Hope + Possibilties: A Love Letter to the Future of Work

In this episode of Hope and Possibilities, I share a personal reflection on what's unfolding in the United States—and why it feels both shocking and familiar to me. I spent nearly 18 years in global financial services, 16 of them working closely with American clients, many based in Minnesota. That experience gave me an inside view of how U.S. systems shape people's daily lives—and where those systems quietly fail. Long before today's headlines, I began making deliberate choices to reduce American exposure in my work and center my career in Canada and other global contexts where values aligned more closely with mine. This episode isn't about blame. It's about perspective. I speak with deep respect for Americans—their decency, humor, and care—and with clarity about a hard truth: lasting change can only come from within. External voices have limits. Ownership matters. Drawing on professional experience, historical training, and family history shaped by wartime Europe, I reflect on why nostalgia is such a powerful force, why democratic pressure often looks uncomfortable, and why other countries are quietly recalibrating their relationship with the U.S. This is a reflection, not a prescription—an invitation to think more honestly about responsibility, leadership, and what it takes to shape what comes next. Timestamps 00:00 – Why this moment feels personal Why I chose to talk about this now 02:05 – My American work life Nearly 18 years in financial services, 16 with U.S. clients—many in Minnesota 05:15 – Working across values gaps What you learn when you avoid "safe" topics like healthcare, labor law, and maternity leave 09:10 – 2016 as a turning point Healthcare rollbacks, medical hardship calls, and knowing when work becomes untenable 13:30 – History as an early warning system How family history and studying history shaped my perspective 17:00 – A deliberate shift Why I chose, ten years ago, to reduce American exposure in my career 21:15 – Canadians opting out quietly Travel, consumption, culture, and economic consequences 24:50 – Why change must come from Americans The limits of external critique and the necessity of internal advocacy 29:00 – Protest, boycott, and democracy Why discomfort is often the price of democratic pressure 33:20 – Respect without nostalgia Holding affection for Americans while refusing to romanticize systems 37:10 – The long arc of change Why the Canada–U.S. relationship has been shifting for longer than most realize 40:45 – Closing reflection What the future depends on—and who must shape it

There's a lot of data showing that trust in governments, institutions, and organizations is declining worldwide. Employers were once considered the last trusted institution—and even that is eroding. As someone who has spent years working independently, I've often noticed that these conversations leave out people like us entirely. When you don't have an employer, trust shows up differently. Stability looks different. And the relationship you have with yourself matters more than most people realize. So I wanted to start there. I talk about what it actually means to trust yourself when you're self-employed, when you don't see many role models living or working the way you do, and when the noise—from well-meaning friends, family, and society—keeps asking, "Why don't you just get a job?" For me, self-trust isn't abstract. It's practical. It shows up in how I decide to work, how I communicate, and how I choose between remote, in-person, or hybrid ways of connecting. It shows up in my values—impact, meaning, and helping shape a future of work that supports people, families, and communities, not just productivity metrics. I also share the inner practices that help me stay grounded when things feel uncertain. Meditation. Walking. Swimming. Paying attention to my body. Noticing what has always been true about me—what I'm drawn to, what calms me, what fuels my curiosity. I talk about rituals, habits, and even "extreme noticing": light on water, changes in seasons, how my body reacts to people, places, and decisions. These practices help me recognize what's changing, what isn't, and where opportunity actually lives—for me. As we move through uncertainty, I believe self-trust becomes a form of leadership. When you know your own reactions, values, and rhythms, you're better equipped to make decisions, form opinions, and move forward without needing constant external validation. I close the episode with an invitation: What helps you trust yourself? What rituals, habits, or inner practices keep you grounded? I'd love to hear your stories, and I may share some of them in a future episode as we explore how self-trust shapes how we lead, work, and relate to others. Because maybe—just maybe—trusting ourselves more is the first step toward trusting each other again. Leave me a voicemail with your questions or thoughts: https://podcastfeedback.com/hopeandpossibilities Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nolasimon Subscribe to my newsletter: Hope & Possibilities: A Love Letter to the Future of Work | Nola Simon | Substack Hire me via website: www.nolasimon.com

In this episode of the Hope and Possibilities Podcast, I talk about what I'm seeing for 2026 and the future of work. My focus is shifting from solely helping companies adopt hybrid and remote work to looking at leadership more broadly. Flexibility, autonomy, and well-being aren't just perks anymore—they're core to how people want to work and how organizations succeed. We'll talk about the pressures around office return mandates, AI, and workforce reduction, and why I don't buy the narrative that humans are expendable. Instead, leadership in the future is about reinvention, redistributing work, and making sure people feel that they matter. I'll also share how I plan to use this podcast, my newsletter, LinkedIn, and email to create space for nuanced conversations about the future of work. And I want to hear from you—what questions are keeping you awake at night? Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:00:22] Why I'm pivoting my focus for 2026 [00:00:53] Why hybrid and flexible work aren't going away [00:01:32] Why autonomy and well-being often matter more than compensation [00:03:00] The circular debates around office space, identity, and leadership [00:04:39] How AI is changing the way work happens [00:06:26] Navigating conflicting narratives about AI and workforce reduction [00:07:16] Leadership as continuous reinvention, not a one-time project [00:08:34] Why making people feel they matter is central to leadership [00:09:49] Discernment as a critical skill in an increasingly complex world [00:11:05] How work is evolving—universal benefits, portfolio careers, and new models [00:12:06] How I'm shifting the podcast, newsletters, and my content strategy [00:15:10] How you can interact with the podcast and share your questions [00:16:26] Questions to reflect on: identity, life quakes, and navigating change Connect & Engage: Leave me a voicemail with your questions or thoughts: https://podcastfeedback.com/hopeandpossibilities Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nolasimon Subscribe to my newsletter: Hope & Possibilities: A Love Letter to the Future of Work | Nola Simon | Substack Hire me via website: www.nolasimon.com Takeaway: The future of work is about flexibility, discernment, and creating environments where people feel valued. Change is constant—how we respond and evolve will define the next chapter of our work and our lives.

In this solo episode of Hope and Possibilities: A Love Letter to the Future of Work, I'm talking honestly about how LinkedIn and social media are changing, and what that means for how I show up, get found, and build my business. I share how I went from casually using LinkedIn to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice with a "small but mighty" following, and why the latest algorithm shifts are nudging me to rethink my strategy.​ I get into what's really going on with discoverability, including how proxy bias can quietly disadvantage women, people of color, trans folks, and anyone who doesn't fit the traditional leadership mold. I also talk about the emotional side of it—what it feels like when your impressions drop, your posts don't land the way they used to, and how I'm choosing to respond with experimentation instead of discouragement.​ I walk you through how I'm shifting from "cheerleader" style commenting to more thoughtful, strategic contributions that actually support my consulting work and signal my expertise. I share how I'm reworking my profile for people who are discovering me for the very first time through a comment, and why I'm putting more energy into things I own—like my website, blog, Substack, newsletter, and search-friendly content on platforms like Pinterest and YouTube.​ I also push back on the narrative that "everything needs to be in-person now." I talk about what it's really like living outside a major city, the time and energy cost of commuting, and why in-person events have to clear a pretty high bar for me: they need to help me make money, save time, or reduce risk—not just feel good in the moment.​ Throughout the episode, I keep coming back to one question: will future me be grateful for how I'm spending my time and attention right now? I share how I'm choosing to support important conversations about bias, platforms, and ethical AI without making "fighting the algorithm" the center of my business, and how I'm designing a visibility strategy that feels sustainable, values-aligned, and genuinely hopeful about the future of work.​ Key insights The LinkedIn algorithm is shifting from prioritizing posts to rewarding meaningful commenting, which changes how people get discovered and how you think about visibility and strategy.​ Proxy bias means that even if gender isn't a stated factor, variables like role, seniority, and activity levels can still disadvantage women, people of color, trans folks, and others who don't match the "default" leadership profile.​ Commenting as pure cheerleading doesn't necessarily drive business; strategic comments that demonstrate insight, credibility, and clarity on your services are far more valuable.​ Building on platforms you own (website, blog, email list) is essential so your work and relationships are not entirely dependent on platform whims and opaque algorithms.​ In-person-only strategies are exclusionary for many people, especially those who don't live near major hubs or carry significant logistical and emotional costs to attend events.​ Future-focused visibility is about making choices that future you will be grateful for—balancing values, energy, and the reality that friends are wonderful, but clients pay the bills. A personalized LinkTree for Nola Simon's presence on social media — Nola Simon Listen: Hope + Possibilties: A Love Letter to the Future of Work Review: Hope + Possibilties: A Love Letter to the Future of Work

Amanda Cupido — Founder of Lead Podcasting, author (including "Let's Talk Podcasting for Kids"), experienced broadcaster, keynote speaker, and TEDx presenter. Episode Themes Canadian Podcasting Gaps: Discussion on how most resources are American, and the importance of Amanda's contribution as an author of uniquely Canadian podcasting resources. Early Audio Influences: Amanda's lifelong fascination with audio and radio, and her journey into podcasting, contrasted by Nola's experience with talk radio growing up.​ Podcasting for Kids: Insights from Amanda's new book targeting children ages 5–8, the screen-free benefits of podcasting, and how early storytelling fosters creativity and healthy self-esteem. Women's Voices in Podcasting: Nola's statement: "We didn't get silenced. We picked up a microphone," sparking a wider conversation about the role of women over 50 in podcasting and representation in the industry.​ Combatting Loneliness: How creating and listening to podcasts helps establish connection, provide an outlet for ideas, and battle feelings of isolation.​ Leadership and Listening: Podcasting as a tool for improving both speaking and listening skills, and how these ripple into leadership and personal development. Canadian Industry Insights: Contrasting the Canadian and US podcast markets, the lack of mid-sized networks in Canada, and Amanda's experience with networks and sponsorships. Thought Leadership: Announcement and preview of Amanda's upcoming podcast "Let's Talk Thought Leadership," and a lively discussion on defining thought leadership — and its challenges — in the Canadian context.​ Standout Quotes "We didn't get silenced. We picked up a microphone."—Nola Simon "The whole thing with podcasting is such an accessible medium. And so I just want to continue to make it that and champion it."—Amanda Cupido "Every voice is unique, every voice is special."—Amanda Cupido​ Actionable Insights Review and support Canadian podcasts on platforms like Good Pods. Encourage screen-free creativity for kids via family podcasting activities. Independent Canadian podcasters should seek out emerging collectives for support and community. Be thoughtful about advertising: consider brand alignment when accepting sponsors to protect your ethical reputation. Resources & References Amanda Cupido: author of "Let's Talk Podcasting" (adult & kids editions) Lead Podcasting workshops and training New podcast: "Let's Talk Thought Leadership" (search for Amanda's name alongside the title to locate early episodes) Podcasts mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/louis-tomlinson-the-room-was-cold-that-day-when/id1291423644?i=1000730938704 Malcolm Gladwell: Working From… - The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett - Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bren%C3%A9-and-adam-grant-on-the-skillsets-of-empathy/id1730985049?i=1000731952564 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-department-of-physiological-hygiene/id1119389968?i=1000580226432 How to Connect Look for "Let's Talk Thought Leadership" on your favorite app (add Amanda's name for better search results).Amanda-Cupido.docx​ Connect with Amanda Cupido via Lead Podcasting for books, workshops, and speaking engagements. Amanda Cupido Podcast Producer and Consultant — Amanda Cupido Let's Talk Podcasting Let's Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide To Doing It Right Book By Amanda Cupido, (Paperback) | Indigo Let's Talk Podcasting For Kids Book By Amanda Cupido, (Mass Market Paperback) | Indigo Amanda Cupido - Lead Podcasting | LinkedIn https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-thought-leadership/id1849322663 Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoyed this episode — every review helps amplify Canadian podcasting voices.