Better by Great Place To Work

Edward Jones' Suzan McDaniel on creating social connections in a hybrid world

Hybrid work offers employees flexibility, but it requires intentional effort to maintain in-person connections.
Suzan McDaniel, CHRO at Edward Jones, shares practical tips for creating a rewarding in-office experience, effectively managing a hybrid workforce, using personas for better communication, and supporting employee well-being.
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For a transcript of this episode, visit Edward Jones’ Suzan McDaniel on Creating Social Connections in a Hybrid World | Great Place To Work®

Penn Mutual's Liz Heitner on performance management that actually works

Only 2% of CHROs think their performance management system truly inspires employees to improve.
Liz Heitner, CHRO at Penn Mutual, understands why and shares how to change that. We dive into how Penn Mutual leaders have transformed their approach, resulting in a performance success program that actually works – and employees enjoy.
She candidly shared lessons learned, how to manage imposter syndrome, and what she’s learning from Tik Tok.
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For a transcript of this episode, visit Penn Mutual's Liz Heitner on Effective Performance Management | Great Place To Work®

CarMax’s Diane Cafritz on empowering hourly workers

Unlike many workplaces where hourly employees miss out on meaningful work, mental health support, and training compared with their salaried counterparts, CarMax has found ways to fill these gaps. Diane Cafritz, EVP and chief innovation and people officer at CarMax, explains how.
Diane also opens up about her personal experience as part of the sandwich generation, balancing the demands of raising children and caring for elderly adults, and how that has shaped her perspective on the importance of flexibility in the workplace.
Don’t miss the company culture event of the year! Enter the code "Better" and get $200 off the Great Place To Work For All Summit: For All Summit 2025 | Great Place To Work®
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For a transcript of this episode, visit CarMax’s Diane Cafritz on Empowering Hourly Workers | Great Place To Work®

Dow's Alveda Williams on how employee resource groups drive business results

Alveda Williams, chief inclusion officer at Dow, talks about how Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are making a big difference at Dow. With 600 chapters around the world, these groups have helped shape company policies and create new products. In the past seven years, participation in ERGs has jumped from 15% to 60%. These groups are now a key part of the company’s success.
She also explains why leadership includes influencers and non-managers, and shared some wisdom we can all benefit from — bloom where you’re planted.
Don’t miss the company culture event of the year! Enter the code "Better" and get $200 off the Great Place To Work For All Summit: For All Summit 2025 | Great Place To Work®
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For a transcript of this episode, visit Dow's Alveda Williams on How Employee Resource Groups Drive Business Success | Great Place To Work®

PwC's Kim Jones on improving workplace trust

Kim Jones, managing director of talent strategy and people experience at PwC, shares insights on the importance of trust in the workplace, the role of middle managers in building a positive culture, and how PwC is using AI to create equal opportunities for all employees.
She also opens up about her personal journey to better well-being and the lessons learned from a health scare. Her journey is a powerful reminder that our bodies keep the score, and taking care of ourselves is crucial for sustained success.
Don’t miss the company culture event of the year! Enter the code "Better" and get $200 off the Great Place To Work For All Summit: For All Summit 2025 | Great Place To Work®
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For a transcript of this episode, visit Kim Jones on Improving Workplace Trust | Great Place To Work®

Journalist and speaker Ellen McGirt on supporting caregivers at work

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with journalist, speaker, and podcast host Ellen McGirt to discuss the intricate balance of caregiving and maintaining a career. Ellen shares her personal journey as a member of the sandwich generation, caring for both her family and three vulnerable adults.
We explore the emotional and logistical challenges caregivers face and offer practical advice for workplaces to better support their employees. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that aims to normalize caregiving discussions and foster a more supportive work environment.
Don’t miss the company culture event of the year! Enter the code "Better" and get $200 off the Great Place To Work For All Summit: For All Summit 2025 | Great Place To Work®
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Listen to the Brittany Howard interview: Brittany Howard on the Importance of Belonging | Great Place To Work®
For a transcript of this episode, visit Ellen McGirt on Supporting Caregivers at Work | Great Place To Work®

American Express’ Monique Herena on embracing change

Stepping outside of our comfort zones is where growth begins. As Monique Herena, chief colleague experience officer at American Express, puts it, change is both necessary and challenging.
She offers practical strategies for helping leaders navigate change, and what to do with leaders who aren't on board. She also shares how American Express has navigated flexible work, and why it's important for everyone, including individual contributors, to model values and leadership behaviors.
Share a time you stepped outside your comfort zone at work with me. E-mail me at roula.amire@greatplacetowork.com.
Enter the code "Better" and get $200 off the Great Place To Work For All Summit: For All Summit 2024 | Great Place To Work®
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For a transcript of this episode, visit American Express’ Monique Herena on Embracing Change at Work | Great Place To Work®.

Harvard's Amy Edmondson on failing well

Feeling stuck? It might be your fear of failure.
Amy Edmondson, Novartis professor of leadership and management at Harvard Business School, joins us to talk about her new book, “The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well”— the 2023 Business Book of the Year.
Renowned for her research on psychological safety, Amy talks about failing well, what types of failures to avoid, and why high performing teams report more errors than lower performing teams.
Companies that learn from failures are also more likely to be innovative and agile.
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For a transcript of this episode, visit Amy Edmondson on How Failing Well Can Help Companies Thrive | Great Place To Work®

Camden’s Ric Campo & Keith Oden on building a culture of care

Ric Campo and Keith Oden, CEO and president, respectively, of Camden Property Trust share their approach to building a company culture centered around care. This philosophy has boosted employee engagement and satisfaction, and contributed to the company's business success.
We explore how Camden fosters a caring environment and how they've addressed challenges like maintaining a strong company culture during difficult times.
They also shared their approach to workplace flexibility in an industry where flexibility hasn't been the norm.
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For a transcript of this episode, visit Camden’s Ric Campo & Keith Oden on Building a Culture of Care | Great Place To Work®

Accenture’s Yolanda Friend on how to create inclusive workplaces

Feeling unseen and unheard at work? You're not alone. But what if your workplace felt like a place where everyone belongs and thrives?
Join Yolanda Friend, inclusion & diversity lead at Accenture North America, as she shares powerful insights and actionable steps to create a more inclusive culture.
From the importance of mentors and sponsors to the everyday micro-experiences that make a difference, Yolanda's practical tips will inspire you to champion belonging and unlock your employees’ full potential at work.
Learn why having a diverse workforce is good for business. Plus, get a sneak peek into Yolanda's mentor's new book, “Unwavering,” filled with invaluable career and life lessons.
Enter the code "Better" and get $200 off the Great Place To Work For All Summit: For All Summit 2024 | Great Place To Work®
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For a transcript of this episode, visit Accenture's Yolanda Friend on How to Create Inclusive Workplaces | Great Place To Work®