Ever wondered how the day of the week might affect the energy of a podcast recording? Join us as we unveil a fun new game where you can guess our recording day based on our vibes! We also embark on our journey as a listener-funded podcast, discussing our commitment to staying ad-free while entertaining the whimsical idea of a fried chicken-themed episode, all wrapped in our usual blend of humor and candid conversation.

Are you struggling with technical debt in your software projects? Let’s dissect the balancing act of innovating with new features versus keeping the core platform stable, using vivid metaphors like an overloaded Christmas tree. We highlight the critical role of leadership in managing these challenges, stressing how leaders set the organizational climate and impact the overall health of the project. Share in our discussion on how resource allocation can make or break a project, and why the best engineers are often pulled in conflicting directions.

Leadership isn't just about decisions—it's about style and approach. We'll share personal stories that illustrate how different management styles can either uplift or demotivate a team. From tackling ineffective processes to fostering a culture of accountability, we discuss the delicate balance leaders must strike to maintain team morale without compromising on productivity. To lighten the mood, we introduce a baby onesie from our store, proving that even in the most serious of episodes, there’s always room for a bit of humor. So, sit back and enjoy an episode filled with rich insights, relatable experiences, and our signature unscripted banter!

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Ever wondered how a golden doodle can brighten up an entire office? Meet Penny, our office mascot whose playful antics never fail to bring a smile to our faces. We'll share some charming stories about Penny and her unique personality, which truly sets her apart from her furry family. And if that doesn't pique your interest, our online shop is back with quirky items like an organic baby bodysuit and a mouse pad, plus a heartwarming update about an anonymous donor who's keeping our podcast blissfully ad-free for a whole year.

As we celebrate our third anniversary, we can't help but reflect on the thrilling journey of creating 129 episodes full of fresh content and amazing guests. It’s been a fantastic ride, especially with the growth of our beloved acronym, CACK, and our bustling Discord community. Also, we’ve got a hot piece of LinkedIn news brought to us by Leah Carroll that you won’t want to miss—it’s a must-hear for all our listeners!

From the courtroom to the boardroom, we tackle some intriguing and thought-provoking topics this episode. Imagine being sentenced to work in fast food to develop empathy—could this be a game-changer? We dive into the concept of role-swapping to foster better understanding in corporate environments and the need for robust management training. Adding a sprinkle of humor, we reminisce about old Windows operating systems and the hilarious frustrations of internet performance. All this and more in a packed episode that promises to entertain and enlighten.

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Ever wondered if borrowing ideas at work is just as common as we think? In a twist that features the hilarious and sudden firing of Craig, we explore the thin line between plagiarism and originality across corporate roles. Sharing my tedious yet enlightening experience writing a document on NIST 2 legislation, we shed light on how widespread the practice of "recycling" content really is. From marketing to programming, see why many of us are just piecing together our tasks from a shared pool of knowledge.

The conversation gets even more interesting as we compare the dynamics of productivity and leadership between startup and enterprise environments. Imagine the unexpected freedom and efficiency you might experience when your boss is away—fewer meetings and a more productive workday. We also discuss the surge of engagement in our Discord community, which has become a hotbed for valuable exchanges and opportunities. Plus, we tackle a thought-provoking article on remote work, debating whether the younger generation values the flexibility of working from home over traditional career advancement.

As we shift gears, we examine the evolving dynamics between remote work and traditional office environments. Could ego be driving companies to insist on a return to expensive office buildings? Reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we explore the hypothetical choice between permanent remote work with no promotions and a traditional career path with mandatory office presence. Our discussion wraps up with insights into how these shifts have altered our perceptions of career paths and work-life balance, capped off by a nod to our favorite game show segment. Don't miss these rich discussions and insights into the ever-changing landscape of modern work!

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Ever wondered how a simple software update could bring entire industries like healthcare, fintech, and aviation to a standstill? Today's episode unpacks the jaw-dropping fallout from a major CrowdStrike outage and its ripple effects on major sectors, including some juicy insider details about Azure services. We even speculate how Bill Gates might feel watching this tech drama unfold, making it a must-hear for anyone navigating the corporate tech landscape.

Shifting gears, we dive into the art of employee appreciation—because let’s face it, pizza parties just don’t cut it. Discover how adopting "corporate love languages" can revolutionize your recognition strategies. From personalized rewards that employees actually want, to letting them choose their own rewards within a set budget, we cover innovative ways to show genuine appreciation that resonates on a personal level.

Finally, we rank workplace rewards inspired by a recent Prime Day spree. From the coveted S-tier bonuses and time off, to the dreaded company-branded swag that nobody asked for, this ranking offers a hilarious yet insightful look at what truly motivates employees. Hear our tales of how some employees gamed the system and why understanding individual preferences is the secret sauce to effective recognition. Tune in for a candid, funny, and enlightening discussion on truly valuing your workforce.

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What if your performance review depended on more than just numbers? In our latest episode of Corporate Strategy, Clark is back from London, full of delightful anecdotes about fish and chips and the persistent drizzle. We’re thrilled to be back on track with our podcast schedule, and we kick off by sharing stories from Clark’s trip and celebrating a recent episode on interview tips with Alex that’s already helping listeners land jobs.

Next, we tackle the often bewildering world of 360 performance reviews, especially in a culturally diverse workforce. How do you rate a colleague without clear criteria, and what happens when cultural differences influence those ratings? We unravel our own experiences, comparing American and European rating systems, and stress the importance of clear, quantifiable metrics. Our discussion shines a light on the broader implications of the binary rating mindset in American corporate culture and the need for more nuanced evaluation systems.

Lastly, we dive into the complexities of feedback in the workplace. Why do we celebrate routine achievements on LinkedIn, and how can we make feedback more meaningful? We explore how leaders can set clear benchmarks for evaluations and the challenges high-performers face when receiving criticism. Wrapping up, we offer actionable steps to seek honest feedback and create competency checklists to aid professional growth. And don’t miss our fun “What Do You Meme?” segment where we share listener-contributed memes and community highlights for a perfect blend of humor and insight. Join us for a packed episode sure to leave you thinking and laughing.

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Today's Podcast was based on this post. Give Shay a follow if you can! 

Have you ever felt a mix of joy and envy seeing friends experience something you wish you could? Join us as Alex Restrepo steps in while Clark is off on a European adventure, and we dive into the simple pleasures of a laid-back 4th of July celebration and the unique impacts of fireworks on pets and individuals with PTSD. From our choice of a pet-friendly pool party to reflecting on my Disney-filled childhood and the legacy of fleeting moments, we ponder how to find happiness in others' happiness without losing sight of our own joys.

Shifting gears, we tackle the challenging yet crucial elements of job interviews. Discover our top tips for maintaining a positive perspective on previous employers and how push-pull motivation can paint you as an attractive candidate eager for growth. Learn from our extensive interview experiences about framing your weaknesses honestly, respecting your current team’s needs when discussing availability, and the strategic ways to present yourself as a future-focused professional.

Finally, steer through the often nerve-wracking territory of interview strategies, salary negotiations, and overcoming self-doubt. We share practical advice on recognizing your value, managing interview anxiety, and embracing the unknown to propel your career forward. By turning nerves into excitement and embracing discomfort, you can unlock new professional opportunities and enrich your life. Tune in for a wealth of insights designed to help you shine in your next job interview and beyond!

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What's it like to record a podcast with an evil twin? Meet Giarc, the mischievous counterpart to our trusty assistant Craig, who turns our studio dynamics upside down with his unpredictable antics. From Clark's upcoming vacation to our hilarious critique of workplace procrastination, this episode is a rollercoaster of personal updates and chaotic energy. We even tackle the frustrating reality of colleagues who just can't seem to respond to emails on time, all while keeping the laughs coming.

Is AI taking over our jobs or just changing the game? Join us for a spirited round of "Real News or Fake News," where we explore the shifting employment landscape amidst massive layoffs and the rise of AI. Despite the doom and gloom, we highlight the surprising resilience of the workforce, with many juggling multiple roles. We also dive into the irony of AI's greater influence on creative industries rather than practical ones, celebrating the adaptability of today's workers who manage to thrive despite the odds.

Ever felt like an imposter at work? We've got you covered! Discover how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT can boost productivity and ease the pressure of imposter syndrome, especially for software engineers. Hear about the practical benefits and amusing pitfalls of using AI for tasks ranging from generating podcast show notes to automating coding chores. As we ponder the future of AI, we invite you to share your own experiences and insights, painting a picture of a future where AI is not just a tool, but a transformative force in our daily lives.

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Have you ever been shocked to find out that something you believed in was a complete fake? We kick off with the bombshell that the legendary Leroy Jenkins video was staged! This revelation opens a fascinating dialogue about historical moments we wish were authentic, setting the stage for Clark's uplifting vibe check. Clark shares how our productivity tips have transformed his work life, making him more efficient and less stressed. Bruce and Clark even contemplate authoring a book about these strategies before diving back into our episode.

We then shift gears to a reflective discussion on a recently completed event that was both a challenge and a triumph. From technical glitches to long hours, we explore how these hurdles became valuable learning opportunities. The importance of updating resumes and sharing successes on LinkedIn is highlighted, along with the idea of taking a much-needed vacation. This segment underscores how crucial it is to document experiences and plan for future improvements, making the next event even better.

Lastly, we recount some corporate horror stories that range from the humorous to the harrowing. From superhero personas to high-pressure work environments, we discuss the impact of corporate culture on personal well-being and team dynamics. We also tackle the complexities of design system projects, the emotional toll of workplace conflicts, and the lessons learned from leadership challenges. Join our Discord community for more engaging discussions and mentorship opportunities—we’re eager to hear your stories and share more insights!

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Why does a meal at McDonald's cost $20 when economic indicators suggest everything is fine? Join us as we bring back our capitalist correspondent, Alex Restrepo, to address this perplexing disparity. We kick off the episode by debunking common myths about money, like the outdated belief in the gold standard, and explain why money is essentially an abstraction. Alex lays the groundwork by tackling fundamental economic principles, putting the confusing reality of high prices into context.

From there, we journey through the history and mechanics of inflation, starting with the 16th century’s gold influx under Charles V of Spain, all the way to the recent inflation spike of 2022. We dissect how supply chain disruptions induced by COVID-19 have led to higher prices, stressing that an increase in money supply without a corresponding increase in goods and services fuels inflation. Alex breaks down the fundamentals of supply and demand, offering clarity on why inflation persists despite technological advances and efficiency gains.

In the latter part of the episode, we unpack the role of the Federal Reserve in shaping monetary policy and its broader economic impact. Alex discusses the Fed's strategy for a "soft landing" to control inflation without triggering a severe economic downturn, highlighting the importance of long-term economic stability. We also touch on the broader implications of short-term thinking in public companies, and the growing disparity between different types of workers, calling for political action and societal change. Tune in for a comprehensive and insightful discussion that makes complex economic concepts accessible and relevant to everyday life.

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