Have you ever felt that the moment you catch your breath, three new demands are already waiting? Organizational consultant Melissa Swift gives that feeling a name, work intensification, and explains what helps.
In this conversation, Lori and Melissa explore:
How three years working in London showed Melissa that a shared language does not mean a shared culture
What work intensification is: too many tasks in too little time, too many people involved in every decision, and too much emotion at work
How AI can quietly erode trust at work, and why peer learning and thoughtful change management matter
How to stand out in an AI-saturated job market by naming what you are genuinely good at in simple terms
What high-stakes professions teach us about clear communication, and why the people who care most are often the ones who burn out
About Melissa: Melissa Swift is the founder and CEO of Anthrome Insight, an advisory firm helping organizations and individuals work more effectively in a fast-changing, technology-driven world. She has held consulting leadership roles at Capgemini, Mercer, Korn Ferry, and Deloitte, and is the author of Effective: How to Do Great Work in a Fast-Changing World (Wiley, 2026).
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome and introduction
01:27 What living in London taught Melissa about culture
03:50 Direct and indirect communication across cultures
06:42 More communication, less clarity
10:02 What work intensification is
12:49 Emotional regulation and leadership
17:45 AI and the erosion of trust
21:49 Learning AI with your peers
27:43 Change agility and staying power
32:09 Standing out in an AI resume era
38:17 Lessons from high-stakes work
43:37 Younger workers and the "unboiled frogs"
46:14 Burnout, boundaries, and agency
49:06 Where to find Melissa
Find Melissa Swift at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swiftmelissa
Website: https://www.anthromeinsight.com
Book: https://www.anthromeinsight.com/books
Join us for an exclusive bonus with Melissa on Patreon.
Want to see how your leadership shows up under pressure? Explore the VOICE diagnostic from Brava Global Advisory: https://www.bravaglobaladvisory.com/voice
Considering a move abroad for work like Melissa's years in London? Expatsi can help you plan the practical side. As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission.
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