Why does work feel broken?In this episode of Human in the Room, Betsy Gardner and Addison Kersey dive into the biggest workplace challenges facing employees, managers, and business leaders today.From workplace trust and leadership development to AI in the workplace, employee engagement, company culture, and generational differences, this conversation explores why so many organizations struggle to attract, retain, and develop great talent.Betsy brings the perspective of a seasoned CEO and executive leader, while Addison offers the perspective of a rising professional navigating the realities of modern work. Together, they break down the growing trust gap between employees and employers, discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers, and explain why the future belongs to people who can build credibility, judgment, and human connection.Whether you're a CEO, manager, entrepreneur, HR professional, young professional, or emerging leader, this episode offers practical insights into leadership, communication, career growth, workplace culture, employee retention, professional development, and the future of work.Topics Covered:Workplace trustLeadership developmentAI and the future of workEmployee engagementCareer growth strategiesProfessional developmentGenerational differences in the workplaceCompany cultureCommunication skillsBuilding credibility at workSubscribe for more conversations on leadership, trust, communication, workplace culture, and thriving in the credibility economy. Time Stamps:(00:00) Why Work Feels Broken Today(02:45) The Conversations That Sparked Human in the Room(05:28) What "Managing Up" Really Means(08:02) Why Young Workers Struggle to Trust Employers(10:55) The Impact of AI, Layoffs, and Career Uncertainty(13:42) Building Trust Through Leadership and Mentorship(16:18) Generational Differences and Workplace Expectations(19:04) The Lost Workplace Playbook(21:48) Why Clear Career Paths Matter More Than Ever(24:15) AI, Career Development, and the Skills Gap(27:02) The Human in the Room Framework for Success(30:10) Moving From the Competency Economy to the Credibility EconomyStay in the RoomSubscribe to Human in the Room for more conversations about leadership, career growth, workplace culture, AI, and the human skills that still matter most.NewsletterJoin the Human in the Room newsletter: https://humanintheroom.myflodesk.com/subscribeWebsiteLearn more at humanintheroombook.comFollow Human in the RoomInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanintheroom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-in-the-room/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HumanintheRoomPodcast Follow Betsy GardnerWebsite: betsygardner.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsygardner22/ Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebetsygardner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer...

Is Gen Z really unprepared for the workforce—or are we missing the bigger picture?In this episode of Human in the Room, Betsy Gardner sits down with Annie Sallick, a senior at Rollins College, collegiate tennis player, and emerging leader, to discuss what it's really like to be graduating into an economy shaped by artificial intelligence, uncertainty, and changing workplace expectations.From fears about AI replacing jobs to concerns about receiving feedback, resilience, workplace culture, and career development, Annie offers a candid look at the challenges facing her generation—and why she remains optimistic about the future.Joined by Addison Cursey, the conversation explores why employers continue to value critical thinking, communication skills, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and relationship-building over technical skills alone.In this episode, you'll learn:-Why Gen Z feels anxious about entering the workforce-The impact of AI on young professionals-What employers are actually looking for in new hires-Why resilience is the ultimate career advantage-How college athletics prepares students for leadership-The importance of receiving feedback and failing well-Why relationships still matter in a digital world-How to stand out in an AI-driven economy-What human skills will never be automatedWhether you're a college student, recent graduate, parent, manager, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode offers practical insights on navigating uncertainty and building a meaningful career in the future of work.Time Stamps:00:00 Why Gen Z Isn't the Problem03:12 Annie's Biggest Fear About the Future06:41 What Does "Be Yourself at Work" Actually Mean?09:58 The Stereotypes Facing Gen Z13:20 How Tennis Built Resilience and Confidence16:55 What Employers Really Want20:15 AI, Critical Thinking &amp; Human Skills23:58 Why Young People Are Anxious About Work27:35 The Truth About Feedback and Growth31:08 What Older Generations Need to Understand35:12 Relationships, Resilience &amp; Career Success38:15 The Human Skills AI Can't Replace-----------------------------------Subscribe to Human in the Room for more conversations about leadership, career growth, workplace culture, AI, and the human skills that still matter most.NewsletterJoin the Human in the Room newsletter: https://humanintheroom.myflodesk.com/subscribeWebsiteLearn more at humanintheroombook.comFollow Human in the RoomInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanintheroom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-in-the-room/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HumanintheRoomPodcast Follow Betsy GardnerWebsite: betsygardner.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsygardner22/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebetsygardner/ Buy the BookGet Human in the Room by Betsy...

Why does work feel broken right now? Why are recent graduates losing faith in AI, leadership, and the future of work altogether?In this powerful episode of Human in the Room, Betsy explores the growing backlash against AI, the collapse of workplace mentorship, and the rising anxiety surrounding career development, remote work culture, and leadership in a post-pandemic world.As headlines continue to warn about AI replacing jobs, younger generations are entering the workforce feeling uncertain, disconnected, and overwhelmed. Meanwhile, senior leaders are struggling to adapt to rapidly shifting expectations around communication, professionalism, authenticity, trust, and workplace culture.This episode dives deep into:Why AI is triggering fear and mistrust among young professionalsThe disappearance of entry-level apprenticeship opportunitiesHow remote work disrupted mentorship and workplace cultureWhy soft skills matter more than everThe leadership gap emerging between generationsWhat “good judgment” actually looks like in the workplaceHow to build trust, presence, and credibility in your careerWhy mentorship must become intentional in today’s worldThe hidden loneliness behind modern work cultureHow young professionals can stand out in an AI-driven workforceBetsy also shares practical advice for graduates and early-career professionals on managing up, building trust with leadership, creating mentorship opportunities, and developing the human skills AI cannot replace.If you care about leadership development, workplace culture, career growth, emotional intelligence, communication skills, or the future of work, this episode is essential listening.-----------------------Stay in the RoomSubscribe to Human in the Room for more conversations about leadership, career growth, workplace culture, AI, and the human skills that still matter most.NewsletterJoin the Human in the Room newsletter: https://humanintheroom.myflodesk.com/subscribeWebsite Learn more at humanintheroombook.comFollow Human in the RoomInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanintheroom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-in-the-room/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HumanintheRoomPodcast Follow Betsy GardnerWebsite: betsygardner.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsygardner22/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebetsygardner/ Buy the BookGet Human in the Room by Betsy Gardner: https://bit.ly/4uADfVt Bring Human in the Room to Your OrganizationHuman in the Room helps organizations build stronger leaders, healthier workplace cultures, and more effective teams through:Leadership development trainingKeynotes and...