People Business w/ O'Brien McMahon

Hosted by O'Brien McMahon

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

236

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Every business is in some way a “people business” with success or failure often coming down to how leaders manage the people dynamics of their organization. People Business is a weekly podcast focused on what it takes to build and lead a successful, profitable business by navigating the human element.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 2381 hr 5 min

Creating Hits w/ Mark Shekter

Mark Shekter is a master at creating hits. With a rich background as a Hollywood writer-producer-composer, having worked with Steve Martin, Jim Carrey, Elton John, and many others, Mark has pioneered an entirely new system of creative thinking – Think8. This same easy-to-learn system empowers business leaders to reshape their corporate cultures for unlimited innovation and growth.Mentioned on the ShowLearn more about Mark Shekter and his Think8 Global Initiative on his website: https://www.think8globalinstitute.com/Get Mark’s book, Think8: 8 Steps to Ignite Your Creative Genius in Business, Career, & Life on Amazon: https://a.co/d/09pvYnh8Tone experiment: Listen to Hurt, as performed by Nine Inch Nails (1994) vs. Hurt performed by Johnny Cash. Listen to Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears vs. Lorde. Timestamps(00:00:00) – Mark Shekter sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business, the podcast for HR professionals.(00:02:44) – What is Mark's definition of "creativity"? (00:05:34) – What's the value of creativity in the workplace (for skeptics)?(00:08:26) – How did the Think8 method come together and start falling into place?(00:12:28) – Walk us through the eight steps of the Think8 process at a high level(00:17:10) – Purpose: How to make this broad topic more accessible.(00:24:09) – How does Mark's own purpose tie together his varied career?(00:33:53) – Ego check: how do we balance wanting acknowledgement with capacity?(00:40:31) – How can purpose be turned into a message to share with the world?(00:47:14) – Tone: how to find the right tone when building a business or personal brand?(00:56:23) – Character: what role does character play when building a business or personal brand?

June 2, 2026Episode 23747 min

How Work Gets Done (and Evolving it for AI) w/ David Dean

David Dean is an author, speaker, and business AI realist who explores how artificial intelligence reshapes work, judgment, and accountability in organizations. Rather than focusing on AI capabilities, he examines the human elements that remain essential: how people navigate uncertainty, where accountability lies when AI assists decisions, and what holds organizations together when technology accelerates faster than clarity. His philosophy is grounded in a simple truth: AI doesn't understand confidence, risk, or consequence—people do, and that's why they still matter.Mentioned on the ShowLearn more about David Dean on his website: https://www.davidchristopherdean.com/Get David’s book, An Inbox Between Us on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0ins9UC9Learn some easy AI strategies for work from Jeff Su on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeffSu or on his website: https://www.jeffsu.org/ai/Timestamps(00:00:00) – Introducing David Dean.(00:02:35) — What is David's background and how did he get interested in the systems we find at work?(00:04:36) — What are the “hidden systems” operating in our workplaces?(00:09:42) — How does email influence our systems at work?(00:14:05) — What are some real-life examples of discovering how we work?(00:24:12) — What is system/process drift?(00:36:21) — What makes the biggest difference in driving adoption of new processes and ways of working?(00:43:04) — What is the premise of the book, The Inbox Between Us? (00:45:43) — Final thoughts about AI coming into our workplaces.

May 26, 2026Episode 23651 min

Say it Right w/ Mary Nestor

Mary J. Nestor is the author of three books, an award-winning speaker, coach and consultant. In this episode, we cover her Amazon #1 bestseller, Say It Now! Say It Right! How to Handle Tough or Tender Conversations. Mentioned on the ShowLearn more about Mary Nestor on her website: https://www.maryjnestor.com/Connect with Mary Nestor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryjnestor-writer-speaker-consultantGet Mary’s book, Say it Right! Say it Now! on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0156GOXJTimestamps(00:00:00) – Mary J. Nestor sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business, the podcast for HR professionals(00:02:05) – How did Mary Nestor come up with the "Say It Now" philosophy in the first place?(00:06:49) – What is a better way is for families to handle conversations they've been suppressing or stifling?(00:08:33) – How do we build courage in ourselves to have difficult conversations?(00:09:07) – Is "just have courage" the right approach, or is there's a better mindset/story we can tell ourselves to make difficult conversations feel less daunting?(00:09:23) – What framework helps people reset their thinking around difficult conversations?(00:11:46) – What is the "Say It Now" philosophy?(00:13:13) – What is the difference between being nice in the right way versus the wrong way?(00:14:57) – What’s a good way to enter a tough conversation: being direct or asking permission first?(00:18:31) – What’s a real-world example of redirecting feedback away from personal criticism and toward performance?(00:26:47) – What is the right approach is when dealing with someone who catastrophizes or takes any criticism as a personal attack?(00:31:02) – What if a difficult conversation does not resolve on the first try?(00:35:47) – What’s the right medium for difficult conversations: text, voice memos, video, or is live conversation is always better?(00:42:43) – When we say something wrong or hurtful, what does good repair looks like?(00:47:40) – What skills make a person always employable, according to Mary?

May 5, 2026Episode 23550 min

Handling Workplace Bullies w/ Jodee Blanco

Jodee Blanco is an expert on the human component of effective communication. She is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, including the seminal memoir Please Stop Laughing at Me… and the founder of INJJA (It's NOT Just Joking Around!), the first survivor-led anti-bullying program in the country. She consults for schools and corporations and has taught at The University of Chicago and New York University.Mentioned on the ShowLearn more about Jodee Blanco on her website: https://www.jodeeblanco.com/Connect with Jodee Blanco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodeeblancoGet Jodee’s book, Please Stop Laughing at Me (updated, 2022): https://a.co/d/0895F99HAlso mentioned on the show: The Anger Trap by Les Carter (https://a.co/d/04r3ox0r) and Loving What Is by Byron Katie (about “The Work,” Byron Katie’s technique: https://a.co/d/03msu0XT) Listen to Jennifer Fraser, PhD on the People Business Podcast talking about the gaslit brain: https://peoplebusinesspodcast.com/jenniferfraser/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/qpPYdAKmiCY?si=DylW7mNGnQn7M4gLTimestamps(00:00:00) – Jodee Blanco sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business(00:02:37) – What’s the backstory behind Please Stop Laughing at Me, Jodee's book about bullying?(00:05:44) – What form did Jodee’s bullying take: physical, mental, or otherwise? (00:10:49) – How can victims of bullying rebuild self-confidence?(00:15:16) – Where is the line between turning suffering into power versus tipping over into vengeance?(00:23:09) – Joking around: how to distinguish between joking and bullying.(00:33:11) – How to help people who are prone to negative reactions build grit, resilience, and hardiness.(00:40:22) – Truth: determining what is true about a circumstance and how truth relates to bullying.(00:48:53) – Jodee is available to talk to you, your school, or your business about bullying and communication.

April 21, 2026Episode 23459 min

Self-Funding w/ Spencer Smith

Spencer Smith is a Senior Vice President at Pareto Health, a leading employee benefit group captive manager that helps midsize employers reduce health insurance costs and volatility. He is also the host of Self-Funded with Spencer, a podcast focused on self-funded employee benefits plans and the complex healthcare ecosystem. Mentioned on the ShowLearn more about Self Funded with Spencer, the podcast hosted by Spencer Smith: https://www.selffundedwithspencer.com/Connect with Spencer Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-fundedSpencer Smith is with ParetoHealth: https://www.paretohealth.com/Both O’Brien and Spencer are fans of the work/videos of Eric Bricker, MD. Learn more: https://www.ahealthcarez.com/Timestamps(00:00:00) –O’Brien McMahon of People Business welcomes Spencer Smith of Self Funding with Spencer(00:03:12) – How did you get started hosting a podcast about self-funded medical plans? (00:05:42) – What’s the difference between a fully insured plan and a self-funded plan? (00:08:08) – What are the benefits of a self-funded plan, beyond cost savings?(00:09:20) – When do self-funding plans make sense, or when do fully insured plans still make sense? (00:13:54) – What is the dreaded insurance "death spiral"? (00:17:21) – How difficult is it for a company switching from fully insured to a self-funded model? (00:23:01) – What are the most common mistakes for companies that tried self-funding and had it go poorly? (00:29:38) – What do typical savings look like when moving from fully insured to self-funded, assuming the plan runs as expected? (00:32:28) – What is Pareto Health, and what is Spencer’s “day job”? (00:41:47) – What is a healthcare ecosystem, and what does it mean for employees’ healthcare consumer experience? (00:44:17) – Why does Spencer think pharmacy plans are a great place to start with exploring self-funding?(00:53:34) – What is care navigation? (00:54:55) – How important is communication when it comes to healthcare benefits?

April 7, 2026Episode 23351 min

Understanding Chance w/ Dr. Michael Orkin

Dr. Michael Orkin is a statistics professor at Berkeley City College and a consultant known for his work on probability and gambling games. He is the author of several books, including The Story of Chance - What's Luck Got To Do With It?.Mentioned on the ShowRead The Story of Chance: Beyond the Margin of Error, by Michael Orkin: https://a.co/d/0gFTe7ohConnect with Dr. Mike Orkin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr –mike –orkin –5600584O’Brien and Michael Orkin discuss several books including: Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb; The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb; Beat the Dealer by Edward Thorp; Number Go Up by Zeke Faux; The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel; The Talent WarTimestamps(00:00:00) – Michael Orkin, PhD joins O’Brien McMahon on People Business (00:01:55) – Why are we so uncomfortable with randomness?(00:02:38) – Where do we benefit from embracing randomness, and where should we fight for order?(00:12:54) – Why are we so bad at gauging probability?(00:15:30) – Should we stop talking in probabilities for complex things?(00:21:44) – How do we know if we are skilled or it’s just chance (or luck)?(00:22:36) – Does luck play a role in success?(00:35:12) – Understanding the normal distribution curve(00:37:22) – How can companies think about elevating the talent that they have?(00:42:17) – What are the best ways to get feedback from our workforce or team?(00:44:18) – What would be the best way to get insightful information from large groups?(00:46:23) – The Lollapalooza story(00:49:24) – Where to find the book The Story of Chance: Beyond the Margin of Error, by Michael Orkin

March 24, 2026Episode 23252 min

Dignity Bridges the Gap w/ Dr. Donna Hicks

Dr. Donna Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University and the former Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR). She facilitated dialogues in numerous unofficial diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Libya and Syria. She has taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard and Columbia Universities and conducts seminars in the US and abroad on dignity leadership training and on the role dignity plays in resolving conflict. She has two books on Dignity, including Dignity: It’s Essential Role in Resolving Conflict and Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People.Mentioned on the ShowRead Donna Hick’s book, Leading with Dignity: https://a.co/d/04lnHrUzDonna’s first book on dignity in conflict resolution: https://a.co/d/08CQSEgGLearn more about Donna Hicks, PhD: https://drdonnahicks.com/Donna and O’Brien discussed the Dignity Index, learn more here: https://www.dignity.us/Timestamps(00:00:00) – O'Brien McMahon welcomes dignity expert Donna Hicks, PhD to People Business(00:02:52) – Why is dignity such an important factor in negotiation and conflict resolution?(00:12:53) – Respect vs. Dignity: understanding and defining both concepts(00:15:12) – How does understanding self-dignity (our own sense of dignity) affect our ability to give dignity to others?(00:16:33) – How do we reconcile feelings of inadequacy and insecurity with the concept of “unleashing” our dignity?(00:28:30) – Dignity work in practice: how to approach mediation when both sides in a conflict feel their dignity has been violated(00:36:30) – How is someone's dignity and humanity honored while also accounting for bad behavior?(00:39:01) – Are humans wired for revenge? How do we balance our impulses with dignity?(00:48:57) – Closing thoughts on dignity from Donna Hicks, PhD

March 10, 2026Episode 23154 min

Modern Leadership w/ Aaron Levy

Aaron Levy is the Founder of Raise The Bar and Stride, two companies focused on helping companies create high- performing teams by building better leaders. He is the author of the bestselling book Open, Honest, & Direct, the host of Raising The Bar on Leadership Podcast, a Thrive Global contributor, an ICF Certified Coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Over the last decade, Aaron has worked with 10,000 business leaders in various industries, inspiring them to define their goals, create tactical action plans, and achieve sustained success.Mentioned on the ShowLearn more about Aaron Levy on the Raise the Bar website: https://www.raisebar.co/team/aaron-levy-founderRead Aaron’s book Open, Honest, and Direct: https://a.co/d/081LR77OConnect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aelevyO’Brien discussed the book Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin: https://a.co/d/0iN1Z70xTimestamps(00:00:00) – Aaron Levy returns to People Business with O'Brien McMahon(00:02:42) – What is Raise the Bar and how do you help develop leadership skills in teams?(00:03:09) Have leadership lessons have evolved since the pandemic or if they remain the same?(00:04:28) How has the hybrid work world changed how we need to lead people and what skill sets have become important?(00:08:14) What opportunities exist now, post-pandemic, that didn't before?(00:14:19) What key fundamental skills are foundational for leadership development?(00:20:53) How is psychological safety created in the workplace? (00:21:44) How can someone receive feedback constructively, “like a scientist”? (00:23:51) What factors allow people to receive difficult feedback in a positive way?(00:32:09) How can difficult, tough conversations be made in a way that helps?(00:42:35) Millennials, Gen Z, are generational differences real or just examples of human nature across life stages?(00:48:11) Is there anything about how Aaron leads Raise the Bar that surprises clients?

February 24, 2026Episode 2301 hr 1 min

Combat Gaslighting w/ Jennifer Fraser

Dr. Jennifer Fraser is the author of The Bullied Brain and The Gaslit Brain. It is her mission to educate people on how to recognize and name these behaviors and stay safe when they show up. Mentioned on the ShowDr. Jennifer Fraser’s website: https://bulliedbrain.com/Read The Gaslit Brain: https://a.co/d/0fupTc7KGet Dr. Fraser’s book The Bullied Brain: https://a.co/d/09JvZBgoJennifer Fraser, PhD is a regular contributor to Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/jennifer-fraser-phdLearn more about BrainHQ training: https://www.brainhq.com/Timestamps(00:00:00) - Jennifer Fraser, PhD joins People Business with O'Brien McMahon(00:02:24) - Workplace dynamics: Personal agendas vs. Organizational agendas(00:06:09) - Denial: why do we think “this could never happen”?(00:11:48) - What does gaslighting look like and what is manipulative communication?(00:17:46) - What is happening in our brains when we are being gaslit?(00:23:25) - What is healthy self-esteem and status and what is unhealthy ego?(00:25:55) - Is “true” psychopathy a spectrum?(00:29:40) - DARVO: Denial; attack; reverse; victim; offender(00:35:30) - When is appropriate to terminate and when should a second chance be offered?(00:37:46) - How can workplace gaslighting be recognized earlier?(00:48:08) - What happens in the brain after gaslighting and bullying?(00:53:20) - How we should think about high status people in positions of power?(01:00:38) - Final thoughts from Jennifer Fraser, PhD

February 10, 2026Episode 22945 min

Slaying Emotional Vampires w/ Daniel Ratner

Daniel Ratner is a relationship coach, speaker, and author helping people build healthier connections by recognizing draining patterns and setting stronger boundaries. He is the author of three books, including Emotional Vampires, teaching readers how to protect their happiness from toxic people. Mentioned on the ShowCoach Dan Ratner’s website: https://coachratner.com/Connect with Coach Ratner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-ratner-45b4678a/Check out Coach Ratner’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoachratnerpodcastCoach Ratner on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoachratnerpodcastTimestamps(00:00:00) Coach Daniel Ratner sits down with O'Brien McMahon of People Business(00:03:43) What is an "emotional vampire"?(00:07:22) What are some of the red flags for narcissists?(00:08:53) How do we set the right boundaries with manipulative people in the workplace?(00:11:21) How do we protect ourselves against narcissists who love bomb people?(00:12:51) Wisdom about assessing if someone treats people well (or poorly)(00:19:50) Drama Queens and people who play the victim card(00:21:20) Is there a good way to snap people out of the victim mindset?(00:23:43) How do we find that balance between helping people change and knowing when to move on?(00:25:17) How do we build self-esteem in ourselves so it's easier to look at painful truths?(00:28:42) What kinds of activities help people build esteem outside of relationships and work?(00:36:25) What are things introverts can do to still bring positive energy into meetings?(00:41:50) Anything we didn't hit that would be important or any final message?