Modern Mentor

Are you and your team running on a treadmill that's going nowhere? Modern Mentor Rachel Cooke shares four real-world experiments that helped leaders in her lab ditch the burnout and get stronger results. Learn how small, unconventional shifts—like silent brainstorms and customer-led learning—can deliver better outcomes and a more engaged team. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor

Learning and development at work are essential - for expanding our skills, for being more innovative, and for keeping us engaged. But also, there’s so much work on our plates it can feel impossible to find the time for learning. So let’s talk about some ways to bake it right on into the work itself. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor

We’re not all friends at work. And we don’t have to be. But what you do do have to do is work well - effectively - together. In this week’s episode we’ll discuss a simple framework you can use with your team to define ways of working that suit all of your colleagues while driving your results. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor

Too many teams are stuck in a swirl. Unclear on priorities, disconnection from purpose, and lost momentum. But we don’t need org-wide overhauls to fix it. In this episode, I’m sharing four practical shifts leaders are making right now to redesign how work gets done - from the inside out. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor

Quiet cracking isn’t burnout, and it’s not disengagement. It’s the early warning signal that something in the work is out of alignment. In this episode, we unpack what quiet cracking looks and feels like, why it matters more than we think, and what anyone, regardless of role, can do to stop it before it spreads. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor

Our approach to wellness at work is wrong and it needs to be fixed. Currently we’re pushing ourselves to the edge and using wellness programs to help us recover. But what if instead of building better wellness programs, we rewired the work to just need them less? Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor

Clarity doesn’t come from top-down communication. It comes from shared context, built through curiosity, trust, and connection. Here’s how to create it. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor

Change and success live on a dial, not a switch. And when we’re only looking for complete overhauls, we miss the signals we’re achieving something new. Missing those signals can cause us to miss out on progress. That’s where the Ladder of Impact comes in. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor

Workplace well-being isn't just a buzzword; it's a critical component of a thriving team. This episode looks at the current state of employee health and well-being with Dr. Rich Safeer, Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-being at Johns Hopkins Medicine. We discuss the often-overlooked signs of workplace stress, why integrating well-being practices into your day is essential, and how leaders can champion a healthier work environment. Learn practical strategies for incorporating small, impactful habits into your workday, even in demanding roles. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor

Companies are making tough decisions these days that leaders need to help their teams through. Here are some ways to get through even the toughest of changes. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/ Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

In the final installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel speaks with Jaime Klein, founder and CEO of Inspire HR. They dive into the transformative impact of AI on HR practices, drawing parallels to the early adoption phase of the internet. Jaime shares insights into how companies are integrating AI at various levels, from applicant screening to employee engagement. They also discuss the shift back to in-office work, DEI initiatives, and strategies for personal and professional resilience during these rapidly evolving times. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

In the third installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel sits down with Brett Underhill, who heads up talent acquisition and learning and development at Taboola. They discuss the benefits of using a pilot approach to implement changes and initiatives within an organization. Brett shares insights into setting up a pilot, including clear timelines, project objectives, and engaging key stakeholders. They also explore the challenges of maintaining quality talent during rapid hiring phases and how companies can best activate and engage their existing workforce. Brett offers actionable advice on experimenting with new ideas, leveraging pilots for valuable feedback, and ensuring sustainable project momentum. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

In the second of a series of shorter form interviews, Rachel sits down with Mike Jacobson, VP of People Operations at Steno. They discuss why traditional feedback methods often fall short and how to create a more effective system for career growth. Mike shares insights on building customized learning environments that incentivize genuine engagement, as well as the hidden value of lateral career moves for long-term fulfillment. He also tackles the common challenge of prioritizing dedicated learning time and explores how empowering leaders to tailor their feedback approach can foster a culture where employees thrive. Mike's candid advice offers actionable strategies for transforming feedback into a powerful tool for both individual and organizational success. Transcript: https://modern-mentor.simplecast.com/episodes/the-feedback-fix-grow-your-team-grow-your-career/transcript Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

In the first of a series of shorter form interviews we're releasing in June, Rachel sits down with Alex Salas, Assistant Chief People Officer at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and head of the NYC SHRM chapter. They discuss key strategies for improving employee experience, the competitive talent landscape, the importance of trust, leadership challenges, and practical advice for achieving workplace success. Alex shares actionable insights on work-from-home policies, employee resource groups, and the necessity of taking pauses to reassess organizational strategies. His proactive, optimistic and committed way to improving the workplace is sure to help you improve yours. Find a transcript for this episode here: https://modern-mentor.simplecast.com/episodes/building-trust-and-leadership-with-alex-salas/transcript Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

Burnout doesn’t end with one big fix. Here’s how to build real, lasting relief by trading perfection for momentum—one reset, one decision, one human moment at a time. Check out all four episodes in this special series on this Spotify playlist. Find a transcript for this episode here: https://modern-mentor.simplecast.com/episodes/sustaining-momentum-in-the-battle-against-burnout/transcript Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

You're not "either burned out or not burned out." Healing is a gradual process of chipping away at what drains you. Join Rachel Cooke, your Modern Mentor and founder of Lead Above Noise, in Part 3 of our burnout series. We move beyond simply identifying the problem and begin to rebuild with intention. Discover the Activation framework – Deliver, Develop, Connect, Thrive – and learn how to use each pillar to reflect on your work and identify small, tangible actions that create breathing room and real relief for yourself and your team. This episode offers practical questions and starting points to reclaim energy, foster growth, deepen connections, and build a more sustainable way of working, one conversation, one reset, one reframe at a time. Find a transcript for this episode here: https://modern-mentor.simplecast.com/episodes/let-activation-be-your-burnout-antidote/transcript Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

Managers are burning out—not just from doing too much, but from carrying too many roles that were never meant to be theirs. Let’s name the burden and start letting go of what was never yours to hold. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

Team challenges can feel overwhelming to tackle head-on. Here’s how leaders in a recent Activation Bootcamp found ways to infuse small but meaningful relief into their teams—without trying to fix everything. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

Rachel sits down with DEI strategist Lily Zheng for a candid conversation on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They explore why real progress depends on focusing less on performative programs and more on outcomes that drive lasting change. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/

Some work relationships feel easy. And some… don’t. When a relationship feels rocky—even without a big conflict—there’s a path to a more collegial working relationships, even if you never become best friends. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success. Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletter https://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentor https://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/