How to stay valuable when technology keeps changing is a question more professionals are asking, especially as AI and other new tools continue to reshape our workplace. You may have a lot of experience. You may be very good at what you do. But what happens when the technology that supports your job changes? That [...] The post How to Stay Valuable When Technology Keeps Changing appeared first on Ken Okel.
Where did we get lucky? It may be one of the most valuable questions a leadership team can ask after a successful project. While most group debriefs focus on what went right and what went wrong, this often overlooked question helps uncover hidden risks, fortunate breaks, and opportunities to strengthen future performance. Let's explore why [...] The post Where Did We Get Lucky? appeared first on Ken Okel.
How to turn unfair assignments into career growth isn't advice you'll hear every day. Most people naturally resist taking on the projects no one wants or carrying a heavier workload than their colleagues. Let's explore why some of those frustrating moments can become your greatest opportunities to build new skills, earn trust, and prepare for [...] The post How to Turn Unfair Assignments Into Career Growth appeared first on Ken Okel.
The AI question employees are afraid to ask has very little to do with technology and everything to do with trust. As AI becomes a bigger part of the workplace, many employees are quietly wondering what these changes mean for their future, even if they never say it out loud. Let's explore why leaders should [...] The post The AI Question Employees Are Afraid to Ask appeared first on Ken Okel.
What your calendar is secretly telling you goes far beyond when your next meeting begins. Your calendar is often a reflection of your priorities, leadership style, and the habits that shape your workday. Let's explore how a quick look at your schedule can reveal whether you're making time for strategic thinking, employee development, and meaningful [...] The post What Your Calendar Is Secretly Telling You appeared first on Ken Okel.
The surprising value of being slightly underprepared has nothing to do with skipping your homework. Instead, it's about avoiding the trap of becoming so scripted that you lose the ability to adapt. Let's explore why flexibility can be just as important as preparation, how over-rehearsing can limit authentic communication, and why the best leaders are [...] The post The Surprising Value of Being Slightly Underprepared appeared first on Ken Okel.
When leaders start going through the motions, it can be difficult to recognize. Experience, success, and routine can create the feeling that everything is under control, even as curiosity and growth begin to fade. Let's explore how leaders can unknowingly fall into autopilot, why that mindset creates blind spots, and what practical steps can help [...] The post When Leaders Start Going Through the Motions appeared first on Ken Okel.
What happens when every workplace tool promises productivity? For many organizations, the answer is more complicated than expected. As new platforms, apps, and AI tools enter the workplace, employees often find themselves spending more time managing technology instead of focusing on meaningful work. Let's explore the difference between productivity and activity, why adding more tools [...] The post What Happens When Every Workplace Tool Promises Productivity? appeared first on Ken Okel.
Professional advice for 2026 may look very different from the advice people received earlier in their careers. In this episode, we break down the results of a LinkedIn poll that asked which piece of career advice turned out to be wrong. From "always say yes" to "never change jobs," we'll explore why some well intentioned [...] The post Professional Advice for 2026 appeared first on Ken Okel.
Updating policies and procedures may not sound exciting, but it can have a major impact on safety, efficiency, and customer experience. In this episode, we explore how a simple change in hotel check-in practices highlights a larger leadership challenge: knowing when long-standing processes no longer fit today's realities. You'll discover why organizations often hold onto [...] The post Updating Policies and Procedures appeared first on Ken Okel.
