Advertise on podcast: Getting To Work

Linda Burt, Vice President of Quality and Community Services at St. Margaret's Health in Spring Valley, IL and co-chair for NCI Works, joins the program to discuss the changes in the healthcare profession that she has seen in her over 40 years of experience. She also reveals the career opportunities and pathways that exist within the healthcare field.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Tara Deliberto for an important conversation about mental health in the workplace, the growing demand for accessible care, and the emerging role of AI in supporting emotional wellness. Dr. Deliberto explores the stigma that still surrounds mental health, the challenges employees face when trying to access treatment, and why employers have an increasing responsibility to prioritize mental wellness. The discussion also dives into how innovative tools like Una Health could help close gaps in care by providing scalable, evidence-based support, while also examining the legal and ethical questions surrounding AI-powered mental health services.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Brian Hite for a powerful conversation about stress, resilience, and performing under pressure. Drawing from his experience as a psychologist, performance coach, and Hollywood stuntman, Dr. Hite challenges the idea of "stressful situations" and explores how our perception of threat and our belief in our available resources shape the way we respond to uncertainty. Listeners will discover practical strategies for navigating pressure, building resilience, and turning stress into excitement, along with insights on confidence, mindset, and staying grounded in the present moment.

In this episode, you'll take a clear, practical look at how artificial intelligence is already showing up in your workplace—and what it actually means for you as a leader, manager, or professional. You'll explore where AI can help you work more efficiently, where it can unintentionally disrupt teams and workflows, and why the most effective approach is using it to support people rather than replace them. Along the way, you'll learn how to get started without feeling overwhelmed, what common mistakes to avoid, and how transparency, ethics, and the human touch play a critical role in successful AI adoption. This conversation offers a grounded, real-world perspective to help you navigate AI with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

In this episode, listeners will explore what workplace culture really means beyond the buzzwords—and why belonging has become essential to employee engagement, retention, and performance. The conversation unpacks how leadership behaviors, communication, transparency, and psychological safety shape job satisfaction and trust, while also examining how accountability and flexibility can coexist. You'll learn practical ways organizations can assess their culture, invite meaningful employee feedback, and adapt to the expectations of a changing, multi-generational workforce. Whether you manage a small team or lead a large organization, this episode offers actionable insights for building healthier, more productive workplaces where people feel valued and motivated to stay and grow.

In this episode, Jonathan Overall from KRA Corporation joins the conversation to explore what it really takes to build and sustain a strong workplace culture. He shares his journey from the front lines of workforce development to leading communications for a national organization, highlighting how listening, investing in people, and living core values can shape engagement, retention, and productivity. Discover practical insights on fostering professional growth, creating harmony between work and life, and amplifying impact through authentic culture.

What do stunt work and organizational leadership have in common? In this conversation, Dr. Brian Hite- stuntman, and performance expert-returns to the program to share why "forced fun" team activities often backfire and what leaders can do instead to build genuine connection. Drawing on his unique career path and insights from psychology, he explains how to foster motivation, trust, and psychological safety, and why respecting people's time and differences matters more than any morale event. Listeners will discover practical ways to create stronger, more cohesive teams without the awkward icebreakers or mandatory bonding games.

In this episode, we welcome Lisa Grund, Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services, for a powerful conversation on advocating for your future self. Lisa shares her journey from high-profile corporate roles at companies like Disney and Microsoft to her current work in workforce development, and how that transition deepened her commitment to helping others navigate career uncertainty. She unpacks practical strategies for building your circle of influence, cultivating authentic professional relationships, and staying proactive in the face of change. Whether you're navigating a career shift or simply want to be more intentional about your path, this episode offers actionable insight and inspiration.

In this enlightening episode of "Getting to Work," host John Spencer welcomes back three-time guest Dr. Brian Hite, a certified mental performance consultant with a fascinating background as a stuntman turned PhD. Brian challenges conventional wisdom about performing under pressure, arguing that pressure exists not in situations but in our minds—specifically when we focus on consequences rather than present actions. Through compelling personal stories from his stunt work, Brian reveals how identical high-stakes scenarios can feel drastically different depending on where we direct our attention. Whether you're facing workplace challenges, personal obstacles, or simply want to perform better in your daily life, this conversation provides actionable strategies to eliminate pressure and create conditions for peak performance.

In this episode, discover how small businesses can compete with larger companies by offering impressive benefits packages without breaking the bank. Our guest expert reveals innovative strategies for providing comprehensive employee benefits - from health insurance and 401(k) plans to mental health support and professional development opportunities. Learn about the power of pooled resources, professional employer organizations (PEOs), and modern HR solutions that make premium benefits accessible to businesses of all sizes. Whether you're struggling to attract top talent or looking to retain your valuable team members, this episode provides practical insights into creating an attractive benefits package that rivals what the big companies offer, all while working within your budget constraints.

Ready for a fresh take on workplace culture? Join host John Spencer as he sits down with Erika Montgomery, CEO and President of Three Girls Media, Inc., for an enlightening conversation about transforming traditional work environments. From her fascinating journey as a San Francisco morning show host to becoming an award-winning CEO, Erika shares practical insights on creating a thriving virtual workplace. Learn how she implements flexible schedules, builds team connectivity through virtual celebrations, and maintains productivity while prioritizing work-life balance.

In this eye-opening episode of Getting to Work, we delve into the complex realities behind the seemingly simple advice to "just get a job." We explore the numerous barriers to employment that often go unseen, including transportation challenges in rural areas, the high cost and limited availability of childcare, hidden disabilities like anxiety and depression, and the struggle to earn a living wage. The discussion aims to dispel common myths and biases about unemployment, shedding light on the multifaceted issues that job seekers face. By examining these obstacles from various perspectives, including those of employers and workforce development professionals, the episode encourages listeners to approach the topic of employment with greater empathy, understanding, and curiosity about the underlying factors that impact an individual's ability to secure and maintain work.

In this episode, you'll hear from Ross Szabo, Wellness Director at Geffen Academy at UCLA and author of books on anxiety and mental health. Ross shares his powerful personal story of struggling with mental health issues from a young age, including bipolar disorder, depression, and substance abuse. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own mental health journey and family history, developing coping mechanisms and communication skills, and fostering healthy relationships. Discover the challenges businesses face in supporting employee mental health and the need for clear definitions, proactive measures, and accessible resources such as online therapy.

In this episode, we explore the landscape of rural healthcare and the challenges and opportunities faced by healthcare providers and communities in non-urban areas. We engage in a discussion with two healthcare leaders who share their perspectives on the current state of rural healthcare, the impact of technology, and the importance of collaboration and innovation in ensuring access to quality care. Tune in to hear about the ecosystem behind healthcare delivery and discover how professionals are working to adapt to the changing needs of rural populations while striving to keep communities healthy.

This episode features an interview with Tory Davis and Jane Verplaetse from the Illinois Department of Employment Security as they discuss the WorkShare program. They explain how the program allows employers to reduce employee hours by 20-60% while retaining staff and providing partial unemployment benefits, enabling businesses to navigate economic downturns without laying off their skilled workforce. They also outline the program benefits, eligibility, and the enrollment process.