Modern Mentor

870. Confidence isn't a character trait you're born with; it's a muscle you develop. In this episode, author and speaker Juan Bendaña shares his personal journey and introduces his Confidence Cycle framework. We look at the three small decisions that help you generate the necessary energy and courage to take action, ultimately building proof of your own competence at work. Learn how to transform self-doubt from a signal to stop into a signal to grow. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

869. We gather constantly but feel more disconnected than ever. Rachel uses insights from Priya Parker's "The Art of Gathering" to show how intentional gathering can rebuild the connection we're all craving. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

868. AI is everywhere. There’s not currently a right or wrong way to be using it. Many of us aren’t - largely because we’re not sure where to start. In this episode, let’s talk about some possible starting places for someone who just needs to boost. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

867. Are you struggling to articulate your value because you feel like a "jack of all trades"? This episode features Dr. Sarabeth Bickerton, who defines professional identity as the unique combination of your ethics, values, and skills that make you who you are in your work. We look at how clarifying your identity is the key to both feeling more empowered and communicating your value more effectively. Plus, learn the three fundamental career power questions you need to ask yourself right now. Dr. Bickerton's new book "Seen Known Valued" is now scheduled for release in 2026, due to a publishing delay. Stay tuned for updates and find more of Dr. Bickerton's wisdom here. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

866. When sales dip, profits stall, or the world throws curveballs, morale tends to suffer. But you do not need to wait for business to be perfect before tending to the human side. In this episode we explore moves that help morale and business at once. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

865. We all know trust matters at work—but too often, we’re unintentionally chipping away at it without even realizing. In this episode, we’ll explore some of the most common but overlooked ways we undermine trust, and what you can do to course-correct. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

864. Companies these days, amidst uncertain times, are shrinking their investments in wellness and engagement programs. But when well understood, wellbeing at work isn’t about perks or extras. It’s actually about building ways of working that strengthen results while enhancing the human experience. Today I share four strategies currently working well. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jobs aren’t forever. But instead of disengaging when loyalty feels uncertain, we can use the work in front of us to grow stronger, smarter, and more ready for what’s next. In this episode, I share four strategies to make the way you work today an investment in your tomorrow. 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

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/