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Before juggling a demanding career and the joys of motherhood, Karina Monesson—a Senior Manager of Human Insights, Research, and Advisory at UKG—found herself spiraling into the abyss of addiction.
In this episode of Corporate Drinker, Karina candidly recounts her entanglement with alcohol and subsequent recovery to paint a sobering picture of addiction's effects on both personal and professional life. We also tackle the often overlooked motherhood penalty in the workplace and the balancing act of career and family life.
As we uncork the bottle on corporate culture’s relationship with alcohol, we confront the challenge of identifying substance use disorders among us. The pandemic's influence on this issue is undeniable, with an alarming surge in alcohol consumption and substance-related deaths. Corporate America's pervading "work hard, play hard" ethos comes under the microscope as we propose ideas for healthier, balanced team-building experiences. We conclude the episode with a frank discussion about the stigma surrounding addiction, its presence in the workplace, and the crucial role of managers in supporting employees battling this silent demon.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join us as we reveal the often-overlooked ties between work, alcohol, and addiction.
In this episode, you will hear:
Resources from this Episode
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We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Join me as I welcome Dr. Ben Yerxa, the CEO of Opus Genetics, into our series on the intersection of alcohol and work culture. Dr. Yerxa brings his vast leadership experience to the table, giving us an invaluable perspective on cultivating a healthy work environment. We delve into the intricate dynamics of alcohol in professional settings, ranging from corporate board dinners to the daily operations of a biotech company, and discuss the importance of mindful drinking.
Get ready for a thrilling ride as we explore the complexities of work dynamics, stressful board dinners, and the increasing popularity of alcohol alternatives. Plus, we'll be peeking into Dr. Yerxa's tenure at Inspire where he experienced company culture molded by openness, trust, and timely coaching. This is one episode you don't want to miss - prepare to be both educated and entertained by our conversation with Dr. Ben Yerxa!
In this episode, you will hear:
Resources from this Episode
Dr. Yerxa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-yerxa-35665a8
Opus Genetics: https://opusgtx.com/
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
The very essence of work, culture, and leadership is in flux. Are you prepared to keep up?
Today, Laurie welcomes Daniel Chait, co-founder and CEO of Greenhouse Software, who guides us through this shifting landscape. Daniel uncovers the changing dynamic between employees and corporations in the modern age, emphasizing how remote work opportunities have boosted employee empowerment and self-actualization. He explains how this evolution has transformed the role of a CEO and how leaders can leverage these changes to cultivate a robust organizational culture.
As Laurie and Daniel delve deeper into the conversation, we pivot to the role of employee resource groups (ERGs) in shaping a trusting work environment. Daniel passionately asserts the importance of acknowledging ERGs' contributions and the necessity to balance diverse needs within a company.
The conversation takes another turn as Laurie and Daniel venture into the contentious topic of alcohol consumption at Greenhouse. Daniel candidly shares his perspective on building meaningful work friendships amid professional boundaries and his personal journey navigating these intricate terrains.
Tune in for an interesting conversation on the evolving norms of work, leadership, and organizational culture.
In this episode, you will hear:
Resources from this Episode
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
On this episode of Corporate Drinker, step into the world of addiction and recovery with Laurie’s guest, Dr. Scott Kellogg, an acclaimed clinical psychologist specializing in addiction.
Laurie’s conversation with Dr. Kellogg delves into the fascinating intersection of work, culture, and alcohol, particularly in the current pandemic climate. You'll gain a fresh perspective on how addiction intertwines with identity and how crucial it is to meet people where they are. Dr. Kellogg brings a wealth of experience and understanding from his time as a psychotherapist in the mid-1980s, providing an eye-opening glimpse into the complexities of addiction. Dr. Kellogg offers his expert opinion on the role of identity in addiction recovery.
Have you ever wondered how forming a new identity could be the key to recovery? Or perhaps how broadening one's identity could act as a shield against addiction? This episode answers these questions and more, challenging the traditional views on addiction and spurring a thought-provoking conversation on identity transformation. We also tackle the corporate drinking culture and how one can juggle multiple identities.
Last but not least, we unravel the intricacies of therapy approaches for addiction. Explore the importance of building relationships, monitoring use, and creating a recovery plan that works. Hear about the somewhat controversial harm reduction dogma and the power of setting boundaries. We also discuss the stages of recovery and the need for an integrative approach.
Get ready for a conversation that sparks a new understanding of addiction and how to respond to it in ourselves and others.
In this episode, you will hear:
Resources from this Episode
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Are you aware that your workplace dynamics are being subtly manipulated by alcohol? That's right: from happy hours to casual Fridays, incorporating alcohol into our work culture has profound impacts that we seldom consider.
Join Laurie as she explores this topic with the brilliant Kate Bischoff, a Minneapolis-based employment attorney who offers her unique perspective on the complex relationship between work, culture, and alcohol. They delve into the roles of “optimal” and “sub-optimal” organizations, the power dynamics reinforced by alcohol, and their potential to disrupt inclusion and belonging.
Does the thought of handling alcohol consumption in your corporate environment seem complex and challenging? You're not alone. In this episode of Corporate Drinker, we explore the tough but necessary conversation about the expectations of professional behavior when it comes to incorporating alcohol at work. We discuss how HR can take a proactive stance against workplace misconduct and the importance of setting expectations around professional behavior. Drawing on Kate's expertise, we also uncover the impact of the billable-hour culture on employees' substance abuse and the challenges of bringing about a cultural shift.
Tune in and equip yourself with insights and strategies to foster a secure, respectful, and inclusive work environment.
In this episode, you will hear:
Resources from this Episode
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Have you ever wondered about the real cost of alcohol in the corporate world?
Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation with Ken Makimsy Middleton, the author of Bamboozled. Laurie and Ken unravel the insidious dangers of alcohol, discussing how it keeps us in a cycle of mediocrity and threatens our professional growth.
Ken opens up about his personal journey, sharing how alcohol, initially a false confidence booster, hindered his progress. They also tackle this complex relationship with alcohol, offering insight into navigating it and breaking free from its chains.
Ready to challenge what you think you know about corporate drinking? Laurie and Ken delve into the concept of alcohol consciousness, emphasizing the importance of understanding the trade-offs of drinking. Ken reveals corporations' role in fostering a sobriety culture instead of encouraging team-building activities centered around alcohol. Additionally, they explore the undeniable link between alcohol and sales professionals, uncovering the underlying reasons behind their heavier drinking habits and offering solutions. Ken introduces the MEDS approach (Mechanical Reengineering, Education, Substitutes, and Exercise Commitment), a comprehensive method to abstain from alcohol.
This promises to be a game-changing conversation that will shift how you view alcohol in corporate culture.
In this episode, you will hear:
Resources from this Episode
Connect with Ken Makimsy Middleton on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/kenmmiddleton
Get a copy of Bamboozled: How Alcohol Makes Fools of Us All - www.amazon.com/Bamboozled-How-Alcohol-Makes-Fools/dp/1954437862
Ken’s website - thebamboozledbook.com/
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Ever wonder how societal pressures and expectations can drive you towards unhealthy coping mechanisms?
On this episode of Corporate Drinker, Laurie’s conversation with Celeste Yvonne, a sober mom advocate, author, and certified recovery coach, will make you rethink the pervasive “mommy wine culture.” Celeste gets candid about her journey of sobriety, five and a half years in the making, and how her experiences in the hustle and bustle of corporate America for 20 years clashed with the harsh realities of motherhood. She also uncovers the often-hidden feelings of despair and shame parents face amid the daily grind.
In the throes of anxiety, depression, and the overwhelming pressure of being a stellar mother and a successful corporate employee, Celeste shares how she found herself entangled in problematic drinking. Hear her discuss her rocky transition to motherhood, the lack of postpartum support, and how it led her to self-medicate with alcohol.
Join us as we tackle the societal expectations and gendered stereotypes burdening parents and how Celeste used her ongoing struggles and dedication to sober living as a beacon to guide others. We'll also explore her powerful new book “It's Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind Mommy Wine Culture” and her thriving online community, the Sober Mom Squad.
In this episode, you will hear:
Resources from this Episode
Celeste Yvonne’s website - celesteyvonne.com
Find Celeste on Facebook - www.facebook.com/theultimatemomchallenge
Connect with Celeste on Instagram - www.instagram.com/theultimatemomchallenge
Get a copy of “It’s Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind Mommy Wine Culture” - amzn.to/45JomDv
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Could your choice of drink impact your career, culture, and health?
Join Laurie as we navigate the intricate world of alcohol, work, and culture with her guest, Dr. Lipi Roy. This renowned doctor, writer, international speaker, and media personality is a titan in addiction medicine. She’ll debunk some common misconceptions about alcohol, including the ubiquitous theory surrounding the health benefits of wine. Dr. Roy will also explore the need for businesses, leaders, and HR departments to step up to address addiction and mental health issues in the workplace.
We’re challenging traditional norms and perceptions around alcohol in this episode. We explore binge drinking, its prevalence, and the unique challenges women face when it comes to alcohol consumption. With her expansive experience and knowledge, Dr. Roy guides us through different treatment options for alcohol use disorder, from professional counseling to support groups, and highlights the role of medication like Naltrexone and Ozempic.
This is more than just a podcast episode; this is a call for a healthier, more mindful approach to alcohol use within our lives and workplaces.
In this episode, you will hear:
Resources from this Episode
SITA Med’s website: sitamedllc.com
Find Dr. Lipi Roy on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DrLipiRoy
Connect with Dr. Roy on Instagram: www.instagram.com/lipiroymd
Visit Dr. Roy’s TikTok page: www.tiktok.com/@lipiroymd
Find Dr. Roy on Twitter/X: twitter.com/lipiroy
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Today, on The Corporate Drinker, Laurie invites you on an extraordinary journey of bravery, resilience, and self-discovery with her guest, Bryan Wempen.
With an openness that is at once jarring and inspiring, Bryan translates his personal battles with alcohol addiction into a narrative that brings to light the often unaddressed issue of substance abuse in the corporate world. We dive head-first into the murky waters of his past, tracing the path from his early days of drinking to his arduous journey to recovery, exposing the power of a recovery mindset, self-compassion, and kindness.
Their conversation takes a powerful turn as we dissect the correlation between work culture and alcohol. Through Bryan's eyes, we explore the changing landscape of professional behavior in the age of social media and the increasing visibility of substance abuse. He shares his revelations during recovery meetings and highlights the importance of managing negative emotions and staying committed to the mission for a better, healthier work environment.
In the final part of their conversation, Bryan introduces us to his work with CHESS Health and how it fits into his mission to help those in recovery. He talks about his upcoming book, “Fuck My Demons: A Next Chapter in Recovery,” and the role writing played in his journey to self-improvement. His commitment to doing the right thing while caring for himself and his family, along with his perspectives on tolerance, is nothing short of inspirational.
Tune in as we celebrate the power of second chances and the companions who challenge, support, and spur us on our journey to self-discovery and growth.
In this episode, you will hear:
Resources from this Episode
Connect with Bryan Wempen on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryanwempen
Find Bryan on Twitter: twitter.com/bryanwempen
Get Bryan Wempen's Books: amzn.to/3q8zmLn
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
What if we told you that the corporate world could be playing a significant role in triggering addiction and mental health issues?
It's time to challenge perceptions and spark meaningful dialogues as we welcome Cheryl Brown Merriwether, Vice President and Executive Director at the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education. With her experience in HR management, adult education, and lived experience of addiction, we uncover unsettling truths about substance misuse in the workplace and discuss the significant part we can all play in fostering recovery.
We tread into contentious territory, examining the reclassification of substance use disorders and how our choice of language can shape the fight against addiction stigma. Cheryl provides insight into the various schools of thought and the transformative power of education in bridging these divides. We also explore the tricky area of workplace culture and its impact on employee mental health - how do businesses strike the right balance between providing support and encroaching on personal boundaries?
But it's not all heavy discussion; we also dive headfirst into the adoption of exciting new approaches to tackle mental health and substance use disorders in the workplace. From creating safe spaces through affinity groups and employee resource groups to the pivotal role of data in measuring the success of these initiatives, there's much to be hopeful about. And as Cheryl shares the inspiring stories of Project Opioid and her work with ICARE, we're reminded of the immense potential of interagency partnerships and the vital role of education in making a real, tangible difference.
Tune in for a conversation that challenges, provokes thought, and inspires action.
In this episode, you will hear:
Resources from this Episode
International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education: www.icare-aware.org
Connect with Cheryl Brown Merriwether on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cherylbrownmerriwether
Project Opioid: projectopioid.org
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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