How To Survive Your Boss

In this episode,  Kiana and Tara dive deep into the world of raises, breaking down the different types, how they work, and—most importantly—how to advocate for the raise you deserve. From merit-based increases and COLA (cost of living adjustments) to equity grants, spot bonuses, and promotion-related bumps, this episode offers practical advice, entertaining real-life stories, and a healthy dose of corporate reality. Learn how to track your contributions, recognize red flags, and navigate tricky conversations with confidence. If you've ever wondered when—or how—to ask for a raise, this one's for you.💼 Key Takeaways:🧠 Understand the Types of Raises: From merit and COLA to promotions, market adjustments, and stock-based compensation.💰 Raises vs. Bonuses: Spot bonuses may feel rewarding, but they’re not the same as long-term pay increases—know the difference.🧾 Paper Trail = Power: Track your accomplishments and quantify your contributions to build a strong case.🔥 Red Flags to Watch: Vague promises, stalled conversations, no transparency, and promotion with no raise.📊 Advocate Like a Pro: The right time to ask for a raise is when you’ve earned it—not when someone hands it to you.🗣️ Boss POV: Get insight from Kiana’s leadership experience—what works, what backfires, and what not to do.🚨 Game the System: Raises aren’t just about merit—they're about timing, relationships, and playing smart within company politics.If you're navigating career growth, performance reviews, or simply tired of the pizza-party compensation culture, this episode helps you take control of your paycheck trajectory.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Raises01:06 Types of Raises04:01 Forms of Raises07:06 How to Get a Raise15:06 Manager's Perspective on Raises20:13 Economic Factors and Raises30:34 Advocating for Yourself32:56 Unexpected Raises and Career Growth33:48 Corporate Priorities and Compensation34:08 Advocating for Non-Monetary Compensation34:42 Misconception: Cost of Living Adjustments35:50 Negotiation Tactics and Knowing Your Worth38:54 Red Flags in Raise Discussions52:09 The Importance of Transparency in Pay58:54 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode of How to Survive Your Boss, Kiana and Tara dive deep into the world of performance reviews — what they are, why they matter, and how to navigate them without losing your sanity. Whether you’re dreading your first annual review or questioning the quality of feedback from your manager, this episode breaks down the different types, formats, and red flags to watch for. From real-life horror stories to actionable advice on self-advocacy and documentation, Kiana shares everything you need to protect your career, build a brag file, and survive even the shadiest of managers. If you've ever walked out of a review confused, frustrated, or gaslit — this one’s for you.💡 Key Takeaways:📋 Understand the purpose and structure of performance reviews — from self-assessments to 360 feedback.🛠️ Different formats exist: written, scorecard, narrative, and binary — know what your company uses.🚩 Major red flags to look out for: vague feedback, moving goalposts, no documentation, or all criticism with zero recognition.🧠 Shift your mindset: Keeping your head down won’t get you noticed. Self-advocacy and visibility are essential.📝 Create a brag file — track wins weekly to make performance reviews (and resume writing!) way easier.🗣️ Not all feedback is created equal — only internalize input from people you respect or want to emulate.🧨 Toxic reviews say more about the company than they do about you — assess the culture too.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Performance Reviews01:13 Purpose and Importance of Performance Reviews02:18 Types of Performance Reviews08:47 Formats and Methods of Performance Reviews20:50 Common Misconceptions about Performance Reviews27:37 Reflecting on Work Experiences and Feedback28:12 Understanding Relevant Feedback30:43 Handling Performance Reviews33:05 Identifying Red Flags in Feedback46:17 Concluding Thoughts on Performance Reviews

In this episode, Kiana and Tara dive deep into the nuanced world of taking time off from work. From standard paid time off (PTO) to legally protected leaves like FMLA and disability leave, they explore the many options available to employees. Kiana brings in her experience as a team leader to explain the boss’s point of view, shares practical steps on how to take time off responsibly, and highlights the cultural and legal differences across companies and countries. The episode also addresses common misconceptions, red flags in toxic work environments, and the evolving mindset around mental health, burnout, and boundaries in the workplace.Whether you're negotiating a new job offer or unsure how to use your unlimited PTO without guilt, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take the break you deserve.✨ Key Takeaways:🏖️ Types of Time Off: Standard PTO, sick leave, holidays, floating holidays, sabbaticals, bereavement, and medical/mental health leave.⚖️ Legally Protected Leave: FMLA, jury duty, disability leave, and paid family leave depending on your state.💼 Policy Insights: Accrued vs. front-loaded PTO, unlimited PTO culture, and how to avoid giving away your unpaid vacation.🧠 Boss POV: How managers think about time off and why good communication is key.🚩 Red Flags: Guilt-tripping managers, retaliatory behavior post-PTO, or “unlimited PTO” that no one actually uses.🧘‍♀️ Mental Health Matters: Don’t wait for burnout—PTO is part of your compensation, not a luxury.📆 Planning Tips: Start with your employee handbook, notify your manager, block your calendar, and prep a handoff doc.🌍 Global Perspective: Europe’s PTO culture vs. US standards—why it might be time to consider a move!TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Time Off00:56 Types of Paid Time Off01:19 Vacation and Sick Days03:54 Personal and Floating Holidays05:49 Legally Protected Leave06:20 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)07:06 Paid Family Leave and Jury Duty08:19 Military Leave and Leave of Absence10:18 Disability and Medical Leave13:39 Mental Health Leave14:19 Life Event Specific Leave15:31 PTO Policies and Accrual17:19 Unlimited PTO and Banked PTO21:53 Requesting Time Off25:19 Submitting Your PTO Request25:39 Preparing for Time Off27:39 Types of Leave: Bereavement, Paternity, and Sabbatical29:51 Boss's Perspective on PTO33:38 Misconceptions About Taking Time Off40:32 Red Flags When Taking Time Off47:30 Conclusion: Time Off is a Right, Not a Privilege

In this episode, Kiana and Tara explore the vital role one-on-one meetings play in professional development and team communication. They break down what these meetings should look like, how to prepare for them, common misconceptions, and red flags to watch out for. Whether you're a new employee or a seasoned professional, this conversation will help you take charge of your one-on-ones and make them work for you.Key Takeaways:Purpose of One-on-Ones: These meetings are private, dedicated time with your manager to discuss progress, challenges, feedback, career goals, and workplace concerns.Types of One-on-OnesRegular check-ins (weekly, biweekly, or monthly)Performance reviewsCareer development discussionsFeedback sessionsProject-based updatesHow to Lead the MeetingCome prepared with an agenda and discussion topicsShare accomplishments and advocate for your needsSend follow-up notes to document feedback and action itemsMentality ShiftUse this time to talk about your growth—not just status updatesRemember: your manager isn’t a mind reader—clearly express your needs and goalsRed Flags to Watch ForFrequent cancellations without reasonMeetings focused only on status updatesNo discussion of your growth or developmentManager dominates the conversation or offers only negative feedbackDismissal of concerns, gaslighting, or boundary violationsNo mention of promotions, raises, or long-term goalsPro Tip: Where legally allowed, record or transcribe your one-on-ones to keep a clear record of discussions and commitments.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to One-on-Ones00:44 Understanding the Purpose of One-on-Ones01:27 Common Issues with One-on-Ones03:40 Different Types of One-on-Ones07:27 Standard One-on-One Formats10:42 Boss's Perspective on One-on-Ones17:01 Maximizing Your One-on-One Meetings25:10 The Wrong Mentality in One-on-Ones26:52 Taking Control of Your One-on-One Meetings28:40 Preparing for Effective One-on-Ones31:22 Red Flags in One-on-Ones35:24 Handling Gaslighting and Toxic Environments48:06 Concluding Thoughts on One-on-Ones

In this episode, host Kiana and her sister Tara dive into the often confusing—and sometimes deceptive—process of onboarding at a new job. They break down what onboarding really entails, the different types of onboarding, and how to spot early red flags in a company’s culture. Whether you’re starting your first job or navigating a corporate role, this episode provides actionable insights to help you make the most of your onboarding experience—and avoid toxic workplaces.Onboarding is a trial period for both you and the company. The first 90 days are critical for assessing fit—don’t ignore red flags just because you're excited about the job.Formal vs. Informal — Structured training vs. learning through experience.Tactical vs. Strategic — Administrative tasks vs. culture immersion and long-term growth.Cohort-Based vs. Individual — Group training (common in corporate roles) vs. role-specific onboarding.Horizontal vs. Vertical — Broad company exposure vs. deep dive into your department.Onboarding is a prime opportunity to build allies across departments. These connections can support you later in your career.Red Flags in Onboarding:Disorganized or nonexistent onboardingLack of role clarity or bait-and-switch job descriptionsUnrealistic workloads or no work at all (poor management)Difficulty accessing resources or key people (dysfunction)High turnover and disengaged employees (toxic culture)No work-life balance (e.g., bosses ignoring boundaries)Negative or manipulative leadership (e.g., blame-shifting, gaslighting)Resistance to feedback or questions (lack of investment in your success)Onboarding reveals a company’s true culture. If they can’t onboard you well, they likely won’t support your long-term growth.Stay skeptical. The onboarding “honeymoon phase” can mask problems—keep evaluating if the job aligns with your goals.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Onboarding00:15 Welcome to the Podcast00:49 Understanding Onboarding Basics03:25 Phases of Onboarding13:30 Types of Onboarding22:00 Boss's Perspective on Onboarding25:42 Corporate Meetings and Their Purpose26:20 The Importance of Mentality in Onboarding26:52 Common Misconceptions About Onboarding27:36 Networking During Onboarding29:49 Onboarding as a Mutual Evaluation Period32:45 Red Flags in Onboarding35:50 The Impact of Poor Onboarding38:28 Telltale Signs of a Dysfunctional Company48:31 Concluding Thoughts on Onboarding

Kiana and Tara delve into the interview process from the other side of the table, exploring the perspective of the hiring manager and highlighting crucial red flags for job seekers to watch out for. They discuss why many bosses find interviewing challenging and offer valuable insights into making a positive and memorable impression. This is the second and final part of their deep dive into interviews.Key Takeaways:Bosses often dislike conducting interviews, similar to how candidates feel about being interviewed.Managers often form an initial impression of a candidate very quickly, sometimes within the first five minutes.It's essential to recognize potential red flags during the interview process that might indicate a negative work environment. (While the specific red flags aren't detailed in this snippet, the episode emphasizes their importance.)Interviewers are also trying to determine if a candidate is a good fit, just as the candidate is evaluating the company.Preparing authentic and memorable stories and examples is crucial for standing out to interviewers who may be speaking with numerous candidates.Tailoring your "tell me about yourself" answer with genuine and unique details can make a significant impact.Asking thoughtful and informed questions about the company and the manager demonstrates your engagement and helps you assess if the opportunity is right for you.Approaching the interview as a conversation can make the experience more positive for both the interviewer and the interviewee.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote00:20 Welcome to Part Two: Interview Insights00:31 The Boss's Perspective on Interviews02:55 Memorable Interview Moments07:17 Mentality Check: Interviews as First Dates07:52 Misconceptions About Job Interviews15:38 Researching the Company and Manager25:09 Identifying Red Flags in Interviews26:11 Disorganization and Unpreparedness27:15 Vague Work Expectations28:36 Team Turnover and Negative Talk30:16 Overpromising and Overtime Expectations32:44 Gratitude and Hard to Work For33:56 Handling Interruptions and Success Metrics35:10 Company Culture and Inappropriate Questions36:40 Passive Aggression and Immediate Job Offers38:32 Work-Life Balance and Gut Instincts40:08 Reverse Interview Questions50:11 Final Thoughts and Key Highlights

Kiana kicks off season one with her sister Tara, who is navigating the early stages of her career. In this first part of their discussion, they delve into the crucial topic of job interviews. Kiana shares insights and experiences, highlighting that understanding the interview process is the first step in navigating workplace dynamics, even before you land the job. They begin by breaking down the fundamental types of interviews.Key Takeaways:There are two main types of interviews: structured interviews with predefined questions and unstructured interviews that are more conversational.The typical interview process includes application submission (resume, cover letter, portfolio), internal screening (often automated using AI and applicant tracking systems), a phone screening with HR, an interview with the hiring manager, and potentially further interviews.After the final interview, there are reference checks, background screenings, and then the offer and negotiation stage.It's important to take time to consider an offer and to negotiate your salary.Common interview formats include phone interviews, one-on-one interviews (often via Zoom), panel interviews, behavioral interviews, technical interviews, group interviews, and pre-recorded/AI-driven interviews.Preparing a good elevator pitch is essential, as is being ready to discuss your resume.This is part 1 of the episode. Tune in for the second part to hear more insights and tips on navigating the job interview process!Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Corporate Survival00:26 Welcome to the Podcast01:20 Types of Interviews02:32 Application Process04:47 Screening and Phone Interviews08:29 Interview with Hiring Manager10:32 Offer and Negotiation14:07 Common Interview Styles15:57 Behavioral and Technical Interviews18:49 Group and AI-Driven Interviews22:35 Preparing for Interview Questions28:11 Handling Expired Coupons: A Retail Dilemma29:44 Interview Feedback: Demonstrating Independence31:58 Behavioral Questions and the STAR Method32:30 Situational Questions: Real-Life Scenarios33:37 Technical and Job-Specific Questions35:19 Cultural Fit and Personality Questions41:47 Salary Expectations and Negotiations50:44 Reverse Interview Questions: Evaluating the Company

In this episode, Kiana introduces her new podcast, How to Survive Your Boss. She shares her personal journey through toxic work environments and explains why she’s passionate about helping others navigate corporate politics. She discusses how bad leadership impacts mental health, why people stay in toxic jobs, and her mission to break the cycle of workplace dysfunction by providing the knowledge many don’t receive through traditional education.What You’ll Learn:No one prepares you for navigating difficult bosses—colleges don’t teach it, HR won’t warn you, and experienced workers often gatekeep this knowledgeYour career success depends heavily on your boss, not just your hard workBad bosses can significantly damage your mental and physical healthWe often stay in toxic jobs because we normalize dysfunction, are conditioned to be grateful for employment, or believe we’re the problemCorporate culture frequently shifts blame downward, making employees question themselves rather than recognizing systemic issuesPrivileged knowledge about workplace navigation creates significant inequality in career opportunitiesYounger generations are rejecting toxic workplace practices, creating friction with established corporate culturesTrust between companies and employees has eroded, leading to job-hopping every two years becoming normalizedTimestamps:00:00 Introduction: The Unspoken Truth About Surviving Your Boss00:11 The Harsh Realities of Corporate Life01:39 Why This Podcast Exists02:48 Meet Your Host: Kiana05:00 The Importance of Managing Your Boss05:51 The Impact of Bad Bosses on Mental Health09:15 Why We Stay in Toxic Jobs15:33 Breaking the Cycle of Toxic Workplaces19:49 The Privilege of Knowledge and Mentorship23:51 Generational Shifts in Workplace Mentality25:44 The Evolving Corporate Landscape28:08 What to Expect in Season One