June 10, 2025

204. Boss traumas, 2am callers and benefit ballers. PLUS! Is alcohol a well-being blindspot?

58 minutes

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/

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By HubSpot Podcast Network

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