Humanity Working
Humanity Working is a podcast focused on employee development for the future of work.
In each episode, we engage with authors, business leaders, and top-tier academics to understand how workplaces can adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This podcast aims to provide employers with actionable strategies to build a resilient, adaptable, and future-proof workforce.
Join us as we navigate the changing landscape of work, exploring topics such as workforce transformation, leadership development, employee adaptability, and resilience. Discover the steps you can take to foster a humane, productive workplace that is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Humanity Working
Bonus Episode: Being Authentic, with Shannon Plumb
In this episode, Paul sits down with Shannon Plumb, Founder and CEO of PURL Advisors, globally recognized mentor, leadership advisor, and creator of the Real T newsletter. Shannon is known for helping leaders stop pretending to be someone else—and start winning as themselves.
They unpack:
- What authentic leadership actually means beyond the buzzword
- The difference between polish and presence
- Why vulnerability builds trust (but performative vulnerability breaks it)
- The real emotional work behind entrepreneurship
- How to avoid losing your “why” when the world tells you to go faster, harder, more
Paul and Shannon also discuss the myth of the heroic “hustle” founder—and why ease can be a sign of alignment, not laziness.
Five Key Learnings
- Authenticity ≠ Transparency — It’s about showing up human, not oversharing or performing relatability.
- Your body knows before you do — Gut tension is often your first signal that something is off in how you're leading.
- Entrepreneurs fall into two groups: builders who love the game, and founders driven by mission. The second group must reconnect to their why regularly.
- Ease is not avoidance — When leadership aligns with identity and values, decisions take less friction.
- Slow down to speed up — Time away from the work improves judgment, creativity, and resilience. Rest is strategic.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Shannon’s firm: PURL Advisors
- Shannon’s newsletter: The Real T
- Paul’s article: Slow Down to Speed Up
Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations maximize their potential based on human capabilities.
For more information, and access to our weekly newsletter, visit us at humanityworking.net.
