Take It Online : HR Meets AI

How to Prompt AI

In the latest episode of Take It Online, AI expert Akhila Nagula unveils the critical art of AI prompting. She breaks down the complex world of AI interaction into a systematic framework, emphasizing that every professional needs foundational AI literacy. Nagula introduces a strategic approach to crafting prompts, comparing AI interaction to communicating with a sophisticated teenager: precise, intentional, contextual.
The episode deconstructs prompting into five key elements: defining the AI's role (as who), identifying the target audience (to whom), establishing contextual information (from what), determining the desired output (to what), and specifying the communication style (how to). This method transforms AI from an intimidating technology to an accessible, powerful assistant that can be tailored to specific professional needs across diverse industries.
Music by: Harvey Waldman
Tip: You can listen to the podcast at 1.25X to better grasp the content faster.

Trust in the Workplace

In this episode of "Take It Online," host Britain Wells explores the critical role of trust in workplace dynamics. The discussion delves into the nature of trust, defining it as a combination of integrity, reliability, and predictability. The speakers emphasize that trust is essential for employee engagement, retention, and overall business success. They highlight that trust can be easily broken and difficult to rebuild, making it a fragile yet crucial element of workplace relationships.
The conversation outlines several key factors for building and maintaining trust in the workplace. These include demonstrating competence (cognitive trust), showing genuine care for employees' well-being and development (affective trust), being self-aware, and practicing transparency. The speakers stress the importance of managers recognizing their own limitations, valuing their team members' expertise, and taking risks by trusting others. They conclude that effective leadership requires a genuine commitment to understanding and supporting team members, suggesting that those who don't genuinely care about their employees' growth should reconsider their role as managers.
Music by: Harvey Waldman
Tip: You can listen to the podcast at 1.25X to better grasp the content faster.

Performance Review and AI 2

In this insightful episode of Take It Online, Barbara Gago shares her contrarian perspective on AI's role in performance management. She emphasizes that organizations should focus on getting the basics right before introducing AI, warning that automating flawed systems merely produces biased outcomes more quickly. Barbara advocates for using AI to enhance rather than replace managerial functions—drawing connections between feedback patterns, identifying trends, and detecting bias in communication. The conversation explores the post-pandemic opportunity to thoughtfully rebuild performance review processes, with Barbara highlighting how manager-employee alignment correlates directly with improved performance outcomes.
Music by: Harvey Waldman
Tip: You can listen to the podcast at 1.25X to better grasp the content faster.

Performance Review and AI 1

In this illuminating episode of 𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘐𝘵 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦, host Brittain Wells alongside colleagues Akhila Nagula and Nicole Gill dissect the flaws of traditional performance reviews with Barbra Gago, founder and CEO of Pando. Barbra shares insights from her extensive experience as a serial early-stage operator, including roles at Greenhouse, Culture Amp, and Miro. She identifies timing as the fundamental flaw in conventional review systems, explaining how annual reviews breed inauthentic behavior, recency bias, and politicking while failing to provide continuous growth opportunities. The conversation explores how cultural backgrounds impact self-advocacy, how poorly executed reviews damage company culture, and why competency-based feedback frameworks offer a more effective alternative for driving organizational performance.
Music by: Harvey Waldman
Tip: You can listen to the podcast at 1.25X to better grasp the content faster.

Modern Work Culture

Are you ready to dive into the future of workplace culture? In our latest Take it Online episode, we crack open a compelling discussion on professionalism and culture with a fresh, no-holds-barred approach. We explore how companies are redefining what it means to "dress the part" and challenge the notion that a suit and tie are essential for success. From tech engineers in shorts to doctors in tank tops, we dive deep into how each industry sets its own cultural norms—and how professionals navigate them while staying true to themselves.
Our guest brings sharp insights and humor to the table, questioning how much appearance really matters when it comes to selling expertise and building trust. But it doesn’t stop there; the conversation sparks debate about authenticity in leadership, the anxiety around workplace appearance, and the evolving definition of professionalism. If you’re an HR professional or business leader interested in shaping the future of your organization’s culture, this episode is a must-listen!
Music by: Harvey Waldman
Tip: You can listen to the podcast at 1.25X to better grasp the content faster.

AI vs Human Coaching 2

In this provocative episode of Take It Online, Brittain Wells and expert coach Sandhya Mathur dissect the delicate balance between AI innovation and authentic human coaching. They explore how the International Coaching Federation has established comprehensive frameworks distinguishing between AI as a tactical assistant versus a direct service provider. Sandhya articulates why technology excels with administrative tasks like progress tracking yet falls short in the nuanced human connection domain. The conversation tackles pressing concerns about data privacy, transparency requirements, and the potential limitations of AI attempting to categorize complex human emotions. Listeners gain valuable insights into maintaining the irreplaceable human element in coaching while responsibly leveraging AI capabilities for enhanced client outcomes.
 
Music by: Harvey Waldman
Tip: You can listen to the podcast at 1.25X to better grasp the content faster.

AI vs Human Coaching 1

In a compelling discussion on Take It Online, professional coach Sandhya Mathur explores the intersection of AI and coaching, emphasizing that while artificial intelligence offers valuable tools for scheduling, tracking, and generating reflective questions, it cannot replicate the essential human elements of coaching. Mathur distinguishes professional coaching from consulting, therapy, and mentoring, highlighting how coaches create spaces for clients to discover their own solutions through deep listening and emotional awareness.
The conversation delves into the limitations of AI in coaching, particularly regarding emotional intelligence and trust-building. Mathur and the hosts discuss how AI's inability to truly understand nuanced emotions, demonstrate genuine empathy, or create safe spaces for vulnerability makes it a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human coaches. They emphasize the potential risks of AI misinterpreting emotions or manipulating vulnerable individuals, underscoring the irreplaceable value of human intuition and authentic connection in professional coaching.
Music by: Harvey Waldman
Tip: You can listen to the podcast at 1.25X to better grasp the content faster.

Using Emojis at Work

Are emojis the secret language of your workplace, and are you completely out of the loop? In this lively episode of Take it Online, host Brittain Wells with Akhila Nagula and Nicole Gill, from The Happy Employees, dive into the fascinating world of emoji use in corporate communication. Discover how younger generations are redefining emojis—from the sarcastic thumbs-up to the passive-aggressive smiley face—and why leaders might need a crash course on what these symbols really mean. Is this digital shorthand bridging communication gaps, or leaving some feeling completely out of the conversation? Tune in to see how emojis are reshaping modern workplace dynamics!
 
Music by: Harvey Waldman
Tip: You can listen to the podcast at 1.25X to better grasp the content faster.

AI & Data Analytics Part 2

Take It Online delves into data analysis fundamentals with expert Akhila Nagula. The episode explores four essential types of analytics: descriptive (what happened), diagnostic (why it happened), predictive (future forecasting), plus prescriptive (action planning). Nagula provides practical guidance on evaluating data quality through accuracy, completeness, plus consistency. The discussion includes real-world applications for HR professionals, addressing challenges with fragmented data sources, personal information handling, plus strategic uses of AI in workplace analytics.
The conversation extends to specific HR applications, examining where AI-driven analysis proves beneficial (compensation benchmarking, career frameworks) versus areas requiring human judgment (performance reviews, promotion decisions). Nagula emphasizes the importance of proper data preparation, systematic analysis approaches, plus responsible handling of sensitive information. The episode provides actionable insights for HR professionals looking to leverage data analysis while maintaining data integrity.
Music by: Harvey Waldman
Tip: You can listen to the podcast at 1.25X to better grasp the content faster.

Toxic Workplace Behaviors

In this explosive episode of "Take it Online," host Brittain Wells and guests Akhila Nagula and Nicole Gill dive deep into the hidden world of workplace personalities. From the obsessive perfectionist to the brilliant jerk, they unveil the secret dynamics that could be sabotaging your team's success. Discover why some visionaries are nothing more than idea-spewing slackers, and learn how to spot the rebel who might just revolutionize your company—or tear it apart.
But that's not all! The trio also reveals the cutting-edge AI technology that's changing the game in workplace dynamics. Find out how The Happy Employees is using advanced algorithms to unmask toxic behaviors and transform company cultures. Whether you're an HR pro, a team leader, or just trying to survive the office jungle, this episode is your essential guide to navigating the treacherous waters of workplace personalities. Don't miss this career-changing conversation that could be the difference between your next promotion and your last day on the job!
Music by: Harvey Waldman
Tip: You can listen to the podcast at 1.25X to better grasp the content faster.