Truth, Lies and Work 198. Should we all move to Iceland? PLUS! Reverse bucket lists, imposter syndrome and the trust crisis we can’t ignore, with Rose Soffel - This Week in Work 20th May 2025
Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network — hosted by business owner Al Elliott and Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott.
This week, we’re asking: Is your company accidentally killing motivation and trust? From how we talk about success, to how we structure the workweek, to how we train our managers — the best of intentions are falling short. And according to our guest, we’re now in a full-blown trust crisis.
🗞 This Week’s News Roundup
🌟 The Reverse Bucket List
Forget goals — what if reflecting on what you’ve already overcome could boost confidence and calm imposter syndrome?
Read it: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/reverse-bucket-list-happiness_n_68195c92e4b09d0e11f7df5a
🇮🇸 What the UK Can Learn from Iceland
Six years into a 36-hour workweek, Iceland’s workforce is less stressed, more satisfied, and still just as productive.
Read it: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/21/iceland-36-hour-working-week-stress-job
🧠 Why Mental Health Training for Managers Isn’t Enough
Over 7,000 UK businesses were studied — and even the ones doing the right things are hitting a wall.
Read it: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/why-mental-health-starts-with-line-managers-2b2a74cebc46
🔥 Hot Take of the Week
Our guest this week is Rose Soffel (Talent & Culture Consultant at SoffelHaus), and she’s not holding back. Her take? We’re in a trust crisis between employers and employees — and behavioural science might be the only way out.
Rose argues that post-pandemic progress on wellbeing, autonomy and inclusion is being undone by control tactics, forced office returns, and short-term thinking. If we don’t rebuild trust, the best talent will quietly walk.
Connect with Rose:
LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/rose-soffel
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/microrosie?igsh=MXN0c2owdHp4ZTNqNA==
🩺 Workplace Surgery
– “Do anonymous surveys actually work?”
– “How do I know if I’m any good at interviewing?”
– “I got the job… so why am I terrified?”
🎧 Coming up Thursday…
A UK Supreme Court ruling has redefined “woman” under equality law. What does this mean for inclusion, rights, and how organisations support trans employees?
We’re joined by Sophie Wood, LGBTQ+ educator and mental health trainer, to help leaders navigate this complex new landscape.
🧠 Support With Mental Health & Wellbeing
Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/
💬 Connect with Al & Leanne
Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat