert guests talk through the messy feelings we all experience at work. Ambition and failure, joy and burnout, confidence and self-doubt — this show digs into it all to help you build a career without losing yourself. Listen now: https://link.mgln.ai/7r9KAe
• 23,000 People Tried Moving Every 30 Minutes. Here's What Happened. 11.05.2026 29мин

  We talk a lot about what technology is doing to our minds. But what about everything below the neck? This week, Jessi is joined by Manoush Zomorodi, host of NPR's TED Radio Hour and author of Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age, and New Science to Reclaim Your Wellbeing. Unfortunately, a killer workout or a standing desk won’t save us from the long-term health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. But five minutes of gentle movement every half hour could. In fact, Manoush helped run a clinical trial with 23,000 people to prove it. Jessi and Manoush discuss: Why sitting all day drains your energy even when you haven't done anything The Columbia study that got 23,000 people moving, and what it proved Why standing desks aren't actually the fix we thought they were The "garden hose" model of what happens to your arteries when you sit or stand too long How people can restructure their workdays (and their calendars) to make movement stick What "information athletes" can learn from dancers, musicians, and pilots The shift from screen-shaming to something kinder and more practical This one might make you want to stand up and take a lap while listening. That's kind of the point. Follow Manoush Zomorodi and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn.
• Feeling Powerless at Work? Here’s Where Your Agency Still Lives 04.05.2026 28мин

  Work has always been demanding, but lately, it feels like the ground is constantly shifting. Business is moving faster, projects disappear overnight, expectations change without warning. Under pressure, teams see more tension and uncomfortable moments. So how do you stay steady through these times and even use workplace tensions to grow and improve? This week on Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel talks with Aiko Bethea, leadership coach and author of Anchored, Aligned, Accountable: A Framework for Transcending Bullsh*t and Transforming Our Lives. Aiko’s book comes with a forward from Brené Brown, and offers a road-tested framework for navigating modern work with more clarity and intention. Instead of looking outward for stability, she argues that the real work starts within: understanding your values, recognizing your impact, and reclaiming your sense of agency. In this conversation, Jessi and Aiko discuss: Why work feels more chaotic than ever What it really means to be “anchored” in your values—and why most of us get this wrong How to align your decisions and behavior with what actually matters to you A more generous, effective way to think about accountability (hint: it’s not about blame) The many forms of power operating inside organizations Why curiosity is the key to better leadership and stronger relationships How to stop waiting for external conditions to improve and start creating your own stability This episode is for anyone looking for a way to regain clarity, ownership, and direction in the middle of constant change. Follow Aiko Bethea and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn. 
• Jury Duty Creators on What Company Retreat Gets Right About Work 27.04.2026 27мин

  Work can feel a little surreal. Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat makes that feeling literal. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Lee Eisenberg, writer and co-creator of the Jury Duty franchise, and Nick Hatton, executive producer, to talk about the hit series. The show’s premise is simple but radical: one real person dropped into a completely staged world, surrounded by actors. In Company Retreat, that world is the workplace. Specifically, a hot sauce company navigating a looming acquisition in the midst of their annual retreat.  Beneath the comedy, the show lands because it feels real. Lee has built his career capturing the nuances of human behavior at work, spending 5 years in the writer’s room for The Office before co-creating Jury Duty. Nick, too, has built a career in comedy, with past producing credits such as Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and This Is America.  In this conversation, they unpack how they recreate workplace dynamics so convincingly, why audiences connect so deeply with these stories, and what the show reveals about modern work culture. Jessi, Lee, and Nick discuss: The "David vs. Goliath" design behind Company Retreat and why Anthony was cast as the lowest rung on the corporate ladder How the show argues that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary decency when given the right environment The unexpected discovery that many of their casting candidates were gig workers, and what that says about the modern economy The ethics and mechanics of "laying breadcrumbs" for their hero without compromising his free will Their fears and cautious hopes about AI's impact on the entertainment industry and the future of meaningful work Follow Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn
• Feeling Empty? Arthur Brooks Has a Formula for a Meaningful Life 20.04.2026 29мин

  When was the last time you felt truly bored? And when was the last time your life felt genuinely meaningful? For Harvard social scientist Arthur Brooks, those two questions are more connected than you might think. This week on Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Arthur Brooks — professor at Harvard Business School, bestselling author, and one of the most compelling thinkers on happiness and purpose — to dig into his new book, The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness.  In this episode, Jessi and Arthur discuss: Why so many high-achievers feel empty even when everything is going right How our devices are literally pushing us into the wrong hemisphere of the brain, and why eliminating boredom may have accidentally eliminated meaning The psychology of strivers: why so many driven, successful people are secretly running on a fear that idleness means they'll stop being loved The "arrival fallacy": why reaching your goals so often feels like a letdown, and what that tells you about whether you were chasing the right things The four types of career paths, and why "spiral" careers — built from a series of reinventions — may be the most fulfilling model for this moment How to retrofit a sense of calling into the job you already have Arthur's gut-check formula for evaluating any career opportunity: 80% excitement, 20% fear, 0% deadness Why suffering and meaning share the same part of the brain — and why trying to avoid all pain may be the very thing standing between you and a purposeful life This episode is for anyone who has achieved what they set out to achieve and still found themselves wondering, "Is this it?" — and for anyone still figuring out what they're actually working toward. This conversation was recorded live. If you’re a premium member, you can watch the extended version, featuring lots more audience questions, here. Follow Arthur Brooks and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn.
• How to Start Your Career When the Old Rules Don’t Apply 15.04.2026 28мин

  Finding your path to a meaningful career has never felt more complicated. The job market is entirely unpredictable, AI is reading your resume, and entire industries seem to be disappearing.  It’s a particularly uncertain moment to be entering the workforce for the first time. This week on Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel talks with Jodi Kantor about navigating the early years of a career.  Jodi is one of the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalists who broke the Harvey Weinstein story, igniting the Me Too movement. Last year, she delivered a commencement speech to Columbia’s class of 2025, offering practical and comforting advice for young people on the cusp of their professional lives. She’s expanded on that guidance in her new book, How to Start, which offers a roadmap to a meaningful career. In this episode, Jessi and Jodi discuss: Why the early stages of a career are inherently difficult, and how to embrace a “fruitful struggle” instead of giving up Jodi’s own winding path, from law school dropout to journalist How the job search itself has changed, including the rise of AI interviews and increasingly impersonal hiring processes Why the real measure of a career isn’t prestige or stability, but how connected you feel to the work in your day-to-day tasks The challenge of distinguishing your own voice and interests from expectations coming from parents, culture, or conventional career advice Why trying to game the job market or chase the “safe” profession rarely works How to hold onto the belief that work can be meaningful, satisfying, and sustainable, even in a difficult job market How cold calling doesn’t get easier, and why you should do it anyway This episode is for anyone starting out, starting over, or helping someone else navigate the messy early chapters of a career. Follow Jodi Kantor and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn
• Your Screen Is Changing Your Brain. Take Back Control, with Jonathan Haidt 06.04.2026 26мин

  If you feel like your attention span has shrunk, you’re not imagining it. According to social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, our phones and social platforms have fundamentally reshaped childhood, work, and our ability to focus. In his bestselling book The Anxious Generation, Jon argues that the rise of smartphones and social media triggered what he calls the “great rewiring of childhood.” But the consequences extend far beyond kids. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi talks with Jon about what constant connectivity is doing to our minds,how we got here, and why reclaiming our attention may be one of the most important challenges of our time. Jon and Jess discuss: How smartphones reshaped adolescent development Why social media use is linked strongly to rising anxiety and depression among young people How tech platforms are intentionally designed to capture and fragment our attention Why today’s digital tools isolate people Practical steps families, workplaces, and individuals can take to reclaim focus and develop healthier tech habits Why restoring unstructured play, independence, and boredom is critical for healthy development At its core, this conversation asks a simple question: What happens when an entire society loses control of its attention, and how do we get it back? Find Jon’s new book for kids, The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World, here.  Follow Jonathan Haidt and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn.
• Why We Quit Too Soon, and How to Keep Going 30.03.2026 29мин

  Do you think of your beliefs as immutable facts? If so, you might be holding yourself back. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Nir Eyal, bestselling author whose work sits at the intersection of psychology, technology, and human potential. His latest book, Beyond Belief, explores how the stories we tell ourselves shape our motivation, and how changing those stories can change our outcomes. In this conversation, Jessi and Nir explore how limiting beliefs take hold, why our brains default to helplessness, and how we can challenge the narratives that keep us stuck. Jessi and Nir discuss: Why beliefs should be treated as tools, not truths How limiting beliefs undermine motivation and progress The “motivation triangle” and why belief is essential to action Why we often quit too early, and what a famous rat experiment reveals about persistence A practical method for questioning assumptions and collecting new perspectives Why visualization can actually hurt motivation, and what to do instead The difference between pain and suffering, and why separating the two matters At the heart of Nir’s work is a simple idea: our minds default to safety and survival, not growth. But when we learn to question the beliefs that hold us back, we can unlock more motivation, agency, and possibility in our lives. Follow Nir Eyal and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn. Office Hours are back! Join Jessi live from her LinkedIn page on Wednesday 4/1 at 3pm EST. 
• Why Women’s Health Is a Workplace Issue with Melinda French Gates and Regina Dugan 23.03.2026 28мин

  Women spend nearly a decade more of their lives in poor health than men. It’s a gap that doesn’t just affect individuals, it holds back entire organizations. This week on Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Melinda French Gates, philanthropist and founder of Pivotal, and Regina E. Dugan, President and CEO of Wellcome Leap, to unpack the health disparities impacting women at work, and explore what it will take to close them. Melinda and Regina both operate at the intersection of capital, science, and equity. Together, they are rethinking how we invest in women’s health, examining why progress has been so slow, and identifying what leaders can do to drive meaningful change. Jessi, Melinda, and Regina discuss: Why women spend more years in poor health, and how that affects their careers The ways health inequities limit advancement and economic opportunity Why investing in women’s health isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a smart move financially The role senior leadership plays in reshaping outcomes for women at work How policy, science, and leadership all play a part in closing the health gap for women Follow Melinda French Gates, Regina E. Dugan, and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn This conversation was recorded live in Bellevue, Washington. If you’re a premium member, you can watch the extended version, featuring lots more audience questions, here. We will be launching the Hello Monday book club soon. If you’re interested in joining, send us an email at hellomonday@linkedin.com and let us know!
• Think Like A Futurist: Respond, Don’t React 16.03.2026 28мин

  AI is reshaping industries and jobs faster than most of us can keep up. But futurist Amy Webb argues we have more control over what lies ahead than we might think.  In today’s episode, Jessi Hempel sits down with Amy, founder and CEO of the Future Today Strategy Group and one of the world’s leading experts on strategic foresight. For nearly two decades, Amy’s annual tech trends report has helped leaders understand what’s coming next, and what to do about it. Amy and Jessi explore the concept of creative destruction—the economic force that disrupts old systems to make room for new ones—and what today’s wave of AI-driven change means for workers, leaders, and organizations. Amy and Jessi discuss: What creative destruction really means, and why we should embrace it How AI and emerging technologies are transforming industries faster than many leaders expect How leaders can strategically prepare for trends and crises, rather than merely reacting to them Why organizations need to invest in foresight and long-term thinking How individuals can position themselves to adapt and thrive during rapid transformation Follow Amy Webb and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn Learn more about The Future Today Strategy Group Watch Amy’s 2026 SXSW talk  We will be launching the Hello Monday book club soon. If you’re interested in joining, send us an email at hellomonday@linkedin.com
• The New Intelligence That Matters More Than IQ 09.03.2026 25мин

  What skill is most critical in a world defined by constant change? Leadership coach and author Liz Tran believes it’s AQ, or agility quotient. In this episode of Hello Monday, host Jessi Hempel sits down with Liz to explore why traditional measures of intelligence like IQ and even EQ may matter less in today’s AI-powered, rapidly evolving workplace. Instead, Liz argues that what really predicts success is our ability to adapt, navigate uncertainty, and respond to change. Liz’s new book is AQ: A New Kind of Intelligence for a World That's Always Changing. Drawing from her work with executives, founders, and professionals across industries, she explains how AQ works—and why it’s a skill anyone can develop. Together, Jessi and Liz unpack how strengthening your agility quotient can help you navigate career transitions, unexpected challenges at work, and a future where skills evolve faster than ever. Liz and Jessi discuss: What AQ (agility quotient) is—and why it may matter more than IQ or EQ in the modern workplace Why AI and automation are leveling traditional intelligence advantages The four AQ archetypes—Astronaut, Novelist, Firefighter, and Neurosurgeon—and how each handles change How understanding your archetype can guide career decisions, leadership style, and personal growth How to build resilience and adaptability in a world where careers span multiple industries and roles Follow Liz Tran and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn.  We will be launching the Hello Monday book club soon. If you’re interested in joining, send us an email at hellomonday@linkedin.com and let us know!  
• Menopause at Work: Hormones, Leadership & Power in Midlife Careers 02.03.2026 27мин

  Hot flashes. Brain fog. Sleepless nights. For too long, we’ve mislabeled midlife women’s health as burnout, anxiety, or a loss of ambition. But what if the real issue isn’t performance — it’s hormones? In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel talks with Joanna Strober, founder and CEO of Midi Health, about menopause, perimenopause, hormone therapy, and power at work. Together, they unpack how gaps in women’s healthcare during midlife are quietly pushing talented leaders out of the workforce at the exact moment they should be accelerating. After struggling to get proper treatment for her own perimenopause symptoms, Joanna built Midi Health to deliver insurance-covered, expert virtual care focused on women in midlife. This conversation goes beyond hot flashes — it’s about workplace equity, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), ageism, health misdiagnoses, and why normalizing menopause could unlock a generation of leadership. Because menopause isn’t a road bump, with the right care, it can be a power surge. Jessi and Joanna discuss: The difference between perimenopause and menopause, and why the distinction matters for women’s health at work Why 1 in 5 women in their 40s are prescribed SSRIs — and how hormonal shifts are often overlooked Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal menopause treatments The workplace impact of untreated menopause symptoms, including research showing women may lose authority during visible symptoms like hot flashes How employers can support midlife women through better insurance coverage  Ageism in the workplace — and why women in their 50s may be primed for peak performance How normalizing menopause conversations can help women reclaim power Follow Joanna Strober and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn. We will be launching the Hello Monday book club soon. If you’re interested in joining, send us an email at hellomonday@linkedin.com and let us know!  Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/hellomonday-LI-video-youtube  Watch/Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/hellomonday-LI-video-spotify⁠ Listen on Apple: https://bit.ly/hellomonday-LI-video-apple⁠ 
• Is “Be Yourself” Bad Career Advice? The Truth About Authenticity and Success 23.02.2026 27мин

  Be yourself. That’s the advice we give graduates, job seekers, and leaders. But what if it’s wrong? In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with organizational psychologist and author Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic to interrogate one of the most popular ideas in modern career advice: authenticity at work. Tomas is the Chief Talent Scientist at ManpowerGroup, a professor of business psychology, and the author of Don't Be Yourself. His research explores personality, leadership, workplace performance, and the science of success. In this conversation, he challenges the notion that “just be yourself” is the key to career growth—especially in a rapidly changing job market shaped by AI, shifting power dynamics, and rising inequality. Together, Jessi and Tomas unpack how authenticity functions as both a personal value and a professional strategy—and why it can be a privilege reserved for those already in the “in-group.” They also examine what young professionals, underemployed graduates, and leaders navigating AI disruption need to understand about perception, communication skills, and the future of work. Jessi and Tomas discuss: • Why authenticity at work is often misunderstood—and how perception matters more than self-expression • The hidden privilege behind “bring your whole self to work” • In-group vs. out-group dynamics in workplace culture • AI and the future of work: entry-level jobs, automation, and the changing career ladder • Why curiosity—not authenticity—may be a critical skill for 2026 • Balancing personal values with organizational expectations • The psychology of influence, impression management, and professional success If you’ve ever felt frustrated by workplace politics, confused about how much of yourself to reveal at work, or anxious about how AI is reshaping career paths, this episode is for you. We will be launching the Hello Monday book club soon. If you’re interested in joining, send us an email at hellomonday@linkedin.com and let us know!   Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/hellomonday-LI-video-youtube  Watch/Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/hellomonday-LI-video-spotify⁠ Listen on Apple: https://bit.ly/hellomonday-LI-video-apple⁠ 
• How Rest Boosts Creativity & Productivity: A Guided Practice with Octavia Raheem 16.02.2026 21мин

  Rest is essential. It’s like food or water; without it, we die. As today’s guest points out though, it’s also a sacred practice. In today’s rerun conversation, originally held live on Hello Monday’s Office Hours, Octavia Raheem joins Jessi Hempel to talk about, and to practice, rest. Octavia Raheem is a rest coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and author. Her latest book is called Rest is Sacred: Reclaiming Our Brilliance Through the Practice of Stillness. She and Jessi discuss: How rest sparks creativity and connection Rethinking productivity through rest How to build micro-rest practices into your days The power of rest for self-reflection, personal growth, and clarity Then, Octavia leads us in a transformative guided rest practice that combines mindfulness, relaxation, and breathing techniques. Follow Octavia Raheem and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn.
• The Myth of AI Taking Your Job—and What’s Actually Happening Instead 09.02.2026 28мин

  AI didn’t decide to reshape work. People did. And that distinction matters more than we like to admit. Dr. Rumman Chowdhury says the real story isn’t about machines replacing humans. It’s about the choices people in power are making—and the agency the rest of us still have. In today’s episode, Jessi Hempel and Rumman unpack what responsible AI really means, why fear is the wrong default reaction, and how workers, leaders, and everyday users can shape a better technological future. Rumman Chowdhury is a leading expert in responsible artificial intelligence and algorithmic accountability. She previously led responsible AI efforts at Accenture, served on Twitter’s product team before it became X, and advised governments in the U.S. and U.K. She is the co-founder of Humane Intelligence, an organization focused on independent AI auditing and public participation in technology oversight. Rumman and Jessi discuss: Why AI isn’t “happening to us”—and how leadership decisions shape its impact What responsible AI looks like inside real companies and products The rise and fall of trust in Big Tech and Silicon Valley Algorithmic bias, content moderation, and the limits of internal oversight The root of why we fear AI The difference between techno-optimism and techno-solutionism How individuals can reclaim agency by understanding and engaging with AI If you want to hear more from Dr. Rumman Chowdhury listen to her recent Ted Talk here.  Follow Dr. Rumman Chowdhury on LinkedIn Follow Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/hellomonday-LI-video-youtube  Watch/Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/hellomonday-LI-video-spotify Listen on Apple: https://bit.ly/hellomonday-LI-video-apple⁠ 
• Fight Less, Win More: How Tactical Empathy Changes Every Work Negotiation 02.02.2026 22мин

  Every day is filled with negotiations. Here’s how to start winning them. Any conversation that has a want or a need is a negotiation. It's critical to approach even the low stakes negotiations with the same tools that will win high stakes conversations. But what if the key to better outcomes isn’t pushing harder, but listening better? In today’s episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Jonathan Smith, negotiation instructor and co-author of Fight Less, Win More, to break down why negotiation is really about empathy, trust, and disciplined listening. Drawing on The Black Swan Group’s negotiation framework—made famous by Never Split the Difference—Jonathan shares practical tools for navigating conflict, building influence, and getting what you need without damaging relationships. Jonathan is a business strategist and negotiation expert who has spent years teaching leaders, managers, and teams how to communicate in moments that matter most. His work focuses on tactical empathy, emotional intelligence, and the everyday negotiations that shape our careers and lives. Jonathan and Jessi discuss: Why every difficult conversation is a negotiation Tactical empathy and how to help people feel truly heard The “core four” negotiation skills: labels, mirrors, dynamic silence, and summaries How low-stakes practice builds confidence for high-stakes conversations Managing tone, emotion, and self-regulation  Why listening is a discipline—and how it improves trust and influence Using AI as a preparation tool without losing human connection If you want to go deeper on these tools listen to our episode from September, 2025 with The Black Swan Group's founder and CEO, Chris Voss.  Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/chrisvoss-hm-youtube  Listen on Apple: https://bit.ly/chrisvoss-hm-apple  Watch/Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/chrisvoss-hm-spotify We will be launching the Hello Monday Book Club soon. If you’re interested in joining, send us an email at hellomonday@linkedin.com and let us know!