What's Your Work Fit?

On What’s Your Work Fit?, Dan Smolen, Mark Gilbreath, and Fran Saele are joined by workplace strategists and authors Sara Escobar and Corinne Murray to unpack their influential book, WORK Then PLACE: Navigating Modern Work & Where It Happens. At a time when organizations are wrestling with return-to-office mandates, AI disruption, and shifting employee expectations, this conversation challenges a deeply ingrained assumption: Should we design the workplace first—or the work itself? Sara and Corinne argue convincingly that work must come first—and that everything else, including place, should follow. Key Themes & Insights 1. Work Then Place—Not the Other Way Around Many organizations still default to designing offices first and forcing work into them. The authors advocate for a flipped model: Define the what and why of work Understand how work actually happens Then design places (physical, digital, experiential) to support it “If you build it, they will come” no longer applies in modern work. 2. The “Place-First” Trap and Return-to-Office (RTO) Tension Companies are reverting to rigid office mandates driven largely by fear: Financial pressure Leadership uncertainty AI anxiety This has created a “we built it, now you must come” dynamic. The hosts and guests explore whether this is a temporary pendulum swing or a lasting shift. 3. AI as the Next Great Disruptor of Work Unlike the pandemic (which changed where work happened), AI is transforming what work is. Key implications: Compression of tasks → increased cognitive load Potential rise in burnout despite “efficiency gains” Redefinition of roles toward strategy, storytelling, and human connection AI may not eliminate work—but it will reshape it profoundly. 4. Human Skills Become the Differentiator As automation expands, uniquely human capabilities gain value: Socialization and connection Cross-functional storytelling Nonlinear thinking Rather than diminishing, human interaction may become more critical in AI-enabled workplaces. 5. Behavior Change Is the Hardest Challenge Organizations struggle not from lack of knowledge—but from resistance to change. Leaders often default to familiar models that made them successful. The book provides a repeatable framework to guide better decision-making at scale. 6. Employee Experience = Operational Advantage Workplace experience has long been dismissed as “nice to have” or “cultural confetti.” Escobar and Murray reframe it as: A core operational driver Directly tied to productivity, engagement, and business outcomes Better work design = better organizational performance. The Big Idea We’ve never truly designed work—only where it happens.This episode challenges leaders to rethink everything: Work is not a place Work is a system And it must be designed intentionally Memorable Moments “Place is the low-hanging fruit—but not the starting point.” “Return-to-office is being driven by fear—not necessarily what works best.” “AI isn’t just changing work—it’s compressing it.” “Socialization may be our greatest human superpower in an AI-driven world.” Who Should Listen Business leaders navigating hybrid and return-to-office strategies HR and workplace experience professionals Anyone concerned about AI’s impact on jobs and teams Professionals seeking better alignment between work, life, and purpose Learn More Follow What’s Your Work Fit? on LinkedIn and YouTube Explore the What’s Your Work Fit? Substack for deeper insights and episode extensions Follow our guests Sara Escobar and Corinne Murray Follow our Executive Producer and Host Dan Smolen Follow our Co-Hosts LiquidSpace CEO Mark Gilbreath and MorteVita Managing Principal Fran Saele Pick up a copy of WORK Then PLACE: Navigating Modern Work & Where It Happens. Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, share it with five colleagues or friends who are rethinking their own work fit.

What do you do after a layoff—and how do you come back stronger? On What’s Your Work Fit?, host Dan Smolen welcomes Kareem Rogers, HR business partner, corporate recruiter, and founder of The Fit Recruiter LLC, for a practical and motivating conversation about career reinvention, job search strategy, networking, personal branding, and standing out in a crowded hiring market. Kareem shares what job seekers should focus on first after losing a job: mental health, healing, and clarity. From there, he outlines how candidates can rebuild with purpose by sharpening their brand, growing their network, upskilling—especially around AI and in-demand capabilities—and learning how to present proof of value in interviews. Dan and Kareem also explore the importance of team experience, curiosity, adaptability, military service, athletics, and transferable skills in shaping a resilient career path. The episode closes with a powerful reflection on what it means to help people find meaningful work that improves lives. If you are navigating a layoff, considering a career pivot, or trying to future-proof your career in a changing workplace, this episode is packed with actionable insight. In This Episode: How to reinvent yourself after a layoff Why mental health matters before job search strategy How recruiters evaluate candidates quickly The importance of personal branding in a competitive market Why networking and relationships still matter How to use examples and proof of work in interviews Why curiosity and adaptability drive long-term career success How sports, teams, and military experience build transferable skills What makes a candidate memorable to recruiters and hiring managers Kareem Rogers’ definition of true work fit Key Takeaways Being laid off is not just a professional event—it is an emotional one. Kareem emphasizes that recovery begins with healing, not hustling. Reinvention requires differentiation. Candidates need to know what they are known for, what value they bring, and how to demonstrate it clearly. Networking is not optional. Strong relationships can open doors, create introductions, and help candidates get seen. Upskilling matters more than ever. With AI reshaping the market, job seekers need to stay current and show evidence of growth. Recruiters respond to clarity, relevance, and connection. Great candidates do not just say they are valuable—they show it. Notable Moments [05:34] Dan asks the lead question: how do I reinvent myself after a layoff?[06:44] Kareem says healing and mental health must come before reinvention[08:00] Why personal branding and positioning matter in today’s job market[09:06] Kareem explains the real power of networking and connections[12:21] Why upskilling—especially around AI—can strengthen a job search[13:44] The value of bringing examples and proof of work into interviews[17:24] Why candidates must show value, not just claim they are hard workers[19:25] Dan and Kareem discuss sports, teamwork, and transferable career skills[27:27] Why military veterans often bring mission focus and discipline to work[31:17] Curiosity as a signal of long-term value and adaptability[34:37] Resume advice: match your application to what the job actually asks for[37:24] Why building rapport with interviewers can change outcomes[39:58] Dan shares a story about his daughter landing a nursing role through a powerful interview answer[47:42] Kareem answers the show’s signature question: What’s your work fit? About Our Guest Kareem Rogers is an HR business partner, corporate recruiter, and career coach. In his full-time role, he recruits nurses and technicians for a hospital system. Through his business, The Fit Recruiter LLC, he helps job seekers build stronger careers, increase earning potential, and position themselves more effectively in the job market. Kareem is also active on LinkedIn, where he shares career advice, motivation, and recruiting insights. Kareem lives and works in Chicago, Illinois. Why Listen to This Episode? This episode is for anyone who wants to: recover from a layoff with confidence improve job search results understand what recruiters really look for learn how to position themselves in a changing job market build a career that aligns with purpose, strengths, and long-term work fit This episode first aired on March 13, 2026 on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. Watch it HERE. EPISODE DATE: March 20, 2026 Social media: LinkedIn Website Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcasts – Android – Google Podcasts – Spotify

On What’s Your Work Fit? we pose this question: How Can Community Support the Modern Workplace? Answering that question and others is our guest, Nirit Cohen. Nirit is a future of work strategist, Forbes contributor, international keynote speaker, bestselling author, Intel veteran, and host of The Future of Less Work Podcast. She is also a member of The Future of Work Alliance. Joining in on the discussion are What’s Your Work Fit? Executive Producer and Host Dan Smolen and Co-Hosts: LiquidSpace CEO Mark Gilbreath and MorteVita Managing Principal Fran Saele. We also discover Nirit’s answer to the question, “What’s Your Work Fit?” Her answer will resonate with many listeners. This conversation originated as a live show on December 10, 2025. You can watch it on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. About our guest: Nirit Cohen is a future of work strategist and host of The Future of Less Work Podcast. EPISODE DATE: December 19, 2025 Social media: LinkedIn The Future of Less Work Podcast Substack Forbes Column Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcasts – Android – Google Podcasts – Spotify

On What’s Your Work Fit? we pose this question: How Can Network Mapping Supercharge a Workplace? Answering that question and others is our guest, Andreas Hoffbauer PhD. As Founder and Director of Atelier Kultur, Andreas helps workforces make faster and more effective decisions through intentional connections at scale. Joining in on the discussion are What’s Your Work Fit? Executive Producer and Host Dan Smolen and Co-Host and MorteVita Managing Principal Fran Saele. We also discover Andreas’ answer to the question, “What’s Your Work Fit?” His answer will resonate with many listeners. This conversation originated as a live show on November 19, 2025. You can watch it on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. About our guest: Andreas Hoffbauer PhD is the Founder and Director of Atelier Kultur; he helps workforces make faster and more effective decisions through intentional connections at scale. Andreas lives and works in New York City. EPISODE DATE: December 5, 2025 Social media: LinkedIn Website Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcasts – Android – Google Podcasts – Spotify

On What’s Your Work Fit? we pose this question: Why Are We Still Talking About RTO Mandates? Answering that question and others is our returning guest, Nick Bloom. Nick is a Professor of Economics at Stanford University. And as the co-founder of WFH Research he is world recognized for insight on remote and flexible work. We also revisit Nick’s earlier answer to the question, “What’s Your Work Fit?” His answer will resonate with many listeners. Joining in on the discussion are What’s Your Work Fit? Executive Producer and Host Dan Smolen and Co-Hosts Mark Gilbreath from LiquidSpace and Fran Saele from MorteVita. This conversation originated as a live show on November 5, 2025. You can watch it on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. About our guest: Nick Bloom is a Stanford University Professor of Economics and a world recognized expert on remote and hybrid work. He lives and works in Palo Alto, California. EPISODE DATE: November 14, 2025 Social media: LinkedIn Faculty Profile Website Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcasts – Android – Google Podcasts – Spotify

On What’s Your Work Fit? we pose this question: How Does Startup Culture Inform the Modern Workplace? Answering that question and others is our guest, Ginger Dhaliwal. As an Angel Investor, Ginger actively supports early-stage startups, especially those led by women and focused on AI, the future of work, and global impact. We also discover Ginger’s answer to the question, “What’s Your Work Fit?” Her answer will resonate with many listeners. Joining the conversation on this What’s Your Work Fit? episode are Host and Executive Producer Dan Smolen and our co-hosts CEO of LiquidSpace Mark Gilbreath and MorteVita Managing Principal Fran Saele. This conversation originated as a live show on October 22, 2025. You can watch it on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. About our guest: Ginger Dhaliwhal is a the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Upflex, a platform that reshapes workplace access for distributed teams. And she is a Partner at SERO Partners, a New York-based advisory and investment firm that helps growth-stage companies to expand and access capital through a trusted network of VCs, family offices, and operators. Ginger lives and works in New York City. EPISODE DATE: October 31, 2025 Social media: LinkedIn Upflex Website SERO Partners Website Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcasts – Android – Google Podcasts – Spotify

On What’s Your Work Fit? we posed this question: How Can Workplace Insight Drive Worker Well Being? Answering that question and others is our returning guest, Serena Huang, PhD. Serena is the principal of Data With Serena, LLC. She is an internationally recognized and respected AI keynote speaker, Fortune 100 consultant and corporate trainer, Chief Data Officer, and author of the new book The Inclusion Equation: Leveraging Data & AI for Organizational Diversity & Wellbeing. We also revisit Serena’s answer from an earlier episode to the question, “What’s Your Work Fit?” Her answer and follow-up will resonate with many listeners. This conversation originated as a live show on October 8, 2025. You can watch it on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. About our guest: Serena Huang, PhD is an internationally recognized and respected AI keynote speaker, Fortune 100 consultant and corporate trainer, Chief Data Officer, and author of the new book The Inclusion Equation: Leveraging Data & AI for Organizational Diversity & Wellbeing. She lives outside of Chicago, Illinois. EPISODE DATE: October 17, 2025 Social media: LinkedIn Website Book Data With Serena on YouTube Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcasts – Android – Google Podcasts – Spotify

On What’s Your Work Fit we posed this question: How Do I Support a Workplace Happiness Ethic? Answering that question and others is our guest, Holland Haiis. She is a globally recognized and respected leadership developer, keynote speaker, author, and workplace strategist who helps organizations, family offices, and healthcare providers to support the future of work with human-centered solutions. We also discover Holland’s answer to the question, “What’s Your Work Fit?” Her answer will resonate with many listeners. This conversation originated as a live show on September 24, 2025. You can watch it on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. About our guest: Holland Haiis started her professional life as a working actor on TV and on the Broadway stage. But she pivoted to leadership training, keynote speaking, writing and workplace strategy development. She lives and works in New York City. EPISODE DATE: October 3, 2025 Social media: LinkedIn Website Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcasts – Android – Google Podcasts – Spotify

On What’s Your Work Fit we posed this question: Do I Need Permission for Career Success? Answering that question and others is our guest, Jillian Reilly. Jillian has been an Executive Coach helping executives and companies to navigate disruptive and profound change and an aid worker on the frontlines of HIV/AIDS. She is also an author of two books including her latest, The 10 Permissions: Redefining Rules of Adulting in the 21st Century. We also discover Jillian’s answer to the question, “What’s Your Work Fit?” Her answer will resonate with many listeners. This conversation originated as a live show on September 10, 2025. You can watch it on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. About our guest: Jillian Reilly is the author of The 10 Permissions: Redefining Rules of Adulting in the 21st Century. She lives and works in Cape Town, South Africa. EPISODE DATE: September 19, 2025 Social media: LinkedIn Website Book Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Pandora

On What’s Your Work Fit we posed this question: How Do I Establish a Neuroinclusive Workplace? Answering that question and others is our guest, Kelly Colón. As the founder of Eledex Consulting & Coaching, Kelly empowers neurodivergent individuals to thrive while helping organizations to foster authentic inclusion. She is also an adjunct professor at Endicott College‘s Gerrish School of Business. Joining the live show are executive producer and host Dan Smolen and our co-host MorteVita Managing Principal Fran Saele. We also gain Kelly’s answer to the question, “What’s Your Work Fit?” Her answer will resonate with many. This conversation originated as a live show on May 21, 2025. You can watch it on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. About our guest: Kelly Colón is the founder of Eledex Consulting & Coaching, She empowers neurodivergent individuals to thrive while helping organizations to foster authentic inclusion. She is also an adjunct professor at Endicott College‘s Gerrish School of Business. Kelly lives and works in Suburban Boston, Massachusetts. EPISODE DATE: May 30, 2025 Social media: LinkedIn Website Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Pandora

On What’s Your Work Fit we posed this question: What’s Happening to Office Leases in 2025? Answering that question and others is our returning guest, Phil Mobley. Phil is the National Director for Office Analytics at CoStar Group, the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces. Joining the conversation on the What’s Your Work Fit in the Workplace? Series are our co-hosts: LiquidSpace founder and CEO Mark Gilbreath and MorteVita Managing Principal Fran Saele. When we understand the changes taking place in the leasing of office space, we can create better places for intentional workplace engagement. And when that happens our best days lie ahead. This conversation originated as a live show on May 7, 2025. You can watch it on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. About our guest: Phil Mobley is the National Director for Office Analytics at CoStar Group, the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces. He lives and works in Suburban Boston, Massachusetts. EPISODE DATE: May 16, 2025 Social media: LinkedIn What’s Happening to Office Leases in 2025? – Slide Show Website Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Pandora

On What’s Your Work Fit we posed this question: Can Advocacy Shape the Future of Work? Answering that question and others is our returning guest, Denise Brouder. She is the Founder of The Future of Work Alliance, a global collective of entrepreneurs, practitioners, researchers, and writers who are shaping modern work. With the norms of work and workplace shifting dramatically, due to the distribution workplaces, team ideation, the advent of Agentic AI, and other factors, we will ask Denise: Can Advocacy Shape the Future of Work? During this information packed episode, we also asked Denise to revisit her previously stated answers to the question “what’s your work fit?’ Her personal vision surely will resonate with many career professionals. This conversation originated as a live show on April 16, 2025. You can watch it on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. About our guest: Denise Brouder is the Founder of The Future of Work Alliance, a global collective of entrepreneurs, practitioners, researchers, and writers who are shaping modern work. Her professional career, which started in finance on Wall Street, pivoted to making work and workplace experiences better for everyone. Denise lives and works in the Northern New Jersey suburbs of New York City. EPISODE DATE: April 25, 2025 Social media: LinkedIn Website Please Subscribe to What’s Your Work Fit on: – Apple Podcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Pandora