This week on Pontoon’s Reimagine Now podcast, Shannon Robertson, Podcast host and Director of Strategic Insights at Pontoon, discusses the transformative power of naturopathic medicine within corporate settings with Dr. Julie Hwang, CEO and Clinic Director of Aurum Medicine and Wellness Corp. Dr. Julie's innovative methodologies revolutionise conventional wellness programs, integrating a holistic approach to achieving both personal and professional excellence. She talks about the foundational principles of naturopathic medicine and illustrates the importance of person-centric education and the far-reaching impacts of preventative strategies on corporate productivity. Listen as Shannon and Dr. Julie explore mental and emotional wellness in the workplace, emphasising the need for nuanced approaches that cater to individual employee needs and progress metrics that guide successful implementation.

Quotes

• "Stress management doesn't sound preventative. It's like someone is stressed and then we treat it. But what would be a preventative way to approach that is to talk about mental health earlier on and start to educate employees about what they have access to in terms of support. A lot of times they're not willing to be vulnerable with their colleagues or in professional environments, and I think that's good… if there are ways to educate the employees about, not just the advantage of using those, but also demonstrating the benefits of using those therapies, that might be a low cost to them, already covered under insurance, that's a great place to start. I usually suggest that if businesses have the bandwidth for mental health already there, that they should emphasize that because that will get people also over the hump of starting to invest in their health and well-being.” -Julie Hwang [09:03]

• “We're seeing a big need for more integrative and holistic ways to support mental health. People are starting to recognize from a functional medicine perspective, this is a big part of our work. The premise of it is the gut brain access. So connecting the mind and the gut, the digestion, but bringing in multiple ways to support mental health, I think that's going to be necessary moving forward." -Julie Hwang [34:32]

Key Topics

• Applying naturopathic medicine's foundational principles within corporate wellness can significantly affect productivity and well-being.
• Preventative strategies such as sleep optimization, nutrition, and stress management are essential for creating a healthy workforce.
• Education and personalized health management are crucial for employees to understand and take charge of their wellness.
• The connection between gut health and mental well-being is a critical aspect of holistic health in the workplace.
• Corporate leaders should exemplify holistic health practices and create an environment that prioritizes employee well-being.

Timestamps

(01:51) Applying naturopathic medicine principles to improve workplace wellness

(10:31) Addressing the mental and emotional aspects of workplace wellness

(18:50) Challenges in implementing workplace wellness programs

(27:16) The role of nutrition in workplace wellness

(34:32) Trends in corporate wellness

(44:03) The role of corporate leaders in promoting holistic health within organizations

(46:30) Leading by example: taking vacations and focusing on wellness

Connect

Pontoon Solutions

This week on Pontoon’s Reimagine Now podcast, Shannon Robertson, Director of Strategic Insights at Pontoon and host of the podcast, explores the ever-evolving realm of influencer marketing with social media extraordinaire Laurie Ferraro. Laurie has cultivated a successful career as a social media influencer, harnessing the power of online platforms to shape personal branding and foster corporate collaboration. Shannon and Laurie discuss the profound impact of digital transformation on human resource management and corporate engagement strategies. They also discuss the need for a strategic fit between influencers and products, the role of genuine interest in product endorsement, and the simplicity of communication processes for efficacious influencer marketing campaigns.

Quotes

• "The most important thing is to find the influencer who is the right fit for your product or your brand. This is probably one of the most common mistakes I see. Brands partnering and aligning with influencers who might have a large following or a beautiful aesthetic, but that doesn't necessarily fit their brand messaging. And then of course you're not going to have a successful outcome from that or potential not to have as successful of an outcome. So the right audience demographic for your product allows you to directly speak to your target market.” -Laurie Ferraro [01:41]

• “It takes time and commitment and consistency with any type of messaging in the marketing and advertising world to gain success, that applies to the influencer industry as well. So I think in terms of overcoming those challenges, I think research in terms of finding the fit is just vetting your influencers, knowing the industry, and it takes time. You get to know the different corners of social platforms and prioritize long term relationships. It's always about managing expectations and expectations that are realistic." -Laurie Ferraro [21:59]

Key Topics

• The alignment of influencer values and brand messaging is paramount for successful marketing collaborations.
• Authenticity and audience engagement are crucial in distinguishing effective influencer campaigns.
• Viewing corporate life through the lens of "employee influencers" offers unique, relatable insights for potential hires.
• Influencer marketing is particularly potent for reaching niche audiences, with long-term partnerships enhancing product familiarity.
• There are specific challenges and misconceptions in influencer marketing, such as immediate result expectations and creative control that businesses need to navigate.

Timestamps

[01:27] Integrating influencers into your marketing strategy

[04:12] Building long-term relationships with influencers for greater success

[08:49] Impact of influencer marketing on talent acquisition and recruitment

[13:59] Crucial metrics for measuring influencer marketing success

[19:01] Utilizing micro and nano influencers for niche markets

[21:33] Overcoming challenges: research, long-term relationships, managing expectations

[27:03] How to balance transparency with brand aesthetics in influencer partnerships

[28:28] Connect with Laurie

Connect

Pontoon Solutions

Shannon Robertson

This week on Pontoon’s Reimagine Now podcast Shannon Robertson, Director of Strategic Insights at Pontoon, speaks with Brandon Mina, CEO of Xemoto Media, and Vanessa Garro-Peeters, Vice President of Customer and Partner Success. Shannon, Vanessa, and Brandon discuss the impact of influencer marketing on talent acquisition and recruitment. They highlight how companies are using social media platforms to curate their public personas and attract top talent. Influencer marketing is no longer just about product promotion but also about shaping employer branding and company culture. By partnering with influencers, companies can showcase their authenticity and create a sense of belonging for potential employees. Listen as Shannon, Vanessa, and Brandon share how companies can navigate ethical considerations and ensure transparency when working with influencers.

Quotes

• “I think ultimately we're seeing a strategic shift where recruitment is synonymous with brand building. Companies are curating their public personas on social platforms, ensuring that their mission and culture resonate with a much broader audience. And this isn't just about tapping into a talent pool. It's really about creating an aspirational brand that top talent naturally gravitates towards.” -Brandon Mina [02:01]
• “I think social media has done a phenomenal job at giving a voice to minority groups that otherwise wouldn't be seen or heard. I think that there is visibility for companies. So it's not just we say that we have a mission, let's see it. Let's see the people who are representing your company and so they have to fulfill those mission statements.” -Vanessa Garro-Peeters [15:07]

Key Topics

• Influencer marketing is reshaping talent acquisition and recruitment by creating aspirational brands that attract top talent.
• Companies can use influencers to showcase their authenticity and create a sense of belonging for potential employees.
• Influencer marketing is transforming traditional onboarding and training processes, making them more interactive and relatable.
• Influencer marketing plays a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations.
• Companies must navigate ethical considerations and ensure transparency when working with influencers.

Timestamps

[02:01] Influencer marketing's impact on talent acquisition and recruitment

[06:43] Future trends in influencer marketing for HR professionals

[09:24] Leveraging influencer trends to enhance human capital development

[12:57] Using social media to authentically represent skills and talents

[15:07] Influencer marketing and diversity, equity, and inclusion

[21:41] Impact of social media on workplace culture and communication

[24:03] Navigating different generations' use of social media

[26:15] Talent acquisition, employee advocacy, and culture

[26:44] Insights and strategies for navigating human capital in a digitalized world

Connect

Pontoon Solutions

Shannon Robertson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-elizabeth-robertson/

Brandon Mina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmina/?originalSubdomain=ca

Vanessa Garro-Peeters:

This week on Pontoon’s Reimagine Now podcast, Shannon Robertson, Director of Strategic Insights at Pontoon and host of the podcast, speaks with Ross Emerson, Executive Coach and Board Advisor, who shares his profound understanding of human dynamics within corporate structures and highlights the need for future-fit leaders to be purpose-oriented and people-centric. Shannon and Ross discuss the challenges of cultural evolution, particularly in high-pressure and traditional settings, and the strategic pathways to fostering inclusive and adaptive cultures.

Quotes

• "Culture sometimes is imperfect... It can be either something that can be very traumatic for human capital, or it can also harness their potential and enable people to thrive.” -Ross Emerson [03:49]

• “Leadership is really about skills and capabilities that are equally important with mindsets and behaviours. The core of any leader is a human being, not an idealised object to satisfy the fantasies projected onto her or him." -Ross Emerson [19:00]

Key Topics

• Company cultures are complex, fluid, and influenced by diverse team dynamics and individual behaviours.
• Successful cultural change requires a clear understanding of its necessity, involves everyone in the process, and relies on a systemic approach.
• Leadership is more than a title; it's a lifestyle anchored in skills, capabilities, mindsets, and behaviours.
• High-pressure environments require a balance between inducing healthy stress and ensuring psychological safety and trust within teams.
• Future leaders need to be future-fit, embracing traits like being purpose-oriented, people-centric, and driven towards progress and principles.

Timestamps

[03:14] Impact of high-pressure environments on company culture

[08:37] Applying principles to improve team dynamics and employee engagement

[11:55] Balancing business performance with a healthy company culture

[13:20] Setting boundaries and flexibility in organizational culture

[14:19] Challenges of multi-generational workforces and the need for adaptability

[15:35] Leadership development in the face of hybrid and remote work models

[17:30] Future fit leaders and their key criteria

[17:59] The challenges faced by the younger generation in the evolving world of work

[18:32] Leadership as a lifestyle: Skills, mindsets, and behaviours

[20:10] The role of mentorship, professional development, and deep reflection in organizational culture

Connect

Pontoon Solutions

Shannon Robertson

Ross Emerson

In the season premiere of Pontoon’s Reimagine Now podcast, Shannon Robertson, Director of Strategic Insights at Pontoon and host of the podcast, speaks with Oliver Johnston, an innovative thought leader in the realm of human capital management, specializing in executive transitions. As the founder and CEO of Stepping Out, he pioneers the development of "stepping out coaching" for corporate leaders, advising on integrating balanced transitions for senior executives. Shannon and Oliver take a deep dive into the significance of "stepping out" policies in contemporary HR practices, focusing on honoring the contributions of senior executives while preparing for the future of leadership. They also discuss the practicality of such policies, emphasizing their alignment with modern values like fairness, psychological safety, and combating age discrimination.

Quotes

• “I think the idea of supporting senior leaders in their transition from full-time employment, full-time career, into whatever happens next is an idea whose time has come. A few years ago, it was a need that hasn't become a want yet, as Jocker said. And I think the reason for that is we are more accepting of the fact that it's okay to be vulnerable.” -Oliver Johnston [11:46]
• “Seniors are not an endangered species. They're tough, they're robust, they're imaginative, they're creative. They get things done, so they don't need any sympathy. But we do need to respect them, and we need to respect the contribution that they make. Being a senior leader for ten years or 20 comes at a cost.” -Oliver Johnston [19:43]

Key Topics

• A stepping out policy is vital for managing high-level transitions sensitively and sustainably within organizations.
• Succession planning needs to consider both the successor's development and the incumbent's readiness to leave their role.
• Stepping out coaching is a pivotal service that helps senior executives navigate identity shifts and plan their futures post-retirement.
• Age discrimination, often overlooked, can be combated through fair and transparent stepping out policies and practices.
• Recognizing and honoring the contributions of executives as they transition out can have a positive and long-lasting impact on the organization's reputation.

Timestamps

[02:33] Genesis of the stepping out concept and its relevance in the corporate world

[09:46] Challenges of stepping out and the impact on identity

[12:55] The Goldilocks dilemma: leaving too early or too late

[27:45] Leaving at the right time for both the individual and the organization

[30:29] Addressing ageism and the arbitrary nature of retirement ages

[32:48] Stepping out policies as a way to combat age discrimination

[44:31] Coaching as a way to help senior leaders think broadly about their transition

[45:29] Three horizons for coaching

[49:51] Succession planning

[53:44] Fostering a culture that supports executive transitions

Connect

Pontoon Solutions

Shannon Robertson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-elizabeth-robertson/

Oliver Johnston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-johnston-steppingout/

About Pontoon Solutions

Pontoon Solutions is a professional services firm that delivers people, processes, and tools...