Truth, Lies and Work

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioral science meets workplace culture. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this episode features Professors Ina Purvanova and Alanah Mitchell, authors of "The New Workplace" and experts who've spent years studying remote, hybrid, and in-office work arrangements. Episode Summary What if hybrid working isn't the best of both worlds, but actually the worst? Professors Ina Purvanova and Alanah Mitchell have mapped nine different work personas - from "officers" who never want to leave the office, to "avatars" who live entirely online, to "integrators" trying to bridge both worlds. Their research reveals that 65% of workers are now aligned with their company's workplace strategy, but that still leaves 35% struggling with misalignment that affects engagement, commitment, and ultimately performance. This conversation explores what happens when work personas collide, why hybrid can create more conflict than clarity, and how leaders can move their teams from misaligned to at least half-aligned without losing their best people. You'll hear heartbreaking stories of young workers describing themselves as "soulless husks" when forced to work remotely, and female executives who prefer office work for unexpected reasons. What We Cover The Nine Work Personas How people fall into categories like "officers," "avatars," and "integrators" based on their workplace preferences Why Hybrid Creates Conflict How hybrid workplaces can become battlegrounds between opposing preferences, with officers and avatars both wanting companies to go fully their way The Alignment Problem Why 65% alignment isn't enough and what happens to the misaligned 35% who stay in jobs that don't suit them Task-Location Fit Moving from "dress for your day" to "locate for your day" based on what tasks you need to accomplish Who Decides the Strategy Whether leaders should set workplace policies or listen to what teams actually want Personas Change Over Time How life stages, from early career to parenthood to late career, can shift your workplace preferences Recruitment Reality Why honest job previews about work arrangements are crucial for avoiding misalignment from day one The Future of Work Predictions for 2050 and why hybrid might win by default Resources The New Workplace book website: https://thenewworkplacebook.com/ Connect with Ina Purvanova on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ina-purvanova/ Connect with Alanah Mitchell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanah-mitchell/ Mental Health Support The episode discusses some difficult workplace experiences, including feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health: UK: Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7 helpline) - https://www.samaritans.org/ Mind: 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 - https://www.mind.org.uk/ US: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7) - https://988lifeline.org/ NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) - https://www.nami.org/ International: Befrienders Worldwide: https://www.befrienders.org/ (directory of crisis helplines worldwide) International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ (global crisis center directory) Connect with Your Hosts Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Join the discussion about this episode on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Email: podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com Follow us on Instagram: @truthlieswork Chat with us on X: @truthlieswork YouTube channel: @TruthLiesWork Check us out on TikTok: @truthlieswork

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioral science meets workplace culture. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, bringing you the latest workplace stories that actually matter. News Round Up Office Frogging - Gen Z's Job-Hopping Trend Gen Z workers are hopping from job to job like frogs on lily pads, chasing better pay and growth. But here's the thing - this isn't new. Millennials did this too, they just didn't have a catchy name for it. The real question: are you giving people a reason to stay? Forbes article on Office Frogging: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2025/09/18/office-frogging-gen-zs-career-trend-disrupts-employer-expectations/ Workslop - AI's Productivity Problem AI-generated content that looks polished but has no real substance. Research from BetterUp Labs and Stanford found 41% of workers have been on the receiving end, costing almost two hours of rework each time. AI use at work has doubled since 2023, but 95% of organizations see no measurable ROI. Harvard Business Review article: https://hbr.org/2025/09/ai-generated-workslop-is-destroying-productivity Deloitte's £4.9m Pay Rise Problem Deloitte UK's chief executive Richard Houston received a 17% pay rise to £4.9 million while staff got 2.9% and revenues actually fell by 1%. He's now paid 65 times the median Deloitte salary. When staff see the boss's pay racing away from their own, fairness goes, then trust, then loyalty. The Times article: https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/deloitte-uks-chief-executive-receives-17-percent-pay-rise-to-49m-kshc08cqr Truth or Lie? Left-Handed People Are More Creative Because They Use the Right Side of Their Brain The verdict: LIE. While Roger Sperry's Nobel Prize-winning split-brain research showed the hemispheres have distinct strengths, creativity doesn't belong to one hemisphere. Both sides work together constantly in healthy brains. Left-handers may have language spread across both hemispheres and larger corpus callosums, but that doesn't make them automatically more creative. Workplace Surgery Real listener questions this week: Is DISC profiling actually useful for leadership or just another personality tool with slick marketing? How do senior leaders answer tough questions without actually committing to anything? (Featuring the SCARF model) What do you call the role when you're ready to step back from day-to-day running of your business? Connect with Your Hosts Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Join the discussion about this episode on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Email: podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com Follow us on Instagram: @truthlieswork Chat with us on X: @truthlieswork YouTube channel: @TruthLiesWork Check us out on TikTok: @truthlieswork Want a chat about your workplace culture? hi@TruthLiesandWork.com Got feedback/questions/guest suggestions? Email podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioral science meets workplace culture. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this episode celebrates friend of the show Isabel Berwick and the paperback release of her bestselling book "The Future-Proof Career." Episode Summary We're thrilled to welcome back Isabel Berwick, the Financial Times' work and careers editor and host of the "Working It" podcast. With her bestselling book "The Future-Proof Career" now available in paperback, Isabel shares her insights on making working work for you in our post-pandemic world. This conversation covers everything from the characteristics that make managers truly effective to emerging workplace trends like "greedy jobs" and workplace polarisation. Isabel also tackles some of our toughest listener questions about managing difficult relationships, career development for younger workers, and finding balance in an increasingly demanding work environment. What We Cover The Accidental Manager Crisis How people end up in management roles without proper training or preparation Social Media's Workplace Impact The way platforms like TikTok are influencing professional expectations and behaviors What Makes Managers Actually Effective Why listening, empathy, and trust matter more than traditional leadership traits 2024's Biggest Workplace Trends From workplace polarization to "greedy jobs" and the ongoing quiet quitting conversation Career Advice for Younger Workers Strategies for getting heard and developing your career in today's workplace The Power of Reverse Mentoring How cross-generational learning benefits both mentors and mentees Managing People You Don't Like Practical tips for navigating difficult professional relationships Listener Q&A Isabel tackles real questions about work-life balance and career progression Resources Follow Isabel on X: https://twitter.com/isabelberwick Connect with Isabel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-berwick-8b4922167 Listen to Working It podcast: https://www.ft.com/working-it Subscribe to Isabel's newsletter: https://ep.ft.com/newsletters/subscribe?newsletterIds=62039b7ea31d6577a31f70df Get "The Future-Proof Career" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0008607729?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_75RYWXR355NMVKX71SCC Connect with Your Hosts Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Join the discussion about this episode on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Email: podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com Follow us on Instagram: @truthlieswork Chat with us on X: @truthlieswork YouTube channel: @TruthLiesWork Check us out on TikTok: @truthlieswork Want a chat about your workplace culture? hi@TruthLiesandWork.com Got feedback/questions/guest suggestions? Email podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioral science meets workplace culture. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, bringing you the latest workplace stories that actually matter. This week we explore "job hugging" - the new workplace trend where people stay in roles they don't love out of fear rather than engagement. Plus troubling reports from inside Microsoft suggest a cultural shift leaving employees feeling powerless, and we launch our new "Truth or Lie?" segment examining whether white noise actually helps concentration. News Roundup: Job Hugging - The New Workplace Trend The flip side of quiet quitting where people stay in jobs they don't love due to market uncertainty. Affects younger workers choosing security over progression. Nicole Williamson's LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nicolewilliamsorganisationalpsychology_first-we-had-quiet-quitting-now-its-activity-7373611657425559552-NZL-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAPpxk8B1ivB8GiszIgdppDkaIkcd6hBmOo Microsoft Culture Crisis Reports from a 7-year employee describing managers who look "like pinballs, completely powerless" and colleagues "jumping ship." Shows how culture frays slowly before collapse. Microsoft story: https://www.financialexpress.com/trending/its-scaring-me-microsoft-employee-of-7-years-says-current-work-culture-has-changed-for-the-worse/3982230/ Arthur Brooks on Career Risk Research shows the biggest workplace risk isn't failing - it's living with regret because you never tried. Fear of regret makes us play it safe and avoid growth opportunities. Simon Sinek article: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/18/simon-sinek-backwards-career-moves-can-make-you-happier-more-successful.html Truth or Lie?! This week's question: does white noise help you concentrate? The answer: true, but only for some people. Research shows it helps those with ADHD or attention difficulties, but actually harms performance in people with strong focus. Workplace Surgery: Real listener questions this week: Dealing with unfulfilling work when your team and manager are great Managing a brilliant employee who's struggling after promotion to management Building genuine passion in your team as a young entrepreneur Get in touch: Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Join the discussion about this episode on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Email: podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com Follow us on Instagram: @truthlieswork Chat with us on X: @truthlieswork YouTube channel: @TruthLiesWork Check us out on TikTok: @truthlieswork Want a chat about your workplace culture? hi@TruthLiesandWork.com Got feedback/questions/guest suggestions? Email podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com Like this kind of content? Click here to subscribe: /subscribe

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioral science meets workplace culture. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this episode features one of the most brutally honest interviews we've ever had about what it really takes to lead people the right way. Episode Summary Picture this: you're in your mid-twenties, walking into a Detroit manufacturing plant for your first day as head of labor relations. Your job involves firing at least one person every single week, and you discover that you are a very different person to everyone who did this job before you - because you're the first woman in the role, and more importantly, the first one who doesn't carry a gun. Today's guest, Amy Bouque, Chief People Officer at Kelly Services, shares stories from her 30-year career in HR that most C-suite executives would never dare share publicly. From devastating personal loss that changed her leadership philosophy to investigating phantom poopers and naked Barbies in compromising positions, Amy gives us an unfiltered look at the messy reality of leading people. What We Cover Transformative Career Moments Amy's early days in Detroit manufacturing plants where armed security walked her to her car Leadership Myths Busted Why the myth that "leaders are born, not made" is holding organizations back Real-World Advice for Small Businesses How to build culture when money is tight using the "Yes, And" approach Having Difficult Conversations The Content-Pattern-Relationship framework for performance issues Key Takeaways 1. Connection Beats Command Amy learned the hard way that moving fast and making decisions quickly meant nothing if her team didn't want to work for her. Slow down, invest in relationships, and yes - it matters if your team likes you. 2. Embrace the Messy Middle Sometimes you do work Sundays. No, you might not be comfortable with someone working 20 hours for 40 hours of pay. It's okay to admit the complex reality instead of pretending everything's perfect. 3. Have the Conversation Script it, practice it, breathe through it - but have the difficult conversation. Not having these conversations isn't kindness; it's disrespectful to your team who already knows who's not pulling their weight. Resources Amy Bouque on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bouque-she-her-hers-520a855/ Kelly Services: https://www.kellyservices.com/ Connect with Your Host Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Join the discussion about this episode on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Email: podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com Follow us on Instagram: @truthlieswork Chat with us on Twitter: @truthlieswork YouTube channel: @TruthLiesWork Check us out on TikTok: @truthlieswork Want a chat about your workplace culture? hi@TruthLiesandWork.com Got feedback/questions/guest suggestions? Email podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com Amy's confessions remind us that even C-Suite executives are learning as they go. The difference is Amy is brave enough to admit it. We all deserve leaders who see our humanity, even when they're having to make the hard decisions - even if those decisions involve investigating naked Barbies.

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast 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, we’re here to simplify the science of work. Summer is over and we're back with This Week in Work, where we bring you the latest headlines, expert hot takes and answer your questions in our world famous weekly workplace surgery. 🔥 Stories Covered 📌 Nestlé CEO Fired Over Secret Romance When the world’s largest food company sacks its global CEO after 40 years, the issue isn’t just scandal — it’s trust. We explore why hidden relationships at the top create ripples through entire organisations, eroding fairness and psychological safety. 📰 Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1mpm9ee9p9o 📌 1,000 Days of ChatGPT What has AI really changed about work since its launch? We look at productivity gains, job fears, and whether we’re truly in the middle of a white-collar industrial revolution. 📰 Read more: https://www.cityam.com/1000-days-of-chatgpt-how-has-work-changed/ 📌 19 Ways to Improve Your Life, According to Science Forget September stress — it’s the real new year. We revisit evidence-based ways to reset, refresh, and make small, meaningful changes. 📰 Read more: https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/19-ways-improve-your-life 🔥 Hot Take: Rage Baiting at Work We’re used to rage-bait headlines online, but what happens when leaders use sarcasm and provocation in the office? Guest Vanessa Judelman argues it silences teams, destroys trust, and confuses sharpness for strength. More from Vanessa: – Website: https://www.mosaicpd.com/ – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessajudelman/ – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MosaicPeopleDevelopment – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajudelman/ – Twitter: https://twitter.com/MosaicPD 💬 Workplace Surgery ❓ Do employee engagement platforms really work — or are they just tick-box exercises? ❓ I was refused unpaid leave for health reasons, but my colleague was granted it months later. What can I do? - featuring Cat Coggins from The Curve Group: https://www.thecurvegroup.co.uk/ ❓ Are we too focused on experience — and missing out on talent? 🧠 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: 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, the award-winning podcast where behavioral science meets workplace culture. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this episode features Tony Cooke, former VP of Human Resources at Adidas, who spent decades proving that HR doesn't have to be the department everyone dreads. Episode Summary Imagine you're the head of an HR team and you get asked to present the team's vision for the future workforce of the largest sportswear company in Europe. But instead of sitting down and putting together the usual dull PowerPoint slide presentation, you instead decide to make a James Bond style movie. You have the MD kidnapped, he's tied up, he's stuffed into a chest and he does multiple takes until he is bruised and battered. That's exactly what happened at Adidas, where Tony Cooke was running HR. His approach was to make HR more human by appealing to people's sense of humor and showing genuine personality. His initiatives were so effective that HQ kept stealing them and rolling them out worldwide, earning his team the nickname "The North Mafia." What We Cover Why HR Became the Villain How HR became the convenient pantomime villain in organizations The Waggish Approach What it means to be "waggish" and take formality out of HR Maverick Initiatives The "Addie Oscars" - cost-neutral recognition that packed halls to the rafters Speed dating for talent across different markets "DIVIN" (Diversity + Inclusion) - making difficult topics fun and engaging The James Bond Movie How Tony's team created a spy movie instead of PowerPoint slides for Workforce 2020 Key Takeaways 1. Collaborate with Senior Stakeholders Early Tony's biggest learning was that even the best ideas need buy-in from decision makers. Build those relationships before you need them, not after. 2. Learn the Business Inside and Out Don't just be an HR person - be a business partner who understands revenue, competitors, and strategic priorities. Tony challenged HR professionals to know their company's turnover. 3. Show Your Human Side Stop being the aloof rule-maker and let people see that you're human with frailties, bad days, and emotions. People warm to authenticity, not perfection. The Results Adidas became known as a talent factory with a conveyor belt of leaders going to senior roles across America, Amsterdam, Germany, and beyond. That's the business impact of making HR genuinely human at one of the world's most recognizable brands. Resources Tony Cooke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-cooke-9706341b/ Tony's book "Waggish Chronicles of a Maverick in a Corporate World" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waggish-Chronicles-Maverick-Corporate-World-ebook/dp/B0FDBL9XGS Also available on Everand: https://www.everand.com/book/877879715/Waggish-Chronicles-of-a-Maverick-in-a-Corporate-World Connect with Your Hosts Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Join the discussion about this episode on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Email: podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com Follow us on Instagram: @truthlieswork Chat with us on Twitter: @truthlieswork YouTube channel: @TruthLiesWork Check us out on TikTok: @truthlieswork Want a chat about your workplace culture? hi@TruthLiesandWork.com Got feedback/questions/guest suggestions? Email podcast@TruthLiesandWork.com

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast 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, we’re here to simplify the science of work. This week we’re sharing part two of our conversation with Jon White and Nick Korte, hosts of the Nerd Journey podcast. If you missed part one, it’s in our feed as episode 224. In that first half we explored the pressure on managers in flatter organisations. Today, we flip the lens: what it’s like to be in the team, and how to thrive in uncertain times. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Clarity is everything Why asking your manager “What does good look like?” is the most powerful way to stand out and support your team. 📌 Psychological safety in action A story from Toyota’s production line — where pulling the stop cord is a daily ritual — shows why culture matters more than rules. 📌 The role of the quiet hero Why the colleagues who make life easier for everyone else are the ones you’ll remember, and why every team needs a “Bob.” 📌 Managers need support too How leaders can stop stress rolling downhill by finding their own outlets — from peers to coaches — instead of passing pressure to their teams. 📌 Becoming an entrepreneur of your own reputation How to take control of how you’re seen at work without falling into “personal brand” clichés. 🎧 Want more from Jon & Nick? Nerd Journey Podcast: ⁠https://www.nerd-journey.com⁠ Connect with Jon White on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonwhite173/⁠ Connect with Nick Korte on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickkorte/⁠ 👉 Listen to Part 1 on Nerd Journey here:⁠⁠https://nerd-journey.com/task-cohesion-managing-a-larger-team-in-a-flatter-organization-amidst-a-climate-of-uncertainty-with-al-and-leanne-elliott-1-2/⁠ 🧠 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: ⁠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, the award-winning podcast 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, we’re here to simplify the science of work. This week we’re joined by Meghan French Dunbar — author, speaker, business anthropologist, and former CEO who built a nationally distributed magazine before realising she was chasing all the wrong metrics. Meghan has interviewed over a thousand business leaders and in her new book This Isn’t Working she argues that everything we’ve been told about business success is upside down. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Banana-hoarding billionaires Why we celebrate exploitative leaders — and what it says about our values. 📌 The power of active listening How one of Meghan’s best hires started with an unexpected, deeply human conversation. 📌 What’s really broken in business Why shareholder supremacy and profit-at-all-cost thinking is destroying wellbeing, and the companies proving there’s a better way. 📌 Redefining success The shift from extrinsic motivators like money and titles, to intrinsic motivators like purpose, growth, and autonomy. 📌 Practical inspiration Case studies from Zingerman’s to Eileen Fisher showing how treating people well leads to long-term profitability and resilience. 🎧 Want more from Meghan French Dunbar? – Website: https://www.meghanfrenchdunbar.com/book – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanfrenchdunbar – Substack: https://meghanfrenchdunbar.substack.com – Email: meghan@frenchdunbar.com – Book: This Isn’t Working (use code TLW for 20% off) → https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/meghan-french-dunbar/this-isnt-working/9781541704862/?lens=basic-venture 🧠 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: 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, the award-winning podcast 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, we’re here to simplify the science of work. This week, we’re doing something different. Think of this as your own personal coaching session. September is the season of fresh starts — kids are back at school, Q3 is ending, and it’s the perfect time to reset before the chaos of year-end. Over 40 minutes, Al becomes the “coachee” while Leanne guides us through five evidence-based exercises designed to help you reflect, reset, and refocus for the final stretch of 2025. And yes — you can do them right alongside us. 🔥 What We Cover (and How to Do It Yourself) 📌 STOP: A Mindfulness Reset STOP is a simple four-step tool for breaking out of autopilot and regaining clarity. S – Stop what you’re doing. T – Take a breath. O – Observe what’s happening: your thoughts, feelings, and body. P – Proceed with greater awareness. This is especially useful before tough meetings, responding to emails, or when stress spikes. 📌 Three Good Things: Gratitude with Science At the end of each day, write down three things that went well and why. Research shows this boosts happiness, resilience, and sleep quality. For a September reset, reflect on three good things from your summer — it helps you carry positive energy into autumn. 📌 Future Self Vision: Planning with Perspective Our brains treat “future us” like a stranger, which makes long-term planning harder. Visualisation helps close that gap. Imagine yourself three months from now (end of Q4): What have you achieved? What challenges did you overcome? How do you feel? Write it down as if it’s already happened — this creates motivation and clarity for the months ahead. 📌 WOOP Goal Setting: Turning Wishes into Action WOOP is a research-backed framework to set goals that stick: W – Wish: What do you want to achieve? O – Outcome: What would it look and feel like if you succeeded? O – Obstacle: What could get in the way? P – Plan: What will you do when that obstacle shows up? This helps move beyond vague goals into practical steps. 📌 Energy Intention: Carrying the Right Mindset Instead of just asking “What do I want to achieve?”, ask: “How do I want to show up?” “What energy do I want to bring to my team, my family, my work?” This reframes success as not just outcomes but how you live and lead every day. 🧠 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: 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, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. I’m Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott, joined as always by business owner Al Elliott, and together we simplify the science of work. This week’s guest is Patrick Fagan — behavioural scientist, bestselling author, and consultant on influence and psychology. Patrick spent a year doing something completely new every single week, from joining cults to attending cuddle workshops, from My Little Pony conventions to colonic irrigation, all to see how novelty shapes happiness, memory, and meaning. His reflections are part science, part personal experiment — and the lessons go way beyond fun stories. They show us how leaders, teams, and individuals can use novelty and experience design to build happier, more connected, and more creative lives. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 The science of novelty and happiness Why our brains crave new experiences — and how they can literally make life feel longer. 📌 52 weeks, 52 experiments From cult meetings to cuddle workshops, what Patrick learned by pushing himself into the uncomfortable and unusual. 📌 Pleasure vs purpose The psychology of why struggle and awkwardness can create deeper meaning than comfort alone. 📌 From marketing to management What behavioural science and experiential retail can teach leaders about creating workplaces that people remember. 📌 Practical takeaways Why even small changes — like trying a new recipe or changing your work setting — can transform how you feel about life and work. 🎧 Want more from Patrick Fagan? – Website (consulting, behavioural science): https://patrickfagan.co.uk/ – “Just Do Stuff” blog (Patrick’s 52 experiences): https://justdostuff.co.uk/ 🧠 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: 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, the award-winning podcast 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, we’re here to simplify the science of work. This week, we’re rolling out a brand-new format: Ranking the Wildest Workplace Stories of 2025. From four-day weeks to CEO meltdowns, overemployment scams to viral kiss cams, these are the headlines shaping work this year — and we’re grading them like a school report card. Some get an A+. Some fail spectacularly. All of them tell us something about where work is headed. 🔥 The Stories We Cover 📌 🌍 200 UK Companies Go Four-Day Week A permanent shift for over 5,000 workers. Future of productivity or privileged luxury? 📌 🤬 Jamie Dimon’s WFH Rant The JPMorgan CEO’s viral meltdown over hybrid petitions. Authentic leadership or toxic boomer energy? 📌 🤖 Duolingo’s AI-First Revolution Replacing writers and translators with AI. Bold innovation or corporate creativity-killer? 📌 💼 Soham Parekh’s Overemployment Scam One man, four startups, 140-hour weeks. Audacious hustle or scam that risks remote work trust? 📌 🎵 Kiss Cam Coldplay CEO Affair Caught live at a concert — and out of a job days later. Just comedy, or proof of workplace power imbalance? 📌 🔥 Sydney Sweeney “Jeans or Genes” Ad A viral American Eagle campaign gone global. Smart controversy marketing or harmful echo of eugenics? 🧠 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: 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, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Hosted by Leanne Elliott, Chartered Occupational Psychologist and business owner, Al Elliott, together they help you simplify the science of work. This week’s summer session is about something we don’t talk about enough: fun. Our guest, Joel Zeff — keynote speaker, improv performer, and workplace energy expert — believes that celebrating small wins with a simple “ta-da!” can transform how your team feels and performs. Forget forced fun and ping pong tables. Joel’s approach is about authentic energy, appreciation, and joy. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Why fun matters at work Joel shares why fun isn’t a distraction, but the secret sauce for engagement, retention, and genuine performance. 📌 Dumb Ass Managers The managers who drain energy and destroy creativity — and how to avoid becoming one. 📌 The ‘Ta-Da’ philosophy How celebrating everyday wins can rebuild motivation, positivity, and connection. 📌 Appreciation as leadership Joel explains why recognising people is the simplest, most powerful tool managers have. 🎧 Want more from Joel Zeff? – Website: https://www.joelzeff.com/ – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejoelzeff/ 🧠 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: 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, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, we’re here to simplify the science of work. This week is a special crossover: our conversation with Jon White and Nick Korte, co-hosts of the brilliant Nerd Journey podcast. In this two-part series, we dig into what makes teams thrive (and fail), the skills most managers never get taught, and how to navigate careers in uncertain times. 👉 Listen to Part 1 on Nerd Journey here:https://nerd-journey.com/task-cohesion-managing-a-larger-team-in-a-flatter-organization-amidst-a-climate-of-uncertainty-with-al-and-leanne-elliott-1-2/ 👉 Listen to Part 2 on Nerd Journey here:https://nerd-journey.com/champion-your-people-role-clarity-for-the-ic-in-the-chaotic-world-of-work-with-al-and-leanne-elliott-2-2/ 🔥 What We Cover The hidden skills every great manager needs — and why most never get trained in them. How to navigate career pivots without losing confidence (even if it feels like you’re starting over). The difference between being a “boss” and being a leader who actually develops people. Why Jon and Nick believe the best career stories come from mistakes and detours, not perfect planning. The surprising lessons they’ve learned from 300+ interviews with tech professionals. 🎧 Want more from Jon & Nick? Nerd Journey Podcast: https://www.nerd-journey.com Connect with Jon White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonwhite173/ Connect with Nick Korte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickkorte/ 🧠 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: 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, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Thursday deep-dive with a workplace expert. 🎙️ This Week's Guest: John Michel Associate Professor at Loyola University of Maryland, John discovered that awkward small talk doesn't just make people uncomfortable — it leads to emotional exhaustion, the precursor to burnout. His research reveals the dark side of workplace chatter that's hiding in plain sight. 💡 Key Takeaways from John Michel Surface-level is better. Until trust develops, keep workplace conversations professional. Personal topics can harm professional image. Forced fun backfires. Don't mandate Fun Fridays. Organic socializing builds stronger relationships than manufactured activities. Uncomfortable conversations isolate. Bad small talk makes people feel excluded, reducing their support network and increasing burnout risk. 🎧 Want more from John Michel? – Website: https://johnwmichel.wordpress.com/ – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-michel-33883a5/ 🎧 Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave us a review — and join us Tuesday for our summer session where we chat about the fun side of work. 🧠 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: 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

It’s week three of our Summer Sessions and in the same week AOL dial-up finally went quiet, we’re taking a trip down memory lane… with help from Reddit’s Ask Old People thread. Armed with gin, sunscreen, and questionable wisdom, we answer some of the internet’s best nostalgia questions — from “what’s a behaviour you no longer tolerate” to “how did we find out a song name before Shazam?” Plus, we unpack the workplace quirks, fashion crimes, and tech disasters that shaped our early careers. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Back in our day… From office smoking rooms to fax machine rage, we share the work habits and cultural norms we’re glad to leave in the past. 📌 Career curveballs The ‘Plan B’ moments that turned out better than Plan A — and why it’s worth embracing the detours. 📌 Finding music before the internet Yes, it involved cassette tapes, patience, and sometimes a lot of guesswork. 📌 What really earns respect The small but meaningful actions that instantly win us over in colleagues and leaders. 📌 Stress that didn’t exist What younger generations worry about now that simply wasn’t on our radar growing up. 🧠 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: Truth, Lies & Work – 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

This week’s guest is Carolina Lasso — a former Google and AmEx high-flyer who, on her 34th birthday, realised she had everything she'd ever worked for… and felt absolutely nothing. What followed was a six-month sabbatical, a solo trip around the world, and a radical redefinition of what it means to be successful. Let’s get into it. 🔑 Key Takeaways 📌 When achievement becomes identity Carolina opens up about using her accomplishments to feel loved, and how this deep-rooted drive masked real emotional needs — until her health and happiness collapsed. 📌 “I am busy” isn’t a flex She explains why constantly saying you're “too busy” might be a warning sign, not a badge of honour — and how to start replacing output obsession with genuine wellbeing. 📌 Flourishing isn’t about being happy all the time Forget peak performance. Carolina’s idea of success is being able to say, “I am well,” even when things aren’t perfect — and she shares how to get there. 📌 Your ego isn’t your enemy In a surprising twist, Carolina reframes the ego as a protective force. When it’s chasing achievement, it’s often trying to secure love and belonging. 🔗 Resources & Links Explore Carolina’s work:🌐 https://www.carolinalasso.com Follow her journey on Instagram:📸 https://www.instagram.com/carolinalasso_/ Connect on LinkedIn:💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinalasso 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: ⁠mind.org.uk/information-support – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email ⁠jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work – Al Elliott: ⁠linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: ⁠linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: ⁠hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: ⁠savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

This is Episode 2 of our Summer Sessions — and this week, we’re going global. After visiting nearly 50 countries together, we’re spilling the tea on where to go, where to avoid, and how to actually get work done without melting, buffering, or losing your mind. From long-stays in Southeast Asia to one-night stands in Northern Europe, we’re unpacking the joy and chaos of remote work around the world. Expect real talk, surprising tips, and at least one mosquito-related meltdown. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Best countries for remote working Where Wi-Fi, weather, and work-life balance all hit that sweet spot (hint: not Bali). 📌 Holiday vs. Nomad: don’t get it twisted Why not every dreamy destination is cut out for your inbox. 📌 Places we’ll never return to (for work) Loud, cold, lonely or just plain awkward — the countries that didn’t make the cut. 📌 The unexpected winners Countries we didn’t expect to love as a base… but it totally surprised us. 🧠 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: 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

This week we’re breaking down the science behind switching off — and how to finally reclaim your holidays. From boundary-setting to return-to-work anxiety, clinical psychologist Dr. Elaine Smith shares what it really takes to disconnect (without guilt). 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Email addiction is realDr. Elaine explains why our brains are wired to check messages — even on holiday — and how to break that cycle with simple psychological strategies. 📌 Setting better boundaries at workFrom crystal-clear out-of-office messages to handling pushy colleagues, Elaine lays out exactly how to protect your time off without burning bridges. 📌 Toxic holiday culturesWe hear from a listener who was told to check emails daily while on leave — and got angry messages when they didn’t. Elaine breaks down what’s really happening in these workplaces and how to respond. 📌 The secret to a smooth returnWhy your return-to-work inbox shouldn’t ruin your last two days off — and Elaine’s practical plan for managing the emotional spike that comes with coming back. 🎧 Want more from Dr. Elaine Smith? Explore her work: www.drelainesmith.com Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elaine-smith-creating-compassionate-workplaces/ Try her Holiday Headspace masterclass:https://www.drelainesmith.com/beat-annual-leave-anxiety Use code truthlieswork20 for 20% off (normally £39) 🧠 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: 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

This week we’re diving into our biggest professional disasters — and the personal embarrassments we still think about in the shower. From losing £103k on a failed business to being demoted out of a dream job, these are the moments that shaped us. And the ones we usually keep quiet. Recorded poolside with a gin in hand, this is the first of our Summer Sessions — stripped-back, slightly tipsy, and very real. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Leanne’s first big management flop The dream promotion that turned into a living panic — and what she learned about boundaries, leadership, and starting again after being publicly demoted. 📌 Al’s bankruptcy at 26 The booze delivery startup that collapsed under licensing laws — and the brutal lessons in risk, resilience, and recovering from £103k of debt. 📌 Public fails and poolside humiliation Leanne’s wedding faceplant in Thailand. Al’s Tesco meat counter catastrophe. We relive the awkward moments that taught us more than any win ever has. 📌 Why failure is worth sharing We talk honestly about panic attacks, identity crises, and the long tail of shame — and why we still believe in taking big swings. 🎧 Want more from Truth, Lies & Work? – Website: https://truthliesandwork.com – 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 🧠 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