In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we explore how Large Language Models (LLMs) are reshaping the way people find information, make decisions, and engage with brands. As more of us turn to tools like ChatGPT for product research and recommendations, the traditional rules of SEO are being rewritten.We discuss what this shift means for marketing teams — from why credibility and context now outweigh keywords, to how businesses can build visibility in a world where discovery happens through conversation, not search rankings. Along the way, we touch on brand names that became verbs, and what it really takes to stay relevant when technology changes how consumers think.Timestamps 0.00 - 8.19: Intro and catch up8.20 - 23.02: The rise of LLMs as search engines23.03 - 32.09: Brand names becoming verbs32.10 - end: The cost of streaming services and close
In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we talk about the little rituals that get us through the day — even when they’re not exactly helpful. From the comfort of take-out coffee cups to scrolling ourselves into a hole, we unpack why certain habits feel productive even when they’re not. Plus: why fidgeting helps some of us think, and the endless appeal of a new notebook.
Spooky season is here—and what better time to talk about ghosting? 👻This week on A Word With Yourself, Jennifer Mitchell and Lesley Fennelly dive into ghosting in the workplace. From candidates and companies vanishing mid-process, to the dreaded Slack “hi,” to cold outreach that won’t quit, we explore why silence stings and how it shapes trust at work.We share a wild “never came back from lunch” story, debate when mutual ghosting might actually be the least-bad option, and unpack why sales tactics that ignore “no” only erode relationships. Plus: why every professional should have an “FU fund” for when walking away is the smartest move.
We’re back from summer break—and unfortunately, so are return-to-office mandates.In this episode, we talk about Ontario’s decision to drag public servants back to the office five days a week, the real reasons behind it (spoiler: it’s not productivity), and the ripple effects for equity, burnout, and retention.We unpack why “quiet cracking” is just burnout in a rebrand, how performative presenteeism is still alive and well, and why so many corporate decisions feel anti-worker by design.Also: why companies think hardship = productivity, what commutes really cost people, and a mini tea rant (literally).Timestamps0.00 - 4.58: Post Summer Catch Up4:58 - 19.41: Return-to-Work Mandates19.41 - End: Quiet Cracking
A CEO and HR exec caught on a kiss cam—what could go wrong? We break down the viral scandal, the Streisand Effect in action, and why some company statements make things worse. Plus, we get into office romances, PR missteps, and the importance of knowing when not to speak. Oh, and Tipperary won the hurling.
Why is saying no so hard? And why does it matter for your career? In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we explore the power of setting boundaries at work, why saying no is a leadership skill that separates decision-makers from doers, and how to do it without damaging relationships.We’ll also talk about workplace culture, people-pleasing, and—because life is about balance—our obsession with Diet Coke.👉 Learn: • Why saying no is critical for career growth • How to communicate a no without burning bridges • The link between boundaries and leadership successTimestamps0.00 - 21.25: Intro - Diet Coke, GAA and more21.26 - End: How to Say No at Work
In this episode of A Word with Yourself, Lesley and Jennie explore why the most consistent and efficient people at work are often the least recognized. We talk about the mid performer—the dependable pro who doesn’t chase promotions—and the lazy genius who quietly finds faster, smarter ways to get things done (and then gets handed even more work for it).We unpack the myth that everyone should want to climb the ladder, the problem with rewarding visibility over value, and the cultural fear of having notions—especially when admitting you’re good at your job feels like a step too far.Because doing your job well should be enough. And the people who do? They’re often the ones keeping it all running.Timestamps:0.23 - 17.01: The Mid-Performer17.05 - 20.30: Notions20.31 - 26.06: The Lazy Genius26.07 - End: The Lazy Man's Load
In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we unpack the shrinking world of entry-level jobs thanks to AI—and why that might be a bigger problem than it seems. We talk about the value of "grunt work," how junior roles are often where you learn the most, and what happens when the intern is ChatGPT.We also dive into the increase in return-to-office mandates, companies justifying it with identical corporate jargon, and why trades might be making a comeback. Plus, a bizarre-but-true story about a sausage factory, a man named Jim (not his real name), and the hidden cost of chasing efficiency.Timestamps0.00 - 3.18: General catch-up3.19 - 18.45 : AI and the future of entry-level jobs18.45 - 22.36: More return-to-office mandates22.36 - end: The hidden cost of efficiency, ft. a Chicago sausage factory
From Slack and Teams etiquette to camera culture, we unpack the unspoken rules of modern work. This episode covers how to communicate clearly without creating extra work for others, why vague messages like “hi” can backfire, and the underrated impact of small talk. Plus, a few detours: Eurovision commentary, ice bath routines, and other workplace-adjacent curiosities.
In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we unpack the “one-size-fits-most” hybrid work model, how Irish professionals can adapt to Canada’s work culture, and why being modest might be your biggest job-hunting mistake. They share tips on how to network like a local, what to say in interviews, how to negotiate vacation (yes, you can), and why your CV is now a résumé.Timestamps:0:00 – 7:10 → Hybrid Work Proposal7:11 – End → Practical Tips for Irish Professionals in Canada
In this episode, we unpack the results of Canada’s recent federal election—why the Conservatives lost despite gaining seats, how strategic voting shaped the outcome, and the continued failure to reform the first-past-the-post system. We also explore why so many bad managers end up in leadership roles, and how promoting technical experts without assessing their people skills can quietly damage culture and retention. Plus: why being a new employee feels so embarrassing, what the Vatican conclave and theatre have in common, and a shared pet peeve—people who refuse to change their minds, even in the face of facts.
AI is changing everything — but not without reflecting the same old biases we've spent decades trying to fix. In this episode, we unpack what happened when AI generated images of us (and why we all somehow looked like the same middle-aged man).We dive into how bias shows up in AI, the hidden risks it brings to hiring and career growth, and why trades and skilled work are becoming more valuable than ever. Plus, we explore why critical thinking is becoming the real "future-proof" skill — and what it will take to build a better path forward.
Ever worked for someone who seemed charming to leadership but left a trail of misery behind them? In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we dig into the unsettling reality of the corporate psychopath—how they get ahead, why no one stops them, and what it feels like to work for one. Then we shift gears and talk practical strategy: managing up—what it actually means, how to do it well, and why it can save your sanity.Timestamps: 1.55: The Corporate Psychopath 14.03: Managing Up 30.23: Red Flag and Rose of the Week
In this episode, we wrap up our series on cognitive biases and logical fallacies with a practical guide to spotting and sidestepping them at work. From the halo effect and groupthink to recency bias and moral licensing, we break down how these mental shortcuts sneak into meetings, hiring decisions, and brainstorms.Plus, we explore why “make it pop” is the vaguest feedback of all time—and what it really says about your design process.
In this episode of A Word With Yourself, we unpack the halo effect, groupthink, recency bias, overconfidence—and why people still can’t figure out how to behave on the subway. From mistaking charisma for competence to promoting the wrong people and making questionable decisions just to keep the peace, we look at how these biases creep into the workplace (and life). Expect a few tangents and a reminder that just because everyone agrees doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
In this episode, we continue our discussion on cognitive biases and fallacies that influence our decision-making—often without us realizing it. Building on our previous conversation, we explore three more biases that subtly impact our workplace interactions, negotiations, and overall perceptions.We break down:🔹 Ad Hominem Bias – When we judge ideas based on the person presenting them rather than their merit. 🔹 Anchoring Bias – How the first piece of information we receive (whether a number, deadline, or impression) shapes all future decisions. 🔹 Availability Heuristic – Why our brains prioritize the most memorable or recent information over a more accurate, balanced view.We also touch on the red flags we’ve encountered in workplace interactions, sales pitches, and even digital marketing strategies. Plus, a little sidebar on why Jennie refuses to take shots.Join us for another deep dive into the psychology behind decision-making, and learn how to spot (and counter) these biases in real time.
From confirmation bias shaping hiring decisions to the bandwagon effect influencing workplace groupthink, this episode of A Word with Yourself is part 1 of our deep dive into biases and logical fallacies in the workplace and unpacks the sneaky ways our brains mess with us at work. We also take a detour into workplace communication, why people naturally follow "desire paths," and the mysterious phenomenon of every Canadian man's dating profile featuring a fish.
Ever had your idea ignored—only for your boss to use it as their own? Or worked in a place where everything is urgent or an emergency? In this episode of A Word with Yourself, we’re diving into more workplace red flags, from idea-stealing managers to poor delegation and unnecessary power plays. Plus, we share smart ways to handle these situations without losing your sanity. Next time, we’re tackling red flags in job descriptions—stay tuned!
In this episode of A Word with Yourself, we uncover the top workplace red flags you might be missing—from loud desk calls to subtle gender biases in company materials. Discover how these seemingly small behaviors can signal bigger issues and learn actionable steps to address them. Don’t miss this insightful take on creating a better work environment!
In this episode, we unpack everything from political theatrics at the White House to the latest twists in celebrity lawsuits—and how media narratives shape public opinion. We also dive into misleading job descriptions, the hiring process, and why some roles ask for everything but the kitchen sink.Plus, a debate on the Daily Mail as a guilty pleasure, a questionable marketing plan, and an unexpected detour into snow tubing and cupcakes.