Hope + Possibilities: A Love Letter to the Future of Work

Hosted by Nola Simon

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May 2026

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About the show

Made in Canada. Pass your phone — unlocked — to the person sitting next to you. Not to a close friend. To a colleague. A neighbour. Someone you'd describe as trustworthy but have never actually tested. Watch what happens in your body before you hand it over. That hesitation? That's not paranoia. That's you running a real-time audit of every assumption you hold about trust, privacy, identity, and risk — in under a second, without a framework, without a consultant, without a strategic plan. You already know how to read signals. You do it constantly. You just haven't been taught to trust what you notice. That's what this podcast is about. I'm Nola Simon — strategic futurist, keynote speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice (2024 & 2025). I'm not here to make sweeping predictions about the future. I'm here to help you see what's already forming — in the moments that feel ordinary, the assumptions that feel obvious, the decisions that feel routine right up until they don't. Blockbuster had the data. Kodak invented the digital camera and couldn't walk away from the legacy of print. They didn't lack information. They lacked the discipline to question what they already believed — before it became load-bearing. That discipline isn't reserved for crisis. It lives in everyday noticing. The unlocked phone. The meeting nobody challenged. The strategy that felt obvious. The trust that formed — or fractured — in a moment nobody marked as significant. This show is that noticing, practiced out loud. Featured in Maclean's, CBC, and CTV News. Goodpods Top 10 Leadership. Witnessed Trust. Everyday Futurism. The decisions that felt routine right up until they didn't.

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May 28, 2026Episode 1158 min

The Assumption Ground Audit: Everyday Futurism as a Leadership Practice

What Is an Assumption-Ground Audit? Introducing Make It So | Hope + Possibilities Episode description The assumption ground audit is a structured practice for surfacing the beliefs, values, and past experiences that silently shape your decisions — at work and in life. In this episode, Nola Simon introduces Make It So, an 8-week cohort built around everyday futurism and the assumption ground audit as a leadership practice. What is an assumption-ground audit? An assumption-ground audit is a reflective practice that asks: what decisions are you making based on what you currently believe to be true? Your assumptions aren't random — they're built from your values, your experiences, and the stories you've told yourself over time. The audit makes those visible so you can work with them intentionally, rather than having them work on you unconsciously. It's the foundation of everyday futurism: the idea that the future isn't built in grand gestures, but in the small, compounding decisions you make daily. About this episode In this episode, Nola introduces Make It So: an 8-week cohort launching June 1st, designed for people who understand that operating well inside ambiguity is the leadership skill. Make It So pairs everyday futurism with the assumption ground audit to help you integrate future-focused thinking into the way you already work and lead — not as a forecasting exercise, but as a daily practice. What's covered: What an assumption ground audit is and how to use it Why everyday futurism is a leadership capacity, not a prediction contest How the lice case study shows the way unexamined assumptions drive organizational decisions The three tiers of access: fully async, regular office hours, and 1:1 coaching (which includes Substack founder membership with trend and convergence reports) Why the cohort is capped at 20 — and why it closes Sunday Why Nola builds for digital community (and what a two-hour drive to Toronto has to do with it) Frequently asked questions What is everyday futurism? Everyday futurism is the practice of making small, intentional decisions that accumulate into the future you want — for yourself, your work, and the organizations you lead. It's not about prediction. It's about integrated thinking. What is the Make It So cohort? Make It So is an 8-week, mostly asynchronous cohort built around everyday futurism and the assumption ground audit. It's designed for leaders and implementers who want to develop futurism as a core leadership practice. Learn more and register here. Who is Make It So for? It's for people who already understand that ambiguity is normal, change is constant, and that how you think — not just what you do — is what determines how well you lead through it. How is this different from other futurism programs? Most futurism content centers the expert. Make It So centers you — your assumptions, your noticing practices, your decision-making patterns. The goal is a practice you can sustain, not a framework you borrow. Make It So Launches June 1st | Capped at 20 | Sign-up closes Sunday Register for the seminar Want to talk first? Book a call at nolasimon.com

April 1, 2026Episode 11421 min

Witnessed Trust: A PR Crisis, a Pop Star, and a Camera Walk Into a Stadium

In this episode, I dive into trust through a pop culture moment that became a global case study: the Coldplay kiss cam incident. What looked like celebrity gossip actually opens up bigger conversations about leadership, workplace ethics, public perception, and how we decide who and what to trust. Time-Stamped Highlights p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 00:00 — I introduce the episode and explain why trust is the real story behind the viral Coldplay kiss cam moment. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 02:00 — I recap the incident and how it became a global pop culture and PR event. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 05:00 — I break down the Astronomer response and why their celebrity ad strategy became part of the trust conversation. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 08:00 — I explore media framing, public perception, and why context changes how we interpret events. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 11:00 — I ask: who do we trust more — the celebrity observers, the people involved, or the people managing the story? p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 14:00 — I explain why this is really a workplace issue, not just celebrity drama. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 17:00 — I reflect on internal trust, leadership accountability, and what employees may have been thinking. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 20:00 — I share the difference between sounding confident and actually having expertise. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 23:00 — I reflect personally on learning, capability, and using AI as a tool rather than a substitute for expertise. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 26:00 — I close with thoughts on discernment, trust signals, and what the future of work asks of us. Key Takeaways p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Trust is shaped by context, power, and perception. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Viral moments often reveal deeper workplace and leadership issues. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Media coverage can amplify or distort what people think they know. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Confidence is not the same as competence. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> In a world shaped by AI and rapid change, discernment matters more than ever. I've also written a related case study called "A PR Crisis, a Pop Star, and a Camera Walk Into a Stadium" — you can find it on my website: www.everydayfuturism.com. I'd love to hear what you think. Reach me at nola@nolasimon.com or leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

January 28, 2026Episode 10915 min

Canadian Perspective on US Politics and Values

In this episode of Hope and Possibilities, I share a personal reflection on what's unfolding in the United States—and why it feels both shocking and familiar to me. I spent nearly 18 years in global financial services, 16 of them working closely with American clients, many based in Minnesota. That experience gave me an inside view of how U.S. systems shape people's daily lives—and where those systems quietly fail. Long before today's headlines, I began making deliberate choices to reduce American exposure in my work and center my career in Canada and other global contexts where values aligned more closely with mine. This episode isn't about blame. It's about perspective. I speak with deep respect for Americans—their decency, humor, and care—and with clarity about a hard truth: lasting change can only come from within. External voices have limits. Ownership matters. Drawing on professional experience, historical training, and family history shaped by wartime Europe, I reflect on why nostalgia is such a powerful force, why democratic pressure often looks uncomfortable, and why other countries are quietly recalibrating their relationship with the U.S. This is a reflection, not a prescription—an invitation to think more honestly about responsibility, leadership, and what it takes to shape what comes next. Timestamps 00:00 – Why this moment feels personal Why I chose to talk about this now 02:05 – My American work life Nearly 18 years in financial services, 16 with U.S. clients—many in Minnesota 05:15 – Working across values gaps What you learn when you avoid "safe" topics like healthcare, labor law, and maternity leave 09:10 – 2016 as a turning point Healthcare rollbacks, medical hardship calls, and knowing when work becomes untenable 13:30 – History as an early warning system How family history and studying history shaped my perspective 17:00 – A deliberate shift Why I chose, ten years ago, to reduce American exposure in my career 21:15 – Canadians opting out quietly Travel, consumption, culture, and economic consequences 24:50 – Why change must come from Americans The limits of external critique and the necessity of internal advocacy 29:00 – Protest, boycott, and democracy Why discomfort is often the price of democratic pressure 33:20 – Respect without nostalgia Holding affection for Americans while refusing to romanticize systems 37:10 – The long arc of change Why the Canada–U.S. relationship has been shifting for longer than most realize 40:45 – Closing reflection What the future depends on—and who must shape it

January 20, 2026Episode 10816 min

Self-Trust and Inner Practices

There's a lot of data showing that trust in governments, institutions, and organizations is declining worldwide. Employers were once considered the last trusted institution—and even that is eroding. As someone who has spent years working independently, I've often noticed that these conversations leave out people like us entirely. When you don't have an employer, trust shows up differently. Stability looks different. And the relationship you have with yourself matters more than most people realize. So I wanted to start there. I talk about what it actually means to trust yourself when you're self-employed, when you don't see many role models living or working the way you do, and when the noise—from well-meaning friends, family, and society—keeps asking, "Why don't you just get a job?" For me, self-trust isn't abstract. It's practical. It shows up in how I decide to work, how I communicate, and how I choose between remote, in-person, or hybrid ways of connecting. It shows up in my values—impact, meaning, and helping shape a future of work that supports people, families, and communities, not just productivity metrics. I also share the inner practices that help me stay grounded when things feel uncertain. Meditation. Walking. Swimming. Paying attention to my body. Noticing what has always been true about me—what I'm drawn to, what calms me, what fuels my curiosity. I talk about rituals, habits, and even "extreme noticing": light on water, changes in seasons, how my body reacts to people, places, and decisions. These practices help me recognize what's changing, what isn't, and where opportunity actually lives—for me. As we move through uncertainty, I believe self-trust becomes a form of leadership. When you know your own reactions, values, and rhythms, you're better equipped to make decisions, form opinions, and move forward without needing constant external validation. I close the episode with an invitation: What helps you trust yourself? What rituals, habits, or inner practices keep you grounded? I'd love to hear your stories, and I may share some of them in a future episode as we explore how self-trust shapes how we lead, work, and relate to others. Because maybe—just maybe—trusting ourselves more is the first step toward trusting each other again. Leave me a voicemail with your questions or thoughts: https://podcastfeedback.com/hopeandpossibilities Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nolasimon Subscribe to my newsletter: Hope & Possibilities: A Love Letter to the Future of Work | Nola Simon | Substack Hire me via website: www.nolasimon.com

January 14, 2026Episode 10717 min

Beyond Hybrid/Remote: Leadership Decisions That Will Define the Next Decade

In this episode of the Hope and Possibilities Podcast, I talk about what I'm seeing for 2026 and the future of work. My focus is shifting from solely helping companies adopt hybrid and remote work to looking at leadership more broadly. Flexibility, autonomy, and well-being aren't just perks anymore—they're core to how people want to work and how organizations succeed. We'll talk about the pressures around office return mandates, AI, and workforce reduction, and why I don't buy the narrative that humans are expendable. Instead, leadership in the future is about reinvention, redistributing work, and making sure people feel that they matter. I'll also share how I plan to use this podcast, my newsletter, LinkedIn, and email to create space for nuanced conversations about the future of work. And I want to hear from you—what questions are keeping you awake at night? Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:22] Why I'm pivoting my focus for 2026 [00:00:53] Why hybrid and flexible work aren't going away [00:01:32] Why autonomy and well-being often matter more than compensation [00:03:00] The circular debates around office space, identity, and leadership [00:04:39] How AI is changing the way work happens [00:06:26] Navigating conflicting narratives about AI and workforce reduction [00:07:16] Leadership as continuous reinvention, not a one-time project [00:08:34] Why making people feel they matter is central to leadership [00:09:49] Discernment as a critical skill in an increasingly complex world [00:11:05] How work is evolving—universal benefits, portfolio careers, and new models [00:12:06] How I'm shifting the podcast, newsletters, and my content strategy [00:15:10] How you can interact with the podcast and share your questions [00:16:26] Questions to reflect on: identity, life quakes, and navigating change Connect & Engage: Leave me a voicemail with your questions or thoughts: https://podcastfeedback.com/hopeandpossibilities Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nolasimon Subscribe to my newsletter: Hope & Possibilities: A Love Letter to the Future of Work | Nola Simon | Substack Hire me via website: www.nolasimon.com Takeaway: The future of work is about flexibility, discernment, and creating environments where people feel valued. Change is constant—how we respond and evolve will define the next chapter of our work and our lives.

December 8, 2025Episode 10722 min

How I'm Rethinking My LinkedIn Strategy for the Future: Designing for Future Focused Visibility That Feels Good

In this solo episode of Hope and Possibilities: A Love Letter to the Future of Work, I'm talking honestly about how LinkedIn and social media are changing, and what that means for how I show up, get found, and build my business. I share how I went from casually using LinkedIn to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice with a "small but mighty" following, and why the latest algorithm shifts are nudging me to rethink my strategy. I get into what's really going on with discoverability, including how proxy bias can quietly disadvantage women, people of color, trans folks, and anyone who doesn't fit the traditional leadership mold. I also talk about the emotional side of it—what it feels like when your impressions drop, your posts don't land the way they used to, and how I'm choosing to respond with experimentation instead of discouragement. I walk you through how I'm shifting from "cheerleader" style commenting to more thoughtful, strategic contributions that actually support my consulting work and signal my expertise. I share how I'm reworking my profile for people who are discovering me for the very first time through a comment, and why I'm putting more energy into things I own—like my website, blog, Substack, newsletter, and search-friendly content on platforms like Pinterest and YouTube. I also push back on the narrative that "everything needs to be in-person now." I talk about what it's really like living outside a major city, the time and energy cost of commuting, and why in-person events have to clear a pretty high bar for me: they need to help me make money, save time, or reduce risk—not just feel good in the moment. Throughout the episode, I keep coming back to one question: will future me be grateful for how I'm spending my time and attention right now? I share how I'm choosing to support important conversations about bias, platforms, and ethical AI without making "fighting the algorithm" the center of my business, and how I'm designing a visibility strategy that feels sustainable, values-aligned, and genuinely hopeful about the future of work. Key insights The LinkedIn algorithm is shifting from prioritizing posts to rewarding meaningful commenting, which changes how people get discovered and how you think about visibility and strategy. Proxy bias means that even if gender isn't a stated factor, variables like role, seniority, and activity levels can still disadvantage women, people of color, trans folks, and others who don't match the "default" leadership profile. Commenting as pure cheerleading doesn't necessarily drive business; strategic comments that demonstrate insight, credibility, and clarity on your services are far more valuable. Building on platforms you own (website, blog, email list) is essential so your work and relationships are not entirely dependent on platform whims and opaque algorithms. In-person-only strategies are exclusionary for many people, especially those who don't live near major hubs or carry significant logistical and emotional costs to attend events. Future-focused visibility is about making choices that future you will be grateful for—balancing values, energy, and the reality that friends are wonderful, but clients pay the bills. A personalized LinkTree for Nola Simon's presence on social media — Nola Simon Listen: Hope + Possibilties: A Love Letter to the Future of Work Review: Hope + Possibilties: A Love Letter to the Future of Work

October 31, 2025Episode 10659 min

Let's Talk Thought Leadership and Podcasting in Canada with Amanda Cupido

Amanda Cupido — Founder of Lead Podcasting, author (including "Let's Talk Podcasting for Kids"), experienced broadcaster, keynote speaker, and TEDx presenter. Episode Themes Canadian Podcasting Gaps: Discussion on how most resources are American, and the importance of Amanda's contribution as an author of uniquely Canadian podcasting resources. Early Audio Influences: Amanda's lifelong fascination with audio and radio, and her journey into podcasting, contrasted by Nola's experience with talk radio growing up. Podcasting for Kids: Insights from Amanda's new book targeting children ages 5–8, the screen-free benefits of podcasting, and how early storytelling fosters creativity and healthy self-esteem. Women's Voices in Podcasting: Nola's statement: "We didn't get silenced. We picked up a microphone," sparking a wider conversation about the role of women over 50 in podcasting and representation in the industry. Combatting Loneliness: How creating and listening to podcasts helps establish connection, provide an outlet for ideas, and battle feelings of isolation. Leadership and Listening: Podcasting as a tool for improving both speaking and listening skills, and how these ripple into leadership and personal development. Canadian Industry Insights: Contrasting the Canadian and US podcast markets, the lack of mid-sized networks in Canada, and Amanda's experience with networks and sponsorships. Thought Leadership: Announcement and preview of Amanda's upcoming podcast "Let's Talk Thought Leadership," and a lively discussion on defining thought leadership — and its challenges — in the Canadian context. Standout Quotes "We didn't get silenced. We picked up a microphone."—Nola Simon "The whole thing with podcasting is such an accessible medium. And so I just want to continue to make it that and champion it."—Amanda Cupido "Every voice is unique, every voice is special."—Amanda Cupido Actionable Insights Review and support Canadian podcasts on platforms like Good Pods. Encourage screen-free creativity for kids via family podcasting activities. Independent Canadian podcasters should seek out emerging collectives for support and community. Be thoughtful about advertising: consider brand alignment when accepting sponsors to protect your ethical reputation. Resources & References Amanda Cupido: author of "Let's Talk Podcasting" (adult & kids editions) Lead Podcasting workshops and training New podcast: "Let's Talk Thought Leadership" (search for Amanda's name alongside the title to locate early episodes) Podcasts mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/louis-tomlinson-the-room-was-cold-that-day-when/id1291423644?i=1000730938704 Malcolm Gladwell: Working From… - The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett - Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bren%C3%A9-and-adam-grant-on-the-skillsets-of-empathy/id1730985049?i=1000731952564 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-department-of-physiological-hygiene/id1119389968?i=1000580226432 How to Connect Look for "Let's Talk Thought Leadership" on your favorite app (add Amanda's name for better search results).Amanda-Cupido.docx Connect with Amanda Cupido via Lead Podcasting for books, workshops, and speaking engagements. Amanda Cupido Podcast Producer and Consultant — Amanda Cupido Let's Talk Podcasting Let's Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide To Doing It Right Book By Amanda Cupido, (Paperback) | Indigo Let's Talk Podcasting For Kids Book By Amanda Cupido, (Mass Market Paperback) | Indigo Amanda Cupido - Lead Podcasting | LinkedIn https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-thought-leadership/id1849322663 Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoyed this episode — every review helps amplify Canadian podcasting voices.

September 19, 2025Episode 10813 min

Flexibility, Advocacy, and the Politics of Care

If you say you don't want to be political, it's often because the system is already working for you. For those of us who've had to fight for flexibility, access, or equity—that's never been an option. The Privilege of Silence When someone says, "I don't do politics," what they're really saying is that they're comfortable with the way things are. That comfort signals that their own ease matters more than the discomfort others experience under the same system. For many people—including me—that kind of silence has never been an option. Personal Experience When I became a parent, I had no choice but to advocate for more flexibility in my work life. The traditional nine-to-five structure simply didn't accommodate what my family needed. My husband's self-employment gave us some breathing room, but it still wasn't an ideal solution. I had to push against systems that weren't built with me—or families like mine—in mind. The Political Nature of Advocacy And that's the thing: standing up for what you need, especially when it's outside the norm, is inherently political. Asking for flexibility, becoming a subject matter expert, speaking out publicly—these are all political acts. Women, in particular, have historically carried the burden of caregiving, yet we've rarely been the dominant power in politics. That makes our voices not just necessary, but radical. Historical Context We can't forget the barriers women have faced: being denied property rights, financial independence, even basic autonomy. These aren't ancient struggles—they've shifted within living memory. Cindy Gallup often reminds us, "Women are not the status quo because women have never been the status quo." That line sticks with me, because it captures how much work still lies ahead. My Work and Its Political Nature The work I do today sits at the intersections of real estate, technology, policy, and community—and all of those domains are deeply political. To engage in them is to challenge entrenched systems, to question who benefits, and to advocate for something better. Conclusion So when someone says they'd rather not be political, what they're really saying is that the system as it stands already benefits them. My own experiences—raising a family in both Canada while working cross-border with the U.S.—have shown me again and again the importance of speaking up, not just for myself, but for those who can't. Because silence may feel safe, but it also keeps things exactly as they are. Key Takeaways p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Choosing to be "apolitical" often means the current system is serving you well enough to remain silent. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Advocacy for time and location flexibility is political because it challenges norms and policy. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Caregiving is structurally undervalued yet central to how work and communities function. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Publicly sharing your perspective—interviews, posts, speaking—is part of political participation. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Policy shows up in daily life: schedules, pay, housing, urban planning, and technology access. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Individual comfort can conflict with collective progress; silence sustains the status quo. Memorable Quotes p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> "Standing up and asking for what you want when it's not the norm is a political act." p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> "To be a caregiver is to be fundamentally political." p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> "When you say you don't want to be political, it's because that system works for you." p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> "Women are not the status quo because women have never been the status quo." — Cindy Gallup Mentions p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Remote work, hybrid work, and time flexibility as levers for equity. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Historical barriers to women's financial autonomy (bank accounts, credit, lending). p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Cindy Gallup and MakeLoveNotPorn (context: women, power, and status quo). p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Corporate context: Canadian company with U.S. market dynamics and reputation considerations. Listener Reflection Prompts p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Where does your ability to stay "apolitical" rely on comfort or existing structures? p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What flexibility would materially change your capacity to care for others and do your best work? p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What is one small public action you can take this week to align your values and voice? Call to Action p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Share this episode with someone navigating caregiving and rigid work norms. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Send your story or question about advocating for flexibility to be featured in a future episode. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> If this resonated, rate and follow Hope and Possibilities to support more conversations like this. Episode Tags Caregiving, Flexible Work, Remote Work, Hybrid Work, Privilege, Gender Equity, Policy, Workplace Culture, Urban Planning, Reputation Risk, Leadership, Advocacy

September 11, 2025Episode 10720 min

Practical Futurism for Daily Life

Practical Futurism for Daily Life Hope & Possibilities: A Love Letter to the Future of Work In this episode, I share how I think about futurism not just as theory, but as something you can actually live. My focus has always been: how do we bring futurism into daily life? How do the choices we make today move us closer to the future we want? I talk about the future-back method I first learned at the Institute for the Future, why noticing matters more than prediction, and how small shifts in attention can help you navigate change with more agency and optimism. In this episode, I cover: How I use the future-back approach to imagine 10 years ahead and work backwards Why I see scanning for signals as the heart of futurist practice The difference between signals, trends, and lasting change (with stories about cell phones, remote work, and commercial real estate) My personal story of choosing flexibility early so I could be the parent I wanted to be Why agency and autonomy matter more than ever in how we work and live How I balance hopeful futures with the reality of shadow sides Futurism doesn't have to be abstract. It can be practical, embodied, and deeply personal. For me, it's a way to navigate uncertainty while staying aligned with the life—and future—I want to build. Resources & Links Join my 21 Day Futures Challenge to start practicing futurism daily Connect with me on LinkedIn Subscribe to Hope & Possibilities: A Love Letter to the Future of Work wherever you listen to podcasts

September 6, 2025Episode 10720 min

What Got You Here, Won't Get You There

🎙️ Hope and Possibilities with Nola Simon 🗓️ Episode Title: What Got You Here, Won't Get You There 🧭 Length: ~20 minutes 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts ✨ Episode Summary (from me, Nola): In this episode, I reflect on a concept that's been showing up in a lot of places in my life and work lately: "What got you here won't get you there." It's a phrase I learned from Marshall Goldsmith, and it's one that keeps offering new layers of meaning the more I sit with it. I talk about how this idea plays out in leadership — especially the shift from being an individual contributor to stepping into management or executive roles. I use parenting as a metaphor (because let's be honest, parenting and leadership have a lot in common), and I even dive into a pop culture example that might surprise you: Liam Payne from One Direction — and how his career arc illustrates what happens when our playbook doesn't evolve with us. I also get personal about my own journey. I started my consulting business from a place of deep necessity — as a working mother trying to be more present for my daughters. But now that my girls are 18 and 20 and no longer at home, I'm finding myself in a new season. I'm reevaluating what work looks like for me now, and what I want to model going forward. I invite you to reflect alongside me: 🌀 What's no longer working for you? 🌀 What do you need to let go of — even if it brought you success in the past? 💡 What I Talk About in This Episode: The theory of "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" and why it matters How leadership changes the skill sets that matter Why parenting is a powerful metaphor for management What Liam Payne's career taught me about reinvention The evolution of hybrid/remote work and how mandates affect trust Why I'm reconsidering my focus — and what I might do next The impact of AI, demographic shifts, and generational change on work Why clarity often comes after you take the next step 🗣️ A Few Things I Said That Might Stick With You: "The goal of a parent is to raise adults. So if you've raised adults, you've achieved your goal." "You're not in control — but you are responsible. That's leadership. That's parenting. That's life." "Sometimes what made you successful also makes you stuck." "It's not that your past success isn't valuable — it's just not enough to carry you forward." 💬 Let's Keep the Conversation Going I'd love to hear your take. 🌿 What playbooks might be holding you back? 🌿 What do you think you'll need to drop or rethink to grow into your next chapter? Send me a message, tag me online, or email your thoughts. Let's connect. 🙏 Thanks for Listening If this episode spoke to you, please consider sharing it with someone else who's in a season of change. And if you're enjoying the podcast, I'd love it if you'd follow, rate, or leave a review — it helps more than you know.