Stuck in an endless scroll of late-night emails? Bringing your laptop on vacation “just in case”? This episode dives into work creep — the sneaky way work invades every corner of our lives and how to finally set boundaries you can stick to.

Larone and CJ unpack the toll of always being “on,” the double standards of overworking, and why burnout hits different depending on gender, culture, and capitalism.

Plus: survival tips for hybrid workers, spicy truths about performative productivity, and one big question every remote worker should ask themselves before logging back on.

🎧 Tap in for strategies, stories, and the nudge you need to reclaim your time.

Follow the podcast at @workinprogressthepodcast 

Follow CJ on Instagram ⁠Here⁠ or LinkedIn ⁠Here⁠

Follow Larone on Instagram ⁠Here⁠

One-on-ones aren’t just check-ins—they’re one of the few moments you get your manager’s full attention.

In this mini-sode of Work in Progress, Courtney Jennings-Hope and Larone break down how to use that time to build trust, communicate clearly, and shape your reputation at work.

They explore why these meetings can feel uncomfortable, how psychological safety plays a role, and what to do when promotion paths feel vague or biased.

Whether you’re aiming for clarity, recognition, or career growth, this episode will help you turn one-on-ones into your most valuable tool for navigating corporate life.

Follow the podcast at @workinprogressthepodcast on Instagram  

Follow CJ on Instagram ⁠Here⁠ or LinkedIn ⁠Here⁠

Follow Larone on Instagram ⁠Here⁠

Learning new skills at work is hard and it’s not just about time or talent.

In this episode of Work in Progress, CJ and Larone get real about the anxiety that comes with being a beginner, the sting of feedback, and why adulting in corporate America often feels like a crash course in self-reflection.

They explore how to reframe feedback as a tool for growth, the importance of giving yourself grace, and why setting realistic expectations is the most underrated professional skill.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “bad” at learning or taking feedback, this episode is your reminder: you’re not alone, and you’re not broken—you’re just growing.

Feeling fried at work? Struggling to keep up with emails, updates, and that never-ending to-do list? This week, we’re talking about the real reason you feel behind—it’s not your work ethic, it’s your lack of automation.

CJ and Larone get honest about burnout, brain fog, and the underrated power of a good email template. From Pomodoro timers to AI summaries, we’re sharing the small tools and mindset shifts that are helping us reclaim our time (and our peace). Whether you’re drowning in Slack messages or trying to get strategic time back on your calendar, this episode is your permission slip to automate what doesn’t need your genius.

We cover:

• How to start automating (even if you feel too busy)

• Our go-to tools for email, meetings, and project updates

• Why creating a system is the first step to setting yourself free

• How to save your future self (with one template at a time)

Let’s automate our way to clarity—and maybe a nap.

Keep up with us!

Follow CJ on Instagram ⁠Here⁠ or LinkedIn ⁠Here⁠

Follow Larone on Instagram ⁠Here⁠

Feeling uneasy at work? Wondering if it’s time to move on—or ride it out?

In this episode of Work in Progress, CJ and Larone break down how to recognize the signs that your job (or your entire industry) might be in trouble, and how to pivot strategically before you’re forced to.

From hiring freezes and corporate “efficiency” talk to LinkedIn presence and documenting your wins, this episode is full of real talk, practical tips, and career survival strategy—especially for folks in higher ed, government, or tech.

We cover:

• The biggest red flags that layoffs may be coming

• How to prep your resume before you need to

• Ways to use LinkedIn without being cringey

• Career pivots without going back to school

• The emotional side of letting go or staying put

Whether you’re already job searching or just trying to stay ready, this conversation will help you think sharper, act faster, and protect your peace.

Keep up with us

Follow CJ on Instagram ⁠Here⁠ or LinkedIn ⁠Here⁠

Follow Larone on Instagram ⁠Here⁠

Why does taking time off feel like a career risk?In this episode of Work in Progress, CJ and Larone unpack the unspoken guilt around taking PTO in hustle-heavy work cultures. From burnout masked as dedication to the myth of being “indispensable,” we explore what’s really behind that vacation dread.

You’ll hear real talk on:

• Navigating time off without spiraling
• How to prep your team for your absence (without guilt)
• Building work cultures that expect rest, not just allow it

✨ For high performers who need permission to rest, and leaders who want to make it easier for others to do the same.

Follow CJ on Instagram Here or LinkedIn Here

Follow Larone on Instagram Here

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Corporate America

02:59 The Importance of Taking PTO

05:29 Navigating Job Security and PTO Anxiety

08:22 The Myth of Being Indispensable

11:16 Creating a Supportive Work Environment

13:58 The Role of Self-Care in Professional Life

16:41 Resilience and Creativity Through Time Off

20:01 Final Thoughts on Work-Life Balance

Working hard isn’t enough. If you want to grow, you need to manage up — strategically.

In this episode of Work in Progress, CJ and Larone unpack the real mechanics of career advancement; the visibility, the relationships, and the power moves no one teaches you. Promotions aren’t about pure merit. They’re about being seen, staying top of mind, and building the right alliances.

We cover:

• How managing up helps your boss advocate for you
• Why soft skills are the real differentiator (even if no one says so)
• Remote work hacks for staying visible and relevant
• The ROI of tracking your wins and cross-functional relationships

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing everything right — why am I still stuck?” this episode is your playbook.

Follow CJ on Instagram Here or LinkedIn Here

Follow Larone on Instagram Here

🎯 Keywords: career advancement, managing up, getting promoted, corporate politics, strategic visibility, remote leadership, soft skills

Ever feel like you’re doing everything right at work — hitting deadlines, going above and beyond — but somehow, it’s the louder, more visible people who get the promotions? You’re not imagining it.

Promotions aren’t about pure merit, they’re about visibility, strategy, and knowing how to manage the unspoken rules. In this episode of Work in Progress, CJ and Larone break down the real mechanics of career growth: from how bias shapes opportunity, to how self-advocacy, visibility, and quiet influence actually move the needle.

💬 If you’ve ever said:

✔ “I hate self-promotion. Why can’t my work speak for itself?”

✔ “I feel stuck, but I don’t know what to do differently.”

✔ “How do I get noticed without feeling fake?”…this episode is your playbook.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• Why hard work isn’t enough — and what actually is
• How bias and politics shape who gets promoted
• Tactical ways to build influence and get noticed (without cringing)
• How to network and self-advocate without selling out
• Why personal branding matters, even if you’re planning to leave

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 – The Myth of Meritocracy

02:48 – Identity, Bias & Career Advancement

07:56 – Advocating for Yourself Without Feeling Cringe

11:10 – Visibility, Power & Influence16:48 – Networking for People Who Hate It

23:05 – Staying Professional When You’re Over It

31:17 – Why Branding Matters (Even If You’re Leaving)

Follow CJ on Instagram ⁠Here⁠ or LinkedIn ⁠Here⁠

Follow Larone on Instagram ⁠Here⁠

🔑 Keywords: career growth, how to get promoted, workplace bias, meritocracy at work, self-promotion, visibility at work, personal branding, networking strategies, career advancement

Referring someone for a job sounds simple, until your name ends up tied to their performance. In this episode of Work in Progress, Larone and Courtney get into the messy middle of job referrals: when to say yes, when to say no, and how to protect your reputation without burning bridges. Whether it’s a close friend or a former colleague, navigating referrals is a leadership skill — not just a favor.

💬 If you’ve ever wondered:

✔️ “Should I refer this person or stay out of it?”

✔️ “What if they underperform — and it reflects on me?”

✔️ “How do I help people in my network without hurting myself?”…this episode is for you.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• How to vet referral requests (without feeling guilty)
• The power (and risk) of putting your name on someone
• What makes a great referral — and what to avoid
• How 2025 hiring trends are changing referral expectations
• When to prioritize professional integrity over loyalty

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: New Beginnings

02:32 – Navigating Friendship & Professional Lines

05:50 – The Power (and Politics) of Referrals

08:42 – What the Referral Process Really Looks Like

11:35 – Why Skills Matter More Than Good Vibes

14:25 – A Lighthouse Analogy You’ll Actually Remember

17:14 – The Emotional Toll of Recommending People

23:03 – Rethinking Referrals in Job Searches

25:31 – How 2025 Hiring Trends Shift the Game

27:15 – When Referrals Go Wrong3

3:00 – Help Others Without Hurting Your Brand

💡 Bottom line? A job referral is more than a favor — it’s a brand extension. Learn how to say yes (or no) with clarity, confidence, and care.

🎧 Press play, then text this to the one person who’s always asking, “Can you refer me real quick?”🔑

Follow CJ on Instagram ⁠Here⁠ or LinkedIn ⁠Here⁠

Follow Larone on Instagram ⁠Here⁠

Keywords: job referrals, networking, professional reputation, how to refer someone, hiring trends 2025, job search tips, referral politics, workplace boundaries, career decisions