In the first of a series of shorter form interviews we're releasing in June, Rachel sits down with Alex Salas, Assistant Chief People Officer at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and head of the NYC SHRM chapter. They discuss key strategies for improving employee experience, the competitive talent landscape, the importance of trust, leadership challenges, and practical advice for achieving workplace success. Alex shares actionable insights on work-from-home policies, employee resource groups, and the necessity of taking pauses to reassess organizational strategies. His proactive, optimistic and committed way to improving the workplace is sure to help you improve yours.

Find a transcript for this episode here: https://modern-mentor.simplecast.com/episodes/building-trust-and-leadership-with-alex-salas/transcript

Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.

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Burnout doesn’t end with one big fix. Here’s how to build real, lasting relief by trading perfection for momentum—one reset, one decision, one human moment at a time.

Check out all four episodes in this special series on this Spotify playlist.

Find a transcript for this episode here: https://modern-mentor.simplecast.com/episodes/sustaining-momentum-in-the-battle-against-burnout/transcript

Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.

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You're not "either burned out or not burned out." Healing is a gradual process of chipping away at what drains you. Join Rachel Cooke, your Modern Mentor and founder of Lead Above Noise, in Part 3 of our burnout series. We move beyond simply identifying the problem and begin to rebuild with intention. Discover the Activation framework – Deliver, Develop, Connect, Thrive – and learn how to use each pillar to reflect on your work and identify small, tangible actions that create breathing room and real relief for yourself and your team. This episode offers practical questions and starting points to reclaim energy, foster growth, deepen connections, and build a more sustainable way of working, one conversation, one reset, one reframe at a time.

Check out all four episodes in this special series on this Spotify playlist.

Find a transcript for this episode here: https://modern-mentor.simplecast.com/episodes/let-activation-be-your-burnout-antidote/transcript

Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.

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Managers are burning out—not just from doing too much, but from carrying too many roles that were never meant to be theirs. Let’s name the burden and start letting go of what was never yours to hold.

Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.

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Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.

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Team challenges can feel overwhelming to tackle head-on. Here’s how leaders in a recent Activation Bootcamp found ways to infuse small but meaningful relief into their teams—without trying to fix everything.

Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.

Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.

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Rachel sits down with DEI strategist Lily Zheng for a candid conversation on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They explore why real progress depends on focusing less on performative programs and more on outcomes that drive lasting change.

Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.

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Some work relationships feel easy. And some… don’t. When a relationship feels rocky—even without a big conflict—there’s a path to a more collegial working relationships, even if you never become best friends.

Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.

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Rachel sits down with Bonnie Davis, co-founder of HuWork, to answer your questions about building more human-centered workplaces. You’ll also hear how Bonnie and her co-founder built HuWork by combining their corporate experience, research, and coaching backgrounds along with why celebrating strengths is key to sustainable change.