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
14 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!
23 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.
13 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.
35 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.
12 snips
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.
16 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 43min
Humanizing AI: Meet the Kim Scott Google Portrait 7 | 27
Join Ryan Germick, a Distinguished Designer at Google Labs, as he teams up with Kim Scott to unveil the innovative "Kim Scott Portrait." This AI-powered tool captures Kim's expertise to provide 24/7 coaching and radically candid advice. They delve into how the portrait can humanize AI, free authors from repetitive queries, and enhance workplace communication. The conversation also touches on the amusing interactions Kim's family has had with the AI, and hints at her upcoming optimistic novel set in 2070.
11 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 43min
Andrew Palmer: How to Lead Without Losing Your Mind 7 | 26
In a lively discussion, Andrew Palmer, a columnist for The Economist and host of the Boss Class podcast, shares insights on the challenges of modern leadership. He highlights how many are thrust into management roles without adequate training and the common pitfalls they face. Andrew dives into the myth of the 'natural leader', the vital need for clear communication, and the underrated power of writing things down. With humor and practical strategies, he emphasizes fostering a positive culture and rethinking feedback dynamics to support thriving workplaces.
22 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 45min
Navigating the Nuances of Tone in Feedback 7 | 25
Navigating the nuances of tone in feedback can be tricky. Discover strategies to provide constructive criticism without sounding judgmental. Learn about the CORE framework—Context, Observation, Result, and Expected next steps—to communicate effectively. Explore the impact of language and tone, including the use of 'I statements' to convey feelings non-blamefully. Plus, gain insights into dealing with passive-aggressive behavior in conversations. Tune in for personal anecdotes that underscore the importance of kindness and courage in all interactions.
11 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 46min
Becoming a Not-So-Secretly Candid Leader with Chloé van Bergen 7 | 24
Chloé van Bergen, VP of Operations at Secretly Group, dives deep into the art of candid leadership. She shares her journey of implementing Radical Candor in a legacy-driven company, tackling challenges like unionization head-on. Chloé emphasizes that being 'nice' isn’t the same as being kind, highlighting cultural differences between the UK and the Netherlands. She also discusses the power of vulnerability in leadership and the importance of open communication in navigating complex work environments, all while delivering honest feedback.
Jun 4, 2025 • 60min
What Real Inclusion Looks Like at Work When You’re LGBTQ+ 7 | 23
Brandy Neal, a producer and script editor, shares her journey as a bisexual woman navigating the workplace. In a candid discussion, she tackles the challenges of LGBTQ+ invisibility, the pressures of pronoun politics, and the complexities of coming out. Brandy and her host highlight the importance of fostering true inclusivity, stressing that showing up authentically matters more than perfection. Their conversation sheds light on the emotional toll of hiding one's identity and the essential role of allyship in creating supportive environments.
