Truth, Lies and Work

Welcome to a very special New Year’s Eve edition of Truth, Lies & Work! Normally, we'd be bringing you our regular Tuesday episode with the news roundup, workplace surgery, and hot takes, but today we’re doing something different.

It's the holiday season—time to relax, reflect, and spend time with loved ones. So, to mark the occasion, we’re sharing the full, never-before-heard interview with one of our most exciting guests to date, Professor John Amaechi OBE.

Professor John Amaechi is an extraordinary individual with an inspiring journey and impressive credentials. He’s the first Brit to play in the NBA, a Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School, founder of APS Intelligence, and non-executive director for a FTSE 250 company. John is also the author of the Sunday Times bestseller 

The Promises of Giants, where he offers a bold new approach to leadership. He’s a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, self-awareness in leadership, and the power of critical thinking. Plus, he’s got some very strong opinions on Star Wars and peanut butter—trust us, you’ll want to hear this.

In this extended, unedited conversation, Leanne and John dive deep into what makes a great leader, the challenges of diversity in leadership roles, and the importance of self-awareness.

Key Topics:

Why You Should Listen:

This interview is one for the books. Whether you’re a business leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone looking for a fresh perspective on leadership, John’s insights are invaluable. This episode dives into the real, human side of leadership, touching on vulnerability, self-awareness, and why leading with authenticity can be the key to success.

Grab a coffee, relax, and get ready to be inspired by one of the most influential thinkers in leadership today.

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaechi/

The Promises of Giants: https://www.amazon.com/Promises-Giants-John-Amaechi/dp/1529345871

APS Intelligence LTD: https://www.apsintel.com/

If you have 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 website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

As 2024 comes to an end, we bring you part one of a two-part predictions series featuring insights from eight workplace experts. This week, we focus on technology and adaptation in 2025. Join us next week for part two, where we explore leadership, culture, and wellbeing.

We reflect on 2024’s wins and misses and dive into what’s coming next year. Our experts share bold predictions on how AI, remote work, and human skills will reshape the workplace.

Oliver Yonchev:

AI Agents Will Lead the Way: In 2025, AI will evolve beyond chatbots to interconnected systems working together to complete tasks, fundamentally changing how teams operate.

Follow Oliver on LinkedIn or check out his podcast, Memes and Machines.

Will Giangrande:

Soft Skills Take Center Stage: As AI handles technical tasks, employers will prioritize emotional intelligence, communication, and curiosity in hiring.

Follow Will on LinkedIn or check out his podcast, 19 Year Old Shrink

Eman Ismail:

AI in Marketing: AI will transform email marketing, helping teams improve processes and creativity. The key to success? Strong strategies and human expertise.

Follow Eman on LinkedIn or check out her podcast, Mistakes That Made Me

Chris Savage:

Remote Work Balances Out: 2025 will see more companies mastering remote work, blending virtual efficiency with the value of occasional in-person collaboration.

Follow Chris on LinkedIn or check out his podcast, Talking Too Loud

Amy McKeown:

The Death of Old Work Practices: Organizations that adapt to constant change, embrace flexibility, and prioritize employee wellbeing will thrive.

Follow Amy on LinkedIn

Phill Agnew:

Authenticity Wins: Sharing the joy of creating your work can boost engagement and sales, signaling a shift toward more human-centered communication.

Follow Phill on LinkedIn or check out his podcast, Nudge

Sonia Thompson:

Gen Z’s Workforce Takeover: Gen Z is diverse, disruptive, and ready to drive change. Engaging them in conversations and understanding their values will be crucial for organizations aiming to thrive.

Follow Sonia on LinkedIn or check out her podcast, Inclusion & Marketing

Join us on January 2nd for part two of our predictions series. We’ll hear from workplace experts, including Dr. Audrey Tang, Katie O’Mally, and Rob Kalwarowsky, as they explore leadership, culture, and wellbeing in 2025.

💡 Don’t miss our unedited interview with psychology legend John Amaechi next Tuesday, featuring a hot take on Jordan Peterson.

Subscribe now to stay ahead of workplace trends in the new year!

Welcome to Part 1 of our special Christmas Eve episode of Truth, Lies & Work! This isn’t your typical holiday episode — we're taking a break from the usual work chatter to bring you something special.

Today, we’re releasing the full, unedited interview with the one and only Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy & Mather and the founder of the Behavioral Science Unit at Ogilvy. Rory’s previous episode with us (Episode 83) was one of our most popular, and we’re beyond excited to bring you Part 1 of this extended conversation.

This interview dives deep into Rory’s vast expertise in behavioral science, marketing, and leadership. Rory has been a thought leader in advertising for decades, and his insights on human behavior, creativity, and business strategy are nothing short of enlightening.

In today’s episode, we talk about:

Make sure to catch Part 2 of this interview, available exclusively on our YouTube channel!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_hIyk9KjxJQ1lZWhiaqDw

If you have 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 website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

This week’s Thursday episode features Louise Hill, co-founder and CEO of GoHenry, a fintech company empowering kids and families with financial literacy through their prepaid debit card and educational app.

Louise Hill shares her journey from starting GoHenry in 2012 to leading the company’s growth to over 6 million members across five countries. With a mission to make every child smart with money, Louise discusses how GoHenry is transforming financial education, navigating rapid growth, and maintaining a strong workplace culture across multiple countries.

The Inspiration Behind GoHenry

• Louise explains how her kids’ spending habits on iTunes inspired her to create a tool that helps children understand the value of money in an increasingly digital world.

How GoHenry Works

• Features like pocket money tracking, savings goals, tasks and chores, and even micro-donations empower kids aged 6–18 to learn practical money skills.

Maintaining Culture During Growth

• The “Little Red Book of GoHenry” captures the company’s core values, ensuring the culture remains strong as the team expands rapidly across countries.

Challenges of Scaling

• Louise shares how she addressed bottlenecks caused by single points of failure in the business and fostered open communication within her team.

Female Entrepreneurship and Fundraising

• Louise reflects on the challenges of being a female founder in a male-dominated industry and how she successfully raised $125 million in funding through multiple rounds, including record-breaking crowdfunding campaigns.

Financial Literacy and Social Mobility

• Research shows that financial education can improve lifetime earnings, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance savings, making it a critical tool for social mobility.

The Importance of Culture in Business

• Louise discusses why embedding values like collaboration, embracing change, and daring to fail is essential for building a resilient and adaptable company.

Connect with Louise on LinkedIn

Check Out GoHenry and win £500!

Join us on Christmas Eve for the unedited interview with Rory Sutherland, and tune in New Year’s Eve for the full conversation with organizational psychology legend Professor John Amaechi, OBE.

If you have 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 website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. We bring you workplace news, expert hot takes, and practical advice to build amazing workplace cultures.

The Power of Talking to Yourself

Research featured in Time magazine shows that talking out loud to yourself can reduce stress and improve focus. Whether it’s hunting for lost items or navigating festive chaos, self-talk is a science-backed way to stay calm and productive during stressful times. Source: Time Magazine

Should Bosses Have Favorites?

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky believes good leaders should pick favorites based on fair criteria to build great teams. But does favoritism boost morale, or does it alienate others? We explore the impact of this controversial leadership strategy.Source: CNBC

Why Young Professionals are Leaving the UK

Revolut co-founder Vlad Yatsenko discusses the exodus of young professionals to Southern Europe. With better weather, lower taxes, and remote work flexibility, countries like Portugal and Italy are emerging as prime destinations for ambitious workers. Source: The Telegraph

Dr. Enya Doyle, an anti-harassment consultant, argues that the term “inappropriate” should be retired when discussing sexual harassment and violence. She suggests using stronger language like “unlawful” or “intolerable” to better reflect the seriousness of these behaviors. Dr. Doyle also emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies, accountability, and long-term cultural shifts to combat workplace harassment.

Connect with Dr Enya Doyle

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-enya-doyle

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theharassmentdoctor

Website: https://enyadoyle.com/

Middle Management Burnout:

A manager struggles with unclear direction, constant fire-fighting, and losing passion for their role. Leanne shares strategies to address the challenges of middle management.

Team Division Post-Restructure:

A newly merged team faces tension between legacy and transformation groups. Leanne offers advice on rebuilding trust and collaboration to prevent an "us vs. them" dynamic.

Wellbeing on a Budget:

A leader wants to prioritize team wellbeing but has limited resources. Leanne provides practical tips for creating impactful initiatives without breaking the bank.

We’re taking a break from This Week in Work over Christmas, but don’t worry! We’re bringing you a series of full, unedited interviews with workplace culture legends, including a 2-hour conversation with Rory Sutherland and our annual predictions episode featuring insights from top industry leaders.

💡 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast on LinkedIn. Tag us in your post, and we’ll send you a thank-you gift!

If you have 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 website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

This episode is part of our ongoing series on mental illness in the workplace, inspired by Mind CEO Sarah Hughes’ call to expand conversations around mental health. Previously, we explored psychopathy with Dr. Abby Marsh (Episode 131), and today, we’re diving into schizophrenia with mental health advocate Kody Green.

🗓️ Episode Overview:

Kody Green shares his extraordinary journey of living with schizophrenia, defying the odds, and thriving in the workplace. Kody, also known as Schizophrenic Hippie on TikTok, uses his platform to educate, inspire, and challenge misconceptions about schizophrenia, while offering practical advice for employers and coworkers.

🎧 Key Topics:

What is Schizophrenia?

A breakdown of symptoms, challenges, and common misconceptions about the condition.

Debunking Myths:

Schizophrenia does not mean violent or dangerous.

With the right support, people with schizophrenia can thrive in the workplace.

Workplace Lessons:

Practical accommodations employers can make.

The value of open communication and proactive mental health policies.

Coping and Advocacy:

How tools like service dogs and smart glasses help Kody manage his symptoms.

Using TikTok to raise awareness and inspire change.

Resources:

If you have 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 website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, presented by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

What Motivates Older Workers?

Leanne discusses a study from Occupational Psychology Outlook identifying four motivator types among older employees. Understanding these motivators is crucial as older workers are projected to comprise nearly half of the UK workforce by 2030. Source: Occupational Psychology Outlook

The Double-Edged Sword of Workplace Secrets

Al examines research from Harvard Business Review on organizational secrecy, revealing that while secrecy can make employees feel valued, it also leads to stress and isolation.

Source: Harvard Business Review

Apple Faces Lawsuit Over Employee Privacy

Leanne covers a lawsuit accusing Apple of monitoring employees' personal devices and iCloud accounts, even off the clock. Source: CEO Today

Katie O’Malley, founder of (en)Courage Coaching, tells us how traditional leadership training is flawed, noting a 12-year gap between employees' promotion to leadership roles and receiving formal training. She argues for:

Connect with Katie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateomalley/

Website: https://encouragecoaching.org/

Burnout and KPIs:

A newly promoted Head of Sales faces a KPI-driven culture causing team burnout.

Remote Work Boundaries:

A senior account manager struggles with blurred work-life boundaries.

Christmas Party Dilemma:

A manager feels hurt after discovering team members plan to skip an expensive Christmas party for their own gathering.

Join us Thursday for a conversation with mental health advocate Kody Green, who shares his experience living with schizophrenia and thriving with workplace support.

If you have 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 website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. It’s presented by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, offering insights and expert advice on creating amazing workplace cultures.

This episode discusses grief, bereavement, and the challenges of navigating loss in the workplace, particularly during the holiday season. Some listeners may find the content emotionally distressing. If you feel this topic might be too difficult for you right now, we completely understand and encourage you to prioritise your well-being. You can skip this episode and join us next time.

Episode Overview:

This week, we tackle a deeply moving and essential topic: grief in the workplace. With the holiday season amplifying feelings of loss, this episode explores how organizations can better support bereaved employees and create compassionate spaces.

Our guest, Maria Georgiou, is a mental health advocate and founder of MGAG. Her work focuses on bereavement and wellness, helping individuals and businesses navigate the challenges of grief. Maria shares her personal story of loss, including the passing of her father and daughter, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned about returning to work and supporting grieving colleagues.

🗝️ Key Topics Discussed:

💬 Key Takeaways:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-georgiou-60b5b491/

Website: www.emgeag.org

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.

UK Resources:

US Resources:

Global Resources:

Connect with Al and Leanne

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. It’s presented by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, offering insights and expert advice on creating amazing workplace cultures.

Dark Empaths in the Workplace

Leanne discusses a fascinating article from BBC Science Focus on "dark empaths"—individuals with dark personality traits like narcissism and psychopathy combined with above-average empathy. In the workplace, this blend can lead to manipulation masked as understanding. Leanne explores how leaders can foster accountability and transparency to minimize these challenges.

Link: Dark Empaths – BBC Science Focus

How to Mend a Broken Work Relationship

Al dives into an insightful Harvard Business Review article by Susan David. From learning to focus on shared goals to small gestures of goodwill, discover practical tips for mending workplace rifts.

Link: HBR Podcast: Repairing Work Relationships

The Great Homeworking Experiment

Leanne examines the pros and cons of remote work, highlighting research by Gail Kinman and Christine Grant. While remote work boosts productivity and inclusivity, it also presents challenges like overwork and mental health strain. The takeaway? Tailored hybrid models might be the future of work.

This week, we hear from Amy McKeown, a workplace health expert who’s challenging the status quo. Amy believes the term "wellbeing" is on its way out, arguing for clearer language and strategies focused on health and mental health. She also sheds light on how the industry is undergoing a massive correction.

Learn more about Amy’s upcoming course, "Do Workplace Health Right," featuring workplace culture luminaries like Peter Cheese and Dr. Clayre Fernandez.

Find out more about the course here.

This week, Leanne answers three listener questions:

If you have 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 website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

In today’s episode, Leanne and Al are joined by Angela Foster, an expert in the fashion and beauty industry with over 20 years of executive experience.Angela empowers high-achieving women to craft wardrobes that radiate confidence and align with their professional and personal goals.

Through her SPARK method, Angela has transformed how her clients think about fashion, helping them dress for success and feel their best every day.

In this episode, we explore:

Key Takeaways:

Take Angela’s Body Shape Quiz to discover the styles and silhouettes that suit you best. Visit AngelaFoster.co/Leanne to get started!



If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources: