Most of us think we know ourselves (and the people we work with) pretty well. But when tensions rise, deadlines loom, or feedback lands wrong, the truth comes out: we’re all running on a set of deep, often invisible patterns. What if we could see those patterns clearly, and choose something better? Enter the Enneagram: a framework that maps nine core motivations, survival strategies, and ways of seeing the world.
This week, Rodney sits down with Liz Orr, author of The Unfiltered Enneagram and the voice behind Rude Ass Enneagram, to explore how this tool can help us understand ourselves, our teammates, and the hidden drivers behind workplace friction. From recognizing your own “midnight zone” work to navigating type-to-type dynamics, Liz shares practical insights for breaking unhelpful patterns, building trust, and working more compassionately with others.
Learn more about Liz:
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Mentioned references:
00:00 Intro + Check-In: What would you be doing if it wasn’t this?
03:30 What is the Enneagram?
06:26 101 course on the Nine Types of the Enneagram
14:04 When your Type solidifies
15:15 Exploring Rodney’s Type as an example
20:44 How Types interact
23:19 Using the Enneagram to recognize and break your own patterns
26:54 Eights as leaders (CEOs, CFOs) tend to fight every battle
29:54 Debunking cultural gender stereotypes around the Enneagram
34:21 Understanding what we’re “getting” in return for our behavior
37:22 Navigating the cringe of self-compassion and forgiveness
44:59 Dealing with “therapy language performance” from friends and coworkers
48:03 The Enneagram’s role in the workplace
50:21 Overcoming the dismissal of “soft skills” and “soft power
52:50 Wrap up: Leave us a review and share the show with your coworkers!
Sound engineering and design by Taylor Marvin of Coupe Studios.
