Episodes

  • Episode 150: Welcome to the Forbes’ Follies – From Prominence to Prison for Under 30 Posers
    Jan 6 2025

    In this gripping episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler dive into the fascinating and scandalous world of Forbes' 30 Under 30 list. With their signature blend of wit and insight, they explore the factors behind this surprising "Forbes failure," shining a spotlight on how a few of its celebrated alumni—Elizabeth Holmes, Sam Bankman-Fried, Charlie Javice, and Joanna Smith-Griffin—earned their notoriety as calculating criminals.

    Rona and Jeffrey dissect Forbes' journalistic missteps as a reflection of the broader erosion of trust in once-revered news sources. Who’s really at fault? Could this obsession with myth-making and headlines be rooted in something deeper?

    Drawing inspiration from the classic film The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), they reflect on the famous line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." This idea—that legends often overshadow truth to meet cultural or emotional needs—offers a thought-provoking lens for understanding why certain narratives persist, even at the cost of integrity.

    Explore More with Biz-Souls:

    If this episode sparked your interest, check out these related discussions:

    Episode 110: Bad Business Behaviors

    Rona and Jeffrey uncover unethical practices in the corporate world, teaching you how to recognize and combat them effectively.

    Episode 121: Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Spirit with Biz-Souls!

    Discover the mindset and strategies essential for entrepreneurial success, with a focus on integrity and ethical decision-making.

    Episode 147: Discover the Future of Work with Rona and Jeffrey!

    Explore the evolving workplace landscape and learn how adaptability and ethical leadership can drive success in a changing world.

    Stay Connected:

    Visit our website at Biz-Souls.com to access all episodes, subscribe for updates, and join our community dedicated to the heart, soul, and humor of business.

    Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on this episode and connect with fellow listeners on our social media platforms.

    Subscribe Now:

    Don’t miss a single episode packed with valuable insights and laughter. Subscribe to Biz-Souls on your favorite podcast platform and embark on a journey to uncover the core of business dynamics. Empower yourself with knowledge and humor—tune in today!

    Meet Your Hosts:

    Rona Lewis: A dynamic expert in Purposeful and Attuned Play, Rona brings vibrant energy and creativity to workplace dynamics, transforming businesses with the power of play.

    Jeffrey Hansler: An industry oracle with a deep understanding of business transformations, Jeffrey offers invaluable insights for navigating the complexities of commerce.

    Get ready to laugh, learn, and reflect on the fascinating stories behind business legends—only on Biz-Souls!

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    14 mins
  • Episode 149: Learning Isn’t a Game – Or Is It?
    Dec 30 2024

    In this lively episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler venture into the dynamic realm of organizational learning, spotlighting how play, gamification, engagement, and purpose can drive growth and innovation.

    Why Tune In?

    This episode is brimming with practical advice and real-world examples to help you transform your organization's learning culture. Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or simply intrigued by innovative learning strategies, this conversation offers valuable insights to elevate your approach.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Understanding Learning Motivation: Rona and Jeffrey delve into what drives individuals to learn, especially in a future shaped by AI. Expect some physical comedy as Jeffrey encroaches on Rona’s space during their spirited debate.

    • The Value of Play: They challenge assumptions about play's role in boosting creativity, enhancing problem-solving skills, and fostering collaboration.

    • Gamification Strategies: The duo examines theories behind gamification, questioning whether it truly increases employee engagement and motivation, leading to improved performance and job satisfaction.

    • Purpose-Driven Learning: They connect the dots between aligning individual motives with organizational learning initiatives, emphasizing the importance of a clear purpose to ensure meaningful experiences.

    Experience the Chemistry:

    Enjoy the dynamic (and sometimes physical) chemistry between Rona and Jeffrey as they share insights, challenge each other's perspectives, and provide actionable takeaways for leaders and teams alike.

    Don't Miss Out:

    Embark on a journey to revolutionize your organization's learning and growth through the power of play and purposeful engagement. And remember, leave the justification games to amateurs.

    Explore More Episodes:

    • Episode 123: The Power of Humor in Learning and Development

    Join Rona and Jeffrey as they delve into how incorporating humor can create a more engaging and effective learning environment.

    • Episode 139: Play for Better Living! Why Play Makes Every Life Better

    Explore the significance of play in enhancing personal and professional life, and how it can improve well-being and productivity.

    • Episode 140: Giving and Receiving Instructions – A Playful Journey!

    Delve into the impact of communication and expectations on employee effectiveness, and learn how a playful approach can improve instruction and performance.

    • Episode 144: ROI versus the Creative Spark - Leading the Dance of Innovation

    Are you caught between the demands of ROI and fostering creativity? Rona and Jeffrey discuss balancing financial metrics with nurturing innovation in your team.

    • Episode 145: Happy Employees and Customers - The Ripple Effect of Great Leadership

    Discover how focusing on employee experience builds the foundation for outstanding customer experience. Empower your employees, and your customers will thank you.

    Stay Connected:

    For more thought-provoking content that gets to the heart, soul, and humor of business and the people who make it happen, subscribe to Biz-Souls on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or visit the Biz-Souls website.

    Additionally, you can watch their insightful discussions on their YouTube channel.

    Don't miss out on these transformative insights—subscribe and listen today!

    Stay connected with Biz-Souls for more thought-provoking content that gets to the heart, soul, and humor of business and the people who make it happen.

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    19 mins
  • Episode 148: Discover the Business of Beauty and the Changing World of Plastic Surgery
    Dec 23 2024

    In this compelling episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler delve into the fascinating and evolving world of plastic surgery, an industry that blends art, science, and innovation. With the rise of new weight-loss drugs, shifting ideals of beauty, and groundbreaking advancements in technology, the landscape of aesthetic procedures is undergoing a transformation like never before.

    Rona and Jeffrey take a closer look at:

    - Emerging Trends: How cutting-edge treatments like non-surgical facelifts, body contouring, and minimally invasive procedures are shaping the future.

    - The Weight-Loss Revolution: The role of new weight-loss medications in reshaping the conversation around body image and its impact on demand for complementary procedures.

    - Redefining Beauty Standards: How societal shifts are encouraging more inclusive and personalized approaches to aesthetic enhancements.

    - The Business Angle: Practical tips for professionals in the field to navigate the changes, attract the right clientele, and stand out in a competitive market.

    Whether you're in the industry or simply curious about how plastic surgery intersects with business and culture, this episode offers insights, humor, and heart. Rona and Jeffrey approach the topic with their signature blend of wit and wisdom, ensuring an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

    Related Episode Recommendation:

    If this episode piqued your interest, check out Episode 94 of Biz-Souls, where Rona and Jeffrey dive into the art of communication in the business world. While not plastic surgery-specific, it’s a perfect complement for those looking to refine their client interaction skills in any industry.

    Listen now to Episode 148 and discover why the business of beauty is more than skin deep!


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    15 mins
  • Episode 147: Discover the Future of Work with Rona and Jeffrey!
    Dec 16 2024
    The world of work is evolving at lightning speed, and Biz-Souls’ hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler deep-dive into this transformation! Listen in as they unpack an industry report from Kahoot’s! on the " Training for the Future of Work" and explore the dynamic possibilities shaping the workforce in 2025 and beyond. From artificial intelligence (AI) to shifting employee expectations, Rona and Jeffrey tackle the big questions: - How is AI reshaping jobs and skillsets? - What should businesses and leaders do to stay ahead? - How are workers adjusting their career strategies in this new landscape? Their engaging discussion balances optimism with practical insights, offering actionable ideas to help leaders and employees alike embrace change, build resilience, and thrive in the face of rapid advancements. Why Listen? - Expert Commentary: Gain fresh perspectives on the trends driving the future of work. - AI Insights: Learn how to prepare for a world where AI is integral. - Adaptability Tips: Discover tools to enhance critical thinking and agility in a shifting workforce.
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    16 mins
  • Episode 146: Crystal Balls and Curveballs - The State of Industry’s Bright Future
    Dec 9 2024

    In this episode of Biz-Souls, Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler don their industry oracle hats and dive into the latest State of the Industry Report. As they dissect key trends, expect witty digressions, bursts of creative insight, and the occasional “what were they thinking?” moment about outdated business practices.

    Jeffrey points out a major hurdle: companies clinging to old strategies for attracting and retaining talent while the best and brightest move on to greener (and more flexible) pastures. Meanwhile, Rona highlights the growing importance of weaving creativity and innovation into corporate DNA to stay ahead of the curve. Together, they unravel a vision of the future where opportunities abound for companies bold enough to evolve.

    Can companies embrace change fast enough to keep up with the rapid pace of industry shifts? Tune in to find out and laugh a little along the way—because the future isn’t all serious business.

    Past episodes tie in beautifully:

    Episode 128: Insuring HR is Taken Care of with Innovative Approaches

    Episode 139: Play for Better Living! Why Play Makes Every Life Better

    Episode 144: Happy Employees and Customers - The Ripple Effect of Great Leadership


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    18 mins
  • Episode 145: Happy Employees and Customers - The Ripple Effect of Great Leadership
    Dec 2 2024

    In this episode of Biz-Souls, Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler tackle the ultimate chicken-and-egg question in business: Which comes first, the customer or the employee? Spoiler alert: they both agree—the employees are the golden goose here!

    The discussion reveals how focusing on employee experience (EX) builds the foundation for outstanding customer experience (CX). Companies expecting their teams to champion innovation and engage with customers authentically must first create environments where their employees feel valued, supported, and—dare we say it—excited to show up to work. Jeffrey notes that the real challenge lies in navigating the lag time between leadership decisions and how employees and customers respond to them. A leadership misstep? You might not see the ripple effect for weeks.

    Rona and Jeffrey’s verdict? Empower your employees, and your customers will thank you later—possibly with a 5-star Yelp review.

    Connect the dots with past episodes:

    Episode 128: "Insuring HR is Taken Care of with Innovative Approaches" – A deep dive into leadership’s role in employee satisfaction and engagement.

    Episode 139: "Play for Better Living!" – Highlighting how fun and fulfillment can re-energize employees, leading to better CX.

    Episode 140: "Giving and Receiving Instructions – A Playful Journey!" – The impact of communication and expectations on employee effectiveness.

    Related Sources:

    hrexchangenetwork.com - Employee Experience Links to Customer Experience

    cmswire.com - Why Great Employee Experience Leads to Great Customer Experience

    businessleadershiptoday.com - How Customer Experience Is Related to Employee Experience

    qualtrics.com - Customer Experience and Employee Experience

    cultivatedmanagement.com - Customer Experience Follows Employee Experience

    johnspence.com - Which Should Come First? The Employee or the Customer?


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    19 mins
  • Episode 144: ROI versus the Creative Spark - Leading the Dance of Innovation
    Nov 25 2024

    Are you a leader stuck in the tug-of-war between chasing ROI and igniting creativity? In this compelling episode of Biz-Souls, Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler dive deep into the high-stakes drama of creativity, innovation, and production—and the unsung hero holding it all together: psychological safety.

    ROI has a purpose, they argue—but could this laser-focused metric actually be creativity’s worst enemy? With razor-sharp insights (and a few belly laughs), our hosts explore how relentless ROI-driven goals can smother the sparks of bold, game-changing ideas before they catch fire.

    But wait! There’s hope. Rona and Jeffrey unravel how skilled leadership serves as the ultimate tightrope walker, balancing the expectations of change while fostering a safe space for creativity to thrive. Learn why it’s essential to understand the why behind every stage of change and how psychological safety unlocks innovation’s potential like a backstage pass at a rock concert.

    Expect humor, heartfelt stories, and actionable takeaways as Rona and Jeffrey remind us: without visionary leadership, the symbiotic magic between creativity and production is nothing but an impossible dream.

    Don’t let your team’s big ideas get lost in the ROI shuffle. Tune in and learn how to lead the way to innovation—one bold step at a time!


    This episode complements other Biz-Souls sessions delving into the essential interplay of creativity, innovation, and production, emphasizing how psychological safety and clear expectations create the fertile ground where these elements thrive ensuring creativity doesn’t become stifled by the rigid constraints of ROI.

    Checkout the following Biz-Souls episodes:

    Episode 127: "Tickled about Piccles!" – Exploring how innovative ideas, like Piccles, thrive in environments where creative expression is prioritized.

    Episode 139: "Play for Better Living!" – Discussing how play nurtures creativity and trust, similar to the role of psychological safety in innovation.

    Episode 128: "Insuring HR is Taken Care of with Innovative Approaches" – Showcasing how innovation flourishes when leadership provides clarity and alignment, mirroring psychological safety’s importance in building trust.

    Episode 140: "Giving and Receiving Instructions – A Playful Journey!" – Drawing parallels to the importance of clarity and expectations in leadership to foster innovation.

    These episodes explore how metrics like ROI, while necessary, can inadvertently crush creative sparks. Leaders must understand and align their strategies with the stages of change while fostering environments of accountability and safety—a concept championed by Amy Edmondson and Stephen Shedletzky in their insights on psychological safety

    Related Sources:

    the-amplifii-podcast.captivate.fm - The Power of Psychological Safety with Shed Shedletzky

    mattreiner.com - Bridging Psychological Safety and Innovation with Michael Bungay Stanier

    haas.berkeley.edu - Amy Edmondson & Steve Brass on Psychological Safety

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    17 mins
  • Episode 143: Breaking News - Meetings Don’t Have to Suck!
    Nov 18 2024

    Despite all the tech advancements, meetings still feel like we're stuck in a time loop from the ‘80s. But what if change didn’t mean a revolution—just a fresh perspective?

    In this episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler tackle the eternal question: how can we transform meetings from soul-sucking snooze-fests into productive, entertaining power hours? They’ll dive into innovative strategies for keeping everyone engaged, reducing stress (ban a meeting day, anyone?), and—brace yourselves—actually having fun while getting work done.

    Whether you're leading the boardroom or just trying to survive your weekly status update, this episode promises laughs, actionable tips, and maybe even a glimpse into the radical future of meetings. Spoiler alert: it’s better than you think … and better than the Tyson vs. Paul fight last night (November 18, 2024).

    Tune in, level up your meeting game, and never suffer a pointless calendar invite again!

    Ready to transform your work week? Listen to Biz-Souls now!

    Reference Links:

    - ted.com - Why Meetings Suck and How to Fix Them

    - medium.com - Meetings are the Work


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    19 mins