191: What if the key to growth isn't working harder — but working together?
In this inspiring long-form conversation, Working Out Loud founder John Stepper reveals how peer-to-peer development, shared learning, and authentic human connection can transform not only careers but entire organizational cultures.

John shares the origin story of Working Out Loud (WOL), now used in more than 100 global organizations, and explains why meaningful relationships, psychological safety, and generosity are at the heart of effective personal development. We explore how WOL circles spark confidence, belonging, and purpose — and why people stay connected for years after the program ends.

The episode dives deep into purposeful discovery, John's approach to finding direction through intention, openness, and small steps. You'll hear remarkable real-life stories, including how individuals leveraged WOL to change careers, publish books, start companies, and reimagine what's possible in their professional lives.

John also shares exclusive insights into his upcoming projects — from a new CliftonStrengths-based peer program to the Good Men Collective, a decentralized, non-commercial initiative designed to support men's well-being, resilience, and healthy connection.

With wisdom, warmth, and refreshing honesty, John opens up about work, family, meaning, and how connection can help us shape a better future for ourselves and our communities.

Whether you're in HR, leadership, coaching, organizational development, or simply searching for more purpose, this episode is packed with practical insights that will inspire you to grow — and maybe even start your own circle.

Top 5 Takeaways From This Episode:

- Why small, consistent steps can open doors you didn't even know existed.
- How authentic human connection can transform not just work — but your sense of possibility.
- Why generosity and visibility often matter more than ambition for long-term growth.
- What can happen when people begin to trust themselves — and each other — inside a safe, structured space.
- How purpose emerges not from certainty, but from curiosity, courage, and community.

About John Stepper:

John Stepper designs peer-to-peer development methods that build skills and relationships, that strengthen self-efficacy while fostering feelings of belonging. The Working Out Loud programs produce deeper engagement and a sense of self-determination in individuals—and more connected, collaborative cultures across organizations.

The original method, described in Working Out Loud (Now in German and Chinese as well as English) is used by HR Managers in 100+ organizations for tens of thousands of employees worldwide. There is now a family of WOL methods: for leadership and team development, for wellness and female empowerment, and for operational workers in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.

John lives with his family in New York City.

LINKS

🔴 Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfXBSLHkNlA

- Website: https://www.workingoutloud.com/

- Book (Deutsch): https://www.amazon.de/Working-Out-Loud-Verbundenheit-Gemeinschaft/dp/3800662817

- TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpjNl3Z10uc

- Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/
- Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter
- Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS
- Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

John's song: "The Raiders March" - John Williams
🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd

190: What does Formula One teach us about being an exceptional executive assistant and strategic partner at the top level? In this inspiring episode, Nicole Bearne shares her journey from supporting one of Formula One's most respected leaders to becoming a communications expert and business founder.

She takes us behind the paddock doors to reveal what it's really like to work alongside Ross Brawn, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton—where every second counts and preparation is everything. You'll discover how executive support plays a crucial role in leadership success, team communication, and resilience under pressure.

Nicole also talks about reinventing herself, building The Comms Exchange, and empowering others to grow from EA to leadership roles. Plus, she discusses her mission to inspire more women to join motorsport through programs like Girls on Track and the F1 Academy.

This episode is a masterclass in confidence, communication, and career evolution—for anyone ready to bring Formula One focus into their executive support role.

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About the Guest:

Nicole Bearne has been at the forefront of Formula 1 motor racing for over 25 years, winning 9 World Championships with the Brawn Grand Prix and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 teams.

Her extensive motorsport experience includes executive and technical operations, Internal Communications, Employee Experience and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of Motorsport UK, the governing body of four-wheel motorsport in the UK.

Nicole now leads The Comms Exchange, leveraging her F1 business experience and academic knowledge to help organisations build high-performing, people-centric cultures.

She also runs 1-day workshops on Internal & Leadership Communication for EAs, PAs and Business Support professionals.

Nicole holds a Master's degree in Organisational Behaviour and a CIPR Diploma in Internal Communication. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Communication, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (MCIPR) and an Accredited PR Practitioner. Nicole is frequently invited to speak at Internal Communications, Employee Experience, Leadership and HR conferences in the UK, USA and Europe.

Links:

🔴 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h_7dhABSjQY

https://comms-exchange.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bearne
https://www.motorsportuk.org

Nicole's song: We Are the Champions by Queen
🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd

Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/

Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter

Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS

Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

189: Assistenz ist keine Nebenrolle, sie ist das Rückgrat moderner Unternehmensführung.
In dieser inspirierenden Podcastfolge sprechen wir mit Nadine Götz von der DVAG (Deutsche Vermögensberatung) über das neue Berufsbild Assistenz – zwischen Digitalisierung, Künstlicher Intelligenz und Netzwerkkompetenz. Nadine gibt uns spannende Einblicke in ihre Rolle, ihren Weg in der Assistenzwelt und wie sie aktiv die Veränderung ihres Berufsbildes mitgestaltet.

📌 Was dich erwartet:
– Warum moderne Assistenzen mehr sind als Kalender und Reiseplanung
– Wie bei der DVAG interne Netzwerke und Community-Building gelebt werden
– Welche Tools wie Microsoft 365, Copilot, OneNote & Outlook wirklich helfen
– Wie du mit KI-Tools im Office produktiver arbeitest
– Und warum Netzwerken für Assistenzen der Schlüssel zur beruflichen Weiterentwicklung ist

Wir sprechen über digitale Assistenten, Tipps für die Assistenz der Zukunft, praktische Erfahrungswerte mit Power Automate und wie Lernen und Offenheit entscheidend für den Wandel im Office-Alltag sind.

Diese Folge ist ein Must-Listen für alle, die im Office Management, als Executive Assistant oder in der modernen Assistenzrolle arbeiten – oder dorthin möchten.

🔴 Folge auf YouTube anschauen: https://youtu.be/LibFBwXFmO4

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Nadine Götz ist eine erfahrene Assistenz mit einem fundierten kaufmännischen Hintergrund, den sie in einem Autohaus mit dem Schwerpunkt Automobilkauffrau aufgebaut hat. Nach ihrem Einstieg ins Berufsleben sammelte sie wertvolle Erfahrungen in der Kundenbetreuung bei einem internationalen Mietwagenunternehmen, wo sie zunächst Reisebüros und Veranstalter betreute. Später übernahm sie die komplette Verantwortung für den Budget Kundenservice im Incoming-Bereich.

Ihre berufliche Reise führte sie schließlich zur Deutschen Vermögensberatung, wo sie als Assistenz im Bereich Veranstaltungen und Reisen tätig ist. In dieser Rolle bringt Nadine ihre organisatorischen Stärken, ihre kreative Ader und ihre emotionale Intelligenz gezielt ein. Ihr Engagement und ihre Leidenschaft für die Assistenzrolle wurden mehrfach ausgezeichnet, unter anderem mit dem ersten Platz beim Netzwerk Office Award sowie einem weiteren Preis als herausragendes Rolemodel in der Office-Community.

Nadine engagiert sich seit vielen Jahren für mehr Sichtbarkeit und Kommunikation im Assistenzbereich. Sie investiert viel private Zeit in Weiterbildung und aktives Netzwerken und ist bekannt für ihren ausgeprägten Teamgeist und ihre Motivation.

Neben ihrer beruflichen Tätigkeit findet Nadine Ausgleich durch Reisen, Theaterbesuche, Musikveranstaltungen und gemeinsame Unternehmungen mit ihrer Familie, all das stärkt ihre Energie und Kreativität für neue Projekte.

🔴 Folge auf YouTube anschauen: https://youtu.be/LibFBwXFmO4

Vernetze dich mit Nadine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-götz-846325233/

Diana auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/

Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter

Podcast auf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects

Podcast auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS

Podcast auf Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

Song für die Spotify-Playlist: Shake It Off, Taylor Swift
🎵 Hier geht es zur Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd