Truth, Lies and Work

Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, Leanne Elliott, business psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they explore the latest insights into workplace culture, leadership, and the challenges business owners face today.

Keir Starmer’s “Get Britain Working” White Paper

The UK government has launched the "Get Britain Working" White Paper, aiming to reduce economic inactivity by tackling barriers to employment like health issues, mental health support, and improving job opportunities. Keir Starmer has emphasized reforms aimed at addressing long-term sickness and supporting youth in employment. Read more on the initiative: Get Britain Working.

Digital Surveillance Tools and AI-Powered Monitoring

A recent article discusses the increasing use of digital surveillance tools and AI-powered monitoring in workplaces. These technologies are being implemented to track employee productivity and behavior, raising concerns about privacy and the potential for overreach. More details can be found here: Digital Surveillance Tools.

Thanksgiving Table Debate Advice from the APA

As the holiday season approaches, the American Psychological Association offers advice on navigating challenging conversations during Thanksgiving gatherings. The guidance focuses on maintaining respectful dialogue and managing stress during family interactions. For more information, visit: Thanksgiving Table Debate Advice.

This week’s Hot Take comes from Rob Kalwarowsky, an expert on leadership and the author of the upcoming book Antidote to an Asshole Boss. Rob talks about the psychology behind bad bosses and why it's not always their fault.

Key Takeaways:

Contacting Rob Kalwarowsky: 

Rob is available for speaking engagements, coaching sessions, and consultations. You can reach out to him through the following channels:

Q1: Tackling Seasonal Productivity Dips 

A listener from a creative agency struggles with a significant productivity drop each December.

Q2: Supporting a Grieving Employee 

A team member has recently returned after losing a partner, and their performance is slipping.

Supporting Employees After Bereavement

The full guide is available here: Supporting Each Other Following the Death of a Colleague.

Q3: Managing Social Media and Company Reputation 

A sales team member’s questionable social media presence is raising concerns among younger employees and clients.

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:

Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, Leanne Elliott, business psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they explore the latest trends in workplace culture, leadership, and more.

In this week’s episode, we dive into the world of operations, leadership, and organizational efficiency with Garrett Delph, founder and CEO of Clarity Ops, a consultancy focused on optimizing operations, eliminating inefficiencies, and driving operational growth.

Garrett has helped scale businesses globally, including three successful ventures generating over $50 million in revenue. He shares his insights on scaling operations, managing growing teams, and the delicate balance between leadership and operations.

Key Talking Points:

The Importance of Operations in Business Growth:

Garrett discusses the critical role operations play in scaling businesses and how operational efficiency directly impacts workplace culture and employee engagement.

The Intersection of Culture and Operations:

We explore how operational changes can influence company culture, from leadership styles to team dynamics. Garrett emphasizes that successful operational change must align with cultural values to achieve lasting impact.

The Challenges of Scaling:

Scaling isn't just about growth—it's about managing that growth efficiently. Garrett shares his experience in scaling teams and optimizing operations while ensuring the cultural integrity of the organization remains intact.

Operational Chaos and Culture:

Garrett dives into the chaos that often accompanies operational changes in growing businesses and how leaders can maintain a strong culture even in the face of that chaos.

Building for Repeatable Success:

Garrett explains his approach to building businesses that can scale predictably, emphasizing the importance of streamlining processes and creating repeatable operational systems that lead to sustainable success.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about leadership, operational efficiency, and creating a great workplace culture, don’t forget to subscribe and tune in next week!

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:

This week’s episode is packed with thought-provoking insights, as we dive into important workplace topics, from Gen-Z's skill gap to hot takes from podcasting legend Luis Camejo. Plus, we wrap it up with the Workplace Surgery, where Leanne provides actionable advice on managing workplace toxicity, navigating bullying in the workplace, and dealing with workplace jealousy.

The Gen-Z Skill Gap: Are They Really Unemployable?

A recent article from Fortune raises concerns about Gen-Z’s readiness for the workforce, citing soft skills gaps like communication and long-term commitment. You can read the full article here: Gen-Z Skill Gap Article

Basecamp’s Controversial Ban on Political Discussions

Basecamp CEO Jason Fried stirred the pot in 2022 with a decision to ban "societal and political discussions" on company chat forums, creating controversy. Read more on this issue: Basecamp’s Policy Controversy

Fortnum & Mason’s Paralympic Diversity Blunder

Fortnum & Mason faced backlash for excluding Paralympians from an after-party following a royal reception. This sparked discussions about inclusivity and what truly represents diversity in today’s business world. The full story is here: Fortnum & Mason Diversity Issue

This week’s Hot Take is from Luis Camejo, co-host of the Content is Profit podcast. Luis shares his spicy take on content creation:

Not Everyone Should Be a Content Creator

Luis argues that while content creation is all the rage, not everyone is cut out for it. He explains the myths surrounding viral success and why it’s more about long-term dedication than instant success.

The Content Creation Pressure

Luis challenges the pressure many entrepreneurs feel to create content just because it’s trendy. He breaks down why understanding your personal strengths and resources is key to a successful content strategy.

The Reality Behind Content Creation

Luis gives a candid account of the challenges that come with content creation, emphasizing that it’s not just about the tools or a catchy topic—it’s about commitment, consistency, and finding your voice.

Listen to Luis’s podcast: Content is Profit

In today’s Workplace Surgery, Leanne tackles some tough questions from our listeners:

Toxic Employee, Massive Revenue – What Do I Do?

A listener is struggling with a high-performing but toxic employee. They worry that removing the employee might harm the business, but they’re also aware of the damage this behavior is causing to the culture.

Dealing with Bullying from a Manager

A listener works at a small brewery where they feel excluded and bullied by a long-time manager. With no formal HR department, they’re unsure if they should escalate the issue or look for another job.

Workplace Jealousy: How to Handle Hostile Colleagues

A department head is dealing with hostility from colleagues who are envious of their team’s success.

Follow Luis Camejo:

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:

Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Barnard, also known as “The PMO Lady” and the 2021 World's Top PMO Influencer. Laura is the founder of PMO Strategies and creator of the IMPACT Engine, a revolutionary approach to managing projects and accelerating strategy delivery.

She shares her deep insights on why most projects fail, how to make sure your brilliant ideas don’t fall apart, and how to structure your project management office (PMO) for success.

We discuss why effective project management is critical for employee engagement and business success. Most employee disengagement stems from overloaded teams and inefficient processes. In a small business, where workloads are often high, efficiency becomes key—people should spend their time on tasks that truly add value.

If you like hearing from experts who share powerful strategies and insights for success in the workplace, tune in every Thursday for more interviews with thought leaders like Laura.

Don’t forget, every Tuesday we bring you the latest in workplace news, our Hot Takes from experts, and of course, the world-famous Workplace Surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest workplace questions.

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:

Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

Join your hosts, Leanne Elliott, business psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they dive into the latest trends in B2B influencer marketing, the challenges of blending personal brand with professional communication, and, of course, we tackle your burning workplace questions in our famous Workplace Surgery.

Donald Trump’s 2024 Election Victory

We break down the psychological responses to Donald Trump’s victory and the reactions from both sides of the political spectrum.

Nike’s ‘Company Lifer’ CEO

Elliott Hill’s return to Nike as CEO after a 32-year career has sparked debate: Should companies promote from within or bring in fresh faces from outside?

Encore’s Innovative Overtime Savings Program

We explore how Encore is helping their seasonal workers by introducing an overtime savings program that’s boosting retention by 14%.

Chris Savage, co-founder of Wistia, discusses his hot take on the rise of B2B influencers. He explains why B2B content creators are the future, sharing how these individuals, like Dave Gerhart and Scott Clary, are transforming the marketing landscape and why businesses should pay attention.

Key points from Chris’ Hot Take:

Company Culture Post-Acquisition

A listener’s company was recently acquired by a larger firm, and they’re seeing their company culture change drastically.

Adapting to Green Initiatives

A business faces a generational divide as younger employees push for faster green initiatives, but the older workforce resists change.

Understanding a Jekyll-and-Hyde Boss

A listener struggles with their boss’s inconsistent behavior, switching from harsh and demanding at work to kind and patient in personal settings.

Connect with Chris Savage:

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:

Welcome to another episode of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts Leanne Elliott, business psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they explore the nuances of workplace culture and generational differences in today's work environment.

In this week’s episode, we explore leadership through humor with Kate Waterfall Hill, the creator of the viral TikTok character, Linda the Bad Manager.

With over 100 million views and 200,000 followers, Linda hilariously illustrates the common pitfalls of management while raising awareness about poor leadership practices.

Kate shares her journey from a marketing prodigy to a leadership consultant and author of the upcoming book How to Lead, launching on November 12, 2024.

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:

Welcome to another episode of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast on the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join hosts Leanne Elliott, chartered psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they break down the latest news and insights in the workplace, sharing practical advice to help you lead and work more effectively.

In this week’s episode, we delve into the changing face of LinkedIn, the alarming trend of Gen-Z and Millennials planning to leave their jobs, and the psychology behind our facial expressions, followed by a Hot Take from email marketing expert Eman Ismail, who shares insights into the importance of personalised communication in today’s digital landscape. And as always, we round things out with the Workplace Surgery, where Leanne tackles listener questions on managing difficult work dynamics, modern benefits packages, and navigating political conversations at work.

Segment 1: News Roundup

LinkedIn’s Shift from Professionalism to Personalisation

We explore how LinkedIn has evolved from a polished professional platform to a space filled with personal updates, and the implications of this shift. We discuss a recent example involving Brewdog co-founder James Watt, whose engagement announcement received mixed reactions, raising questions about appropriate content for the platform.

Gen Z and Millennials Are Ready to Move On

Recent research from Oak Engage reveals that nearly 60% of Gen Z and over 50% of Millennials are planning to leave their jobs within the year. We analyze the findings and discuss what leaders can do to bridge the generational divide and keep these younger workers engaged and motivated.

The Psychology of Facial Expressions at Work

We discuss a new study from the University of Essex that shows how our facial expressions can influence our mood, and what this means for workplace dynamics. We reflect on how awareness of our expressions can impact team morale and communication.

Segment 2: Hot Take with Eman Ismail

Eman Ismail joins us to share her thoughts on the shift from general email blasts to personalized, targeted communication strategies. She explains why understanding your audience is crucial for effective marketing and how businesses can leverage AI to enhance their email marketing efforts.

Segment 3: Workplace Surgery

Navigating Deception in the Workplace

A listener asks for advice on whether to speak up about their manager’s misrepresentation of a project’s status to the CEO, which could have serious consequences for the business.

Reevaluating Employee Benefits Packages

Another listener seeks guidance on modernizing their benefits package to meet the expectations of younger employees without creating a divide among staff.

Managing Political Discussions in a Diverse Workplace

An HR manager expresses frustration over younger employees’ preoccupation with U.S. politics and wonders how to handle political conversations in the workplace.

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:

Welcome to another episode of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts Leanne Elliott, chartered psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they explore the nuances of workplace culture and generational differences in today's work environment.

In this episode, we look at into the contrasting approaches of Generation X and Generation Z towards work, featuring insights from two guests who are deeply entrenched in the professional services sector. Annabelle Murphy, a Gen Z accountant from MAP, shares her experiences in a predominantly young workplace, while Jeremy Cline, a Gen X lawyer turned career coach, discusses his journey in a multi-generational environment.

Career Paths and Entry into Professions

Annabelle and Jeremy describe their unique journeys into their respective fields, highlighting the different routes taken by each generation.

Meaning and Purpose in Work

We explore how each generation perceives meaning and purpose in their jobs, with surprising revelations about their shared values.

Diversity and Inclusion

Annabelle and Jeremy provide candid insights into how diversity and inclusion have evolved over the years and the impact on workplace culture.

Work-Life Balance and Mental Health

The conversation turns to the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, with both guests discussing their experiences with burnout and mental health.

Advice for Generation Alpha

As the newest generation prepares to enter the workforce, our guests share valuable advice for those who will soon navigate their careers.

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:

Welcome to another episode of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast on the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join hosts Leanne Elliott, chartered psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they break down the latest news and insights in the workplace, sharing practical advice to help you lead and work more effectively.

In this week’s episode, we dive into shocking workplace blunders, corporate culture clashes, and leadership drama in the retail industry, followed by a Hot Take from Gen-Z thought leader Will Giangrande, who shares insights into what Gen-Z brings to today’s workplaces. And, as always, we round things out with the Workplace Surgery, where Leanne tackles listener questions on mental health policies, personality testing, and navigating tricky family dynamics at work.

Accidental Emails and Office Drama

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey accidentally sent an email critiquing his co-host’s performance—to the co-host herself. We discuss why such slip-ups can be damaging and how they reveal the importance of professionalism and civility in the workplace. Read more

Amazon Employees’ Public Criticisms of Workplace Culture

A former Amazon employee went viral on LinkedIn with her account of how the company’s culture has changed for the worse. We explore the implications of such public critiques and why even loyal employees are becoming vocal about their dissatisfaction. Read more

The Battle for Boohoo: Mike Ashley vs. Mahmud Kamani

A showdown is brewing between retail tycoon Mike Ashley and Boohoo co-founder Mahmud Kamani over control of Boohoo. We break down the high-stakes power moves and the impact this could have on Boohoo’s employees and future. Read more

Gen-Z workplace advocate Will Giangrande joins us to discuss how inexperience can be an asset. Drawing from his work as a Certified Facilitator and his podcast 19 Year Old Shrink, Will argues that Gen-Z’s fresh perspectives and willingness to question the status quo are reshaping traditional workplaces. He explains why companies that embrace Gen-Z's curiosity and innovative thinking stand to benefit.

Handling Mental Health Leave Requests as an HR Manager

A listener questions how to balance compassion for mental health with ensuring productivity, particularly when mental health leave requests seem to follow challenging performance discussions.

When Personality Testing in Hiring Backfires

A small company implementing personality assessments in hiring finds that candidates are being turned off.

Family Dynamics in a Family-Run Company

An executive assistant feels caught in family drama between a CEO and his family members.

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:

Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. In this episode, hosts Leanne Elliott and Al Elliott sit down with Dr. Connie Hadley, organizational psychologist and researcher, to discuss a critical issue facing today’s workforce - loneliness in the hybrid workplace.

Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Hadley’s latest research shows that hybrid work may not be the leading cause of loneliness at work. Instead, the episode highlights the true drivers of workplace loneliness and offers practical strategies for leaders to foster stronger connections within their teams.

Misconceptions About Hybrid Work and Loneliness

Dr. Hadley challenges the widely held belief that hybrid or remote work automatically leads to feelings of isolation. Instead, she explains how company culture, leadership practices, and organizational support systems play a much bigger role in determining whether employees feel connected or lonely.

The Role of Leadership and Culture

One of the major takeaways is how leaders can create environments that minimize loneliness, regardless of the work setting. Dr. Hadley discusses the importance of leadership engagement and the value of fostering a high-trust culture to ensure employees feel seen, heard, and valued.

Practical Solutions for Combatting Loneliness

The episode is packed with actionable tips for managers and HR professionals to implement within their own organizations. Dr. Hadley shares her research-backed strategies, including social opportunities like virtual team lunches and casual conversations during meetings, to help strengthen team bonds even when working remotely.

Measuring Loneliness in the Workplace

Dr. Hadley has also created a Self-Assessment Tool that employees and companies can use to measure workplace loneliness. By identifying feelings of isolation early, organizations can take proactive steps to enhance the social well-being of their teams.

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: