Can We Actually Design Work Around Human Energy?

With all the return-to-office mandates and organizational changes happening, how can we design the way we work to actually support health, focus, and fulfillment instead of quietly burning everyone out? Judy reframes this as a design challenge, not a people problem—and explains why organizations need to get better at saying no strategically. Sasha brings the neuroscience of how your brain's natural energy cycles (ultradian rhythms) shape your workday, and why fighting against your biology is a losing battle. Together, we explore why doing less can actually mean accomplishing more, and why mission-driven organizations especially struggle with this paradox. Judy's key insight: healthy organizations aren't cemented into one way of doing things. They're adaptive. Sasha's reminder: you can't implement any of this without learning to say no to work that drains more than it benefits. And both agree: it's a practice, not a perfect. Have a question similar to this one that you'd like us to answer in an upcoming episode? Send it to transformationhorizon@gmail.com. Please subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, give us a 5-star rating, and leave us a review! We love hearing from listeners! #ODHorizonStories