In the latest episode of The Unbuzzed Podcast, I had the distinct pleasure of conversing with Kory, a millennial whose boldness and transparency compelled me, a Gen Xer, to confront my preconceived notions about his generation as we unbuzzed the term ‘millennial’. While Kory certainly does not represent all millennials, he provided a revealing glimpse into the unapologetic and daring spirit that distinctly sets them apart from my own, more measured approach to work's challenges

Last year, I had the delight of meeting Matthew, and from our very first conversation, I was thoroughly captivated. His remarkable ability to discuss a vast array of subjects—be it literature, law, economics, politics, or artificial intelligence—through engaging storytelling is truly an art I admire deeply.

Initially, I had hoped to feature him on the Unbuzzed podcast to explore the nuances of legal language and its potential to create swirl amongst employees in workplaces as a buzzword. Nevertheless, as you will hear in this episode, his authentic demeanor, both as an individual and as a leader and professor, guided our conversation away from the mere term "legal" within workplaces to the more profound notion of authenticity, especially what it means to be an ‘authentic’ leader.

Matthew’s generous sharing of knowledge, coupled with his vulnerability in storytelling, leaves a lasting impression on all who have the fortune of experiencing it. I take great pride in calling him my friend and mentor.

What happens when you examine a buzzword that makes your skin crawl? In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Pallavi Jain to unpack “empowerment,” a term that often leaves me questioning its true essence. As an HR professional, I’ve seen it twisted into something superficial—an empty call to action rather than a profound inward journey. With a playful wager on the table, I challenged Pallavi: by the end of our 90-minute chat, I’d hope to cringe less. Spoiler alert: she won! Together, we explore the rich layers of empowerment, spurred by Pallavi’s transformative experiences that remind us to look within for real understanding. Join us as we redefine this often-abused term and discover its genuine power. Listen to wherever you get your pods.

Learn more about Pallavi here: 

Website: https://www.pallavi-jain.com

Linkedin profile: www.linkedin.com/in/pallavi-jain-leadfromwithin

TEDx talk link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymxrRpsBcA

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In this episode, I’m once again joined by the insightful Mauro Gonçalves Filho, and we dissect the buzzword “strategy” amid the backdrop of frequent reorgs and the rapid onset of AI. As layoffs and shifting structures become the new normal, we examine what it truly means to be strategic in these uncertain times. We'll examine whether organizational reorgs are the result of careful planning or merely reactions to uncomfortable truths. Tune in for insights that will reshape your understanding of how to navigate your career in these changing times.

In this episode, Zayne Imam joins me to unpack the often-maligned term consultant—accused of generating the very buzzwords they’re hired to clarify. With humor and insight, Zayne reveals how good advice turns into jargon and shares his spiritual approach to work, a perspective that challenges how we think about language, purpose, and connection in the workplace. Don’t miss this engaging and thoughtful conversation with someone whose wisdom is anything but buzzworthy.

“Strategy” is the word that launches a thousand eyerolls in meetings—and yet it’s the reason people are passed over for promotions or projects. But what does it really mean to be strategic? In this episode, I’m joined by Mauro Gonçalves Filho, a master of strategy who breaks it down so clearly, we needed two sessions. Mauro’s insights are as sharp as his resume, but what makes him unforgettable is his ability to turn a buzzword into a practical, everyday skill. Don’t miss this conversation—it’s a masterclass in thinking smarter, not harder.