Ira Wolfe

Innovation and Entrepreneurship 101
Muhlenberg College
September 18, 2023

Students explore the basic concepts in the continuing processes of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Students will explore how entrepreneurs identify opportunities in the market and validate their ideas with customers using the business model canvas and lean methodologies. The course explores what it means to be an entrepreneur and how to develop the “entrepreneurial mindset” In the context of the entrepreneurial enterprise, some fundamental concepts from economics, accounting, budgeting, management, marketing, finance, and operations will be introduced. Students will also explore the role of teams and networks in venture creation. The course may include readings, speakers, videos, and case studies.

Adjunct Professor
Muhlenberg College
October 27, 2020

Designed and taught new course Organizational Change Management in Master's In Organizational Leadership program at Muhlenberg College, division of Graduate and Continuing Education.

The Perfect Labor Storm v2022
Never Normal News
November 04, 2022

For anyone that follows me, you know I create and introduce a ton of content. I've done that for most of my career starting with my first newsletter - 4 pages, 1-color - published in Oct 1980. At the time, most businesses shared a 1-page, text only, "mimeographed" sheet of paper with customers. While the deliverable has morphed into something I couldn't imagine back then, I continued that practice of curating, creating, and sharing content right up to the present time.

Why Your Degree Won’t Save You: How AQ Gaps Are Sabotaging College Grads In Job Interviews
Forbes.com
February 26, 2025

​In "Why Your Degree Won't Save You: How AQ Gaps Are Sabotaging College Grads In Job Interviews," Ira Wolfe exposes a critical oversight in today's job market: while academic credentials may open doors, it's the adaptability quotient (AQ) that determines success. Wolfe identifies five key AQ deficiencies hindering graduates: resistance to change, lack of resilience, poor problem-solving skills, inadequate emotional intelligence, and limited learning agility. He argues that these gaps can derail promising careers, emphasizing the necessity for graduates to cultivate adaptability alongside their degrees.

Adaptive Intelligence: A Perplexing Force in Today’s Workplace
Ira Wolfe
December 09, 2024

The modern workplace is a turbulent sea of constant never-normal change, demanding individuals who can navigate complexity and uncertainty. This is where adaptive intelligence (AQ) emerges as a critical factor shaping workforce dynamics. AQ, the ability to thrive in ambiguous and volatile environments, goes beyond mere intelligence. It’s a multifaceted force that permeates every level of an organization, influencing leadership styles, team dynamics, and individual performance.

Walk and Chew Gum: Neuroscience Shatters the Multitasking Myth
Ira Wolfe
November 27, 2024

Let’s be clear: Our brains are impressive, but they’re not built to handle multiple attention-demanding tasks simultaneously, especially when it comes to cognitively demanding tasks.

That’s right, despite what we’ve been told, multitasking isn’t a real superpower, it’s a fantastic illusion. The stars of this magic show?

Knowledge Transfer: Debunking The “Brain Dump”Myth
Ira Wolfe
November 17, 2024

Welcome back to the next article in my myth-busting series about cracking open the managerial fortune cookie and reading between the lines with a little help from neuroscience! This week, we’re putting on our detective hats to investigate the myth that knowledge transfer flows like a river in the workplace—from managers to their teams. Spoiler alert: that’s not how brains, or reality, work!

Is Photographic Memory A Snapshot of Fact or Fiction?
Ira Wolfe
November 09, 2024

Welcome back to my brain-myth busting series! We’ve been on a myth-busting marathon, haven’t we? From the brain’s left-right tango to the whopper of the multitasking myth, we’ve torn down some pretty all brain tales. And today? Grab your popcorn, because we’re zooming in on the blockbuster claim of “photographic memory.” Let’s snap into it, shall we?

Adaptability Quotient (AQ): The Crucial Skill for an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Ira Wolfe
October 11, 2024

According to a study by Harvard Business School, 71% of executives listed adaptability as the most important component they looked for in a leader. It’s then likely more than a casual coincidence that McKinsey & Co. discovered adaptability was the most predictive indicator of future employability.

Fact or Fiction: Do We Really Only Use 10% of Our Brain?
Ira Wolfe
October 11, 2024

First things first, the 10% brain myth is just that—a myth. Despite its prevalence in popular culture, it’s fundamentally flawed. Here’s why: each and every part of your brain has a specific function. From controlling your heart rate and breathing to understanding the complexities of a philosophical discussion, your brain is perpetually active, working round the clock to keep you, well, you!

How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Tips for Personal Development
Ira S Wolfe
September 04, 2024

In this wild, ever-shifting landscape we call the Never Normal, your mindset isn’t just a footnote in your story—it’s the headline. If you’re not rocking a growth mindset, good luck trying to unlock other success game-changers like grit, resilience, or the art of unlearning. It’s not just my take either. A recent study by Nature backs it up. Their latest research shows that believing you can develop your skills and smarts (aka a growth mindset) is a powerhouse for personal growth and adaptability.

What Is AQ? A Deep Dive Into Adaptability Quotient
Ira S Wolfe
August 27, 2024

We’ve all heard of IQ—the classic measure of cognitive ability—but when it comes to thriving in today’s ever-shifting landscape, it’s AQ, the Adaptability Quotient, that’s the real game-changer. While EQ (Emotional Quotient) helps us navigate relationships, it’s AQ that propels us from vision to reality, transforming ideas into tangible success.

Get Ready for a Double Dose of Insightful Livestreams This Week on the Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization Show!
Linkedln
July 18, 2024

Buckle up for an exciting week as we bring you not one, but two compelling livestream episodes that you simply can't afford to miss! Whether you're passionate about the evolving workplace or eager to decode the complexities of the global economy, we've got something special lined up for you.

14 Traits of a Successful Entrepreneurial Mindset
Ira S Wolfe
June 11, 2024

What makes a successful entrepreneur? Discover the key traits that shape an entrepreneurial mindset which can lead to progress. Dive in now!

Bulletproofing Future Success: Unlock the Secret Sauce of Accountability and Adaptability
Linkedln
June 10, 2024

First off, Jeff isn’t your average dude. He’s authentic, practical, and quite a storyteller. This is where his story starts: creating a safe environment for communication. Sounds meh, right? Hold that thought. Jeff hit hard on how critical it is for people to feel safe to take risks and make mistakes. And I'm not talking about some fluffy, helicopter parenting safe space stuff.

The New Grad Playbook: Unlock Workplace Wins With Adaptability
Forbes.com
June 06, 2024

While achieving that college degree is quite a milestone, and opens lots of new doors, what lives on the other side can be scary. Recent grads have shifted from being the big fish in the small pond of college to the new kid on the corporate block. Many feel a little out of their depth? Don’t sweat it! It’s all about embracing a newfound superpower of employability: adaptability. Let's unpack how flexing this skill will not only help survive but also thrive in this shiny new world.

Say Goodbye to Employee Turnover: How Adaptability Quotient Can Keep Your Workforce Strong
Ira S Wolfe
May 21, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, the one who adapts wins. Turnover can cripple teams, derail projects, and sap morale. Imagine a crucial product launch delayed by months, costing millions in lost revenue. It's not just top executives whose exits hurt. Even frontline workers leaving can disrupt teamwork and collaboration. But there’s hope. Embracing adaptability can transform your workforce. This isn't just a theory—it's a strategy that builds resilience and safeguards success.
Ready to dive deeper? Discover the secrets to a resilient workforce in my latest article!

Adaptive Minds in the Workplace: What are Adaptive Skills?
Adaptability Toolkit
May 12, 2024

A 2023 report from the World Economic Forum showed that employers estimated as much as 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted within the next 5 years. Having adaptive skills can be the difference between stagnation and success. But just what are adaptive skills? These skills encompass a range of abilities, from communication and teamwork to problem-solving and resilience.

What if You Could Time Travel Back to Normal? [Part 2]
LinkedIn
April 29, 2024

Imagine the year is 2010. The world buzzes with the early whispers of digital innovation—smartphones are still a luxury, Facebook is just beginning to bloom beyond college campuses, and the cloud is more a meteorological term than a tech solution. Enter a hypothetical scenario: a pandemic akin to COVID-19 strikes. Without the digital arsenal of Zoom, 4G, Netflix, or advanced AI for rapid vaccine development, how would the global workforce adapt? Let’s explore this alternate past where adaptability isn’t just a skill, but a survival mechanism

How to Conduct a Change Readiness AQTeam Audit
Adaptability Toolkit
April 22, 2024

Boost your team's change readiness with our adaptability quotient AQTeam audit. Discover the step-by-step process to enhance adaptability.

Embracing Growth: 10 Leadership Development Goals for Tomorrow’s Leaders
Adaptability Toolkit
April 22, 2024

Explore forward-thinking leadership development goals designed to cultivate the skills needed to lead effectively in a rapidly evolving world.

The Power of Adaptability: Thriving in an Ever-Changing World
Linkedln
February 26, 2024

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, the ability to adapt is not just a valuable skill - it is an absolute necessity for thriving in both personal and professional spheres.

How Ignoring AQ Is Failing Your Workforce Transformation
Linkedln
February 19, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of organizational change, workforce transformation stands as a critical endeavor. Companies across industries grapple with the need to adapt, innovate, and stay competitive. Yet, there’s a silent culprit undermining these efforts: Adaptability Quotient (AQ).

025. Unleashing Brain Capital with Wharton’s Michael Platt: Loyalty, Human Connection & Brain Synchrony
Import from wordpress feed
December 04, 2023

In a world where traditional leadership and HR practices are imploding and rapidly evolving, I’m thrilled to release this edition of my newsletter. It highlights the fascinating conversation I had on my most recent “Geeks Geezers Googlization” podcast, featuring Wharton neuroscientist,

024. Neuromanagement Insights: Rethinking Busyness as the Holidays Approach
Import from wordpress feed
November 28, 2023

As the holiday season whirls into full swing, we find ourselves caught in a dizzying array of deadlines and demands.  Picture this: You’re racing against the clock to wrap up year-end projects, hunting for those perfect gifts, and planning a well-deserved vacation – all while trying to cram

How To Make Corporate Purpose More Than A Poster
Forbes
November 28, 2023

Why does purpose play a game of hide and seek in so many organizations? Why does purpose too often remain a poster on the wall, a hollow mantra rather than a lived experience? That was the question I answered in my most recent article published on Forbes.com.

023. The Science of Gratitude and How It Can Help Your Team This Thanksgiving
Import from wordpress feed
November 20, 2023

The post 023. The Science of Gratitude and How It Can Help Your Team This Thanksgiving appeared first on Ira Wolfe.

022. Do You Still Believe in the School of Hard Knocks? Get Over It!
Import from wordpress feed
November 13, 2023

The post 022. Do You Still Believe in the School of Hard Knocks? Get Over It! appeared first on Ira Wolfe.

Hacking Happiness: The Hard Science That’s Rewiring Work and Well-being
Linkedln
May 07, 2025

What if everything you thought you knew about happiness was wrong?
It’s not soft. It’s not random. And it’s definitely not just for yoga retreats and inspirational posters.

10 Leadership Moves That Flop—Because You Didn’t See the Complexity Coming
Linkedln
April 24, 2025

Most change initiatives fail not because of bad ideas but because leaders dramatically underestimate the scope, speed, and messiness of change.

You didn’t miscalculate the goal. You misjudged the reality distortion field that change creates around people, process, and performance.

And guess what? It’s not a strategy problem. It’s an AQ problem. The new leadership superpower most execs still think they’ve got… but don’t.

The Cult of Comfort: How Status Quo Junkies Are Sabotaging the Future
Linkedln
April 15, 2025

Once upon a quarterly report, in a land ruled by KPIs and caffeine, there lived a legion of business leaders known far and wide as the “Steady Hands.” You’ve probably met them. Hell, you might be one of them.

These were the folks who treated change like it was gluten: trendy, irritating, and best avoided unless absolutely necessary.

How to Know If Your Org Has APD: It's Why Most Companies Fail
Linkedln
April 03, 2025

It’s the delusion that you’ve already adapted enough.

We used to talk about disruption like it was external. A market shift. A new competitor. A pandemic.

But what if the real disruption isn’t out there? What if it’s between your ears?

Welcome to the boardroom and workplace pandemic nobody wants to admit: Adaptive Perception Disorder.

Stop Whining About Change. Adaptability Is Your Only Survival Strategy.
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
March 24, 2025

Think flexibility and versatility are enough to survive the future of work? Think again. Those are child’s play compared to the brutal, beautiful beast that is adaptability—the ability to burn your past playbook, unlearn what no longer serves you, and rebuild yourself in real-time. This no-BS article rips apart your cozy delusions and makes one thing crystal clear: Adaptability Intelligence (AQ) isn’t a soft skill—it’s a f***ing survival trait. If you're not evolving, you’re expiring.

We Are an Endangered Species: The Adaptability Crisis (And It’s Our Own Damn Fault)
Linkedln
March 20, 2025

Let’s be honest: most of us are drowning. Not in water, but in uncertainty. The economy is doing backflips, AI is rewriting job descriptions in real time, and our political landscape is one tweet away from combustion. Now layer on personal chaos—maybe you just lost your job, got a terrifying diagnosis, or are simply overwhelmed by the sheer volume of notifications screaming for your attention. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most of us don’t have the adaptability required to cope, let alone thrive.

Welcome to N.A.I.V.E. Nation
Linkedln
January 27, 2025

The world is evolving at breakneck speed, yet a silent epidemic is taking hold—one that’s easy to overlook. It’s the trap of being N.A.I.V.E.—a mindset where individuals and organizations become Numb, Apathetic, Indifferent, Vulnerable, and Entitled. This dangerous state creates a false sense of stability while reality shifts beneath our feet. Those who cling to complacency and the status quo risk being left behind, in a world that never stops moving.

Don’t Let The Future Eat Your Lunch
Linkedln
January 21, 2025

Okay, let’s get real for a second. The world is changing faster than ever before, and the way we do business is getting flipped on its head. You might be thinking, “AI is cool, but it won’t affect my job,” or “The government will regulate it.” But hold on, things are moving way faster than you think. Remember the first computer? For most of you, probably not.

It’s Time to Get Your Sh*t Together
Linkedln
January 15, 2025

Wake up and take a hard look around. The recent disasters shaking our nation aren't just devastating they’re a sobering call to action. These aren't isolated incidents, from the wildfires scorching Los Angeles to the hurricane that pummeled North Carolina. They're glaring reminders that our world is more unpredictable and interconnected than ever.

Career Bankruptcy: Are You One Change Away from Irrelevance?
Linkedln
January 12, 2025

I would like to tell you a personal story. A few years ago, I watched a colleague—let's call him Bruce—get blindsided. Bruce was a superstar in his field, but he clung to his old ways while the industry evolved around him. When automation came knocking, his expertise became irrelevant. He lost not just his job, but his confidence. Watching Bruce's career unravel made one thing crystal clear: adaptability is the lifeline we all need.

Bridging the Readiness Rift: Why CEOs Can’t Afford to Ignore Adaptability Intelligence
Linkedln
January 03, 2025

Picture this: the boardroom is quiet, save for the faint buzz of a projector displaying financial forecasts. The numbers are steady, even optimistic. But the CEO’s furrowed brow tells a different story. It isn’t today’s bottom line that keeps them up at night; it’s the looming Readiness Rift — that gaping chasm between where the organization is now and where it needs to be to thrive in an age defined by VUCA: volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

Butterfly Nets vs. Tornadoes: Why You're Losing the Future of Work
Linkedln
December 31, 2024

Picture this: you’re standing in a wide-open field, butterfly net in hand, while a monstrous tornado barrels straight for you. Insane, right? Yet, that’s exactly how many people are approaching the future of work. They’re trying to catch a force of nature with skills and tools so outdated, it’s like chasing tornadoes with butterfly nets!

Surviving Thanksgiving: Is Your AQ Ready for the Holiday Madness?
Linkedln
November 20, 2024

This year, like last year, we made Thanksgiving reservations. For me, it was a no-brainer—fewer dishes, fewer headaches—but for my wife, it was a bittersweet decision. For decades, Thanksgiving meant home-cooked meals and the kind of chaos that somehow always felt like love.

Change is Ruining Our Daily Routines: Why Don't More People Do Something?
Linkedln
July 30, 2024

Let me make this perfectly clear: change comes in many forms. To make matters worse, humans are notoriously bad at handling it. Our lizard brains are hardwired to spot fear and trigger our fight-or-flight response. Unfortunately, we can't simply run away from the myriad of changes thrust upon us daily. Too often, the case for adaptability is dismissed as irrelevant. "It's not me that needs to change; things are just moving too fast.”

Kitchen Table Talks vs. Boardroom Banter
Linkedln
June 23, 2024

Why does it feel like your wallet is shrinking while corporate profits soar? For some the answer is simple: it might feel like businesses are just picking the pockets of consumers. But the conversation in the episode begins to strip away the layers to get to the real story, Once again, Mat Van Alstyne, John Aidan Byrne, and special guest Jim Toes joined me to unravel the complexities and conundrums taking place at the corner of Main St. and Wall St.

Look on the Bright Side
Linkedln
June 21, 2024

Isn’t it annoying when people brush off your lousy day by telling you to look for the ‘silver lining’ in the situation? It’s almost as though they’ve never had the disasters you have. Perhaps their plans weren’t interrupted in the way yours were. Or they never were blindsided by a personal or financial disaster.

Adapting to Thrive: Innovation and the Future of Work for Modern Leaders and Managers
LinkedIn
June 13, 2024

Buckle up folks, because we're about to embark on a journey through adaptability, innovation, and the ever-evolving future of work. Trust me, you don't want to be left behind.

Is AI a Job Killer or a Game-Changer in Disguise?
Linkedln
May 13, 2024

Imagine it’s the early 20th century. Automobiles are replacing carriages, and blacksmiths, buggy whip makers, and carriage craftsmen are all terrified. They’re afraid of becoming obsolete, just like many people fear AI today. Their worry echoes through the ages. The fear hasn’t changed much, has it?

What If You Could Time Travel Back to Normal? [Part 1]
Linkedln
April 22, 2024

Imagine hitting a giant rewind button and you miraculously land in 2010, just a few short years before the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Back then, flip phones were still in pockets, and social media was just finding its footing. Think about it: no Zoom for virtual meetings, no 4G to instantly stream Netflix, and no Siri or Alexa to answer your questions.

Yesterday's Grit, Today's Delusion: The Dangerous Overconfidence of the Modern Leader
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
April 04, 2024

In the whirlwind world of exponential change and uncertainty that we currently navigate, the ability to adapt is not just a desirable trait—it's the lifeline that keeps businesses afloat and thriving. Yet, there's an invisible adversary lurking in the minds of many leaders and entrepreneurs, a cognitive bias that silently skews self-assessment and could potentially derail even the most well-intentioned efforts to evolve. This foe? The Dunning-Kruger effect.

Champions on the Field, Rookies in Life: The Truth About Grit and Success
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
April 02, 2024

The world of sports, with its clear winners and losers, offers a dazzling spectacle of what it means to push limits, to strive, and, importantly, to never quit. This ethos of indomitable spirit, while inspiring, casts a shadow on a nuanced truth: the qualities that define sporting prowess do not always harmonize with the demands of real-life resilience and entrepreneurship.

Are You Spinning Your Wheels or Gearing Up?
Linkedln
April 01, 2024

In today’s world, where change zips by in the fast lane, throwing curveballs left and right, there’s a story about an awesome machine in the middle of an active, thriving office that really hits the mark. This isn’t your average tale of cogs and wheels; it’s a deep dive into mastering the art of keeping up when the world won’t stop moving.

Why Most Changes Crash and Burn: Closing The Knowing-Doing Gap
Linkedln
March 29, 2024

Imagine you're on the brink of a major change, whether in your personal life or at the helm of a large organization. You've done the research, held countless discussions, and laid out a detailed plan. Yet, as time passes, you find yourself in the same spot, no closer to your goal. This frustrating scenario is all too common, and it's largely due to a pervasive issue: the knowing-doing gap.

Clean Up the Mess in Aisle 9: A No-Nonsense Guide to the Chaos of Modern Business
Linkedln
March 27, 2024

Alright, let's get down to business—or rather, let's dive into the chaos that business has become lately. Imagine you're at your favorite grocery store. You're cruising down aisle 9, and boom! There's a mess. A big one. We're not just talking a spilled jar of pickles. No, it's more like someone set off a glitter bomb in the flour section. Welcome to the modern business landscape.

5 Reasons Why "Change is the Only Constant" Is Terrible Advice
Linkedln
March 25, 2024

In an era where technological advances and societal shifts occur at breakneck speed, the age-old adage "change is the only constant" seems more relevant than ever. Yet, paradoxically, this well-meaning counsel may be among the worst advice for navigating today’s complex, nonlinear landscape. Far from a call to action, it risks becoming a lullaby for the complacent, subtly undermining the urgency to adapt and innovate. Here’s why:

Recruiting in the Age of Googlization
Author's Place Press
February 04, 2020

Recruiting in the Age of Googlization is really two books in one. First, he draws upon his TEDx Talk message: “Make Change Work for You." He depicts an era of exponential change and disruption called the Age of Googlization. Ready or not, we are crossing quickly into uncharted territory, a world of unknown unknowns. We’re facing a tsunami of HR technology that blurs the line between reality and science fiction. This change can be paralyzing without a strategy and plan.

Recruitment in the Age of Googlization
Author's Place Press
December 01, 2017

No business function is being disrupted by technology and demographics as much as recruitment. Tried and true recruiting practices are no longer working. New job categories are emerging, traditional jobs are disappearing and employment technologies are advancing at an exponential pace. An evolving definition of work and acceleration in the automation of work is only intensifying the competition for qualified workers. And yet many companies continue to recruit and screen talent like it was still 1970.In Recruiting in the Age of Googlization, Ira S Wolfe exposes the realities of automation on the future of jobs and the rapid reconstruction of the concept of work. Wolfe illuminates with his down-to-earth writing style how exponential change will transform or eliminate most jobs and make many business models irrelevant or unrecognizable. Wolfe's examples read like science fiction jumping off the pages of everyday reality. His forecasts and solutions are simultaneously exciting and terrifying. It is within this new business environment that organizations must learn to recruit and retain talent.Whether you're responsible for Human Resources or management or the average worker or student wondering what's next for his or her career, Recruiting in the Age of Googlization is a thought-provoking, compelling read. Recruiting in the Age of Googlization provides a blueprint for a recruitment process that works in any organization. The solution is built on a framework of best practices that will surely help organizations recruit, select, manage, and retain the talent they need. The book will inspire new ideas, spark pivotal conversations, and challenge existing assumptions about business and help lay out a game plan to make change work.

Geeks Geezers and Googlization
Xlibris
August 17, 2009

The workplace has become a potential battlefield between four generations (and soon to be five) struggling to exert their influence and hold on to their world views and attitudes. At its center are the deep-rooted beliefs and attitudes held by each generation toward work, life, and communication.These differences in perspective and opinion are not new.

Perfect Labor Storm 2.0
Xlibris
August 25, 2007

Nearly 20 years ago, The Perfect Labor Storm started brewing. Job requirements dropped so low that jokes about "warm body" hiring and the "mirror" test (if candidates could fog a mirror, they qualified) became mainstream conversation in boardrooms and Human Resources departments. But much like discussions about climate change controversy ensued. A dot-com bust, 9/11, and the Great Recession was proof enough for the pundits and naysayers that shortages of skilled workers was merely anecdotal. Some even suggested it was a hoax.

But not unlike the Andrea Gail, the boat sucked under by the colossal force two days before the full force of "The Perfect Storm" hit, many businesses and organizations are meeting the same fate. Skilled workers are becoming harder and harder to find. While managers and business owners were hoping that the dark clouds would pass over, they failed to understand that this Perfect Storm was unlike any other crisis they ever confronted. Many if not most never took the Perfect Labor Storm seriously. Their wait-and-see attitude and shortsighted strategies is sinking their Andrea Gails - the businesses they caption.

Since the mid 1990s author Ira S Wolfe has tracked the past and future careers of workers while studying demographic and socio-economic trends set against a background of an unprecedented pace of technological advancement. When Wolfe first introduced The Perfect Labor Storm Generation X was the youngest generation. Since that time, Millennials and now Generation Z have assumed that position while the oldest Gen X are now 50+ years old.

The Perfect Labor Storm details multiple factors converging that can't be ignored. For starters, a shortage of skilled workers exists as predicted by Wolfe. While not evenly distributed, no industry or geographic boundary is protected. But the shortage is almost a symptom and not the cause of bigger problems.

Aging populations, five generations working simultaneously, globalization, a crazy pace of technological change, and the growth of female breadwinners have converged to upset norms and traditions. Adding salt to the wound is an ailing healthcare system, failing education for the middle and lower class, increasing employee turnover, obesity, and number of other contributing factors.

Future labor shortages will not blow over. Time has proven that we are experiencing structural disruption in our economy and labor markets unlike any time since the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. Management, politicians, and bureaucrats are playing in a new sandbox. The Perfect Labor Storm lays out in detail why shortages of skilled workers will not blow over and initiates the conversation that must take place.

Understanding Business Motivators and Values
Creative Communication Publications
March 01, 2004

Understanding Business Values and Motivators is THE 21st Century manager's primer to understanding how to motivate employees and how managers can tap into those motivators to encourage continuous productivity improvement, improved morale, and peak performance. Wolfe provides valuable and easily applied tips and techniques that every manager can use right away to motivate employees, loved ones at home, or volunteers. Its purpose is to show you what people value and how to tap into those motivators for their success and yours.

The Perfect Labor Storm Fact Book
Creative Communication Publications
March 01, 2004

The Perfect Labor Storm Fact Book is the best forecast you can buy to plan your employee recruitment and retention programs. Aging workers, retiring baby boomers, rising health care costs, shortages of skilled workers, generational gaps, work ethics are just a few of the workforce demographic and socio-economic events that are colliding to produce the biggest shortage of skilled workers in the United States and many other developed countries.

Best Selling Recruiting Book of All Time
Author's Place Press
December 01, 2017

As featured on CNN, Forbes and Inc, BookAuthority identifies and rates the best books in the world, based on public mentions, recommendations, ratings and sentiment. Recruiting in the Age of Googlzation is listed #7. https://bookauthority.org/books/best-recruiting-books

The Change 19: Insights into Self-Empowerment
The Change: Jim Britt/Jim Lutes
August 16, 2023

I am humbled and elated that to be included in The Change 19, part of the fastest growing personal development book series in the world. This book is a tapestry of 20 unique perspectives, each thread interwoven with experiences, insights, and strategies aimed at lighting your path. Whether you find solace in a story, embrace a new strategy, or see the world through a different lens, know that each chapter was crafted with the fervent hope to touch and positively impact lives like yours. Stay inspired. Embrace the change.

The world around us is in constant flux, brimming with challenges and uncertainties. Yet, it is in the face of these uncertainties that we find our true strength, discover boundless opportunities, and learn the beautiful dance of life. And just as the night is darkest before the dawn, it is our belief that 'The Change' you seek is right around the corner.

The Change 19: Insights into Self Empowerment
The Change
August 14, 2023

The Change 19 explores powerful, life-changing stories from 22 inspiring authors including Global Thought Leader Ira S Wolfe. The chapter reveals the importance of purpose as he shares his journey from a successful, but terribly unsatisfied dentist, to future of work thought leader.

Create Great Culture in a Remote World
Author's Place
October 11, 2022

In Create Great Culture in a Remote World, four of America's top business coaches share their strategies and experiences on how to lead successful remote teams - whether the employees are in the same city or around the world!

Create an Awesome Candidate Experience
Ira S Wolfe
December 01, 2019

A job candidate should walk away from the recruitment experience feeling good, even if rejected. But despite billions of dollars invested in HR technology and countless human hours spent working on improvement, many candidates walk away disappointed, resentful, and even angry. According to The Talent Boards 2019 Research report, candidate resentment has increased 40 percent since 2016. That should be horrifying news since resentment means 71% of rejected candidates will tell their inner circle and one-third will publicly shame you on social media. That’s not just bad for HR but bad for the brand, bad for the business, and bad for the bottom line.
Creating an Awesome Candidate Experience consists of 3+ hours of video interviews with digital and UX experts, candidate experience leaders and multiple how-to lessons. I'm adding fresh content regularly as well as a workbook, so expect to see fresh content regularly.

Success Performance Solutions
Success Performance Solutions
August 01, 1996

We are one of the premier providers of employment assessments and candidate experience optimization.
HR testing, leadership tests, candidate experience optimization, and applicant tracking software for small and medium-sized business.

PeopleForward Network Celebrates Leadership Impact With First Annual Impact Awards
PeopleForward Network
December 07, 2022

PeopleForward Network, a people-first leadership and communications services company, announces the winners of their first annual “PeopleForward IMPACT Awards. Among the winners was Thinkers360 Global Thought Leader Ira Wolfe for Most Forward Thinking Podcast (https://geeksgeezersgooglization.com).

Perfect Labor Storm Author Selected to Top 100 HR Influencers of 2021
Engagedly
July 29, 2021

Engagedly announced its fifth annual list of "Top 100 HR Influencers of 2021" which includes Perfect Labor Storm author Ira S Wolfe. Among other notables honored are Angela Duckworth (Author, Grit), Adam Grant (Author, Think Again), Laszlo Bock (CEO, Humu), and Danny Meyer (CEO, Shake Shack).

Wolfe is the President and Chief Googlization Officer of Poised for the Future Company, Founder of Success Performance Solutions, and host of Talk4TV and Podcast, Geeks Geezers Googlization. His most recent book Recruiting in the Age of Googlization was selected for the top 50 Business Books to read in 2021 by Thinkers360.

Walk and Chew Gum: Neuroscience Shatters the Multitasking Myth
Ira S Wolfe
October 27, 2024

Let’s be clear: Our brains are impressive, but they’re not built to handle multiple attention-demanding tasks simultaneously, especially when it comes to cognitively demanding tasks.

That’s right, despite what we’ve been told, multitasking isn’t a real superpower, it’s a fantastic illusion. The stars of this magic show?

Adaptability Quotient (AQ): The Crucial Skill for an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Ira S Wolfe
October 11, 2024

The Real Reason People Hate Change: Turn Resistance into Action
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
June 03, 2024

Change. The mere mention of it can send shivers down the spine of even the most adventurous souls. But why? Why do we resist it, push it away, and cling to the familiar like a safety blanket? Let's unravel this perplexing phenomenon with a burst of insight into two primary psychological reasons: Psychological Distance and Solution Aversion.

From Future Shock to Future Sensing: Transforming Business Turbulence into Triumph
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
May 28, 2024

Picture This: You're navigating through a minefield of disruptions. Covid-19, inflation, political rifts, AI's meteoric rise, wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, and recession whispers haunting global markets. You're not a quitter but you find yourself wondering, "WFT" more and more often. "Are we done yet" is a valid question in a world where turbulence, uncertainty and complexity seem to be the only constants.

The Caitlin Clark Effect: What the WNBA Phenom Can Teach Us About Success When Nothing is Normal
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
May 20, 2024

While Clark's WNBA debut has been filled with quite a few "Oh-Sh**" moments, it is packed with lessons for anyone aiming to thrive in an unpredictable Never Normal world. Don't miss out on how you can apply the secrets of a sports superstar to your life and career in the future of work!

Navigating the Employee Mental Health Storm
Ira S Wolfe
May 19, 2024

Workplace mental health is a hotter topic than a July sidewalk. I opened up my The Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization Show vault to dive deep into the mental health challenges employees face featuring 7 expert guests. They share insights on trust, adaptability, and the importance of feeling valued. It’s clear: mental health at work is an organizational responsibility if executives expect to adapt, grow, and thrive.

Good News: AI Is Not the Job Killer We Feared
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
May 14, 2024

Wouldn't you know it? No sooner did I publish my latest Never Normal News article, but my inbox dings with an email from Statista. Attached? A list highlighting the 9 jobs most at risk, along with a link to an article spotlighting the 9 most in-demand jobs from a growth perspective. Talk about timing!

Is AI a Job Killer or a Game-Changer in Disguise?
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
May 13, 2024

Imagine it’s the early 20th century. Automobiles are replacing carriages, and blacksmiths, buggy whip makers, and carriage craftsmen are all terrified. They’re afraid of becoming obsolete, just like many people fear AI today. Their worry echoes through the ages. The fear hasn’t changed much, has it?

AQ: The Skill Every Manager Expects But Most Managers Never Heard of It
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
May 08, 2024

In today's fast-paced, "Never-Normal," ever-evolving work world, adaptability isn't just a buzzword—it's a make-or-break skill for your career. But while most managers demand it from their teams, few interview for it or coach it well, and almost no one knows how to measure it. It’s like trying to order your favorite dish at a new restaurant when you can’t even describe it to the server. This oversight is a costly mistake because nearly every job needs adaptability, whether it's taking an extra shift to cover for a co-worker, reporting to a new supervisor, or processing credit cards when your Internet goes down. AQ is essential to job success, and knowing your team’s AQ is as important as knowing their skills and experience because it allows you to harness their strengths effectively, fill in gaps with the right support, and ensure your team can thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

From Interns to the Boardroom: 10 Reasons Why AQ Matters at Every Level!
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
May 01, 2024

Shout out to all leaders and managers: Are You Guilty of This? It could be costing you dearly. Adaptability Quotient isn't just a leadership competence. With the world changing faster than you can say VUCA, adaptability is an essential skill for almost every worker just to get through the day, no less show up and do their work. Here are 10 events that impact your employees multiple times each day. How they respond depends on their AQ!

What If You Could Time Travel Back to Normal? [Part 1]
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
April 22, 2024

Ever wondered what hitting a giant rewind button to 2010 would be like? Imagine time traveling back 10 years and landing in a global health crisis, in a world where flip phones and landlines were still a thing and social media was taking its first steps. No Zoom, no 4G, no Netflix, no Siri or Alexa to make life easier. How would we have handled a pandemic with just the tools from 2010?

What's your take on this? Could we have managed without our digital advancements?

Beyond the Buzzer: What South Carolina’s Bench Can Teach Us About Adaptability in Business
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
April 15, 2024

Reflecting on the recent Women’s NCAA basketball finals where South Carolina faced Iowa, there’s a standout lesson that goes beyond sports, touching the core of business adaptability: the undeniable value of a strong bench. South Carolina’s overwhelming 37-0 bench point advantage wasn’t just a statistic; it was a masterclass in depth and readiness, precisely what every business needs in its adaptability strategy.

The Secure Everywhere Workforce: Rewriting the Rules of Workplace Flexibility
LinkedIn/Never Normal News
April 14, 2024

For just a moment, let’s rewind to the 1970s: the era of bell-bottoms, disco, and, believe it or not, the dawn of telecommuting. Yes, nearly 10 years before the first personal computer was available, an engineer named Jack Nilles coined the phrase. He and others pictured this: the first glimpses of a world where work wasn't chained to a desk within four walls, with workers dialing into the office from rotary phones at home.

Why Misjudging The Speed of Change Will Derail Your Strategy
LinkedIn
January 29, 2024

Picture this: a world moving at breakneck speed, where today's innovation is tomorrow's ancient history. Yet, in boardrooms (as well as kitchen tables) across the globe, strategies are being meticulously crafted using yesterday's stopwatch. It’s a dangerous game of catch-up, where the only certainty is falling behind.

The Real Deal on Gen Z: What I Learned from Today's Generation of Undergrads
Ira S Wolfe LinkedIn Article
September 18, 2023

Buckle up, Boomers and Millennials: We've Got a Lot to Learn From Gen Z
You've probably heard the rumors, right? Gen Z is a bunch of screen-addicted, socially awkward, apathetic beings who can't look up from their TikTok feed long enough to say "hello." Well, folks, as a top-ranked global thought leader in the future of work and leadership who recently ventured back into the realm of higher education, I'm here to deliver some news: the clichés are as outdated as a rotary phone..

Photographic Memory: Lights, Camera, Memory Misconception!
Ira S Wolfe
August 14, 2023

Welcome back to another issue of BYOBrain Brew, our brain-myth busting series! We've been on a myth-busting marathon, haven't we? From the brain's left-right tango to the whopper of the multitasking myth, we've torn down some pretty all brain tales. And today? Grab your popcorn, because we're zooming in on the blockbuster claim of "photographic memory." Let's snap into it, shall we?

This Week on the Geeks, Geezers and Googlization Show - 8/14
Ira S Wolfe
August 12, 2023

Gear up for another week filled with insights, revelations, and compelling narratives. Trust us, you wouldn’t want to miss any of it! Join the conversation and let's build a brighter, safer, and more respectful future together!

Visual Learner or Auditory Learner? Neuroscience Says You're More!
Ira S Wolfe
August 07, 2023

How Neuroscience Unmasks The Truth about Learning. Welcome back to my fourth of twelve myth-busting issues. This time I’m turning to a widely accepted belief that's been circulated in classrooms, workplaces, and self-help books for decades: the idea that people are either visual or auditory learners.

Walk and Chew Gum: Neuroscience Shatters the Multitasking Myth
Ira S Wolfe
July 31, 2023

Why Multitasking Leads to Lower Productivity and More Mistakes. "Can you walk and chew gum at the same time?" Of course, you can! But how about juggling a phone call, responding to an email, and taking notes from a Zoom meeting simultaneously? That's right, despite what we've been told, multitasking isn't a real superpower, it's a fantastic illusion. The stars of this magic show?

Goodbye Left-Brain, Right-Brain
Ira S Wolfe
July 17, 2023

Neuroscience Ushers in a New Era of Management. So here we go! Welcome to my brain myth-busting series where I dismantle the 12 most common myths that managers need to unlearn to grow and thrive in these Never Normal times, beginning with the left brain/right brain myth.

Mind Over Myth: Are Your Leadership Styles Based on Brain Myths?
Ira S Wolfe
July 10, 2023

Busting 12 Manager Myths About How Our Brains Work. Welcome to the beginning of a Brain’s Guide for Bosses, an exciting journey through the peaks and valleys of our brains. Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a myth-busting expedition that will shatter some long-held beliefs about the incredible three-pound universe nestled within our skulls.

Mind Over Management: How Neuroscience is Rewiring the Way We Lead
Ira S Wolfe
July 10, 2023

Neuroscience is Giving Managers a Mental Makeover. Are You Ready? Ah, neuroscience, the brainy disruptor that's shaking up the way managers handle their people. It's like a cognitive revolution on steroids! With its fancy brain scans and neuron mumbo-jumbo, neuroscience is giving managers a backstage pass to the inner workings of the human mind. And let me tell you, it's causing quite a stir in the world of management.

The Brain's Guide to Bossing in 2023
Ira S Wolfe
July 05, 2023

Unlocking Leadership Secrets Straight from Your Brain's HQ. Have you ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering how to light a fire under your team? Are you struggling to retain your top talent and prevent them from getting sucked out the door by your competitors? Do you wonder why management programs that garnered massive ROI and propelled the author CEO to best-seller status fail to bring the best out in your people? Well, prepare to have your mind blown because the answers you seek might not be in your dusty old management textbooks and the heads of charismatic leaders, but rather in the mind-boggling world of neuroscience.

The Experience Revolution
CAPA Empoyer Conference 2023
April 19, 2023

Our world is changing, and jobs are transforming faster than ever before. Skilled labor is shrinking, and resignations are growing, leaving businesses struggling to keep up. With access to top talent becoming increasingly difficult, it's more important than ever to deliver a spectacular experience from the first candidate impression to keeping your best employees on your payroll. What must you do to adapt to this new never-normal world? That's where Future of Work Global Thought Leader Ira S Wolfe comes in. In this must-attend session, he'll share what's ahead for 2023 and beyond, and what HR professionals need to do differently to attract and retain top talent. Whether you're an experienced recruiter, an HR professional, or just landed in the position by chance, this seminar is for you!

Recruiters are Standing in Deep Shift
SHRM
August 25, 2021

During this presentation at SHRM Talent 2021, author and AQ (adaptability quotient) expert Ira S. Wolfe will share why AQ is a top in-demand skill, how talent acquisition professionals can identify the dimensions that separate survivors from thrivers, and which factors have the greatest impact on sustainable performance.

Vision for the Future | VUCA 2030
Ira S Wolfe
December 01, 2020

No matter your plan for 2021, personal or business, you'll need to have adapt-ability. Reimagine Tomorrow, Double Down on Adaptability. What's your plan for 2021?

Workforce 2030
Ira S Wolfe
October 04, 2019

Excerpt from Keynote at Lehigh Valley 2030 Workforce Summit

Just weeks after Ira S Wolfe told the audience of business and HR leaders attending Workforce 2030 that they need to keep an eye on companies like Uber, Uber launched a new app to connect workers with businesses. Businesses can use the Uber Works app to seek and hire workers for short-term or temporary jobs. The Uber Works app allows workers to browse through gig jobs with information about gross pay, job location and required skills. Workers can even log their hours through the app.
In my book Recruiting in the Age of Googlization, I end it by asking the question: “What technological disruption or event could disrupt your ability to recruit, hire, and retain top talent in the next 2 to 3 years?”

Make Change Work for You
TEDx Lehigh River
October 24, 2016

Ira shares his personal template that encourages and inspires others to embrace the future that will be, not the past that was. He shows how to embrace change and make it work positively for individuals and society.

Ira Wolfe describes himself as a “Millennial trapped in a Baby Boomer body.” He is a prototype for the power of
mindset over age. He thinks intensely about how change impacts people and organizations. A prolific blogger, business writer, author, and respected authority on talent management and job fit, Ira walked away from a very successful but unrelated career over 20 years ago and feels he stepped into the future for the first time.

19 Pieces Of Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs Deciding When To Launch
Forbes.com
March 18, 2025

Your success won’t be determined by the “perfect moment” (spoiler: it doesn’t exist). It’ll be determined by how fast you adapt, pivot, and outlearn the competition. Entrepreneurs who thrive don’t just react to change—they anticipate it, embrace it, and turn uncertainty into opportunity. In my latest Forbes feature, "19 Pieces Of Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs Deciding When To Launch," I lay it out straight: timing isn’t just about market trends—it’s about YOU.

How To Choose The Right AI Initiatives: 16 Tips For Company Leaders
Forbes.com
March 11, 2025

​In the Forbes article "How To Choose The Right AI Initiatives: 16 Tips For Company Leaders," Ira Wolfe emphasizes the importance of aligning AI projects with a company's strategic goals. He advises leaders to resist adopting trendy technologies without a clear strategy, ensuring that AI initiatives are customer-focused and enhance interoperability and modularity within existing systems. Wolfe's insights guide leaders in making informed decisions about AI adoption, promoting sustainable growth and innovation.

How To Make Confident Executive Business Decisions In Uncertain Times
Forbes.com
March 07, 2025

​In the Forbes article "How To Make Confident Executive Business Decisions In Uncertain Times," Ira Wolfe emphasizes the importance of stress-testing assumptions by gathering diverse perspectives. He advises leaders to challenge their own beliefs and consider alternative viewpoints to enhance decision-making during unpredictable periods. Wolfe's insights highlight the need for adaptability and critical thinking in executive leadership.​

The Pollsters' Dilemma: Can We Predict Elections in the Age of Trump?
Geeks Geezers and Googlization Show Podcast
October 30, 2024

Voter Vibes and Polling Trends
At the Corner of Main St and Wall St
October 04, 2024

14 Reasons Entrepreneurs Give Up Too Soon (And How To Avoid Doing So)
Forbes.com
June 04, 2024

In the latest Forbes Coaches Council article, I shared a crucial insight: "Unfortunately, entrepreneurs not only give up often, but also sometimes before they get started. I’ve been there, done that—letting enthusiasm and passion drive the plan. While it may seem antithetical to many entrepreneurs’ beliefs, I recommend using the Business Model Canvas or something similar to plan the business. When failure looks like an option, use the BMC to check out what needs to be tweaked before throwing in the towel."

Curious about the other 13 reasons why many entrepreneurs give up too soon and how YOU can avoid that pitfall? BTW - this isn't bad advice for everyone.

15 Effective And Affordable Retreat Ideas For Remote Companies
Forbes.com
June 03, 2024

Fifteen Forbes Coaches Council members, including Ira S Wolfe, discuss effective and affordable ideas for remote company retreats to help leaders in this position consider all of their options. Even though a team may not be able to meet face-to-face, its leaders can take steps to create stronger bonds, enhance loyalty to the company and get everyone aligned with a strategic vision.

How To Begin Revamping A Professional’s Already-Strong Personal Brand
Forbes.com
May 20, 2024

Even top-tier business leaders, with their rock-solid personal brands, sometimes feel the itch for something new. Fresh challenges, changing markets, or simply the need to escape burnout can drive the urge for a brand makeover. It’s about reigniting that professional spark and embracing fresh ventures brimming with potential!

How To Apply Systems Thinking To Business Leadership
Forbes.com
May 13, 2024

Systems thinking is all about looking at interactions between different elements of a system, rather than each element in isolation. By looking at how the parts of the whole function together, leaders can uncover hidden relationships, anticipate unintended consequences and develop more sustainable solutions for their organizations.

Your Employees Are Disengaged and Lonely. The Cure Is Right Under Your Nose
INC.
April 29, 2024

Inc. has dug into the research to determine how to bring joy back to the workplace—and, no, the answer is not more snacks.

How To Shine In Media Interviews: 18 Expert Tips For New Leaders
Forbes.com
April 15, 2024

As a new leader, doing interviews with the media is a great way to get your name out there and gain exposure for your organization. Whether televised, aired on a podcast or uploaded online, interviews provide a unique opportunity for anyone aiming to promote their company or become a thought leader in their field to reach target audiences in a highly engaging way. Ira S Wolfe is among 18 Forbes Coaches Council members to share top tops.

20 Ways Leaders Can Build A Growth Culture By Embracing Failure
Forbes.com
December 01, 2023

To help leaders cultivate a workplace where failure leads to growth—rather than dashed career aspirations or demerits on performance reviews—20 members of Forbes Coaches Council share their expert insights. My response focused on the need to define failure.

20 Common Obstacles Standing In The Way Of Team Transformation
Forbes.com
November 22, 2023

Featured as one of 20 Forbes Coaches Council members in an article discussing some of these obstacles, shedding light on hurdles that can hinder even the most well-conceived and well-intentioned team transformation efforts. My focus was a "lack of common purpose." A recent McKinsey survey revealed that only 15% of frontline managers and frontline employees feel that they are living their purpose at work. Aligning around purpose is all fine and good, but oftentimes alignment runs parallel. It’s essential to find the point where individual purpose and organizational purpose intersect. Help employees craft purpose profiles, then create the opportunity to share them.

18 Coaches Share The Top Issues Clients In Their Space Are Focused On
Forbes.com
September 26, 2023

18 Forbes Coaches Council members each share the No. 1 issue their clients come to them for guidance on and why it is such a focal point in their particular coaching space. Future of Work Global Thought Leader shares his views on adaptability.

The Hypocrisy and Hysteria about Remote Work and Productivity
NTD News
June 19, 2023

Is remote work not good for productivity? You might believe so after reading a just-released survey that revealed that almost 3 out of 4 remote workers scroll through social media during work hours. That 1 in 5 Americans nap during work while doing it remotely. And get this: 3 in 10 Americans (35.3%) say they have moved their mouse around on the clock so that their status showed “active” while they were doing something besides working. Who are the biggest culprits: Gen Zers (50.7%) are the most likely of any generation to do this. (I’ll bet all your Millennials are relieved that all fingers aren’t pointed at you this time!)

Well NTD News reached out to me (Ira S Wolfe) for my response. I summed up it up in just 4 words: “hybrid hysteria” and “productivity paranoia.”

This is deja vu all over again. I cite numerous reports of employees wasting time and dodging managers from over 20 years ago including an epidemic of presenteeism, which I wrote about in my book series Perfect Labor Storm. What’s the solution? Managers must focus on outcomes, not hours and minutes worked.

Do you agree?

BTW - make sure you download Create Great Culture in a Remote World. It's free! https://irawolfe.com/free-book

Fast and Furious: Will AI on a Supercomputer Will Leave Us in the Dust
Dig Life Deep Podcast
June 12, 2023

Part 4 of a series on AI. Here’s another segment about the mind-boggling pace of change fueled by the convergence of artificial intelligence and supercomputing. I share how the speed of technology is accelerating at an incredible rate, with computers 158 million times faster than the microprocessors most of us use today in laptops and smartphones. I dug deeper into the exponential curve of technological advancement, which only means that innovation will continue to skyrocket, leaving our human brain in the dust. But with great power comes great responsibility and we must continuously consider the potential risks and benefits of AI on society. Enjoy and stay tuned. We’ll be visiting AI a lot on Dig Deep Life and my own podcast Geeks Geezers and Googlization Show.

The Resilient Leader's Edge
Geeks Geezers and Googlization Show
June 08, 2023

Imagine a world where leaders embrace their role as custodians, not merely overseeing their organizations, but nurturing them into prosperous and resilient powerhouses. Now, picture yourself at the forefront of this transformative movement, equipped with the tools and mindset to become an exceptional custodian and resilient leader. In this episode, we unravel the secrets behind this revolutionary approach with Scott Abbott, a master of building prosperous, high-growth, resilient businesses. He is an exceptional and resilient leader who thrives in the face of challenges. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and empowered as we explore the incredible journey of being a custodian and resilient leader. This is a conversation you won't want to miss!

Shattering Stigma: Trailblazing Transformations in Employee Mental Health
Geeks Geezers Googlization Show
May 31, 2023

Did you know that nearly one-fifth of U.S. workers (19%) rate their mental health as fair or poor and two-thirds are not thriving? And yet while 97 percent of large companies offer EAP, less than 3 percent of employees use the benefit. Why?

We're ready to challenge the norms, spark outrage, inspire action and shatter the stigma surrounding mental health. From anxiety to burnout, we will fearlessly explore the unspoken battles that individuals face every day. No more hiding in the shadows, it's time to bring mental health to the forefront!

But that's not all! Brace yourself for a mind-blowing exploration of technology's role in supporting our mental well-being and how tech-driven innovations are transforming mental health.

To Pause or Not to Pause: The AI Research Debate with Ira S Wolfe
Dig Life Deep Podcast
May 25, 2023

Part 3 of a series on AI. There's been a lot of talk lately about the dangers of AI and whether we should hit the pause button on its research and development to address potential concerns. Some important people are calling for a 6-12 month pause, but is that even feasible?

Here's another Future Shock 2.0 segment on the Dig Life Deep podcast.
In this episode, I continue my conversation with John Aidan Byrne about Artificial Intelligence (AI).

If we pause, what if the bad actors don't comply? Doesn't that leave us at an even greater disadvantage? The fear and anxiety surrounding AI are real, but maybe a global conversation among all parties could be the solution. What do you think? Let's talk about it in the comments.

Maslow, Martin, and Mattering at Work
Geeks Geezers Googlization
May 24, 2023

For decades, managers and business consultants have jumped on Maslow’s self-actualization model as the holy grail of employee motivation. So why is it that employee engagement and their mental health are at record lows? Have we been duped? Is there more to the story than what Abraham Maslow proposed?

Get ready for a thought-provoking live stream and podcast that challenges everything you thought you knew about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the future of employee performance, employee well-being, and employee mental health. Buckle up for a captivating conversation as we navigate the complexities of finding meaning, mattering, and purpose in today's ever-evolving workplaces. We will explore not only Maslow's theories but the impact and role of Martin Seligman's positive psychology in the future of work. This episode will undoubtedly make you question everything you thought you knew about self-actualization and discover new perspectives on thriving in your professional life. Don't settle for old paradigms—explore the frontiers of well-being and mattering at work today!

We are thrilled to bring back Zach Mercurio Ph.D for an encore appearance on The Geeks Geezers Googlization Show. Zach is an author, researcher, speaker, and consultant specializing in purposeful leadership, meaningful work, and positive organizational psychology. He wrote the book The Invisible Leade

Reinvigorating employee wellness that lasts
Room.com
May 23, 2023

2023 may be the year of wellness, as more employers begin to pay attention and prioritize well-being in the workplace.

“Is there a change in management’s willingness to talk about mental wellness, mental health, and well-being? And the answer is absolutely yes” says Ira Wolfe, a longtime HR consultant, author, and speaker on the future of work. “It has become a really, really popular subject.

Innovative Storytelling: How Managers Can Become Heroes of the Future Workplace
Geeks Geezers Googlization Show
May 17, 2023

Have you ever wondered how to encourage resistant managers to lead change and shift their way of recruiting, retaining, and engaging workers in this Never-Normal world? Then this episode is for you. According to Susan Lindner, the world’s leading expert on innovation storytelling, you need to encourage them to become the hero of the transformation. Susan shares how managers can create an emotional and engaging narrative to lead their teams through VUCA - the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of today’s world. From brothels in Thailand to the World Bank, our conversation covers a wide range of topics and experiences that have shaped the speaker's perspective on the art and power of storytelling in promoting change. Whether you are fascinated or terrified by change, this episode is for you.

Inside the World of AI: Risks and Opportunities for the Future
Dig Life Deep Podcast
May 10, 2023

It's time to break down the latest segment of Future Shock 2.0 on the Dig Life Deep podcast. In this episode, workforce trends expert Ira S Wolfe shares his excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) and the risks of it falling into the hands of bad actors. With the exponential growth of AI, the potential for misuse is a real concern. The ongoing war in Ukraine serves as a reminder of the impact that technology and AI can have. But fear alone will not prevent the negative impacts of AI. We need to stay informed, develop effective cybersecurity protocols, and apply AI technology itself to keep up with its advancements.

The Ethics of AI
Dig Life Deep Podcast
April 23, 2023

On this episode of Future Shock 2.0 segment on the Dig Life Deep Podcast, Future of Work Global Thought Leader Ira S Wolfe discusses the growing concern around artificial intelligence, or AI. Wolfe is both fascinated and terrified by it. While there are many advantages to AI, such as finding solutions to climate control and medical treatments, the risks versus benefits need to be carefully measured. The recent letter from 800 influential leaders expressing concerns regarding the lack of regulations and guardrails for AI, and the generation of biases and misinformation add to the ethical and practical concerns. Listen to what Ira Wolfe has to say.

Culture Currency: Measuring the Value of Organizational Culture in the Digital Age
Geeks Geezers Googlization Show
April 19, 2023

Have you ever considered the actual monetary value of your organizational culture? If your culture were turned into currency, would it be worth as much as Bitcoin?

In the modern workplace, we all know by now that culture is king. But how do you measure the value of something that’s still so abstract?

This is what Tom Bradbury of Helix2 is working on!

In this episode of Geek Geezers Googlization, we'll take a walk on the wild side with Tom to explore groundbreaking new ways to measure culture and decode its true value in the future of work. From identifying hidden risks, to integrating AI capabilities, into Web 3, to create a consistent framework for governance, measurement, and oversight, we'll cover angles on organizational culture that never seemed possible.

2024 Predictions, hosted by Ivanti
Ivanti
December 20, 2023

To succeed in 2024, business leaders must embrace the spirit of exploration. Tune in on December 20th at 11 am EST to discover what some of the top minds in the industry at Ivanti predict for the coming year, along with moderator and top influencer in the #EveryWhereWork space, Ira Wolfe. Get ready to be inspired to start 2024 right.

SHRM's Tune in Tuesdays
SHRM
July 13, 2021

Join Ira Wolfe, Amber Clayton, SHRM-SCP, and Dick Finnegan for another engaging episode of “Tune in Tuesdays!” The panelists will discuss #talentacquisition.

Resilience is for "Sissies"
Success Performance Solutions
March 24, 2021

To say that the year 2020 was disruptive is not just an understatement but it reeks of gross negligence. What started as a novel virus morphed into a global socio-economic transformation overnight. Normal died unexpectantly and like a grieving family, the world is mourning its passing

The Power of Mattering: Why No One Feels Like They Matter Anymore
Ira Wolfe
April 22, 2025

Forget what you’ve been told about what’s driving division, disengagement, and dysfunction. It’s not woke and DEI. It’s not remote work. It’s not Gen Z or political affiliations. According to Dr. Zach Mercurio, it’s something far more primal: the deep, unmet need to matter. In this gut-punch of an episode, Zach and host Ira S Wolfe rip into why belonging programs fall flat, expose the myth about soft skills, and reveal why making someone feel seen isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s survival. You’ll never look at leadership, work, or human connection the same way again.

Why Change is So Damn Hard: Riding the River of Peanut Butter
Ira Wolfe
April 15, 2025

Yep! Change often feels like swimming upstream against sticky currents. Even if the status quo is a mess, we cling to it like a life raft. Why? Because the familiar feels like less work for our brain, even when it’s failing us. In this episode, guest co-hosts Eli and Casey unravel the complex web of emotions and instincts that make embracing change feel like swimming through sticky peanut butter. Inspired by future of work thought leader Ira Wolfe’s insights, this deep dive is your ticket to understanding the messy, human side of transformation.

Exploring Adaptive Perception Disorder: The Blind Spot Holding Your Business Hostage
Ira Wolfe
April 06, 2025

Step into the whirlwind of change with this episode of Geeks Geezers Googlization: “Adaptive Perception Disorder.” Guest co-hosts Eli and Casey take a Deep Dive into the eerily familiar yet subtly dangerous mindset threatening the backbone of businesses today. They delve deep into the intriguing concept of Adaptive Perception Disorder (APD), coined by GGG host and Future of Work Global Thought Leader Ira Wolfe himself. Why is exploring APD important? ADP is endemic in many companies, a mindset that causes them to believe they’re on top of change when they’re actually way behind. It’s calling the hurricane a light breeze.

The Job Market Just Got Weird: AI, Immigration, and the Future of Work with Gad Levanon
Ira Wolfe
February 19, 2025

Here’s what’s on the table: -AI’s Growing Grip on Jobs – From coding to manual labor, AI is transforming tasks faster than anyone expected. What does that mean for your future career? -How Weird Will It Get? – The job market is shifting under our feet, with immigration trends and tech advancements reshaping labor supply and demand. Buckle up. -The Skills Gap is Real – With nearly half of jobs requiring new skills, the question isn’t whether you’ll need to adapt—it’s how fast. -Immigration and Workforce Planning – Gad and Ira cut through the noise to focus on the practical impacts of immigration policy changes on hiring and workforce strategies. -Remote Work vs. Office Showdown – The return-to-office debate rages on. How are companies balancing flexibility, productivity, and talent retention?

AI Won’t Kill Your Job, But Your Fear Will
Ira Wolfe
February 05, 2025

In this electrifying episode of Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization, we dive into the radical future of work, technology, and humanity with Sam Rad, a digital pioneer who’s part futurist, a technology pioneer, part provocateur, and and the author of Radical Next: Reclaiming Your Humanity in a Post-human World. From creating her own digital twin to questioning the purpose of job titles and even organizational structures, Sam isn’t just forecasting the future—she’s dismantling the old playbook and envisioning what comes next.

The NAIVE Trap: The Silent Crisis No One Is Talking About … But Should Be
Ira Wolfe
January 30, 2025

Welcome to another special episode of The Deep Dive, in which we rip the lid off modern complacency and expose the dangerous mindset creeping into our lives without us even realizing it.

It’s called NAIVE Thinking—and no, we’re not talking about innocent optimism. This is an epidemic of Numbness, Apathy, Indifference, Vulnerability, and Entitlement—a toxic cocktail keeping people stuck, disengaged, and dangerously unprepared for the future.

Rewriting the Rules: How to Thrive in the Future of Work
Ira Wolfe
January 27, 2025

Welcome to a special episode of Deep Dive into The Never Normal, a Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization special no-nonsense series that unpacks the future of work, leadership, and life in an era of relentless disruption. This episode features highlights from cutting-edge insights by future or work thought leaders Josh Drean, who declares that “Employment is Dead,” and John Sanei, author of the upcoming book Future Memories, who explores why we must unlearn everything we know to embrace an uncertain future. I also introduce the latest research from McKinsey’s ‘Developing a Resilient, Adaptable Workforce for an Uncertain Future,’ revealing why only 23% of employees feel prepared for what’s next—and why only 16% of organizations are doing something about it! Something needs to change.

AI in 2025 is Here to Eat Your Lunch: A Recipe to Help You Stay Relevant
Ira Wolfe
January 21, 2025

The future is here, and it’s weirder than you think. In this episode of Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization, we’re tearing down the illusions of certainty and exposing the brutal reality of exponential change with global futurist and author John Sanei. AI, blockchain, quantum computing—if you have time to catch up, think again. Our obsession with efficiency and outdated thinking is dragging us down, while the future demands adaptability, experimentation, and a whole new way of leading. It’s time to unlearn everything you thought you knew, ditch the fear, and start shaping what’s next—before it shapes you. No fluff. No hand-holding. Just raw, unfiltered insights to help you stay relevant in a world evolving at breakneck speed.

Employment is DEAD: The Future of Work is Calling (Are You Answering?)
Ira Wolfe
January 08, 2025

Forget quiet quitting – the ENTIRE employment system is on life support! Host Ira Wolfe sits down with Josh Drean, co-founder of Work3 Institute and author of the bombshell new book “Employment is Dead,” to expose the brutal truth about the dying model of traditional jobs. They dissect the forces driving this seismic shift – rampant burnout, the desperate cry for flexibility, and the rise of game-changing technologies like AI, blockchain, and DAOs. Drean reveals how these forces are converging to create a new world of work that’s already here – one where YOU have the power to design your ideal work life.

The Mind-Boggling Echoes of 1930s Politics: Is 2025 The Twilight Before the Storm?
Ira Wolfe
December 02, 2024

That collective sigh you heard recently was likely the relief that the risk of recession has passed. Or are we just experiencing The Twilight Before the Storm resulting in a transformational societal makeover? Warning: this episode is a must-listen but not for the faint hearted!

Buckle up folks for a mind-bending journey with our latest special series episode “At the Corner of Main St and Wall St.” In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome the mind-boggling and fascinating insights of Victor Shvets, a global strategist known for his forward-thinking analysis and no-nonsense approach to the world’s economic and social tides. He’s the author of recently released “The Twilight Before the Storm.”

Voter Vibes and Polling Trends: 2024 Election Insights with Dr. Chris Borick
Ira Wolfe
October 05, 2024

Buckle up for another riveting episode. Host Ira S Wolfe along with co-hosts Mat Van Alstyne, and John Aidan Byrne plunge into the 2024 Election with Muhlenberg College pollster and political scientist Dr. Chris Borick. Listen as the conversation weaves an intricate dance between Main Street and Wall Street, revealing insights ahead of the 2024 election.

How Tech’s Growth Left the Midwest Behind: The Ripple Effect on Jobs, Education, and Politics
Ira Wolfe
August 25, 2024

While tech is the fastest-growing sector in the US and the world, it mostly skipped the Midwest. But the shift didn’t just impact jobs but educational attainment and politics too. This episode explores the fascinating junction of Main Street and Wall Street where we bring together insights from Gad Levanon, Chief Economist at Burning Glass Institute, along with our esteemed co-hosts, Ira S Wolfe, Mat Van Alystyne, and John Aidan Byrne. We delve into the perplexing political realignment in the Midwest, the likelihood of a recession, the influence of AI on traditional jobs, concerns about public debt, and even the future of democracy.

Bouncing Back from Rock Bottom: Hire a Stupidity Sponsor!
Ira Wolfe
August 15, 2024

resHave you ever felt like you hit rock bottom and wondered how you’d ever bounce back? Well, just wait until you hear this engaging and heartfelt episode of The Whole You! This is the 2nd and concluding episode with host Joe Serio along with the resilient Kevin and Steph Mason, who share their rollercoaster journey of overcoming life’s darkest moments. Their secret: a stupidity sponsor! Oh yeah, focusing on the next step and leaning on faith helped keep their lives in check. Listen in as Joe, Kevin, and Steph dive into the nitty-gritty of battling fears, multiple bouts of cancers, embracing the messiness of life, and finding hope in the most unexpected places. This episode isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving through the tough times and coming out stronger on the other side.

Bouncing Back from Rock Bottom: Hire a Stupidity Sponsor!
Ira Wolfe
August 14, 2024

resHave you ever felt like you hit rock bottom and wondered how you’d ever bounce back? Well, just wait until you hear this engaging and heartfelt episode of The Whole You! This is the 2nd and concluding episode with host Joe Serio along with the resilient Kevin and Steph Mason, who share their rollercoaster journey of overcoming life’s darkest moments. Their secret: a stupidity sponsor! Oh yeah, focusing on the next step and leaning on faith helped keep their lives in check.

Heart-Stopping Moments, Unbelievable Resilience: What Would You Do in Their Shoes?
Ira Wolfe
July 30, 2024

On Part 1 of this 2-part episode of The Whole You, Kevin and Steph Mason share their incredible journey of resilience and courage. Together they have faced unimaginable challenges, from surviving electrocution and battling multiple cancers to overcoming fears of infertility and birth defects. And yet While their story is nothing short of awe-inspiring and personal, it’s entertaining and at times, downright hilarious.

Crafting a Workplace of Well-Being: Strategies for Leaders and Employees
Ira Wolfe
June 28, 2024

What if all those office wellness perks aren’t actually helping? Is your office wellness program just a series of gimmicks? In this episode Tanya Tarr, Senior Contributor, Forbes, and Behavioral Scientist, and host Joe Serio dissect the myths of workplace wellness. You might rethink those yoga sessions! Tune in now!

Main Street vs. Wall Street: Inflation Woes, Tech Giants, and Election Buzz
Ira Wolfe
June 24, 2024

AI dominance, energy trade-offs, and election jitters. Those were the topics this month’s esteemed Wall St panel explored on At the Corner of Main St. and Wall St. The juxtaposition of Main Street and Wall Street may seem worlds apart, yet they are becoming increasingly intertwined. Join us as we unpack the implications of the rising cost of living, the potential shift in political administration, and the transformative power of AI in our economy. Whether you’re an investor, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone curious about future trends, this episode has something for you.

Everywhere Work: Threading the IT Needle with Security and Flexibility
Ira Wolfe
June 20, 2024

In this episode host Ira S Wolfe and Ivanti’s CMO Melissa Puls peel back the layers of IT and security, and trust us, it’s more challenging than you’d ever expect. We tackle the crippling silo effect, dig into the exponential growth of security vulnerabilities, and explore the intricate dance between CIOs, CISOs, and HR. It can feel like you’re trying to thread a needle with one hand tied behind your back.

Is It Time to Change Your Tune? Accountability Lessons from the Music Industry’s Decline
Ira Wolfe
June 05, 2024

In this epic leadership smackdown between the importance of accountability and adaptability, there is only one winner: you. Learn why accountability and adaptability are like peanut butter and jelly – each great on its own, but the magic combo when applied together. Entrepreneurship and former music exec Jeff Matlow reveals how failure to adapt and accept accountability in the music industry should be a wake-up call for every organization, business, and worker.

Jobs, Healthcare, Education and Machines: Welcome to AI’s World
Ira Wolfe
May 31, 2024

While only 7 percent of the world’s population is using AI, technologist Doug Hohulin believes we’re living in the “Roaring 20s of Technology.” With over 500 percent growth of smartphone users in just 11 years and 1 Billion AI users predicted by the end of 2024, Doug reveals in this episode what innovation and our future look like in the next 3 to 5 years … and beyond. Doug is the co-author of the new book, Tech Powered Healing: Future of Medicine in the Age of AI.

Unlock The Innovating Engine: How Anyone Can Innovate Like Steve Jobs
Ira Wolfe
May 25, 2024

Ever feel like innovation is a superpower reserved for legends like Steve Jobs? Think again! Join the dynamic innovating duo, Ira S Wolfe and Ben M Bensaou, as they shatter this myth and reveal the secrets to building your innovating engine. This episode of the Geeks Geezers Googlization podcast is packed with actionable insights to transform anyone into a relentless innovator.

The Future of Accounting: Technology and Remote Work Insights with Jody Padar
Linkedln
May 13, 2024

Did you think accounting was all about crunching numbers and taxes? Think again. “Beyond the Office” host Bill Keller is joined by Jody Padar, the Radical CPA. Together they unravel the future of accounting in the tech era. This episode is a must-listen for forward-thinking professionals who are ready to step into the next evolution of their industry, revolutionize their practices, and not just keep up but write the next chapter in accounting.

Cybersecurity, IT, and HR: Unlikely Allies Empowering Flexible Work
Ira Wolfe
May 08, 2024

“Flexibility” has become the rallying cry of the Everywhere Work revolution, as highlighted in Ivanti’s 2024 Everywhere Work report. On this Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization Show episode, host Ira S. Wolfe chats with guests Holly Novak and Mary Baird to unpack their experiences from the 2024 Ivanti Solutions Summit. Together, they explore the rapidly shifting landscape of Everywhere Work and the technological hurdles it brings. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on viewing cybersecurity through an HR lens as they tackle the intricacies of delivering seamless digital employee experiences, nurturing modern work cultures, managing AI’s growing impact, and safeguarding the irreplaceable power of human connection.

Mind Your Managers: Is Your Workplace Ready for a Mental Health Makeover?
Ira Wolfe
May 02, 2024

With Everywhere Work transforming how work gets done, the separation of work and life has gotten spectacularly complex. And it’s impacting employees’ personal lives big time. From skyrocketing stress levels to sinking work-life balance, the ripple effects are real. This episode unpacks alarming new statistics from Headspace’s 2024 State of the Mind Report and explores the urgent need for mental health support in our workplaces.

Harnessing Hope and Adaptability: The New Currency of Success
Ira Wolfe
April 25, 2024

Change isn’t just hard; it’s often scary. It’s so scary and hard that the anxiety, stress, and even depression result. Fortunately, there is a pathway through the darkness. The future of work is about adaptability, and hope might be the beacon of tomorrow. Hope isn’t just about fluff and dreams. It’s smart leadership that can positively reshape our futures. Explore with this AQ team of experts the profound impact of hope and optimism in overcoming challenges and spearheading change at work and in personal endeavors. Jump into the real power of keeping hopeful and the world of adaptability.

What The Geeks Geezers and Googlization Show Is All About
Podcast Tonight
September 14, 2023

Excerpt from a review published on PodcastTonight.com:

The Geeks Geezers and Googlization Show is not your typical podcast. Hosted by Ira S. Wolfe and Jason Cochran, this show dives into the fast-changing world we live in and how it’s affecting work and people. They believe that the current shift happening in society can be a good thing, an opportunity for growth and thriving. With their conversations, they aim to become the voice of the people and have crucial discussions about the future of work.

In each episode, Ira and Jason talk with HR professionals, business leaders, and experts to tackle important topics like creating a thriving environment for employees, understanding the complexities of the future, and driving organizational transformation through HR’s pivotal role. They also explore emerging themes such as neuromanagment and artificial intelligence.

Their ultimate goal is to bring better ways to reimagine tomorrow in times of uncertainty. They dig deep into how businesses, technology, and people are converging to shape our future. By doing so, they provide insights that help listeners navigate these changes more effectively.

So if you’re looking for a podcast that sheds light on what lies ahead in terms of work dynamics and explores the impact of technology on businesses while keeping things simple yet informative – Geeks Geezers & Googlization Show is your podcast.

How To Stop Trading Hours For Dollars As A Busy Entrepreneur
Forbes
April 12, 2024

The saying “trading hours for dollars” refers to the practice of exchanging one’s time and labor, usually within an established organization, for a fixed monetary compensation, typically in the form of an hourly wage or salary. While many people enjoy and thrive in this type of job, entrepreneurs are different: They create and manage their own business ventures, which, for most founders, involves myriad responsibilities and loads of pressure.

2022 Hall of Fame Speaker Inductee
Https://hrsouthwest.com
October 17, 2022

The Speaker Hall of Fame program was established in 2013 by HRSouthwest Conference to honor speakers who exhibit professionalism and speaking excellence, and who continually contribute to The Conference to further the profession of human resources. Inductees are evaluated by their peers and each candidate must excel in content, delivery, professionalism and communication.

No BS Culture
Interview Builders Show / NAHB
January 31, 2023

The future of work is here and BS (burnout & stress) is taking a devastating toll on workers, from the floor to the C-Suite. Even the World Health Organization now recognizes burnout as an occupational health issue. With labor shortages on the rise and resignations in freefall, employers are finally taking the employees’ mental health and emotional wellbeing seriously. Mitigating burnout, relieving chronic stress, and better connecting employees with their work Hear from Future of Work Global Thought Leader Ira S Wolfe on how to align company and employee expectations in a new world of work.

Duct Tape Can't Fix Your FCDD-up Candidate Experience
Louisiana SHRM Annual Conference
April 30, 2021

Duct tape can fix a lot of things - but a bad candidate experience isn’t one of them. Change isn’t waiting. Traditional recruiting practices aren’t working. And the “fun” is just beginning - the race for talent is in full swing and HR’s future depends on its ability to attract and acquire top talent. It’s time to get your “Shift” together. Get ready to engage top talent in 2020. Build an engaging, mobile, fast, and responsive candidate experience. During this presentation Recruiting in the Age of Googlization author/speaker Ira S Wolfe will guide you on the job applicant journey and provide recruitment marketing tips and insights on how to ensure an awesome candidate experience.

Your Candidate Experience is All FCDD-up
VA SHRM Annual Conference
April 14, 2021

Your Candidate Experience is All FCDD-Up
Indiana SHRM
August 25, 2020

You can hear it in Danny’s voice: Candidate Resentment Fueled by Frustration, Confusion, Disappointment, and Distraction (or FCDD.) Danny represents just one of the thousands of job seekers who experience one or more of these emotions every single day from an all-too familiar bad candidate experience. Presentation at HR Indiana, August 25, 2020. The presentation includes a "tour" of the modern candidate’s job search journey, how to meet top talents’ expectations, and expert tips on how to engage more qualified job seekers.

Accounting's Wild Ride into the Future: Where Balance Sheets Meet the Bleeding Edge
Youtube
February 14, 2024

Warning! This is not your average accounting and ledger talk. We're taking a high-octane dive into where balance sheets meet the bleeding edge of innovation. "Accounting's Wild Ride into the Future" is a rollercoaster ride through the dramatic shifts in accounting - from AI-driven number crunching to blockchain breakthroughs, and everything in between.

The Struggle for Human Connection in a Remote Work Reality
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December 01, 2023

Lack of Trust in Leadership: Why Only 46% Trust Their Manager
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October 14, 2023

Employers Overestimate Trust by 40% and More about High Trust Cultures
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October 10, 2023

What Is an EAP ? | EAP Definition
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September 20, 2023

Yawn Alert! Quiet Quitting is As Standard As Office Coffee
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September 16, 2023

The Alarming Statistics of Loneliness
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September 12, 2023

What Are The Causes Of Labor Shortage? | America's Labor Shortage
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September 10, 2023

The Alarming Statistics of Loneliness: How It's Taking a Toll on Humanity | The Perfect Labor Storm
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September 08, 2023

Perfect Labor Storm and The Profitable Power of Psychological Safety with Ira S Wolfe
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September 06, 2023

From Whispers to Roars: Finding Voice in a Speak Up Culture with Shed Shedletzky
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August 12, 2023

What Are The Recent Challenges Faced By CEOs?
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August 05, 2023

1 Billion Metaverse Users?
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August 04, 2023

Jobs, AI and ChatGPT: $5-10 Trillion Storm Ahead
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August 03, 2023

Where are the Hidden Job Skills in Your Organization?
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August 03, 2023

Love as a Business Strategy? Making Work More Human with Renee Smith
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August 03, 2023

Economic Boom Ahead? Expert Insights with Odeon Capital's Dick Bove
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August 02, 2023

The Changing Face of Commercial Real Estate and Office Space | What is Experience per Square Foot?
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August 01, 2023

The Changing Face of Commercial Real Estate and Office Space | What is Experience per Square Foot?
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July 31, 2023

Breaking Down the Latest Economic Update: Key Insights with Dick Bove and Mat Van Alstyne
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July 28, 2023

Get your brain facts right!
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July 27, 2023

What in the world is Googlization?
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July 25, 2023

Unveiling the Truth about Trust and Productivity Metrics
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July 24, 2023

Why Don't We Measure Happiness?
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July 22, 2023

The Change Book | Fastest Growing Self Empowerment Book Series in the World | Ira S Wolfe
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July 22, 2023

SUPERCHARGE YOUR IMPACT: WHY DISC & WHYos are What Peanut Butter is to Jelly!
Poised for the Future Company and WHY Institute
June 22, 2023

Picture this: It's like the classic pairing of bread and butter, salt and pepper, coffee and cream, cookies and milk—separate, they're good, but together, they create pure magic. Now, imagine if we told you that we have an exclusive webinar that will unveil a combination just as extraordinary—a combination that will transform your coaching, consulting, or leadership journey like never before!

Navigating Never Normal: Digging Deep into SVB, Recession, Jobs, and AI
Geeks Geezers Googlization Show
April 06, 2023

Are we on the verge of the next banking crisis, a recession, more inflation, and soaring unemployment in the wake of recent disruptive events like the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, widespread layoffs, and the rapid ascent of AI? Many of the brightest minds in the industry are saying "we've never seen anything like this before." That's why we've enlisted the help of our exceptional team of experts at Odeon Capital Group to examine the most pressing challenges facing the economy today.

Our guests, Dick Bove and Mat Van Alstyne, along with guest co-host John Aidan Byrne, will help us make sense of it all. Each week, the trio team up for the top-rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast.

In a world where we've never seen anything like this, it's crucial to stay informed and be prepared for whatever comes next. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from some of the most knowledgeable voices in finance and economics.

What You Need to Know to Fix Your FCDD*up Employment Brand
Success Performance Solutions
August 31, 2021

7 Reasons Why You Should Attend
-Your employment brand is all FCDD*up!
*Frustrating-Confusing-Disappointing-Distracting
-You're not attracting enough of the right candidates
-Higher wages and more perks aren't working
-Employees and candidates give you 3 stars or less
-You are sending candidates and employees mixed messages
-Your company reputation is a place NOT to work
-You want to attract candidates (and retain employees) who will do their best work on their best day, keeping all their promises, and achieving all their goals

Reimagine Your Tomorrow: Grow and Thrive in an FCDD-up World!
Success Performance Solutions
August 17, 2021

The SHIFT hit everyone's plans in 2020. The world had to duck and cover. Now that we are emerging from shutdowns, lockdowns, and quarantines, the world that many of us left is significantly different than the world we're living in today. No matter where you live, where you work, or what you do, life is different - and often bizarre and weird. Frustration, Confusion, Distraction, and Disappointment (FCDD) confronts us in unexpected and unimaginable ways. "Getting back to normal" are comforting words, but dangerous ones too. Future change is exponentially faster and it comes in waves. "Normal" means learning to grow and thrive in an era of perpetual uncertainty and complexity. Adaptability is no longer a choice or a nice to have skill but an essential human ability you need to grow and thrive. We all need to become adept at adapting.

Your Playbook for Recruiting in the Age of Googlization
Success Performance Solutions
August 13, 2021

6 Reasons You Should Attend
- Too few candidates apply for your open jobs.
- Too many applicants "ghost" you.
- Your candidate experience is FCDD-up!
- Too many candidates swipe left before they click apply.
- You're overwhelmed and don't know where to start.
- You want a free signed copy of my best-selling books AND my new "playbook" for FREE

Your Playbook for Recruiting in the Age of Googlization
Success Performance Solutions
August 12, 2021

6 Reasons You Should Attend
-Too few candidates apply for your open jobs!
-Too many candidates swipe left before they apply!
-Too many applicants "ghost" you.
-You're overwhelmed & don't know where to start!
-Learn tips you can apply right away and questions you need to ask to get better and faster results.
-Your candidate experience is FCDD-UP!

Reimagine Your Tomorrow
Success Performance Solutions
July 29, 2021

The SHIFT hit everyone's plans in 2020. The world had to duck and cover. Now that we are emerging from shutdowns, lockdowns, and quarantines, the world that many of us left is significantly different than the world we're living in today. No matter where you live, where you work, or what you do, life is different - and often bizarre and weird. Frustration, Confusion, Distraction, and Disappointment (FCDD) confronts us in unexpected and unimaginable ways. "Normal" means learning to grow and thrive in an era of perpetual uncertainty and complexity. Adaptability is no longer a choice or a nice to have skill but an essential human ability you need to grow and thrive. We all need to become adept at adapting. Help your employees adapt. Start the journey here!

SHRM's Tune in Tuesdays
SHRM
July 08, 2021

hile the pandemic has begun to subside in the U.S., turnover in the workplace is only beginning. A record number of people are quitting their jobs, and more jobs are becoming available as the economy reopens. The conditions are right for a mass exodus from workplaces. How can you get ahead of the wave of resignations?

Join us online at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on July 13 for this month's episode of Tune in Tuesday, where panelists will discuss how HR professionals can stem the turnover tide. Amber Clayton, director of the SHRM Knowledge Center, will be joined by Dick Finnegan, chief executive officer of C-Suite Analytics and speaker at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo (SHRM21), and Ira Wolfe, president of Success Performance Solutions and speaker at both SHRM21 and the SHRM Talent Conference & Expo 2021.

Your Candidate Experience is All FCDD-up
TempNet
April 27, 2020

Presented for TempNet
Join Recruiting in the Age of Googlization author/speaker Ira S Wolfe in this presentation as he guides you on a modern candidate’s job search journey, explains how to meet top talents’ expectations, and provides expert tips on how to engage more qualified job seekers.

Navigating Never Normal: Digging Deep into SVB, Recession, Jobs, and AI with Odeon Capital
Geeks Geezers Googlization
April 06, 2023

Are we on the verge of the next banking crisis, a recession, more inflation, and soaring unemployment in the wake of recent disruptive events like the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, widespread layoffs, and the rapid ascent of AI? Many of the brightest minds in the industry are saying "we've never seen anything like this before." That's why we've enlisted the help of our exceptional team of experts at Odeon Capital Group to examine the most pressing challenges facing the economy today.

Our guests, Dick Bove and Mat Van Alstyne, along with guest co-host John Aidan Byrne, will help us make sense of it all. Each week, the trio team up for the top-rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast.

In a world where we've never seen anything like this, it's crucial to stay informed and be prepared for whatever comes next. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from some of the most knowledgeable voices in finance and economics. Register now to secure your spot and join us for this special Geeks Geezers Googlization event.

A Ticking Time Bomb: Post Pandemic Labor Shortage
YouTube
June 07, 2021

With Post-Pandemic life emerging, employers might be wishing they paid more attention to labor and job trends when they had a chance. U.S. job openings soared to their highest level on record and the National Federation of Independent Businessees found that 44 percent of small businesses had job openings they couldn’t fill. That’s double the previous high over the past 48 years! Ninety-two percent of businesses that are hiring reported few or no qualified applicants. In our continuing Job Shock series, a feature of The Gordon Report, Dr. Edward Gordon and Ira S Wolfe will discuss the near-future and long-term forecast for labor shortages, efforts to rapidly upskill and reskill, and what’s next for wages. If your organization hires employees, you’re not going to want to miss this episode of The Gordon Report.

Future of Workforce Thought Leaders Webinar Series Post-Pandemic Employability
Success Performance Solutions
September 26, 2020

“The ‘normal’ path to employment is on life support,” says Future of Work Global Thought Leader Ira S Wolfe. The COVID-19 pandemic might have just nailed the broken education-to-employment coffin closed, Wolfe warns. “Everyone is focused on jobs. Jobs are just a shiny object in the scheme of things. The whole concept of what it means to be employed and the skills and abilities you need to be employed is being rewritten on the fly.”

To help employers, workers, and students understand the future of work and jobs, Wolfe’s consulting company Success Performance Solutions recently recorded a 4-part webinar series. Wolfe was joined by Edward E Gordon, internationally recognized futurist, economist, researcher, author, and historian. The series is free to attend.

Only 16% of new hires possess the skills needed for their current jobs and the jobs of the future!
Success Performance Solutions
September 17, 2020

Skills are becoming obsolete at a fast rate, something the pandemic has only intensified, Existing roles may require up to 10 new skills by 2021, according to a recent analysis by Gartner. This follows a BCG report that noted "skill mismatches between what employers...

Why Quantifying Diversity & Equity Matters
Success Performance Solutions Blog
August 27, 2020

Today’s workforce is one of the most diverse in our nation’s history. The public outcry for social justice, fairness, equality, and better economic performance has elevated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to the highest priority for business and HR leaders. But while diversity awareness is high, true equity and fairness remain elusive. New evidence from HC Moneyball suggests that certain EEO, gender, and ethnic categories experience privilege at different velocities. They experience the opportunity and benefits of mobility, advancement, and training differently. That’s not fair nor is it good for business and economic performance.

Joining me on this webinar is Dr. Solange Charas, founder and CEO of HC Moneyball, LLC, and the “brains” behind this research.

Cracking The Curiosity Code
Success Performance Solutions Blog
August 13, 2020

Studies show that curiosity drives nearly every skill that shows up on every must-have job skill list, says Success Performance Solutions founder and workforce trends expert Ira S Wolfe. It is the DNA, the common thread, that connects many of the essential skills promoted for the modern worker: critical thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, collaboration, and even empathy.

Curiosity it seems is the career currency of the day: necessary for staying relevant, for advancing your career, for keeping the robots at bay from taking your job. We simply can’t perform well or grow our skills without it. And yet parents, business leaders, and our current education system do every possible to immunize curiosity in our kids and workers. We talk about innovation, growth, and STEM but do everything possible to stifle it, says Dr. Diane Hamilton.

Dr. Diane was my guest on this Success Performance Solutions Crowdcast event. She discussed her curiosity research and the four curiosity killing factors she calls FATE. Here is an abridged and edited transcript of our conversation.

The Future of Employees, Work, and FutureNext Leadership
Success Performance Solutions Blog
August 04, 2020

The only John Sanei in the world joined me (Ira S Wolfe) recently for a Q&A about the future employee, future of work, and FutureNEXT Leadership. This conversation was prompted by a LinkedIn post that John recently made about the differences between complicated and complex. This is just the tip of the iceberg! We spoke about future essential skills such as curiosity and adaptability; the 4 different types of sight; why current leadership is so out of touch, and AfterShock. You’ll want to listen and/or read the transcript below.

John Sanei calls himself a knowledge mercenary, one who travels the globe to uncover lessons needed to shift communities and help humanity thrive. We certainly need a lot of that these days. John is Africa’s first faculty member at Singularity University in San Francisco, a lecturer at Duke Corporate Education and a partner at the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies.

Failure of Current Talent Strategies | Ira S Wolfe and Edward Gordon
Success Performance Solutions
June 26, 2020

Hi everyone. This is Ira Wolfe, and I’m back with my good friend, Dr.Edward Gordon for the second of our four-part webinar series, talking about the future of employment. Today’s topic is a good one. Even the mere mention of it seems to bring a smile to faces, although not in a good way. The Failure of Current Talent Strategies tends to ignite one of the “duh, do you think” moments. During this webinar, we’ll be talking about why current talent strategies are failing fast and begin to explore how organizations must respond going forward.

Future of Employability
Success Performance Solutions
May 21, 2020

“The ‘normal’ path to employment is on life support,” says Future of Work Global Thought Leader Ira S Wolfe. The COVID-19 pandemic might have just nailed the broken education-to-employment coffin closed, Wolfe warns. “Everyone is focused on jobs. Jobs are just a shiny object in the scheme of things. The whole concept of what it means to be employed and the skills and abilities you need to be employed is being rewritten on the fly.”

To help employers, workers, and students understand the future of work and jobs, Wolfe’s consulting company Success Performance Solutions recently announced a 4-part webinar series. Wolfe will be joined by Edward E Gordon, internationally recognized futurist, economist, researcher, author, and historian. The series is free but does require registration.

Wolfe has been warning about a “Perfect Labor Storm” since 1999. Edward E Gordon has been warning about a global talent meltdown for even longer. Their paths crossed in the early 2000s and they have both written and spoken extensively about the future of work, jobs, the skills gap, and the broken education-to-employment system.

Change and adaptability are nothing new. But today we're living in a VUCA world and many of us just aren't adapting quickly enough. As a result, we're making the future of work up as we go. Adaptability will be this decade'ss core competence required by everyone from the front-line to the board room,.

"In 2025, the lines between human and machine, science and reality, will continue to blur to the point where adaptability intelligence—AI of a different kind—becomes the new currency of leadership. With traditional roles dissolving, the pace of change accelerating, and Everywhere Work redefining productivity, the most valuable workers will not be those who master technology, but those who master the shift created by it. The ‘office’ won’t be a place; it’ll be a mindset. Hybrid and remote will continue to evolve. Leadership won’t be about clocking in—it’ll be about seizing the moment. The greatest business strategy will be to embrace uncertainty as a competitive advantage in the Never Normal.

For 2024, I predict 'VUCA' – Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous – will be the "word" of the year! It encapsulates the global mood amidst AI advancements, natural disasters, climate change, geopolitical confrontations, demographic shifts, and a pivotal U.S. election. This convergence of rapid transformative events leads to Alvin Toffler's 'Future Shock,' where change outstrips adaptation. Through this dynamic period, we will see the gap widen between "normal" and reality. We will see more people adapt and thrive, while hundreds of millions of people fall further behind. I predict 2024 will be a pivotal year in recalibrating where, how, and why people work. Buckle up, folks. Our future depends on it.

My hands down prediction for 2023 is that next year at this time we’ll still be talking about labor shortages. In fact, you can reserve my spot on predictions for the next decade and use the same prediction. While slower economic growth will undoubtedly fuel an increase in unemployment and slowdown in hiring, industries like healthcare, education, warehousing, transportation, and trades are so far under water in staffing key roles that job openings, wage growth, and above average quit rates will persist. You can thank shifting demographics, lower participation rates, and a collapse in the growth of our working age population for the “Perfect Labor Storm.”

In 1999, I described acute labor shortages at that time as The Perfect Labor Storm, a convergence of socio-economic and technologic events that was transforming and disrupting labor markets, jobs, and the world of work. Twenty-two years later, there is an epic fail between the way that companies recruit and workers see jobs and work. Talent is a precious commodity and the talent supply chain is imploding. The transformation is palpably and painfully visible to every employer ... and disruptions are more frequent and accelerating. Welcome to 2022, a Perfect Labor Shift, a seismic change in how, when, and where people work. With most economic forecasts predicting continued economic recovery and growth, the demand for labor will increase, competition for workers will intensify, skill gaps will widen, wages will continue to rise, and access to talent (or lack of it) will determine the fate of many businesses. Automation will replace some jobs but also raise the stakes for more skilled workers to install, monitor, maintain, and repair the new technologies. Concurrently, the demand for workers with uniquely human skills will increase exponentially.

Whether we're working from home, in an office, or some hybrid environment, it's a given: the journey to the Next Normal will be profoundly different than the normal we abruptly left behind. Everyone will need to become adept at adapting.

The Rise of AQ in Future-Proofing Leadership: The C-Suite's Guide to Thriving in a Sea of Uncertainty
Thinkers360
October 24, 2023

In the charming, yet unassuming town of Mainstreet USA, Joe was more than just a craftsman; he was a local legend. He could mend a wobbly table, fix a squeaky door, and restore dilapidated furniture to its former glory. Then, on a day much like any other, fate decided to roll up in the form of a sputtering Tesla, coming to a sudden halt right in front of Joe's quaint workshop.

Out stepped Ms. Jensen, a corporate titan accustomed to steering her company through market volatility and uncertainty. "Joe, my Tesla's on the fritz, and it picked your spot to take a nap," she began. "My Tesla just went kaput. Can you fix it?"

Joe glanced from his trusty hammer and saw to the Tesla's complex dash panel. In that moment, he embodied the dilemma confronting today's executives, senior managers, and business owners. The traditional tools that had made him a craftsman suddenly felt archaic. How do you solve the novel, complex problems in a VUCA—Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous—world with yesterday’s toolkit?

Joe's predicament mirrors what many leaders are grappling with. The tools and skills that brought them and their teams success yesterday aren't guaranteed to solve the problems of today or tomorrow. This new world demands new tools, but what should be in the toolkit for today's leaders?

1. Grit: The All-Terrain Tires of Leadership

Grit is what keeps you on track when the road of business becomes a slippery slope. You're bound to encounter a few bumps and potholes, too. Grit is your all-terrain tires, helping you traverse challenges without losing momentum. Embed this quality within your team's culture.

2. Resilience: The Airbags for Corporate Bumps

Accidents and setbacks are inevitable. Resilience is your airbag, absorbing the shock and preparing you for the next leg of the journey. Equip your teams to bounce back stronger.

3. Growth Mindset: The GPS That Keeps Updating

With a growth mindset, your route is never fixed. A growth mindset is the assurance that there's always another route to your destination. Inculcate the belief in your team that abilities are expandable, not fixed.

4. Mental Flexibility: The Adaptive Cruise Control

Mental flexibility is the 360-degree camera system of your organizational vehicle. It illuminates opportunities in unanticipated directions. With mental flexibility, competing demands are not roadblocks but alternative routes, and tensions morph into avenues for groundbreaking innovation.It's your go-to when the roadmap is unclear or when your GPS screams, "Recalculating!"

5. The Ability to Unlearn: The Reversing Cameras

Sometimes the way forward is to take a step back and reassess. Being able to unlearn is like having a set of reversing cameras, giving you the clarity to shed obsolete practices and back into better positions.

Solution: AQ (Adaptability Quotient): The Self-Driving Feature of the Future

As we move into an increasingly automated and uncertain world, AQ becomes the self-driving feature we all need. Invest in training your teams to adapt, pivot, and reinvent.

Months later, Joe found himself attending training workshops, adding new tools and skills to his repertoire. When Ms. Jensen's autonomous drone (a side passion of hers) malfunctioned and nosedived into a local pond and Mr. Smith’s smart HVAC spewed hot air on the hottest day of the year, Joe was ready to shift gears at a moment’s notice.

So, ask yourself, are you prepared to fix the "Teslas" of your organizational challenges? The key to navigating the VUCA highway is not just a trunk full of old tools but a modern, comprehensive toolkit. Remember, the best leaders don’t just adapt to change; they drive it.

So, fasten your seat belts, folks. The road to adaptability is rarely a straight line, but with the right toolkit, it's a ride you—and your team—can master. Onward and upward, you adaptable road warriors!

Step Up Your Game, Googlization March Madness Begins March 1
Thinkers360
February 21, 2023

Join us for our first webinar, one that will keep you hanging on until the final buzzer.  

Revolutionizing the Workplace: The Remote Work Revolution

Our kick-off event features a panel of future Hall of Fame-worthy workforce experts including Kate Lister, Jeff Abbott, and Gad Levanon.

March 1, 2023 at 1 PM EST

Kate Lister is the President of Global Workplace Analytics and an internationally recognized authority on remote work. Jeff Abbott is the CEO of Ivanti, Inc. a leading cybersecurity company, and an expert on the impact of Everywhere Work on IT security and the digital employee experience. Gad Levanon is the Chief Economist at Burning Glass Institute and a renowned expert on labor markets and workforce trends.

Together they’ll explore the ongoing C-Suite battle over remote work vs in-person-on-site work, working from anywhere, the growing push for hybrid work, plus give you an inside look at playbooks that are working along with significant challenges that are rarely discussed (except, of course, on The Geeks Geezers and Googlization Show.)

Register Here!

Also available on the day-off of the event on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.

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AI-pocalypse Now:

How to Survive and Thrive in the ChatGPT and AI Revolution!

Our second webinar will a LIVE CHAT and be focused on the slam-dunk that is AI and ChatGPT in the workplace.

March 7, 2023 at 10 AM EST

You don't have to be a bracketologist to know that these innovative technologies are not just disrupting the game but creating a quantum leap in how we work, but when we work, and why we work. Our expert for this event is the one and only John Sanei. John’s approach to the future of work and his ability to explain and explore the impact of technology and advances in neuroscience on our lives is unsurpassed. I interviewed John in the summer of 2021 and he was simply brilliant. He has this uncanny ability to explain uncertainty with clarity and complexity with simplicity. I’m so excited he’s agreed to visit with us again. This is a definite winner on anyone’s bracket. 

By the way, John Sanei is a 5X bestselling author, Singularity University and Duke CE faculty member, Associate Partner at the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies, Chief of Tomorrow Board Member and podcaster at The Expansive.

Register Here!

Also available on the day-off of the event on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.

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Mattering at Work with Zach Mercurio

And if that's not enough to jumpstart your work locker, our most recent podcast Mattering at Work with Zach Mercurio was a classic. Although Jason and I interviewed him, I’ve re-listened several times, downloaded it, transcribed it and applied it to how I approach being purposeful and creating something I’ve coined: matterance. You’ll be hearing a lot more about mattering and matterance in the future but for now, you must add Mattering at Work to your playlist. It’s a master course in helping you hit the three-pointer of fulfillment and meaningfulness in your career. 

Mattering at Work is now available on your favorite podcast platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and iHeart or you can just click here. 

Listen Now!

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So, whether you're a fan of buzzer beaters, Cinderella stories, or just looking to up your work game, join us for our Googlization March Madness line-up of webinars and podcasts. You won't regret it! 

And stay tuned for more events this month featuring Dave Ulrich and Susan Lindner too.

Ira S Wolfe

Economic Trends and Forecasts for 2022
Thinkers360
January 21, 2022

Slower Economic Growth

2022 is going to be a year of slower economic growth, and employee shortages will continue to be an issue, says Jackie Greene, vice president of Economics at ITR Economics.

Jackie's forecast is definitely one worth listening to. Her firm, ITR Economics, is widely known for having had a nearly perfect track record (94.7 percent ) of economic forecasting over the past three decades. Using data published in her firm's most recent report, Greene paints a detailed picture of what businesses can expect over the coming months.

In an interview with Geeks, Geezers & Googlization Show, she said 2022 will be very different from the "gangbuster year" we experienced in 2021 when easing Covid-19 related restrictions led to an "unsustainable" level of economic growth.

"We are going to see that level of growth tapering off, but it will still be growth through 22 and 23. Just a slowing rate of growth, which from some of the [perspective of the] companies we have talked to, it's been a kind of a sigh of relief when we tell them that because they are struggling to keep up with this high level of demand," she said.

In 2021, economic growth spiked to more than 5% following a year of near-stagnation in 2020 due to the pandemic's disruptive effects. But the long-term trend is much more subdued, with average annual growth of 2.8% in 2022 and 1.6% in 2023, according to ITR Economics.

You can listen to Greene's full interview below:

Employee Shortages Will Continue

Greene expects labor shortages will continue in 2022 and employee turnover rates, which have been on the rise in recent months as large numbers of people have been quitting their jobs, looking for more flexible and higher-paying opportunities.

"That problem is not going away," she said, "That problem was before Covid. It's not new. It just intensified."

Greene's views align with those of other leading industry experts, including Evan Sohn, chairman and CEO of Recruiter.com. On a different episode of the Geeks, Geezers & Googlization Show published on December 22, 2021, Sohn said there are currently at least 11 million open jobs in the United States.

"The last thing we need is more jobs," he said, "That's not the problem right now. We got to get people back to work for a variety of reasons." 

Sohn attributed part of the problem to the so-called "job hopper economy." The term refers to the trend where people change jobs frequently, which has been happening at an unprecedented level in recent months.

Citing recent surveys showing that 60% of millennials have no problem leaving their jobs within six months, he said companies will struggle to find qualified candidates for their open positions.

"Part of why there is a job hopper world now is that I can as an employee work from anywhere. I can find a company that will let me work from anywhere with the skills that I want," he said,

"Think about all the jobs that you didn't even pursue because they were geographically undesirable. It's just not going to happen anymore."

Sohn referred to a report his company recently published, predicting six significant trends in the 2022 job market. In addition to the labor shortage, the other five include:

• Remote work is the new normal: The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed remote work from a perk into the new normal. More companies will embrace telecommuting to attract and retain the best talent.
• Work-from-anywhere will morph to hire-from-anywhere: The war for talent will intensify as companies compete to offer the best work-from-anywhere options, which will include an increasing number of benefits and flexibilities.
• Employees will continue to demand more of a work-life balance: The trend of employees seeking a better work-life balance will continue in 2022, with more workers asking for flexible hours, job sharing, and other arrangements.
• Diversity will continue to be a focus: Diversity and inclusion will continue to be top priorities for companies in 2022 as they seek to attract and retain the best talent. According to a survey cited by Recruiter.com, 75% of executives would leave their firm for one with diversity initiatives.
• Building a community at work will take on new forms: In the age of remote work, companies will focus on building communities that transcend geography. This could include more social activities, such as happy hours and book clubs, or using technology to create closer connections among employees.

Listen the full interview with Evan Sohn below:

HR Will Not Be About HR

David Ulrich, author, and co-author of more than 30 books on human resources (HR), told the Geeks, Geezers & Googlization Show's last 2021 episode that the time had come to "reinvent" HR.

"HR is not about HR," he said, explaining how the traditional understanding of HR as a department that manages the hiring and firing of employees is no longer relevant in today's economy. "HR is about helping your organization compete and succeed in the marketplace."

When it comes to remote or hybrid work, Ulrich said it should not change the structure or responsibilities of HR.

"Where we work and how we work to me doesn't matter very much," he said. "Why are you working? To create value for a customer outside the company. How are you working? I don't care if it's through technology or how it is. What are you doing to create value for a customer and an investor in a community outside?."

Ulrich hopes that 2022 will be the year when HR becomes a strategic component "sitting at the table" with marketing, finance, and operations to create a competitive advantage for the company.

"I find some HR people saying it's all about people," he said, "Unless the employee wellbeing leads to a customer experience that creates value for the customer, there is no workplace."

To achieve that goal, he said, companies must "empower" employees to be creative and entrepreneurial, focusing on the customer and not worrying about job security.

"The ultimate accountability in an organization is not just the business leaders or the HR leaders. It's the employee," he said. "How do we help empower employees? One of my tests of a leader is a simple one: does the employee leave the interaction with the leader feeling better or worse about him or herself?"

Listen to the Dave Ulrich interview below:

The Future of Employees, Work, and Leadership | An Interview with John Sanei
Thinkers360
August 11, 2020

One of the top global thought leaders on our future John Sanei offers a dire warning: “Applying normal rules in a complex world is the worst thing we can do.” To help make sense of how all of us should be preparing for what John calls FutureNEXT (also the title of his upcoming book), John joined me for Q&A about what he calls FutureNEXT. Sanei is not surprised to see so many people struggling, even grieving over the death of “normal.” With its passing, our world abruptly transformed from complicated to complex. “Our efficient rules and systems that we used to use failed fast and furious in the early stages of the pandemic. Our ability to forecast and plan were abruptly disabled. Even the experts don’t know what will be coming,” warns this 3X best selling author and Singularity University faculty member. Sanei recently addressed the challenge of people moving from complicated to complex in a video he posted on LinkedIN. He followed that with a powerful inquiry asking “can we teach passion?” Sanei offers his insights and forecasts for the future employee, future of work, future leadership and more. Sanei’s presentation is the first of 4 weekly webinars in August hosted by Success Performance Solutions and moderated by Chief Googlization Officer Ira S Wolfe. Click here for more information and registration. Future topics included Cracking the Curiosity Code, Diversity, Inclusion, and Inequity, and Future of Employment. Learn more. About Our Speaker! John Sanei (Sah-nay) comes alive at the intersection of human psychology and futurism and uses his truly unique perspective to discover elegant ways for his global audience to build the clarity and courage needed to approach the future with confidence. Not only is John Africa's first Singularity University faculty member and a lecturer at Duke Corporate Education, but he is also an Associate Partner at The Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies - the only person on the planet to hold these three positions. His rare ability to combine his fascination with emerging technology and its impact on society with a clear understanding of the way memories and stories influence our reality has seen him share the stage with several world-renowned thought leaders, including Yuval Harari, Nassim Taleb, and Robin Sharma, amongst many others. To watch and/or read the transcript, go to https://www.successperformancesolutions.com/john-sanei-futurenext/

AQ Masterclass

Location: Online    Fees: $97 per participant

Service Type: Service Offered

REIMAGINE your team's response to change!
BOOST your business adapt-ability!
GROW your competitive advantage!

We have entered the fastest period of change the world has ever seen. Fast Company recently shared "we are approaching the fastest, deepest, most consequential technological disruption in history." There’s a real danger that millions of people and thousands of organizations will be left behind. Adaptability is the key to transforming the way your teams and business reimagine their future. Unfortunately, research reveals that only 1 in 4 employees have high adaptability levels. Consequently, there is such a clarion call for leaders to rethink and adapt that Harvard Business Review describes "Adaptability Quotient" as the new competitive advantage. Likewise, Linkedin identified Adaptability as one of the most in-demand skills of this 3rd decade of the 21st century. Adaptability Quotient (AQai) is a game-changer!
Join us for the 1st Masterclass of its kind starting Nov 4 or schedule one for your team today. (minimum of 10)