This week, we’re celebrating our 200th episode by asking:

We’re also joined by Julian Hayes II for a Hot Take on why happiness might be the wrong goal for your workplace. Forget the ping-pong tables — let’s talk about what really matters.

🔥 News Roundup

– $40 for loyalty? A Boston moving company boss went viral after an employee asked for a $40 loan — some say never lend to staff, others call it a loyalty-building move.
https://x.com/salvin_joseph/status/1927002447974654253?s=12&t=Nu1sn41l6BG_ubgGziYG1g

– Rule-benders vs. rule-followers: A new study shows we trust rule-benders more than strict followers — and they might make the best leaders.
https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/rule-benders-make-more-appealing-leaders-rule-abiders

🔥 Hot Take: Happiness Is the Wrong Goal

Connect with Julian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/

Julian's Website: https://www.executivehealth.io/

Julian's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/executive-health-and-life/id1500205650

💬 This Week’s Workplace Surgery

– The DEI overload dilemma: A listener asks how to push back when they’re constantly asked to be the “diverse” voice in interviews — even at the expense of their own work.

🔗 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being

💡 Connect with Al & Leanne

Warning: This episode contains references to discrimination, suicide, and mental health struggles. Please listen with care.

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

This week, we’re talking about one of the most misunderstood (and often avoided) topics in people management: how to support transgender colleagues in your workplace.

Our guest is Sophie Wood — trainer, speaker, and trans woman with over 13 years of lived workplace experience. She’s here to answer the questions most managers have — but are too afraid to ask.

This isn’t a lecture on political correctness. It’s a step-by-step, fully human guide to making your workplace psychologically safe, legally sound, and genuinely inclusive.

💡 Key Takeaways from Sophie Wood

– The law gives choice, not orders: Despite media panic, no new legal requirement forces employers to exclude anyone — use your company values, not fear, to guide decisions.

🔗 Connect with Sophie Wood

**Editor's Note**

In this episode, the hosts reference Sophie Wood as a former police officer. To clarify, Sophie worked as police staff, not as a police officer.

🧠 Need More Support?

💬 Connect with Al & Leanne

🎧 If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a colleague, leave a review, or connect with us online. It’s time we made inclusion make sense — for everyone.

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by business owner Al Elliott and Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott.

This week, we’re asking: Is your company accidentally killing motivation and trust? From how we talk about success, to how we structure the workweek, to how we train our managers — the best of intentions are falling short. And according to our guest, we’re now in a full-blown trust crisis.

🗞 This Week’s News Roundup

🌟 The Reverse Bucket List

Forget goals — what if reflecting on what you’ve already overcome could boost confidence and calm imposter syndrome?

Read it: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/reverse-bucket-list-happiness_n_68195c92e4b09d0e11f7df5a

🇮🇸 What the UK Can Learn from Iceland

Six years into a 36-hour workweek, Iceland’s workforce is less stressed, more satisfied, and still just as productive.

Read it: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/21/iceland-36-hour-working-week-stress-job

🧠 Why Mental Health Training for Managers Isn’t Enough

Over 7,000 UK businesses were studied — and even the ones doing the right things are hitting a wall.

Read it: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/why-mental-health-starts-with-line-managers-2b2a74cebc46

🔥 Hot Take of the Week

Our guest this week is Rose Soffel (Talent & Culture Consultant at SoffelHaus), and she’s not holding back. Her take? We’re in a trust crisis between employers and employees — and behavioural science might be the only way out.

Rose argues that post-pandemic progress on wellbeing, autonomy and inclusion is being undone by control tactics, forced office returns, and short-term thinking. If we don’t rebuild trust, the best talent will quietly walk.

Connect with Rose:

LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/rose-soffel

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/microrosie?igsh=MXN0c2owdHp4ZTNqNA==

🩺 Workplace Surgery

– “Do anonymous surveys actually work?”

– “How do I know if I’m any good at interviewing?”

– “I got the job… so why am I terrified?”

🎧 Coming up Thursday…

A UK Supreme Court ruling has redefined “woman” under equality law. What does this mean for inclusion, rights, and how organisations support trans employees?

We’re joined by Sophie Wood, LGBTQ+ educator and mental health trainer, to help leaders navigate this complex new landscape.

🧠 Support With Mental Health & Wellbeing

Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/

💬 Connect with Al & Leanne

Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork

Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott

Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne

Email: [email protected]

Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by business owner Al Elliott and Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott.

This week, we’re joined by Elina Teboul — executive advisor, former Wall Street lawyer, and author of Feminine Intelligence. Elina challenges our assumptions about power, leadership, and success, offering a radical reframe that might just define the future of work.

Drawing on years of coaching top leaders, Elina makes the case that intuition, emotional presence, creativity, and connection aren’t leadership weaknesses — they’re leadership superpowers. And ignoring them? That’s what’s keeping so many organisations stuck in disconnected, underperforming cultures.

This isn’t a conversation about gender. It’s a call to rebalance.

💡 Key takeaways from Elina Teboul

🔗 Links & Resources

🧠 Enjoying the show?

🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Wellbeing

💬 Connect with Al & Leanne

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by business owner Al Elliott and Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott.

This week, we’re asking a big question: Could well-meaning managers be bullying their teams without even realising it? New research suggests it’s not about personality clashes — but broken systems. From underperformance meetings to inconsistent shift scheduling, the way we manage people might be doing more harm than good.

🔥 This Week’s News Roundup

🧠 Touch Grass: Why getting outside is actually good for your brain

👶 Toddler vs CEO: Who actually has more emotional regulation?

🎯 Bullying at work: New research blames bad management, not bad people

🔥 Hot Take of the Week

Connect with Stuart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartmace/

🩺 Workplace Surgery

🧠 Enjoying the show?

🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Wellbeing

💬 Connect with Al & Leanne

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network. This week, we’re thrilled to bring you a raw, unfiltered conversation with Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind — one of the UK’s leading mental health organisations.

With over 35 years in mental health and social care, Sarah is a fearless advocate for change. In this episode, she shares why mental health services are still failing those with the most serious needs, why surface-level “wellness” programmes won’t fix broken workplace cultures, and how poverty, inequality, and racism drive mental health crises.

Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or someone navigating their own mental health journey, this conversation is packed with insights that challenge, inspire, and push us to think beyond box-ticking initiatives.

💥 Key Takeaways

Mental health literacy has improved, but services for severe illness are lagging.

Culture and leadership matter more than free yoga or mindfulness apps.

Addressing poverty, racism, and inequality is essential to prevention.

Leaders sharing their own struggles can transform workplace stigma.

Young people need more than therapy — they need agency and action.

🔗 Links & Resources

🎧 Loved this episode?

🧡 Mental Health Support

💬 Stay Connected

🎧 Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

🔥 Stories Covered This Week🔥

The Rise of Overemployment: Why Some Are Working 2 or 3 Jobs Leanne explores The Times' report on workers secretly juggling multiple full-time jobs. More: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-rise-of-polygamous-workers-and-efforts-to-catch-them-out

Klopp, Slot and a Masterclass in Succession Planning Leanne unpacks Liverpool’s near-perfect leadership handover and what it teaches businesses about humility, legacy, and culture. Watch Klopp’s farewell: https://youtube.com/shorts/g-H6wVK_eqE?si=_zeJNyHs1H30hsuH

Thanks to NBC Sports for the clip!

Spotify’s “We Hire Adults” Approach to Remote Work Al breaks down Spotify’s work-from-anywhere policy, why it’s defying the office-return trend, and how trust is paying off in retention and revenue. Read more: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/spotify-hr-chief-says-remote-100037895.html

🔥 Hot Take: Rebecca Taylor on Gossip at Work

Rebecca Taylor, co-founder of SkillCycle and host of HR Confessions, argues that gossip isn’t just inevitable—it’s essential. She explains why leaders should stop ignoring informal conversations and instead use them to strengthen culture, improve transparency, and drive change.

Find Rebecca here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-taylor SkillCycle: https://skillcycle.com Podcast: HR Confessions

💬 Workplace Surgery: This Week’s Dilemmas

How Do I Run a Wellness Challenge People Actually Want to Join?

Is It Possible to Start Over After My Business Fails?

HR Is Making Me the Bad Guy Over Return-to-Office—What Should I Do?

🎧 Coming Up Thursday

We’re joined by Dr. Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, for a conversation on serious mental illness, prevention, and why real culture change—not perks—makes the difference.

🎯 Enjoyed this episode?

Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Come join the conversation on LinkedIn—we love hearing from you.

🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being

Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

👋 Connect with Al & Leanne Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/ Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🎧 Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

This week, we’re joined by Nick Huber, entrepreneur, investor, founder of Sweaty Startup, and author of the brand-new Sweaty Startup book.

Nick built his empire on what most entrepreneurs overlook: boring businesses that print cash. With over 325 employees across multiple companies, Nick is shaking up how we think about leadership, scale, and simplicity.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a business without burning out, or if you should stop chasing the shiny stuff and focus on what actually works, this episode is for you.

💡 Key Takeaways from Nick Huber

🚀 Boring Businesses Win

📈 Focus on Scale, Not Ego

💥 How to Lead Without Losing Your Mind

📚 The Sweaty Startup Playbook

🎯 Why Hiring Right Changes Everything

🔗 Resources & Links

Nick Huber Online:

Social & Media:

Podcasts:

Book Links:

📢 Enjoyed this episode?

🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being

👋 Connect with Al & Leanne

🎧 Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

This week, we’re asking one big question:

Will your job even exist in five years, and if not, what should you be doing now?

This Week's News

Is Your Job Safe? The 21 Job Titles Predicted to Disappear by 2030

WTF Is Mindful Maneuvering?
Leanne introduces a new leadership concept: mindful maneuvering—the strategic, empathetic art of influence. Forget manipulation; this is about guiding, building trust, and moving teams forward.
Read more: https://www.worklife.news/talent/wtf-is-mindful-maneuvering/?utm_campaign=worklifedis&utm_source=worklifedaily&utm_medium=email&utm_content=42425&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Worklife%20Briefing%2004242025&utm_content=Worklife%20Briefing%2004242025+CID_afdeff85d5538c9d159a3cc926384495&utm_source=wldis&utm_term=READ%20MORE

What Actually Makes Employees Stay? (It’s Not Perks)
Recognition, not bonuses, is what really makes employees stay, according to a fresh Inc.com piece. Leanne explores why simple, specific, frequent praise can do more for engagement than any expensive perk.

Hot Take

Work futurist and empathy advocate Sophie Wade shares why workplaces need to stop blaming Gen Z for cultural clashes—and start adapting leadership styles to match a new world of work.

Gen Z expects flexibility and flat hierarchies, not because they're entitled, but because the world changed.

Information isn’t power anymore—relationships and trust are.

Human-centric leadership is no longer optional.

Speaking up shouldn’t be punished if you say you want independent thinkers.

Connect with Sophie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-sophie-wade/
Courses: https://www.sophiewade.com/courses-overview/courses/
Podcast: https://www.sophiewade.com/podcasts/
Newsletter: https://www.sophiewade.com/work-in-progress/

Weekly Workplace Surgery

Can Business Owners Really Put Their Well-Being First?
One listener asks if it’s realistic to prioritise health and family while running a business without letting everything else fall apart.

Is 50% Staff Turnover in Two Years a Red Flag?
A business owner wants to know if their turnover rate is normal—or a sign of deeper problems.

What Am I Supposed to Do When My Employer Isn’t Helping Me Grow?
A frustrated employee shares how being left out of development opportunities has them questioning whether they should stay.

Next week:

We’re joined by Nick Huber—entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Sweaty Startup—who’s built a career on boring businesses that print cash. No hype, no buzzwords, just practical strategies for scaling.

Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. And come say hi on LinkedIn—we always love hearing your thoughts.

Mental Health Support

Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

👋 Connect with Al & Leanne

Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/
Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/
Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/
Email: [email protected]
Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat