Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Human At Work?

Season 1, Episode 6: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Reply All?

Episode Description:

“Please stop replying all!”

We’ve all been there—caught in a reply-all email spiral that devolves into chaos, memes, and all-caps shouting. But why does a seemingly harmless function like "Reply All" evoke such strong emotions?

In this fun and thought-provoking episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee unpack the infamous reply-all storm—and use it as a springboard to explore the bigger problem of digital communication at work.

Together, they explore:

• The social psychology behind reply-all behavior
• Real-life corporate “reply-allpocalypses” (like the one at Reuters that sent 23 million emails)
• When and why email fails us as a channel
• The emotional undercurrent of email overload, road rage, and digital etiquette
• The need for channel strategy and communication “combo meals”
• Why leaders must model vulnerability and clarity in their messaging
• How workplace communication has (and hasn’t) evolved since the pandemic

From hilarious horror stories to serious tips about psychological safety and leadership communication, this episode will change how you think about emails—and how you send them.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Opening: Ever been caught in a reply-all nightmare?
• 04:00 – Real-life reply-all meltdown stories from the hosts
• 10:00 – Why people hit “Reply All”—and why it escalates
• 15:00 – Email rage, road rage, and the social contagion of frustration
• 20:00 – What email is (and isn’t) good for
• 25:00 – Inbox anxiety, digital clutter, and the mental toll
• 30:00 – History of reply-all storms (Reuters, 2015, UC Berkeley 1987)
• 35:00 – Communication channel strategy: Why it matters
• 40:00 – Why “email for everything” is a broken system
• 45:00 – Channel etiquette and psychological safety
• 50:00 – How leaders can set the tone for better communication
• 55:00 – Culture, vulnerability, and evolving digital norms
• 01:05:00 – Communication combo meals and digital alignment
• 01:10:00 – Final thoughts: Let’s not wait for the next communication crisis

Books & Resources:

Gallagher’s State of the Sector 2023 Report – Internal Comms Trends

Reuters #ReplyAllGate (2015)

Local Wisdom – Communication Combo Meals Template

Mic-Drop Moments:

“A reply-all storm is the road rage of digital work.”

“Email is a tool—not a conversation.”

“Great leaders don’t just communicate more. They communicate better.”

Connect with Us:

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks:

Huge thanks to our listeners for being part of the conversation. Shoutout to Local Wisdom for building tools like Communication Combo Meals to help teams navigate the chaos, and to Gallagher for leading the charge in internal comms research.

We Want to Hear from You:

When was the last time you were caught in a reply-all disaster? Did you reply… or ride it out? Drop your story on LinkedIn, TikTok, or send us a note at [email protected].

Visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com for more conversations on making work feel right.

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 5: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Not Use Corporate Jargon?

Episode Description:

We’ve all heard it: “Let’s circle back.” “Let’s leverage synergies.” “Let’s operationalize the low-hanging fruit.” But… why?

In this satirical yet insightful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee break down the awkward truth behind why corporate jargon is so widespread—and why not using it feels like professional heresy. They explore the origins of business buzzwords, the hidden power dynamics behind them, and how this language affects authenticity, inclusion, and even promotions at work.

You’ll laugh, cringe, and probably recognize your own emails in this one.

They explore:

• The history of corporate speak (and how it started with the Industrial Revolution)
• Why jargon makes us feel smart, credible, or “executive”
• How buzzwords mask emotion and avoid hard truths
• The impact of jargon on inclusivity—especially for non-native speakers
• How language creates personas, power structures, and psychological distance
• Tips to reduce unnecessary complexity in emails, meetings, and conversations
• The “buzzword bingo” challenge to reclaim clarity and authenticity at work

Whether you’ve ever “shifted a paradigm” or just wanted to say “no” in fewer than 200 words—this one’s for you.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Why this topic hits so close to home
• 05:00 – Jargon as status and insecurity: Real stories from Chris and Pinaki
• 10:00 – Industrial revolution to management consulting: A brief history of buzzwords
• 20:00 – “Operational efficiencies” and other euphemisms for layoffs
• 25:00 – Industry-specific jargon: Real estate, IT, mechanics, and teens
• 30:00 – How language limits promotions and impacts inclusion
• 40:00 – Multiple personas: Code-switching, severance vibes, and Zoom voice
• 50:00 – Why we over-write emails (and how to stop)
• 55:00 – Conciseness, clarity, and the “email test”
• 01:05:00 – Workplace language is evolving—are we?
• 01:10:00 – Buzzword bingo, new phrases, and breaking the mold

Books & Resources:

The Elements of Style by Strunk & White

Harvard Business Review – Why We Use Jargon—and When It Hurts Us

Local Wisdom – Communication support for modern teams

Mic-Drop Moments:

“If I have to tell you to be authentic, you’re not being authentic.”

“We’re not just speaking a second language—we’re building walls with it.”

“A long email doesn’t mean you worked hard. It means you didn’t edit.”

Connect with Us:

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks:

To the brilliant minds and big hearts at Local Wisdom for challenging the way we communicate, and to SBX Productions for turning corporate buzz into comedy gold. Extra thanks to our listeners—may your next email be one sentence shorter.

Try This:

🎯 Create your own Buzzword Bingo Card.

📝 Write one email this week in plain English.

🎙️ Or better yet, forward this episode to that colleague who loves a good "synergy."

Visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com for more episodes—and less jargon.

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 4: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Yourself at Work? (with Priya Bates)

Episode Description:

How much of yourself do you really bring to work—and how much do you feel you have to leave behind to fit in?

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee welcome special guest Priya Bates, award-winning internal communications strategist, co-founder of A Leader Like Me, and author of Building a Culture of Inclusivity. Together, they unpack the emotional, cultural, and organizational barriers that make authenticity feel risky—and why belonging is the true foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

They explore:

• What it actually means to “belong” at work
• Why so many professionals feel pressure to conform to dominant cultures (white, male, heteronormative)
• The difference between “culture fit” and “culture add” in hiring and leadership
• How microaggressions and assumptions—like “Where are you really from?”—erode trust
• The evolution of DEI since the murder of George Floyd, and how to move beyond performative inclusion
• Strategies to move from fear and discomfort to courageous conversations
• How leaders can foster safe, diverse environments by embracing their own growth and bias awareness

With real stories, practical takeaways, and unfiltered honesty, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what inclusion feels like—not just what it looks like on a spreadsheet.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Why we’re nervous to talk about DEI—and why we must
• 05:00 – Priya Bates joins: redefining inclusion and belonging
• 10:00 – Belonging as a personal and cultural journey
• 15:00 – Identity, immigration, and “Where are you really from?”
• 20:00 – Why “being yourself” at work still feels risky
• 25:00 – From culture fit to culture add: evolving hiring mindsets
• 30:00 – Microaggressions, code-switching, and corporate expectations
• 35:00 – Representation, internal communications, and the value of difference
• 40:00 – DEI as business advantage, not checkbox
• 45:00 – Unlearning bias and embracing discomfort
• 50:00 – Modern leadership: from alpha types to empathetic innovators
• 55:00 – Building inclusive teams with intention
• 01:00:00 – Tools, resources, and reflections for change

Books & Resources:

• Building a Culture of Inclusivity by Priya Bates & Advita Patel
• A Leader Like Me – Global DEI community by Priya & Advita
• Harvard’s Implicit Association Test (IAT)

Mic-Drop Moments:

“Belonging means you can show up with all of who you are—and be valued for it.”

“Diversity without inclusion is decoration. Inclusion without belonging is just obligation.”

“The goal isn’t to erase differences. It’s to appreciate them.”

Connect with Us:

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks:

We’re deeply grateful to Priya Bates for joining this conversation and sharing her leadership, vulnerability, and vision for a more inclusive world of work. Thanks to the entire Local Wisdom and SBX Productions teams for helping us make space for the conversations that matter most.

Let’s Talk About Belonging:

Do you feel like you can be yourself at work? What’s helped—or hurt—that feeling? Share your reflections with us on LinkedIn, TikTok, or at whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Let’s keep making workplaces feel more human, one honest conversation at a time.

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 3: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Take the Afternoon Off?

Episode Description:

Ever feel guilty for stepping away from work before 5 p.m.—even when you’ve met your goals? You’re not alone.

In this insightful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee take a hard look at how we've been conditioned to treat time as the ultimate currency—and why that’s no longer serving us. From personal stories to historical deep-dives, they break down the emotional and cultural baggage tied to “leaving early,” and how organizations can create healthier, more human-first time policies.

They explore:

• Why the traditional 9–5 workday feels outdated in a knowledge economy
• The roots of time = money thinking, and how it drives guilt
• The psychological effects of overwork, burnout, and performance optics
• The cultural gap between policy and practice (unlimited PTO, 4-day workweeks, etc.)
• How trust and autonomy lead to more purpose-driven employees
• What managers and leaders can do to create a truly flexible work environment

From bartering wheat to tracking hours with timecards, to tracking outcomes over presence, this episode makes the case for trust as the new workplace currency.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Pandemic flexibility and #DisrespectTheNineToFive
• 05:00 – First time playing hooky: Wolverine 2 and peanut M&Ms
• 10:00 – Selling time vs. selling outcomes: Where do we stand now?
• 15:00 – Workplace guilt and why flexibility still feels “wrong”
• 20:00 – Historical breakdown: Why we started measuring work in hours
• 25:00 – The rise of salaries, the power dynamic of compensation
• 30:00 – Unlimited PTO, performance pressure, and cultural mismatch
• 35:00 – Agency burnout and expectations around overwork
• 40:00 – 4-day workweeks: Myths, research, and Nixon’s prediction
• 47:00 – Chronotypes, circadian rhythms, and Daniel Pink’s science of timing
• 52:00 – Why failure is part of outcomes—and why leadership needs to allow for it
• 58:00 – Managers vs. leaders: Trust, autonomy, and rethinking control
• 01:05:00 – Friday joy vs. Sunday scaries: What that tells us about our jobs
• 01:10:00 – Practical takeaways: What to stop, keep, and explore
• 01:15:00 – Hashtag your time off: #WhyDoesItFeelSoWrong

Books & Resources:

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink

The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

Four-Day Workweek Global Pilot Study (2023 Results)

Mic-Drop Moments:

“If you don’t have the flexibility to work when you’re at your best—are we really getting your best?”

“Unlimited PTO means nothing if the culture tells you not to use it.”

“Trust is the new currency of an evolved leader.”

Connect with Us:

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks:

Big shoutout to Local Wisdom for championing people-first work culture, to our brilliant producer Brielle Seracini, and to the production magic of SBX Productions for helping this episode come to life.

Take the Afternoon Off—Then Tell Us About It:

Check your calendar. Find a 2–3 hour block in the next two weeks. Schedule a meeting with yourself and label it “Why Does It Feel So Wrong?” Then actually do something that feels right—take a walk, watch a movie, take a nap. Snap a pic and tag us with #WhyDoesItFeelSoWrong. Your future self will thank you.

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 2: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Say “No” at Work?

Episode Description:

Saying “no” at work feels risky—sometimes even dangerous. But why?

In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, co-hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee dig deep into why the simple act of saying “no” can feel like an act of rebellion. Through personal stories, workplace psychology, and reflections on culture and leadership, they unpack how power dynamics, fear, and outdated paradigms have made dissent feel taboo in today’s corporate environment.

Together, they explore:

• Why “no” often triggers fear of judgment, failure, or loss of trust
• The roots of obedience—from ancient empires to public school conditioning
• The modern workplace’s struggle with psychological safety
• How trust, leadership style, and team dynamics shape how safe people feel to speak up
• What healthy conflict, feedback, and creativity actually look like in high-functioning teams
• Tactics for saying “no” with empathy, purpose, and confidence
• The difference between controlling behavior and collaborative leadership

This episode connects history, parenting, neuroscience, and communication strategy into one eye-opening conversation that’ll have you rethinking how your team talks—and how it listens.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro: The surprising weight of “no”
• 03:00 – Power dynamics and the leadership illusion
• 06:00 – Ancient history, cultural conditioning, and saying yes
• 10:00 – Horace Mann and obedience-based education
• 13:00 – Milgram experiment, Peter Gabriel, and fear-based compliance
• 18:00 – When control leads to dysfunction
• 22:00 – Coaching vs. commanding: What modern leadership demands
• 26:00 – Performance vs. trust: What the Navy SEALs get right
• 30:00 – Fear, failure, and team erosion
• 34:00 – Saying no at home vs. at work: parenting lessons
• 38:00 – Psychological safety defined (and misdefined)
• 44:00 – Crucial conversations: Non-confrontational confrontation
• 48:00 – The future of culture and feedback at work

Books & Resources:

• The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson
• Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson et al.
• Humanocracy by Gary Hamel
• Reality-Based Leadership by Cy Wakeman
• Simon Sinek’s Navy SEAL Trust Model Watch on YouTube
• Mental Health Commission of Canada – National Standard for Psychological Safety

Mic-Drop Moments:

“We’re conditioned to say yes, but innovation depends on the courage to say no.”

“Psychological safety isn’t about comfort. It’s about performance without fear.”

“If your team can’t disagree with you, you don’t have a team. You have followers.”

Connect with Us:

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks:

To our community of listeners—thank you for creating space for hard truths and human-first leadership. Special shoutout to Brielle Seracini and our production team at SBX Productions for helping us amplify these conversations.

Join the Conversation:

When was the last time you said “no” at work—and meant it? Did it feel empowering or terrifying? Share your stories, insights, and questions in the comments or at whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 1 (Live): Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?

Episode Description:

Recorded live at the IABC World Conference 2023 in Toronto, this debut episode kicks off the Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work? podcast with a bold question: Are we slowly unlearning our own humanity at work?

Co-hosts Pinaki Kathiari (CEO, Local Wisdom) and Chris Lee (VP at Gallagher, President of IABC Toronto) take the stage to explore why workplace norms—from performance reviews to thank-you notes—often feel mechanical, outdated, or just plain wrong.

In front of a live audience, they break down:

• The habits we’ve inherited but never questioned
• Why “How are you?” is no longer a real question
• The workplace tension between productivity and authentic appreciation
• How performance reviews, workplace mandates, and default professionalism often strip away our humanness
• The origins of the podcast and how serendipity led to a live launch on a global stage

This unscripted, high-energy conversation mixes storytelling, audience interaction, and honest reflections on what it really means to be human in today’s corporate culture.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Welcome to the stage: Live from IABC World Conference
• 02:00 – What inspired the podcast (spoiler: it started at a bar)
• 06:00 – Rituals we never question: Email signatures, fax numbers, and apologies for appreciation
• 10:00 – The weirdness of annual performance reviews
• 14:00 – What it means to "unlearn" being robotic at work
• 17:00 – Why does it feel wrong to ask “How are you?” and mean it?
• 20:00 – Audience reactions: Code-switching, return-to-office, single parenting, tone-deaf messaging
• 25:00 – The human cost of transactional internal communications
• 28:00 – Why does it feel wrong to thank someone at work?
• 32:00 – Return to office: Rationales, resentment, and what’s missing in the messaging
• 38:00 – Emotional intelligence and new leadership styles
• 42:00 – Let’s stop calling it a “competitive benefits package”
• 47:00 – Psychological safety: Not a buzzword, a necessity
• 52:00 – Final thoughts and call to action: Be advocates for humanity

Books & Resources:

• The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson
• Reality-Based Leadership by Cy Wakeman
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• Humanocracy by Gary Hamel
• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

Mic-Drop Moments:

“Why does it feel wrong to spend five minutes thanking someone, but not five hours chasing a spreadsheet?”

“If you have to explain authenticity, it stops being authentic.”

“Being human isn’t a distraction from work—it is the work.”

Connect with Us:

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks:

A heartfelt thank-you to the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), María Jesús Villagrán Cabanne, Letty Wong, and the entire IABC World Conference crew for helping us make podcast history on stage. And to our live audience—you brought the energy, vulnerability, and validation this show is all about.

Get Curious With Us:

What’s one thing you do at work that you’ve never questioned—until now? That’s where the unlearning starts. Hit play, subscribe, and follow along as we unravel the little (and not-so-little) things that make work feel… not-so-human.

Visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to learn more.

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Make sure to subscribe to the show! The season begins in June

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Bree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.