Truth, Lies and Work

By HubSpot Podcast NetworkBusiness Health & Fitness Mental Health Management

Truth, Lies and Work episodes

June 19, 2025207. What happens when leaders start being kind? With Jeff LeBlanc
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 taking on a big leadership myth: that kindness is weakness.
Alongside guest Jeff LeBlanc — lecturer, Forbes-featured strategist, and creator of the Engaged Empathy Leadership Model — we unpack what kindness really means in a leadership context. Not just whether it works, but whether we’re defining it all wrong.
From setting boundaries to building trust, Jeff shares real-world examples and practical strategies to make kindness a powerful leadership tool — not just a feel-good slogan.

💡 Key Takeaways from Jeff LeBlanc
Kindness isn’t about being liked — it’s about being trusted. It’s structured, intentional, and deeply tied to fairness.

Avoidance isn’t kindness. Real kindness involves honest feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Clarity, consistency and compassion are the backbone of kind leadership.

Follow-through matters. Kindness without action breeds frustration.

Kindness is a practice — not a personality trait. You don’t need to be warm or bubbly to be a kind leader.

🔗 Connect with Jeff LeBlanc
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jeff-leblanc-93212510a
Website: www.jeffleblancdba.com

💬 Connect with Al & Leanne
Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: [email protected]
Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

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

🎧 If you found this episode helpful, please follow, share, or leave a review.
And don’t forget to subscribe for more practical insights from real leaders — every Tuesday and Thursday.
42 min
June 17, 2025 206. Digital eye-rolls, loud living and Pride Month silence. PLUS! Should we regulate management?
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 is your Tuesday roundup of workplace culture, behavioural science, and real-world leadership challenges.

This week, we’re digging into:
🔥 Stories Covered
1. Cyber Incivility: The Passive-Aggressive Problem You’re Probably Ignoring
Leanne breaks down a new study on “cyber incivility” — the eye-roll emojis, blunt messages, and stony silences that are quietly eroding trust and morale in remote teams. This isn’t obvious bullying; it’s subtle disrespect — and it’s making your team sad, not mad.
🧠 Emotional exhaustion, disengagement, even physical illness are on the rise.
✅ Set clear digital norms, train for empathy, and create space to clear the air.
📚 Source: Ju, B., & Pak, S. (2025). Managing cyber incivility in digital workplaces: a systematic review and HR strategies. International Journal of Organizational Analysis.
Shared via psychologist Nicole Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nicolewilliamsorganisationalpsychology_workplaceculture-cyberincivility-digitalcommunication-activity-7338822372294029312-9QfV?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAPpxk8B1ivB8GiszIgdppDkaIkcd6hBmOo

2. Loud Living vs Quiet Quitting: A New Kind of Work-Life Balance
Forget burnout and vague “busy” blocks. Al unpacks writer Alli Kushner’s concept of “loud living,” where employees embrace visible, unapologetic boundaries at work.
📉 With engagement at 21% (Gallup), radical honesty might be just what we need.
📅 Say “school pickup” not “busy,” and expand your out-of-office beyond holidays.
🔗 https://www.fastcompany.com/91341203/quiet-quitting-loud-living-work-boundaries

3. Pride Feels... Different This Year
Leanne reflects on why Pride Month feels heavier in 2025. With major sponsors quietly pulling out and DEI under political pressure, it’s no wonder LGBTQ+ employees feel let down.
🏳️‍🌈 The message? You were only supported when it was easy.
💡 Real leadership means showing up — even when it’s quiet, even when it’s hard.
📰 Source: The Times

🔥 Hot Take
Should Management Be a Regulated Profession?
Leanne goes in on the idea that managers — like teachers or doctors — should be formally trained and licensed.
– What skills should be mandatory?
– Are great managers born or built?
– And how do we support growing businesses without access to formal pipelines?

💬 Workplace Surgery
“Why is it so hard to get back into routine after time off?”
Leanne explains how different types of rest impact recovery — and why overloading your break might leave you worse off.
“Why is hiring so brutal when you’re just starting out?”
A new business owner asks why no one is showing up to interviews. We dig into reputation, expectations, and how to shift your early hiring strategy.
“How do I manage someone who keeps pushing it?”
A listener’s stuck between being too soft or too harsh with a difficult employee. We explore healthy boundaries, documentation, and what to do when your own boss avoids the issue.
We’re joined by professor and author Jeff LeBlanc to answer the question:

🎧 Coming Up Thursday

Is kindness at work a weakness?
With thousands of hours researching the science behind kindness, Jeff shares what really happens when you lead with empathy — and whether nice people really do finish last.

💬 Connect With Us
💼 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

🧠 Mental Health Support
– 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/

57 min
June 12, 2025205. Why your team zones out when you talk (And how to fix it in 2 minutes), with Dr. Cheryl Robinson
Truth, Lies & Work is 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 Forbes contributor and media founder Dr Cheryl Robinson to explore a skill every leader thinks they’ve mastered — but often haven’t: communication.
From delivering tough messages to owning your impact in the room, Cheryl shares how great communication can elevate your leadership, influence your career, and build meaningful connections at work.
If you’ve ever stumbled through a difficult conversation or wondered why your ideas aren’t landing — this episode is for you.

💡 Key Takeaways from Dr Cheryl Robinson
– Leadership starts with clarity: You don’t need to shout to be heard — you need to know what you want to say and why it matters.
– Authenticity is magnetic: People connect with people — not perfection.
– Feedback is a gift: Learn how to take it, shape it, and use it to grow.
– Visibility matters: If you’re not telling your story, someone else will.

🔗 Connect with Dr Cheryl Robinson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcherylrobinson/

Website: https://www.drcherylrobinson.com/

Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/
💬 Connect with Al & Leanne
LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work

Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott

Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne

Email: [email protected]

Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
🎧 If you found this episode helpful, please follow, share, or leave a review.
And don’t forget to subscribe for more practical insights from real leaders, every Tuesday and Thursday.

🔗 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]⁠
– Mental Health at Work: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/
43 min
June 10, 2025 204. Boss traumas, 2am callers and benefit ballers. PLUS! Is alcohol a well-being blindspot?
Truth, Lies & Work is the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

This week:
– Are we normalising trauma in leadership?
– Is workplace drinking culture harming inclusion?
– And would you fire your best-paying client over a 2am call?
Welcome to This Week in Work — where we unpack the trends, traps and true stories shaping work today.

🔥 Stories Covered
1. Are We Normalising Trauma at Work?
A viral LinkedIn post by Laura Lanier triggered hundreds of comments revealing just how damaging bad bosses can be. From cults to catheter shaming, the examples range from shocking to absurd — but the pattern is clear: we’ve let poor leadership become workplace trauma.
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/laura-lanier-819b04217_have-you-ever-had-a-boss-so-bad-that-you-activity-7337525588833816576-oyrB

2. 8 Ways to Say ‘Screw You’ at Work (Without Getting Fired)
Lee Harding (aka The Introverted Recruiter) shares the passive-aggressive classics of workplace comms. Think “per my last email” and “respectfully” — but decoded.
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/theintrovertedrecruiter_/

3. Why You’re Still Hiring the Wrong Leaders
The Christie NHS Trust ditched personality tests in favour of behaviour-based assessments — and transformed their leadership culture. This case study offers real lessons for any founder or hiring manager.
🔗 https://realworld-group.com/case-studies/christie-case-study-transforming-senior-executive-recruitment-with-the-real-world-leader/

🔥 Hot Take
Is Alcohol Still a Workplace Taboo?
Author and coach Tabbin Almond argues that workplace drinking is a wellbeing blind spot. From networking norms to pressure to fit in, alcohol affects more than you think — and it’s time businesses stopped treating it as a personal issue.
🔗 https://www.winetowatercoaching.com
🔗 https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/bottling-up-trouble
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-tabbin-almond/

💬 Workplace Surgery
– “Should I fire my biggest client for calling at 2am?”
– “Why did my boss only offer part-time after I quit?”
– “How do I know if I’m really building a great place to work?”

🎧 Coming Up Thursday
Hate corporate jargon? Join us for a masterclass in workplace communication. We’ll decode the phrases that make you sound credible — and the ones that make you sound like a walking HR punchline.

🔗 Connect
– Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
– Email: [email protected]
– WhatsApp Group: Send an email if you want to join!
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🔗 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]⁠
– Mental Health at Work: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/
59 min
June 05, 2025203. Where did everyone go? How to manage your team during the summer slowdown
Truth, Lies & Work is 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 tackling the dreaded summer slowdown. You know the one: client comms go quiet, team motivation nosedives, and you start to wonder if it’s just your business that's hit a wall.

It’s not. But it can cost you — if you’re not prepared.

In this episode, we answer the eight biggest questions leaders face every June, including how to keep people engaged, prevent burnout, support working parents, and still get things done when half the team is on holiday.

This one’s for every founder, manager or team lead who’s ever felt like summer is quietly wrecking their roadmap. It doesn’t have to.

💡 Key Takeaways

– The slowdown is real — and measurable: Harvard and HBR both confirm that heat, holidays and longer daylight hours all reduce focus, energy and output. Some businesses see up to a 20% productivity dip.
– Engagement problems start long before July: Summer exposes issues, it doesn’t cause them. If people feel disconnected, holidays give them time to reflect — and potentially resign.
– Burnout risk spikes for those left behind: If workloads go up but support doesn’t, motivation and wellbeing will crash. Plan handovers and give people fewer balls to juggle.
– Support working parents like adults: Flexibility, open comms, and trust go further than token gestures. The mental load is real — and if you don’t acknowledge it, they’ll take it elsewhere.
– Remote workers need context and connection: Summer’s a great time to build async rituals, reset norms, and prevent ‘out of sight, out of mind’ thinking.
– Positive psychology works in summer too: Recognition, flow, learning and micro-wins boost motivation and protect energy — even during quieter weeks.
– Now is the time for strategy: Summer can be your planning superpower. But only if you block the time and protect the space.

🔗 Resources & Links
Harvard Study: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/heat-impairs-student-learning/

HBR: https://hbr.org/2022/07/make-the-most-of-the-summer-slowdown

Xero Insights: https://www.xero.com/blog/2023/06/summer-slowdown-small-business/

Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk

Working Families: https://workingfamilies.org.uk
📲 Connect with Us
Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott

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

Show page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork

Email: [email protected]

Book a chat with Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
🔗 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]⁠
– Mental Health at Work: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/
50 min
June 03, 2025202. Divorce, disruption and the death of the watercooler. PLUS! Are you a duck shuffler? With Kristyna Hawkett - This Week in Work, 3 rd June 2025
Truth, Lies, and Work is the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.
This week: random chats, rogue employees, and resilience in the job market. We’re digging into what really builds strong cultures – and where we might be fooling ourselves.

🔥 Stories Covered
🦆 What’s a Duck Shuffler — and Why You Might Need One
Leanne introduces a new workplace archetype: the duck shuffler. This is the person who disrupts your perfectly aligned “ducks in a row” — but not for chaos. They’re often the ones who save you from bad decisions and groupthink. Are you building a culture where they can thrive?

📊 The Economy Isn’t Crashing — It’s Changing
Al breaks down the latest job data from the US. Despite media panic, sectors like health care, logistics, and finance are adding jobs fast. So is it resilience or a false sense of security?

Link: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/ranked-the-fastest-growing-jobs-in-the-u-s-2023-2033/

🚰 The Small-World Illusion: Why Watercooler Moments Don’t Matter as Much as You Think
Are we overhyping chance encounters at work? A new study shows people dramatically overestimate how often they bump into colleagues — and how much support they actually get. The lesson? If we want real connection, we need to build it intentionally.

Summary: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/how-we-fool-ourselves-about-bumping-into-colleagues-the-small-world-illusion-eafd12c7cc1f
Study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2024.104387

💬 Workplace Surgery

“She was a star — until she betrayed our trust.”
What do you do when a high-performing employee crosses the line? This week’s dilemma: family problems, medical leave, and moonlighting for a competitor. Al and Leanne explore the legal, cultural, and ethical angles of letting a star go.

🎙️ Hot Take
Divorce is a workplace issue.
Kristyna Hawkett from MinusOne.club joins us to explain why supporting employees through family changes isn’t just compassionate — it’s smart business. You’ll learn how to help without prying, reduce gossip, and build loyalty through life’s messiest moments.

Website: https://minusone.club
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyna-hawkett-96b9a963/

💡 Enjoyed This Episode?
Follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. And connect with us on LinkedIn — we love hearing your thoughts.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful:
Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

Samaritans (UK): Free on 116 123

Email: [email protected] (for those outside the UK)
Connect with Al and Leanne
LinkedIn (Al): https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/

LinkedIn (Leanne): https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne

LinkedIn (Podcast): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
1 hr 1 min
June 02, 2025201. How to bounce back when work & life falls apart (our true story)
🎙️ 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, Al and Leanne open up about their recent experience of having to leave Bosnia & Herzegovina within 48 hours — an abrupt move that turned their lives, business, and plans upside down.
From that real-life test of resilience, they share eight tips (plus a bonus) that helped them stay calm, adapt fast, and keep moving forward. No theory here — just honest insights and practical advice for anyone dealing with unexpected change.

🗝️ What We’re Talking About Today
– How to navigate those gut-punch moments when plans fall apart
– Why flexibility and small wins are your best friends in a crisis
– The surprising upside of letting go of “perfect plans”
– The power of leaning on your network and asking for help
– How self-compassion isn’t fluffy — it’s essential
– One bonus tip to help you prepare for the unexpected

💡 Key Tips From the Episode
Acknowledge the shock — Accept it, don’t bury it.

Prioritise immediate actions — What must be done today?

Stay flexible — Let go of perfect plans, adapt fast.

Lean on your support network — Don’t try to do it alone.

Focus on what you can control — Stay steady by narrowing your focus.

Don’t be afraid to break commitments — Boundaries over burnout.

Self-compassion matters — Stress is real and human.

Look for silver linings — Find growth in the chaos.
Bonus: Small habits now can make the big shocks easier later.

🔗 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]
– 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

🎧 Loved this episode?
Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear these reminders. Everyone hits roadblocks — what matters is how we rise.
55 min
May 27, 2025 200. Rule-benders, quiet quitting and the DEI dilemma. PLUS! Is happiness overrated? With Julian Hayes II
This week, we’re celebrating our 200th episode by asking:
– Why do some leaders earn more trust by bending the rules?
– What’s the right move when an employee asks to borrow money?
– And is it fair to expect “diverse” employees to do extra DEI work just because of who they are?

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
– Happy staff = better business: The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025 report proves it’s not about perks, but about trust, ownership, and listening.
https://www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-work/features-companies/article/best-places-work-companies-uk-2025-cpw5wnr2z

– $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
Julian Hayes II argues that we’ve been chasing the wrong metric: happiness isn’t enough to sustain performance or engagement. Real well-being comes from meaning, challenge, and shared purpose — not just feeling good in the moment.

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.
– First-time manager nerves: Another listener wonders how to become more assertive without losing their friendly style.
– The “I’ve stopped caring” slump: Finally, someone asks if it’s okay to check out at work when you’re not valued — or if they’re just giving up too easily.

🔗 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
– 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

57 min
May 22, 2025 199. The Truth and Lies of Trans Inclusion at Work, with Sophie Wood
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.
– Definitions made simple: “Trans” is about movement, “cis” is about congruence, and most of us live on a spectrum — not in fixed boxes.
– Bathrooms aren’t the issue: Sophie’s experience shows most trans employees fear causing trouble far more than becoming it.
– Mess up? It’s okay: Intent matters more than perfect wording. If you make a mistake, acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on.
– Rethink your training: Most DEI sessions reinforce “otherness”. Sophie’s frame-of-reference exercise helps teams connect through shared humanity instead.
– Psychological safety is practical: Letting people say things out loud helps them process — and prevents negativity from spiralling.
– Allyship isn’t optional anymore: Inclusion isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about seeing the human being, not just the label.

🔗 Connect with Sophie Wood
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-wood-deib-mhfa/
Mental Health First Aid Training: https://belongingbase.com/mental-health-first-aid

**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?
Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected]

💬 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

🎧 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.

35 min
May 20, 2025 198. Should we all move to Iceland? PLUS! Reverse bucket lists, imposter syndrome and the trust crisis we can’t ignore, with Rose Soffel - This Week in Work 20th May 2025
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

1 hr