The Drs S&O Podcast: The Power of Stories

Summary

In this episode of "Doctors Schuster and Oxley," hosts David Oxley and Helmut Schuster welcome Marilyn Pearson-Hendricks, CEO of WorkTech Advisory. The conversation begins with a light-hearted reflection on Groundhog Day, drawing parallels between the tradition and the cyclical nature of stories in our lives. Marilyn shares her journey through the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in shaping her career and the lessons learned from her experiences. She discusses the influence of her mother, a passionate reader and foster parent, and how early exposure to stories shaped her understanding of resilience and identity. 

As the discussion progresses, Marilyn highlights the challenges faced by women in leadership and entrepreneurship, particularly in accessing capital and breaking stereotypes. She shares her insights on the importance of role models and the need for societal change to achieve gender equality in the workplace. The episode concludes with reflections on resilience, the significance of learning from failures, and the importance of mentorship in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.


Keywords

Groundhog Day, storytelling, leadership, women in tech, entrepreneurship, resilience, role models, WorkTech Advisory, Marilyn Pearson-Hendricks, business strategy


Takeaways

"When the student is ready, the teacher will come."
"Better luck next time" became a family mantra.
"I got tired of working for other people and got to a point where I'm like, it's just not gonna happen that way."
"The roles were very gender stratified, right?"
"We need equal access to the ability to parent as your full-time choice for men or women."


Titles

Breaking the Cycle: Stories of Resilience and Leadership
From Groundhog Day to Groundbreaking: Marilyn's Journey in Tech


Sound bites

"I can't even really pick one."
"Self-care is probably the most important thing."
"Better luck next time."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Groundhog Day Reflection
04:03 Meet Marilyn Pearson-Hendricks
10:44 The Power of Storytelling in Life and Career
18:19 Breaking Free from Societal Expectations
29:01 Resilience and Reflection in Entrepreneurship
35:37 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Creators and Guests

Host
David Oxley
Dr Oxley is a dual UK/US citizen based in Austin, Texas. David started his career as a management consultant before leading major people and corporate restructuring projects for BP PLC across Europe, USA, India, and the Middle East. He worked closely with Reliance Industries in India, one of BP’s partners, as they embarked on their big corporate restructuring. He currently spends his time researching and writing on future career trends for publications around the world including Fast Company, Forbes, Big Think, Reader’s Digest, and HR Today where he also serves as a member of the global advisory board. David was awarded his doctorate in Organizational Change at Cranfield University and his MBA from the University of Notre Dame.
Host
Helmut Schuster
Dr Schuster is a dual Austrian/British citizen who lives in London, UK. He is the former Group HR Director of BP PLC and Chairman of the Board for Ivocar Vivadent. He currently serves on the board of several dynamic start-up businesses including ExpectAI, a Greentech enterprise. Helmut is an active entrepreneur, investor, and frequent contributor to leadership and AFS Cultural programs. ​ He completed his PhD in Economics from the University of Vienna.
Guest
Marilyn Pearson-Hendricks
Marilyn Pearson-Hendricks is CEO of Worktech Advisory and a leading authority on the future of work and workplace strategy. She advises senior leaders across real estate, HR, and technology on aligning people, place, and performance in a rapidly changing world of work. Known for translating research into practical insight, Marilyn focuses on hybrid work, workplace culture, and employee experience, helping organisations create adaptive, inclusive, and resilient workplaces.

What is The Drs S&O Podcast: The Power of Stories?

Hosted by the writing collaboration Drs Schuster & Oxley, this show focuses on how story telling can be such a powerful source of inspiration in our professional lives. Each episode shares an entertaining story, often provided by a notable business leader. The power of stories is an entertaining, fun, uplifting podcast designed to help professionals in all walks of life find answers to imponderable questions and smile while they do so.