Hi ya,

Your Wednesday ✨mood boost!✨ has arrived!

And with it comes one of my fav “debates” around remote work. You know I have thoughts!!!

Before that though...

🍎 NYC People Leaders: On June 25th I’m hosting an invite only event around getting your AI strategy right with my friends at Sana. Expect a killer panel, new friends and to walk away with tactics to help you! We’re keeping it intentionally small so request your spot and we can hang IRL!

💰 Ever wonder what hidden charges go into payroll? TODAY at 1PM ET I'm diving into this topic and more. Join us! 

Now, let's get into the GOOD STUFF!!!

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🗞️ Here’s the Tea:Copy anchor linkCopied

💻 Dropbox CEO slams return-to-office mandates, compares them to outdated malls and theaters

The TL;DR: Dropbox CEO Drew Houston claps back at forced RTO mandates, calling them as outdated as "forcing people back into malls." His "virtual first" 90/10 model (90% remote, 10% in-person) proves productivity requires TRUST, not parking butts in seats. Meanwhile, most execs keep pushing office returns despite employees willing to take pay cuts for flexibility.

My POV: TBH, this isn’t just about where work happens, it’s about power dynamics. Houston’s take exposes the hypocrisy of companies preaching "culture" while ignoring data (and employee well-being). This all matters because:

• Top performers will absolutely bail for flex-first brands
• Surveillance-heavy RTO screams "we don’t believe in you" and erodes trust
• Mandates disproportionately impact women/parents (hello, discrimination risks)

Bottom line: If your leadership is still doubling down on RTO mandates, you’re not just behind, you’re on notice!

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🎙️ Mic Drop Moment:Copy anchor linkCopied

“Being wrong is a part of development. Development is a part of growth.”Copy anchor linkCopied

On the mic this week: Chris Hagood is the CEO of AstutEdge, where he connects the dots between leadership, diversity, and real change. He’s also the voice behind the Professional Villain Era newsletter, where he shares sharp takes on work culture and the HR world. Beyond the boardroom, Chris is a thinker who sees leadership as an ongoing experiment—one that requires a whole lot of honesty.

Pin this: 

• Challenge the Status Quo: Real leadership isn’t about clocking hours, it’s about showing up with intention and curiosity.
• Friendships at Work: Forget forcing besties and focus on creating opportunities for meaningful connection.
• Remote Work Realities: Mandates don’t work for everyone, and they’re not the real problem! Bad communication is.
• Curiosity is Key: In an era of information overload, don’t lose your sense of wonder. Ask why, every time.

My H*ly Sh*t Moment:  I didn’t expect our conversation to hit so many nerves! Like, we laughed, but we also cut straight to the bone about what it means to foster quality relationships at work.

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📊 Data Is My Love Language:Copy anchor linkCopied

Stat: 58% of working parents reported leaving work because they could not find adequate childcare solutions.

My spiral: Childcare costs aren’t just a personal problem, they’re a $9B annual talent drain.

When 58% of working parents get forced out of jobs because daycare costs more than their paychecks, that’s systemic failure!

And guess who picks up the tab? 

Companies bleeding millions in turnover while pretending flexibility is a "perk" instead of a business survival tactic.

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🗣️ UNMUTE YOURSELF

Leaders are the ones who set the tone for what’s “acceptable” in an org, right?! 

But how often do they actually walk the talk on boundaries? 🤔

So here’s my question for you: 

“What’s a boundary you wish more leaders modeled?”

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🛠️ TRY THIS TOMORROW:

Look, we’re all drowning in transactional tasks, but the moments that end up sticking? 

They’re human as hell! 

And right now, someone in your orbit needs to hear they made an impact.

So try this tomorrow: 

Write a note to someone you’ve learned from and tell them how. 

Not some generic “thx!” either. Get specific.. Name the lesson. Watch their whole damn week change!

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👂 OVERHEARD IN SAFE SPACE

I saw this in Safe Space and absolutely cracked up!! 

When your first AI prompt of the day sends you over the edge, come hang in Safe Space and tell us why. :) 

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HAPPY HUMP DAY!!!!! THREE MORE SLEEPS TILL SATURDAY.

Yours in delusion,

Hebba