What It’s Like to Be…an Executive Chef
Butchering whole alligators, costing out every plate down to the garnish, and perfecting grilled sweetbreads with Cindy Wolf, an executive chef.
September 24th, 2025
work
September 10th, 2025
What It’s Like to Be…a Speechwriter
Writing for the ear rather than the eye, racing to meet teleprompter deadlines, and recasting lost memories as timeless advice with Stephen Krupin, a speechwriter.
August 31st, 2025
How to Rescue an Overloaded Organization
Many leaders mistakenly believe that their organizations thrive under constant pressure. But overloaded systems are broken systems—to fix them, we must learn our way to the right amount of work.
What It’s Like to Be…a Floral Decorator
Crafting floral masterpieces that disappear within hours, dealing with the eccentricities of wealthy clients, and making 3am runs to the flower market with Paul Hawkins, a floral decorator in England.
August 12th, 2025
What It’s Like to Be…a Car Mechanic
Cracking automotive mysteries one diagnostic code at a time, mastering the art of quoting complicated repairs, and playing the “what kind of noise is it?” guessing game with Justin Snodgrass, a car mechanic who owns his own shop.
August 02nd, 2025
Americans Are Overworked. Could AI Change That?
AI promises to help us get more done in less time. It’s an opportunity to reverse the trend of American overwork, but powerful structural factors stand in the way.
July 29th, 2025
What It’s Like to Be…a Pharmacy Tech
Counting out pills in fives, working with million-dollar drugs, and ensuring the right medication in the right dose gets delivered at the right moment with Rose Davin, a pharmacy technician.
July 15th, 2025
What It’s Like to Be…a Chief Financial Officer
Forecasting what a business will earn and spend, allocating resources among teams clamoring for more, and practicing professional skepticism without killing the vibe with Steve Love, a chief financial officer.
July 01st, 2025
What It’s Like to Be…a Deli Owner
Boiling briskets for five hours, escorting obnoxious customers to the door, and preserving the ritual of saying “hello” with Steven Peljovich, who runs Michael’s Deli in Boston.
June 17th, 2025
What It’s Like to Be…a Massage Therapist
Choreographing massages to Mozart, enforcing cancellation policies with beloved clients, and shutting down callers seeking “undraped sessions” with Allissa Haines, a massage therapist.
