Cornell University: ILR podcast addresses new work-life realities

The ILR School’s podcast, “WORK! Exploring the Future of Work, Labor and Employment,” returns with Dean Alex Colvin hosting Carla Grant Pickens, IBM’s vice president of leadership Development & Succession and Global Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, as well as Vanessa Bohns, ILR associate professor and author of the book, “You Have More Influence Than You Think.”

Grant Pickens leads a global team dedicated to creating an inclusive culture and a workforce that reflects the world while responding to societal issues that impact IBM employees and the communities in which they live and work.

Under the leadership of Pickens, the company has been globally recognized as a leader and named a “Top 10 Working Mother Best Company,” a “Top 10 Company for Dads,” and a “Top Place to Work for LGBTQ Employees” by the Human Rights Campaign, among others.

Bohns focuses broadly on social influence and the psychology of compliance and consent in her research. In particular, she examines the extent to which people recognize the influence they have over others in various interpersonal interactions, including asking for help, encouraging one’s peers to engage in questionable behaviors, and making romantic advances.

On the podcast, the trio discusses the unique challenges that companies have faced during COVID, and how both employers and employees can adapt moving forward.