We’re back from summer break—and unfortunately, so are return-to-office mandates.

In this episode, we talk about Ontario’s decision to drag public servants back to the office five days a week, the real reasons behind it (spoiler: it’s not productivity), and the ripple effects for equity, burnout, and retention.

We unpack why “quiet cracking” is just burnout in a rebrand, how performative presenteeism is still alive and well, and why so many corporate decisions feel anti-worker by design.

Also: why companies think hardship = productivity, what commutes really cost people, and a mini tea rant (literally).

Timestamps

0.00 - 4.58: Post Summer Catch Up

4:58 - 19.41: Return-to-Work Mandates

19.41 - End: Quiet Cracking

A CEO and HR exec caught on a kiss cam—what could go wrong? We break down the viral scandal, the Streisand Effect in action, and why some company statements make things worse. Plus, we get into office romances, PR missteps, and the importance of knowing when not to speak. Oh, and Tipperary won the hurling.

Why is saying no so hard? And why does it matter for your career? In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we explore the power of setting boundaries at work, why saying no is a leadership skill that separates decision-makers from doers, and how to do it without damaging relationships.

We’ll also talk about workplace culture, people-pleasing, and—because life is about balance—our obsession with Diet Coke.

👉 Learn: • Why saying no is critical for career growth • How to communicate a no without burning bridges • The link between boundaries and leadership success

Timestamps

0.00 - 21.25: Intro - Diet Coke, GAA and more

21.26 - End: How to Say No at Work

In this episode of A Word with Yourself, Lesley and Jennie explore why the most consistent and efficient people at work are often the least recognized. We talk about the mid performer—the dependable pro who doesn’t chase promotions—and the lazy genius who quietly finds faster, smarter ways to get things done (and then gets handed even more work for it).

We unpack the myth that everyone should want to climb the ladder, the problem with rewarding visibility over value, and the cultural fear of having notions—especially when admitting you’re good at your job feels like a step too far.

Because doing your job well should be enough. And the people who do? They’re often the ones keeping it all running.

Timestamps:

0.23 - 17.01: The Mid-Performer

17.05 - 20.30: Notions

20.31 - 26.06: The Lazy Genius

26.07 - End: The Lazy Man's Load

In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we unpack the shrinking world of entry-level jobs thanks to AI—and why that might be a bigger problem than it seems. We talk about the value of "grunt work," how junior roles are often where you learn the most, and what happens when the intern is ChatGPT.

We also dive into the increase in return-to-office mandates, companies justifying it with identical corporate jargon, and why trades might be making a comeback. Plus, a bizarre-but-true story about a sausage factory, a man named Jim (not his real name), and the hidden cost of chasing efficiency.

Timestamps

0.00 - 3.18: General catch-up

3.19 - 18.45 : AI and the future of entry-level jobs

18.45 - 22.36: More return-to-office mandates

22.36 - end: The hidden cost of efficiency, ft. a Chicago sausage factory

In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we unpack the shrinking world of entry-level jobs thanks to AI—and why that might be a bigger problem than it seems. We talk about the value of "grunt work," how junior roles are often where you learn the most, and what happens when the intern is ChatGPT.

We also dive into the increase in return-to-office mandates, companies justifying it with identical corporate jargon, and why trades might be making a comeback. Plus, a bizarre-but-true story about a sausage factory, a man named Jim (not his real name), and the hidden cost of chasing efficiency.

Timestamps

0.00 - 3.18: General catch-up

3.19 - 18.45 : AI and the future of entry-level jobs

18.45 - 22.36: More return-to-office mandates

22.36 - end: The hidden cost of efficiency, ft. a Chicago sausage factory

From Slack and Teams etiquette to camera culture, we unpack the unspoken rules of modern work. This episode covers how to communicate clearly without creating extra work for others, why vague messages like “hi” can backfire, and the underrated impact of small talk. Plus, a few detours: Eurovision commentary, ice bath routines, and other workplace-adjacent curiosities.

In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we unpack the “one-size-fits-most” hybrid work model, how Irish professionals can adapt to Canada’s work culture, and why being modest might be your biggest job-hunting mistake. They share tips on how to network like a local, what to say in interviews, how to negotiate vacation (yes, you can), and why your CV is now a résumé.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – 7:10 → Hybrid Work Proposal
• 7:11 – End → Practical Tips for Irish Professionals in Canada

In this episode, we unpack the results of Canada’s recent federal election—why the Conservatives lost despite gaining seats, how strategic voting shaped the outcome, and the continued failure to reform the first-past-the-post system. We also explore why so many bad managers end up in leadership roles, and how promoting technical experts without assessing their people skills can quietly damage culture and retention. Plus: why being a new employee feels so embarrassing, what the Vatican conclave and theatre have in common, and a shared pet peeve—people who refuse to change their minds, even in the face of facts.

AI is changing everything — but not without reflecting the same old biases we've spent decades trying to fix. In this episode, we unpack what happened when AI generated images of us (and why we all somehow looked like the same middle-aged man).We dive into how bias shows up in AI, the hidden risks it brings to hiring and career growth, and why trades and skilled work are becoming more valuable than ever. Plus, we explore why critical thinking is becoming the real "future-proof" skill — and what it will take to build a better path forward.