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Everyone's talking about AI replacing jobs, but what's actually happening out there for real people in real workplaces? In this episode, I'm chatting with career coach Nikki Smith, who works with people at career crossroads every single day. And here's the thing - the conversation went in directions I totally wasn't expecting!  We dive into why burnout is still lingering post-COVID, how portfolio careers are becoming the new normal, and why your "people strengths" might actually be your superpower in an AI-dominated world. Plus, Nikki shares the absolute game-changer approach she's teaching her teenage daughters about work that none of us learnt at school! If you're feeling exhausted at the thought of learning yet another new technology, frustrated with return-to-office mandates, or secretly wondering if it's time to explore something completely different - this conversation is for you. It's practical, hopeful, and refreshingly honest about the messiness of modern work life. What You'll Learn: Why people are still running on a deficit from COVID (hint: it's not just in your head!)The portfolio career revolution - and why Nikki's coaching almost everyone towards this nowHow to make AI work for you instead of replacing you (spoiler: start with the tasks you hate!)Why "outcomes over hours" might be the key to reclaiming your lifeThe human strengths that AI can't touch (empathy, connection, creativity - your time to shine!)Strategic effort: teaching our kids (and ourselves) that we don't need to excel at everythingHow to find the good in a "bridge role" when your industry gets disruptedResources Mentioned: I’ve recommend Nikki to loads of friends, and family and members in my programs over the years. She’s brilliant at what she does. And I love that she’s doubling down on helping people uncover their strengths and design a role or portfolio career that works for them.  This is her FREE portfolio career masterclass   And a link to have a FREE 15 minute chat with Nikki to explore what is possible for you. If you want the strengths code for $44 that she mentioned on our chat, just email [email protected] Connect With Lisa: Website: https://lisacorduff.com/ Instagram: @lisacorduff Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

This is a reading of my Substack Series exploring why I felt I lost my voice the past few years. The feedback I received from these posts spurred me into action to create a new program called Back to You in Midlife and is for any woman who has lost a part of herself through this stage and wants to take a moment and reconnect with herself and what matters to her now and create more of what she wants (amongst the chaos!). We start November 10 - join here Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

This is a reading of my Substack Series exploring why I felt I lost my voice the past few years. The feedback I received from these posts spurred me into action to create a new program called Back to You in Midlife and is for any woman who has lost a part of herself through this stage and wants to take a moment and reconnect with herself and what matters to her now and create more of what she wants (amongst the chaos!). We start November 10 - join here Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

This is a reading of my Substack Series exploring why I felt I lost my voice the past few years. The feedback I received from these posts spurred me into action to create a new program called Back to You in Midlife and is for any woman who has lost a part of herself through this stage and wants to take a moment and reconnect with herself and what matters to her now and create more of what she wants (amongst the chaos!). We start November 10 - join here Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

This is a reading of my Substack Series exploring why I felt I lost my voice the past few years. The feedback I received from these posts spurred me into action to create a new program called Back to You in Midlife and is for any woman who has lost a part of herself through this stage and wants to take a moment and reconnect with herself and what matters to her now and create more of what she wants (amongst the chaos!). We start November 10 - join here Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

This is a reading of my Substack Series exploring why I felt I lost my voice the past few years. The feedback I received from these posts spurred me into action to create a new program called Back to You in Midlife and is for any woman who has lost a part of herself through this stage and wants to take a moment and reconnect with herself and what matters to her now and create more of what she wants (amongst the chaos!). We start November 10 - join here Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

How do you engage with big issues like AI and climate change when you're just trying to keep everyone fed and functional? In this conversation with philosopher Dr. Simon Longstaff, Executive Director of The Ethics Centre, I got answers that actually helped. Simon makes ethics accessible and practical. He gave me permission to let go of trying to be ethically perfect (spoiler: it's impossible) and reminded me that small gestures - falling "just a little bit on the right side" over and over - can shift the world on its axis. We talked about navigating "right vs right" dilemmas, what makes us distinctively human that AI can't replace, what skills our kids actually need, and why breaking patterns of "unthinking custom and practice" matters more than we realise. You're going to love this conversation. Key Quotes: "The real threat to us engaging in the world is not that we are powerless, but rather that we believe ourselves to be." "Ethical perfection is not possible. Therefore you are liberated in some sense from thinking that that's what's required of you." "Your heroism doesn't need to amount to the lofty gesture, but it can be in that area of just falling on the right side." "Demand and offer the best reasons. Never accept things simply because everyone's doing it or it's always been done that way." Resources Mentioned: The Ethics CentreFestival of Dangerous Ideas  Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

You know that feeling when you're scrolling through social media and everything starts to look... the same? AI-generated captions, templated posts, marketing formulas that feel about as authentic as a plastic rose? Yeah, me too. And it's exactly why I'm on my soapbox today about something I'm ridiculously passionate about: the absolute game-changing power of storytelling. In this Lisa Bytes episode, I'm sharing why story isn't just nice-to-have content filler - it's the secret weapon that cuts through all the noise, especially in this age of AI everything. Plus, I'm getting real about my own journey from trying to outsource my voice (spoiler: epic fail) to discovering that being authentically me is actually what people want to hear. What You'll Learn: Why AI content is making everyone sound like robots - and how real stories are your antidoteThe moment I realised my audience could smell outsourced content from a mile awayHow I found the golden thread for this entire podcast season (thanks, Nick!)Why "What's the Story?" became one of my most successful programsThe contrarian marketing approach that's about to change everythingHow storytelling works in literally every area of life (yes, even parenting!)Resources Mentioned: "What's the Story?" program "Grief Notes" - 30 days of audio supportRyan Levesque's newsletter on contrarian marketingConnect With Lisa: Join the storytelling waitlist: https://lisacorduff.com/whatsthestory/Instagram: @lisacorduffWebsite: www.lisacorduff.comContinue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

Sometimes the most important conversations happen in the most unexpected places. In this episode, I'm sharing insights from a recent Ethics Center membership gathering that left me thinking about the massive shifts happening right under our noses - and why it's so important to be having conversations about them now.  From the collapse of trust in our post-reality world to the looming job disruption that's closer than we think, this episode dives into the uncomfortable truths about where we're heading. But don't worry - I'm not going full doomsday on you! This is about keeping our eyes wide open while still choosing joy, connection, and intention in how we navigate what's coming. What You'll Learn (From My Geeky Ethics Center Adventures!): Why there's a direct link between trust in society and prosperity (and what happens when that trust breaks down)The difference between "post-truth" and "post-reality" - and why it matters more than you thinkHow to navigate a world where you can't trust what you see is real (hello, my questions about flood footage!)The crucial distinction between "work" and "jobs" - and why this will matter sooner than you thinkWhat history tells us about revolutions and disgruntled middle classes (spoiler: it's relevant right now)The CEO of Anthropic's prediction that half of entry-level jobs will disappear in 24 monthsConnect With Lisa: Join the conversation on Substack: https://lisacorduff.substack.com/Instagram: @lisacorduffWebsite: www.lisacorduff.comContinue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

What happens when the skill you've spent decades perfecting becomes obsolete overnight? In this refreshingly honest conversation, I sit down with my long-time mate Karly Nimmo - a voiceover agency owner who's watching her entire industry disappear thanks to AI. This isn't your typical "AI is scary" conversation. It's a real-world look at what's happening RIGHT NOW to creative professionals, and what it means for all of us as we navigate this unprecedented shift in how we work and live. What We Discuss: Why Karly's voiceover agency went from thriving to almost non-existent in just a few yearsHow AI is already infiltrating our lives in ways we don't even realise (spoiler: 60% of Instagram content isn't human-created)The generational divide: why Gen X faces unique challenges in this AI revolutionWhat happens when your ChatGPT becomes an echo chamber of your own thoughtsWhy the question: "Does it matter if it's real?" should be a major talking point right now.The psychological impact of AI-induced psychosis (yes, that's a real thing)How to maintain agency in a world where the rules change monthlyUncomfortable Truths We Explore: Your job might already be replaceable and you don't know it yetWe're consuming AI content daily without realising itThe skills that took decades to master can be replicated in secondsGovernment workers thinking they're "safe" might be in for a shockOur entire concept of authenticity is about to be stress-testedThe Bottom Line: This conversation isn't about whether AI is good or bad - it's about acknowledging that the train has left the station. The question isn't whether change is coming; it's whether you're going to participate in shaping what comes next or wake up one day wondering what happened. Resources Mentioned: Descript (AI editing software revolutionising audio/video production)Connect With Karly: Karly runs a voiceover agency (while it still exists!) and works as a podcast producer, bringing decades of technical expertise to the ever-changing world of audio content. Find her at Karlynimmo.com and @karlynimmo on Instagram  This conversation will make you think differently about the future of work - whether you're ready or not. Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

Sometimes the most important conversations are the ones we avoid having. In this deeply personal Lisa Bytes episode, I'm sharing something that's been weighing on my heart - the collective grief we're all moving through right now, and why learning to acknowledge and process it might be one of the most important skills we can develop for what's ahead. After living through Melbourne's world-record lockdowns and my own journey with grief after Nick's death, I've started to recognise that familiar ache when I think about climate disruption, AI's rapid advance, and how fundamentally our world is changing. We're experiencing loss in real time - and we need to talk about it. What You'll Learn: Why Melbourne's post-COVID experience taught me about collective griefHow personal grief gave me a lens for understanding what we're all feeling right nowWhy that unsettled feeling about AI and climate change might actually be grief in disguiseThe difference between crying and actually grieving (spoiler: they're not the same thing)How grief and joy can absolutely coexist - and why that changes everythingWhy acknowledging loss is the only way to build something beautiful from where we areResources Mentioned: "Harvest" - Lisa's story about finding beauty in grief (available for purchase)"Grief Notes" - Lisa's new audio program (now available)Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

Ever feel like the world is falling apart but you're still worried about what to make for dinner? There's actually a term for that, and it might just blow your mind. In this Lisa Bytes episode, I'm sharing a concept that helped me understand not just my own past behavior, but what feels like our entire collective experience right now. Spoiler alert: we're all doing it, and once you see it, you can't unsee it. What You'll Discover: The term "hyper-normalisation" and why it explains SO much about modern lifeHow I normalised dysfunction in my own marriage (and why we all do this)Why you can scroll from climate disaster news to celebrity gossip without your brain explodingWhat Soviet Russia can teach us about living with broken systemsThe weird disconnect between "everything is falling apart" and "let me plan next week's meals"Why that conversation with the finance dad at basketball left me feeling so disorientedConnect With Lisa: Join the conversation on Substack: https://lisacorduff.substack.com/Instagram: @lisacorduffWebsite: www.lisacorduff.comContinue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

When my son came home from school and told me the smartest kids in his class were discussing future careers had decided (smartly!) on being carpenters because "AI can't build houses yet," I knew we needed to talk about what this unique time means for our boys. So I sat down with Mikey Ellis - a friend whose work is crucially important - especially now. He curates men's circles and has a deep understanding and passion for working with our boys'. We dive into the big questions: Should we be worried? What do our boys actually need? And how do we raise them into their amazingness during one of the most uncertain times in human history? This is an insightful and enlightening conversation - it's about understanding the unique challenges our boys face and the incredible opportunities ahead of them. Because here's the thing: they're going to be building the new world, and we get to help shape what kind of men they become. What You'll Learn : Why we can't talk about boys without talking about men (and what that means for all of us)The emotional education our boys desperately need (that most of their dads never got)How to stay connected with your son as he goes through massive physical and emotional changesThe difference between healthy masculinity and the toxic stuff they see onlineWhy rites of passage matter more than ever right nowPractical ways to help boys understand their emotions and bodiesHow to have those awkward but crucial conversations about sex, respect, and relationshipsResources Mentioned: "The Will to Change" by Bell Hooks"Permission to Feel" by Mark BrackettThe Rights of Passage InstituteThe Man Cave and Tomorrow Man organisationsThe Fifth Direction communityTeaches Consent (online education)Connect With Mikey: His website and specifically the Wayfinders program On InstagramConnect With Lisa: Join the conversation on Substack: https://lisacorduff.substack.com/Instagram: @lisacorduffWebsite: www.lisacorduff.comContinue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

Recently I saw something that stopped me in my tracks. A super smart business owner friend shared her success with AI-generated professional photos - they looked incredible, saved her thousands of dollars, and solved a massive problem that so many of us face. Hundreds of people wanted to know how she did it. Of course! It's expensive, time-consuming and a big fat cringe-fest for many of us to get professional headshots taken. Problem = solved. BUT it also got me thinking about what happens when we remove all the uncomfortable growth moments from our lives. Sometimes the hard stuff is where the magic happens - even when it feels like absolute torture at the time. Key Moments: [00:19] Introduction to this new style of episode[02:31] Friend's AI photo success story and why it's a brilliant breakthrough for business owners[06:11] The question that's been bugging me about it.[08:05] My first professional photo shoot disaster (complete with puffy eyes and panic letter)[12:18] What we lose when we skip the uncomfortable growth moments[13:40] Why honest, awkward content often beats the polished stuff[15:34] My "keeping it real" mission and why authenticity matters[17:21] The campfire test.Connect With Lisa: Join the conversation on Substack: https://lisacorduff.substack.com/Instagram: @lisacorduffWebsite: www.lisacorduff.comContinue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)

This conversation completely reframed how I think about the future. Lynn Casey is a futurist who works with companies like Mattel, Meta, YouTube, and Target, and she just got back from Stanford where she heard something from Gen Z students that blew my mind. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all the change happening around us, I walked away from this chat genuinely excited about what's coming next. Lynn helped me see that while we're panicking about problems, there's an entire generation stepping up who aren't trying to fix what's broken - they're building something entirely new. Key Moments: [06:10] The Gen Z mindset shift that changed everything: "We're not here to solve prior generations' problems - this is our world to build"[25:22] Why young people are making queuing cool again and demanding real-life experiences[43:39] The two essential skills for navigating our future (spoiler: you probably already have them)[56:43] The surprising resurgence of human-made everything[1:01:35] Why 2025 is a "nine year" - and what that means for what's coming nextThis conversation genuinely shifted something in me. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all the change happening, I'm actually excited about what this next generation is going to create. Connect With Lynn: LinkedIn: Lynn CaseyCompany: Shine ScoutSpeaking: She travels globally working with major brands and keynoting eventsConnect With Lisa: Join the conversation on Substack: https://lisacorduff.substack.com/Instagram: @lisacorduffWebsite: www.lisacorduff.comThis conversation left me feeling genuinely hopeful about the future - I hope it does the same for you! Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)