18 Coffees

Much of my career has been focused on the applications of technology to human-centered problems, especially those with broad social implications. So it was an honor last week for 18 Coffees to lead an AI workshop for "Leading for Good," the annual summit for the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, Loyola University Chicago, and to share our POV on AI's organizational impacts and how to prepare for them. Always love getting to sit in with a group of do-gooders to talk about how to accelerate their work. (Don't worry, we also had plenty of discussion about AI's potential negative social impacts as well. Would expect nothing less from this crew.)

In a recent Forbes article, 18 Coffees cofounder?Caleb Gardner?shares his insights on boosting authenticity in communications: "Creating systems and governance around tone of voice is really important for consistently sounding human. Otherwise, organizations have to depend on the voice of one or two particular writers for personality—which works in the short term, but becomes a liability when those people leave." Read the full article to learn more about avoiding common mistakes in human-centric communications and how to build authentic connections with expert insights from: Kurt Allen, CLSSBB, AINS, AIS, Persa Sakellaridi, Jaime Hintz, Daniela Martucci, Mark Dollins, Loreal Lynch, Stephanie Bunnell, Kristen Delphos, Rebecca Takada, Niki Hall, Lisa Maynard (nee Chaikin), Bob Pearson, Antony R., Laurie Schalow, Kal Gajraj, Ph.D., Rhodes Kriske, Cody Gillund, Elizabeth Cogswell Baskin, and Kerry-Ann Betton Stimpson #Communications #Leadership #Authenticity #CommunicationsStrategy #Strategy

Have you heard of “task-masking”? From furiously flipping through notebooks to power-walking with purpose, the latest TikTok trend is putting a spotlight on the performance of productivity in the wake of strict #RTO mandates. But here’s the real question: does being physically present at work truly equal better outcomes—or are we just perfecting our productivity theater?

Change fatigue is one of the biggest challenges organizations face during times of transformation. Employees often feel overwhelmed by shifting priorities and new ways of working, leading to disengagement and burnout. In Caleb Gardner's latest Leading Through Change newsletter, he outlines five practical strategies leaders can use to combat change fatigue, from setting a steady narrative to empowering employees and investing in well-being. ?? How is your organization addressing change fatigue? #ChangeManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #Resilience #Transformation #Leadership

???Employee Burnout is Real—and Preventable??? Excited to share that our cofounder,?Caleb Gardner, was featured in Forbes alongside 15 other leaders, discussing actionable ways internal communications can tackle employee burnout. Caleb’s insight? It’s all about helping employees find?meaning?in their work: "Workers don't understand the purpose of their companies or why their jobs matter. Internal comms pros can connect those dots, guiding leadership to be accountable for creating meaning and normalizing vulnerable conversations about mental health." Caleb joined other Forbes contributors like?Barbara Puszkiewicz-Cimino ??,?Melissa Sierra, Dariia Opanasiuk (Ivashchuk)????, Elizabeth Cogswell Baskin, Diana Scholz, Susan Y. Hardy, Cord Himelstein, Heather Stickler, PMP, PCM, CDMP, Kerry-Ann Betton Stimpson, JoAnn Yamani Esq., APR, Ryan Becnel ?, Emily Burroughs, and Genine Fallon who also shared powerful strategies for fostering well-being at work. ?? Check out the full article for more ideas to build healthier, more resilient workplaces. #EmployeeBurnout #InternalCommunications #LeadershipAccountability #WorkplaceWellness #18Coffees

As DEI initiatives face growing scrutiny, some companies are doubling down on their commitments. A recent?New York Times?article highlights leaders like Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, and Pinterest, who continue to champion DEI as a cornerstone of long-term success. Their message is clear: DEI isn’t just about values— it’s a strategic advantage. From enhancing talent retention to fostering innovation, these organizations demonstrate that embedding equity and inclusion into their cultures creates measurable business value. Companies that stay the course on DEI are building not only resilient organizations but also trust with employees and stakeholders. How is your organization navigating these pressures? #Leadership #DEI #OrganizationalResilience #HRStrategy

A.I. is already transforming workplaces across industries. Learn how leaders can guide their teams through strategic, ethical, and effective adoption of artificial intelligence tools in Caleb's latest newsletter. "The best way to learn new A.I. tools is by using them." ?? #AIAdoption #LeadershipStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence #WorkplaceInnovation #EthicalAI

How can leaders rebuild trust and engagement in today’s strained workplace dynamics? We believe the answer lies in distributed ownership—a leadership model that empowers employees by sharing responsibility and decision-making across all levels of an organization. Kyle Gilkeson’s latest blog post explores how fostering employee autonomy and creating a culture of shared ownership can: ? Boost engagement and productivity ? Improve retention and workplace satisfaction ? Build adaptable, resilient organizations As leadership expert Adam Galinsky puts it, “Involvement fundamentally changes how we approach a task. It moves us from the sidelines onto the field.” Ready to transform your workplace? Read Kyle's full blog post: https://lnkd.in/gFxZtPFK #LeadershipStrategies #EmployeeEngagement #DistributedOwnership #WorkplaceCulture #ChangeLeadership #EmployeeAutonomy #FutureOfWork

Middle managers are often overlooked, yet they play a pivotal role?as the “moral compass” of their organizations. In?her recent Harvard Business Review article, Kellogg professor Brooke Vuckovic highlights?how middle managers can drive principled leadership and foster resilience in their teams. Key takeaways: 1?? Commitment to Teams: Middle managers who show care, fairness, and empathy—such as thoughtfully pacing workloads or advocating for team members—build trust and inspire loyalty. 2?? Pushing Back for Higher Values: Managers who uphold integrity, even under pressure, set powerful examples. Whether refusing to compromise ethics or advocating for client-centric solutions over short-term gains, these leaders demonstrate that values-driven leadership fosters long-term success. 3?? Everyday Leadership Moments Matter:?Simple behaviors like listening attentively, keeping promises, and addressing issues promptly reinforce the moral fabric of an organization. In times of disruption and change, these “unsung heroes” lead by example, proving that leadership isn’t confined to the C-suite. As firms navigate the future of work and organizational transformation, investing in middle management is critical for resilience and ethical growth. How do middle managers shape your organization’s culture? #Leadership #FutureOfWork #OrganizationalTransformation #middlemanagers

Our managing partner Robin Kasner shares her perspective on how traditional workplace structures often fail to accommodate the full complexity of human experience—especially for those going through IVF and infertility. As we partner with organizations navigating their own cultural transformations in 2025, Robin’s reflection asks us to consider: What would truly flexible, human-centered workplaces look like to you? #WorkplaceCulture #OrganizationalChange #Leadership #FutureOfWork #WomenInLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #CorporatePolicy #WomensHealth #ReturnToOffice #IVF #infertility