This Working Life

What’s really behind the reaction a colleague has when you disagree with them? And how do you manage a conflict when it arises? 

Esther and Lisa delve into workplace conflict and power dynamics and explore how to understand them and find a way through.  

Plus answers to your questions and an exercise Esther wants you to test out for Try This. Don’t forget to report back! [email protected]

Guest:

Esther Perel, New York Times bestselling author and psychotherapist  

For more from Esther Perel, check out these episodes from our colleagues at All in the Mind: 

When you’re under the pump, it can feel like taking a break at work is impossible. But that can be habit forming, and bad for your physical and mental health. 

Learn the benefits of building breaks into your workday, and how to do it in a way that feels manageable. 

Guests:

Kira Schabram, Assistant Professor of Management & Organisation at Smeal College of Business, The Pennsylvania State University 

Vanessa Miles, organisational psychologist, Transitioning Well

This program was first broadcast on 27th June 2025

It's an important part of monitoring and improving performance, but when feedback is given or received in the “wrong” way, it can damage relationships and affect work. 

Here’s a masterclass to help you get better at giving and receiving feedback. 

Guests: 

Roisin McCann, facilitator who works with organisations to build leadership capacity and develop a better culture of feedback and strategic communication 

James Donald, senior lecturer, University of Sydney Business School

This program was first broadcast on 3rd July 2025

What have we learned so far about reducing working hours without losing productivity, and what are the tips and tricks for ensuring a four day week is a success for staff, organisations and customers?

The Launceston city council is in the process of moving towards a four day week.   

Guests:

John Hopkins, Professor of Management, Deakin Business School 

Anne Rayner, founder, Productivity Bargain 

Our calendars are filled with meetings, but what are they really achieving?

Learn how to cut out unnecessary gatherings and make the ones that remain, more meaningful and efficient. 

Guest:

Rebecca Hinds PhD, organisational expert and author, Your Best Meeting Ever 

For a copy of the resources mentioned in this episode, email us at [email protected]

So you landed the job, congrats! Now it's time to start your new role.

What steps can you take and what can your new employer do, to set you up for success?  

Guests:

Kate Flaherty, National President of the Career Development Association of Australia, leadership coach and counsellor 

Jonathon Woolfrey, WA State President & Non-Executive Director, Australian HR Institute, managing partner, Talenting 

If you’re feeling stuck and ready for a change, why not harness the momentum of the new year to turn that around? 

Whether it’s a new job or a whole new career, Dorie shares her approach to help you figure out what’s next, and how to make it happen. 

Guest:

Dorie Clark, Top 50 business thinker and executive education professor, best selling author, Reinventing You: Define your Brand, Imagine your Future

When work feels difficult, practising hope could help you find a way forward. 

A former chief wellbeing officer at Deloitte shares evidence-based strategies for developing hope that will improve worker wellbeing and performance. 

Guest:

Jen Fisher, workplace wellbeing expert, author, Hope is the Strategy

Four in ten Australians are not getting enough sleep, and work could be a part of the problem.  

Whether you work 9 – 5 or irregular hours, lack of sleep impacts performance, safety and can compound work stress. So how can you balance work responsibilities and sleep? 

Guests:

Dr Moira Junge, CEO Sleep Health Foundation, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, Monash University

Dr Charlotte Gupta, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Appleton Institute, CQ University 

This episode was first broadcast on 20th June 2025

Career regret is a common phenomenon, with more than half of people recently surveyed expressing dissatisfaction with their career choice.

Why do so many people have career regret, and what practical advice can help those who are at a career crossroads? 

Guests:  

Leah Lambart, Career and Interview Coach, resident career expert for SEEK  

Annie Louey, celebrant, comedian and writer who has experienced and interviewed others about career breaks

This episode was first broadcast on 30th May 2025