Truth, Lies and Work

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Tuesday news round-up, workplace surgery, and expert take — all in one. 🔥 This Week’s Stories 📌 1. The Intruder Paradox: Is imposter syndrome actually a workplace problem?New research says it’s not always your confidence that’s the issue — it’s your environment. We explore the study behind a new term: the intruder paradox — and what it means for inclusion at work. 📰 Source: https://asmepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/medu.15741 🗞️ Commentary: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matt-smeed-b6033922_intruder-paradox-activity-7346916286867681281-O3Kv 📖 Read more: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/imposter-syndrome-isnt-your-fault-it-s-a-workplace-problem-c2e00fbe67df 📌 2. How to hire an A-player: Tough love or recruitment theatre?A viral hiring post lays out a bold approach: multi-hour interviews, deep reference checks, and a “hard truths first” philosophy. But does this really help you hire better — or just scare off the best people? Al and Leanne unpack the thinking behind this controversial method and explore what hiring top talent really takes. 📌 3. Return-to-office rules are harming wellbeing — even before they’re enforcedA new Hays poll finds that just the threat of stricter office policies is denting morale. We unpack the anticipatory anxiety building across the UK workforce. 🗣️ Featuring insight from SWAA’s December 2024 data and Hays UK research. 🔥 Hot Take: Should you talk openly about quitting? Guest: Becky Simms (CEO, Human First Collective) It’s the workplace conversation nobody wants to have — until it’s too late. Becky explains why talking about career moves before they happen could be the secret to better retention, stronger trust, and less awkward exits. 📬 Register your interest to support Aspiration Digital: https://forms.gle/qFSqSurv1soNF4sL8 📱 Follow Aspiration Digital on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspirationdigital/ 📱 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aspirationdigital 💬 Workplace Surgery This week, we’re joined by experts from The Curve Group to answer 3 complex HR dilemmas: ❓ “How do you handle a workplace complaint when one employee wants to make amends — and the other wants them gone?” 🎧 Response from: Catherine Coggins – Head of HR & Legal at The Curve Group ❓ “Are job boards still worth it for small businesses?” 🎧 Response from: Liam Reed – Head of Recruitment Operations at The Curve Group ❓ “How do bank holidays work for compressed hours?” 🎧 Response from: Catherine Coggins – Head of HR & Legal at The Curve Group 🎧 Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave us a review — and don’t forget to join us Thursday as we’re joined by Boss Class host and The Economist senior editor Andrew Palmer for a deep dive on leadership lessons from the world’s best-run companies. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]– Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne– LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne– Email: [email protected]– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Thursday deep-dive with a workplace expert. 🎙️ This Week’s Guest: Tim Lupinacci He runs a law firm with hundreds of employees across the U.S. — and he’s doing it by flipping traditional leadership on its head. Tim Lupinacci is the CEO and Chair of Baker Donelson, a 130-year-old U.S. law firm. But unlike the archetype of a power-hungry managing partner, Tim leads through vulnerability, service, and personal values. In this conversation, Tim shares how he’s built a culture of trust and transparency in a sector that’s famously high-pressure, high-burnout, and historically low on empathy. Expect real-world lessons on humility, motivation, and leading with impact in complex, change-resistant environments. 💡 Key Takeaways from Tim Lupinacci Service is power.Tim explains why true leadership means removing barriers — not issuing commands. Vulnerability builds trust.By showing up as a real human, Tim found his team became more loyal, engaged, and resilient. Law firms don’t have to be toxic.Culture change is possible — even in legacy-driven sectors — when leaders go first. 🔗 Connect with Tim LupinacciLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lupinacci/ 🎧 Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen — and don’t forget to check out our Tuesday news round-up for the latest in people, culture, and the science of work. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work/Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliottLeanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: [email protected] a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Tuesday news round-up, hot take, and workplace surgery — all in one. 🔥 This Week’s Stories 📌 1. Empathsplaining: Are today’s leaders all talk, no trust?From “I hear you” to “we care deeply,” modern leaders know how to sound empathetic — but are they actually avoiding hard conversations? Leanne explores a growing trend of emotional performance without action — and why Gen Z isn’t buying it. 📰 Source: Jeff LeBlanc – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeff-leblanc-93212510a_leadership-workplace-management-activity-7347583849054302208-Fzy0 📌 2. Silicon Valley’s million-dollar scammerOne engineer, 22 startups, $1 million a year — and barely any work. Al breaks down the most outrageous employment heist in recent tech history, what it tells us about the future of remote work, and the ethical chaos of overemployment. 📰 Source: The Pragmatic Engineer – https://newsletter.pragmaticengineer.com/p/the-10x-overlemployed-engineer 📌 3. What really happens when leaders break their word?A new study reveals that it’s not the gap between values and actions that kills trust — it’s how leaders explain that gap. Leanne digs into the psychology behind word–action misalignment, and why high-integrity leaders are judged more gently. 📰 Study: https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/joop.70030 📰 Medium write-up: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/when-leaders-break-promises-this-is-what-saves-trust-198a94a6220b 🔥 Hot Take: Let’s Talk About Pay, with Rameez Kaleem Why are companies still scared of pay transparency — and what’s that fear really costing them? Rameez Kaleem, founder of 3R Strategy, says pay isn’t just a finance issue — it’s a culture issue. He explains why younger workers are demanding honesty, how pay secrecy fuels inequality, and how transparency builds trust even without revealing everyone’s salary. 🗣 Guest links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rameezkaleem/ https://3r-strategy.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/a-case-of-the-mondays/id1691526371 💬 Workplace Surgery ❓ Should I hire my spouse into my small team?A listener wonders if working with their partner will strengthen trust — or spark chaos. ❓ How far should employers go to protect wellbeing?What’s realistic when you want to care for your team — but you’re also trying to survive as a small business? ❓ Can DISC fix team tensions — or is it just a fad?With personality clashes brewing, one leader asks whether DISC assessments can help — and what other tools might work better. 🎧 Enjoying the show?Follow, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen — and don’t forget to join us Thursday for an expert masterclass on how to manage people who are way smarter than you. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work/ Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Thursday deep-dive with a workplace expert. 🎙️ This Week’s Guest: Steve Roest What do you do when you’re leading people who are smarter than you? This week, we’re joined by Steve Roest, CEO and co-founder of PocDoc — one of the UK’s fastest-growing health tech startups. Steve leads a team of scientists and engineers developing cutting-edge diagnostics — despite not being a scientist or an engineer himself. In this episode, Steve shares how he turns that so-called “weakness” into a leadership superpower. You’ll hear how he builds high-performance teams, handles ego, and keeps world-class experts aligned without stifling innovation. 💡 Key Takeaways from Steve Roest You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room.Steve explains how leaders can succeed by focusing on vision, coordination, and culture — not technical control. Confidence isn’t the same as competence.Hiring for collaboration skills is just as important as technical ability. Steve shares how PocDoc screens for ego and team fit. Brilliance needs boundaries.The best ideas often come from freedom — but only when that freedom is shaped by clear goals and customer needs. 🔗 Resources & Links Website: https://pocdoc.co/Steve Roest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveroest/Steve’s podcast – The Health Tech Hour: https://open.spotify.com/show/5pZb65BCLauYxbJrbzDQfP 🎧 Enjoying the show?Follow, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen — and don’t forget to check out our Tuesday news round-up for the latest in people, culture, and the science of work. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-beingMind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 📬 Connect with Al & LeanneTruth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work/Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliottLeanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: [email protected] a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Tuesday news round-up, workplace surgery, and expert take — all in one. 🔥 Stories Covered 📌 1. BrewDog says it’s all about wellbeing nowAfter years of scandal and staff walkouts, BrewDog is trying to clean up its act — training 200 mental health first aiders and rolling out a new leadership charter. But are we buying it? And what does real culture change actually look like? 📰 Source: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/brewdog-leaves-punk-era-behind-to-focus-on-staff-wellbeing-d03xht2rx 📌 2. NatWest starts thinking like a tech companyFrom giving back nearly half a million staff hours to killing off bad ideas fast, NatWest’s COO is leading a culture shift inside one of the UK’s biggest banks. Is this the future of large-scale transformation? 📰 Source: https://www.strategy-business.com/article/The-new-way-NatWest-Group-is-making-work-better 📌 3. Stuck employees act out — and here’s the science behind itNew research finds that career plateaus don’t just hurt motivation — they drain people’s mental energy and make them more likely to break rules, disengage, or behave badly. Not because they’re unprofessional… but because they’re burned out and stuck. 📄 Study: Zhao, Chen & Xie (2025), Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology 🔗 https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joop.12532 🔗 Follow-up: ⁠https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/stuck-in-a-dead-end-job-youre-more-likely-to-lash-out-2de4f22ccdca 🔥 Hot Take: Matt Smeed on Why Wellbeing Leaders Are Held to Impossible Standards Matt Smeed — Business Psychologist and co-founder of the Working Well Community — joins us to ask a simple question: why do wellbeing leaders have to be perfect? Other departments are allowed to try, fail and iterate. But when it comes to wellbeing, the bar’s sky-high. Matt argues it’s time to ditch the perfectionism and make space for progress. More from Matt Smeed:🌐 Website: www.workingwell.community🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smeed-b6033922/ 👨‍💼 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingwellcommunity 💬 Workplace Surgery ❓ Do investors care about culture — and how do you prove it?A founder gearing up for their first funding round wants to show off their strong team culture. But will investors actually value it — and how do you make it measurable? ❓ Should I tell my boss I’m burnt out — or just push through?They’ve been the fixer, the firefighter, the one who holds it all together. Now they’re running on empty. But will honesty help… or backfire? ❓ I’ve been asked to gather peer feedback — but no one wants to talk to meTheir boss wants them to be the “culture go-between.” They feel awkward, underqualified, and unsure how to do it. Is it OK to push back? 🎧 Enjoying the show?Follow, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen — and don’t forget to join us Thursday for a masterclass in managing people who are smarter than you (yes, really). 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work/Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliottLeanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: [email protected] a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Thursday deep-dive with a workplace expert. 🎙️ This Week’s Guest: Richard Birke Mediator. Negotiator. Law professor. Neuroscience nerd. This week we’re joined by Richard Birke, Chief Architect of JAMS Pathways — the premier training and development platform for alternative dispute resolution. He’s helped settle billion-dollar legal cases, trained thousands of leaders, and worked with organisations like NASA, NBC and the UN — teaching them how to resolve high-stakes conflict before it becomes a disaster. And in this episode, he shares how the best managers use mediation skills to build trust, reduce drama, and protect culture — even if they never set foot in a courtroom. 💡 Key Takeaways from Richard Birke Conflict is inevitable. Combat is optional.Great managers don’t avoid conflict — they navigate it. Richard breaks down the difference between productive disagreement and destructive drama. Most problems at work aren’t legal — they’re relational.Before HR policies or employment law get involved, there’s often a moment where a manager could step in and defuse the tension. Richard explains what that looks like in practice. Listening is more than hearing.The number one skill in any conflict isn’t talking — it’s listening for what’s not being said. Richard shares how to tune in and de-escalate before things go nuclear. 🔗 Resources & Links Richard Birke – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-birke-3840741/ JAMS Pathways: https://www.jamsadr.com/what-we-do/pathways 🎧 Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen — and don’t forget to check out our Tuesday news round-up for all the latest in people and culture. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work/Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliottLeanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: [email protected] a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat podscan_ao9sFwM7ULyvbNzEQYPwzNJ4sznDEF64

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Tuesday news round-up, workplace surgery, and expert take — all in one. 🔥 This Week’s Stories 📌 1. Monster Jobs Goes Bust — But What Killed It? The original online job board, Monster Worldwide, has filed for bankruptcy. It’s not just the end of a tech giant — it’s a wake-up call for every recruiter and platform still relying on “post and pray” job ads. 📰 Fast Company article: ⁠https://www.fastcompany.com/91357558/careerbuilder-monster-chapter-11-bankruptcy-filing-online-job-search-board-sinks-after-pandemic⁠ 📌 2. Great Bosses Exist — And Here’s the Proof After our episode on terrible managers, listeners demanded a follow-up: what about the good ones? Leanne shares highlights from Laura Lanier’s latest viral post — and the incredible bosses who’ve shaped careers, saved lives, and redefined leadership. 📰 Laura Lanier’s LinkedIn post: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/posts/laura-lanier-819b04217_okay-so-270-of-us-had-crazy-boss-stories-activity-7340799206099439616--dT9⁠ 📌 3. The Emotion Hack That Actually Works at Work New research says you don’t need therapy, apps or breathing exercises to regulate emotions. Just two small cognitive shifts helped people feel calmer and work better — with results lasting over a month. 📰 Read the full explainer: ⁠https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/the-emotion-hack-that-actually-works-at-work-194005888551⁠ 🔥 Hot Take: “The Gender Pay Gap Doesn’t Exist (Until Age 30)” — with Antonio Ribeiro Meet the founder of Yurtle, Antonio Ribeiro — who claims the gender pay gap vanishes until women start having children. From unpaid care to sandwich generation burnout, Antonio shares how his tech company is predicting — and preventing — the disappearances that cost businesses their best people. 👤 Antonio RibeiroCEO & Founder, YurtleEmail: ⁠[email protected]⁠Website: ⁠https://www.yurtle.co.uk⁠LinkedIn (Antonio): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-ribeiro-97919980/⁠LinkedIn (Company): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/yurtle⁠ 💬 Workplace Surgery ❓ How do you thank an employee who’s basically family? After taking over the family business, a listener wants to celebrate a loyal employee’s 10-year anniversary — without making it awkward. ❓ What should I watch out for when hiring remotely for the first time? Hiring your first remote employee? From time zones to trust signals, Leanne shares what psychology says about virtual hiring that works. ❓ How do I keep morale up when everything feels uncertain? When hope feels tone-deaf and honesty feels bleak, how do you lead well? Al and Leanne tackle the fine art of empathetic optimism in hard times. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen — and don’t forget to join us Thursday for another deep-dive with a workplace expert. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/⁠Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email ⁠[email protected]⁠Mental Health at Work: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk⁠ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn (Show): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work/⁠LinkedIn (Al): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott⁠LinkedIn (Leanne): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne⁠Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠Book a call: ⁠https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat⁠

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we're stepping off the corporate stage and into the orchestra pit — to explore what business leaders can learn from the world of classical music. Our guest is Roit Feldenkreis, international orchestra conductor and CEO of BHZ Group, who’s spent years translating the unspoken power of presence, body language and tempo into boardroom leadership. In this episode, Roit shares how conducting teams — musical or managerial — starts with how you show up. This is a conversation about non-verbal leadership, team dynamics, and what it really means to trust the people around you — especially when you’re not the one holding the mic. 💡 Key Takeaways from Roit Feldenkreis Conducting isn’t about control: A great leader doesn’t dictate — they guide, listen, and adjust in real time. Presence speaks louder than PowerPoint: Your posture, gestures and eye contact can shape trust before a word is said. Great teams don’t need micromanaging: Clarity, tempo, and space to perform are more effective than rigid oversight. Leadership is performance — but not inauthentic: How you show up matters. Preparation and presence turn trust into action. Silence can lead: Sometimes it’s the pause, not the speech, that gives others permission to shine. 🔗 Connect with Roit Feldenkreis Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Website: ⁠www.bhz-group.com⁠ Personal: ⁠www.roitfeldenkreis.com⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/roit-feldenkreis/⁠ Instagram: @roitfeldenkreis YouTube: Roit Feldenkreis - Orchestra Conductor 💬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn: ⁠Truth, Lies & Work⁠ Al Elliott: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott⁠ Leanne Elliott: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne⁠ Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Book a call: ⁠https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat⁠ 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/⁠ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email ⁠[email protected]⁠ Mental Health at Work: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who leads — or wants to.

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Tuesday news round-up, workplace surgery, and expert take — all in one. 🔥 This Week’s Stories 📌 1. Locking In: Hustle Culture Gets a Makeover A new TikTok trend called “locking in” is taking over Gen Z — and it’s not just about being productive. It’s about reclaiming power in a chaotic world. But behind the discipline? Burnout, financial fragility, and disengagement risks. 📰 Read more: Refinery29 – The Soft Life is Over — This Summer We're “Locking In” 👩‍🏫 Featuring commentary from behavioural economist Samantha Rosenberg and psychologist Dr Audrey Tang. 📌 2. Steve Jobs and the Case for Creative Rule-Breaking Forget climbing the corporate ladder quietly. Jobs says: be a pirate. Al explores three “rules” creative minds should break — and why rigid systems might be killing your team's best ideas. 📰 Source: MyInnerCreative – 5 Rules Creative People Break (Inspired by Steve Jobs) 📌 3. Perfectionism and Burnout in Tech New research from Amity University explores how perfectionism is fuelling burnout in top tech firms. The message? High quality can come at a high cost — and mental health policies alone aren’t cutting it. 📰 Study:https://ijip.in/articles/the-perfectionism/ 🔥 Hot Take: First Impressions Are Everything, with Al Elliott Why your terrible Zoom setup might be doing more damage than you think. Al breaks down the three essentials (video, audio, background) — and why looking like you care is more important than looking perfect. 💬 Workplace Surgery ❓ “Where’s a great place to work remotely and feel inspired again?”A listener is craving nature, adventure, and a productivity boost. Al and Leanne share personal insights and practical ideas — from budget-friendly European hubs to lifestyle-friendly Asian stops. ❓ “Do I have to fake it to get promoted?”When quiet, calm leadership is overlooked, is the only option to become louder? Leanne unpacks what the science says about introverted leadership and how to be seen without pretending. ❓ “What does purpose-driven leadership really look like in practice?”Deadlines, politics, pressure — where does purpose fit in? Al and Leanne reflect on the reality of values-based leadership in complex roles. 🎧 Enjoying the show?Follow, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen — and don’t forget to join us Thursday for another deep-dive with a workplace expert. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]– Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne– LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne– Email: [email protected]– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we’re taking on a big leadership myth: that kindness is weakness. Alongside guest Jeff LeBlanc — lecturer, Forbes-featured strategist, and creator of the Engaged Empathy Leadership Model — we unpack what kindness really means in a leadership context. Not just whether it works, but whether we’re defining it all wrong. From setting boundaries to building trust, Jeff shares real-world examples and practical strategies to make kindness a powerful leadership tool — not just a feel-good slogan. 💡 Key Takeaways from Jeff LeBlanc Kindness isn’t about being liked — it’s about being trusted. It’s structured, intentional, and deeply tied to fairness. Avoidance isn’t kindness. Real kindness involves honest feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable. Clarity, consistency and compassion are the backbone of kind leadership. Follow-through matters. Kindness without action breeds frustration. Kindness is a practice — not a personality trait. You don’t need to be warm or bubbly to be a kind leader. 🔗 Connect with Jeff LeBlanc LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jeff-leblanc-93212510a Website: www.jeffleblancdba.com 💬 Connect with Al & Leanne Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat 🧠 Support With Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] – Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, please follow, share, or leave a review. And don’t forget to subscribe for more practical insights from real leaders — every Tuesday and Thursday.

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Tuesday roundup of workplace culture, behavioural science, and real-world leadership challenges. This week, we’re digging into: 🔥 Stories Covered 1. Cyber Incivility: The Passive-Aggressive Problem You’re Probably Ignoring Leanne breaks down a new study on “cyber incivility” — the eye-roll emojis, blunt messages, and stony silences that are quietly eroding trust and morale in remote teams. This isn’t obvious bullying; it’s subtle disrespect — and it’s making your team sad, not mad. 🧠 Emotional exhaustion, disengagement, even physical illness are on the rise.✅ Set clear digital norms, train for empathy, and create space to clear the air. 📚 Source: Ju, B., & Pak, S. (2025). Managing cyber incivility in digital workplaces: a systematic review and HR strategies. International Journal of Organizational Analysis. Shared via psychologist Nicole Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nicolewilliamsorganisationalpsychology_workplaceculture-cyberincivility-digitalcommunication-activity-7338822372294029312-9QfV?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAPpxk8B1ivB8GiszIgdppDkaIkcd6hBmOo 2. Loud Living vs Quiet Quitting: A New Kind of Work-Life BalanceForget burnout and vague “busy” blocks. Al unpacks writer Alli Kushner’s concept of “loud living,” where employees embrace visible, unapologetic boundaries at work. 📉 With engagement at 21% (Gallup), radical honesty might be just what we need.📅 Say “school pickup” not “busy,” and expand your out-of-office beyond holidays.🔗 https://www.fastcompany.com/91341203/quiet-quitting-loud-living-work-boundaries 3. Pride Feels... Different This Year Leanne reflects on why Pride Month feels heavier in 2025. With major sponsors quietly pulling out and DEI under political pressure, it’s no wonder LGBTQ+ employees feel let down. 🏳️‍🌈 The message? You were only supported when it was easy.💡 Real leadership means showing up — even when it’s quiet, even when it’s hard.📰 Source: The Times 🔥 Hot Take Should Management Be a Regulated Profession?Leanne goes in on the idea that managers — like teachers or doctors — should be formally trained and licensed. – What skills should be mandatory?– Are great managers born or built?– And how do we support growing businesses without access to formal pipelines? 💬 Workplace Surgery “Why is it so hard to get back into routine after time off?”Leanne explains how different types of rest impact recovery — and why overloading your break might leave you worse off. “Why is hiring so brutal when you’re just starting out?”A new business owner asks why no one is showing up to interviews. We dig into reputation, expectations, and how to shift your early hiring strategy. “How do I manage someone who keeps pushing it?”A listener’s stuck between being too soft or too harsh with a difficult employee. We explore healthy boundaries, documentation, and what to do when your own boss avoids the issue. We’re joined by professor and author Jeff LeBlanc to answer the question: 🎧 Coming Up Thursday Is kindness at work a weakness?With thousands of hours researching the science behind kindness, Jeff shares what really happens when you lead with empathy — and whether nice people really do finish last. 💬 Connect With Us 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork🙋 Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott🧠 Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne📧 Email: [email protected]📅 Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat 🧠 Mental Health Support – Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]– Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/

Truth, Lies & Work is the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we’re joined by Forbes contributor and media founder Dr Cheryl Robinson to explore a skill every leader thinks they’ve mastered — but often haven’t: communication. From delivering tough messages to owning your impact in the room, Cheryl shares how great communication can elevate your leadership, influence your career, and build meaningful connections at work. If you’ve ever stumbled through a difficult conversation or wondered why your ideas aren’t landing — this episode is for you. 💡 Key Takeaways from Dr Cheryl Robinson – Leadership starts with clarity: You don’t need to shout to be heard — you need to know what you want to say and why it matters. – Authenticity is magnetic: People connect with people — not perfection. – Feedback is a gift: Learn how to take it, shape it, and use it to grow. – Visibility matters: If you’re not telling your story, someone else will. 🔗 Connect with Dr Cheryl Robinson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcherylrobinson/ Website: https://www.drcherylrobinson.com/ Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/ 💬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, please follow, share, or leave a review. And don’t forget to subscribe for more practical insights from real leaders, every Tuesday and Thursday. 🔗 Support With Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/⁠ – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email ⁠[email protected]⁠ – Mental Health at Work: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/

Truth, Lies & Work is the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week: – Are we normalising trauma in leadership? – Is workplace drinking culture harming inclusion? – And would you fire your best-paying client over a 2am call? Welcome to This Week in Work — where we unpack the trends, traps and true stories shaping work today. 🔥 Stories Covered 1. Are We Normalising Trauma at Work? A viral LinkedIn post by Laura Lanier triggered hundreds of comments revealing just how damaging bad bosses can be. From cults to catheter shaming, the examples range from shocking to absurd — but the pattern is clear: we’ve let poor leadership become workplace trauma. 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/laura-lanier-819b04217_have-you-ever-had-a-boss-so-bad-that-you-activity-7337525588833816576-oyrB 2. 8 Ways to Say ‘Screw You’ at Work (Without Getting Fired) Lee Harding (aka The Introverted Recruiter) shares the passive-aggressive classics of workplace comms. Think “per my last email” and “respectfully” — but decoded. 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/theintrovertedrecruiter_/ 3. Why You’re Still Hiring the Wrong Leaders The Christie NHS Trust ditched personality tests in favour of behaviour-based assessments — and transformed their leadership culture. This case study offers real lessons for any founder or hiring manager. 🔗 https://realworld-group.com/case-studies/christie-case-study-transforming-senior-executive-recruitment-with-the-real-world-leader/ 🔥 Hot Take Is Alcohol Still a Workplace Taboo? Author and coach Tabbin Almond argues that workplace drinking is a wellbeing blind spot. From networking norms to pressure to fit in, alcohol affects more than you think — and it’s time businesses stopped treating it as a personal issue. 🔗 https://www.winetowatercoaching.com 🔗 https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/bottling-up-trouble 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-tabbin-almond/ 💬 Workplace Surgery – “Should I fire my biggest client for calling at 2am?” – “Why did my boss only offer part-time after I quit?” – “How do I know if I’m really building a great place to work?” 🎧 Coming Up Thursday Hate corporate jargon? Join us for a masterclass in workplace communication. We’ll decode the phrases that make you sound credible — and the ones that make you sound like a walking HR punchline. 🔗 Connect – Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork – Email: [email protected] – WhatsApp Group: Send an email if you want to join! – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat 🔗 Support With Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/⁠ – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email ⁠[email protected]⁠ – Mental Health at Work: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/

Truth, Lies & Work is the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we’re tackling the dreaded summer slowdown. You know the one: client comms go quiet, team motivation nosedives, and you start to wonder if it’s just your business that's hit a wall. It’s not. But it can cost you — if you’re not prepared. In this episode, we answer the eight biggest questions leaders face every June, including how to keep people engaged, prevent burnout, support working parents, and still get things done when half the team is on holiday. This one’s for every founder, manager or team lead who’s ever felt like summer is quietly wrecking their roadmap. It doesn’t have to. 💡 Key Takeaways – The slowdown is real — and measurable: Harvard and HBR both confirm that heat, holidays and longer daylight hours all reduce focus, energy and output. Some businesses see up to a 20% productivity dip. – Engagement problems start long before July: Summer exposes issues, it doesn’t cause them. If people feel disconnected, holidays give them time to reflect — and potentially resign. – Burnout risk spikes for those left behind: If workloads go up but support doesn’t, motivation and wellbeing will crash. Plan handovers and give people fewer balls to juggle. – Support working parents like adults: Flexibility, open comms, and trust go further than token gestures. The mental load is real — and if you don’t acknowledge it, they’ll take it elsewhere. – Remote workers need context and connection: Summer’s a great time to build async rituals, reset norms, and prevent ‘out of sight, out of mind’ thinking. – Positive psychology works in summer too: Recognition, flow, learning and micro-wins boost motivation and protect energy — even during quieter weeks. – Now is the time for strategy: Summer can be your planning superpower. But only if you block the time and protect the space. 🔗 Resources & Links Harvard Study: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/heat-impairs-student-learning/ HBR: https://hbr.org/2022/07/make-the-most-of-the-summer-slowdown Xero Insights: https://www.xero.com/blog/2023/06/summer-slowdown-small-business/ Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk Working Families: https://workingfamilies.org.uk 📲 Connect with Us Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Show page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Email: [email protected] Book a chat with Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat 🔗 Support With Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/⁠ – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email ⁠[email protected]⁠ – Mental Health at Work: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/

Truth, Lies, and Work is the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week: random chats, rogue employees, and resilience in the job market. We’re digging into what really builds strong cultures – and where we might be fooling ourselves. 🔥 Stories Covered 🦆 What’s a Duck Shuffler — and Why You Might Need One Leanne introduces a new workplace archetype: the duck shuffler. This is the person who disrupts your perfectly aligned “ducks in a row” — but not for chaos. They’re often the ones who save you from bad decisions and groupthink. Are you building a culture where they can thrive? 📊 The Economy Isn’t Crashing — It’s Changing Al breaks down the latest job data from the US. Despite media panic, sectors like health care, logistics, and finance are adding jobs fast. So is it resilience or a false sense of security? Link: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/ranked-the-fastest-growing-jobs-in-the-u-s-2023-2033/ 🚰 The Small-World Illusion: Why Watercooler Moments Don’t Matter as Much as You Think Are we overhyping chance encounters at work? A new study shows people dramatically overestimate how often they bump into colleagues — and how much support they actually get. The lesson? If we want real connection, we need to build it intentionally. Summary: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/how-we-fool-ourselves-about-bumping-into-colleagues-the-small-world-illusion-eafd12c7cc1f Study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2024.104387 💬 Workplace Surgery “She was a star — until she betrayed our trust.” What do you do when a high-performing employee crosses the line? This week’s dilemma: family problems, medical leave, and moonlighting for a competitor. Al and Leanne explore the legal, cultural, and ethical angles of letting a star go. 🎙️ Hot Take Divorce is a workplace issue. Kristyna Hawkett from MinusOne.club joins us to explain why supporting employees through family changes isn’t just compassionate — it’s smart business. You’ll learn how to help without prying, reduce gossip, and build loyalty through life’s messiest moments. Website: https://minusone.club LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyna-hawkett-96b9a963/ 💡 Enjoyed This Episode? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. And connect with us on LinkedIn — we love hearing your thoughts. General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful: Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Free on 116 123 Email: [email protected] (for those outside the UK) Connect with Al and Leanne LinkedIn (Al): https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ LinkedIn (Leanne): https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne LinkedIn (Podcast): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Email: [email protected] Book a Call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🎙️ Welcome Back to Truth, Lies & Work The award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, Al and Leanne open up about their recent experience of having to leave Bosnia & Herzegovina within 48 hours — an abrupt move that turned their lives, business, and plans upside down. From that real-life test of resilience, they share eight tips (plus a bonus) that helped them stay calm, adapt fast, and keep moving forward. No theory here — just honest insights and practical advice for anyone dealing with unexpected change. 🗝️ What We’re Talking About Today – How to navigate those gut-punch moments when plans fall apart – Why flexibility and small wins are your best friends in a crisis – The surprising upside of letting go of “perfect plans” – The power of leaning on your network and asking for help – How self-compassion isn’t fluffy — it’s essential – One bonus tip to help you prepare for the unexpected 💡 Key Tips From the Episode Acknowledge the shock — Accept it, don’t bury it. Prioritise immediate actions — What must be done today? Stay flexible — Let go of perfect plans, adapt fast. Lean on your support network — Don’t try to do it alone. Focus on what you can control — Stay steady by narrowing your focus. Don’t be afraid to break commitments — Boundaries over burnout. Self-compassion matters — Stress is real and human. Look for silver linings — Find growth in the chaos.Bonus: Small habits now can make the big shocks easier later. 🔗 Support With Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] – Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ 💬 Connect with Al & Leanne – Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ – Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ – Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/ – Email: [email protected] – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat 🎧 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear these reminders. Everyone hits roadblocks — what matters is how we rise.

This week, we’re celebrating our 200th episode by asking: – Why do some leaders earn more trust by bending the rules? – What’s the right move when an employee asks to borrow money? – And is it fair to expect “diverse” employees to do extra DEI work just because of who they are? We’re also joined by Julian Hayes II for a Hot Take on why happiness might be the wrong goal for your workplace. Forget the ping-pong tables — let’s talk about what really matters. 🔥 News Roundup – Happy staff = better business: The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025 report proves it’s not about perks, but about trust, ownership, and listening.https://www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-work/features-companies/article/best-places-work-companies-uk-2025-cpw5wnr2z – $40 for loyalty? A Boston moving company boss went viral after an employee asked for a $40 loan — some say never lend to staff, others call it a loyalty-building move.https://x.com/salvin_joseph/status/1927002447974654253?s=12&t=Nu1sn41l6BG_ubgGziYG1g – Rule-benders vs. rule-followers: A new study shows we trust rule-benders more than strict followers — and they might make the best leaders.https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/rule-benders-make-more-appealing-leaders-rule-abiders 🔥 Hot Take: Happiness Is the Wrong Goal Julian Hayes II argues that we’ve been chasing the wrong metric: happiness isn’t enough to sustain performance or engagement. Real well-being comes from meaning, challenge, and shared purpose — not just feeling good in the moment. Connect with Julian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/ Julian's Website: https://www.executivehealth.io/ Julian's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/executive-health-and-life/id1500205650 💬 This Week’s Workplace Surgery – The DEI overload dilemma: A listener asks how to push back when they’re constantly asked to be the “diverse” voice in interviews — even at the expense of their own work. – First-time manager nerves: Another listener wonders how to become more assertive without losing their friendly style. – The “I’ve stopped caring” slump: Finally, someone asks if it’s okay to check out at work when you’re not valued — or if they’re just giving up too easily. 🔗 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 💡 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/– Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/– Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/– Email: [email protected]– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Warning: This episode contains references to discrimination, suicide, and mental health struggles. Please listen with care. Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we’re talking about one of the most misunderstood (and often avoided) topics in people management: how to support transgender colleagues in your workplace. Our guest is Sophie Wood — trainer, speaker, and trans woman with over 13 years of lived workplace experience. She’s here to answer the questions most managers have — but are too afraid to ask. This isn’t a lecture on political correctness. It’s a step-by-step, fully human guide to making your workplace psychologically safe, legally sound, and genuinely inclusive. 💡 Key Takeaways from Sophie Wood – The law gives choice, not orders: Despite media panic, no new legal requirement forces employers to exclude anyone — use your company values, not fear, to guide decisions. – Definitions made simple: “Trans” is about movement, “cis” is about congruence, and most of us live on a spectrum — not in fixed boxes. – Bathrooms aren’t the issue: Sophie’s experience shows most trans employees fear causing trouble far more than becoming it. – Mess up? It’s okay: Intent matters more than perfect wording. If you make a mistake, acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on. – Rethink your training: Most DEI sessions reinforce “otherness”. Sophie’s frame-of-reference exercise helps teams connect through shared humanity instead. – Psychological safety is practical: Letting people say things out loud helps them process — and prevents negativity from spiralling. – Allyship isn’t optional anymore: Inclusion isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about seeing the human being, not just the label. 🔗 Connect with Sophie Wood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-wood-deib-mhfa/ Mental Health First Aid Training: https://belongingbase.com/mental-health-first-aid **Editor's Note** In this episode, the hosts reference Sophie Wood as a former police officer. To clarify, Sophie worked as police staff, not as a police officer. 🧠 Need More Support? Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ Samaritans: Call 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] 💬 Connect with Al & Leanne Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a colleague, leave a review, or connect with us online. It’s time we made inclusion make sense — for everyone.

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by business owner Al Elliott and Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott. This week, we’re asking: Is your company accidentally killing motivation and trust? From how we talk about success, to how we structure the workweek, to how we train our managers — the best of intentions are falling short. And according to our guest, we’re now in a full-blown trust crisis. 🗞 This Week’s News Roundup 🌟 The Reverse Bucket List Forget goals — what if reflecting on what you’ve already overcome could boost confidence and calm imposter syndrome? Read it: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/reverse-bucket-list-happiness_n_68195c92e4b09d0e11f7df5a 🇮🇸 What the UK Can Learn from Iceland Six years into a 36-hour workweek, Iceland’s workforce is less stressed, more satisfied, and still just as productive. Read it: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/21/iceland-36-hour-working-week-stress-job 🧠 Why Mental Health Training for Managers Isn’t Enough Over 7,000 UK businesses were studied — and even the ones doing the right things are hitting a wall. Read it: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/why-mental-health-starts-with-line-managers-2b2a74cebc46 🔥 Hot Take of the Week Our guest this week is Rose Soffel (Talent & Culture Consultant at SoffelHaus), and she’s not holding back. Her take? We’re in a trust crisis between employers and employees — and behavioural science might be the only way out. Rose argues that post-pandemic progress on wellbeing, autonomy and inclusion is being undone by control tactics, forced office returns, and short-term thinking. If we don’t rebuild trust, the best talent will quietly walk. Connect with Rose: LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/rose-soffel Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/microrosie?igsh=MXN0c2owdHp4ZTNqNA== 🩺 Workplace Surgery – “Do anonymous surveys actually work?” – “How do I know if I’m any good at interviewing?” – “I got the job… so why am I terrified?” 🎧 Coming up Thursday… A UK Supreme Court ruling has redefined “woman” under equality law. What does this mean for inclusion, rights, and how organisations support trans employees? We’re joined by Sophie Wood, LGBTQ+ educator and mental health trainer, to help leaders navigate this complex new landscape. 🧠 Support With Mental Health & Wellbeing Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ 💬 Connect with Al & Leanne Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by business owner Al Elliott and Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott. This week, we’re joined by Elina Teboul — executive advisor, former Wall Street lawyer, and author of Feminine Intelligence. Elina challenges our assumptions about power, leadership, and success, offering a radical reframe that might just define the future of work. Drawing on years of coaching top leaders, Elina makes the case that intuition, emotional presence, creativity, and connection aren’t leadership weaknesses — they’re leadership superpowers. And ignoring them? That’s what’s keeping so many organisations stuck in disconnected, underperforming cultures. This isn’t a conversation about gender. It’s a call to rebalance. 💡 Key takeaways from Elina Teboul – Traits like empathy, presence, and creativity aren’t soft — they’re essential for resilient leadership – Over-reliance on dominance, linear thinking, and ego is leaving leaders burnt out and cultures broken – Feminine Intelligence is about wholeness, not gender — and it’s for every leader – Psychedelics and somatic work are emerging tools in leadership coaching – Redefining power is the key to building cultures that perform and sustain 🔗 Links & Resources Elina’s website: https://www.elinateboul.com Book: Feminine Intelligence – Available wherever you get your books Follow Elina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinateboul/ 🧠 Enjoying the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review. Want to dig deeper into these ideas? Connect with us on LinkedIn and join the conversation. 🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Wellbeing Mind UK: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/⁠ Samaritans (UK, free helpline): Call 116 123 or email ⁠[email protected] 💬 Connect with Al & Leanne Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by business owner Al Elliott and Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott. This week, we’re asking a big question: Could well-meaning managers be bullying their teams without even realising it? New research suggests it’s not about personality clashes — but broken systems. From underperformance meetings to inconsistent shift scheduling, the way we manage people might be doing more harm than good. 🔥 This Week’s News Roundup 🧠 Touch Grass: Why getting outside is actually good for your brain A National Geographic article explores the science behind outdoor time and cognitive restoration. Read: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/touch-grass-mental-health-outdoors 👶 Toddler vs CEO: Who actually has more emotional regulation? A viral tweet draws comparisons between toddler tantrums and CEO outbursts — with hilarious (and thought-provoking) results. Tweet: https://x.com/steipete/status/1921513623668568358 🎯 Bullying at work: New research blames bad management, not bad people Leanne shares insights from her Medium article on why bullying is often a systems issue — not a personality problem. Read: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/want-to-prevent-bullying-at-work-fix-your-people-management-first-da256af80558 🔥 Hot Take of the Week This week’s guest is Stuart Mace, former recruiter and now workplace wellbeing specialist. Stuart shares why your hiring process tells candidates more about your company than your careers page ever could — and how ghosting, vague role definitions and slow comms can quietly destroy your employer brand. Connect with Stuart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartmace/ 🩺 Workplace Surgery – Should freelancers ask clients to tell them when they’re sick? – How do you survive a toxic job when you can’t afford to leave? – I’m scared to manage people. Would a course help? 🧠 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Want to help shape future episodes? Join our private WhatsApp group and be part of the creative process. 🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Wellbeing Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK, free helpline): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 💬 Connect with Al & Leanne Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network. This week, we’re thrilled to bring you a raw, unfiltered conversation with Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind — one of the UK’s leading mental health organisations. With over 35 years in mental health and social care, Sarah is a fearless advocate for change. In this episode, she shares why mental health services are still failing those with the most serious needs, why surface-level “wellness” programmes won’t fix broken workplace cultures, and how poverty, inequality, and racism drive mental health crises. Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or someone navigating their own mental health journey, this conversation is packed with insights that challenge, inspire, and push us to think beyond box-ticking initiatives. 💥 Key Takeaways Mental health literacy has improved, but services for severe illness are lagging. Culture and leadership matter more than free yoga or mindfulness apps. Addressing poverty, racism, and inequality is essential to prevention. Leaders sharing their own struggles can transform workplace stigma. Young people need more than therapy — they need agency and action. 🔗 Links & Resources Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk Mental Health at Work Commitments: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk Sarah Hughes on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/drsarahhughes 🎧 Loved this episode? Subscribe, rate, and share the show! And don’t miss our other Unfiltered episodes with Dr Ryan Martin, Prof Sir Cary Cooper, and Bruce Daisley. 🧡 Mental Health Support Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support Samaritans (UK, free helpline): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 💬 Stay Connected Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🎧 Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. 🔥 Stories Covered This Week🔥 The Rise of Overemployment: Why Some Are Working 2 or 3 Jobs Leanne explores The Times' report on workers secretly juggling multiple full-time jobs. More: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-rise-of-polygamous-workers-and-efforts-to-catch-them-out Klopp, Slot and a Masterclass in Succession Planning Leanne unpacks Liverpool’s near-perfect leadership handover and what it teaches businesses about humility, legacy, and culture. Watch Klopp’s farewell: https://youtube.com/shorts/g-H6wVK_eqE?si=_zeJNyHs1H30hsuH Thanks to NBC Sports for the clip! Spotify’s “We Hire Adults” Approach to Remote Work Al breaks down Spotify’s work-from-anywhere policy, why it’s defying the office-return trend, and how trust is paying off in retention and revenue. Read more: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/spotify-hr-chief-says-remote-100037895.html 🔥 Hot Take: Rebecca Taylor on Gossip at Work Rebecca Taylor, co-founder of SkillCycle and host of HR Confessions, argues that gossip isn’t just inevitable—it’s essential. She explains why leaders should stop ignoring informal conversations and instead use them to strengthen culture, improve transparency, and drive change. Find Rebecca here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-taylor SkillCycle: https://skillcycle.com Podcast: HR Confessions 💬 Workplace Surgery: This Week’s Dilemmas How Do I Run a Wellness Challenge People Actually Want to Join? Is It Possible to Start Over After My Business Fails? HR Is Making Me the Bad Guy Over Return-to-Office—What Should I Do? 🎧 Coming Up Thursday We’re joined by Dr. Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, for a conversation on serious mental illness, prevention, and why real culture change—not perks—makes the difference. 🎯 Enjoyed this episode? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Come join the conversation on LinkedIn—we love hearing from you. 🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 👋 Connect with Al & Leanne Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/ Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🎧 Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we’re joined by Nick Huber, entrepreneur, investor, founder of Sweaty Startup, and author of the brand-new Sweaty Startup book. Nick built his empire on what most entrepreneurs overlook: boring businesses that print cash. With over 325 employees across multiple companies, Nick is shaking up how we think about leadership, scale, and simplicity. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a business without burning out, or if you should stop chasing the shiny stuff and focus on what actually works, this episode is for you. 💡 Key Takeaways from Nick Huber 🚀 Boring Businesses Win Nick explains why storage units, cleaning companies, and pest control are more scalable (and profitable) than flashy tech startups. 📈 Focus on Scale, Not Ego Forget personal branding. Nick reveals how he structures teams, delegates, and makes decisions that actually drive results. 💥 How to Lead Without Losing Your Mind From mental health to mindset, Nick shares how to stay sane while managing multiple companies—and why simplicity beats complexity. 📚 The Sweaty Startup Playbook Nick’s new book distills his best strategies for launching, scaling, and selling service businesses, even if you have zero experience. 🎯 Why Hiring Right Changes Everything Nick dives into why early hires are the make-or-break moment for small businesses—and how to get it right. 🔗 Resources & Links Nick Huber Online: Website: www.sweatystartup.com Personal site: www.nickhuber.com Book site: www.sweatystartupbook.com Somewhere.com: www.somewhere.com Bolt Storage: www.boltstorage.com Recost Seg: www.recostseg.com Ad Rhino: www.adrhino.com Spidexx: www.spidexx.com Bold SEO: www.boldseo.com Webrun: www.webrun.com Titan Risk: www.titanrisk.com RecruitJet: www.recruitjet.com Huber Method: www.hubermethod.com Social & Media: X/Twitter: www.x.com/sweatystartup Instagram: www.instagram.com/sweatystartup LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sweatystartup YouTube: www.youtube.com/sweatystartup TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweatystartup Threads: www.threads.net/@sweatystartup.com Podcasts: The Nick Huber Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-huber-show/id1576120606 The Sweaty Startup Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sweaty-startup/id1445260221 Book Links: Buy on Amazon (US): https://amzn.to/4bLazjW Buy in the UK: https://bit.ly/422njPW 📢 Enjoyed this episode? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. And share this episode with a founder, manager, or curious friend—you’ll look smart for doing it. 🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 👋 Connect with Al & Leanne Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/ Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🎧 Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we’re asking one big question: Will your job even exist in five years, and if not, what should you be doing now? This Week's News Is Your Job Safe? The 21 Job Titles Predicted to Disappear by 2030 Al breaks down the World Economic Forum’s latest predictions—and why roles from data clerks to travel agents might soon vanish. Plus, how to future-proof your career without panicking. Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwells/2025/04/16/21-job-titles-that-will-disappear-by-2030/ WTF Is Mindful Maneuvering?Leanne introduces a new leadership concept: mindful maneuvering—the strategic, empathetic art of influence. Forget manipulation; this is about guiding, building trust, and moving teams forward.Read more: https://www.worklife.news/talent/wtf-is-mindful-maneuvering/?utm_campaign=worklifedis&utm_source=worklifedaily&utm_medium=email&utm_content=42425&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Worklife%20Briefing%2004242025&utm_content=Worklife%20Briefing%2004242025+CID_afdeff85d5538c9d159a3cc926384495&utm_source=wldis&utm_term=READ%20MORE What Actually Makes Employees Stay? (It’s Not Perks)Recognition, not bonuses, is what really makes employees stay, according to a fresh Inc.com piece. Leanne explores why simple, specific, frequent praise can do more for engagement than any expensive perk. Read more: https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/want-better-employees-richard-branson-says-you-need-to-start-with-1-simple-strategy/91180207 Hot Take Work futurist and empathy advocate Sophie Wade shares why workplaces need to stop blaming Gen Z for cultural clashes—and start adapting leadership styles to match a new world of work. Key points Sophie explores: Gen Z expects flexibility and flat hierarchies, not because they're entitled, but because the world changed. Information isn’t power anymore—relationships and trust are. Human-centric leadership is no longer optional. Speaking up shouldn’t be punished if you say you want independent thinkers. Connect with Sophie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-sophie-wade/Courses: https://www.sophiewade.com/courses-overview/courses/Podcast: https://www.sophiewade.com/podcasts/Newsletter: https://www.sophiewade.com/work-in-progress/ Weekly Workplace Surgery Can Business Owners Really Put Their Well-Being First?One listener asks if it’s realistic to prioritise health and family while running a business without letting everything else fall apart. Is 50% Staff Turnover in Two Years a Red Flag?A business owner wants to know if their turnover rate is normal—or a sign of deeper problems. What Am I Supposed to Do When My Employer Isn’t Helping Me Grow?A frustrated employee shares how being left out of development opportunities has them questioning whether they should stay. Next week: We’re joined by Nick Huber—entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Sweaty Startup—who’s built a career on boring businesses that print cash. No hype, no buzzwords, just practical strategies for scaling. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. And come say hi on LinkedIn—we always love hearing your thoughts. Mental Health Support Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 👋 Connect with Al & Leanne Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/Email: [email protected] a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🎧 Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we’re joined by Amit Kalley, former deputy headteacher turned founder of For Working Parents. Amit’s mission is simple: make workplaces genuinely parent-friendly. But his journey here wasn’t. After the traumatic birth of his daughter during lockdown and a late ADHD diagnosis, Amit reached breaking point. What followed was a powerful pivot—one that’s now helping hundreds of parents and employers build cultures where family and work don’t have to fight. 💡 Key Takeaways from Amit Kalley 👶 Support for Parents Isn’t a “Nice to Have” Amit explains why parental support—especially for dads—is essential infrastructure, not a perk. 🧠 ADHD Isn’t a Superpower He talks candidly about late diagnosis, stigma, and the unhelpful pressure to be ‘productive’ while masking neurodivergence. 🗣️ Storytelling Changes Culture Amit shares how his lived experience is shifting the conversation inside businesses—by making space for honesty, not hype. 💼 No More Perfect Parent Myths Whether it’s guilt, burnout or hustle culture, Amit breaks down the invisible load working parents carry—and how to change it. 📱 The Viral Emoji Table Is Real (and Slightly Terrifying) His Periodic Table of Emojis is helping parents decode what their teens are really saying online—and it’s more useful than you think. 🔗 Resources & Links Website: https://forworkingparents.com/ Newsletter: https://forworkingparents.com/parent-up-newsletter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitsinghkalley/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forworkingparents/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forworkingparents Emoji Decoder Guide: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7308760051261853696-5gmt?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAPpxk8B1ivB8GiszIgdppDkaIkcd6hBmOo 📢 Enjoyed this episode? Follow or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a review, and share this with someone who needs to hear it—especially if they’re balancing parenthood, leadership and life. 🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may help: Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 👋 Connect with Al & Leanne Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. 🔥 Stories Covered This Week: What is 'Alonement Space' Leanne breaks down why post-pandemic offices are embracing “alonement spaces”—areas where people can work privately, with focus and peace. Cambridge Dictionary blog: https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/2025/03/17/new-words-17-march-2025/ Are You Lucky? Why Bezos Might Ask You That Al unpacks Jeff Bezos’s favourite interview question—“Are you a lucky person?”—and explores the psychology behind optimism, self-awareness, and perceived control. Inc.com: https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/jeff-bezos-favorite-job-interview-question-is-weird-psychology-says-its-also-brilliant/91171188 What Great Teams Actually Do Differently Leanne revisits a huge study of nearly 1 million workers that found one powerful truth: leadership makes or breaks team performance. Great cultures aren’t built on perks or policies—but by how people are led every day. Occupational Health Science research summary: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/why-great-teams-protect-people-from-bad-work-52127efd73ac 🔥 Hot Take: “Being Busy Isn’t a Personality” – with Cass Briscoe Workplace culture expert Cass Briscoe, founder of Soft Work Society, challenges the culture of overwork. She argues that chronic busyness is often fear-based—driven by insecurity and control rather than productivity. Cass shares how to create micro-boundaries, make space for deep thinking, and reject the hustle-as-identity mindset. Cass Briscoe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassbriscoe/ 💬 Workplace Surgery: This Week’s Dilemmas “Six Interviews, Then a Pay Cut?” After six rounds of interviews, a new graduate is offered the job—at £5k less than advertised. When questioned, the recruiter gets defensive. Is this standard practice, or a flashing red flag? “I Hate Working—Is That Bad?” One listener doesn’t hate their job—they hate the whole idea of working. Is that burnout talking, or is it time to rethink what work should be? “Can Managers Still Have Mates?” A team lead is torn: half their mates are on their team… and they're all going to game night. Can leaders still be social, or is this a boundary they shouldn’t cross? 🎧 Coming Up Thursday… We’re talking to Nick Huber, aka The Sweaty Startup guy—entrepreneur, investor, and newly minted majority stakeholder in Somewhere.com. With 325+ employees, no fluff, and a bold philosophy on hiring and leadership, Nick brings the straight-talking energy you need to hear. 🎯 Enjoyed this episode? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. And connect with us on LinkedIn—we love hearing your thoughts. 🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 🤝 Connect with Al and Leanne Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🎧 Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we’re joined by James Hawkins, co-founder and co-CEO of PostHog—a dev tools company turning $10M+ ARR without any managers, meetings, or micromanagement. James’s approach? Treat your company like a bunch of tiny startups. 👀 If you’ve ever wondered what work would feel like without middle managers, weekly check-ins, and change committees… this is your episode. 💡 Key Takeaways from James Hawkins ⚙️ Small Teams > Big Bureaucracy James explains how structuring PostHog into autonomous 2–6 person teams has helped them ship faster, stay scrappy, and avoid the productivity drag of large orgs. 🔁 Engineers Lead, Managers Step Aside Forget micromanagement. At PostHog, engineers decide what gets built—and team leads don’t even get paid more. 💥 Just Ship It Forget pre-meetings and permission-seeking. PostHog favours “build it and test it” over endless validation and speculation. 🔍 Radical Transparency From salaries to sabbatical policies, PostHog runs almost everything in public. Their internal company handbook? It’s online for the world to read. 🚀 Chaos is a Feature, Not a Bug James shows how a dose of “organised chaos” can unlock innovation, ownership, and next-level productivity—if you hire the right people. 🔗 Resources & Links PostHog website https://posthog.com/ James on X (Twitter) https://x.com/james406 PostHog’s Newsletter https://newsletter.posthog.com/ 📢 Enjoyed this episode? Follow or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow founder, engineer or curious manager who wants to do work differently. And come say hi on LinkedIn—we’d love to hear your thoughts. 🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may help: Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 💬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we’re asking one big question: Is British work culture quietly killing innovation, clarity and leadership? 🔥 Stories Covered This Week: Buzzword Bingo Is Funny—Until It Isn’t Christine Armstrong sparked a LinkedIn firestorm with her corporate jargon bingo card—featuring favourites like “sweat the asset” and “brain dump.” We explore why overusing buzzwords damages leadership credibility and trust. Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7310699571657998336/ Is British Work Culture Holding Us Back? Tom Scourfield’s viral post questions whether UK businesses are too risk-averse and obsessed with tone over truth. We unpack the five reasons he thinks the UK is falling behind—and whether he’s right. Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tom-scourfield_just-had-coffee-with-a-founder-from-the-us-activity-7313166492093530112-0UjX What Really Motivates People in a Crisis? During Greece’s financial crisis, researchers found that non-financial motivators—recognition, trust and empowerment—kept teams going. So why do we still default to bonuses and job titles? Read more: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/what-really-motivates-employees-in-an-economic-crisis-cc4eb2559f6b 🔥 Hot Take: HR Burnout Is Real, with Emma Djemil HR coach and founder of The HR Big Meet, Emma Djemil, joins us to call out the emotional toll of working in HR. From navigating toxic dynamics to being the organisation’s emotional sponge—Emma explains why HR needs its own support system now more than ever. The HR Big Meet: https://thehrbigmeet.com Emma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-djemil 💬 Workplace Surgery: This Week’s Dilemmas “Why do people quit instead of speaking up?” One listener watched their most talented colleague walk away from the company without ever raising concerns. “Gen Z text speak is confusing my Gen X boss. Should I stop using it?” From “y” to “bet ✌️”, we unpack how language creates friction between generations—and how to find middle ground without compromising personality. “Our startup has 30 employees and zero HR policies—am I right to panic?” Leanne breaks down the actual risks and helps this founder figure out what they need to formalise (and what can wait). 🎧 Coming Up Thursday… We’re joined by James Hawkins, co-founder of PostHog, who believes the future of work lies in small, autonomous teams with no hierarchy, no managers, and flat pay. But can that model scale without chaos? Find out Thursday. 🎯 Enjoyed this episode? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. And connect with us on LinkedIn—we love hearing your thoughts. General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network. This week, we’re joined by John Tarnoff, executive career coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Boomer Reinvention, to explore how professionals over 50 can turn career challenges into powerful second acts. Whether you're being ghosted by employers or wondering if it's “too late” to pivot, John is here to tell you it’s absolutely not. 💡 Key Takeaways from John Tarnoff 🧠 Being Over 50 Is Not a Liability—It's an Advantage Experience, resilience, and perspective are your superpowers. The key is learning how to position them. 👋 Stop Chasing Job Ads—Start Building Relationships Most jobs aren't advertised. John breaks down how to tap into the hidden job market through strategic networking. 🧰 Ditch the Resume Obsession Your resume won’t get you hired. Your story will. John shares how to craft a narrative that attracts opportunities. 🎯 Use the 3 Elements Career Builder Framework John’s proven method helps late-career professionals align purpose, skill, and opportunity into a thriving new path. 💥 Get Clear on Your Value and Claim It From ageism to “overqualified” labels, John teaches how to turn perceived weaknesses into standout assets. 🔗 Resources & Links John Tarnoff Website https://johntarnoff.com/ Free Worksheet: 4 Ikigai Questions https://johntarnoff.com/4questions/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff/ Book: Boomer Reinvention https://johntarnoff.com/book/ TEDx Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWhM3sEHGTA 🎧 If this episode struck a chord, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone rethinking their next chapter. Join the conversation on LinkedIn too! Back Tuesday with another This Week in Work. General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. This week, we’re asking one big question: Has Gen X become the forgotten generation at work? 🔥 Stories Covered This Week: Has Gen X Become the Biggest Work Losers? The Independent’s piece highlights how Gen Xers are increasingly overlooked, underpaid, and edged out—despite being the most resilient and experienced generation in the workforce. Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gen-x-work-jobs-b2727513.html The Power of One Word to Sound More Persuasive Al shares five words that can instantly boost your credibility as a leader—including “because”, “together” and “yet”. (Yes, there’s science behind it.) Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-wise/201310/the-power-of-the-word-because-to-get-people-to-do-stuff Dr Cheryl Robinson: https://www.drcherylrobinson.com/ Can Work Coaches Really Fix Long-Term Unemployment? With nearly 3 million UK adults off work due to long-term sickness, the government’s new plan to deploy 1,000 work coaches sounds promising—but is it? Yahoo Finance UK: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/unemployment-sickness-workplace-coach-060033452.html 🔥 Hot Take: DOGE, Layoffs & Workplace Trauma Sara Weiner, organisational psychologist and SIOP UN Chair, shares why mass layoffs without empathy create trauma—not just for those let go, but for everyone left behind. Sarah Weiner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-weiner-4843a08/ Workplace Surgery: This Week’s Dilemmas – “They promoted the 30-something again. After 30 years, I’ve become invisible.” – “The CEO’s nephew applied—and now I’m being pressured to hire him.” – “My team’s faking online activity… even though I don’t care when they work.” 🎧 Coming Up Thursday… Our next guest is TED speaker and late-career coach John Tarnoff, a man who’s been fired from 40% of his jobs and still built a wildly successful second act. If you're over 45 (or just curious what career reinvention really looks like), don’t miss it. 🎯 Enjoyed this episode? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. And connect with us on LinkedIn—we love hearing your thoughts. General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies and Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. 🎧✨ 🎙 Meet Our Guest: Cait Donovan This week we're joined by Cait Donovan, burnout expert, speaker, author, and host of the hugely popular FRIED The Burnout Podcast. Cait’s unique approach blends modern biobehavioural health science with Chinese medicine, providing powerful insights into burnout recovery and resilience. 🌟🔥 Cait Donovan challenges the conventional narrative about burnout—that it's solely caused by individuals or their workplaces. She introduces the concept of the "Six Buckets" of burnout, highlighting that burnout results from a mix of factors including family background, personality, work environment, cultural pressures, physical health, and community support. 📌 What's Covered in This Episode? Cait shares why the typical strategies for preventing burnout often fail, and why real recovery involves filling multiple "burnout protection buckets". She reveals how leaders can meaningfully support teams experiencing burnout without taking on the role of therapist, and explains why addressing burnout requires collective accountability rather than blame. You'll hear practical advice on how to align personal and organisational values to build a healthier workplace culture, learn the science behind why asking for help is critical, and find out how to turn burnout recovery into resilience and growth. If you're experiencing burnout, managing others through stressful periods, or simply looking to foster a healthier workplace, Cait's insights are essential listening. 💡 Key Takeaways From Cait Donovan Cait explains why burnout isn't a simple blame game—neither fully the individual's fault nor solely the company's responsibility. Discover why collective resilience and shared accountability are vital to genuinely overcoming burnout. Understand how "values misalignment" between what companies say and do can intensify burnout, and get practical strategies to genuinely support yourself and others through recovery. 🔗 Connect with Cait Donovan Website: https://www.caitdonovan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitdonovanspeaks Spotify (FRIED The Burnout Podcast): https://open.spotify.com/show/2VhzgpY24d6xDhxPLGn9Ex Apple Podcasts (FRIED The Burnout Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fried-the-burnout-podcast/id1469939920 🎧 Coming Up Next Join us next Tuesday for our regular episode packed with workplace news, expert insights, another provocative hot take, and our popular Workplace Surgery—solving your toughest workplace dilemmas. 🔥🎙 🎯 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a colleague. Connect with us on LinkedIn to continue the conversation—we’d love your feedback! Thanks for tuning into Truth, Lies and Work—see you next week! 👋 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Thanks for tuning into Truth, Lies & Work—see you next week!

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Each week we unpack workplace news, explore the psychology behind behaviour at work, and tackle your toughest workplace questions. 🎙 What's in this Episode? Primark CEO Steps Down Amid Harassment Allegations Paul Marchant, CEO of Primark, resigned following allegations of inappropriate behaviour toward a colleague. Was this swift accountability or brand protection in action? Read more. Jack Dorsey's "Good" Layoffs: Can a CEO Do It Right? Jack Dorsey recently laid off 931 employees at Block—but unlike most mass layoffs, his transparent approach earned praise. Read More. Ghosting Employers: The Dark Psychology of Job Applicants Ever wonder why job candidates vanish mid-process? A new study links ghosting behaviour with psychological traits including narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Read more. 🔥 Hot Take: Why Tech Won’t Fix Your Workplace, with John Chan Our hot take comes from organisational psychologist John Chan, Managing Director of Infinite Potential and a lead researcher behind the 2025 State of Workplace Burnout report. John challenges the assumption that technology alone can boost productivity, arguing that systemic issues—like burnout, unsustainable workloads, and erosion of trust—must be addressed first. Download the 2025 State of Workplace Burnout Report here: https://infinite-potential.com.au/the-state-of-burnout-2025 Watch the full launch webinar: https://youtu.be/ihie8n7pvVc?feature=shared Connect with John Chan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-chan-ph-d-7883611/ 💡 Workplace Surgery: Solving Your Toughest Problems This week’s dilemmas: "I’ve Inherited a Toxic Department—Now What?" A listener steps into a troubled department plagued by missed deadlines and deep divides. How do you turn things around without driving good people away? "I’m the Operations Director, Not HR—Help!" With no HR team, a listener suddenly has to handle a serious discrimination complaint. What's the best way to respond professionally and protect the organisation? "Consultants Keep Stealing My Ideas!" An employee’s internal expertise is overlooked in favour of expensive external consultants. How do you get management to value internal talent and stop making costly mistakes? 🔗 Additional Resources CIPD Guidance on Discipline Procedures: CIPD Discipline Factsheet ACAS (UK): acas.org.uk 🎧 Coming Up Next Join us this Thursday as we welcome Cait Donovan, speaker, author, and host of FRIED. The Burnout Podcast. Cait’s innovative BURNBOLD™ framework is helping organisations turn burnout into resilience and culture change. 🎯 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, or share with a colleague! Connect with us on LinkedIn—we'd love your feedback. General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Thanks for tuning into Truth, Lies & Work—see you next week!

Welcome back to Truth, Lies and Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. 🎙 Meet Our Guest: Jeanette Ramsden This week, we're chatting with Jeanette Ramsden, CEO of The Curve Group—a top UK-based HR and recruitment consultancy that's successfully transitioned its entire workforce to a flexible 35-hour working week. Jeanette is known for shaking up outdated workplace practices and creating thriving cultures built on trust, flexibility, and genuine employee wellbeing. 📌 What's Covered in This Episode? Jeanette joins us to discuss her real-world experience in ditching the traditional five-day workweek. You'll hear about the practicalities of implementing true workplace flexibility, from managing client expectations to recalculating holiday entitlements. She shares why genuine flexibility—rather than simply giving everyone Friday off—is crucial, especially for employees juggling caregiving responsibilities. We also dive into how reducing hours has actually boosted productivity and engagement across her business. Jeanette challenges the common misconceptions that fewer hours equal less productivity and explains how a flexible approach has significantly improved employee retention and satisfaction at The Curve Group. 🚀 Connect with Jeanette & The Curve Group Jeanette Ramsden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-ramsden-0946a83/ Visit The Curve Group website: https://www.thecurvegroup.co.uk/ Explore insights and webinars from The Curve Group: https://www.thecurvegroup.co.uk/insights/ 📅 What’s Coming Up Next? Join us next Tuesday for another episode of our regular This Week in Work segment. Expect the latest workplace news, our famous Workplace Surgery, and another bold hot take from an industry expert! 🔥🎙 🎯 Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who would benefit. We love hearing your thoughts, so tag us on LinkedIn to continue the conversation! Thanks for tuning into Truth, Lies and Work—see you next week! 👋 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies and Work is the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Tuesday we tackle workplace news, answer your dilemmas, and bring fresh insights to help you build great workplace cultures. 🎙 This Week’s Headlines Would You Let Your Employer Monitor You at Home? Australian financial firm AMP faced backlash over claims employees were pressured to accept contracts allowing constant video surveillance—even at home. Full story: https://www.hrleader.com.au/business/26623-amp-refutes-claims-of-video-surveillance-of-at-home-workers London Firms Can’t Hire Staff—Is Remote Work to Blame? Nearly half of London businesses are struggling to recruit, and many blame remote work expectations. Full story: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/london-firms-struggling-recruit-staff-164038974.html Good News: Your Holiday Benefits Last Longer Than You Think Research in the Journal of Applied Psychology shows the wellbeing benefits of a holiday can last up to six weeks. Full story: https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/holiday-benefits-last-longer-we-thought 🔥 Hot Take: Why the Five-Day Workweek Is History (with Grace Tallon) Grace Tallon from the Work Time Reduction Centre says the traditional five-day workweek is no longer fit for purpose. Cutting working hours isn’t just a perk—it's vital for business success, productivity, and mental health. Could a shorter week be the most important change we make this generation? Connect with Grace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-tallon/ Learn more about Work Time Reduction: https://worktimereduction.com/ 💡 Workplace Surgery: Your Workplace Problems Solved "Am I Mentoring My Replacement?" A listener fears they're training someone overqualified who may take their job. "Personality Tests Are Ruining My Team!" Managers forced to assign projects based on personality colour charts rather than skills. "Help! My Productivity’s Hijacked by a Calendar Bully!" A developer struggles to protect their deep work sessions from a colleague who repeatedly schedules conflicting meetings. 🎧 Listen to More From Truth Lies and Work John Amaechi on Personality Testing Hogan's Ryne Sherman on Personality in Business 🎧 Coming Up Next This Thursday: Jeanette Ramsden, CEO of The Curve Group, reveals how she successfully implemented a four-day workweek—without compromising client satisfaction. Plus, she shares her perspective as a female CEO navigating leadership in a world obsessed with "masculine energy." Next Tuesday: Another packed episode of This Week in Work with the latest workplace trends, bold takes, and practical advice. Enjoying the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and join us on LinkedIn to continue the conversation! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. 🎙 Meet This Week’s Guest: Steve Carse What if work was actually fun? Steve Carse didn’t just ask the question—he built an entire business around it. After being laid off in 2009, Steve didn’t follow the traditional career path. Instead, he founded King of Pops, an Atlanta-based ice pop brand that’s grown into a $10 million empire. His approach to business is refreshingly simple: when work is enjoyable, people perform better, customers stay loyal, and businesses thrive. Now, he’s sharing his insights in his new book, Work Is Fun—a playbook for building happier, more successful workplaces. 💡 Key Takeaways from Steve Carse ✅ Why workplace happiness isn’t just about free snacks – Steve explains why companies often fail at creating a great culture and how he designed a business strategy where fun and profitability go hand in hand. ✅ Turning a layoff into a $10M success story – The lessons Steve learned after losing his corporate job and how he made a roadside ice pop stand into a beloved brand. ✅ Making ‘fun’ a business advantage – Why workplace enjoyment leads to better retention, productivity, and customer loyalty—and how to actually implement it. ✅ The reality of entrepreneurship – It’s not all smooth sailing. Steve shares the challenges of scaling a company, balancing growth with culture, and why LinkedIn success stories rarely tell the full truth. If you’re a business owner trying to build a more engaging workplace or someone stuck in a soul-crushing job, this conversation is full of real-world advice you won’t want to miss. 📌 Where to Learn More 📖 Pre-order Steve’s Book: Work Is Fun (Out April 1st!) 📍 Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/Work-Fun-Successful-Company-Meaningful/dp/1637746253 🍡 Learn more about King of Pops: 🌐 Website: https://www.kingofpops.com/ 💼 Follow Steve on LinkedIn & more: 🌐 Personal Website: https://www.stevecarse.com/ 🎧 What’s Next? 📅 Next Tuesday: Join us for This Week in Work—your go-to for workplace news, a spicy hot take, and our world-famous Workplace Surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest work dilemmas. 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Send it to one person who needs to hear Steve’s story! 📢 Subscribe now so you don’t miss a thing! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🎙 What’s in This Episode? 🔹 Why nearly half of employees are turning down promotions – The data says more people than ever are rejecting leadership roles. Is it a work-life balance issue, a generational shift, or are companies just making leadership too unattractive? 🔹 Is DEI doing more harm than good? – Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan, says corporate diversity policies are backfiring, and Sarah Gashier’s hot take suggests he might have a point. Is performative DEI causing more problems than it solves? 🔹 Workplace Surgery: A listener’s ex-partner is now their boss. How do you stay professional when your new manager is someone who knows way too much about your personal life? That’s all coming up on Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. 🗞 This Week’s Headlines 📌 BoomerAsking: Gen Z is Asking for What Boomers Never Dared To What is 'Boomerasking'? - Researchers Alison Wood Brooks (Harvard) and Michael Yeomans (Imperial College London) define BoomerAsking as when someone asks a question but isn’t actually interested in your answer—they’re just waiting to jump in with their own story. Read more: https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/improve-your-conversation-skills-ditch-boomerasking 42% of employees are rejecting promotions – A Randstad survey found that workers are saying no thanks to leadership roles, with work-life balance and low pay increases as the top reasons. Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2025/02/17/why-nearly-50-of-employees-are-turning-down-promotions-what-leaders-can-do/ Jamie Dimon says DEI is failing – The JP Morgan CEO slammed corporate DEI initiatives, calling them performative and blaming incompetent advisers for pushing businesses in the wrong direction. Read more: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/03/13/jp-morgan-boss-attacks-incompetent-advisers-that-pushed-dei/ 🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Sarah Gashier on Why DEI Might Be Broken Sarah Gashier is an award-winning Workplace Wellbeing Consultant, Registered Nutritionist, and Psychological Safety Practitioner. She’s worked with top organisations and was even recognised by the Mayor of London for her work. But Sarah has a controversial take on DEI: Most DEI initiatives do more harm than good. 📢 Find more from Sarah Gashier: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgashier/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahgashier/ 💡 Workplace Surgery: When Work Gets Personal My Ex Is Now My Boss – A listener’s former partner just got promoted to be their direct manager. Top Performer or High-Functioning Alcoholic? – A star employee is crushing their targets, but their drinking is becoming a problem. The Secret Slack Channel – A manager discovered their team has a private Slack group where they discuss work, projects, and management decisions—without including leadership. 🎧 What’s Next? 📅 This Thursday: We’re bringing you an incredible founder story—Steve Carse, the man who turned a redundancy in 2009 into a $10M ice pop empire. General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. 🎙 Meet This Week’s Guest: Eric Stone Leadership is broken in many workplaces. Eric Stone has spent almost 30 years figuring out what actually works. A former Regional Vice President at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Eric built and led high-performing teams across the U.S., managing thousands of employees and navigating leadership in one of the most customer-obsessed, competitive, and fast-paced industries. But unlike many corporate leaders, Eric’s focus wasn’t just on hitting targets—it was about creating workplace cultures where employees thrived. Now, as an author, speaker, and consultant, he’s helping businesses build leadership systems that actually work—without the toxic nonsense. 💡 Key Takeaways from Eric Stone ✅ Why most leadership advice is outdated – Leaders are still being trained for workplaces that don’t exist anymore. Eric shares what’s changed and how to lead effectively in 2025 and beyond. ✅ Fear in the workplace isn’t always bad – Used correctly, a healthy level of fear can drive performance. But when does it cross the line into toxic leadership? ✅ How to bridge generational divides – From Boomers to Gen Z, today’s workplace spans multiple generations. Eric explains how to adapt leadership styles to bring out the best in everyone. ✅ The biggest mistake leaders make with remote work – Why mandating RTO (return to office) might backfire, and how to balance flexibility with accountability. ✅ How to create a culture people actually want to work in – Forget ping-pong tables and free snacks—Eric breaks down what really builds engagement and keeps top talent from leaving. 📌 Where to Learn More 📖 More about Eric: https://clearpathventures.com/ 📖 Buy Eric's Book: https://clearpathventures.com/ 💼 Follow Eric on LinkedIn: Eric Stone Want to support the podcast? Mention us on LinkedIn! Just post something like: "Just listened to Truth, Lies & Work with Eric Stone—game-changing insights on leadership!" 🎧 What’s Next? 📅 Next Tuesday: Our This Week in Work episode with the biggest workplace news stories, a spicy hot take, and our world-famous Workplace Surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest work dilemmas. 📢 Subscribe now so you don’t miss it! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Tuesday, we bring you This Week in Work—your go-to for workplace news, a hot take from an industry expert, and our world-famous workplace surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest work dilemmas. 🎙 Intro: What’s Coming Up This Week? 🔹 Is International Women’s Day focusing on the wrong thing? 🔹 Do you work in the civil service? Are you afraid of losing your job? 🔹 When ‘Bring Your Whole Self to Work’ goes too far… 🗞 News Roundup: 1️⃣ UK Civil Service Faces a ‘Trumpian’ Overhaul Labour plans to introduce performance-based pay, faster dismissals, and structural reforms to make the civil service more like the private sector. Critics argue this is just a backdoor attempt at mass job cuts, while supporters claim it’s necessary for efficiency. 📖 Full story: The Guardian 2️⃣ AI in the Workplace: Micromanagement or Productivity Boost? A new 27,000-person study from the University of Valencia reveals that AI-driven performance monitoring is: ✅ Increasing stress levels by 50% ✅ Reducing collaboration by 1.5x ✅ Raising workplace accidents by 70% 📖 Read the full research study: LinkedIn PDF Report 3️⃣ ‘Micro-Retirements’ Are Replacing Traditional Career Paths Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly choosing planned career breaks rather than waiting for traditional retirement. 📖 Read more: RTÉ Brainstorm 🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Rachel Vecht on Why Workplace Equality Starts With Supporting Dads This week’s hot take comes from Rachel Vecht, founder of Educating Matters, who has spent nearly 30 years advising companies on how to better support working parents. But her focus isn’t just on flexibility for mums—she argues that real workplace equality starts with supporting fathers. 📢 Find more from Rachel Vecht: Follow Rachel Vecht on LinkedIn to engage in daily conversation about parenting and work-life integration For organisations: Top Tips to Support Working Parents & Carers Find out more about Educating Matters For individual parents: FREE MASTERCLASS to raise children to thrive Check out our blog for more parenting tips 💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery: 📌 Q1: “Authentic Self” or Authentically Unhinged? A company encouraged employees to bring their whole selves to work—but one employee took this to mean sharing conspiracy theories in meetings. 📌 Q2: “Anonymous” Feedback or CEO Spy Mission? A company introduced an anonymous feedback system—but their CEO is obsessed with finding out who wrote what. 📌 Q3: AI-Powered Cheating or Workplace Innovation? A remote team is exceeding KPIs—but it turns out they’re using AI to do most of their work. 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Post about it on LinkedIn and tag us! Let us know what surprised you the most from this conversation. 📢 Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Thursday, we bring you a brand-new interview with an expert guest who knows how to create great workplace cultures. 🎙 This Week’s Guest: Vince Sanderson, Management & Leadership Expert In today’s episode, we sit down with Vince Sanderson, a management, leadership, and team consultant with over a quarter of a million followers on social media. Vince has built a career helping businesses develop effective leadership skills and build exceptional teams. Vince's journey began in teaching before transitioning into management consulting, giving him a unique blend of practical experience and real-world insights. His approach is refreshingly honest and focuses on creating environments where teams can thrive. 🧠 What We Covered: First 30 Days as a Manager: Meet your team and key stakeholders, including IT, HR, and lateral managers. Build relationships that extend beyond your vertical team to avoid siloed working. 30 to 60 Days: Shift from learning to refining processes. Identify where there are gaps between what the business says is important and where time is actually spent. 60 to 90 Days: Assess whether you have the right people in the right roles. The impact of the "Bad Apple" experiment: how one person can decrease team productivity by 30-40%. Key Takeaway: Managers should create an environment where others can excel, focusing on clarity of purpose and emotional intelligence. Vince’s mantra: "Leadership isn't built in a day; it's built daily." 📌 Where to Learn More: Vince Sanderson on Social Media: TikTok: @VincentSanderson Instagram: @VincentSanderson YouTube: Vincent Sanderson Channel LinkedIn: Vince Sanderson 🎧 What’s Next? 📅 Next Tuesday: We’re back with This Week in Work—covering the latest workplace news, a hot take from an industry expert, and your work dilemmas answered in our World-Famous Workplace Surgery. 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Post about it on LinkedIn and tag us! Let us know what surprised you the most from this conversation. 📢 Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Tuesday, we bring you This Week in Work—your go-to for workplace news, a hot take from an industry expert, and our world-famous workplace surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest work dilemmas. 🗞 News Roundup: 1️⃣ Asda Scraps 10,000 Staff Bonuses More than 10,000 managers at Asda won’t receive their annual bonuses after a challenging financial year. Full story: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/03/01/asda-scraps-staff-bonuses-for-thousands-after-torrid-year/ 2️⃣ Google's Sergey Brin Calls for 60-Hour Workweeks Sergey Brin has reportedly told Google employees to return to the office every weekday and suggested 60 hours a week as the “sweet spot” for productivity. Full article: https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/28/sergey-brin-says-rto-is-key-to-google-winning-the-agi-race/ 3️⃣ The Employability Paradox: How Promotions Can Boost Loyalty & Turnover The Employability Paradox is the idea that promoting staff increases their loyalty but also makes them more attractive to other employers. 🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Dr. Elaine Smith on Leadership & Wellbeing Our guest this week is Dr. Elaine Smith, a Clinical Psychologist and Business Wellbeing Consultant. Elaine is the Psychological Wellbeing Lead at Hope.io and co-founder of Think Resilience, a new leadership retreat launching in East Lothian this April. 🧠 Key Insights: Leaders Are Human Too: High-ranking leaders, regardless of their salary or seniority, need emotional and mental support just like anyone else. The Illusion of Composure: Just because leaders appear composed and confident doesn't mean they aren't struggling beneath the surface. Supporting Leaders Benefits Everyone: When leaders are supported to show vulnerability, it fosters connection, improves workplace culture, and can potentially lead to more compassionate decision-making. 🌐 More from Dr. Elaine Smith: Leadership Retreat: https://www.thinkresilience.co.uk Online Course: Creating Compassionate Workplaces: https://www.drelainesmith.com/online-leadership-course-stress-resilience LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elaine-smith-creating-compassionate-workplaces/ 💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery: 📌 Q1: From Friend to Boss—How to Lead Without Losing Your Mates A new team lead is struggling with a former peer undermining their authority. How do you establish authority without coming off as power-hungry? 📌 Q2: The Unlimited Holiday Trap An "unlimited holiday" policy sounded great in theory but has created chaos. How can managers set boundaries without undermining company policy? 📌 Q3: The HR Battleground An HR Director is caught in the middle of a company war over flexible working policies. Should they pick a side, or is there a way to mediate without losing credibility? 📢 Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Thursday, we bring you a brand-new interview with an expert guest who knows how to create great workplace cultures. And this week’s guest didn’t hold back. 🎙 This Week’s Guest: Dr. Enya Doyle, The Harassment Doctor Our guest today is Dr. Enya Doyle, aka The Harassment Doctor—a specialist in harassment, inclusion, and workplace culture. Her job? Helping leaders, managers, and business owners avoid the legal and ethical pitfalls of modern workplaces. This episode is a masterclass in handling the awkward, messy, and legally risky situations that many managers are afraid to ask about. 🔥 Key Topics We Covered: 💡 When physical contact at work is unavoidable—what’s the right approach? 💡 Is it sexist for female managers to refuse meetings with male co-workers? 💡 Why attractive people sell more—and is it fair? 💡 Should you comfort a crying colleague or keep your distance? 💡 Is following employees on Instagram inappropriate? 💡 Why are some managers obsessed with telling women to wear lipstick? 💡 What do you do when your workplace is full of "banter" and swearing? 💡 Is it okay to comment on an employee’s appearance if they look unkempt? 💡 The truth about why taller people get paid more—does bias play a role? 📌 Where to Learn More 🔗 Dr. Enya Doyle’s website: www.enyadoyle.com 📸 Instagram (@TheHarassmentDoctor): www.instagram.com/theharassmentdoctor 💼 Connect with Dr. Doyle on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/enya-doyle 🎧 What’s Next? 📅 Next Tuesday: We’re back with This Week in Work—covering the latest workplace news, a hot take from an industry expert, and your work dilemmas answered in our World-Famous Workplace Surgery. 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Post about it on LinkedIn and tag us! Let us know what surprised you the most from this conversation. 📢 Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Tuesday, we bring you This Week in Work - your go-to for workplace news, a hot take from an industry expert, and our world-famous workplace surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest work dilemmas. 🗞 News Roundup: 1️⃣ Meta Layoffs vs. Exec Bonuses: What’s Really Going On? Is Meta redefining corporate leadership, or is this just another case of profits over people? Full story 2️⃣ Task Masking: The New Workplace Resistance Movement Employees are "task masking"—faking productivity to push back against return-to-office mandates. Full article 3️⃣ The 4-Part Framework for Finding Meaning in a Chaotic World Feeling overwhelmed by political drama, layoffs, and toxic work cultures? A quick self-check can help you realign & reconnect. Full guide 🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Veerle Numan on The Future of Learning & AI Veerle Numan, Senior Learning Solution Partner at Valamis, challenges outdated workplace training and explains how AI is changing learning & development. 📌 Why Most L&D Fails: Throwing content at employees isn’t learning—it’s just information overload. 📊 How AI & Data Can Transform Learning: AI can measure engagement, analyze training effectiveness, and predict skill gaps. 💡 Key Takeaway: AI can’t magically fix learning cultures—but it can make training more effective & personalized. 📢 Connect with Veerle & Valamis: Veerle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veerle-van-kersen-numan/ Valamis website: https://www.valamis.com/ 💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery: 📌 Q1: My Boss Keeps "Adding Context" (But They're Wrong) A manager keeps interrupting during meetings to correct a listener—but he’s often wrong. How do you push back without making it awkward? 📌 Q2: My Top Performer is Toxic A high-achiever delivers 40% of the team’s output—but is horrible to work with. Should you risk losing them by addressing behavior—or keep tolerating the chaos? 📌 Q3: My Employee Disclosed Their Depression—Now What? A listener’s team member is struggling with mental health but wants to keep it private. How do you support them while balancing team performance? 🎧 What’s Next? 📅 This Thursday: We’re joined by Dr. Enya Doyle, aka The Harassment Doctor, to tackle some of the trickiest workplace dilemmas: Can liking a colleague’s Instagram posts be harassment? Should you ban swearing if just one person is offended? How do you comfort a crying coworker without HR knocking on your door? 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Tag us on LinkedIn & say you’re loving the podcast—we’ll send you something nice! 📢 Subscribe now so you don’t miss a thing! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Thursday, we bring you a brand-new interview with an expert guest who knows how to create great workplace cultures. 🎙 This Week’s Guest: Skye Waterson Our guest today is Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation, where she helps late-diagnosed ADHD professionals thrive at work—without burning out. 🔬 Skye’s approach is completely research-backed—she turned her own surprise ADHD diagnosis during her PhD into a mission to develop evidence-based strategies that actually work. 📈 With over 250,000 article readers, a top-rated ADHD podcast (ADHD Skills Lab), and experience advising organizations like the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, Skye is changing the conversation about ADHD in the workplace. 🔥 Key Takeaways from Skye Waterson: 💡 ADHD is NOT a productivity killer—it’s a different way of thinking that, when harnessed, can be a superpower. 💡 Why workplace support for ADHD is failing—and what companies need to change. 💡 The biggest misconceptions about ADHD at work (hint: it’s not just about being "distracted"). 💡 Practical, research-backed strategies to create focused, balanced workdays (whether you have ADHD or not). 💡 How ADHD brains solve problems in a completely different—and often more creative—way. 📌 Where to Learn More 🔗 Skye’s website: www.unconventionalorganisation.com 📸 Instagram: @unconventionalorganisation 💼 Connect with Skye on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204 🎧 What’s Next? 📅 Next Tuesday: We’re back with This Week in Work—covering the latest workplace news, a hot take from an industry expert, and answering your questions in our world-famous workplace surgery. 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Post about it on LinkedIn and tag us! Let us know your biggest takeaway from Skye’s interview. 📢 Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Tuesday, we bring you This Week in Work - your go-to for workplace news, a HOT TAKE from an industry expert, and our world-famous weekly workplace surgery, where Leanne answers your trickiest work dilemmas. 🗞 News Roundup: 1️⃣ JP Morgan CEO’s Gen-Z Rant Leaks Jamie Dimon loses it over remote work, Gen-Z, and "work-from-home Fridays." Full article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/02/14/lazy-gen-z-get-back-office-or-get-new-job-jp-morgan-boss/ 2️⃣ Career Catfishing & Office Ghosting: The Gen-Z Job Market Hacks "Career Catfishing" is the workplace version of dating app lies—exaggerating skills, experiences, and qualifications to land better jobs. Full article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2025/02/02/career-catfishing-and-office-ghosting-gen-zs-no-show-work-trends/ 3️⃣ Science Says Short Breaks Boost Learning (And Why Grinding Might Be Hurting You) A new NIH study found that the brain actually learns faster during breaks—not while practicing. Full study: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/study-shows-how-taking-short-breaks-may-help-our-brains-learn-new-skills 🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Anna Reddy’s READY Method for Staying Energized Anna Reddy, founder of Leap Health, shares her READY framework—5 simple steps to maintain energy, focus, and resilience at work. 🛠 The READY Method: ✅ R – Rest, Recovery, Recharge (Sleep & downtime matter) ✅ E – Eating well (Fuel your brain like a Ferrari) ✅ A – Activity (Movement boosts productivity & creativity) ✅ D – Distraction Management (Filter out negative noise) ✅ Y – You (Define your long-term purpose, not just work goals) 📢 Find Anna’s work at: Website: www.leaphealth.co.uk Podcast: Leap Health Workplace Podcast LinkedIn: Anna Reddy 💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery: 📌 Q1: Our Friendly Culture Has Become Too Friendly... Way Too Friendly Casual chats have turned into toxic gossip. How do you scale a startup’s culture without losing the informal vibe? 📌 Q2: The Work After-Hours Club That I Just Can't Join Weekly "optional" after-work drinks are not so optional—but some employees (like parents) feel excluded. How do you keep team bonding fair? 📌 Q3: Is My Employee Really This Unlucky, or Am I Being Played? A staff member has constant personal emergencies—flat floods, family crises, sick pets. How do you balance empathy with accountability? 🎧 What’s Next? 📅 This Thursday: We sit down with Skye Waterson, one of the top experts on adult ADHD. If you're a leader, manager, or employee who wants to understand ADHD in the workplace, this is a must-listen. General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Thursday, we bring you a brand-new interview with an expert guest who knows how to create great workplace cultures. And today’s guest is Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier—a psychologist, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of The Resilience Plan. With both a PhD in psychology and an MBA, she’s spent her career helping organizations crack the code on workplace mental health and resilience as a business strategy. 🎙 Episode Highlights: 💡 Why resilience isn’t something you “have” or don’t—it’s a skill that fluctuates and can be built. 🔬 The four science-backed pillars of resilience: movement, nutrition, sleep, and relationships. 🛠 How business owners can strategically integrate resilience into their leadership style. ⚖️ Why resilience is more than self-care—it’s about aligning your energy with what actually matters. 📊 How to build a resilience strategy using a SWOT analysis (yes, like in business planning!). 🔥 Key Takeaways from Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier: 1️⃣ Resilience isn’t a personality trait—it’s a state that can be improved. 2️⃣ Your plan needs to be tailored to YOU, your life, and your business. 3️⃣ Most leaders prioritize work over sleep, relationships, and nutrition—this is a mistake. 4️⃣ Resilience planning should be treated like a business plan—review and adjust as needed. 5️⃣ Small, practical changes (like 15 more minutes of sleep) have a huge impact over time. 📌 Where to Learn More 📖 Grab Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier’s book, The Resilience Plan: theresilienceplan.com 📂 Get free resilience worksheets: theresilienceplan.com/resources 💬 Connect with Marie-Helene on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marie-helene-pelletier 🎤 Watch her TEDx Talk on resilience: youtube.com/marie-helene-pelletier 🎧 What’s Next? 🔥 Loved this episode? Tag us on LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway! We’d love to hear from you. 📅 Coming up next Tuesday: We’re back with another This Week in Work—covering the latest workplace news, a HOT TAKE from an expert, and your workplace dilemmas answered in our World-Famous Workplace Surgery. 📢 Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Tuesday, we bring you This Week in Work—your go-to for workplace news, a HOT TAKE from an industry expert, and our world-famous workplace surgery, where Leanne answers your trickiest work dilemmas. 🗞 News Roundup: 1️⃣ Floodlighting: The Toxic Boss Tactic You Need to Know If your boss singles you out, magnifies your mistakes, and embarrasses you publicly—congrats, you’ve been floodlighted. Read more about floodlighting: https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/careers/floodlighting-toxic-boss-behaviour/959655 2️⃣ Basecamp’s Profit-Sharing Model Puts Equity to Shame Instead of handing out “someday” stock options, Basecamp gives employees real cash bonuses—and this year, over 20 staff members got six-figure payouts. Jason Fried’s full thread: https://x.com/jasonfried/status/1887972661357134252 3️⃣ Why Napping Boosts Performance (And The Wild Science Behind It) A new study suggests even a short 30-minute nap can significantly improve cognitive function. Read the full study: https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/nap-performance-improvement 🔥 Hot Take of the Week: John Lee Dumas on Why Specialization is the Future John Lee Dumas (JLD), host of Entrepreneurs on Fire and author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success, breaks down why generalists are out, and specialists are in. 💡 Want more from JLD? Check out Entrepreneurs on Fire wherever you get your podcasts. Find his books & new YouTube project at https://EOfire.com 💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery: 📌 Q1: Hotdesking Nightmare—Do I Have Any Rights? A neurodivergent employee struggles with the unpredictability of hotdesking. Is this legal? And if so, how can they make it work? 📌 Q2: My Manager Avoids Giving Negative Feedback A new leader admits they sugarcoat constructive criticism and end up redoing their team’s work. How do they tackle tough conversations without losing their team’s trust? 📌 Q3: My Coworker Accidentally Keeps Taking Credit for My Ideas A listener’s extroverted colleague keeps getting credit for their work, but they don’t think it’s intentional. How do they fix this without sounding petty? 🎧 What’s Next? This Thursday, we sit down with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, one of the world’s top experts on resilience. Think resilience is just about “pushing through”? Think again. MH will share science-backed strategies to protect well-being, avoid burnout, and stay at the top of your game. And next Tuesday, we’ll be back with more This Week in Work! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Thursday, we bring you a brand-new interview with an expert guest who knows how to create great workplace cultures. And today’s guest is a good one! We’re joined by Crevan O’Malley, VP of Corporate Sales at HubSpot, who shares exactly how HubSpot is integrating AI into its sales and marketing teams—without replacing people. If you’re a leader wondering how to use AI to boost productivity without killing morale, or an employee thinking “Is AI coming for my job?”—this episode has the answers you need. 🎙 Episode Highlights: 🚀 How HubSpot is embedding AI across sales, marketing, and customer service—without job cuts. 💡 The right and wrong way to use AI in your business. 🤖 AI’s impact on productivity, decision-making, and the future of work. ⚖️ The ethics of AI: transparency, data privacy, and trust. 🛠 Practical steps to implement AI in your workplace. 🔥 Key Takeaways from Crevan O’Malley: 1️⃣ AI isn’t replacing people—but people who know how to use AI will replace those who don’t. 2️⃣ The biggest productivity gains come from automating admin, not human connection. 3️⃣ Ethics matter—businesses need transparency and trust when integrating AI. 4️⃣ AI works best when it complements human strengths, not competes with them. 5️⃣ Companies that fail to adopt AI risk being left behind. 📌 What’s Next? 💬 Want to connect with Crevan? Find him on LinkedIn and check out HubSpot’s AI tools at hubspot.com/breeze. ✨ Love the show? If you enjoyed this episode, share it on LinkedIn and tag us! We’ll send you something nice. 🎧 Join us next Tuesday for a brand-new This Week in Work, where we break down the latest workplace news, spicy expert takes, and answer YOUR work dilemmas. General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Tuesday, we bring you This Week in Work—a roundup of the latest workplace news, a HOT TAKE from an industry expert, and our world-famous weekly workplace surgery, where Leanne answers your workplace dilemmas. 🗞 News Roundup: 1️⃣ The 4-Day Workweek Goes Permanent for 200 UK Companies Over 200 companies in the UK have committed to a permanent four-day workweek with no loss of pay. Read more from The Guardian. 2️⃣ Netflix Founder Says ‘Stop Calling Workplaces a Family’ Marc Randolph, co-founder of Netflix, calls out companies using the “we’re a family” metaphor. See Marc Randolph’s post here. 3️⃣ Using Text Abbreviations Makes You Seem Lazy and Fake A new study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology finds that using abbreviations like “thx” instead of “thanks” makes people seem insincere and less engaged. Check out the full research from the British Psychological Society. 🔥 Hot Take: Meenakshi Iyer on Why January Resolutions Are BS Leadership coach Meenakshi Iyer, founder of NorthStar Solutions and Services LLC, challenges the idea that January is the best time for fresh starts. 🌍 The Problem with Standardized Goal-Setting: New Year’s resolutions are based on Western norms and ignore cultural differences, natural rhythms, and personal energy cycles. In many cultures, spring or personal milestones are more meaningful times for setting goals. Research shows that any temporal landmark (like a birthday or job anniversary) can create a mental reset—January 1st isn’t the only option! Companies pushing “New Year, New Goals” initiatives in the middle of winter might be setting employees up for failure. 💡 Join Meenakshi Iyer at the 6th Annual World of Work Conference Meenakshi will be speaking at the 6th Annual World of Work Conference on February 28, 2025, where she’ll share insights on how organizations can rethink goal-setting, productivity, and employee well-being. 🎟 Get Your Ticket: Click here to book your place 💰 Exclusive Discount Code: Use SPEAKER10 at checkout for $10 off your ticket! 💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery: 📌 Q1: Employee Surveys—Are They All the Same? A small business owner asks if they really need to run engagement surveys or if they’re just corporate jargon. 📌 Q2: Redundancy Red Flags—How Do I Know If I’m Next? A listener sees layoffs coming and wants to know the warning signs and how to prepare. 📌 Q3: Why Do My Manager’s Resolutions Die by February? Every January, their manager gets big ideas—by February, they’re forgotten. Can team resolutions actually work? 🎧 What’s Next: This Thursday, we sit down with Crevin O’Malley, VP of Corporate Sales at HubSpot, for a deep dive into sales leadership, culture, and career growth. And next Tuesday, we’ll be back with more This Week in Work! 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and tag us on LinkedIn with your thoughts. We’ll send you something nice!

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. In this fascinating conversation recorded from a rustic farmhouse in Northern Italy, Tony Jamous, CEO and founder of Oyster, shares his vision for the future of work and how distributed teams are transforming the global employment landscape. 🗓️ Episode Overview: Tony Jamous discusses how his journey from Lebanon to France, and eventually to founding a unicorn company, shaped his mission to democratize access to global employment opportunities. From selling his first company to Ericsson to building Oyster, Tony shares insights on leadership, distributed teams, and mission-driven business. 🎧 Key Topics Covered: The Future of Work is Distributed Why traditional office-based work is changing How remote work can help solve global talent shortages The economic benefits of distributed teams for both companies and employees Building Trust in Remote Teams Why psychological safety is crucial for distributed teams The importance of defaulting to trust How to build relationships in virtual environments Mission-Driven Leadership The importance of aligning financial success with mission impact How to become a "healthy leader" Building sustainable, mission-driven organizations 💡 Key Takeaways: The global talent shortage in the West could lead to $8.5 trillion in economic loss Remote work enables companies to access global talent while allowing people to stay in their communities Mission-driven companies can deliver better returns for investors while creating positive social impact Leadership in distributed teams requires a focus on trust and clear communication 🎥 Links: Connect with Our Guest: Visit Oyster: oysterhr.com Connect with Tony Jamous on LinkedIn 🎧 What's Next: Join us next week as we record another thought-provoking conversation about the future of work - and we're home in Mostar! Woo hoo! General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat