This Working Life
Business & Finance
About
You spend so much time on work, why accept the status quo, when there are ways to do it better? Get expert advice, research and hacks that will crush your inertia. Join Lisa Leong and other This Working Lifers as we experiment and explore the latest in the world of work. We cover policy issues, like hybrid workplaces and remote work, employee wellbeing and organisational culture, the use of AI, employee surveillance, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion. We talk about progress on wider issues that relate to work, like work life balance, organisational change, restructures, and casualisation. On This Working Li...
Episodes
- Nir Eyal on how to stop sabotaging your career
Nir Eyal, author and behavioral design expert, discusses how to achieve lasting behavioral change at work. He shares insights from his research that led to his book, Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achie…
- Sir David Attenborough is doing it, what about you? How to work until you're 100
This episode discusses the advantages of working beyond traditional retirement age, including financial benefits, a sense of purpose, social engagement, and improved brain health. It includes perspectives from individuals working past reti…
- Why 9am meetings might be failing your team
This episode explores how circadian rhythms and chronotypes impact team performance and the benefits of circadian-influenced leadership. It features Professor Stefan Volk from the University of Sydney Business School.
- Kyle and Jackie O safety complaint heads to Federal Court
This episode discusses the safety complaint involving Jackie O, ARN, and Kyle Sandilands. It explores how leaders can manage psychological safety at work and the consequences of failing to do so, featuring insights from Martyn Campbell and…
- Marcus Buckingham says love is the most powerful force in business
Researcher and author Marcus Buckingham discusses how love functions as a driver of productive behavior in the workplace. He explores strategies for designing work experiences that inspire staff and increase performance.
- How to help a young person find a career in the age of AI
This episode discusses how to guide young people toward career paths amid the uncertainties brought by AI in the job market. Guests Alana Kilmartin and David Carney share their perspectives on navigating early career stages.
- The power of inspiring vs. infuriating leadership
This episode of This Working Life explores the differences between inspiring and infuriating leadership styles. Guest Adam Galinsky from Columbia Business School discusses how leadership behaviors affect employees and offers insights on ho…
- How Don uses his digital twin
This episode explores the rise of digital twins in the workplace and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of identic AI. Don Tapscott joins the show to discuss the potential for digital clones to perform tasks and make decisions…
- Is more annual leave the answer to preventing burnout?
This episode explores whether increasing annual leave is an effective strategy for combatting burnout. Experts in labour law and management discuss the proposal's implications, alongside a practical perspective from a business already prov…
- Esther Perel on conflict and power struggles at work
Psychotherapist Esther Perel joins host Lisa to discuss navigating conflict and power dynamics in the workplace. The episode includes practical advice for handling disagreements with colleagues and an exercise for listeners to try.
- It's okay, you can take a break
This episode of This Working Life discusses the importance of taking breaks at work for physical and mental health. Guests Kira Schabram and Vanessa Miles provide advice on how to incorporate manageable breaks into a busy workday.
- Can I give you some feedback?
This episode of This Working Life explores how to effectively give and receive professional feedback. Guests Roisin McCann and James Donald share insights on improving performance while maintaining positive workplace relationships.
- Unlock the power of a four day week
This episode explores the implementation of a four-day work week, examining how to maintain productivity and the benefits for employees, organizations, and customers. It features insights from John Hopkins of Deakin Business School and pro…
- The ultimate guide to fixing meetings
This episode of This Working Life explores how to improve workplace efficiency by reducing unnecessary meetings and optimizing those that are essential. Organisational expert Dr. Rebecca Hinds discusses strategies for making meetings more…
- How to start strong in a new job
This episode of This Working Life explores strategies for employees and employers to ensure a successful start in a new role, featuring insights from career and HR experts Kate Flaherty and Jonathon Woolfrey.
- Reinvent your career in 2026 with Dorie Clark
In this episode of This Working Life, Dorie Clark discusses strategies for career reinvention and navigating professional transitions. The conversation explores methods for identifying future career goals and actionable steps to achieve ch…
- Lost hope at work? Here’s how to get it back.
Workplace wellbeing expert Jen Fisher discusses how practising hope can improve employee wellbeing and performance. She shares evidence-based strategies from her book, Hope is the Strategy, for navigating difficult work situations.
- The power of a good night’s sleep
This episode of This Working Life explores the impact of sleep deprivation on work performance, safety, and stress. Featured guests Dr. Moira Junge and Dr. Charlotte Gupta discuss strategies for balancing professional responsibilities with…
- Stuck at a career crossroad? Here's how to move forward
Leah Lambart and Annie Louey discuss the prevalence of career regret and offer practical advice for those at a career crossroads. This episode explores why many people are dissatisfied with their career choices and strategies for moving fo…
- Can "leisure-crafting" help you thrive?
This episode explores the concept of 'leisure-crafting' and its potential benefits for personal wellbeing and workplace performance. Featuring insights from Assistant Professor Alex Hamrick, the show also provides practical tips for implem…
- Tired and overwhelmed? Boundaries can help
Therapist and author Nedra Glover Tawwab discusses how setting professional boundaries can help manage feelings of being overwhelmed at work. The episode explores strategies for establishing these boundaries with colleagues and supervisors.
- Are we giving kids the wrong career advice?
This episode of This Working Life explores moving beyond traditional job-based career guidance for young people. Guests JP Michel and Kate McBeath discuss shifting the focus from job titles to solving challenges to expand career options.
- Learn to 'North Star' 2026 with Wankernomics
James Schloeffel and Charles Firth from Wankernomics join This Working Life to discuss professional buzzwords, LinkedIn terminology, and navigating corporate language. They explain how to use this language to advance into management roles.
- How to optimise your holiday and start 2026 refreshed
This episode explores strategies for holiday planning, recovery from work stress, and maintaining well-being before, during, and after time off. Experts provide insights and practical tips for returning to work feeling refreshed.
- A non-compete clause ban is coming. What does it mean for you?
This episode of This Working Life explores the Australian government's plan to ban non-compete clauses for middle and lower-paid workers. It examines the balance between employee mobility and the protection of business commercial interests.
- Is your lack of people skills holding you back?
Harvard Business School expert Margaret C. Andrews discusses the role of emotional intelligence and self-regulation in career progression and leadership. The episode explores how understanding oneself is essential for effectively managing…
- Transfer, recall, repetition: what helps you learn at work
This episode explores the science of learning to help listeners retain new information in the workplace. Guests discuss how online courses and training workshops can be structured to improve motivation and practice opportunities.
- Are you on the path to burnout? These are the red flags...
This episode explores early warning signs of burnout and provides strategies to help listeners manage work stress. Guests Dr. Ben Searle and Luke Martin discuss identifying these red flags and preventing burnout.
- Westpac work from home decision: what does it mean for you?
In this episode of This Working Life, the hosts discuss a Fair Work Commission ruling that granted a Westpac employee the right to work from home. Guests Dr. Giuseppe Carabetta and Emma Walsh examine the potential implications of this deci…
- How to fix loneliness at work
This episode of This Working Life explores the causes of work loneliness in the era of flexible work. Organisational psychologist Connie Noonan Hadley discusses how organizations can diagnose this issue and foster more connected workplaces.
- Top books for work and life
Lisa and Panio Gianopolous discuss six non-fiction books about work and life that have influenced them, including recommendations by Cal Newport, Angela Duckworth, and Don Norman. The episode also notes the upcoming Radio National Top 100…
- Restructure and redundancy, with psychosocial safety
This episode of This Working Life explores how to manage restructures and redundancies while addressing psychosocial safety and legal obligations. Experts Melinda Bell and Leonie Green discuss best practices for organizations navigating th…
- Should you bring your 'whole self' to work?
This episode of This Working Life explores the concept of bringing one's 'whole self' to work. Guests Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and Julianna Pillemer discuss the potential limitations of being authentic in a professional setting.
- Try This: declutter your work from home space
Decluttering expert Amy Revell shares practical tips for organising work-from-home spaces to help clear your mind and workspace.
- Validation is a skill for work and life
This episode of This Working Life explores validation as a professional and personal skill. Guest Dr. Caroline Fleck discusses how validation differs from praise and how it can be used to improve relationships and influence at work.
- The power of gossip at work
This episode of This Working Life explores the value of gossip in the workplace. Experts Amy Gallo and James Greenslade-Yeats discuss how positive gossip can be harnessed to improve communication and professional relationships.
- How to nail collaboration between generations
This episode of This Working Life explores how to foster effective collaboration between generations in the workplace. Guests Megan Gerhardt and Florence Potter discuss moving beyond stereotypes to leverage the unique strengths of Gen Z, M…
- Are you learning how to switch off from work?
This episode explores the one-year anniversary of right to disconnect regulations and their recent expansion to small businesses. Guests discuss the challenges of managing after-hours communication and the impact on work-life balance.
- Could longevity workers save our economic future?
This episode explores how redesigning work to support mature-age employees can address Australia's productivity challenges and ageing population. Experts and contributors discuss the importance of longevity work and eliminating ageism thro…
- Try This: psychosocial safety tips edition
This episode of This Working Life explores how employees can contribute to psychosocial safety in the workplace. Dr. Laura Kirby, chief psychologist at Australian Psychological Services, discusses the importance of psychosocial safety and…
- What are we getting wrong about psychosocial safety?
Professor Amy Edmondson and Dr. Rachael Potter discuss the differences between psychological and psychosocial safety in the workplace. They also examine the impact of Australian regulations regarding psychosocial hazards on workplace safet…
- Making decisions like a pro
This episode of This Working Life explores strategies for making better, less stressful decisions at work and in your career. Experts from psychology, marketing, and experimental methods provide insights on navigating daily and significant…
- Managing up during the Trump Presidency
Leadership advisor Margie Warrell discusses how Congressional Chiefs of Staff manage challenging bosses and build influence in political environments. The episode explores strategies for managing up and advancing your career.
- Is your dream job still dreamy?
This episode explores the reality of following one's passion at work and discusses research on how to sustain it. It features insights from Harvard Business School professor Jon M. Jachimowicz and personal stories from listeners.
- Try This: grief at work edition
This episode of This Working Life explores how to support colleagues and employees experiencing grief. Tasha Broomhall, founder and Director of Blooming Minds, joins the program to share practical advice on managing grief in the workplace.
- How to handle grief at work
This episode of This Working Life explores the emotional and practical aspects of navigating grief in the workplace, featuring insights from social psychologist Diane Bergeron and psychologist Chris Hall. The discussion covers how personal…
- Is an AI bot getting in the way of your job search?
This episode of This Working Life explores the use of AI avatars in job interviews and how candidates and recruiters can navigate AI-powered hiring while maintaining a human approach. Experts from the legal, recruitment, and academic field…
- Feeling meh (still)? How to get your work mojo back
Workplace culture strategist Jennifer Moss joins This Working Life to discuss feelings of burnout and lack of purpose at work. They explore the cultural factors contributing to these feelings and how to regain motivation.
- Can I give you some feedback?
This episode offers a masterclass on the nuances of giving and receiving feedback effectively in the workplace. Guests Roisin McCann and James Donald discuss how to improve communication to build better organizational culture and leadershi…
- It's okay, you can take a break
This episode of This Working Life explores the importance of taking breaks at work for physical and mental health. Guests Kira Schabram and Vanessa Miles discuss the benefits of regular breaks and provide practical advice on how to incorpo…