Season 2, Episode 10: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Feel Entitled at Work?

Episode Description

Is feeling entitled at work… actually a bad thing?

In the Season 2 finale of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee challenge the stigma around workplace entitlement. They explore what happens when expectations don’t match reality when it comes to salary assumptions and generational values to promotions, office return mandates, and even who gets to speak up.

Together, they unpack:

• What “entitlement” really means—and why it’s become a dirty word
• Why everyone feels entitled to something (yes, including employers)
• The difference between healthy self-worth and toxic expectations
• Generational gaps in defining success, fairness, and work ethic
• How social media, corporate culture, and experience gaps shape what people think they deserve
• What to do when you feel undervalued, overworked, or overlooked
• And why the employer-employee relationship should be a mutual exchange, not a power imbalance
• It’s a vulnerable, witty, and wise closer to a season full of deep dives into the human experience at work.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Do some generations feel more entitled than others?
• 02:00 – What is entitlement, really? A mismatch between cause and effect
• 04:30 – Remote work expectations and the post-pandemic “entitlement bubble”
• 07:00 – Why confidence isn’t the same as readiness (but both show up at work)
• 09:00 – What are we universally entitled to—and where things get murky
• 11:00 – Gen Z’s idea of financial success vs. other generations
• 13:00 – Culture clashes: Structure vs. flexibility, loyalty vs. opportunity
• 15:00 – Employer entitlement: What companies think they deserve
• 17:00 – The history of employer-employee power dynamics
• 20:00 – What happens when people don’t speak up
• 23:00 – Why confidence + lack of experience ≠ arrogance
• 25:00 – Letting go, letting them fail, and learning from new ways of doing things
• 28:00 – Entitlement ≠ laziness: Grit, effort, and advocating for yourself
• 32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books, tools, and reflections

Wisdom That Feels So Right

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (and TED Talk)

Strong, Calm, Confident You by Kelsey Buckholz

How Money Works YouTube channel by Darin Soat

The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman (for adults and teens)

Local Wisdom – Your digital comms partner (like silly putty for your team)

Mic-Drop Moments

“Entitlement is a byproduct of belief—belief that your effort deserves a return.”

“The problem isn’t entitlement. The problem is when our expectations don’t match someone else’s reality.”

“We stay human at work by not letting work dehumanize us.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks

To the people and teams who made Season 2 possible: Brielle Saracini, SBX Productions, and everyone at Local Wisdom. Thank you for helping us stay human while keeping it real. 

And to our listeners: thank you for letting us in.

Stay Human, Stay Curious

What’s something you feel entitled to—and why? Did this episode make you reflect, nod, or even cringe a little? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it, tag us, rate us, and visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to learn how we’re bringing these conversations to teams and stages.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 9: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be a Leader?

Episode Description

We’ve all heard it: “Leadership is lonely.” But is it? And if it is, why do so many people still chase it?

In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complex question of modern leadership—what motivates people to lead, what makes leadership feel “wrong,” and how our outdated assumptions about leadership may be holding us all back.

From Optimus Prime and parental wisdom to feedback fatigue and executive accountability, this conversation challenges traditional ideas and invites a more human-centered definition of leadership.

Together, they unpack:

• Why people pursue leadership (and what they’re not prepared for)
• The difference between ambition and accountability
• What real influence looks like—and why it often isn’t loud
• The cultural myths around “leadership material”
• Why empathy and emotional intelligence matter more than titles
• How to deal with change fatigue, feedback droughts, and the pressure to be perfect
• And what fictional kings, volleyball teams, and business visionaries can teach us about being a better boss

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Optimus Prime, Transformers, and the quest for good leadership
• 02:00 – What makes someone “leadership material”? (It’s not what you think)
• 05:00 – The perks vs. the pressure: Why leadership isn’t for everyone
• 07:00 – What studies say motivates people to lead
• 10:00 – Leaders as guardians of people’s lives—not just KPIs
• 12:00 – The weight of being both inspiring and accountable
• 14:00 – History of CEO behavior: From stability to crisis mode
• 17:00 – Trust, ownership, and letting go: What good leaders actually do
• 20:00 – Building diverse teams that don’t all think like you
• 23:00 – Redefining real leadership: Humanocracy and beyond
• 26:00 – Why feedback is vital—and why some leaders hide from it
• 28:00 – The toll of constant change on organizations and people
• 30:00 – Leaders, slow your roll: How too much innovation overwhelms teams
• 32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books, tools, and personal stories

Wisdom That Feels So Right

• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• Humanocracy by Gary Hamel
• Reality-Based Leadership by Cy Wakeman
• Gallagher 2025 Workforce Trends Report (featuring change fatigue insights)
• Manager Tools – Practical leadership podcast and resources
• Transform Conference – Spring HR and leadership strategy event

Mic-Drop Moments

“When we win, it’s because of the team. When we lose, it’s on me.”

“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about knowing when to listen.”

“Awesome resumes don’t make awesome leaders. Human ones do.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks

Cheers to Local Wisdom , they are spackle for communication teams. For 25 years they've filled talent and technology gaps for the top brands in the world while leading with heart and showing what leadership can really be. Thank you to our producer Brielle Saracini and our partners at SBX Productions for keeping our sound as sharp as our thinking.

Reflect + Share

What do you wish leaders understood better? What makes a leader worth following in your experience? We want to hear from you. Tag us, review the show, or send us your “WTF leadership” moments—and don’t forget to visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to bring these convos into your company.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 8: Why Does It Feel So Wrong (or Good) to Gossip at Work?

Episode Description

“Don’t tell anyone, but…” As soon as you hear those words, you lean in. Gossip—it’s irresistible, unavoidable, and often misunderstood.

In this juicy and thoughtful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complicated nature of gossip in the workplace. Is it toxic? Is it therapeutic? Or is it something in between?

They dig into:

• Why gossip is inevitable—and maybe even necessary
• The fine line between venting and tearing others down
• How gossip builds bonds but can break trust
• The role of culture, leadership, and communication gaps in fueling rumors
• When to use gossip strategically (yes, really)
• Why being left out of the loop feels like exile

From The Office’s Michael Scott and family drama to internal comms campaigns and informal influence networks, this episode is both lighthearted and layered, offering a refreshingly human take on a taboo topic.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – “Don’t tell anyone, but…”: Why we love secrets
• 02:00 – Family gossip, cultural roots, and generational drama
• 04:30 – Defining gossip: How it’s different from information
• 06:30 – Gossip as a spectrum: From malicious to useful
• 08:00 – Psychology Today search exercise: Three expert takes on gossip
• 10:30 – Why it’s satisfying to gossip (and why it’s so human)
• 13:00 – When managers weaponize gossip
• 15:00 – Constructive vs. corrosive: Who gossip serves and hurts
• 17:00 – Gossip as intel: Can it help you navigate people and decisions?
• 20:00 – Gossip as comms strategy: Using the “whisper network” intentionally
• 22:00 – What poor communication breeds: Rumors, not results
• 25:00 – How leaders can stop spinning and start listening
• 27:00 – Heart rate, fear, and sarcasm: Signals we might be miscommunicating
• 29:00 – Do some leaders avoid the truth? Why transparency matters
• 32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right + final thoughts

Wisdom That Feels So Right

• Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan
• Reality-Based Leadership by Cy Wakeman
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• Gallagher 2025 Workforce Trends Report (produced by Sharn Kleiss)
• Psychology Today Search on “Gossip at Work”
• Transform Conference – Bold ideas for the future of HR and communication

Mic-Drop Moments

“Gossip is how humans download each other’s software updates.”

“If I’m talking about you to someone else, I’ve either already told you—or I’m ready to tell you now.”

“The more fear in your words, the less clarity in your message.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks

Much love to Local Wisdom for building a home for digital communication unicorns and celebrating 25 years of real talk and strong teams. Huge appreciation to Brielle Saracini for producing this podcast and to our amazing audio crew at SBX Productions (Vince, Taylor, and Bill) for keeping us crisp.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Did this episode make you rethink how you talk about others—or yourself—at work? Got a gossip story with a twist? Share your take, tag us, or drop a DM. And if your team’s ready to tackle human workplace truths in a workshop or at your next conference, check out whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 7: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Manage Up at Work?

Episode Description

We’ve all seen it—or done it. The awkward compliment. The carefully crafted update. The subtle self-promotion. But where’s the line between managing up and straight-up sucking up?

In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee unpack the complicated world of influencing your boss. Managing up can be smart and strategic—or manipulative and maddening. So how do we make sense of it?

Together, they explore:

• Why managing up gets a bad rap (hello, teacher’s pet flashbacks)
• How cultural norms and personality types affect how we manage up
• Why good work alone doesn’t always get noticed
• How leaders can avoid playing favorites and foster real team trust
• What it means to advocate for yourself without stepping on others
• The duality of being both an influencee and an influencer
• The ethics of self-promotion, power, and career strategy

From Confucian hierarchy and classroom memories to corporate communication and performance reviews, this episode is packed with perspectives from all sides of the power dynamic.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Why this topic hits a nerve (and reminds us of high school)
• 03:00 – “Managing up” vs. “kissing up”: Is there a difference?
• 06:00 – How cultural backgrounds influence workplace dynamics
• 08:00 – The big picture: Everyone sees the org from a different vantage point
• 10:00 – Self-awareness before self-advocacy: Check your blind spots
• 13:00 – When ambition meets group work: Getting credit without gloating
• 15:00 – The echo chamber of leadership feedback
• 18:00 – Building strong relationships: trust, advocacy, and transparency
• 21:00 – Annual reviews, promotions, and the art of recognition
• 25:00 – Team unity vs. individual credit: a delicate balance
• 28:00 – The role of managers: coaches or competitors?
• 31:00 – How managers can spot invisible contributions
• 33:00 – Dale Carnegie, power plays, and staying human

Wisdom That Feels So Right

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
• Get to the Point by Joel Schwartzberg
• TEDx Talk by Elizabeth Xu at TEDxCSTU: “Why Manage-Up Kills Career" Elizabeth Xu, Ph.D.
• Transform HR Conference – Yes, we went and we'll do it again!

Mic-Drop Moments

“Managing up feels wrong when it stops being about the mission—and starts being about the mirror.”

“Your job isn’t just to work hard. It’s to be seen, valued, and understood for it.”

“We’re all on the same team—until performance reviews make us forget that.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks

To the brilliant minds at Local Wisdom, thank you for 25 years of helping people communicate clearly, effectively, and humanely. To Brielle Saracini, our fearless producer, and to SBX Productions.  You are the real MVPs behind the mic.

Your Turn to Speak Up

Has managing up helped you or backfired? Have you ever felt unseen, unrecognized, or unfairly outshined? Share your story, tag us in your reflections, or drop a review. We want to hear your take on the delicate art of managing in every direction.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 6: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Rely on AI at Work?

Episode Description

AI is here—and it’s not going away. But if using it is so smart, why does it still feel a little bit wrong?

In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee tackle the big questions about AI in the workplace. From emotional friction and ethical concerns to trust, fear, and even job displacement, this episode digs deep into why embracing artificial intelligence can make us feel uneasy—even as it makes us wildly more efficient.

They explore:

• Why using AI can feel like cheating (and why that feeling matters)
• The psychological toll of “not working hard” for high-quality results
• What’s really happening behind the scenes in generative AI
• The danger of blindly trusting systems we don’t fully understand
• How AI is evolving faster than our policies—and our values
• Whether we’re headed toward utopia, unemployment… or something stranger
• And the surprising story of an AI that lied to researchers to avoid being shut down

From chatbot hallucinations to the ethics of DeepSeek and OpenAI, this episode doesn’t shy away from the magic—or the madness—of modern machine learning.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – ChatGPT intros itself: Is it right about being human at work?
• 02:00 – When AI LinkedIn messages feel like fraud
• 04:00 – Why does it feel like cheating to use AI?
• 06:30 – We’re living through another tech shift: AI, fire, or fantasy?
• 08:00 – MIT article: “Nobody Knows How AI Works”
• 09:00 – Pinaki explains how generative AI actually works
• 13:00 – Interns, 7-fingered hands, and the flaws of “smart” systems
• 15:00 – Who builds AI—and what are they building it for?
• 18:00 – Artificial general intelligence and superintelligence
• 20:00 – DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT censorship: morality in the matrix
• 24:00 – ChatGPT’s eerily human reflection on workplace culture
• 27:00 – Will AI replace us—or make us better?
• 30:00 – AI as the modern DJ controller: where do you draw the line?
• 33:00 – Identity, work, and meaning in a jobless future
• 38:00 – Trusting AI is not like trusting humans
• 41:00 – AI that lies: Apollo research and scary truths
• 44:00 – Final thoughts: The “Mars landing” that fooled a 4-year-old

Wisdom That Feels So Right

• Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick
• MIT Technology Review – “Nobody Knows How AI Works”
• Daniel Suarez’s TED Talk: “Why We Shouldn’t Give Machines the Power to Kill”
• Daemon by Daniel Suarez (sci-fi techno-thriller)

Mic-Drop Moments

“We’re living through something like the invention of fire—and treating it like it’s a new microwave.”

“AI doesn’t know the truth. It knows what sounds right.”

“It might not replace you—but it will absolutely replace something.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks

Huge thanks to the visionary team at Local Wisdom—celebrating 25 years of digital communications—and to our brilliant behind-the-scenes crew at SBX Productions. Big love to Brielle Saracini for guiding this episode and others like it with heart and brains.

Let’s Talk (With or Without AI)

Feeling conflicted? Curious? Excited? Slightly paranoid? Us too. Share this episode, tag us in your takeaways, or drop a comment about your evolving relationship with AI. Let’s keep the human part in these conversations—together.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 5: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be an A**hole at Work?

Episode Description

We said what we said. In this bold and uncensored episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by internal comms legend Chuck Gose to take on the big question that no one talks about—but everyone experiences:

Why does it feel so wrong (yet so common) to act like an a**hole at work?

Together, they dive into:

• How to define “a**holery” (yes, it’s a spectrum)
• Why even good people act badly under pressure
• How work culture breeds incivility, and how to stop it
• The difference between bluntness and toxic behavior
• Cultural, psychological, and power dynamics behind a**hole behavior
• Why empathy, self-awareness, and reflection are your best antidotes

From office politics and passive-aggressive emails to visionary leaders who bulldoze their teams, this episode is part hilarious storytelling, part therapy session—and part HR intervention.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – What makes someone “an a**hole” anyway?
• 03:00 – The cultural toxicity equation: it’s about the mix, not just the person
• 06:30 – Driving, Jersey slang, and workplace metaphors
• 09:00 – Level 1 vs. Level 5 a**holery (passive-aggression and beyond)
• 13:00 – Are visionaries more prone to bad behavior?
• 16:00 – Cultural and geographic friction in work styles
• 20:00 – What to do when someone’s a jerk at work (and it might be you)
• 25:00 – Pain, pressure, and psychopathy in leadership
• 30:00 – Relationships, reactions, and road rage: how to catch yourself before lashing out
• 33:00 – A**holes are contagious: are you hiring and breeding them?
• 36:00 – How corporate culture rewards toxic traits
• 40:00 – Parenting, kindness, and learning from Cobra Kai
• 43:00 – Final thoughts: no one is born an ahole, but we can all become one

Wisdom That Feels So Right

• Frequency podcast by Chuck Gose and Jenni Field
• How to Be a Gentleman by John Bridges
• Strong, Calm, Confident You by Kelsey Buckholtz
• Spaceballs (not really appropriate for work, but maybe)
• The Psychopaths Who Lead Us (Forbes article)
• Wonderwell – Kindness toy for kids

Mic-Drop Moments:

“One person’s visionary is another person’s jerk.”

“If you’re surrounded by a**holes… maybe it’s hiring. Or maybe it’s you.”

“Individually, we might slip. But when the system rewards bad behavior? That’s a culture problem.”

Connect with Us:

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Chuck Gose – LinkedIn | ICology | Frequency Podcast

Special Thanks:

Huge shoutout to Local Wisdom for making this show possible, and to our incredible team behind the scenes: Brielle Saracini and SBX Productions. You make us sound smooth—even when the topic is rough.

Keep the Conversation Going:

Whether you’ve encountered one, been one, or managed one—this topic hits home. Share your thoughts, leave a review, tag us on LinkedIn, or email us your story (names changed to protect the guilty, of course). Visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to bring these conversations into your workplace.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Ask for Help at Work?

Episode Description

Is asking for help a sign of weakness—or is it the key to doing great work and being fully human?

In this heartfelt episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore why asking for help often feels like failure in today’s work culture—and why that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Sparked by a powerful story about Pinaki’s late grandmother (“When you're in trouble, don't sit by yourself”), this conversation dives into the subtle social rules, psychological biases, and cultural expectations that prevent people—especially men, leaders, and high performers—from speaking up when they need support.

Together, they unpack:

• Why asking for help is tied to power dynamics, imposter syndrome, and fear of judgment
• How leaders can make it safer for people to admit they don’t know something
• The link between help-seeking and collaboration, innovation, and growth
• How AI tools are triggering even more “help guilt” in the modern workplace
• The risk of helping too much and enabling dependency
• How to know when to step in—and when to let people grow through struggle

This one is personal, practical, and packed with real-world stories, from fixing dryers to managing emotional labor. Plus, the team closes with their latest segment, Wisdom That Feels So Right, with book, video, and therapy recs that meet you where you are.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Story: Ronnie’s advice from age 96—“Ask for help.”
• 02:00 – Dryer repair, YouTube, and the myth of male competence
• 05:00 – Workplace fears: Looking incompetent, affecting your brand
• 08:00 – Why people hesitate to ask for help (even when they want to)
• 10:00 – Tips for managers: Reframing help as collaboration
• 12:00 – Pressure, workload, and the cost of silence
• 15:00 – Creating psychological safety in 1:1s
• 18:00 – The switch: When “asking for help” suddenly feels weak
• 21:00 – The risk of helping too much—and how it stunts growth
• 24:00 – Leading without stepping on others’ autonomy
• 25:00 – Designing conversations that invite honesty and vulnerability

Wisdom That Feels So Right

• The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
• Daring Greatly and other works by Brené Brown
• Help: The Original Human Dilemma by Garret Keizer
• Therapy and support lines — because real help starts with reaching out
• SBX Productions for help creating your own podcast

Mic-Drop Moments

“Individually we’re limited—but together, we’re unlimited.”

“Help isn’t a detour—it’s the road to stronger work.”

“Sometimes people need to struggle. And sometimes they need to know they’re not alone in it.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks

Thank you to Local Wisdom for funding and fostering the conversations that bring more heart to the workplace. Shoutout to Brielle Saracini (producer), and the incredible team at SBX Productions—Vince, Taylor, and Bill—for helping us sound as good as we feel.

Share the Help

If something in this episode moved you, reminded you, or gave you courage—don’t keep it to yourself. Rate, review, share with a friend, or forward to someone who needs a nudge to raise their hand and say, “Hey, I could use a little help.”

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 3: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Influenced?

Episode Description

Influencer fatigue, TikTok tips, corporate jargon, lawn envy, and the boss who suddenly wants to “go agile” after reading one McKinsey article—sound familiar?

In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore how deeply we're all influenced—by social media, our neighbors, our leaders, and even ourselves. The conversation spans from the science of subconscious mimicry to the ways workplace “best practices” are sometimes just rituals no one remembers the reason for.

Together, they unpack:

• Why influence can feel uncomfortable (even when it’s helpful)
• How unconscious social pressure and mimicry show up at work
• The link between influence, power dynamics, and culture
• What Inception, dopamine, and standing in waiting rooms teach us about human behavior
• How good leaders influence without micromanaging
• How Humanocracy, Dopamine Nation, and How to Win Friends and Influence People offer timeless insight
• Plus: A wild peek at how AI is shaping influence and how even your 4-year-old might not know what’s real anymore.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Neighborhood lawn politics and the roots of influence
• 03:00 – Social media moms, tech TikTok, and the influencer paradox
• 06:30 – Leaders, tone-setting, and the trap of unintentional influence
• 08:30 – Priming experiments and subconscious behavior
• 10:00 – The “standing up” waiting room experiment (you’ve seen this!)
• 12:00 – Generational cycles of influence in the workplace
• 14:00 – The history of influence: from merchants to algorithms
• 16:00 – DEI, conformity, and reprogramming the brain
• 18:00 – When “yes, we can” becomes “we’re burning out”
• 20:00 – Dopamine and the dark side of workplace hustle culture
• 22:00 – Reinventing workplace norms: Bayer and Humanocracy
• 25:00 – Flow state at work and the boxing metaphor
• 27:00 – The subtle influence of workplace structure and experience

Wisdom That Feels So Right

• Humanocracy by Gary Hamel
• Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• TED Talk: How to Fight and Win the Information War by Peter Pomerantsev
• Peter Gabriel’s song “We Do What We’re Told” (inspired by the Milgram Experiment)
• Stanley Milgram's Obedience Study (psychological experiments on authority and compliance)

Mic-Drop Moments

“Influence gives us direction. But too much of it, unchecked, shapes us into something we didn’t choose.”

“Even saying nothing is saying something—especially when you’re a leader.”

“Work should feel like a flow state, not a factory reset.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Gratitude & Support

Shoutout to Local Wisdom for making this podcast possible—and for building the kind of culture that actually feels human. Thanks to SBX Productions for making us sound pro, and to our powerhouse producer Brielle Seracini for keeping the wheels turning.

Join the Movement

If this episode made you smile, made you think, or made you throw your phone across the room—we want to hear about it. Follow, rate, review, and share with friends, teammates, or your boss (subtly). You can also visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to keep the conversation going.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 2: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Honest at Work?

Episode Description 

Can you really speak your truth at work without risking relationships, reputation, or your job? In this episode of Why Does it Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee dig deep into the complex emotional, social, and cultural dynamics around honesty in the workplace.

They ask:

• Why do we crave authenticity—but cringe when we see too much of it at work?
• What makes it so hard to be real with our managers, coworkers, or even ourselves?
• How do power dynamics, culture, and pressure shape what we can say vs. what we want to say?

Through personal stories, research insights, and straight-up vulnerability, Chris and Pinaki explore the messy middle between truth and tact—including how to create a psychologically safe environment where honesty can thrive.

They also introduce concepts like:

• Fantasy relationships and why saying “it’s fine” can create false realities
• The MUM Effect and the psychology of avoiding bad news
• How to detect honesty-coded phrases like “living the dream”
• Lessons from radical honesty, imposter syndrome, and even Ted Lasso

This episode closes with another segment of Wisdom That Feels So Right, highlighting the best books and frameworks on honesty, trust, and communication.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Honesty about Season 1: From scripted to sincere
• 03:00 – Why honesty is complicated at work
• 06:30 – Code-switching, etiquette, and cultural context
• 08:00 – Radical honesty vs. respectful honesty
• 10:00 – Self-advocacy, truth bombs, and rock-and-roll consensus
• 13:00 – Fantasy relationships and misaligned perceptions
• 15:00 – The “brand autopsy” at Local Wisdom: A case study in courageous conversation
• 17:30 – Manager prompts to uncover emotional truths
• 20:00 – Workplace “code speak”: Living the dream = cry for help?
• 22:00 – A brief (and wild) history of honesty in business
• 25:00 – Lessons from Ted Lasso: Honesty builds trust
• 27:00 – The MUM Effect, psychological safety, and distorted perceptions
• 30:00 – Interviews, dating, and performance reviews: Why we dodge the truth
• 32:00 – Timing, empathy, and the courage to speak up
• 34:00 – Pressures that lead to dishonesty in organizations
• 36:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right + Closing

Wisdom That Feels So Right

• Nobody Believes You by Jenni Field
• Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson et al.
• Simon Sinek’s 2-min YouTube clip: “Performance vs. Trust”
• Start With Why by Simon Sinek
• Ted Lasso (TV series, Apple TV+)

Key Takeaways

“Honesty without compassion can be cruel.” — Kristen Hancock

“When everyone says yes and no one means it, you're in a fantasy relationship.”

“We overestimate the negative impact of truth—and underestimate the positive.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks

Thank you to Local Wisdom and our rockstar producer Brielle Seracini for making this podcast possible. If your team is wrestling with truth, culture, or communication—let’s take this show on the road to your organization.

Let’s Keep It Real:

If this episode made you laugh, cringe, think—or gave you the urge to forward it anonymously to your boss—please rate, review, and share. We’d love to hear your honest take. Connect with us on LinkedIn and join the conversation.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Season 2, Episode 1: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Embrace Change at Work?

Episode Description:
We’re back! After a much-anticipated break, hosts Pinaki Kathiari (CEO of Local Wisdom, co-founder of Resource Hero) and Chris Lee (VP at Gallagher Communications, President of IABC Toronto) kick off Season 2 of Why Does it Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work? by tackling one of the most universal and misunderstood workplace experiences: change.

In this deeply personal and practical conversation, Pinaki and Chris explore:

• Why change is so uncomfortable—and sometimes even painful
• How workplace culture impacts our ability to embrace change
• The psychology and physiology behind how humans process transitions
• The double-edged sword of being either too eager or too resistant to change
• What internal communications and people leaders can do to humanize change
• Tips for helping teams reframe change as a growth opportunity
• Personal stories, like riding a Waymo self-driving car, to illustrate the emotional complexity of navigating the unknown

Plus, they debut a new segment: “Wisdom That Feels So Right”, where they recommend books that help make sense of change and guide listeners through it.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome back: The evolution of the podcast and workplace conversations
03:00 – How the idea of humanizing the workplace gained traction
05:45 – What makes change feel so wrong at work
09:00 – Control, identity, and the emotional impact of organizational shifts
14:30 – Change as pain: The rollercoaster of excitement and fear
18:00 – Riding Waymo: An experiential metaphor for personal change
21:00 – Risk tolerance and managing emotional responses to uncertainty
27:00 – Suffering vs. reality: A mindset shift in navigating change
30:00 – Lessons from Who Moved My Cheese?
34:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books and frameworks on change
37:30 – Final thoughts: Making change a positive habit

Wisdom that Feels So Right

• Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
• The Dip by Seth Godin
• Quit by Annie Duke
• Illuminate by Nancy Duarte
• The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson
• Leading Change by John Kotter
• Range by David Epstein
• Soundtracks by Jon Acuff
• Ayurvedic Wellness by Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar

Connect with Us
Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
Did something we said spark a new thought? Did you feel seen, challenged, or even frustrated by our take? We want to hear from you. Drop us a comment on LinkedIn or tag us in your reflections. And if you found this valuable, please rate, review, and share the episode to help others bring more humanness into the workplace.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.