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Episode summary

Welcome back to the WorkWell Podcast! This is the second and final part of our workplace dynamics mini-series, where we dig into the cultural and systemic forces shaping today’s workplaces.

Last time, we tackled barriers and biases like the glass ceiling, the maternal wall, and pay gaps. This week, we’re diving deeper into workplace culture, unpacking hidden forces like cultural tax, quiet quitting, AI discrimination, and the pet-to-threat pipeline.

These dynamics shape how we work, who gets ahead, and who gets left behind. Whether you’re an employee trying to navigate these challenges or a leader looking to create real change, we’ve got practical strategies to help you take action.

What we talked about:

Why workplace barriers aren’t just personal hurdles - -they’re systemic issues

• Cultural tax & code-switching - the unspoken pressures on employees from underrepresented groups to adapt, educate, and represent, often without recognition.
• Tall poppy syndrome & pet-to-threat - why some high-achievers face backlash for standing out (and why it disproportionately affects Black women).
• Quiet quitting - is it disengagement, or is it healthy boundary-setting?
• AI discrimination - how biases are baked into algorithms and why hiring tools are failing marginalised groups.
• The glass cliff - when women and minorities are handed leadership roles only when failure is likely.
• What employees can do: spotting these dynamics and advocating for yourself without burnout.
• What leaders must do: creating systemic change that actually makes workplaces fairer and more inclusive.

Try this: one step toward change

This week, take one concrete action to challenge workplace dynamics:

• For employees: identify an experience that resonates with you from today’s episode. Can you set a boundary, push back on an unfair expectation, or seek support from an ally?
• For leaders: take stock of your workplace. Are certain employees asked to do more unpaid labour (like DEI work)? Are high performers being isolated? Start addressing the root causes.

Useful resources:⁠

Work Won’t Love You Back by Sarah Jaffe

Algorithms of Oppression by Safiya Umoja Noble

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Bias Interrupted by Joan C. Williams

WorkWell’s definitive course on self-advocacy - Own Your Brilliance

Send us your workplace dilemmas!

We’re planning Season 2, and we want to hear from you! Have a workplace dilemma you’d love us to tackle?

• Struggling with a difficult boss?
• Unsure how to advocate for yourself?
• Navigating weird office politics?

Send us your dilemmas at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @thisisworkwell.

Connect with us

We’d love to hear how you’re tackling workplace barriers! Email us at [email protected] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode

This is the last episode in our mini workplace dynamics series, but next week, we’re closing out Season 1 with an important conversation on mental wellbeing at work and in life. We’ll be joined by psychotherapist and mental health advocate Phil Shaw, who’ll break down how we can protect our wellbeing and thrive in workplaces that often don’t make it easy. Don’t miss it!

Final note

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a new one. While you’re at it, leave us a five-star rating or review - it helps more people discover the show and join the WorkWell journey. Let’s build a community that works well, together. 💛

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thisisworkwell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources and inspiration!

Episode summary

Welcome back to the WorkWell Podcast! This is part one of a two-part deep dive into workplace dynamics, where we’re breaking down the systemic barriers and biases that shape our careers. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your role despite doing everything right, this episode is for you.

We unpack the glass ceiling, broken rung, maternal wall, and pay gaps - what they are, why they exist, and most importantly, what you can do about them. Whether you’re navigating these challenges yourself or leading a team, we’re here to give you the tools to push back, level up, and create workplaces that actually work well.

What we talked about:

Why workplace barriers aren’t just personal hurdles - -they’re systemic issues

• The glass ceiling (and its cousins, the bamboo ceiling and concrete ceiling) and why progression stops for certain groups
• The broken rung and sticky floor - how early career roadblocks set people back for decades
• The maternal wall - why mothers are penalised at work while fathers are rewarded
• The gender, racial, age, and disability pay gaps (spoiler: they’re real, and they’re still a problem)
• What employees can do: self-advocacy, mentorship, and strategic career moves
• What leaders must do: conducting equity audits, rethinking promotions, and actually using their influence for good

Try this: one step toward change

This week, reflect on your own workplace experience:

• Are you facing one of these barriers? Take one small action - track your wins, reach out to a mentor, or start a conversation about workplace equity.
• If you're a leader, audit your team. Who gets the best projects? Who gets overlooked? Make an intentional effort to support underrepresented voices.

Useful resources:⁠

Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez 

The Fix by Michelle P. King 

The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Sieghart 

Bias Interrupted by Joan C. Williams

WorkWell’s definitive course on self-advocacy - Own Your Brilliance

Connect with us

We’d love to hear how you’re tackling workplace barriers! Email us at [email protected] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode: We’re continuing the conversation with Workplace Dynamics Part Two - Culture and Systemic Change. From quiet quitting to AI discrimination, we’re looking at the cultural forces shaping today’s workplaces. Don’t miss it!

Final note

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a new one. While you’re at it, leave us a five-star rating or review - it helps more people discover the show and join the WorkWell journey. Let’s build a community that works well, together. 💛

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thisisworkwell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources and inspiration!

Episode summary

Networking. It’s one of those words that can make even the most confident professionals squirm. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, chances are you’ve struggled with it at some point. But what if we told you that networking doesn’t have to feel forced, transactional, or awkward?

In this episode, we’re taking the work out of networking by reframing it entirely. Networking isn’t about working a room or collecting business cards, it’s about building real connections over time. We’ll break down why networking can feel intimidating, why it’s essential, and how you can make it feel natural and authentic.

What we talked about:

- Why networking feels so damn hard, and why you’re not alone if it makes you cringe.

- The biggest networking myths (spoiler: it’s not just for extroverts).

- How to reframe networking as relationship-building over time rather than a one-time transaction.

- The Strength of Weak Ties - why acquaintances, not just close friends, open the most doors.

- A step-by-step guide to networking in different settings:

• Virtual networking (LinkedIn, Slack groups, and webinars)

• In-person events (conferences, industry mixers, and meetups)
• Internal networking (building connections within your workplace)
• Everyday interactions (because networking happens outside of work too)

- The importance of nurturing connections so they don’t fizzle out.

- Specific strategies for introverts to make networking work for them, without the social exhaustion.

- A 7-day Networking Action Plan to help you put these strategies into practice.

Try this: your networking challenge

• Day 1: Identify two people to contact
• Days 2-3: Draft and send your messages
• Days 4-7: Follow up and reflect on the experience

Resources mentioned:⁠

Brad Rushing, Film Courage https://youtu.be/F137IANXaF4?si=X3IhRCnPr3vDUgpJ

The Strength of Weak Ties https://snap.stanford.edu/class/cs224w-readings/granovetter73weakties.pdf 

The Strength of Weak Ties - 50 years on https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2023/07/strength-weak-ties 

Connect with us

We’d love to hear how you’re making networking work for you! Email us at [email protected] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode: We’re tackling workplace dynamics - from glass ceilings to the pet-to-threat pipeline. It’s going to be a big one!

Final note

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a new one. While you’re at it, leave us a five-star rating or review - it helps more people discover the show and join the WorkWell journey. Let’s build a community that works well, together. 💛

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thisisworkwell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources and inspiration!

Episode summary

Ever felt like you don’t belong or that your success is just luck? You’re not alone. But here’s the truth:imposter syndrome is lying to you.

In this episode, Dulcie and Yemisi unpack the real story behind imposter syndrome - what it actually is, why it affects different groups in different ways, and whether it evenexists in the way we think it does. They explore why self-doubt isn’t always due to a personal failing, but often a reflection of larger systemic issues. And most importantly? They share how to stop letting these feelings hold you back.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like a fraud (despite evidence to the contrary), this episode will give you the tools to rewrite that narrative and step into your brilliance with confidence.

What we talked about:

What imposter syndrome actually is (and what it isn’t): How the term was coined, how it’s evolved, and what it really means.

Why it’s not the same for everyone: How factors like gender, race, and class shape the imposter experience.

The debate: Is imposter syndrome even real? Some experts argue it shifts the blame onto individuals rather than addressing systemic barriers.

How to move forward: Strategies to stop second-guessing yourself and start owning your brilliance.

Tips for quieting your inner critic:

Reframe your thinking: Shift from“I’m not enough” to“I’m learning and growing.”

Track your wins: Keep a “brag file” of achievements, compliments, and moments that prove you belong.

Find your people: Build a personal board of mentors and cheerleaders who remind you of your worth.

Talk to yourself with compassion: Treat yourself like you would a friend who’s doubting themselves.

Recognise the system at play: If you’re struggling in an environment that wasn’t built for you, the problem isn’tyou.

Try this: challenge your inner criticThis week, pay attention to the thoughts that tell you you’re not good enough. For each negative thought, write down one piece of evidence that proves it wrong. Notice how your perspective starts to shift.

Resources mentioned:Lean In by Sheryl SandbergThe Imposter Phenomenon by Pauline Rose ClanceInvisible Women by Caroline Criado PerezClass Ceilingby Sam Friedman & Daniel LaurisonHarvard Business Review:Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter SyndromeFree Resource: Download theSelf-Compassion Diary

Special offer: Own Your Brilliance course

If imposter syndrome (or whatever you want to call it) has been holding you back, it’s time to take action.

OurOwn Your Brilliance course helps you develop the confidence and skills to advocate for yourself, own your achievements, and stop playing small.

**Podcast listeners get 20% off!**Use codeOWNIT20 at checkout. Offer valid untilFebruary 14th.Learn more and sign up here

Connect with us

We’d love to hear how you’re taking up space and ditching self-doubt! Email us at [email protected] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode:Dreading networking? We’ve got you. Next week, we’re talking about how to build real connections without the awkward small talk.

Final note

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a new one. While you’re at it, leave us a five-star rating or review - it helps more people discover the show and join the WorkWell journey. Let’s build a community that works well, together. 💛

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thisisworkwell.com⁠⁠⁠ for more resources and inspiration!

Episode summary
Welcome back to the WorkWell Podcast! In this episode, Dulcie and Yemisi are tackling a topic that makes many of us squirm - bragging. Why does sharing your wins feel so awkward, and why is it actually critical for growth? They break down the stigma around self-promotion, explore why visibility matters, and offer practical tips to help you own your brilliance without cringing.

If you’ve ever downplayed your achievements or felt uncomfortable taking credit for your hard work, this episode will shift your mindset and give you the tools to advocate for yourself with confidence.

What we talked about:

Tips for bragging without the ick:

Try this: share one win this week
Challenge yourself to share one recent achievement - whether it’s at work, with a friend, or even in a journal. Notice how it feels to articulate your success, and reflect on any shifts in your confidence.

Resources mentioned:
Brag Better by Meredith Fineman

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

Lift As You Climb by Viv Groskop

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Special offer: Own Your Brilliance course ✨
If you’re ready to take your self-promotion skills to the next level, check out our Own Your Brilliance course - a self-paced guide to authentic, confident self-promotion. Learn how to build your “visibility vault,” craft compelling personal stories, and showcase your achievements without feeling awkward.

***Podcast listeners get 20% off ***
Use code OWNIT20 at checkout.
Hurry - this offer is valid until February 14th because nothing says self-love like owning your brilliance!
Learn more and sign up here

Connect with us

We’d love to hear your brags, big or small! Email us at [email protected] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode:
Is imposter syndrome as real as we think? Or is it masking something deeper? Join us as we explore its roots, impact, and how to rewrite the narrative.

Final note

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a new one. While you’re at it, leave us a five-star rating or review - it helps more people discover the show and join the WorkWell journey. Let’s build a community that works well, together. 💛

Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠www.thisisworkwell.com⁠⁠ for more resources and inspiration!

Episode summary

In this episode of the WorkWell Podcast, Dulcie and Yemisi are taking on a challenge most of us face daily: our relationship with our phones. Why is it so hard to put them down? The answer lies in the sophisticated psychology and design behind smartphones and social media. Together, they unpack how these tools keep us hooked and explore practical strategies for breaking free from unhealthy tech habits.

If you’ve ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling or struggling to disconnect, this episode will help you take control of your tech use and reclaim your time, focus, and wellbeing.

What we talked about

Tips for taking back control

Try this: screen time reflection
For one day, track how often you pick up your phone and why. Write down:

This simple exercise can uncover patterns and help you build healthier habits.

Resources mentioned
How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price
Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke
Smartphone addiction test
WorkWell's free out-of-office template pack

Connect with us

We’d love to hear how you’re setting technology boundaries! Email us at [email protected] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode
Time to brag (yes, really)! Next week, we’ll dive into how to own your achievements and tell your story without feeling awkward. Don’t miss it!

Final note

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a new one. While you’re at it, leave us a five-star rating or review - it helps more people discover the show and join the WorkWell journey. Let’s build a community that works well, together. 💛

Visit us at ⁠⁠www.thisisworkwell.com⁠ for more resources and inspiration!

Episode summary

Welcome back to the WorkWell Podcast! This week, Dulcie and Yemisi explore burnout - a state of chronic stress that affects emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness or failure; it’s a signal that something needs to change.

Through relatable stories and practical insights, they unpack what burnout looks like, how to recognise it in yourself and others, and how leaders can help prevent it. Whether you’re navigating burnout or want to stop it in its tracks, this episode offers actionable steps to help you break the cycle and reclaim your balance.

What we talked about

Tips for breaking the burnout cycle

Try this: Reconnect with your wellbeing

This week, take one intentional action to prioritise your wellbeing:

Resources mentioned

Connect with us

We’d love to hear how you’re breaking the burnout cycle! Email us at [email protected] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode:

Feeling tethered to your devices? Next week, we’re diving into technology boundaries - how to reclaim your focus and energy in a digital world.

Final note

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a new one. While you’re at it, leave us a five-star rating or review - it helps more people discover the show and join the WorkWell journey. Let’s build a community that works well, together. 💛

Visit us at ⁠www.thisisworkwell.com for more resources and inspiration!

Episode summary

Welcome back to the Work Well Podcast! This week, Dulcie and Yemisi discuss resilience - what it is, why it matters, and how to build it. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from life’s curveballs, it’s about using challenges to grow and move forward.

Through candid personal stories, myth-busting, and practical advice, they explore how resilience can help us navigate life’s toughest moments, whether it’s the daily grind or major life events.

If you’ve ever felt like life has knocked you down one too many times, this episode is here to help you find your footing, rebuild your strength, and confidently move forward.

What we talked about

Tips for building resilience

Try This: Resilience Reflection Exercise

This week, reflect on one challenge you’ve overcome. What did it teach you? How did it shape the person you are today? Use those lessons to identify one small action you can take to build your resilience muscle this week.

Resources mentioned

Connect with us

We’d love to hear how you’re building resilience! Email us at [email protected] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode:

Burnout - what it is, how to recognise it, and most importantly, how to break the cycle. Don’t miss it!

Final note

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a new one. While you’re at it, leave us a five-star rating or review - it helps more people discover the show and join the WorkWell journey. Let’s build a community that works well, together. 💛

www.thisisworkwell.com

Episode summary

Welcome back to the WorkWell Podcast! This week, Dulcie and Yemisi dive headfirst into that nasty "P-word" - perfectionism. They break down how perfectionism manifests, why it’s holding us back, and what we can do about it. From societal pressures to self-imposed standards, they explore how striving for perfection keeps us stuck and why embracing progress is the true game-changer.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling short despite your best efforts, this episode will help you stop chasing perfection and start making meaningful progress.

What we talked about:

- The five faces of perfectionism: self-oriented, other-oriented, socially prescribed, overt, and covert.

- How perfectionism impacts mental health, productivity, and relationships.

- Why societal norms, social media, and achievement culture fuel the perfectionist trap.

Tips for overcoming perfectionism:

1. Spot and challenge perfectionist thoughts: Face your inner critic with facts.

2. Set realistic goals: Use SMART or PACT frameworks to create achievable plans.

3. Embrace imperfection: Progress is better than perfect. Celebrate the small wins!

4. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness—you're only human.

5. Reframe failure: Learn to see missteps as growth opportunities.

Try this: Good Enough Exercise

This week, pick one task where you feel pressure to be perfect. Define what “good enough” looks like, take one small action, and reflect on how it feels to focus on progress instead of perfection.

Resources mentioned:

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron - https://amzn.to/3W0EDBD

Self-compassion worksheets by the Center for Clinical Interventions - https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/looking-after-yourself/self-compassion

Headspace app - https://www.headspace.com/

Connect with us:

We’d love to hear how you’re shifting from perfection to progress! Email us at [email protected] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode:

Resilience is the name of the game. Join us as we discuss how to bounce back and move forward when life throws its curveballs.

Final note

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a new one. While you’re at it, leave us a five-star rating or review - it helps more people discover the show and join the WorkWell journey. Let’s build a community that works well, together. 💛

www.thisisworkwell.com

Episode summary

Welcome to the Workwell Podcast! In this debut episode, Dulcie and Yemisi tackle the long-debated concept of “work-life balance.” Spoiler alert: they’re not fans. Instead, they’re here to introduce you to a better approach - work-life integration. Through candid conversation, personal stories, and a hefty dose of humour, they explore why traditional ideas of balance often fail and how integration allows for more harmony in both work and life.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to keep work and life in perfect compartments, this episode will help you breathe easier and find smarter, more authentic ways to live and work.

What we talked about:

- Why does work-life balance feel like an impossible juggling act?

- The shift to integration: blending personal and professional priorities to create harmony.

- How the pandemic reshaped our understanding of work, life, and showing up as our real selves.

Tips for integration that actually works

1. Define your priorities: Identify your top three personal and professional goals, then look for overlaps.

2. Understand your energy: Take a chronotype quiz to determine when you’re at your best (link below!).

3. Set boundaries: Create intentional transitions between work and personal time.

4. Be flexible: Life happens. Sometimes, one part of life needs more attention than the other - and that’s okay.

5. Use tech wisely: Let your calendar and reminders work for you, not against you.

Try this: one small step towards integration

This week, take 10 minutes to define your top three personal and professional priorities. Look for one small way to align them. For example, could you combine a work meeting with a walk or spend your commute reflecting on personal goals?

Resources mentioned:

Leading the Life You Want by Stewart Friedman - https://amzn.to/49VCBIu

When by Daniel Pink - https://amzn.to/49UqPhL

Stewart's Four Circles exercise - https://www.myfourcircles.com

Chronotype Quiz - https://sleepdoctor.com/sleep-quizzes/chronotype-quiz

Connect with us
We’d love to hear your thoughts on work-life integration! Email us at [email protected] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode:
Perfectionism - we’re coming for you. Tune in as we discuss how striving for perfection holds us back and why progress is the real superpower.

Final note
If you enjoyed this episode, please hit subscribe so you never miss a new one. While you’re at it, leave us a five-star rating or review - it helps more people discover the show and join the WorkWell journey. Let’s build a community that works well, together. 💛

www.thisisworkwell.com