Truth, Lies and Work

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. This week we’re asking: how prepared are workplaces for real life transitions, what happens when AI becomes your colleague, and does your name secretly shape your career? 🔥 Stories covered Matrescence: the workplace transition nobody plans for Leanne introduces a word we should all know: matrescence. Similar to adolescence, it describes the emotional, psychological and identity shift that happens when someone becomes a mother. This is one of the most significant transitions in a woman’s career, yet it’s rarely reflected in performance systems, leadership pathways or job design. The question for organisations is simple: instead of asking people to return unchanged, how can we support them to grow forward? Follow the research: https://www.instagram.com/microrosie/ Follow Rose on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-soffel/ 2. The AI that called its owner while he was sleeping A developer created an AI agent that can run a computer, read emails, organise files and complete work independently. Then things escalated. Users began connecting their agents together through a platform called MoltBook, a social network for AI agents to share ideas and improve each other. If AI can do eight hours of work in minutes, what does productivity mean? And what happens when the AI isn’t the company’s tool, but your personal one? Read more:https://openclaw.ai/https://www.moltbook.com/ 3. The biggest workplace problem in 2026 isn’t pay or burnout. It’s managers. A new SHRM report based on thousands of HR leaders and employees found ineffective leadership has overtaken pay and workload as the top workplace concern. In organisations rated ineffective, job satisfaction falls to 44%. In effective workplaces it rises to 91%, and more than half of employees in poorly led organisations expect to leave within a year. Leadership development is now the top priority for HR leaders, with economic uncertainty and AI adoption adding pressure. The message is clear: workplaces don’t fail because people don’t care. They fail because leadership systems don’t support people properly. Read the report: https://www.webpronews.com/boss-bottleneck-why-leadership-tops-2026-workplace-woes/ 🔥 Truth or LieDoes your name influence your career? Nominative determinism suggests people are drawn to jobs that match their names. Early research hinted at a small effect, but larger modern studies found the link disappears when you control for demographics and chance. Verdict: Lie. Your brain loves coincidences, but your career is not written in your name. 💬 Workplace Surgery This week we tackle: • Why personality tools like DiSC remain popular despite weak evidence • Whether small businesses should hire younger workers • How to stand out when starting a career in occupational psychology 🎧 Coming up Thursday We’re joined by Steve Kemish to talk about the “puberty of organisations” and what happens when teams grow fast. 💬 Connect with the show Website: https://truthliesandwork.com Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork Hosts Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alelliott/ Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneelliott/ 🧠 Mental health support UK & ROI: Samaritans – 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org US: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 988 https://988lifeline.org Australia: Lifeline – 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au Global: https://findahelpline.com

Why do so many change initiatives, town halls and big launches create excitement and then fade with no real behaviour change? In this episode of Truth, Lies & Work, Al and Leanne speak with Lindsey Caplan, a former Hollywood screenwriter turned organisational psychologist, about why leaders struggle to influence groups at work and what actually works instead. Lindsey shares the MOVED Model, a practical framework for driving engagement, influencing behaviour and communicating change in a way that sticks. If you lead teams, present ideas, manage projects or drive transformation, this episode explains why information alone never creates change and what does. What you’ll learn Why most workplace change fails Many organisations fall into the transmission trap: the belief that more information leads to better results. More slides, more frameworks and more meetings rarely change behaviour. Real change happens when people feel involved, motivated and emotionally connected. Informing vs influencing at work Influencing one person is very different from influencing a group. Leaders often assume employees are already motivated and aligned, but many are neutral, cautious or distracted. Real change begins with a better question: What do we need people to do differently? Not: What do we need to tell them? The MOVED Model explained Lindsey’s framework maps how leaders try to influence behaviour using two key dimensions. Push vs Pull: is change being done to people or with people? Generic vs Personalised: is the message broad or relevant to individuals? These create four outcomes: compliance, awareness, entertainment and engagement. Most organisations aim for engagement but accidentally design for compliance. What Taylor Swift can teach leaders Great performers design experiences that involve their audience. Leaders can do the same by giving people a role in the change, creating curiosity with a central question, sharing emotion as well as expertise and showing why the change matters to employees. The message is simple: perform with people, not at people. Practical leadership takeaways Decide the behaviour you want before designing the message. Pull people into change instead of pushing information at them. Stop saying “I’m excited about this change” and explain why employees should be. Resources and links Take the MOVED Model quiz: https://www.gatheringeffect.com/quiz Connect with Lindsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseycaplan/ Connect with Truth, Lies & Work Website: https://truthliesandwork.com Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork Connect with the hosts Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alelliott/ Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneelliott/ Mental health support UK & ROI: Samaritans – 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org US: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 988 https://988lifeline.org Australia: Lifeline – 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au Global support: https://findahelpline.com

A LinkedIn Live conversation on money confidence, risk and the future of careers Over the last few years, work has quietly shifted from ambition to survival. Rising living costs, economic uncertainty, layoffs and AI have changed how people make career decisions. Instead of taking risks or pursuing meaningful work, many are staying put not because they want to, but because it feels safer to stay. The media has called this the Big Stay or job-hugging. Why these two perspectives together Louise and Ruth operate at different, but deeply connected, points in the system. Louise works at the earliest stage, where money beliefs, habits and confidence are formed in childhood and adolescence. Ruth works at the adult decision-making stage, where financial confidence shapes career risk-taking, leadership progression, entrepreneurship and long-term wellbeing. Together, they offer an end-to-end view of how money confidence shapes working lives. Why money confidence often matters more than income when it comes to career choices How financial insecurity quietly shapes promotions, leadership ambition and risk-taking Why people from less affluent backgrounds are less likely to take career risks, even when highly capable How early money beliefs follow people into adulthood and the workplace Why financial wellbeing is the most neglected pillar of workplace wellbeing What leaders and organisations can do to reduce fear-driven decision-making without being intrusive What you’ll learn in this episode This conversation reframes financial literacy not as budgeting or products, but as freedom, confidence and optionality. Money confidence influences: Who feels able to negotiate, speak up or take risks Who progresses into leadership roles Who starts businesses or new ventures Who opts out, plays safe or stays stuck Why this matters for leaders and organisations For leaders concerned about engagement, retention, wellbeing, DEI and social mobility, this episode highlights a hidden but powerful driver of workplace behaviour. About our guests Louise Hill Co-founder of GoHenry, a financial education platform helping children and young people build money confidence from an early age. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-hill-5197614/ 🔗 GoHenry: https://www.gohenry.com Ruth Handcock CEO of Octopus Money, supporting adults and employees to make confident financial decisions about work, life and the future. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-handcock-obe-71b3656/ 🔗 Octopus Money: https://octopusmoney.com 🎧 Who this episode is for Leaders and managers worried about engagement, retention and risk-aversion HR and People teams focused on wellbeing, DEI and social mobility Parents thinking about the long-term impact of money conversations at home Employees feeling cautious, stuck or unable to take career risks Founders and policymakers interested in innovation and economic participation 💬 Connect with Truth, Lies & Work Website: https://truthliesandwork.com Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork Connect with the hosts Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alelliott/ Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneelliott/ 🧠 Mental health support If this conversation brings anything up for you: UK & ROI: Samaritans — 116 123 | https://www.samaritans.org US: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 988 | https://988lifeline.org Australia: Lifeline — 13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au Elsewhere: https://findahelpline.com

What happens when two art students fall in love, start freelancing together, and accidentally build one of the UK's happiest creative brand agencies? In this episode of Truth, Lies & Work, we're joined by Gemma Ruse and Xavier Shariff, the husband-and-wife co-founders of Studio Zag, a 60-person agency that designs and builds experiential installations for brands all over the world. STUDIO XAG: https://studioxag.com/ Gemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-ruse-646979a Xavier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavier-sheriff-49091132 Ellie Glason PR: https://ellieglasonpr.com/ They met at 20 in a house share at Central Saint Martins. They've been together for over 20 years, running Studio Zag together for 16 of those. They've clad a 35-metre boombox onto Diesel's Carnaby Street facade, become a certified B Corp, and built a business where people regularly say: "This is and will always be the best place I've ever worked." This isn't a story about having it all figured out. It's about trusting your gut, knowing when enough is enough, and building culture through brilliant work — not ping pong tables. What you'll learn in this episode Why they never planned to work together (and why it works anyway) How complementary skills matter more than identical visions Why "disagree in the room, commit outside the room" is their partnership rule The difference between forced fun and authentic culture Why they don't want to grow from 60 to 600 people (and what that says about sustainable business) How trust your gut feeling actually works as a leadership strategy Why great work IS culture (and how they keep that red thread of attention to detail at scale) What it means when people say your agency is, "the best place you've ever worked" Gemma and Xavier are brutally honest about the realities of building a creative business with your life partner: the complementary strengths, the stubborn moments, and why sometimes the best business advice is to ask yourself: "What does this feel like in my stomach?" 💬 Connect with Truth, Lies & Work Website: ⁠https://truthliesandwork.com⁠ Email: ⁠hello@truthliesandwork.com⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork⁠ Al Elliott: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alelliott/⁠ Leanne Elliott: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneelliott/⁠ 🧠 Mental health support If this conversation brings anything up for you or someone you care about: UK & ROI: Samaritans — 116 123 | ⁠https://www.samaritans.org⁠ US: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 988 | ⁠https://988lifeline.org⁠ Australia: Lifeline — 13 11 14 | ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠ Elsewhere: ⁠https://findahelpline.com

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work — the podcast where behavioural science meets real working life. This week, we’re asking a simple question with uncomfortable answers: who really gets flexibility, who’s trusted around AI, and what psychology myths are still shaping work decisions? 🔥 Stories covered 1. Who actually gets flexible work — and why Leanne introduces a new term this week: i-deals — short for idiosyncratic deals. These are personalised, one-to-one flexibility arrangements negotiated privately between employees and managers. 📄 Research source:https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/joop.70084 2. When corporate politics becomes the real job Al brings a thread from X this week by an account called IT_Unprofessional, written by an IT Director earning around $280k a year. He describes what he calls a “corporate survival guide” — not about technical excellence, but about navigating power, perception and incentives. 3. Why banks are hiring behavioural scientists for AI roles After one of the toughest recruitment years since 2008, UK financial services firms are hiring again — and not just technologists. The concern isn’t AI failure. It’s human behaviour around AI — over-trust, automation bias, and quiet deference to systems that sound confident but may be wrong. 🔗 Reporting:https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/banks-ai-experts-worried-misuse-5HjdRJS_2/ 🔥 Truth or Lie💬 People learn better when teaching matches their learning style Visual learner. Auditory learner. Kinaesthetic learner. The idea is everywhere. Leanne breaks down decades of evidence and explains: Preferences exist Enjoyment increases when preferences are met Learning outcomes do not reliably improve The verdict: Lie. What matters is the material, not the learner label. And learning that feels harder is often more effective. Workplace Surgery This week we tackle: How to motivate a team nearing retirement without patronising them What to do when a career coach crosses ethical lines Whether employee NPS is a meaningful measure of engagement We explore motivation, power, boundaries and what good evidence actually supports. 🎧 Coming up Thursday We’re joined by Gemma Ruse and Xavier Sheriff, co-founders of Studio XAG, to talk about building a people-first agency, becoming a B Corp, and what it’s really like running a business with the person you’re married to. 💬 Connect with Truth, Lies & Work Website: https://truthliesandwork.com Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork Connect with the hosts Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alelliott/ Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneelliott/ 🧠 Mental health support UK & ROI: Samaritans — 116 123 | https://www.samaritans.org US: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 988 | https://988lifeline.org Australia: Lifeline — 13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au Elsewhere: https://findahelpline.com

What do late-night comedy writers know about trust, influence, and human connection that most business leaders don’t? In this episode of Truth, Lies & Work, we’re joined by Beth Sherman — a seven-time Emmy-winning comedy writer who spent three decades in Hollywood writers’ rooms before taking what she learned into the world of business. Beth has written for The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Oscars. Today, she works with leaders, sales teams, and organisations who want to build trust quickly, communicate with confidence, and connect more humanly at work. This is not about telling jokes in meetings. It’s about understanding why humour works, how truth creates connection, and why the most effective communicators are the most observant — not the funniest. What you’ll learn in this episode Why “truth is funny” — and what that reveals about trust and rapport The difference between self-awareness and self-deprecation (and why confusing the two damages credibility) How humour creates psychological safety without undermining authority Why being human matters more as work becomes more automated and AI-driven How observational humour helps in sales, leadership, presentations, and difficult conversations Why you don’t need to be funny — you need to be emotionally intelligent and observant Beth explains how comedians build instant rapport with strangers, and why those same principles are powerful in boardrooms, client meetings, and tense workplace moments. Why this matters for leaders and teams In a world where people can buy similar products, services, and solutions anywhere, relationships are the differentiator. Humour, when used properly, signals: Awareness of the room Confidence without ego Safety without softness Humanity without oversharing Beth’s work shows that humour isn’t about performance. It’s about connection — and connection is the foundation of trust, influence, and persuasion at work. About our guest Beth Sherman is a comedian, keynote speaker, and communication expert. She spent over 30 years writing comedy at the highest level before translating those principles into practical tools for business leaders. Her upcoming book is published by Blue Goat Books. 🔗 Beth Sherman website: https://www.bethsherman.com/ 🔗 Beth Sherman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-sherman/ 🎧 Listen if you’re… A leader who wants to build trust without forcing charisma In sales or marketing and tired of scripts that feel inauthentic Giving presentations and feeling pressure to “perform” Curious about the psychology of humour and human connection Navigating communication in an increasingly automated workplace 💬 Connect with Truth, Lies & Work Website: https://truthliesandwork.com Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alelliott/ Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneelliott/ 🧠 Mental health support If this conversation brings anything up for you or someone you care about: UK & ROI: Samaritans — 116 123 | https://www.samaritans.org US: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 988 | https://988lifeline.org Australia: Lifeline — 13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au Elsewhere: https://findahelpline.com

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. This week we’re exploring what employees and leaders are really looking for at work right now — and how it’s shaping leadership behaviour, burnout, employee wellbeing, and workplace culture. 🔥 Stories covered Why are Gen Z leaving jobs so quickly? According to a Fast Company article by Jeff LeBlanc, Gen Z workers aren’t job-hopping out of disloyalty. They’re growth hunting. The research shows: Nearly half of Gen Z plan to leave roles for better growth, not higher pay 86% won’t upskill without employer funding 43% feel too burnt out to learn outside work hours Cost, not motivation, is the biggest barrier to development This reflects a wider shift in workplace expectations. When organisations talk about growth but don’t support it structurally, people move on. Gen Z isn’t rejecting work — they’re rejecting stagnation. 🔗 https://www.fastcompany.com/91452297/the-rise-of-growth-hunting-why-gen-z-changes-jobs-so-oftengenz-job-hopping Jeff previously joined Truth, Lies & Work to discuss Gen Z, burnout, and leadership psychology: https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/207-what-happens-when-leaders-start-being-kind-with-jeff-leblanc You can also explore his book Engaged Empathy Leadership for practical, science-backed management advice: https://www.amazon.com/Engaged-Empathy-Leadership-Redefining-Action-ebook/dp/B0FCGSC48C Does complaining at work make teams less resilient? Research highlighted by Stanford suggests that repeated complaining rewires the brain. Over time: Neural pathways linked to stress and threat detection strengthen Baseline stress levels rise Small irritations feel bigger Negativity becomes automatic For leaders, this matters. Teams that normalise constant complaining may unintentionally reduce resilience, decision-making quality, and psychological safety. 🔗 https://x.com/shiningscience/status/2013113758386987099 What employee wellbeing benefits actually reduce burnout? After a LinkedIn post went viral, Slate introduced a $200 monthly cleaning stipend for employees. Why this matters for employee wellbeing: It removes friction instead of adding effort It gives people time and mental space back It supports carers and those under chronic time pressure Research consistently links cluttered environments to higher stress This reframes wellbeing away from “one more thing to do” and towards burnout prevention. 🔗 https://fortune.com/2026/01/15/company-adds-cleaning-services-as-employee-benefit-what-hr-leaders-can-learn/ 🔥 Truth or Lie Can you manifest success just by visualising it? Lie — if it’s about imagining outcomes alone.Truth — when visualisation is used to plan actions and effort. Psychology shows visualising the process increases follow-through. Imagining success without action often reduces motivation. 💬 Workplace Surgery — practical management advice This week we answer: What’s the earliest sign of burnout before someone admits it? Is it genuinely hard to find a good manager? If you hate your job and feel stuck, what’s the first practical step? 🎧 Coming up Thursday We’re joined by Beth Sherman to explore how humour builds trust, rapport, and confident decision-making at work. 💬 Connect with Truth, Lies & Work Website: https://truthliesandwork.com Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alelliott/ Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneelliott/ 🧠 Mental health support UK & ROI: Samaritans — 116 123 | https://www.samaritans.org US: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 988 | https://988lifeline.org Australia: Lifeline — 13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au Elsewhere: https://findahelpline.com

Most founders pride themselves on being “high-capacity”. The person who can sell, operate, strategise, and firefight all at once. But there’s a point where that strength quietly becomes the problem. In this episode, Al and Leanne are joined by Dustin Hillis, a serial entrepreneur and executive coach who has led businesses from early-stage chaos through to $100m-plus scale, and is now building again at a much bigger level. Dustin’s core message is simple, but uncomfortable:what gets you to your first milestone will not get you to the next one. Unless leaders change how they work, think, and let go, they become the bottleneck that holds everything back. This is a long-form, honest conversation about growth, power, systems, and the emotional reality of leadership that rarely gets talked about. 🔍 What you’ll learn in this episode Why working harder eventually stops working, and what replaces it How leaders unintentionally burn out their best people by turning them into “catch-alls” Why systems don’t kill creativity, but reduce fear and create capacity What actually changes at £1m, £10m, £100m and beyond The power dynamics that quietly derail teams as money and authority increase Why “pruning” underperformance is painful but essential for healthy cultures How to stop being the centre of everything without losing control Dustin acts as a guide through the messy middle of growth, grounded in lived experience rather than theory. 📘 About the book Dustin is the author of Capacity: Building Your Business Bigger Than You, a practical exploration of how leaders build organisations that no longer depend on them to function. 🔗 Connect with Dustin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinhillis/ Website: https://dustinhillis.com 💬 Connect with the hosts Al Elliotthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alelliott/ Leanne Elliotthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leanneelliott/ 🎧 Connect with Truth, Lies & Work Website: https://truthliesandwork.com Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork Have a workplace dilemma or question? Get in touch — it may feature in a future episode. 🧠 Mental health support If this episode brings up difficult feelings, support is available: UK: Samaritans — call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org US: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org Australia: Lifeline — call 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au Elsewhere: https://findahelpline.com

January blues are back — but is Blue Monday actually real? In this episode of Truth, Lies & Work, we explore wintering, career pivots, and what behavioural science really says about mood, motivation and burnout at work during January. If the start of the year feels heavy, flat or strangely exhausting, you’re not alone. Instead of pushing harder, this week we ask a different question: what if slowing down is the smarter response? 🔥 Stories Covered Word of the Week: Wintering We unpack the idea of wintering, coined by author Katherine May, which reframes winter as a period of restoration rather than something to “power through”. Drawing on coverage in The Times and insights from clinical psychologist Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald, we explore why January might not be the time for big life changes — and how seasonal rhythms, cold exposure, warm food rituals and gentler movement can help regulate mood and energy. Links:https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/article/january-blues-cure-wintering-tkxhxwkskhttps://katherine-may.co.uk/winteringhttps://www.penguin.co.uk/books/472162/the-gifts-of-winter-by-fitzgerald-dr-stephanie/9780241779576 When is it really time for a career pivot? We look at new thinking on how to tell the difference between genuine readiness for change and endless rumination. With careers becoming less predictable and many people stuck in the “Big Stay”, we explore why job-hugging is rising — and how understanding your real strengths can help you spot when fit has genuinely broken down. Link:https://www.fastcompany.com/91462109/how-tell-time-career-pivot Mattel launches its first autistic Barbie Mattel has introduced its first autistic Barbie, developed with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Thoughtful design choices around sensory comfort, communication and representation open up a bigger conversation about inclusion, neurodiversity and what people grow up seeing as “normal” — and how that shapes expectations at work. Links:https://corporate.mattel.com/news/barbie-introduces-the-first-autistic-barbie-doll-championing-representation-for-children-through-playhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-cygielman-7a912412/ 🧠 Truth or Lie: Is Blue Monday real? Every January, we’re told there’s a single Monday that’s the most depressing day of the year. It sounds scientific. It feels believable. But does it stand up to evidence? We break down where Blue Monday came from, what research actually says about winter mood, money stress, Mondays and post-holiday crashes — and where the idea falls apart. Verdict: Blue Monday as a specific date is a lie. January strain and winter pressure are very real. 💬 Workplace Surgery This week we answer: What actually works in a company culture diagnostic beyond satisfaction surveys? How do you build a genuinely high-performance team without burning people out? If your policies support work-life balance but staff say otherwise, what’s missing? 🎧 Coming up Thursday A brand-new expert interview with Beth Sherman, comedian and seven-time Emmy Award-winning writer, on how humour builds trust, rapport and confident decision-making at work. 📬 Get in touch with the show Have a question for Workplace Surgery or feedback on the episode? LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Website: https://truthliesandwork.com/ 💚 Mental wellbeing support If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential help is available: Samaritans (UK & Ireland): 116 123 Mind (England & Wales): 0300 102 1234 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988 Find A Helpline (Global): https://findahelpline.com/

This week on Truth, Lies & Work, Al and Leanne sit down with Dr Matt Poepsel, Marine veteran, author and the self-proclaimed Godfather of Talent Optimization at The Predictive Index. In a world shaped by burnout, uncertainty and rapid AI disruption, Matt argues that many organisations are facing a “hope crisis” – and it is quietly draining performance, motivation and leadership effectiveness. What We Cover Matt explains why hope is not fluffy positivity but a measurable psychological skill linked directly to job performance, resilience and team culture. Drawing on Snyder’s Hope Theory, he shows how two components – agency (belief you can influence outcomes) and pathways (seeing the concrete steps to succeed) – determine whether people stay engaged or slip into autopilot. We also explore why so many teams are struggling: years of instability, constant change and leaders who unknowingly remove autonomy or fail to explain the path forward. Matt shares practical ways leaders can rebuild hope by creating clarity, showing people where they fit, and setting ambitious but achievable goals. The conversation moves into modern leadership, where AI automates admin but heightens the importance of human connection, psychological safety and real alignment. Matt introduces his concept of Enlightened Leadership – a shift away from outdated command-and-control approaches toward a more selfless, purpose-driven model that balances technology with humanity. If you lead people, manage teams or want to stay ahead in a rapidly changing workplace, this episode offers concrete actions to build engagement, performance and wellbeing in 2026 and beyond. Why hope predicts job performance as strongly as intelligence How burnout, bureaucracy and unclear goals quietly erode hope The difference between hope, optimism and positivity Why new beginnings generate motivation and why post-achievement crashes happen How leaders can use agency and pathways to rebuild engagement Why AI makes human leadership a competitive advantage What Enlightened Leadership looks like in practice How to measure hope inside your organisation Why hope becomes contagious when leaders model it Connect with Matt Poepsel 🌐 Website: https://mattpoepsel.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel 🎧 Podcast: Lead the People – https://www.mattpoepsel.com/podcasts/lead-the-people Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Website: https://truthliesandwork.com/ Mental Health Support Samaritans (UK & Ireland) – 116 123Mind (England & Wales) – 0300 102 1234988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) – Call or text 988Find A Helpline (Global) – https://findahelpline.com/

This week, we're sharing a special feed drop from Great Mondays Radio! Our very own Chartered Occupational Psychologist, Leanne Elliott, takes the guest chair as host Josh Levine (Work Futurist, author, and culture consultant) interviews her on creating amazing workplaces. In this candid conversation, Leanne and Josh dismantle the myths around company culture and redefine it as a strategic, business-critical system rooted in behavioral science. If you're tired of treating culture as a "nice-to-have" or a collection of perks, this episode is a must-listen for business leaders, managers, and HR professionals. 🧠 What We Cover: A Clear Definition of Culture: Leanne shares her preferred definition of culture by John Amaechi: "The worst behaviors tolerated." This makes culture behavior-based and is a living, breathing thing that everyone can be responsible for. The Biggest Misunderstanding: Why do business leaders mistakenly think culture is something physical (like a cool office, ping-pong table, or the general vibe around the place) rather than something psychological and scientific? Moving Beyond Fluff: All the data and science show that building an awesome workplace is fundamentally good for business. It's great for the bottom line, customers, and growth trajectory. The Right Data: Leanne advocates for collecting data on psychosocial risk factors (relationships, control over work, trust, resources, change management) because they are transactional elements that directly impact how people think, feel, and behave. Innovation vs. Efficiency: An organization's strategy (e.g., chasing efficiency vs. relying on innovation) dictates which psychosocial factors to prioritize. For example, innovation requires nurturing psychological safety to allow people to make mistakes safely. Building Internal Capability: Building internal capability for people and culture is critical for survival in the next decade due to increasing complexity and the rate of change. A C-level leader must own this responsibility. 🛠️ Practical Resources Oblong Consultancy (Leanne Elliott's Company) Website: https://oblonghq.com/ HSE Management Standards (UK Health and Safety Executive) Leanne recommends this completely free resource for understanding and measuring key psychosocial risk factors at work. Website: https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne (Truth, Lies & Work) LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Podcast Website: https://truthliesandwork.com/ Connect with Josh Levine (Guest Host): Connect with Josh Levine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akajoshlevine Follow Josh on Instagram: @greatmondays_culturedesign Great Mondays website: https://greatmondays.com Great Mondays Radio: https://radio.greatmondays.com Great Mondays YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GreatMondays Get the book "Great Mondays" at greatmondays.com 💚 Mental Health Support Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please reach out to one of the following confidential services: Samaritans (UK & Ireland) - Emotional support for anyone struggling to cope, available 24/7. Call: 116 123 (Free, 24/7) Mind (England & Wales) - Advice and support for mental health problems. Phone: 0300 102 1234 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US-based) - Confidential, free, 24/7/365 support for those in crisis. Call or Text: 988 (24/7) Find A Helpline (Global) - Connects users to over 1,600 free and confidential support resources worldwide. Website: https://findahelpline.com/

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work. This is part two of our Predictions 2026 series, where we ask leaders, researchers and thinkers what they believe is coming our way next year. If part one was warm and reflective, part two brings the heat! 🧠 What We Cover: The Big Predictions for 2026 Hybrid Will Fracture Before It Settles – Professors Ina Purvanova & Alanah Mitchell The authors of The New Workplace predict deeper relational fractures across hybrid teams. As employees split across offices, homes and third spaces, meaningful connection weakens and culture becomes harder to sustain. Expect more intentional design, stronger tech integration and a rising demand for purpose and meaning as AI reshapes traditional work. More of the Same… but With More Pressure – Danny Wareham Danny sees 2026 as a magnified version of 2025: tighter budgets, rising expectations and leaders forced to think smarter rather than scale bigger. His hope? A shift toward evidence-based people practices — job analysis, behavioural data and hiring decisions that finally move past “gut feel”. Unionisation Will Surge – Rebecca Taylor Rebecca predicts a new wave of unionisation across industries. As job insecurity rises and workers feel increasingly squeezed, collective bargaining will gain momentum. Anti-union stigma is fading, and younger generations will be the ones to push workplaces toward shared power. AI Will Break Management Before It Fixes It – Vince Sanderson Vince foresees a period of chaos where leaders delegate too much emotional labour to AI — and employees do the same. AI responding to AI, while real connection disappears. The result? Frustrated teams, resentful managers and widening distrust. But he also predicts a competitive edge for companies that stay human-first. The Death of Assimilation – Sonia Thompson Sonia says the old norm of “fit in at all costs” is over. Employees are less willing to hide their identities to succeed, and organisations must adapt. The future belongs to brands that embrace difference rather than smooth it out. Inclusion is shifting from compliance to cultural courage. AI Will Become a Dealbreaker for Candidates – Becky Simms Becky predicts top talent will increasingly judge companies on their approach to AI. If tools are outdated, restricted or slow, candidates will simply move on. Transparency, experimentation and a clear AI strategy will become as important as salary or flexibility. A Reality Check for Leaders – Jeanette Ramsden Jeanette highlights a growing disconnect between what leaders think they are communicating and what people actually hear. Feedback fatigue, message overload and constant change will demand a new level of clarity, groundedness and empathy if leaders expect teams to follow them. 🔗 Connect with the Contributors Danny Wareham – ⁠https://firgun.co.uk/⁠Rebecca Taylor – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccataylor2/⁠Vince Sanderson – ⁠https://www.vincentsanderson.com/⁠Sonia Thompson – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniaethompson/⁠ ⁠www.frictionlessgrowthlab.com⁠ ⁠www.frictionlessgrowthlab.com/roadmap⁠Jeanette Ramsden – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-ramsden-0946a83/⁠Becky Simms – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyreflectdigital/⁠Alanah Mitchell – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanah-mitchell/⁠Ina Purvanova – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ina-purvanova/⁠ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn (Show): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork⁠ Al Elliott: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott⁠ Leanne Elliott: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne⁠ Email: ⁠hello@truthliesandwork.com⁠ Book a call: ⁠https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat⁠ Podcast Website: ⁠https://truthliesandwork.com/⁠ 💚 Mental Health Support Samaritans (UK & Ireland) – 116 123Mind (England & Wales) – 0300 102 1234988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) – Call or text 988Find A Helpline (Global) – ⁠https://findahelpline.com/⁠

Welcome back to a very special edition of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. This episode features Part 1 of our annual Predictions for 2026. Join Leanne and Al as they speak to top experts who share their contrasting views on how AI, leadership, identity, and productivity are about to fundamentally shift the world of work. 🔮 Your Panel of Experts: Prediction Headlines Phill Agnew (The Nudge Podcast): AI Must "Show Its Working" & the Rise of Text Speak. Find Out More: https://www.nudgepodcast.com/ Meghan French Dunbar: AI Will Advance Humanity & Job Creation Trumps Destruction. Find Out More: https://www.meghanfrenchdunbar.com/book Erica Breuer: Identity Deviates from Work: Explore Over Optimize. Find Out More: https://www.ericabreuer.com Anthony Taylor: Clarity and Middle Managers are the New Superpower. Find Out More: https://www.aqrconsulting.co.uk/ Georgia M. Hodkinson: Clarity is the New Productivity Metric (Not Time). Find Out More (Event): https://www.psychbizinc.com/eventpage and (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-hodkinson-gmbpss/ Josh Levine: The Death of the Resume: Relationships are the New CV. Find Out More: https://greatmondays.com/ 🗓️ Coming Up Next The next episode is Part 2 of our Predictions for 2026 and will be released on New Year's Day (January 1st). 💚 Mental Health Support Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please reach out to one of the following confidential services: Samaritans (UK & Ireland): Emotional support for anyone struggling to cope, available 24/7. Call: 116 123 (Free, 24/7) Mind (England & Wales): Advice and support for mental health problems. Phone: 0300 102 1234 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US-based): Confidential, free, 24/7/365 support for those in crisis. Call or Text: 988 (24/7) Find A Helpline (Global): Connects users to over 1,600 free and confidential support resources worldwide. Website: https://findahelpline.com/ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne (Truth, Lies & Work) Do you have your own prediction for 2026? A question for the Workplace Surgery segment? Or a comment on the episode? Podcast Website: https://truthliesandwork.com/ LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Merry Christmas! And welcome back to This Year in Work! Today we’re back with Part 2 of our 2025 highlights series, and this time it’s all about our guest interviews. If you’re new here, welcome along. This is Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. Brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. ⭐ Our Favourite Guest Interviews of 2025 Steve Carse — Work Should Be Fun Episode 181: https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/181 We kicked things off with King of Pops founder Steve Carse, who turned a layoff into a $10M ice-pop empire built on one radical belief: work should be fun. Andrew Palmer — Fall in Love With the Problem Episode 217: https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/217 Then came an absolute pinch-me moment for both of us: talking to Andrew Palmer, senior editor at The Economist and host of the Boss Class podcast. James Hawkins — Chaos, Autonomy and Building Better Teams Episode 189: https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/189 Al’s pick was James Hawkins, co-founder of PostHog — the dev tools company that ditched managers and meetings in favour of tiny autonomous teams. Dr Marie-Hélène — The Science of Strategic Resilience Episode 171: https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/171TEDx talk link: “Crossing the River: Resilience in the Age of AI” - https://youtu.be/JEdr2cvHF5M?si=OB07KHvgSjldYKmg Leanne’s pick was Dr MH, who reframed resilience as a state — not part of your personality. It moves, fluctuates, and can be strengthened through movement, nutrition, sleep, and relationships. 💬 Listeners’ Choice Award 2025 Elina Teboul — Feminine Intelligence and the Future of Leadership Episode 197: https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/197 Your messages, comments and LinkedIn posts made this one clear.Elina Teboul, executive advisor and author of Feminine Intelligence, challenged assumptions about power, masculinity, intuition, balance and the psychological patriarchy. Whether listeners agreed or disagreed wasn’t the point — the episode sparked reflection everywhere, which is exactly what great conversations do. 🥇 Most Downloaded Expert Episode of 2025 Dr Enya Doyle — The Workplace Rules No One Explains Episode 175: https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/175 No surprises here. The episode you downloaded most — and shared most quietly — was with Dr Enya Doyle, the harassment and inclusion specialist known online as The Harassment Doctor. This was a true masterclass in navigating messy, awkward and sometimes frightening management moments. From appearance standards to ageing workforces to tricky inclusion issues, Dr Enya cut through the nonsense with clarity, humour and absolute precision. A must-bookmark episode for every manager. 🎧 Episodes Mentioned Today Ep 181 — Work Should Be Fun with Steve Carsehttps://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/181 Ep 217 — Andrew Palmer on Better Bosseshttps://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/217 Ep 189 — James Hawkins: Autonomous Teams & Faster Deliveryhttps://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/189 Ep 171 — The Science of Resilience with Dr Marie-Hélènehttps://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/171 Ep 197 — Feminine Intelligence with Elina Teboulhttps://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/197 Ep 175 — The Workplace Rules No One Explains with Dr Enya Doylehttps://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/175 Support Links: Mind UK — https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans — 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org Connect with us: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al — https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne — https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email — hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a chat — https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome to This Year in Work! As we countdown to Christmas, we’ve pulled together the standout moments from our Tuesday episodes across 2025 — the stories, segments and listener questions that defined the year. From new workplace vocabulary to tech scandals, CEO tantrums and the wildest listener dilemmas, this episode is a celebration of everything that made TWIW what it is. Word of the Year: Duck Shuffler Our unanimous pick. A perfect term for those colleagues making a lot of noise on the surface while quietly shuffling chaos underneath. Straight from Episode 202 — and yes, the Bosnia-and-Herzegovina reference still makes sense in context. Stories of the Year: Big Toddler Energy When we first discussed CEOs behaving like overgrown toddlers, we didn’t expect the avalanche of DMs, confessions, and even a YouTube thumbnail featuring us as actual toddlers. From Episode 196. Rule-Bending Leaders From Episode 200, the unforgettable debate on rule-breaking founders… including Al’s confession about his beer-delivery business days. The Great Employment Heist Episode 214 gifted us one of the wildest workplace stories of the year: a single engineer secretly working for 22 startups and earning over $1m without doing the work. Hot Take of the Year: Gossip is Good Rebecca Taylor argued that workplace gossip isn’t just normal — it’s useful. One of our most talked-about segments of the year (Episode 194). Truth or Lies of the Year: The triangle that never was. From Episode 240, the myth-busting moment that sent LinkedIn into meltdown. Workplace Surgery Question of the Year: My Ex is My New Boss!! From Episode 180 — still one of the most awkward, gripping dilemmas we’ve ever received. 🎧 Episodes Featured Duck Shuffler – Ep 202http://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/202-divorce-disruption-and-the-death-of-the-watercooler-plus-are-you-a-duck-shuffler-with-kristyna-hawkett-this-week-in-work-3-rd-june-2025 Big Toddler Energy – Ep 196https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/196-does-your-ceo-have-big-toddler-energy-plus-touching-grass-accidental-bullies-and-hiring-mistakes-with-stuart-mace-this-week-in-work-13th-may-2025 Rule Benders – Ep 200https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/200-rule-benders-quiet-quitting-and-the-dei-dilemma-plus-is-happiness-overrated-with-julian-hayes-ii The Great Employment Heist – Ep 214https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/214-the-wildest-overemployment-scam-in-tech-history-plus-fake-empathy-nepo-hires-and-salary-secrets-with-rameez-kaleem Gossip at Work – Ep 194https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/194-secret-jobs-leadership-mic-drops-and-spotify-s-remote-gamble-plus-the-case-for-gossip-at-work-this-week-in-work-6th-may-2025 Maslow’s Hierarchy – Ep 240https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/240-starbucks-ceo-fail-toxic-superstars-and-dubai-s-wolf-of-wall-street-plus-is-maslow-s-hierarchy-a-myth My Ex Is Now My Boss – Ep 180https://truthliesandwork.com/episodes/180-my-ex-is-now-my-boss-and-other-toxic-promotions-plus-dei-is-doing-more-harm-than-good-with-sarah-gashier 🎧 Coming Up Thursday Part 2 of our highlights special: the best interview moments of 2025, including Steve Carse, Elaina Teboul, and our most downloaded guest of the entire year. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Wellbeing Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work. Today we’re doing something a little different for the Christmas break. We’re sharing an episode from our friend Jeremy Cline’s podcast Change Work Life, where Al joined him to reflect on Jeremy’s first year as a full-time coach. This conversation marks Jeremy’s 200th episode, and instead of interviewing someone else, he turns the spotlight on himself. It’s a rare, honest look at what actually happens when you leave a stable career after 20 years and try to build something new from scratch. No glossy “quit and make six figures” narrative — just the real, messy middle that most founders and coaches quietly go through. Al and Jeremy dig into the emotional, financial and identity shifts that come with starting your own business, what surprised Jeremy the most, and why meaningful conversations — not logos or websites — became the backbone of his first year. If you’re thinking of going out on your own, supporting someone who is, or you're simply curious about what a year of reinvention looks like behind the scenes, this is the perfect listen for the quieter days of December. 🧠 What We Cover: The Reality of Year One Life after a 20-year careerJeremy left a long legal career to become a coach, and the biggest challenge wasn’t logistical — it was the identity shock of asking “who am I now?”. Self-employment and the fear of the first stepInstead of hiding behind planning, Jeremy forced himself into real conversations — the uncomfortable kind that actually move a business forward. The messy middle of reinventionTesting ideas, discarding bad ones, refining offers, working through insecurities — the emotional work was bigger than the strategic work. Why conversations matter more than everDespite global connectivity, genuine, real-time conversations are becoming rare. Jeremy argues that this is where opportunity lives. Opportunities come from putting yourself out thereJeremy explains how reaching out to people — including Al — created unexpected relationships, support and new directions for his business. The truth about coaching as a businessHe talks candidly about client work, self-doubt, capacity and the grind of turning passion into something that pays the bills. 🔗 Connect with Jeremy 🌐 Episode page & resources: https://changeworklife.com/one-year-in-lessons-from-my-first-year-as-a-full-time-coach/ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjcline/ LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Podcast Website: https://truthliesandwork.com/ 💚 Mental Health Support Samaritans (UK & Ireland) – 116 123Mind (England & Wales) – 0300 102 1234988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) – Call or text 988Find A Helpline (Global) – https://findahelpline.com/

Welcome back This is Truth, Lies and Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Al and Leanne break down the biggest stories shaping the way we work, with practical insights for founders, leaders and anyone trying to build a better workplace. 🔥 Stories Covered 1. Escape The City launches its ‘Top 1 Percent Employer’ certification Escape The City has introduced a new accreditation designed to spotlight genuinely progressive employers. The audit covers pay, inclusion, leadership, wellbeing, flexibility and anonymous employee feedback. Positive News highlighted four featured organisations: • Sharky & George – flexible working, healthcare and nomad-friendly policies • The Economist Educational Foundation – strong purpose and supportive leadership • Rare Recruitment – a leader in inclusive hiring, especially for underrepresented groups • Unifrog – £500 annual learning budget and company-wide bonus It raises a bigger question: if we claim a workplace is “great”, what exactly should be measured? Links: positive.news/society/beyond-the-ping-pong-table-new-certification-endorses-truly-progressive-employers app.escapethecity.org/certification\ 2. Apple’s leadership shake-up Apple has lost four senior leaders in quick succession, including its VP of Human Interface Design to Meta. Rumours of Tim Cook preparing to step aside continue to grow. Meanwhile, competitors are accelerating AI releases as the Vision Pro struggles to find momentum. Investors are calling for clarity on Apple’s AI strategy as the tech landscape shifts.Link: edition.cnn.com/2025/12/06/tech/apple-tim-cook-leadership-changes 3. Supporting veterans in civilian careers New research by James Hardie, guided by Dr Hayley Lewis, explores the transition challenges faced by UK veterans. Themes include identity loss, misunderstanding of collective leadership skills, culture shock around workplace politics and additional barriers for female veterans. The core finding: veterans aren’t failing to adapt — organisations are failing to integrate them. 🧠 Truth or Lie: Is the Christmas spirit real? Al and Leanne unpack the research behind seasonal mood shifts. Studies show Christmas can raise wellbeing through connection, ritual and nostalgia — but stress, comparison and financial pressure can weaken the effect. The “Christmas spirit” exists, but only when the conditions are right. 💬 Workplace Surgery This week’s dilemmas: • Is it unprofessional to skip the office Christmas party? • Do employers have to approve every Occupational Health referral request? • Is a manager undermining their employee, or is something else going on? 🧠 Mental Health Support Mind UK: mind.org.uk/information-support Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a call: savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat 🎧 Coming up Thursday We kick off our Christmas and New Year specials — highlights of 2025, expert predictions for 2026, and two feed-drop interviews. P.S. You still have time to enter the competition offered by last week's guest, Rob Kalwarowsky, for a chance to win six weeks of coaching or his book. Go to robkalwarowsky.com/reason to get the Find Your Reason tool and enter the draw before Christmas Day 2025.

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work! This week, Leanne is joined by returning guest Rob Kalwarowsky, Executive Coach, Author, and Speaker, to discuss his book, Capitalizing on Chaos. In this crucial conversation, Rob argues that the world is experiencing an unprecedented level of chaos—87% higher than the peak of the pandemic. This episode explores why our brains struggle with uncertainty, how to overcome the status quo bias, and the single most critical skill every leader needs to not just survive, but revolutionize their business in 2026 and beyond. 🧠 What We Cover: Master Your Inner System Defining Chaos: For the brain, chaos is simply uncertainty. This triggers the stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), which shut down our executive functioning, making it impossible to be a good, innovative leader. The Internal Battle: Chaos is as much about our internal state as external events. Rob discusses the competing parts within leaders (e.g., start looking for a new job vs. stay motivated to innovate), and how to bring both parts to the table to find clarity. Overcoming the Status Quo Bias: We stick to the status quo because our brain can predict a certain outcome, even if it's a terrible one. Rob shares his "Find Your Reason" tool to leverage the goals and future feelings of success against the pain and suffering of staying stuck. The AI Disruption: AI is creating its own friction and non-sense within businesses (e.g., two people using AI to email each other back and forth). Leaders must create clear guidance on where AI adds value and where it poses risks, particularly around data privacy. The Non-Negotiable Skill: The single most crucial skill for capitalizing on chaos is the leader having their own "shit together". This rock-solid inner confidence prevents them from transmitting fear and disruption to their teams. The Power of Clarity: When leaders find inner clarity and confidence, they can double or triple their workforce without hiring a single person because they can finally care about, develop, and engage their team. 🎁 Exclusive Giveaway & Practical Resources Rob is offering a generous giveaway to help you capitalize on chaos and set up your 2026 goals! Grand Prize (1 Winner): A copy of Capitalizing on Chaos + a six-week coaching engagement with Rob (a high-value prize!). Second Prize (10 Winners): A signed copy of Capitalizing on Chaos + one personal coaching session. Everyone Wins: You'll receive the Find Your Reason tool just for entering. To enter (must be within two weeks of the episode release date: 11th December 2025): Go to: robkalwarowsky.com/reason Connect with Rob Kalwarowsky (Guest): Book: Capitalizing on Chaos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkalwarowsky/ Website: https://robkalwarowsky.com/ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne (Truth, Lies & Work) LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat Podcast Website: https://truthliesandwork.com/ 💚 Mental Health Support Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please reach out to one of the following confidential services: Samaritans (UK & Ireland) - Emotional support for anyone struggling to cope, available 24/7. Call: 116 123 (Free, 24/7) Mind (England & Wales) - Advice and support for mental health problems. Phone: 0300 102 1234 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US-based) - Confidential, free, 24/7/365 support for those in crisis. Call or Text: 988 (24/7) Find A Helpline (Global) - Connects users to over 1,600 free and confidential support resources worldwide. Website: https://findahelpline.com/

Welcome back to This Week in Work — the show where behavioural science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. 🔥 Stories Covered 1. Generation Alpha are coming (Benenden Health report) A major new workforce study shows the 11–15 age group expect flexible careers, strong mental health support and employers who understand neurodiversity. Only 11 percent expect one career path, 77 percent want meaningful wellbeing support, and six in ten personally know someone who is neurodivergent. HR leaders admit they’re not ready. The report warns workplaces will need redesigning around manager capability, clear communication and personalised support.Link: benenden.co.uk/media/10551/bh-gen-alpha-workforce-report.pdf 2. Starbucks faces its largest strike yet Around 2,500 baristas across more than 120 US stores have walked out in the longest coordinated action in company history. Four years after the first union vote, not a single store has a contract. Workers cite pay, conditions, understaffing and stalled negotiations. Leadership churn and sliding trust sit at the core of the dispute — a lesson for any employer relying too heavily on dashboards instead of people.Link: theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/02/starbucks-union-strike 3. The rise of micro-joys (Forbes + The Progress Principle) Micro-joys boost resilience, support creativity, reduce cognitive load and keep teams motivated through meaningful “small progress.” For leaders, these moments are easy to design into a working day — and they compound.Links: forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2025/11/29/why-micro-joys-are-the-key-to-life-long-happiness progressprinciple.com 🔥 Truth or Lie Can power posing actually increase confidence? The viral TED claim promised hormonal shifts and bold behaviour in two minutes. Replications haven’t supported the biological claims — but the psychological effect survived. Expansive postures don’t transform you, yet contractive postures reliably make people feel worse. The verdict: a light nudge, not a superpower. 💬 Workplace Surgery New coverage of Amabile and Kramer’s work highlights why small moments matter far more than big wins. This week’s dilemmas:• “Help — I pulled the CEO for Secret Santa.”• “Can my employer challenge home-working adjustments already approved by occupational health?”• “Where do I start with a competency model that’s genuinely useful?” Referenced frameworks: • SHL Universal Competency Framework – shl.com • Handbook of Competency Mapping (Seema Sanghi) – amazon.com/Handbook-Competency-Mapping 🎧 Coming Up Thursday We’re welcoming back Rob Kalwarowsky, one of the world’s leading executive coaches. He’s sharing how to capitalise on chaos in 2026 — and offering a major giveaway to get you off to a flying start. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: mind.org.uk/information-supportSamaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/truthliesworkAl: linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliottLeanne: linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a call: savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. This week, Al and Leanne sit down with Aoife O’Brien Founder of Happier at Work and host of the Happier at Work podcast — for a conversation about why so many people feel misaligned at work, and what leaders can do about it. Aoife combines evidence, honesty and lived experience to break down the real drivers of engagement: values, fit, autonomy, fairness and meaning. It’s a grounded, practical discussion that cuts through surface-level “happiness initiatives” and focuses instead on the deeper psychological conditions that actually make work feel good. Expect to learn: Why values misalignment is one of the strongest predictors of disengagement How to diagnose whether your team is missing autonomy, clarity or recognition The role of data in understanding what employees really want How senior leaders accidentally create the problems they’re trying to solve What organisations can do to build cultures where people genuinely thrive The biggest myths about “workplace happiness” (and how to avoid them) Whether you're a founder, a manager or anyone rebuilding their relationship with work, this episode is full of practical, evidence-based ideas you can act on immediately. 🔗 Find Aoife O’Brien Website: https://happieratwork.ie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happieratwork YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@happieratworkhq Happier at Work Podcast: https://happieratwork.ie/happier-at-work-podcast/ 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn (podcast): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat