41: 6 Maternity Leave Best Practices for Operations Execs

Your Future Realized

#Business #Laura Malinowski

32:40

ChatGPT Agent is here! ↳ What the heck is it? ↳ How does it work? ↳ What do you need to know? Glad you asked, shorties. Join us for the answers. Square keeps up so you don't have to slow down. Get everything you need to run and grow your business—without any long-term commitments. And why wait? Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/jordan. Run your business smarter with Square. Get started today. Newsletter: Sign up for our free daily newsletter More on this Episode: Episode Page Join the discussion: Thoughts on this? Join the convo and connect with other AI leaders on LinkedIn. Upcoming Episodes: Check out the upcoming Everyday AI Livestream lineup Website: YourEverydayAI.com Email The Show: info@youreverydayai.com Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn Topics Covered in This Episode: ChatGPT Agent Mode Overview & Naming Live ChatGPT Agent Demo Walkthrough ChatGPT Agent Mode Availability & Pricing Operator vs. Deep Research Capabilities Explained ChatGPT Agent Virtual Computer Functions Spreadsheet and PowerPoint Generation in ChatGPT Mini RAG-Ready Agents with Data Connectors ChatGPT Agent Security and Biological Risk Classification Timestamps: 00:00 "Introducing ChatGPT Agent" 03:41 Potential Delay for Paid Plan Rollout 09:24 "Chat GPT Agent: New Tools Overview" 12:44 OpenAI-Microsoft Tensions Over Software Overlap 16:42 "ChatGPT's New RAG Feature Unveiled" 21:55 AI Agent with Weapon Risk 23:31 Agent Models: Boon or Bane? 29:05 "Agent Mode: Seamless Editing Integration" Keywords: ChatGPT Agent, Agent Mode, OpenAI, virtual computer, Agentic skills, Operator, Deep Research, browsing websites, web research, synthesizing information, Microsoft competitor, PowerPoint creation, Excel spreadsheet creation, terminal access, public API integration, connectors, data analysis, image generation, multi-agent environments, retrieval augmented generation, mini RAG, AI operating system, human-in-the-loop, security concerns, biology classifier, biological weapons classification, chemical weapons classification, O3 model, Google Gemini 2.5 Pro, agentic models, AI workflows, editable slide deck, Microsoft Office alternative, AI-powered presentations, spreadsheet automation, cloud-based agents, AI task automation, calendar integration, Gmail connector, Google Drive connector, Outlook connector, team collaboration, premium AI features, desktop to browser transition, file creation, terminal commands, workflow automation Send Everyday AI and Jordan a text message. (We can't reply back unless you leave contact info) Try Gemini 2.5 Flash! Sign up at AIStudio.google.com to get started.…

about a year ago 6:59

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Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/41.
Many operations execs reach out for guidance when they are prepping for maternity leave. This momentous time requires thorough preparation and can be emotionally complex.

Balancing the excitement of a new baby with your work can be challenging.
How will your team manage without you? Will you fall behind professionally?

These uncertainties can add to your anxiety. But this time can be a time for both personal and professional growth.

In this episode, you’ll get tips on planning your leave, empowering your team, and ensuring a seamless return. When done thoughtfully, maternity leave can boost your confidence and growth.
Think of it as your opportunity to lead by example, showing that even superheroes can take a break.

90 episodes

41: 6 Maternity Leave Best Practices for Operations Execs

Your Future Realized

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Balancing the excitement of a new baby with your work can be challenging.
How will your team manage without you? Will you fall behind professionally?

These uncertainties can add to your anxiety. But this time can be a time for both personal and professional growth.

90 episodes

#Business #Laura Malinowski

All episodes

1
89: A Guide to Accountability Conversations for Ops Leaders 6:23

6 days ago6:23

6:23

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/89 . “Ugh, I know I need to have this conversation. But I don’t want to sound harsh or make them defensive.” If your ops team is dropping the ball, that probably hits close to home. Accountability talks can be tough. They’re easy to put off because they’re just plain uncomfortable. But here’s the thing: when you handle them the right way, these conversations don’t just solve problems, they build trust and show your team what real leadership looks like. Let’s be honest, accountability is the glue that keeps operations running. When someone drops the ball, it doesn’t just affect one person. It can throw off the whole team. In this episode, I’ll share how to tackle those tough talks head-on: no tiptoeing, no drama, and no losing your team’s respect. If you’re dreading holding someone accountable, you’re not alone, and this episode is for you.…

1
88: Ops Leaders, Are You Ready to Lead Through the Chaos? 5:40

13 days ago5:40

5:40

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/88 . Some days it feels like you’re spinning plates on a windy day, and everyone’s counting on you to keep things from crashing. Whether your job title says “operations” or you’re just the person who quietly keeps the ship running, you know what it’s like to juggle all the moving parts, shifting priorities, and constant surprises. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay steady when everything around you is shifting, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent years coaching operations executives and other steady-hands-in-the-storm, people who are great at keeping things moving, even when the wind picks up. Good news is: There are practical ways to get a little steadier, make decisions with more confidence, and build trust with your team, even when things are messy. Stick around, because I’ve got something special to share that might just make your week.…

1
87: Hey Ops Exec, Do You Need to Say 'No' More? 5:49

20 days ago5:49

5:49

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/87 . Most ops leaders I know have a hard time saying no. They don’t want to let people down and just know what needs to be done. It can feel easier, even automatic, to just step in to handle it. But that’s how you end up carrying everyone else’s load. It may sound counterintuitive, but your ability to say “no” is directly tied to your success as a leader. Research shows that leaders who manage their energy and set clear boundaries are more effective, especially during change.* Still, so many ops leaders get stuck taking on too much, especially in transition times, assuming good leadership means always being a bigger buffer than you need to be. In this episode, you’ll get a simple, practical way to set boundaries that actually stick so you can protect your energy and say “no” without guilt.…

1
86: How Ops Execs Can Stop Drowning in Priorities 6:19

27 days ago6:19

6:19

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/86 . If you’ve ever gone sailing, you know you can’t focus on every wave. You have to pick your course and stick with it, or risk spinning in circles, using up energy but not getting anywhere. Leading operations often means juggling too many things at once, with new priorities flying at you from every side. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, trying to keep everything afloat. But that’s a recipe for burnout, not breakthrough. The average executive makes about 70 conscious decisions a day at work.* That’s a lot of mental juggling. Not every plate deserves to stay in the air. The leaders who make the most impact aren’t doing everything, they’re focusing on what really matters. In this episode, you’ll get a clear and simple plan to stop drowning in priorities, so you can lead with intention, not just survive the daily flood.…

1
85: Why Every Ops Decision Builds Your Reputation 5:24

5 weeks ago5:24

5:24

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/85 . Your reputation as an operations leader isn’t built in a single moment. It’s shaped by every decision you make, day in and day out. Over time, those choices add up, not just to results, but to the story people tell about you as a leader. Think about the leaders you most admire. Their expertise matters, but it’s how they show up in critical moments that really defines them. Research shows that executive presence (how you communicate and make decisions) is a top priority for leadership advancement. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 C-suite executives say executive presence helps you get ahead. Yet so many brilliant ops leaders remain invisible because they haven’t connected their decision-making style to their personal brand. Today, you’ll learn how every decision you make shapes your reputation, and how to make sure it’s the story you want people to remember.…

1
84: How Ops Execs Decide Fast Without Regret 6:05

6 weeks ago6:05

6:05

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/84 . You know that feeling when you’re stuck in a decision? The more you think about it, the harder it gets to move. I’ve been an Orioles fan since I was a kid. If baseball’s taught me anything, it’s that you can’t wait forever for the perfect pitch. Sometimes you just have to swing. In operations, you almost never have perfect information. Research shows that executives spend a huge chunk of their time making decisions, and a lot of that time is wasted on choices that could be made faster or delegated.* What really matters? Companies that make faster, higher-quality decisions pull ahead. They see bigger growth and better results than their slower peers.** This episode is all about how to cut through indecision without sacrificing quality, especially when everything around you is changing at warp speed.…

1
83: The Secret to Ops Team Trust When Everything Changes 6:27

7 weeks ago6:27

6:27

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/83 . This spring, a pair of eastern bluebirds nested on my back deck for the fourth year in a row. I have no idea why they keep coming back, but I like to think it’s because they feel safe here. Safe enough to show up, even when the weather is unpredictable and the world is changing. If you’re leading an ops team, you know trust is just as important, and just as fragile. When everything is shifting, it’s easy for people to hold back and wait for someone else to make the first move. But the teams who weather change well are the ones where people feel safe to speak up, admit what they don’t know, and ask for help. In this episode, you’ll hear how to create that kind of safety and trust, even when you don’t have all the answers.…

1
82: Unlocking Introvert Potential in Operations with Dr. Jennifer Kahnweiler 28:05

8 weeks ago28:05

28:05

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/82 . Speaking as an introvert who spent years working in operations, I wish I’d met today’s guest sooner. Dr. Jennifer Kahnweiler has been a champion for introverts at work for over 15 years, and I recently got to sit down with her for a great conversation. I know firsthand how easy it is for quieter voices to be overlooked at work! What’s cool about Jennifer is she’s actually an extrovert, but she’s all-in on supporting introverts. She brings a really balanced, fresh perspective to leadership and team dynamics. She’s written five books, translated into 18 languages, and she’s worked with big names like Amazon and NASA. We talked about how introverts can play to their strengths, and what companies can do to make work more welcoming for everyone. So, whether you’re an introvert yourself or you lead a team full of them, you’re going to get a lot out of this one.…

1
81: How Ops Execs Can Stop Being Overlooked and Start Being Heard with 3 Actionable Moves 5:06

9 weeks ago5:06

5:06

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/81 . Melanie*’s job as an operations leader means she often has to say things people don’t want to hear. She got the role because she’s passionate, driven, and trusted to guide her company through some pretty big changes. But change always brings uncertainty, and how you show up and communicate can make all the difference. When we first met, Melanie’s passion was actually holding her back. She’d get interrupted in meetings, get flustered and leave feeling frustrated, even thinking, “Maybe after seven years, it’s time for me to just walk away .” But this week, she told me, “Honestly, now I welcome their interruptions. I’m ready for it.” It’s a huge turning point. If you’re stuck delivering tough news and feel caught between your commitment and the resistance around you, this episode is for you. It’s time to stop fading into the background. The three moves I’ll share today are your starting line. *Not her real name.…

1
80: Should Ops Execs Stop Picking Up the Slack? 5:53

10 weeks ago5:53

5:53

Find the full episode at yourfuturerealized.com/80 . Yesterday someone kicked off our conversation by saying: " Why do I feel like I’m the one always picking up the slack? If I don’t step in, things fall apart. But if I do, I’m working every evening, drowning in work that isn’t mine!" If you’re an ops executive, and may sound pretty familiar, and it’s likely you’ve felt this way more than once. Accountability is crucial everywhere, of course, but especially in operations. Why? Because when someone doesn’t follow through, it’s not just them, or your ops team, that’s impacted. It can create ripple effects, slowing down others across the entire organization. Today, you’ll get tips on how to stop carrying the load for others by setting clear expectations and creating a culture of accountability. And I’ll share how you can make real changes without feeling like the bad guy.…

1
79: Hey Ops Execs, Here’s the Time Management Hack You Actually Need 6:41

11 weeks ago6:41

6:41

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/79 . You know Florence Griffith Joyner, right? The fastest woman in history. What makes her legendary isn’t just her speed, but how she embraced her uniqueness. Early on, she struggled with her starts. Her coaches doubted her potential as a top sprinter. But Flo-Jo didn’t let that define her. She stopped trying to fit in and leaned into her own style, focusing on the most important races. Everything changed, and she became unstoppable. As an ops leader, what if you stopped trying to "win every race" and instead, focused on what makes the biggest impact? This week, I’m answering a question I get all the time: “How do I get it ALL done so I can carve out more strategy time?” Spoiler alert: You can’t. But redefining your non-negotiables and boundaries might be the edge you need.…

1
78: 3 Ways Ops Execs Nail Presentations Without Self-Doubt 6:19

12 weeks ago6:19

6:19

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/78 . Once upon a time, there was an operations executive who was brilliant. For years, she’d been the go-to problem solver, building a collaborative workplace that made her indispensable. One day, she was asked to present her ideas on stage. She’d never done this on such a large scale before. Self-doubt crept in, whispering, “Who am I to do this? What if I look like an idiot?” She couldn’t stop imagining every mistake that might happen. It’s not surprising. Nearly 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point, those nagging feelings of self-doubt that hold you back. But what if those feelings aren’t proof you don’t belong? What if they’re just evidence that you’re growing into something bigger? In this episode, you’ll get tips to calm yourself when anxiety strikes so you can own your place on that stage.…

1
77: What Happens When Ops Leaders Go Unnoticed? 5:58

13 weeks ago5:58

5:58

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/77 . You know how Chewbacca didn't get a medal at the end of the first Star Wars movie? I never understood that, considering how important he was in destroying the Death Star and saving the day. I do remember hearing that George Lucas had said medals don't matter to Wookiees. That they have different ways of honoring their heroes. Sound familiar, ops leaders? You are the backbone of your company, loyal and dedicated, making sure it all goes according to plan. Your work doesn’t typically get the medal, not because it's not valuable, but because everything just runs smoothly when you’re doing it well. But that doesn’t make you any less of a hero. In this episode, I'll share why the real heroes often work behind the scenes, in any galaxy. You'll hear how to make a big impact and stay energized, even when your contributions fly under the radar.…

1
76: Are You an Ops Exec Who's Drowning in Team Drama? Here's How to Stay Afloat. 4:50

14 weeks ago4:50

4:50

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/76 . Picture this: You're in your office, and there's a knock on the door. It's Sarah from Accounting, and she's got that look on her face. You know the one. She's about to vent. Again. Is that ringing a bell? If you're an operations exec, I bet it does. You're the go-to person for getting things done, and that often means being the go-to listener as well. Whether it's a delayed project, a software glitch, or just a tough day, your team turns to you for a sympathetic ear. But how many times have you found yourself caught up in conversations that feel more like emotional dumping grounds than productive discussions? Have you been wondering how in the world to handle this better? Today, I’m diving into how to manage venting so they feel heard, without sacrificing your sanity or your strategic focus.…

1
75: How to Lead Operations Through Change Without Being a Pushover 5:10

15 weeks ago5:10