Truth, Lies and Work

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

Welcome to another edition of This Week in Work, where Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott break down the latest news on people, culture, and behavioral science. This week, we look at the direct, measurable impact of toxic culture and unpack the new anxieties surrounding Artificial Intelligence. Plus, in our Truth or Lies segment, we dive deep into the science behind 'faking it 'til you make it'. 📰 The News Round-Up The Brutal COVID Inquiry Report: The report found that the "toxic and chaotic" workplace culture inside Downing Street directly slowed the pandemic response. Full Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c986821m604o The Rise of AI Anxiety (AIA): A new report suggests that while C-Suite leaders have high expectations for AI boosting productivity, most employees (77%) feel it has added to their workload. Sarah Bregel (Reporter) Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-bregel-032585/ Dreamers vs. Doers: Why do so many people dream of changing careers, but stay stuck? New research on temporal focus reveals that people most likely to move have a balanced temporal focus. Original Study: doi.org/10.1111/joop.70064 💡 Truth or Lies: Can You Fake It Until You Make It? We explore the famous mantra, fueled by high-profile stories of entrepreneurial bluffing. The Question: Can you actually fake it until you make it? We test the evidence on whether confident performance buys you real career progress or if it's just a short-term illusion. 🩺 World-Famous Weekly Workplace Surgery We take questions from listeners, including a young fan from our "Ask Old People" segment. Should I be hiring people who think like me or challenge me? Questioner's dilemma: "My boss prefers to hire and promote people who closely match how she thinks and works... I'm the opposite. I like it when my team brings new ideas, challenges, and pushes things in directions I wouldn't have considered. Is one approach better than the other?" How honest should I be with my employer about my mental health? Questioner's dilemma: "I'm finding things tough at the moment. It's starting to affect me at work. I really want to be honest with my employer, but I'm worried it could backfire or change how I'm treated. Is it better to be upfront or should I keep things to myself?" Have you ever regretted not taking a risk when you were younger? Questioner's dilemma: "I'm weighing up something quite big at the moment and I think I'm worried I'll look back and regret playing it safe, but at the same time, I don't wanna make a huge mistake. How do you know the difference between a smart risk and a reckless one?" 📬 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 Truth, Lies & Work, the show where behavioural science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. This week, Leanne sits down with Christian Laing, co-founder of Stand Out Socks and one of the most compelling voices in ethical employment today. Christian’s story began with something simple: wanting his younger brother Ross, who has Down syndrome, to have meaningful, paid work. What followed became a movement that is challenging an entire system built on unpaid labour, tokenism and decades of “this is just how it works.” In this conversation, Christian talks honestly and openly about the early days, the struggle to keep the business alive, the moment he realised paid roles were possible, and the wider question he wants every leader to consider: What assumptions am I making about who is capable? Stand Out Socks isn’t just a company. It’s an example of what work can look like when we remove red tape, build roles around people, and refuse to exploit those who’ve been overlooked for too long. Christian shares the reality of navigating misconceptions about Down syndrome, the emotional weight families carry, and why representation matters far beyond the product. This is a raw, unedited conversation — the pauses matter, the honesty matters, and the humanity matters. It’s a reminder that culture isn’t built with slogans; it’s built with decisions. If you’re a leader, a business owner, a hiring manager or a parent of someone with learning disabilities, this episode will stay with you. In this episode How Christian went from “someone should hire Ross” to “I’ll do it myself.” Why meaningful, paid work transforms confidence, purpose and community. How Stand Out Socks grew from one family’s challenge into a national mission. The emotional reality behind inclusion — from joy to grief to rebuilding. What leaders misunderstand about capability, opportunity and potential. Why “creating space for someone to shine” is not charity — it’s leadership. Links from the episode Stand Out Socks: https://www.standoutsocks.co.uk Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdlaing/ Stand Out Socks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standoutsocksuk Stand Out Socks on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@standoutsocks Find us 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 Wellbeing Support Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans: 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org

Welcome back to This Week in Work This week: workplace confidence flips, QuitTok resurfaces, and LinkedIn shares its most chaotic interview stories. In Truth or Lie, we tackle the myth of the “four-hour sleeper.” And in the Workplace Surgery, we unpack micromanagement, occupational health, and senior-level flatness. 🔥 Stories Covered 1. QuitTok makes a comeback Employees are once again filming their resignations and posting them online. It might look like drama, but it’s become a visible dataset for HR — real-time feedback on broken processes, toxic behaviours and unmet expectations. Instead of treating it as a PR problem, leaders can treat it as insight: what makes someone quit loudly is usually what made them feel unheard quietly. Link: https://www.hrkatha.com/features/hr-pops-features/quittok-wake-up-call-for-hr-leaders/ 2. Confidence rises at the bottom, falls at the top Fast Company reports a surprising shift: entry-level workers are feeling more hopeful, while senior leaders’ confidence continues to slide. Younger employees have grown up adapting to chaos; leaders are carrying the load of uncertainty, hybrid tensions and AI-driven decision fatigue. Confidence is no longer about hierarchy — it’s about adaptability. Link: https://www.fastcompany.com/91440615/why-entry-level-workers-confidence-is-rising-while-leaders-is-falling-workplace-leadership-confidence-entry-level-workers 3. LinkedIn’s most unforgettable interview moments Maria Healey’s viral post collected hundreds of wild interview stories — from karaoke auditions to panel interrogations. The thread shows how interviews reveal culture instantly: the respect, the pressure, the humour, the red flags. Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maria-healey_whats-your-most-memorable-job-interview-share-7394400322569424896-J3j6 🔥 Truth or Lie — Do high achievers sleep less? This week we examine the long-standing myth popularised by Thatcher, Musk and the productivity world: can you really perform at your best on four hours of sleep? We break down what decades of sleep science actually shows — and why biological “short sleepers” are the rare exception, not the blueprint. 💬 Workplace Surgery — This Week’s Questions “Am I wrong for calling out a micromanaging colleague?” “Do I need to offer Occupational Health as a small UK employer?” “I’ve reached the top but feel completely flat — what now?” 🎧 Coming Up Thursday We're talking to Christian Laing, Co-founder & Director of Stand Out Socks and BBC's Dragons' Den Investment Winner 2024. Stand Out Socks is a social enterprise created after Christian saw his brother Ross, who has Down syndrome, repeatedly overlooked by employers. We explore purpose, resilience, family upheaval, loss, inclusion and what it means to build work that gives people space to shine. 🧠 Support with Mental Health & Well-being Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 📬 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

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. Today, we’re joined by a leader who has shaped the modern understanding of culture, belonging and performance more than almost anyone else working today: Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40 Company, now the founder of The Learning Moment. Garry led WD-40 for more than two decades, taking it from a small American brand to a global organisation, all while maintaining engagement scores that most companies can only dream of. His belief is simple: “Leaders don’t manage people — they help them get to where they need to be.” And the results speak for themselves. In this conversation, we go deep into what makes a great leader, why psychological safety drives performance, how to build a culture people genuinely want to belong to, and why treating mistakes as learning moments creates organisations that last. Key Takeaways 1. Belonging isn’t soft — it’s strategicGarry explains why the foundation of performance is a culture where people feel seen, valued and safe to contribute. When people feel they belong, they take risks, share ideas and collaborate without fear. 2. Leaders create the weatherTeams respond to the emotional climate set by their leaders. Garry breaks down how tone, behaviour and consistency shape trust more than any policy or engagement initiative. 3. Mistakes are learning momentsInstead of blame, Garry uses learning moments to build capability. This is how you grow confident, autonomous teams who solve problems instead of hiding them. 4. Clarity beats controlGarry’s leadership model centres on aligned expectations, adult-to-adult relationships and reducing friction. When people know what’s expected — and feel supported — performance takes care of itself. 5. The real job of a leaderGarry believes leaders are responsible for creating an environment where people can be brilliant. That means curiosity, empathy, consistency and genuine accountability (the kind that lifts people, not limits them). Resources & Links Connect with Garry RidgeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/The Learning Moment: https://thelearningmoment.net/Book: Any Dumb Ass Can Do a Multi-Billion Dollar Brandhttps://www.amazon.com/Any-Dumb-Ass-Can-Do-Multi-Billion-Dollar/dp/1637746296 🧠 Support with Mental Health and WellbeingMind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & LeanneLinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthliesworkAl Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliottLeanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show for more interviews every Thursday — and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss next week.

Welcome back to This Week in Work, the show where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. This week, Al and Leanne unpack one of the darkest stories in British business — and what it reveals about organisational failure and human systems. 🔥 Stories Covered 1. Can the government really ‘Keep Britain Working’?A major new review led by Sir Charlie Mayfield digs into why half a million more people have left work since 2019 due to long-term sickness, stress, or disability. The findings point to broken systems, poor coordination between the NHS and employers, and a lack of early support. The solution? A joined-up national programme that treats work and health as two sides of the same coin.Read the report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keep-britain-working-review-final-report/keep-britain-working-final-report 2. The Post Office scandal — how trust collapsedA new MSc study from Charlotte Glading at the University of Leeds examines how the Post Office’s Horizon IT system caused one of the worst miscarriages of justice in modern history. The research reveals deep organisational flaws: a culture of fear, denial, and blind faith in technology that silenced whistleblowers and destroyed lives. The conclusion is sobering — this wasn’t a tech failure, it was a human one.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotteglading/ 🧠 Truth or Lie Does time really go faster as you get older?It feels true — childhood summers lasted forever, but adulthood disappears in a blink. This week, Al and Leanne explore the neuroscience behind why time seems to speed up, and how novelty, memory, and emotion shape our perception of life’s pace. 💬 Workplace Surgery 1. How do you deal with imposter syndrome as a business owner?2. What workplace adjustments can you expect after an ADHD diagnosis?3. How do you re-engage a top performer who’s switched off? 🧠 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 chat: 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. This week, Al and Leanne sit down with Nick Power — senior marketing leader at The Noun Project and one of the most talked-about voices on LinkedIn. With more than 30 000 followers and millions of views, Nick has built a reputation for doing what most professionals won’t: calling out corporate nonsense, talking openly about burnout, and reminding us that being human is not unprofessional. 💡 Key Takeaways In this episode, Nick shares the good, the bad, and the ugly of being honest online — from viral one-liners and “weird LinkedIn” to the backlash that comes with visibility. It’s a masterclass in authenticity, humour, and how to show up as yourself without burning bridges or your reputation. 🔗 Resources & Links Honesty beats polish. Professionalism isn’t about perfection — it’s about skill, integrity and being easy to work with. Short form wins. Think fortune-cookie insights, not essays. Nick’s rule: write something people can finish before they scroll. Start conversations, not lectures. The goal isn’t likes; it’s dwell time, dialogue, and trust. Authenticity ≠ oversharing. Show humanity, not your diary. Find your own line between personal and performative. Expect the trolls. Nick opens up about LinkedIn Lunatics, the subreddit that mocks viral posts — and why bullying under the guise of humour says more about insecurity than content quality. Above all, Nick argues that being real online doesn’t damage your brand — it defines it. Follow Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcpower Shop Nick’s merch: https://www.nickpower.co Learn more about The Noun Project: https://thenounproject.com 🧠 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 chat: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat 🎧 Coming up Tuesday Don’t miss next week’s This Week in Work, where we unpack the biggest workplace headlines and another round of Truth or Lie. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome back to This Week in Work, your Tuesday news round-up where workplace culture meets behavioural science. This week: political shockwaves for DEI, an unexpected quiet-quitting success story, retail workers pushed to the brink by Christmas music, a myth-busting Truth or Lie, and three big Workplace Surgery questions. 🔥 Stories Covered 1. Trump appoints DEI critic to lead the EEOC The AP reports that Andrea Lucas is now chair of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Critics say she has already reduced protections for transgender workers and limited investigations into discriminatory practices. Supporters frame her appointment as a shift toward “merit-based, race-neutral equality.” Link: https://apnews.com/article/andrea-lucas-eeoc-civil-rights-dei-discrimination-transgender-591b48113bf6fab1a17d84e58cf9ac8f 2. The quiet-quitter who rose to senior leadership A mid-level manager shared how a decade of reduced overwork, firm boundaries and radical delegation lowered stress and unexpectedly accelerated both career progression and wealth. It raises practical questions about sustainability, workload design and the hidden rewards of saying no. Link: https://cheezburger.com/43120389/50-year-old-tries-quiet-quitting-after-achieving-mid-level-management-goals-ends-up-quadrupling-net 3. The impact of music misfit at work New research shows that when background music doesn’t match what employees need, mood declines and mental fatigue increases. In retail and hospitality settings, “misfit” days also reduce cooperation and customer-facing helpfulness. Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keep-britain-working-review-final-report/keep-britain-working-final-report 🧠 Truth or Lie: Can you really spot a liar by their body language? Inspired by Celebrity Traitors UK, where confident guesses were almost always wrong, we look at what the evidence shows. Across decades of studies, accuracy rarely rises above chance. Common cues like eye contact, posture shifts or nervous gestures have no reliable link to dishonesty. Real insight comes from analysing story structure, consistency and detail, not fidgeting or facial expressions. 💬 Workplace Surgery This week’s dilemmas: • I think I accidentally trained my team to stop thinking for themselves — how do I fix it? • What’s the real role of Occupational Health from an employer’s perspective? • How do I manage my first remote hire without becoming a micromanager? 🎧 Coming Up Thursday A conversation with Nick Power, one of LinkedIn’s most distinctive voices and a leading figure in Weird LinkedIn, on authenticity, burnout and the changing face of professionalism. 🧠 Wellbeing Support Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans: 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne 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 call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

It’s Thursday, and we’re back with a guest conversation built for leaders who want practical psychology without the fluff. Today: how to feel better, think clearer, and lead smarter with Dr Ryan Martin — The Anger Professor. Guest intro Dr Ryan Martin is a psychologist and emotion researcher known as The Anger Professor. In this conversation he explains why emotions are information, not emergencies, and how small, upstream decisions shape how you feel hours later. His new book lays out 50 research-backed “emotion hacks” that anyone can use at work and at home. Episode summary We start with a classroom exercise that reveals our brains still run ancient threat software. Ryan’s Why We Feel model shows how stimuli, mood, interpretation, feeling, and expression combine to create what we experience as emotion. He shares practical in-the-moment tools, then challenges leaders to address root causes: sleep, hydration, nature, worldview, and daily choices. We finish with a manager’s checklist for mapping emotional incidents and a simple mantra method for tough moments. Key takeaways Treat emotions as signals. They give you information and energy to act. Most regulation happens upstream. Sleep, hydration, nature, movement, and digital boundaries set your baseline. Worldview matters. Beliefs about people, self, and the future can drive anger, anxiety, or resilience. Use in-the-moment tools wisely. Breathing, grounding, and naming the feeling help you de-escalate and think clearly. Leaders need a map. Diagram the stimulus, mood, interpretation, feeling, and behaviour for yourself and for your team before you act. Practical tools mentioned Grounding: 5 things you can see, 4 you can hear, and so on. Mantras: a short phrase to anchor attention and guide the next step. Nature with attention: unplug and actively notice what you see to reduce rumination. Recognition over suppression: acknowledge the feeling, then choose the response. Worldview audit: do I trust people, see myself as capable, and view the future as hopeful? Resources and links Pre-order Dr Ryan Martin’s new book, Emotion Hacks: 50 Ways to Feel Better Fasthttps://www.amazon.com/Emotion-Hacks-Ways-Feel-Better-ebook/dp/B0F3WNB6HP Find Ryan Website: https://alltheragescience.com TikTok and Instagram: @AngerProfessor Substack: https://angerprofessor.substack.com 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 and 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 time for another This Week in Work — your Tuesday round-up of workplace news, research and real-world dilemmas. Hosted by Leanne Elliott, Chartered Occupational Psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner. This week: fake job ads, clever interview hacks, the power of recognition, and whether it really takes 10 000 hours to master anything. 🔥 Stories Covered Career Catfishing Nearly 80 percent of workers say they’ve been misled during hiring. The job they took wasn’t the job they got. Broken promises break trust fast. Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nearly-80-us-workers-victims-183000581.html Why People Keep Giving MSc researcher Mary Luu found volunteers who give the most often feel happiest — because meaning and recognition matter more than reward.Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trambaoluu/ Interview Hack or Workplace Deception?A Reddit user says calling employers and claiming “I was told to schedule my interview” landed five callbacks. Smart or dishonest? It’s forcing everyone to rethink how hiring really works. Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/InterviewCoderPro/comments/1ohsuq9/i_started_calling_companies_and_saying_i_was_told 🧠 Truth or Lie — The 10 000-Hour Rule Does it truly take 10 000 hours to master something? Psychologist K. Anders Ericsson’s research showed practice matters — but not that hours alone guarantee mastery. Quality, feedback and context count more than time. Verdict: mastery takes effort and structure, not a stopwatch. 💬 Workplace Surgery • Should you give a Christmas bonus or gift? • How do you present a strategy you don’t believe in? • What do you do when a new hire is 40 minutes late on day one? 🎧 Coming Up Thursday Dr Ryan Martin — better known as The Anger Professor — joins Leanne and Al to explore how we can hack our emotions to perform better in life and 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

In today’s episode, Leanne and Al are joined by Angela Foster, an expert in the fashion and beauty industry with over 20 years of executive experience.Angela empowers high-achieving women to craft wardrobes that radiate confidence and align with their professional and personal goals. Through her SPARK method, Angela has transformed how her clients think about fashion, helping them dress for success and feel their best every day. In this episode, we explore: Do first impressions really count? The science of enclothed cognition and how clothing influences confidence, cognition, and perceptions. Why what we wear at work matters: How professional attire affects leadership perceptions and workplace dynamics Crafting your signature look: From tailored staples to bold accessories, Angela shares tips to define a personal brand that’s unforgettable. Navigating modern dress codes: Striking the balance between inclusivity, professionalism, and personal style in today’s workplaces. Angela’s SPARK method: A five-step guide to understanding your body shape, building versatile wardrobes, and curating a style that works for you. Key Takeaways: Dress for Success: First impressions are formed in seconds, and attire plays a huge role in shaping them. Create a Signature Look: Stand out with a style that reflects your personality and professional brand. It’s Not About Buying More Clothes: Angela emphasizes starting with a strategy before shopping. Professionalism and Confidence: Learn how the right wardrobe can boost your workplace confidence and enhance others' perceptions. Inclusivity in Dress Codes: Angela shares practical advice for employers crafting dress codes that are fair, clear, and aligned with organizational values. Angela’s Free Gift: Take Angela’s Body Shape Quiz to discover the styles and silhouettes that suit you best. Visit ⁠AngelaFoster.co/Leanne⁠ to get started! Connect with Angela: Website: ⁠Angela Style Coach⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠Angela Foster⁠ Instagram: ⁠@AngelaStyleCoach⁠  Support with Mental Health and Well-being If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources: UK: ⁠Mind⁠ offers mental health support and information. For those in distress, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Rest of the World: Visit ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠ to find a helpline in your country. Connect with Truth, Lies & Work YouTube: ⁠Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel⁠ TikTok: ⁠Truth, Lies & Work TikTok⁠ Instagram: ⁠Truth, Lies & Work Instagram⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn⁠ Connect with Al Elliott: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Connect with Leanne Elliott: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Email: Reach out at hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne ⁠here⁠.

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 week’s stories dig into workplace trust, exploitation, and the psychology of staying too long. 🔥 This Week’s Stories 🛒 Waitrose Under Fire for Axing Autistic VolunteerA 27-year-old man with severe autism was reportedly “sacked” after his family asked if he could be paid for some of his work. After volunteering at Waitrose for four years and clocking up more than 600 hours unpaid, his placement was suddenly suspended. We explore the line between inclusion and exploitation — and what true inclusive employment should look like. Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15211181/Autistic-volunteer-sacked-Waitrose-family-asked-start-paid-years-stocking-shelves-free.html 🧠 AI Clones Are Coming for Your CoworkersTwo co-founders from the $2.1B AI recruiting startup Eightfold just raised $35M for a new company, Viven — an AI “digital twin” of every employee that lets coworkers message your clone when you’re offline. We unpack the privacy risks, ethical dilemmas, and whether this is innovation or invasion. Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/15/eightfold-co-founders-raise-35m-for-viven-an-ai-digital-twin-startup-for-querying-unavailable-coworkers/ 📅 The 3-Month Notice Period ProblemThree-month notice periods used to be for senior executives. Now they’re everywhere — from middle management to entry-level jobs. We ask whether forcing people to stay longer is about succession planning or control — and what it’s doing to motivation and trust. Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/jobs/career-advice/working-three-months-notice-period-drain/ 🧩 Truth or Lie: Are Firstborn Children Natural Leaders? Firstborns dominate CEO lists and political leadership — but is it nature or nurture? We explore decades of research showing that while firstborns do have a statistical advantage, it’s more about parental attention and early responsibility than genetic destiny. 💬 Workplace Surgery “How do I manage chaos when hiring without spending a fortune?” “My manager invited me to lunch — do I have to go?” “Can I opt out of birthday collections at work without looking antisocial?” 🧠 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. This week, Al and Leanne talk to Danny Wareham, organisational psychologist and author of Constellation Leadership: Reimagined for a Connected Age, about why leadership might not need a single leader at all. From Navy SEALs to small business teams, Danny’s research explores what happens when you remove the leader from the room — and discover that, in the right conditions, performance can actually increase. 🔥 What We Cover 📘 What is Constellation Leadership?Danny introduces his model — a flexible, culture-driven approach where leadership shifts based on context and capability, not hierarchy or titles. 🧭 Why culture can replace hierarchyLearn why clear purpose, shared trust and behavioural norms can guide teams more effectively than top-down control. 💡 The North Star principleBefore defining roles, policies or perks, Danny says every organisation must answer one question: why do we exist? That North Star then becomes the anchor for every decision. ⚙️ How small organisations have a natural edgeDanny’s research shows that companies under 150 people — below Dunbar’s number — perform best when they keep teams small, autonomous and purpose-led. 💬 The Navy SEAL mindsetWe unpack “mission command” — how elite teams rotate leadership fluidly, with the person best equipped for each situation taking charge in real time. 🧠 The psychology of trust and autonomyFrom imposter syndrome to cultural alignment, Danny explains what it really takes to create teams that lead themselves. 🎧 Want more from Danny Wareham? – Website: dannywareham.co.uk– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-wareham/– Constellation Leadership: https://dannywareham.co.uk/constellation-leadership/ 🧠 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 week’s headlines dive into generational friction, AI disruption, and Amazon’s latest layoffs — plus the psychology behind “Your vibe attracts your tribe.” 🔥 This Week’s Stories 🧃 Gen Z vs Everyone Else The Telegraph says Gen Z are ruining the workplace — dodging phone calls, dressing down, demanding safe spaces, and setting firm boundaries. But is this generational chaos or cultural evolution? Leanne breaks down what’s really going on when work expectations clash across age groups. 📰 Source: The Telegraph – Six ways Gen Z are “ruining” the workplace 🤖 40 Jobs AI Might Replace (and 40 It Can’t) Microsoft analysed 200,000 Copilot conversations to rank which jobs are most at risk from AI. Translators top the list at 98%, coders at 90%, and even DJs at 74%. But the real story isn’t about job loss — it’s about job evolution. Al explores how automation could actually create more work, not less. 📰 Source: Sky News – The 40 jobs most at risk from AI 📦 Amazon’s AI-Fuelled Layoffs Amazon is reportedly cutting up to 15% of its HR division as CEO Andy Jassy doubles down on AI investment. Fortune reports that the People Experience & Technology team (PXT) is bearing the brunt. We unpack what happens to trust, culture, and psychological safety when “learn AI or be left behind” becomes company policy. 📰 Source: Fortune – Amazon plans new round of layoffs 🧠 Truth or Lie: “Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe” Does your energy really shape the people around you — or is it just another social media myth? Leanne examines the science behind attraction, similarity, and social mirroring. From the “chameleon effect” to homophily, find out what really draws people together (and what pushes them apart). 💬 Workplace Surgery A remote employee might secretly be working two full-time jobs — what should you do? How do you motivate your team to actually upskill? You’ve started a new job full of red flags — do you fix it or flee? 🧠 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 episode is a masterclass on one of the most dreaded parts of working life: meetings. Our guest is Mamie Kanfer Stewart — host of The Modern Manager podcast, author of Momentum, and founder of Meeteor — who has dedicated her career to transforming meetings from time-wasting nightmares into spaces for decision-making, creativity, and genuine collaboration. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Why most meetings failMamie shares how growing up in a culture that encouraged open, challenging conversations gave her a unique perspective — and why most organisations get the fundamentals of meetings wrong. 📌 Feedback conversations that don’t implodeLearn Mamie’s frameworks for difficult one-to-one meetings, including how to give feedback to someone more senior without tanking your reputation. 📌 Group decision-making without the chaosFrom dominant voices to silent stakeholders, Mamie explains how to prepare for and run complex meetings that lead to real decisions instead of endless back-and-forth. 📌 The “zero to five” strategyMamie reveals a simple but powerful technique that turned a potentially hour-long battle into a 15-minute consensus — and how you can use it too. 📌 When meetings should be emails — and when they really shouldn’tWe tackle the internet’s favourite complaint. Mamie explains the real issue behind “this could’ve been an email” and why the answer isn’t fewer meetings, but better ones. 🎧 Want more from Mamie Kanfer Stewart?– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamiekanferstewart/– Meeteor: https://www.meeteor.com/– The Modern Manager: https://www.themodernmanager.com/– Mamie KS: https://www.mamieks.com/ 🧠 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, every Tuesday we unpack the biggest workplace news stories, decode the psychology, and tackle real listener dilemmas. 🔥 This Week’s Stories 🍞 Breadcrumbing at WorkA new HR buzzword has arrived. Originally a dating term, “breadcrumbing” describes when managers hint at promotions, raises, or development opportunities but never follow through. In a shaky economy where pay rises and mobility are stalling, leaders may be tempted to keep talent with vague promises — but the psychology shows this kills trust and motivation. Source: Cangrade, “2025 HR Buzzwords”https://www.cangrade.com/blog/talent-management/24-hr-buzzwords-to-know-in-2025/ ☕ Starbucks’ “Fabricated Empathy” ProblemNew CEO Brian Nichol’s “Back to Starbucks” plan mandates scripted customer interactions — eye contact, cup messages, four-minute service times — alongside tighter dress codes and reduced remote work. The goal: revive sales. The risk: forcing fake connection and alienating both staff and customers. Source: Minda Zetlin, Inc.comhttps://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/starbucks-just-announced-a-new-policy-its-a-failure-of-leadership/91243638https://x.com/mindazetlin 📞 The Dubai Sales MachineWould you make 100 calls a day for £24,000 a year? A London firm is hiring trainee wealth managers in Dubai with brutal daily quotas and little base pay. They call it “resilience.” We break down why high pressure without autonomy or purpose can wreck motivation. Source: Louis Goss, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/l/lk-lo/louis-goss/ 🧠 Truth or Lie Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is on every business school slide, but is it actually true? We dig into the real history — including the missing “sixth level” Maslow added — and what modern psychology says about human motivation. 💬 Workplace Surgery What do you do when your top performer is destroying team morale? How can you keep remote teams genuinely connected? And how do founders protect their wellbeing when the business never switches off? 🧠 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