Episodios

  • Women, #WorkSchoolHours Can Transform Your Life

    Women, #WorkSchoolHours Can Transform Your Life
    May 10 2025
    Imagine a ten-year-old girl in New Zealand watching an army commercial and declaring, "That's what I want to be". This simple declaration set Dr. Ellen Joan Ford on a transformative journey, a journey of leadership, service, and a new way of thinking about work. Her story is not just inspiring, it's a call to action for all of us. Women are asking for flexible work for working parents. Our businesses want the talented women to be able to focus on both their families and their workday. It is a time for changing how businesses treat women. In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Ellen Joan Ford—a leadership expert, military veteran, and the creator of the global #WorkSchoolHours movement. Ellen joins us from New Zealand with a deeply timely and universally relevant message: the structure of work must evolve to meet the real needs of modern families. From the New Zealand Army to Leadership Thought Leader Ellen's story begins with a decade of service in the New Zealand Army, where she worked as an engineer officer and led soldiers at home and abroad. Her military career taught her discipline, courage, and—most importantly—how to lead. As she transitioned out of the military, she pursued an MBA and later a PhD in leadership, driven not by ambition but by a personal challenge. Her doctoral research focused on the leadership experiences of women in the military, surfacing both empowering stories and persistent gender-based inequities. Rather than stop with research, Ellen took action, advising the Chief of the New Zealand Army and presenting her findings to senior leadership. Her goal? To make the Army more inclusive—not just for women, but for everyone. The Birth of #WorkSchoolHours You will enjoy watching Ellen's podcast on YouTube here: What began as academic research soon became a mission when Ellen was bombarded with personal stories from working parents. Over 500 parents shared their frustrations: being forced out of the workforce due to caregiving, missing irreplaceable moments in their children's lives, or being underpaid for the same responsibilities simply because they worked "part-time." One night, while breastfeeding her youngest son, Ellen had a powerful realization: "I don't want this for me or anyone else." This was the birth of the #WorkSchoolHours movement, a movement that is not just a response to a problem, but a call to action for immediate change. What Is the #WorkSchoolHours Movement? #WorkSchoolHours is not about working less—it's about working smarter. It's a flexible work philosophy that allows employees, especially parents, to align their work schedules with family commitments without compromising performance or pay. Ellen explains, "We live in a world where we're expected to parent like we don't have a job and work like we don't have children. That's not sustainable." Through her model of Belonging, Autonomy, and Purpose (BAP), Ellen offers a new way to lead and manage teams. Inspired by both anthropology and leadership science, BAP emphasizes: Belonging: Creating a work culture that acknowledges employees as whole people.Autonomy: Giving individuals the flexibility to manage their time and deliver results.Purpose: Helping people connect their work to something meaningful. Ellen argues that when leaders focus on these elements, they can reduce burnout, increase productivity, and retain top talent—especially working mothers and caregivers. This not only benefits the employees but also the businesses, as it leads to a more engaged workforce and better business outcomes. Her Book: A Practical Guide to Revolutionizing Work In her new book, #WorkSchoolHours: A Revolution for Parents, Workplaces, and the World, Ellen doesn't just talk about change, she provides a practical roadmap for it. With three powerful sections—what's Wrong, what's Possible, and How to Fix It—this book is more than a manifesto. It's a toolkit for those ready to revolutionize their workplaces. The book includes real-world examples from industries ranging from logistics to healthcare to manufacturing and provides actionable strategies for leaders who want to focus on outcomes rather than hours. Even more exciting? Ellen is giving away her e-book for free on her website, ellenjoanford.com, using the code today. This is just one small way she's walking the talk about accessible change. Why This Matters Now In the U.S., over 50% of the workforce is women, and over 40% of children are born to single mothers. Yet, most workplaces still operate on models developed over a century ago. As artificial intelligence and other technologies transform our professional landscape, isn't it time to rethink the outdated 9-to-5? Dr. Ford's call to action is both compassionate and commercially wise. As she says, "Happy people deliver better results." Her message is clear: when we redesign work around the realities of human life, everyone wins—parents, companies, and ...
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    41 m
  • Explicit Expectations Are the Key to Better Management

    Explicit Expectations Are the Key to Better Management
    May 6 2025
    On this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I'm thrilled to welcome back Dr. Karl Hebenstreit—organizational psychologist, executive coach, speaker, and now the author of a powerful new book: Explicit Expectations: The Essential Guide and Toolkit of Management Fundamentals. Karl's insights will be eye-opening if you're a leader, manager, or anyone asked to take charge without much training or clarity. His central message? Everything is a conversation—and when expectations aren't explicit, confusion and conflict inevitably follow. From Enneagram to Explicit Expectations You may remember Karl from a previous episode where he shared his passion for the Enneagram. That framework, which focuses on motivation rather than just behavior, changed how he saw people and how they relate to one another. In today's conversation, we explored how that same thinking inspired his latest work—helping new managers step into their roles with clarity, confidence, and connection. Karl's journey into HR and organizational psychology wasn't always linear. Early in his career, he realized that promoting high-performing individuals into management often left them unprepared for what came next. "We promote people and assume they'll figure it out," Karl says. "But without guidance, they're left adrift." That recognition became the seed for his new book. Why We Get Expectations Wrong Karl shared a striking observation: most people operate from their internal "golden rule," assuming that others want to be treated like they are. But what if that isn't true? This insight draws from both the Enneagram and Karl's own coaching experience. Managers often expect others to intuit their expectations, only to be disappointed when those assumptions don't lead to desired outcomes. The solution? Make expectations explicit—hence the book's title. Explicit Expectations is more than just a how-to guide. It's a toolkit grounded in real organizational challenges, especially for newly promoted managers without formal training. It offers a structured way to define goals, conduct one-on-ones, manage performance, lead team meetings, and even handle terminations—all through the lens of clear communication and alignment. From Confusion to Clarity: Building a Living Agreement At the heart of Karl's approach is the Explicit Expectations Engagement and Alignment Guide—a tool that allows managers and employees to co-create clarity. It's not a static checklist but a living document that evolves as business conditions and roles change. It helps each party articulate their motivations, communication styles, and priorities. This idea resonated deeply with me. As a corporate anthropologist, I've seen firsthand how ambiguity breeds misalignment and disengagement. Karl's guide gives teams a shared language and mutual understanding, vital to navigating change—something we know is constant in today's fast-moving workplaces. A Simple but Powerful Question One of my favorite takeaways from our conversation is Karl's approach to team dynamics: "Just ask." Ask how someone prefers to receive feedback, what motivates them, and how they want to resolve conflict. These conversations don't require a PhD in psychology—just curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to listen. Karl emphasized that even without formal Enneagram training, managers can learn to tailor their approach by simply being explicit in conversations. The platinum rule—treating others as they want to be treated—starts with understanding what that looks like for each person. Embracing Differences to Build Stronger Teams Karl and I also explored how embracing cognitive and motivational diversity leads to stronger, more customer-centered organizations. He shared how teams begin to see the value of different Enneagram types and break free from the idea that there's one "right" way to lead or be led. This is especially relevant today as businesses navigate generational differences, hybrid work, and rapid digital transformation. As Karl puts it, "Your team is a microcosm of your customers." Understanding internal diversity helps you connect more authentically with external markets. Practical Tools for Real Change Karl's work is deeply relevant whether you're leading a startup or a legacy institution. His book offers practical tools—strategic planning, onboarding, feedback, coaching, accountability, DEI practices—all through the lens of clarity and alignment. These tools are not just about being a better manager; they're about empowering you to be a better communicator and collaborator, capable of driving real change in your organization. And yes, Karl now has an AI-powered training twin! His methods are available in person, virtually, or through AI-enabled programs. As I often say, the future is here—and Karl is helping us manage it better. His methods have the potential to inspire and motivate change, transforming the way we manage and communicate. Key Takeaways from the Episode: ...
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    34 m
  • Meet India Gary-Martin, the New Chair of the Women Business Collaborative

    Meet India Gary-Martin, the New Chair of the Women Business Collaborative
    Apr 28 2025
    This podcast is about an amazing woman and her journey from Wall Street to Purpose-Driven Leadership. Meet India Gary-Martin’s and listen to her amazing journey to Chair the Women Business Collaborative (WBC). On this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the great pleasure of speaking with India Gary Martin—an accomplished global executive, entrepreneur, and now the new Chair of the Women Business Collaborative (WBC). India’s story is more than a professional journey—it’s an inspiring narrative about opportunity, resilience, and leadership rooted in purpose. A Global Journey Rooted in Advocacy India began her career with ambitions far from Wall Street—initially pursuing drama at Spelman College, an all-women’s institution that helped shape her lifelong commitment to advancing women. A pivot to business led her to Wall Street, where she spent nearly 25 years rising through the ranks and across borders, holding CEO and CTO roles in major financial institutions. Her global career took her to London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, all while raising a family and nurturing a growing passion for justice and equity. Through it all, India remained grounded in one core belief: opportunity emerges when you stay open to change. Her career was not meticulously planned but rather built through taking chances—ones that would later translate into entrepreneurial ventures and global leadership roles. From Banking to Beauty: The Entrepreneurial Chapter India’s foray into entrepreneurship was sparked not only by her desire to chart her own path but by a wake-up call. After returning from a business trip, her young daughter barely recognized her. It was a moment of reckoning—and renewal. What followed was a bold leap: the launch of a green nail polish line that grew from two retail shops in London to 300 stores across Europe and the Middle East, including Harvey Nichols and Space NK. But success is never linear. Brexit disrupted the business, scaring off investors and forcing India to shut it down. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she told me, “but I learned how to pivot, and that failure isn’t failure—it’s just learning.” Her next chapter returned her to her roots in leadership. With Leadership for Execs and Lucent Learning, India created scalable coaching and leadership development platforms for companies, governments, and nonprofits. She also launched Act Three, a community designed to support women in midlife transition. Each venture reflects her holistic vision of leadership: adaptive, inclusive, and deeply human. Carrying Forward a Vision: Honoring Edie Fraser The Women Business Collaborative (WBC), which India now chairs, was founded by the remarkable Edie Fraser, a visionary leader in her own right. Edie had a bold and clear mission: to accelerate progress for women in business by uniting the efforts of organizations, corporations, and individuals under a single collaborative umbrella. She recognized that too many were working in silos—fighting the same battles for equal pay, position, and power. Edie’s vision was both simple and powerful: we can go farther, faster, together. Her leadership transformed a concept into a movement, building a platform that now connects over 80 partner organizations, dozens of corporate champions, and countless advocates committed to equity. India Gary Martin steps into this legacy with both reverence and readiness, taking WBC into its next chapter of impact. You will enjoy watching our podcast with India here: Why WBC, Why Now? India’s appointment as Chair of the Women Business Collaborative couldn’t have come at a more important time. As she told me, “WBC has a tremendous opportunity right now to be a beacon for women in business. It’s not just about convening—it’s about shaping the future.” With over 80 partner organizations, sponsors, and donors, WBC stands at the forefront of driving change. India brings to it not just experience, but a deeply reflective, philosophical approach to leadership. She believes that collaboration doesn’t mean compromising your mission—it means amplifying what unites us. “I don’t believe in pushing the boulder uphill,” she said. “We do this with ease because it’s who we are. It’s how we operate.” Leading by Redesigning the Container One of the most profound insights India shared during our conversation was about the importance of culture in shaping behavior. “People behave as the container creates,” she explained. Rather than focusing on fixing people, she argues, organizations should focus on fixing the environment in which they operate. This anthropological lens is close to my heart. Culture isn’t changed with a program or a policy—it’s transformed through trust, relationships, and the daily experiences that shape how people feel and behave. As India noted, work has become transactional. We must bring it back to being relational. A Call to Community...
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    32 m
  • Organizations Must Embrace Human-Centric Design

    Organizations Must Embrace Human-Centric Design
    Apr 19 2025
    In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, the disconnect between people and their work has never been more apparent—or more urgent to address. That’s why I was thrilled to welcome Brent Kedzierski, a renowned expert on the future of work and human-centric design, to the On the Brink podcast. Brent’s mission is clear: to improve the human condition at work, one experience at a time. With more than 35 years of experience—including as Head of Learning Strategy and Innovation at Shell—he brings unique insight into why digital transformation fails, how people resist change, and what organizations can do to rebuild engagement and purpose. The Future Is Human—And Already Here As William Gibson reminds us, “The future is already here. It's just not widely distributed yet.” Brent feels the same way. People often assume technology is the answer to productivity and innovation—but without human adoption and emotional investment, it falls flat. In fact, 90% of digital transformation initiatives fail, not because the technology is flawed, but because people aren’t prepared to embrace it. Why? Because humans are fallible, social, adaptable—and resistant to change without a clear purpose. It is that clear purpose that seems to be the hardest thing to get agreement on. Without focus, people wander all over, creating meaning when there is none. Understanding the Human Condition at Work Brent grew up in Pittsburgh, a city built on industry. Watching his family work in steel mills, he developed a fascination with why people work the way they do. That question still drives him. At Shell, he led global initiatives using simulations, virtual reality, and HR analytics to optimize human performance—but found again and again that vendors focused on tech, not people. In every successful transformation, Brent starts by understanding the human experience. As he puts it, people need: A reason to believe change is useful Tools that are easy to use Proof that change offers a relative advantage Compatibility with their current reality These four principles make up 80% of successful adoption. Engagement only happens when people see, feel, and believe that something will make their work—and their lives—better. And, trust me, if they don’t “see it” they have no idea what you are talking about. What Is Human-Centric Work Design? Human-centricity isn’t new. Since the 1950s, design theorists have argued for putting people at the center of systems. But Brent takes this further by introducing the Human Experience Model, which maps out the full work journey: Expectations – What workers anticipate about a task. Experience – What actually happens when they perform it. Adaptation – How they adjust in real time. Reflection – What they take away and how it shapes future behavior. When organizations ignore this model, they create what Brent calls “experience debt”—inefficiencies, stress, and disengagement that build up over time. As Brent said, “People only change when they see the value and feel a sense of urgency. Without that, even the best-designed systems fall apart.” Health, Wellness, and the Cost of Disconnected Work The toll of misaligned work isn’t just emotional—it’s physical and economic. Brent notes that 70% of all primary care visits today are stress-related. Poor workplace design contributes to chronic conditions, burnout, and even work-related suicide. He reminds us: “Contented cows give better milk”—in other words, healthy, supported humans produce better outcomes. Organizations that invest in worker wellness—clear communication, psychological safety, autonomy, and purpose—see higher engagement and productivity. And they reduce the enormous costs of turnover, illness, and missed opportunities. Watch the video of our podcast here. Lessons from the Field Brent shared powerful case studies, including one at Shell where digital procedures on iPads replaced outdated paper manuals. Initially resisted by veteran operators, the new system became a hit—not because it was faster, but because it gave workers a voice. Their field notes were finally visible to others, prompting action. In another project, avatars in a virtual training module used thoughtful communication techniques. The surprising feedback from Gen Z trainees? “I wish my supervisor talked to me like the avatar does.” What Comes Next? As we wrapped, Brent offered a teaser: the rise of AI and the flood of data pose a new challenge. By 2026, 90% of online content is expected to be AI-generated. Yet 80% of the data companies create today is never used again—a growing source of digital waste. To navigate this future, we must design systems that balance tech innovation with human needs. Brent calls this the move from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0—where technology elevates, not replaces, people. The Takeaway: See, Feel, Think—Then Change As a corporate ...
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    36 m
  • Gloria Bohan: From School Teacher to Travel Titan

    Gloria Bohan: From School Teacher to Travel Titan
    Apr 13 2025
    How you might ask, did Gloria Bohan transition from being a Schoolteacher to an amazing Travel Titan. Welcome to a special episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, where we spotlight remarkable women entrepreneurs in our series, Wisdom of Women Entrepreneurs with Purpose: Hear Their Voices. I'm thrilled to kick off this journey with Gloria Bohan, a true trailblazer in the travel industry and the visionary founder of Omega World Travel. Starting with Passion, Building with Purpose Gloria's story is nothing short of inspiring. In 1972, she was a schoolteacher with no business experience, let alone a background in travel. She had a passion for cruising and a desire to pay one employee. From those humble beginnings, she built a global travel management company that now books over $1 billion in annual sales. "I didn't have a grand vision," Gloria recalls. "I just wanted to survive. But I kept doing the things I needed to do—and opportunities began to evolve." This unexpected success is a testament to the power of determination and adaptability. Lessons from a Mentor and the Power of Relationships A turning point in Gloria's journey came through mentorship. A seasoned woman in the travel industry took Gloria under her wing, staying with her for six months to train her and guide her through the nuances of the business. "She was so determined," Gloria said, recalling how her mentor—even in a slightly askew gray wig—won customers through grit and charm. "Being around people like her helped me grow into the leader I became." This hands-on mentorship helped Gloria understand that great businesses are built not just on processes but on relationships—both with customers and employees. "People are watching you," she explains. "You must lead by example, be honest with yourself, and stay true to your values." If you want to watch our video, click here: Growing with the Industry, Innovating Through Change Over five decades, Gloria's company has grown by continuously adapting to change—from the deregulation of the airline industry in the late '70s to the rise of PCs and today's digital and post-pandemic travel landscape. "I didn't plan it," she says. "But I kept my eyes open. I stayed curious. When new opportunities came—whether it was bidding on government contracts or adopting emerging tech—I took them." That entrepreneurial spirit remains at the heart of Omega World Travel. Gloria believes that passion must be paired with constant learning and evolution. "No company can just be what they were," she emphasizes. "You must modernize, but never lose the values that made you strong." Success with Significance: Building a Business That Gives Back Gloria champions purpose more than anything. For her, success isn't just about profits—it's about people, community, and creating meaningful impact. Her commitment to a purpose-driven business model is not only inspiring but also a powerful reminder of the potential for businesses to make a positive difference in the world. "We're not in business just to be profitable," she says. "If we don't have buy-in from our people, we don't have purpose." Gloria ensures that her company gives back, from mentoring young talent to participating in community efforts like Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity. For instance, we have a program where our employees volunteer at local schools to teach students about the travel industry. Her team gets involved, learns, grows, and contributes—building a culture of purpose that transcends the office. The Entrepreneurial Spirit in All of Us As our conversation ended, Gloria reminded listeners that entrepreneurship isn't just about owning a business—it's a mindset. "Big companies need intrapreneurs," she says. They need people with ideas, creativity, and passion who bring innovation to everything they do. Whether you're starting your own venture or shaping change within a larger organization, Gloria's journey is a masterclass in how purpose and perseverance can take you from the brink to beyond. Final Thoughts Gloria Bohan's story is a beacon for women entrepreneurs and leaders everywhere. It reminds us that significance can—and should—go hand in hand with success. As we continue this series with women like Gloria, we hope their stories help you reframe your own. We hope these stories help you reframe your own. Let's change the story—together. To learn more about Gloria Bohan: Gloria’s Profile:linkedin.com/in/gloria-bohan-07773a14 Websites owt.net (Company) owt.net/travelfaxx/ (Blog) facebook.com/omegaworldtravel?ref=search&sid=100000522586195.4089387147..1 Connect with me: Website: www.simonassociates.netEmail: info@simonassociates.netBooks: Learn more about them here Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in BusinessWomen Mean BusinessOn the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you ...
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    35 m
  • Unlocking the Power of Authenticity: Tammy Cho on Healing, Leadership, and Self-Love

    Unlocking the Power of Authenticity: Tammy Cho on Healing, Leadership, and Self-Love
    Apr 5 2025

    What if your face could reveal your deepest emotional blocks? What if your burnout, self-doubt, or imposter syndrome were not flaws—but signals calling you back to your truest self?

    In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I sat down with the remarkable Tammy Cho, a self-love and energy leadership coach based in British Columbia. Tammy is not just a coach—she’s a healer, a mentor, and a guide who helps leaders and entrepreneurs reconnect with their authentic selves. Using a unique combination of face and body analysis, psychosomatic therapy, human design, and NLP, Tammy helps people understand the deeper emotional and spiritual patterns shaping their lives.

    From Burnout to Breakthrough

    Tammy’s journey began as a nurse and patient care leader in one of Canada’s largest hospitals. She spent 20 years in healthcare before burning out so severely that she landed in the ER—chest pains, numbness, and a terrifying sense of disconnect.

    But the real wake-up call came later. After the birth of her daughter, Tammy realized she couldn’t feel joy. Watching her baby hit a dangling toy for the first time left her numb. It took a visiting nurse to point out what Tammy couldn’t see: she wasn’t bonding with her child. This emotional void forced her to confront a lifelong pattern of emotional abandonment—beginning with being left by her mother at just 20 days old.

    This became the catalyst for deep personal transformation. Tammy dove into therapy, personal development, NLP, and energy healing. Despite financial success, she still felt unfulfilled. It wasn’t until she discovered psychosomatic therapy—a powerful approach that integrates body, mind, heart, and soul—that true healing began.

    If you enjoy watching the video, click here on YouTube

    Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow. Let's Talk!

    From Observation to Innovation,

    Andi Simon, PhD

    CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author
    Simonassociates.net
    Info@simonassociates.net
    @simonandi
    LinkedIn
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    38 m
  • How Does Dr. Chris Fuzie Create Great Leaders?

    How Does Dr. Chris Fuzie Create Great Leaders?
    Mar 31 2025
    In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I am joined by Dr. Chris Fuzie, Ed. D, leadership expert and author of the thought-provoking new book Liminal Space: Reshaping Leadership and Followership. Together, we explore how leadership is evolving and how traditional distinctions between "leader" and "follower" no longer apply in dynamic, modern organizations. Dr. Fuzie shares insights from his 28-year career in law enforcement and his academic journey in organizational leadership. Dr. Fuzie is a seasoned leader, educator, and consultant with a passion for transforming organizations through innovative leadership practices. He introduces the concept of liminal space—a transformative, in-between zone where individuals often occupy roles of both leader and follower simultaneously. Through engaging storytelling and a practical behavioral framework, he challenges us to think differently about how we lead, how we follow, and how we cultivate organizational cultures of adaptability, accountability, and grace. Whether you're in the C-suite, a middle manager, or just starting your leadership journey, this episode offers fresh and applicable insights to help you navigate fast-changing times. In This Episode, You’ll Learn about Leaderology and Liminal Space: What liminal space is and why it matters for today's leaders and followersWhy leadership is behavior, not position—and how followership is just as criticalHow Chris developed his Tessellations of Behavior model for strategic, tactical, and operational alignmentThe power of clearly defined behaviors like integrity, teachability, and grace in shaping organizational cultureHow the National Leaderology Association is working to elevate leadership and followership as scientific disciplinesWhy grace and empathy are essential tools for modern leadership in a world of rapid change and AI integration You will enjoy watching our podcast on YouTube. Other podcasts you will enjoy: 429: Embracing the Future: How Matt Leta is Guiding Companies 428: Al Must Transform Our Communication Strategy. Just Ask Dan Nestle! 427: Empowering Women in STEM: Rashmi Chaturvedi’s Journey Additional resources for you My two award-winning books: Rethink: Smashing The Myths of Women in Business and On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New HeightsOur latest book, Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success, co-authored with Edie Fraser and Robyn Freedman SpizmanAll of our white papers, particularly those on Blue Ocean StrategyOur website: Simon Associates Management Consultants Connect with me: Website: www.simonassociates.netEmail: info@simonassociates.netBooks: Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in BusinessWomen Mean BusinessOn the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow. Let's Talk! From Observation to Innovation, Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn
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    32 m
  • Embracing the Future: How Matt Leta is Guiding Companies

    Embracing the Future: How Matt Leta is Guiding Companies
    Mar 23 2025

    On a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of talking with Matt Leta, a visionary entrepreneur, author, and futurist who is helping organizations navigate the rapidly changing business landscape. Founder and CEO of The Future Group—home to Future Works, Future Horizon, and Future Quest—Matt joined me to share his bold vision for the future of work and how businesses can adapt and thrive in the age of AI and automation.

    A New Kind of Transformation

    What’s clear from my conversation with Matt is this: we are not heading back to the way things used to be. The fourth industrial revolution is here, and it’s rewriting the rules. Matt's experience in building digital products, advising startups, and working with giants like Apple and Google has led him to rethink how companies approach innovation. Rather than viewing AI as just another tool, Matt sees it as part of a broader cultural and structural shift—what he calls “next-gen digital transformation.”

    Matt believes we are entering a new age—what he calls the "age of intelligence." It’s not just about adding AI to business operations. It’s about creating a new business “brain,” where humans, software, and artificial intelligence work together in a symbiotic system. He compares this to the human brain’s evolution, where the reptilian brain, the limbic system, and the neocortex work in harmony. Businesses, he argues, must also evolve in layers—people, data/software, and intelligence—functioning as one.

    You will love watching our podcast on YouTube

    Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow. Let's Talk!

    From Observation to Innovation,

    Andi Simon, PhD

    CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author
    Simonassociates.net
    Info@simonassociates.net
    @simonandi
    LinkedIn
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    44 m
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