In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership expert Russel Lolacher explores the difference between risk aversion and risk awareness — and why playing it safe can quietly damage trust, engagement, innovation, and culture.

Russel shares how leaders can move beyond fear-based decision-making by asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and creating space for thoughtful experimentation. Because doing nothing is still a decision — and sometimes the riskiest one.

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What if better leadership isn’t found in management books, but in nature itself?

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with executive coach and author Kelly Wendorf about what leaders can learn from nature to build healthier teams and stronger workplace cultures. Drawing from her book Flying Lead Change, Kelly shares insights on trust, psychological safety, curiosity, conflict, and why thriving leadership may look more like ecosystems than hierarchies. A fresh perspective on moving from power over to power with leadership.

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Saying yes isn’t leadership.

In this episode, Russel Lolacher explores the hidden cost of constant agreement — and how it impacts your team’s capacity, priorities, and performance. Learn how to stay collaborative, set boundaries, and make better decisions about when to say yes… and when not to.

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What does conscious leadership actually look like at work?

In this episode, Russel Lolacher talks with coaches Trevor Stevenson and Dale Allen of Conscious Lead Life about self-awareness, triggers, power, and how leaders can show up with more intention, care, and impact.

If you want to lead without overpowering others or operating on autopilot, this conversation is for you.

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A single phrase overheard on a podcast stopped Russel mid-step — and it's been on his desk ever since. 

In this episode, communications and leadership veteran Russel Lolacher explores how swapping two small words can shift you from feeling buried by your day to actually owning it.

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What actually motivates people at work? 

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher talks with leadership advisor, researcher, and The Motivation Mix co-author James Root about why motivation isn’t one-size-fits-all. James shares how outdated workplace assumptions continue to shape leadership, talent, and team dynamics — and why understanding what truly drives people is essential to building healthier cultures and better results. A practical conversation on motivation, individuality, and leading people more effectively.

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We hear it all the time in leadership: “You can’t over-communicate.” But that’s not always true. In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores how too much communication can feel patronizing, overwhelming, or even damaging to trust. This episode looks at why great leadership communication isn’t about repetition for repetition’s sake—it’s about reading the room, understanding your audience, and adapting your message with intention. 

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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher talks with Karl Staib, founder of Systematic Leader, about why leadership needs more than good intentions. They explore how better systems shape habits, improve communication, strengthen accountability, and create healthier workplace cultures.

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What if the way we measure leadership is completely off? 

In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher challenges the usual focus on KPIs, deadlines, and delivery—and asks what really matters. Trust, growth, values, and the impact we leave on people may be the real leadership scorecard.

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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher speaks with Alejandra Ramirez, founder of Ready Cultures, about why internal communication often fails in organizations.

They discuss how misaligned messaging damages workplace culture, why clarity matters in leadership communication, and how Alejandra’s Head–Heart–Hands framework helps leaders communicate what’s happening, why it matters, and what teams should do next.

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