Hosted by Nahal Yousefian
Over the past 20 years, working in 13 countries has introduced me to remarkable individuals and diverse perspectives. As an immigrant and refugee who left Iran as a child and moved often, I developed not just a tolerance for change but a deep appreciation for the discomfort and growth it brings. Every move exposed me xze. Inspired by these experiences, I’ve stayed connected with extraordinary people and am now eager to expand these conversations through my new podcast.
In this space, friends, experts, and even anonymous callers join me to unpack the origins and impact of buzzwords—why they exist, why they frustrate us, and when, if ever, they hold meaning. As my friend Autumn, a writer and podcast guest, aptly put it, buzzwords are “the art of saying something while saying nothing.” If you’ve ever questioned your perspective in a world inundated with performative language, this podcast might offer the clarity you need.
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#Coaching (Ep 14)
Let’s be honest: ‘coach’ is one of those words that’s been stretched, overused, and misapplied so much that it barely resembles its original form. Like the word artisan—which once meant skilled craftsmanship and now applies to everything from overpriced toast to scented candles—coaching has suffered a similar fate.
Enter Chris.
#HumanResources (HR) Ep 13
I am excited to present Episode 13 of The Unbuzzed Podcast, featuring the delightful Jamie Jackson, the self-proclaimed Chief Meme Officer and the clever mind behind the popular accounts Humorous Resources, Millennial Misery, The Chief Meme Officer, and Parody Parenting.
#GenX (Ep 12)
Last week, I stepped far outside my comfort zone in conversation with Kory—one of the most unapologetic humans I’ve had the good fortune to meet and now call a friend. This week, I did it again, this time with Tatyana, a fellow Gen Xer whose viral Instagram account, @corporategenxmom, hilariously (and painfully accurately) captures the absurdity of workplace culture.
Her journey started with an all-too-familiar irony: she was called into an HR meeting for simply agreeing with a LinkedIn post. Instead of retreating, she turned workplace frustration into comedy, creating a space where people could collectively roll their eyes at corporate antics and, for once, feel seen.
Our conversation highlighted a reality I hadn’t fully appreciated—how quickly generational perspectives shift in the workplace. The generational divide isn’t just between Boomers and Gen Z; even a six-year gap can mean two colleagues experience and interpret work, culture, and expectations in completely different ways. What seems obvious to one might be baffling to another, leaving even near-peers struggling to “get” each other.
This week, Tatyana shares why she’s chosen to stay semi-anonymous, what inspired her to create @corporategenxmom, and her take on what workplaces could look like if we truly wanted them to be better. One thing we both agreed on? Gen X has become the reluctant translator between generations, decoding office culture for those who came before and after us.
Follow her. Tatyana's captivating insights on her social media account offer both astute commentary and a refreshing dose of humor, inviting listeners to reflect on and chuckle at the peculiarities of their own professional experiences.
#Millennial (Ep 11)
In the latest episode of The Unbuzzed Podcast, I had the distinct pleasure of conversing with Kory, a millennial whose boldness and transparency compelled me, a Gen Xer, to confront my preconceived notions about his generation as we unbuzzed the term ‘millennial’. While Kory certainly does not represent all millennials, he provided a revealing glimpse into the unapologetic and daring spirit that distinctly sets them apart from my own, more measured approach to work's challenges
#Authenticity (Ep 10)
Last year, I had the delight of meeting Matthew, and from our very first conversation, I was thoroughly captivated. His remarkable ability to discuss a vast array of subjects—be it literature, law, economics, politics, or artificial intelligence—through engaging storytelling is truly an art I admire deeply.
Initially, I had hoped to feature him on the Unbuzzed podcast to explore the nuances of legal language and its potential to create swirl amongst employees in workplaces as a buzzword. Nevertheless, as you will hear in this episode, his authentic demeanor, both as an individual and as a leader and professor, guided our conversation away from the mere term "legal" within workplaces to the more profound notion of authenticity, especially what it means to be an ‘authentic’ leader.
Matthew’s generous sharing of knowledge, coupled with his vulnerability in storytelling, leaves a lasting impression on all who have the fortune of experiencing it. I take great pride in calling him my friend and mentor.
#Empowerment (Ep 9)
What happens when you examine a buzzword that makes your skin crawl? In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Pallavi Jain to unpack “empowerment,” a term that often leaves me questioning its true essence. As an HR professional, I’ve seen it twisted into something superficial—an empty call to action rather than a profound inward journey. With a playful wager on the table, I challenged Pallavi: by the end of our 90-minute chat, I’d hope to cringe less. Spoiler alert: she won! Together, we explore the rich layers of empowerment, spurred by Pallavi’s transformative experiences that remind us to look within for real understanding. Join us as we redefine this often-abused term and discover its genuine power. Listen to wherever you get your pods.
Learn more about Pallavi here:
Website: https://www.pallavi-jain.com
Linkedin profile: www.linkedin.com/in/pallavi-jain-leadfromwithin
TEDx talk link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymxrRpsBcA
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