
The Work Wire
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Top 10 The Work Wire Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Work Wire episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Work Wire for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Work Wire episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

02/25/25 • 33 min
With major executive orders and shifting workplace trends, the balance of power between employers and employees is changing fast. Bob Goodwin and Johnny C. Taylor Jr. discuss the federal return-to-office push, the future of DEI, and why companies are reevaluating how they measure employee value.
Is the remote work era over? What’s next for workplace culture? Find out in this must-listen episode of The Work Wire.

Inappropriate Workplace Behavior - The Work Wire
The Work Wire
10/03/23 • 32 min
This episode of WorkWire discussed inappropriate behavior in the workplace. Johnny and Bob talked about three recent examples - the CEO of BP resigning after admitting to inappropriate relationships with colleagues, a Michigan State football coach being suspended during a sexual harassment investigation, and the president of the Spanish soccer federation being suspended for kissing a player without consent.
They discussed how standards have changed from whether something is legally harassment to whether it shows good judgment. They also talked about the responsibilities of boards, HR, and individuals to address inappropriate behavior, ensure a safe workplace, and model ethical conduct.

01/26/25 • 34 min
What if the hierarchical structures that have defined our workplaces are holding us back from true productivity and profitability? Join us as we explore "The Great Flattening" trend reshaping the business landscape for 2025 with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President and CEO of SHRM. Despite record profits and soaring stock market performances, companies are reconsidering the role of middle management and contemplating workforce reductions. Together with Johnny, we unravel the historical cycles of corporate restructuring, from re-engineering to centralization, and confront the complex challenges that today's businesses face, even when traditional economic indicators suggest stability.
Middle managers, often the unsung heroes of the corporate world, are more critical than ever. We dive into how these crucial players can shift perceptions and showcase their indispensable value. By aligning their roles with key performance indicators and effectively communicating their achievements, middle managers can secure their careers and climb the corporate ladder. Drawing parallels to sports teams, we discuss how removing obstacles and supporting team members can drastically enhance overall performance, making a compelling case for the essential nature of these roles in ensuring an organization's success.
In our engaging conversation with Johnny, we also touch upon the broader themes of career development and HR support, emphasizing the significance of embracing new ideas and approaches. Through personal anecdotes, we highlight the importance of self-assessment and staying prepared for future opportunities. As we navigate this evolving landscape, Johnny's expert insights provide a roadmap for individuals eager to thrive in their professional environments. Stay tuned for future episodes where we continue to offer valuable guidance and inspiration for building a successful career.

Followership - The Work Wire
The Work Wire
05/10/24 • 6 min
Discover why being a follower might just be as crucial as being a leader when we sit down with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., SHRM's president and CEO fresh from a Senate Armed Services Committee testimony. This episode takes a surprising turn as we scrutinize the societal obsession with leadership and the overlooked art of followership, spurred by an eye-opening discussion with Indian executive Shiv Shivkumar. Prepare to have your notions of success and influence turned on their head as we uncover what it means to be an exemplary follower in a world transfixed by leaders.
This conversation with Johnny C. Taylor Jr. ventures beyond the numbers, into the heart of organizational dynamics, and the shifting paradigm from vertical to horizontal structures of leadership. We confront the reality of follower's impact on a leader's effectiveness, challenging the age-old adage of not being "just a follower." With CEO turnover at an all-time high, we explore the increasingly vocal role of employees and stakeholders in shaping leadership. Tune in for a transformative discussion that may just redefine your perception of power, influence, and collaboration in the modern workplace.

The Aging Workforce
The Work Wire
08/22/23 • 35 min
Are you ready to revolutionize the way you view the workforce? We are! Join us, Bob Goodwin, president of Career Club, and Johnny C Taylor Jr, CEO and president of SHRM as we debunk common misconceptions about older Americans in the workforce. Get ready to unearth the immense potential and hidden talent that resides with our senior workers and how this demographic shift is changing the face of the American workforce.
We're not just talking, we're leading you through the practical challenges and solutions of managing a multi-generational workforce. Brace yourself as we deep-dive into the mentorship dynamics across generations and the significant role of DEI training in fostering an inclusive workspace. We'll also tackle the elephant in the room - technology. Learn how to create an environment that not only leverages the tech skills of the younger generation but also bridges the digital divide for our older workers.
As we gaze into the future of business, we unravel the growing diversity in the workforce and its implications. Discover the importance of creating a supportive and equitable workplace from both a moral and legal perspective. We'll also demonstrate how understanding and accommodating the needs of different generations will prove beneficial in the long run. So, why wait? Tune in and let's together appreciate the changing landscape of the workforce in America! Don't forget to rate and review our podcast. Until next time, keep learning, keep evolving!

Background Checks - The Work Wire
The Work Wire
06/07/24 • 41 min
Can background checks truly make or break the safety and integrity of your workplace? Join us for an insightful conversation as Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club and Johnny C Taylor Jr, President and CEO of SHRM, shares his eye-opening personal experiences that highlight the critical importance of thorough background checks. We discuss how these essential measures can coexist harmoniously with DEI initiatives, creating a balanced and secure environment where both safety and diversity thrive.
In this engaging episode, we navigate the fine line between offering second chances and maintaining workplace safety. Discover the nuanced art of individualized assessments over blanket decisions, especially when hiring candidates with criminal backgrounds. We delve into the significance of verifying educational credentials and the far-reaching implications of dishonesty, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and due diligence in informed hiring practices.
We also tackle the often-overlooked consequences of background checks on existing employees and the ethics of periodic evaluations. What happens when a top performer is caught in a lie about their qualifications? How do social media behaviors impact professional reputations? And, when is it appropriate to rely on informal background checks for deeper insights? Join us as we explore these compelling questions, stressing the vital role of trust, values, and comprehensive due diligence in hiring decisions.

11/26/24 • 32 min
Can your off-duty escapades lead to a pink slip? Join us in a captivating discussion featuring Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO and President of SHRM, as we dissect the case of Joe Gall, a tenured professor dismissed for producing pornographic content. Together, we explore the complexities of First Amendment rights for public sector employees and the potential professional fallout from personal activities. Using a viral incident in Central Park as a cautionary tale, we shine a light on the precarious line between personal freedom and the potential reputational harm to employers.
We unravel the challenging terrain HR navigates when off-duty conduct clashes with company values. From tattoos to language, societal shifts continue to reshape workplace norms, creating gray areas that demand careful consideration. How do organizations maintain their image while fostering diversity and inclusivity? This episode confronts the tensions inherent in these challenges, offering insights into the evolving expectations of workplace culture and the delicate balance companies must strike.
As we shift focus to cultural norms and leadership, we reflect on how unexpected issues within diverse teams can redefine company culture. A controversial interview attire incident ignites a conversation on the need for clear cultural values while embracing diverse perspectives. By examining organizations like Chick-fil-A, known for their defined principles, we explore the benefits of openness in fostering growth and innovation. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the continuous evolution of workplace dynamics and the pivotal role of diversity in shaping future leaders.

The Four Day Work Week - Episode 19
The Work Wire
11/28/23 • 30 min
Tune in to the next episode of The Work Wire with Bob Goodwin and Johnny Taylor Jr. as they continue their discussion on the four day workweek and the implications for employees, employers and the economy. Don't miss their insightful analysis and thought-provoking perspectives on this important workplace issue.

03/08/25 • 34 min
In this compelling episode of The Work Wire, Bob Goodwin sits down with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President & CEO of SHRM, to unpack his recent Congressional testimony on the state of education, workforce readiness, and untapped talent pools.
Johnny shares unfiltered insights on why America’s education system is failing both students and employers, why traditional degrees aren’t always the answer, and how skills-based hiring, vocational training, and a shift in mindset can solve the growing talent crisis.
They also discuss:
• Why employers struggle to find job-ready candidates despite record education spending
• The growing importance of trade schools and alternative career pathways
• How AI and globalization are changing the future of work
• The untapped potential of military veterans, differently-abled workers, and second-chance hires
It’s time to rethink education, hiring, and the way we prepare people for work. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation!
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Work Wire have?
The Work Wire currently has 50 episodes available.
What topics does The Work Wire cover?
The podcast is about Management, Podcasts, Business and Careers.
What is the most popular episode on The Work Wire?
The episode title 'When Leadership Goes AWOL - The Work Wire - Episode 22' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Work Wire?
The average episode length on The Work Wire is 34 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Work Wire released?
Episodes of The Work Wire are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Work Wire?
The first episode of The Work Wire was released on Jul 11, 2023.
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