My Worst Memory

From “Hunger Games” Interviews to People-First Leadership with Jon Beck, VP of People at ButcherBoxIn this episode of My Worst Memory: A Workplace Safe Space Podcast, host Robin Cohen (Founder of Happier Office) talks with Jon Beck, VP of People at ButcherBox, about one of the most infamous hiring processes of his career — and the leadership lessons it sparked.What starts as a “Hunger Games–style” interview story quickly unfolds into a conversation every executive should hear: how candidate experience shapes brand reputation, why values-based leadership is non-negotiable, and how people strategy directly drives business performance.Together, Robin and Jon explore: • Why candidate experience is as important as customer experience for your brand. • How values-based hiring creates long-term ROI and retention. • The case for authenticity and vulnerability as executive leadership traits. • Onboarding as a strategic lever for productivity and cultural alignment. • Why investing in benefits, flexibility, and people-first practices is not a cost center but a competitive advantage.Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading an established enterprise, this conversation challenges you to rethink how hiring and culture directly impact growth. • Every interview is a brand moment. Poor processes turn top talent away. • Culture is strategy. Values alignment beats technical skills for long-term performance. • Onboarding is leadership. First 90 days define engagement and retention. • Authenticity scales. Vulnerable leaders build trust and unlock stronger teams. • People investment fuels growth. Benefits and flexibility create loyalty that compounds.If you’re leading through growth, restructuring, or cultural transformation — this episode will change the way you think about people strategy.

Layoffs delivered with a side of pizza? Sales leader and DEI advocate Jevic Muteba joins Robin to unpack one of the most bizarre workplace stories—and the leadership lessons that followed. They talk layoff survivor guilt, emotional EQ, and how real culture is built in community, not conference rooms.

What do you do when you do everything right, and it still isn't enough? In this episode of My Worst Memory, host Robin Cohen sits down with Demi Tsasis, Founder of Product Growth Coach (ex-AllTrails, MyFitnessPal) to discuss how she survived switching careers during the major Under Armour / MyFitnessPal acquisition. Oh, and don't worry–it definitely wasn't easy, straightforward or intuitive. Formative career moment? ✅ Episode themes: self-advocacy, knowing your worth, salary discrepancies, job changes, personal growthChapters03:00 "Let's circle back"04:57 When Business Feels Personal09:06 Demi's Worst Professional Memory18:12 An Advocate vs. Friend vs. Ally22:45 STUDY: Debate Training Can Change Your (Work) Life28:26 Embracing Discomfort for Growth30:10 Recognizing When to Move On31:53 The Watercooler: Take It or Leave It33:48 It's a Scam: Unlimited PTOKeywords: workplace culture, product management, self-advocacy, corporate jargon, decision-making, communication, career growth, organizational dynamics, employee relationships, professional development

Have you ever thought you were doing great work, only to be blindsided by a terrible review? We're talking so terrible that you might lose your job. You're not alone. In this episode of 'My Worst Memory,' host Robin Cohen sits down with Colin Dinnie, Employee Experience Specialist & DEIB at Wistia, about the importance of honesty and transparency in the workplace. They discuss the evolving nature of DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging), the challenges companies face in maintaining these initiatives, and the critical role of belonging in fostering a positive workplace culture. Colin shares his personal journey into DEIB, the significance of transparency in hiring practices, and the impact of effective communication on employee experience. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-advocacy, learning styles, and building trust within organizations to enhance overall health and productivity.Chapters00:54 Understanding DEI vs DEIB: The Importance of Belonging02:43 DEI & Politics Today05:47 How Diversity Benefits Your Customers08:31 Making The Gold Standard Achievable09:28 Transparency in DEIB: Sharing Successes and Failures09:29 The Journey to DEIB: Colin's Background 11:38 Get To Know Colin: Non-Traditional Career Path14:08 Side Tangent: Microdecisions14:48 Colin's Worst Memory: The Performance Review17:42 Manager Enablement18:51 The Importance of Effective Management19:29 Let's Run The Numbers: Impact of A Bad Manager21:23 The Symbiotic Relationship Between Managers and Employees22:23 The Silver Lining: Honest Communication23:55 Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace25:23 How To Advocate For Yourself28:17 Understanding Learning Styles for Better Communication29:39 The Watercooler: Learning Styles33:11 Building Trust and Communication in Organizations

If your job is on the line, how would you perform? In this episode of My Worst Memory, host Robin Cohen speaks with Freddy Dabaghi, Chief Transformation Officer at Crispin, about the time his highly competitive CEO raised the stakes in a client meeting. Option 1: be the best. Option 2: lose your job. They discuss the importance of self-confidence in leadership, the dynamics of team collaboration, and coping strategies for maintaining forward career progression mid-acquisition. Freddy shares a memorable experience from a high-pressure client meeting and emphasizes the need for a supportive work environment that values diversity and individual strengths. The conversation also touches on the role of personality tests in understanding team dynamics and the importance of open communication among C-suite executives.

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