Hello!
In this issue there’s a workplace trend, news snippets, AI updates, and sage advice in the “Dear Jen” column.
And of course, I share my recommendations for your viewing pleasure.
I hope this newsletter brings you some wisdom and joy!
Cheers,
Jen
What trend am I seeing out there in the workplace world?
Australian companies being stung by overseas “contractor” arrangements that look deceptively simple.
Engaging a cost effective VA, bookkeeper or developer can expose an Australian business to:
- Fair Work Act Obligations – deemed employee. (For example see Pascua v Doessel [2024] FWC 2669 and Doessel Group Pty Ltd v Joanna Pascua (C2024/7389).
- Overseas tax and compliance obligations for the worker and the Australian company. (For example see 2024 changes to the way the Philippines taxes cross-border services).
- Permanent establishment risk which can create a taxable presence in a foreign country.
- Double tax agreement complications.
Take Out Point: Companies using foreign contractors should seek legal advice before engaging them or use an overseas Employer of Record (EOR) or Business Process Outsourcing company (BPO).
Unlocking Leadership Potential
Behind every high-performing team is a leader who is continuously evolving.
Managers and leaders are expected to deliver results, inspire people and navigate complexity, often all at once. Sometimes, what’s needed isn’t more information but a space to think differently, explore new angles and gain clarity.
Leading HR Consultant Deborah Stonley works with leaders and managers who are ready to:
- Grow their leadership impact
- Navigate sensitive people dynamics
- Take the next step in their careers
- Think differently and explore new angles
Deborah offers individual programs that unlock potential, build confidence, and align personal growth with business outcomes.
Contact Deborah: deborah@jenniferbicknell.com.au | 0419 203 600
Or Jennifer Bicknell: jen@jenniferbicknell.com.au | 0411 275 920
Job of the Week: Professional Coffee Tourist
Starbucks is paying up to $136,000 to travel the world, drink their coffee, and make TikToks about it.
They’re hiring two “Global Coffee Creators” to visit up to 15 locations around the world documenting “the care and craft that goes into every cup“.
Suggested interview question: “Can you make small talk about coffee beans in multiple locations?”
See: Starbucks Global Coffee Creator
Buzzword of the Week: “Innovation”
Corporate Definition: Introducing new products, services, or processes that create measurable value.
Reality: Redundancies. (See below).
“Innovation” At Starbucks
Starbucks has unveiled its new AI assistant, Green Dot Assist, which will help baristas with everything from drink recipes to equipment fixes.
The company says this “innovation” will make baristas’ jobs “easier” and “more fun” while giving them more time to focus on customers by streamlining operations and reducing friction.
Take Out Point: Will the barista’s job be easier to do or easier to replace?
Amazon CEO Warns of AI Induced Redundancies
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has warned white-collar staff that the company will employ fewer people as AI becomes more sophisticated, telling workers they need to improve their AI skills to keep their jobs.
Jassy expects AI to reduce Amazon’s total corporate workforce in the coming years. He advised Amazon employees to embrace the change by learning AI tools, attending workshops, and experimenting with the technology to remain valuable to the company.
Take Out Point: Amazon’s giving staff a choice – learn AI or learn to love job hunting. (Just don’t plan to become a barista).
See: Amazon to Reduce Workforce Due to AI and (behind paywall) Amazon Chief Warns White Collar Staff Their Jobs Are on the Line
Difficult Conversations Suck – But You Don’t Have to Suck at Them
No one hands you a manual for tough workplace talks – so I wrote one, turned it into a workshop (and added an interpretive dance).
In my “Awkward to Awesome” workshop, you’ll learn:
✅ A simple, step-by-step way to handle tricky conversations without making it weird
✅ Exactly what to say when it matters (and what not to say)
✅ How to give feedback that actually lands (instead of backfiring spectacularly)
✅ How to avoid putting your foot in your mouth (and what to do if you already have)
✅ How to handle performance issues before they become disasters.
I’ll give you:
✔A practical skillset you’ll use forever
✔ A serious upgrade to your leadership skills
✔ A major confidence boost for your next tough talk
✔ A few laughs (possibly at my expense)
✘ No cringey role-plays. (We practice, but in a way that makes you better – not more uncomfortable).
REMEMBER… AVOIDANCE ISN’T A STRATEGY!
Contact Jen on 0411 275 920 or at jen@jenniferbicknell.com.au
Dear Jen,
I received some feedback from my boss in an email. I welcome feedback but am disappointed that the email ended with:
“This feedback seems quite direct. Would you prefer to soften the language?”
He used AI to help draft my feedback and then ignored the suggestion that he be nicer!
Should I call him out?
Cheers,
Artificially Insulted
Dear Artificially Insulted,
Ah, the classic ‘I had AI help me criticise you but forgot to delete the prompt’. Awkward (but no doubt accidental).
I know it’s probably tempting to reply:
“Dear [Boss],
I would appreciate catching up to discuss this feedback.
Regards, [Your Name].
This response was generated by a human”.
However…I suggest that you just ask for a meeting and be glad you have a boss that gives feedback. It is a gift.
Cheers,
Jen
My Guilty Pleasure (On Netflix)
Like everyone, I was “Thunderstruck” by season 2 of “America’s Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders”. These women have more athleticism and better hair than any quarterback. [No spoilers, but pay negotiations are a theme, so it’s actually educational].
What I’m Watching (On Netflix)
“The Waterfront” is currently the number 1 show on Netflix. And why not? Who doesn’t love a drama about a failing North Carolina fishing empire that decides drug smuggling is the logical next step in their business plan? [Note: author does not recommend businesses pivot in real life from seafood to speed].
What I Inhaled (On Netflix)
“North Shore” is compelling from the outset. The daughter of a British politician (Anna Bates from “Downton Abbey”) turns up dead in Sydney Harbour. A British detective (Samwell Tarly from “Game of Thrones”) works with local detectives to work out if it’s misadventure, murder or something far worse… A must watch.
What I’m Relieved is Finally Back (On Paramount)
After an unacceptable delay, season 3 of “The Gilded Age” has finally dropped. Think “Bridgerton” transplanted to NYC and starring Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon. The perfect combination of old money versus new money tension, impeccable costumes and architectural p#rn. Escapism viewing.
