Radical Candor: Communication at Work
Kim Scott, Jason Rosoff & Amy Sandler
Ready to love your job, crush your career goals, and become the kind of leader everyone actually wants to work with?Welcome to the Radical Candor podcast, where you'll learn how to kick ass at work without losing your humanity. Host Amy Sandler and Radical Candor co-founders Kim Scott and Jason Rosoff to break down how you can Care Personally and Challenge Directly — the deceptively simple but powerful formula for building stronger teams, giving (and getting) better feedback, and leading with heart and clarity.Each episode is packed with real talk, relatable stories, and actionable tips to help you do the best work of your life while building the best relationships of your career. Whether you’re a manager, a team player, or dreaming bigger for your future, this is the podcast that will change how you show up at work — and in life. P.S. Don’t forget to check out Kim Scott’s New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity! Want even more Radical Candor? Join the Radical Candor Community — free forever.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 17, 2025 • 42min
Are Flat Organizations More Efficient? Kim and Jason Weigh In 7 | 37
The discussion centers around the pitfalls of flat organizational structures, revealing that simplifying hierarchies may stifle communication and innovation. Kim and Jason emphasize the importance of a balanced hierarchy that fosters trust and clarity. They offer insights from industry giants like Google and Apple, advocating for empowered managers and collaborative decision-making. The conversation also highlights how inclusive processes can improve employee engagement and trust, ultimately leading to more innovative ideas and a thriving organizational culture.
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Cult of The Credo: How a Beloved Brand Betrayed Your Trust 7 | 36
Investigative journalist Gardiner Harris, author of "No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson," delves into the striking disconnect between corporate ethics and reality. He discusses how Johnson & Johnson’s famed "Credo" masked harmful practices, including the controversial baby powder linked to cancer and involvement in the opioid crisis. The conversation raises critical questions about accountability, the ethical dilemmas faced in healthcare, and the emotional ties between consumers and brands, emphasizing the need for transparency and reform.
29 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 45min
The Billion-Dollar Cost of Bad Meetings 7 | 35
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Steven Rogelberg, an organizational psychologist and professor, reveals the secrets to running effective meetings. He argues that one-on-one meetings are crucial for building trust and boosting team performance, far surpassing the impact of emails. With research-backed strategies, he advocates for framing agendas as questions and creating inclusive meeting norms. Plus, he shares eye-opening statistics on the billions of meetings held daily, emphasizing the need for intentional planning to make these gatherings truly productive.
13 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 45min
I Messed Up at Work: How to Recover from a Major Work Blunder 7 | 34
Ever had that sinking feeling after a work blunder? The hosts share relatable stories about owning up to mistakes and the journey to recover from them. They emphasize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and discuss the importance of creating a supportive work environment. Learn practical tips to regain trust and accountability, while tackling the balance between productivity and procrastination. Their personal anecdotes offer valuable insights on turning setbacks into growth opportunities.
23 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 42min
What Founders Need to Know About Feedback and Culture 7 | 33
Julia Austin, an executive coach, author of "After the Idea," and educator at Harvard Business School, shares invaluable insights for startup founders. She discusses why early hires are crucial in shaping company culture and the necessity of establishing feedback systems from day one. Julia emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and encourages leaders to embrace a culture of transparency and continuous learning. With practical advice on aligning team goals, she highlights that building successful businesses hinges on strong relationships and effective communication.
16 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 46min
Managing Managers: How to Navigate the Jump from Manager to Director 7 | 32
Discover how to navigate the tricky transition from managing individuals to overseeing managers. Gain insights on building trust and fostering a feedback-rich culture. Learn the significance of proactive communication and the power of 'speak truth to power' meetings. Uncover effective strategies to support overwhelmed managers and boost team engagement. The importance of breaking down silos for better collaboration across teams is also emphasized. Leadership doesn't require all the answers, just a commitment to team growth!
10 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 44min
A Framework for Communicating Hard News (That Actually Works) 7 | 31
Farrah Mitra, an executive coach and creator of the Communicating Change Framework, shares her insights on delivering tough news with empathy and clarity. She outlines a practical 4-step framework for leaders facing challenging conversations about layoffs and performance issues. Mitra discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in messaging, emphasizing that thoughtful communication can transform anxiety into constructive dialogue. Her approach blends radical candor with structured processes, making it easier for leaders to maintain trust during difficult times.
26 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 44min
Habit or Ritual: What's Driving Your Day? 7 | 30
Michael Norton, a Harvard Business School professor and author of The Ritual Effect, joins the conversation to explore the power of everyday rituals. He shares insights on how small acts—like a coffee run or tapping a lucky pen—can enhance team bonding and reduce stress. Norton discusses the difference between habits and rituals, revealing how silly routines can boost morale and create a sense of connection in remote work environments. Tune in for a refreshing take on finding meaning and joy through simple, shared practices.
24 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 36min
From Complaining to Collaboration: Shifting 1:1 Dynamics 7 | 29
Exploring the shift from venting to collaboration, the hosts dissect a manager's struggle with unproductive one-on-ones. They emphasize the importance of recognizing complaints as signals and the power of effective listening. The discussion highlights trust-building and tackling resistance in team dynamics, revealing why asking for solutions can hinder communication. With practical advice on managing conflicts and fostering accountability, this conversation dives deep into the messy realities of middle management while advocating for candid dialogue.
Jul 9, 2025 • 47min
Kim vs. Kim: Human vs. AI on Workplace Cultural Differences 7 | 28
The hosts explore the stark contrasts between U.S. and European work cultures, focusing on vacation entitlements and work-life balance. They discuss how Americans often feel guilty taking time off, while Europeans embrace it. Personal stories illustrate the challenges of burnout and the limitations of 'unlimited PTO.' The conversation also touches on the integration of AI tools, like the Google Portrait, to improve workplace communication and foster well-being. Ultimately, it's a call for leaders to embrace rest and redefine workplace norms.
