By Surfing Corporate
5
3737 ratings
The podcast currently has 54 episodes available.
In the second part of our interview, we discuss Amazon's promotion process—often described as a 'black box'—and we explore how the company treats men and women differently. We also discuss the pivotal moments that led Kristi to quit drinking alcohol, a decision that became a turning point in her life. Finally, we uncover the powerful reasons behind her choice to walk away from the world’s largest company, despite the staggering financial incentives that came with staying.
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Ever wondered what it's really like to work at Amazon? In the first episode of our two-part season premiere, we sit down with Kristi Coulter, former Amazon executive and author of Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career. Kristi pulls back the curtain on the high-pressure, high-stakes culture inside one of the world's most influential companies. From the notorious Jeff Bezos question mark emails to the iconic six-pager memos that set the tone for every meeting, Kristi shares how she navigated the relentless pressure and constant ambiguity that define life at Amazon.
You can learn more about Kristi here and more about Surfing Corporate here.
Follow Surfing Corporate on Instagram and write to us at [email protected]
The podcast we referenced during the episode is It Gets Late Early.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:29 Kristy Coulter's Career Journey and Decision to Join Amazon
08:13 First Impressions of Amazon's Work Culture
14:44 The Lifeboat Exercise: Ranking Employees
22:43 The Challenges of Working at Amazon
25:07 Changes in Amazon's Work Culture
25:46 High Turnover and Lack of Recognition
37:43 The Pressure to Do More
43:58 Unique Aspects of Amazon's Culture
46:48 The Stress of Question Mark Emails
48:31 Challenges Faced by Employees
48:37 The Power and Pitfalls of Six-Pagers
55:30 Lessons from Calista: Being Tough but Fair
01:00:24 Navigating the Brutal and Demanding Culture at Amazon
01:16:01 Promotions and Achievements at Amazon
01:21:16 The Sexist Culture at Amazon
01:26:34 Conforming to a Masculine Ideal
01:35:26 The Boozy Culture and Struggle with Alcohol
01:40:42 Addressing Gender Dynamics and Creating Inclusive Work Environments
01:41:30 From Viral Essay to Career Opportunities
01:43:13 Transformation and Lessons Learned at Amazon
01:46:21 Strong Bonds and Lasting Connections
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Show Credits:
Cohosts: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins
Producers: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins
Script, editing, music design: Aileen Merciel
Theme Song: Chaliwa Music
Other music: BlueDot Sessions
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Frenemies are a slithery and dangerous corporate species that can be found in all types of workplaces, in every industry, country, continent, or planet. Frenemies are people who pretend to be your friend, but they’re also in some ways an enemy or rival. They can be charming and very likable one minute, and then stab you in the back with a recently sharpened machete the next (ouch).
A recent study found that interactions with frenemies can heighten our stress responses MORE than aversive relationships. And over the long term, that seems to provoke worse cardiovascular health. So the sooner you learn tools to deal with frenemies, the better.
EPISODE SOURCES
How to Navigate Your Relationship With a Workplace Frenemy“Why workplace frenemies are our most stressful colleagues”
How to get along with your work frenemy and protect yourself
CREDITS
Hosts: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins
Intern: Stephany Gil de Sucher
Original theme song by Chaliwa Music
Library Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Check out Surfingcorporate.com and follow us on Instagram.
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We discuss our latest updates (we go full LinkedIn-style bragging about our recent 2024 Ambie Nomination), we talk about our new podcast partners, and we dive deep into what studies says about work recognition, and how this practice can substantially employee behavior and employer brands.
For more info about The Ambies, click here.
Check out the other awesome shows of the Airwave Podcast Network!
Episode Sources:
The Importance of Employee Recognition: Research & Statistcs - Quantum Workplace
Why Employee Recognition is More Crucial Than Ever - Forbes
Episode Credits:
Co-hosts: Aileen Merciel & Glenda Pacanins
Production, editing and sound design by Aileen Merciel
Intern: Stephany Gil De Sucher
Orignal Theme Song: Chaliwa Music
Other music by BlueDot Sessions
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter at our website.
If you're interested in advertising on Surfing Corporate, email us at [email protected]
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We dive into the riveting journey of Peggy Northrop, a true publishing powerhouse, as she unravels the invaluable lessons acquired over 30 years in the corporate arena. From navigating the cut-throat publishing landscape in the 90s to earning her "Corporate Ph.D." under the mentorship of Vogue Magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, Peggy swiftly ascended to the coveted role of Editor-in-Chief at prestigious publications like Reader’s Digest, More Magazine, and Sunset.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, including the digital transformation of print media and the economic upheaval of 2008, Peggy not only weathered the storms but emerged stronger. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her independent publishing company, a feat achieved while balancing a demanding full-time corporate role. Now, as a seasoned consultant, trusted advisor, board member, and investor in female-driven enterprises, Peggy reflects on her three-decade journey, sharing insights that transcend the pages of her illustrious career.
Highlights:
SUPPORT US!
If you like Surfing Corporate and would like us to make more episodes, you can donate by clicking on this link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/surfingcorporate
Follow SurfingCorporate on Instagram and LinkedIn.
CREDITS
Co-hosts: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins
Production, editing and sound design: Aileen Merciel
Intern: Stephany Gil de Sucher
Original theme song: Chaliwa Music
Other music if by BlueDot Sessions
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A recent study at a major company found that women there were 14% LESS likely to be promoted than their male counterparts every year. Researchers found that a major factor was the fact that women were consistently judged as having lower leadership potential than men. But why and more importantly, is that finding widespread across industries?
During this episode, we dive into this topic and learn more about why this happens, and how we can all do better.Po
SOURCES:
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As more and more companies are mandating return-to-office policies to their employees (many of whom deem those mandates as unnecessary and counterproductive), workplace culture takes on more importance for employees and management alike. So, how can you balance the needs of both employees and employers?
If you ask @Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at Vayner Media, employers need to step up their game and create work cultures that employees actually want to be a part of. She’s determined that, at Vayner Media, employees will find it both appealing AND beneficial to work in-person with their colleagues and superiors.
In this episode, Claude shares her philosophy on work and what it actually means to be a Chief Heart Officer (trust us, it makes a lot of sense). She also talks about the tactics that lead their employees to be excited about work and event in-person meetings (yes, it is possible). Spoiler alert: it’s not about ping-pong tables and free Kombucha!
If you like Surfing Corporate and would like us to make more episodes, you can donate by clicking on this link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/surfingcorporate
Follow SurfingCorporate on Intagram and LinkedIn.
Original theme song: Chaliwa Music
Other music if by BlueDot Sessions
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
https://bmc.link/surfingcorporate Aileen and Glenda catch up on their summer vacation adventures, share updates on season 4, and somehow end up discussing the Barbie movie.
Support Surfing Corporate!
"Friendly reminder" that our pod is completely self-funded (and it takes A LOT of work). If you like what we do, please consider making a donation by clicking here. It would mean SO MUCH to us to be able to keep making this show.
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We look back at the best moments of the season and also discuss hot new topics, like the current female-driven movement on social media that is making the case for women to write emails more like men (more assertive, less apologetic). We also unpack the new corporate buzzword that is giving us hives: ProcrastiWorking.
FRIENDLY REMINDER! Surfing Corporate is completely self-funded, and it takes a lot of work! If you like what we do, please consider making a donation here. It would mean SO MUCH to us :)
Sign up for our newsletter at SurfingCorporate.com so we can stay in touch over our Summer hiatus!
This episode of Surfing Corporate was produced, edited and co-hosted by Aileen Merciel.
Co-host is Glenda Pacanins, queen of corporate decks and corporate lingo.
Our fabulous intern is Stephany Gil de Sucher.
Our original theme song is by the amazing folks of Chaliwa Music & Sound.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The podcast currently has 54 episodes available.