Truth, Lies and Work

Latest Episodes:

113. How to go from Toxic Boss to Human Leader, with Alexis Zahner Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Truth, Lies, and Work, the award winning psychology podcast helping you simplify the science of work.

This episode is part of our special summer series where we bring you interviews with inspiring leaders twice a week throughout July.

Today, we are thrilled to welcome Alexis Zahner, co-founder of Human Leaders. Alexis shares her transformative journey from a high-performing footballer to a toxic workplace competitor and finally, to a human-centric leader committed to fostering workplaces where people thrive.

Her experiences at Patagonia played a pivotal role in shaping her leadership philosophy and inspired her to start Human Leaders.

Key Talking Points:

Alexis's Journey:

From high-level football in Australia to marketing consultant.
Transitioning to leadership roles and the impact of toxic workplace cultures.
Life-changing experience at Patagonia and the realization of a human-centric leadership approach.

Founding Human Leaders:

Establishing a leadership development company.
Focus on supporting teams and creating workplaces where humans thrive.
The importance of self-leadership, emotional wisdom, and empowered agency.

Transformational Leadership:

The shift from task-oriented to human-centric leadership.
Building trust and creating a supportive environment for employees.
The role of feedback and continuous improvement in leadership.

The Power of a Great Workplace:

How positive workplace culture can transform employees' attitudes and performance.
Examples from Alexis's experience at Patagonia.

Human-Centric Leadership Explained:

Definition and benefits of human-centric leadership.
Addressing misconceptions about human-centric approaches.
The balance between productivity and employee well-being.

Self-Leadership:

The importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and empowered agency.
Practical tips for leaders to develop self-leadership skills.

Guest Information:

Alexis Zahner is the co-founder of Human Leaders, a leadership development company dedicated to creating workplaces where humans thrive. Alexis’s work focuses on fostering human-centric leadership and supporting leaders through self-leadership and emotional wisdom.

Find out more: We Are Human Leaders

LinkedIn: Alexis Zahner

Mental Health Support Services:

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful:

Mind: Visit Mind's website for information and support.
Samaritans: If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World).

Contact Us:

Join the Conversation:

We value your insights and questions! Email us at hi@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your thoughts and queries.

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn
Connect with Al on LinkedIn: Al Elliott
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: Leanne Elliott
Email: Hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: Book a Call

Join us on Thursday for another inspiring interview with Cate Luzio, who transitioned from being an MD at major banks to founding one of the fastest-growing networks for managers in the US.

112. What most businesses get WRONG about growth, with Adrian Lomas Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

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

Today, we are joined by Adrian Lomas, a professional EOS Implementer known for his work with the Traction system by Gino Wickman.

Adrian shares his inspiring journey from running a highly successful marketing agency, Blue Leaf, to almost losing it all and bouncing back using the EOS system.

Key Talking Points:

What is EOS?
Adrian's Journey with Blue Leaf:
Core Components of EOS:
Right People, Right Seats:
EOS in Practice:
Adrian's Advice:

Connect with Adrian

Adrian Lomas Website
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianlomas/

Engage with Us:

We value your insights and questions! Email us at hi@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your thoughts and queries.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful:

Mind Website
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World).

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Next Week:

We have the Cate Luzio, who has dedicated her life to helping people in what she calls the messy middle. She spent 20 years at the very top of the finance industry before deciding she wanted to start her own business. She's brutally honest about the ups and downs of starting a worldwide network of professionals.

111: The 6 day workweek, Multitasking Myths & withholding donuts from contractors..? This Week in Work 2nd July 2024 Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the ward-winning psychology podcast that simplifies the science of work.

Hosted by Al and Leanne, this episode dives into the latest news, lively debates, and practical advice for today's workplace.

Whether you're a business leader or just passionate about work culture, there's something here for you.

News Roundup

1. Multitasking Myth

Multitasking is often seen as a productivity booster, but research shows it can actually slow us down, increase stress, and decrease productivity. Experts suggest monotasking as a more effective approach.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/wellbeing/stress/why-multitasking-is-bad-for-your-brain-memory

2. Greece’s Six-Day Working Week

The Greek government has introduced a six-day working week to address population decline and labor shortages. While it offers a 40% pay boost, it has faced backlash from unions and workers who argue it undermines workers’ rights and could lead to exploitation.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/01/greece-introduces-growth-oriented-six-day-working-week

3. Quiet Quitting in the UK

Gallup’s latest report reveals a rise in ‘quiet quitting’ among UK workers due to burnout, toxic management, and lack of meaningful work. This disengagement is costing the UK economy significantly. Experts suggest enhancing workplace culture and employee engagement as solutions.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/three-main-reasons-uk-workers-quietly-quitting-2024

Surprise Segment: Truth or Lie

Leanne Elliott discusses the validity of using body language and micro-expressions to detect lies, with insights from Dr. Ryne Sherman, Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments. While popular culture often exaggerates these methods, there are subtle cues that can be indicative of deception.

Weekly Workplace Surgery

Al Elliott puts listener questions to business psychologist Leanne Elliott, covering topics such as workplace inclusion, employee retention, and fostering a culture of honest feedback.

1. Freelancer Exclusion: Addressing feelings of exclusion when a freelancer is treated differently by the team.

2. Employee Retention: Strategies for small business owners to retain key employees despite limited career progression opportunities.

3. Encouraging Feedback: Creating a culture where team members feel safe to share honest feedback and contribute ideas.

Tune in for practical advice, expert insights, and discussions on creating a better workplace culture.

Join the Conversation:

We value your insights and questions! Email us at hi@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your thoughts and queries.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful:

Mind website
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn
Connect with Al on LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn
Email: Hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: Book a Call

110. What Does a Business Psychologist Actually Do? Featuring Dr Hayley Lewis and Paula Brockwell Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to Truth, Lies and Work! The award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

This week, we’re addressing the elephant in the room and finally asking the question that many of you, at this point, might be afraid to ask:

What is a business psychologist anyway?

Key Talking Points:

What is a business psychologist and how is it different from other types of psychologists?
What do these workplace psychologists do?
How do I pick a credible expert?
What should I expect working with a business psychologist?
Case Study: A brief case study of a culture change, and an example of how not to do it, brought to you, perhaps ironically, by the British Psychological Society.

Guest Information:

To help us answer these questions and more, we're thrilled to welcome Dr Hayley Lewis and Paula Brockwell to the show.

Dr. Hayley Lewis:

Dr. Hayley Lewis is a chartered Occupational Psychologist and coaching psychologist who specialises in leadership development. She is also famous for her sketch notes, simplifying complex psychological concepts one doodle at a time! Find out more and connect with Hayley here:

Website: halopsychology.com
LinkedIn: Hayley Lewis
Twitter (X): @Haypsych
Instagram: @haypsych

Paula Brockwell:

Paula Brockwell is a chartered Occupational Psychologist and expert in organisational culture and employee experience. She offers invaluable insights into impactful culture changes and addressing root causes of workplace issues. Find out more and connect with Paul here:

LinkedIn: Paula Brockwell
Website: theexproject.com
EX Index Report: EX Index Report

Join the Conversation:

We value your insights and questions! Email us at hi@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your thoughts and queries.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful:

Mind website
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World).

Connect with Al and Leanne:

109. Hero Tax, Creepy Co-Workers and When is a Pilot Too Old to Fly? This Week in Work 25th June 2024 Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the ward-winning psychology podcast that simplifies the science of work.

Hosted by Al and Leanne, this episode dives into the latest news, lively debates, and practical advice for today's workplace.

Whether you're a business leader or just passionate about work culture, there's something here for you.

Key Talking Points:

1: News Roundup

Hero Tax: Why Heroic Jobs Earn Less Money

We discuss the "Hero Tax" phenomenon. Why do jobs perceived as heroic, like firefighters and teachers, often receive lower pay? What does this say about societal values and workplace policies?

Top Traits of 10/10 Candidates

What makes a top leader? Adriane Schwager, CEO of GrowthAssistant, shares five essential traits: hyper-competence, self-awareness, versatility, problem-solving skills, and resilience.

The Retirement Age Debate

Should the retirement age be raised? We analyze the implications for various professions as more Americans approach retirement.

2: Truth or Lie?1

Are Motivational Quotes Really Motivating?

In our new segment, we take on pop psychology trends and ask our audience if they hold true through LinkedIn polls. This week, we explore whether motivational quotes genuinely motivate people or if they’re just fluff.

Tune in to hear the results. Want to get involved? Share your thoughts on our LinkedIn page and join the conversation.

3: Weekly Workplace Surgery

Handling Uncomfortable Coworkers

Ever had a coworker make inappropriate comments? We offer advice on whether to report the behavior or continue avoiding them.

Summer Fridays: Perks at Risk

Worried about losing your summer Fridays? We discuss strategies for addressing changes in promised perks. How would you handle this?

Setting Boundaries at Work

Are you struggling to maintain professionalism while avoiding personal drama? We share tips for setting clear boundaries. How do you set boundaries in your workplace?

Join the Conversation:

We value your insights and questions! Email us at hi@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your thoughts and queries.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful:

Mind website
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn
Connect with Al on LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn
Email: Hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: Book a Call

108. How to Survive the Darkest Jobs, with Dimple Dhabalia Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

Warning: This episodes contains themes that some listeners may find challenging, including adverse mental health, sexual abuse and suicide. We have provided a list of support services below.

Welcome to another episode of Truth, Lies & Work.

In this episode, Al and Leanne dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Dimple Dhabalia, founder of Roots in the Clouds.

Dimple is a writer, podcaster, coach, and facilitator with over 20 years of public service experience.

She shares her insights on using storytelling to heal individual and organisational trauma, particularly focusing on her work with refugees and the humanitarian sector.

Key Talking Points:

Introduction to Dimple and Her Work:
Understanding Organisational Trauma and Moral Injury:
Exploring Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care:
The Hotel Room Breakdown:
Shame and Martyrdom in Humanitarian Work:
Implementing Mindfulness and Positive Psychology:
Practical Steps for Leaders:

Connect with Dimple:

LinkedIn, Instagram and X: @dimpstory

Read Dimple's book: www.rootsintheclouds.com/tmms

More about Dimple and Roots in the Clouds: www.rootsintheclouds.com

Dimple In the Media: https://www.rootsintheclouds.com/in-the-media

Podcasts:

Service Without Sacrifice: https://pod.link/1720788849
What Would Ted Lasso Do?: https://pod.link/1620229368

Join the Conversation:

We value your insights and questions! Email us at hi@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your thoughts and queries.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful:

Mind website
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World).

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn
Connect with Al on LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn
Email: Hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a Call with Al & Leanne

Enjoy the episode and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

107. Adam Grant on Hybrid Working, Dealing with Burnout AND Hugging Trees..? This Week in Work 18th June 2024 Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

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

Join your hosts, business psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they delve into the latest workplace trends, insights, and tips to help you create an amazing work environment.

Segment 1: News Roundup

This week’s news roundup kicks off with an intriguing new concept: Forest Bathing.

We also discuss a recent tweet by Adam Grant highlighting the benefits of hybrid working.

Lastly, as Pride Month continues, we explore the financial challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. From securing stable housing to healthcare costs, we discuss the importance of financial well-being and its impact on this community.

Segment 2: Book Club

This week, Leanne recommends "The Psychology of Secrets: My Adventures with Murders, Cults, and Influencers" by Andrew Gold. This fascinating book dives into why we keep secrets and their psychological impact, featuring stories from cult leaders to everyday people.

Al’s pick is "Find Your Yellow Tux" by Jesse Cole, the owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team. This book offers excellent marketing advice and emphasizes the importance of discovering what makes you unique.

Segment 3: Workplace Surgery

Building Rapport in a New Leadership Role: A listener recently started a new leadership role and seeks advice on building rapport with a tenured team across three locations.
Dealing with Burnout: Another listener shares their struggle with balancing work and social life, leading to burnout.
Success: Logic or Manifestation? We explore the debate between using logical decision-making versus manifestation and personal development for achieving success.

Join the Conversation:

We value your insights and questions! Email us at hi@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your thoughts and queries.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful:

Mind website: Mind
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work
Connect with Al on LinkedIn: Al Elliott
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: Leanne Elliott
Email: Hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: Book a Call

106. "I pay ALL my staff $210K a year": How Geoff Roberts is transforming work Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

Join hosts Leanne Elliott, a Business Psychologist, and Al Elliott, a Business Owner, as they delve into a fascinating conversation with Geoff Roberts, Co-founder of Outseta.

In this episode, we explore Outseta's unique compensation model, where all employees earn $210,000 per year, have flexible work schedules, and receive equity at the same rate as the co-founders.

Key Talking Points:

Introduction to Geoff Roberts and Outseta
Geoff's background and experience in SaaS and membership businesses
The concept of Outseta's "choose your own adventure" compensation model
Detailed explanation of the $210,000 annual salary for all employees
Benefits and challenges of this compensation model
Impact on employee motivation, retention, and company culture
Geoff's insights on flexibility and autonomy in the workplace
Advice for other business owners considering a similar approach
Future plans for Outseta and Geoff's vision for the business

Connect with Geoff:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrobertsmarketing/

Outseta Website: https://www.outseta.com/

Follow Geoff on X: https://x.com/GeoffTRoberts

Join the Conversation:

We value your insights and questions! Email us at hi@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our LinkedIn Page to share your thoughts and queries.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.

Mind website: Mind
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
Connect with Al on LinkedIn: Al Elliott LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: Leanne Elliott LinkedIn
Email: Hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: Book a Call

105. Election Anxiety, Interpreting Dreams PLUS Are Your Friends Holding you Back? - This Week in Work, 11th June 2024 Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of "Truth, Lies, and Work," the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. This week, Leanne and Al dive into the latest trends and challenges in the workplace, explore the fascinating insights of our summer book club pick, and tackle your pressing workplace questions in the Weekly Workplace Surgery.

Key Talking Points:

News Roundup:

Moonlighting and the Cost of Living Crisis: Leanne discusses ongoing conversations on LinkedIn about the increasing necessity of side hustles and moonlighting due to stagnant real wages and the disparity between CEO and average worker pay. Pew Research, Economic Policy Institute.
Gen Z Career Trends: Al explores new research showing that Gen Z is increasingly taking on founder roles and gravitating towards traditional careers like education over tech. The reasons behind this shift and the potential impact on the job market are examined.
Leanne highlights the concept of "election stress disorder," coined by psychologist Steven Stosny, and discusses how election periods can significantly increase stress and anxiety among employees. The discussion includes tips from Headspace on how to manage this stress. Headspace Article.

Summer Book Club:

This Is Why You Dream by Dr. Rahul Jandial: Leanne and Al introduce the first pick of their summer book club. This book explores the critical role of dreaming in our lives, including emotional regulation, memory processing, creativity, and even foreseeing mental and physical ailments. Amazon Link.

Weekly Workplace Surgery:

Meeting Invite Concerns: A listener worries about a cryptic meeting invite from HR and its potential implications.
Leaving a Micromanager: Advice on how to explain leaving a job due to a micromanager during interviews.
Managing Your Circle: Strategies for surrounding yourself with empowering individuals and minimising negative influences.

Join the Conversation:

We value your insights and questions! Email us at hi@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your thoughts and queries.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful:

Mind website: Mind
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World).

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: Truth, Lies, and Work
Connect with Al on LinkedIn: Al Elliott
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: Leanne Elliott
Email: Hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: Oblong HQ

104. The Lonely Leader - 3 biggest challenges of leading a growing organisation Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Truth, Lies and Work, the award-winning psychology podcast dedicated to simplifying the science of work.

Hosted by business psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this episode dives into the challenges of leading a growing organisation.

Today, we are joined by Jonathan Bennett, an executive coach, trusted advisor, and author of seven books. Jonathan has extensive experience working with founders and CEOs across North America, with expertise in social purpose business strategy, governance, branding, change, and communications.

Key Talking Points:

The Lonely Leader: Jonathan Bennett discusses the onset of loneliness for leaders and the challenges in sharing information with employees, investors, and personal contacts. He emphasizes the importance of having a coach or trusted advisor to navigate these challenges.
The Valley of Death: Jonathan explains the significant hurdles in organisational growth, particularly around the stage of 10-12 employees. He highlights the necessity of professionalising management structures and implementing systems for sustainable growth.
The Selfless Path: Jonathan talks about creating a psychologically safe workplace and the importance of proper onboarding and long-term integration of new employees. He also discusses the balance between being a supportive manager and avoiding becoming an "umbrella manager."

Find Out More:

Follow Jonathan on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/bennettjonathan
Learn more about Jonathan's services - ClearlyThen.com

Next Week's Episode:

Geoff Roberts, co-owner of Outseta, discusses his unique business model where everyone earns $210,000 a year and can work wherever they want.

Join the Conversation:

We value your insights and questions! Email us at hi@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your thoughts and queries.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful:

Mind website
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World).

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Welcome to Truth, Lies, and Work, the award winning psychology podcast helping you simplify the science of work.

Key Talking Points:

Guest Information:

Mental Health Support Services:

Contact Us:

News Roundup

Surprise Segment: Truth or Lie

Weekly Workplace Surgery

Join the Conversation:

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Key Talking Points:

Join the Conversation:

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Key Talking Points:

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Key Talking Points:

Connect with Geoff:

Join the Conversation:

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

Connect with Al and Leanne:

Key Talking Points:

Find Out More:

Next Week's Episode:

Join the Conversation:

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being:

Connect with Al and Leanne:

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