Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join hosts Leanne Elliott, business psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they bring you the latest news and insights shaping the world of work.Today, it’s all about the Weekly News Roundup, New Voices, and of course, our World-Famous Weekly Workplace Surgery, where we tackle your questions with practical advice.Segment 1: News RoundupThe UK's "Accidental Managers"Leanne kicks off by discussing a shocking statistic: 82% of UK managers are “accidental managers” promoted based on technical skills rather than leadership ability. The lack of formal training for these individuals is wreaking havoc on workplace culture and employee turnover, costing the UK economy billions.AI Taking Over Managerial Roles?Al delves into a BBC article about the rise of AI in management, exploring whether AI agents can replace human bosses. While AI managers are helping small businesses streamline operations and reduce stress, concerns remain about AI lacking the empathy needed for effective leadership. The Diversity DilemmaLeanne introduces a recent Journal of Experimental Psychology study that reveals a concerning finding: pro-diversity messaging might actually backfire. The study shows that White conservative participants were more likely to favor White candidates after seeing pro-diversity messages. Segment 2: New VoicesIn this segment, we launch a brand-new series called Hot Takes, where thought leaders and influencers offer their boldest insights into the world of work. This week’s guest is Phill Agnew, a behavioural science expert and host of the UK’s number one marketing podcast, Nudge. Phill dives into the truths and lies of work, sharing his research-backed hot take on how hard work and effort are what employees value most.Segment 3: Weekly Workplace SurgeryLeanne tackles three listener questions:Underperforming Long-Term EmployeeA senior account manager, once a star performer, is now underperforming. Despite informal chats and extra support, there's been no improvement. The business owner is torn between loyalty and the need to protect client relationships. Work-Life Balance in AccountingA partner at a mid-sized accounting firm is concerned about burnout despite offering flexible working hours. With client demands high during tax season, how can they maintain a competitive edge while improving work-life balance? Boosting Engagement in a Non-ProfitThe director of a small environmental non-profit is struggling to keep employees engaged without a budget for perks or team-building activities. Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained 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 to another episode of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. When we think of psychopaths, names like Ted Bundy or Hannibal Lecter come to mind. But what if we told you that psychopathy is much more common than you think—and that you might have already worked with someone who has these traits? In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr Abigail Marsh, an expert in psychopathy and altruism, to unpack this complex disorder and how it manifests in the workplace.Dr Abigail Marsh is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Georgetown University. Her research focuses on the brain structures and personality traits associated with psychopathy and altruism. With over 2.5 million views on her TED Talk and her groundbreaking book The Fear Factor, Dr Marsh is a leading voice in dispelling the myths surrounding psychopathy.Key Discussion Points: Psychopathy 101: What is psychopathy, and how does it differ from sociopathy? Psychopaths in the Workplace: While only about 1-2% of the general population meet the clinical criteria for psychopathy, some industries attract a higher proportion of people with these traits. Spotting the Signs: How do you know if you’re working with a psychopath? Dr Marsh shares insights on how to spot behaviors like manipulation, charm used for self-serving purposes, and a lack of remorse or guilt. Managing Psychopathy in the Workplace: What should leaders do if they suspect a team member or even a colleague exhibits psychopathic traits? Extreme Altruism: On the opposite end of the spectrum lies extreme altruism. While psychopaths tend to lack empathy, some people are hardwired to care deeply about others. Take the Psychopathy Screening TestCurious about psychopathy traits? Try this screening tool developed by Psychopathy Is: Psychopathy Screening TestResources Mentioned in the Episode: Watch Dr Abby Marsh’s TED Talk: Why Some People Are More Altruistic Than Others Explore Dr Marsh’s Book, The Fear Factor: Buy on Amazon Visit Psychopathy Is: PsychopathyIs.org Connect with Dr Marsh on LinkedIn Join the ConversationWe’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Email us at hello@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your experiences, questions, or suggestions for future topics.Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained 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 to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. If you love hearing stories of how organizations build thriving workplace cultures, then be sure to tune in to our Thursday episodes for in-depth interviews with inspiring leaders. But today, it’s all about the This Week in Work news roundup, the Fresh Voices segment, and of course, our world-famous Weekly Workplace Surgery where we answer your burning questions!Segment 1: News RoundupIntellectual Humility in Leadership: Leanne explores an article by Tom Loncar in The Psychologist, discussing how leaders can balance decisiveness with intellectual humility to create stronger, more confident teams. Read the full article.Tesco’s Legal Battle Over Pay CutsAl covers a major legal win for Tesco employees who fought back against the company's attempt to reduce pay for warehouse workers. Read more about the ruling.Can AI Help Us Find Purpose at Work?Leanne takes a deep dive into a Fortune article about AI’s role in the workplace. Could AI free us from mundane tasks and lead us toward more meaningful work, or does it risk eroding the human connections that give our jobs purpose? Read the full article.Segment 2: Fresh VoicesThis week’s Fresh Voice is Anna Papalia, CEO of Interviewology, a firm dedicated to improving the hiring process. Anna reveals a shocking statistic: 90% of hiring managers have never been trained on how to properly interview candidates. Anna shares insights on how to eliminate biases and improve decision-making in hiring, with practical tips for both job seekers and recruiters. Watch Anna’s LinkedIn video.Segment 3: Weekly Workplace SurgeryIn today’s Workplace Surgery, Leanne tackles three listener questions: Oversharing in the Workplace: A marketing agency owner is struggling with a talented employee who overshares personal information, making her colleagues uncomfortable. Scaling Company Culture During Rapid Growth: A tech startup founder who has scaled from 15 to 50 employees in just 18 months worries about losing the close-knit culture that once defined the company. Managing Office Romances: A small business owner is concerned about a romantic relationship between two employees on different teams. Join the ConversationWe’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Email us at hello@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your experiences, questions, or suggestions for future topics.Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained 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 psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Today, we’re diving deep into the story of Harry Cramer, founder and Managing Director of Smart Clinic, a specialist occupational health provider. Harry didn’t begin his career in healthcare—he actually started out in marketing and made the bold leap into the occupational health industry in 2015. Now, nearly a decade later, Smart Clinic has grown to 43 employees, helping businesses across the UK reduce staff absences and support employee well-being.Harry’s journey is more than just about business growth; he also runs Smart Clinic alongside his wife, Chloe. Today, we’ll discuss what it’s like to build a business with your partner, how to succeed in an unfamiliar industry, and why Harry believes that growth isn’t just about scaling—it’s about improving the quality of what you do.Key Talking Points: From Marketing to Occupational Health: How Harry transitioned from a marketing background into building Smart Clinic, a thriving occupational health business. Building a Business with Your Partner: The unique challenges and rewards of running a company alongside your spouse, and how to balance personal and professional life. The Importance of Speed and Technology in Occupational Health: Harry shares how Smart Clinic has disrupted the industry by providing fast, tech-driven services in a sector often known for slow responses. Occupational Health vs. Occupational Psychology: Understanding the difference between these two fields and how they work together to improve employee well-being. Empathy and Culture in High-Growth Companies: How Smart Clinic fosters a mission-driven, empathetic workplace culture as it scales. Connect with Harry Cramer and Smart Clinic: Smart Clinic Website: smartclinic.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-cramer-%F0%9F%A7%AC-ba5b3833/ Join the Conversation:Email us at hello@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your experiences, questions, or suggestions for future topics.Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained 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 another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, chartered psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they keep you informed on the latest news, trends, and insights that are shaping the modern workplace.IntroductionIf you love hearing stories about how organizations big and small are building amazing workplace cultures, then be sure to tune into our Thursday episodes where we feature interviews with inspiring leaders. But today is all about the latest workplace news and our much-loved Weekly Workplace Surgery!News RoundupAre You a Workaholic?Leanne kicks off the episode by discussing the rise of workaholism, which now affects 15% of workers, according to the Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior. Read more.The Gen Z WhisperersAl shares an interesting article from The Guardian about the rise of "Gen Z Whisperers," young advisors helping companies understand and retain Gen Z talent. Read more.The Changing Face of Sick LeaveLeanne wraps up the news roundup with a discussion on how sick leave is evolving, especially in the hybrid work era. Read more.Segment 2: Fresh VoicesIn this week’s Fresh Voices segment, Leanne introduces Connie Hadley, the founder and chief scientist at the Institute for Life at Work. Connie’s research focuses on the future of work, team dynamics, and psychological safety. A highlight of her insights? The power of team rituals. She explains how simple bonding activities can elevate a team’s sense of purpose and improve overall well-being in the workplace. Watch the full interview.Connect with Connie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-noonan-hadley-7303066/Segment 3: Weekly Workplace SurgeryIn the World Famous Weekly Workplace Surgery, Leanne answers your burning workplace questions: Open Office Dilemma: Alex, the owner of a mid-sized marketing agency, recently converted the office into an open-plan layout to encourage collaboration. But the younger employees, particularly Gen Z, are wearing noise-cancelling headphones all day. Modernising the Law Firm: Sarah, a law firm partner, faces pressure from junior staff to introduce flexible working hours. With senior partners resisting and concerns about client expectations, Sarah asks for guidance on implementing flexibility while maintaining high standards. Attracting Young Talent: A graphic design studio owner is struggling to compete with larger firms offering flashy perks. Leanne advises on non-monetary benefits and creative solutions that can appeal to Gen Z talent. Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained 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 another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, chartered psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they bring you inspiring stories and practical insights on building a great workplace culture.Today’s episode is part of our Thursday interview series, where we showcase organisations that are doing amazing things to create a strong workplace culture.Guest IntroductionWe are thrilled to introduce two incredible guests from MAP: Paul Barnes, the founder and Managing Director of MAP, a Manchester-based accountancy firm that exclusively serves the creative and digital sector. MAP has grown from a team of 3 to 34 in just 11 years, becoming a go-to firm for agencies looking to scale. Amanda Wilcox, the Operations Director at MAP and one of the first employees, has been with the company for over 10 years. Amanda has been instrumental in developing MAP’s processes and fostering its unique culture. Key Talking Points: The MAP Story: Paul shares how MAP was founded at the age of 27, starting during the rise of cloud accounting technology. He reflects on how the decision to niche down into the creative and digital sector helped the firm grow rapidly and stand out from traditional accountancy firms. Amanda adds her perspective on joining MAP in its early days and how the team had to create everything from scratch. Culture Above All: One of the most unique aspects of MAP is how they prioritise workplace culture over everything else. Paul and Amanda discuss how they built a culture that embraces flexibility, autonomy, and the constant pursuit of improvement. They share insights into how they keep employees engaged and motivated, particularly the large Gen Z workforce they lead. Challenges of Growth: As MAP grew, Paul and Amanda faced the challenge of transitioning from a scrappy startup to a more structured and scalable business. They share how they’ve navigated this journey, including how they’ve developed young leaders from within, and the importance of continuous feedback and adjusting the business based on what the team needs. Connect with MAPIf you’d like to learn more about MAP and the amazing work they do, here’s how to connect: MAP Website: WeAreMap.co.uk Paul Barnes on LinkedIn: Paul Barnes Amanda Wilcox on LinkedIn: Amanda Wilcox Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained 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 another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, business psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they dive into this week’s biggest stories in the world of work, share practical insights, and answer your burning workplace questions in our world-famous Weekly Workplace Surgery.IntroductionWe’re back in full swing for September, riding the wave of the “fresh start effect.” We’re now bringing you two episodes a week: Tuesdays are all about the This Week in Work roundup, and Thursdays feature expert guests from various fields. Last week’s guest was Ed Williams, co-founder of Candy Kittens—so if you missed that episode, be sure to check it out!News RoundupLeanne kicks off the news roundup with three exciting stories: UK to Introduce Right to Request a Four-Day Work Week: This autumn, workers in the UK will gain the legal right to request a four-day workweek, with employers required to consider the request unless they can prove it's not "reasonably feasible." Read the full article. Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode: Al explores a viral topic on social media—Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode. Paul Graham of Y Combinator and Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, have both commented on how founders often remain hands-on even as their companies grow, which contrasts with the traditional shift to "Manager Mode." 19 Science-Backed Ways to Improve Your Life: Leanne shares a fantastic article from the British Psychological Society (BPS) offering 19 science-backed ways to improve your life. Fresh VoicesThis week’s Fresh Voices segment features Marion Campan, a corporate culture expert whose TEDx talk, "The Secret to Finding Your Ideal Workplace," has garnered over 500,000 views. Marion emphasizes that company culture is key to job satisfaction and retention and offers practical tips on how to evaluate culture before accepting a job offer. She highlights two key ways to assess a company’s culture: Observe the Recruitment Process: The speed and communication during hiring reveal much about a company’s internal culture. Ask the Right Questions: During interviews, ask about company values and how they’re lived day-to-day. A great question to ask: “What kind of people get promoted here?” Watch Marion’s TEDx Talk. World Famous Weekly Workplace SurgeryLeanne answers your workplace questions in this week’s surgery: Feeling Excluded from an Office Clique: A listener feels left out of an "inner circle" at work. Giving Feedback to a More Experienced Team Member: A listener who recently stepped into a managerial role struggles with giving feedback to a more experienced team member. Getting Honest Feedback from Employees: Another listener, a business owner, is frustrated with the lack of honest employee feedback, despite using anonymous surveys. Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained 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 to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, business psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they bring you deep insights into workplace culture, leadership, and creating an environment where people can truly thrive.Guest Introduction: Ed WilliamsToday’s guest is Ed Williams, co-founder and CEO of Candy Kittens, one of the UK’s fastest-growing confectionery brands known for its vegan sweets without artificial additives. Ed launched Candy Kittens alongside TV personality Jamie Laing, and their sweets can now be found in major UK supermarkets and worldwide. Ed is the driving force behind their creative and innovative office space, known as The Sweet Factory, which has redefined workplace culture and collaboration in the heart of London.Key Talking Points:Building Candy Kittens: Ed shares the journey of creating Candy Kittens from the ground up, starting as a "sweets company without sweets" to becoming a household name in UK grocery stores. The Creation of The Sweet Factory: Ed and Jamie wanted their workspace to be more than just an office—it’s designed to feel like a "real-life Willy Wonka factory." Ed talks about how their headquarters promotes creativity, collaboration, and work-life balance.Workplace Culture and Well-being: Ed explains the balance between fostering autonomy and maintaining high performance. He discusses their unlimited holiday policy and shares how B Corp certification has become central to their business philosophy.Managing Millennials and Gen Z: With a young team, Ed talks about the evolving expectations of modern employees, from valuing purpose-driven work to seeking out benefits beyond salary. Working with Jamie Laing: Ed discusses his dynamic partnership with Jamie Laing, describing how their complementary skills have been key to the brand's success. Connect with Ed Williams and Candy Kittens: Ed’s Instagram: @edward_williams Ed'd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-williams/ Candy Kittens Instagram: @candykittens Candy Kittens Website: candykittens.co.uk The Sweet Factory Designer: Lick Paints on Instagram Book Mentioned: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained 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 another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.We’re kicking off September with our full lineup—two episodes a week from now until Christmas! If you’re new here, Tuesdays are all about informal discussions where we round up the latest in the world of work, dive into a mystery segment, and tackle your burning questions in our world-famous Weekly Workplace Surgery.Segment 1: News RoundupThis week’s news roundup features some intriguing stories: The Psychology Behind the Pumpkin Spice Latte Craze: Leanne discusses an article by Nick Hobson in INC. that explores the "Fresh Start Effect," explaining why this seasonal favorite resonates so strongly with people. Read the full article. Eric Schmidt on Work-from-Home Culture: Al highlights comments from Google’s former CEO, Eric Schmidt, who criticized the company’s hybrid work model, suggesting it’s one reason Google has lost its edge in AI to startups. Read more on Fortune. Stress and Heart Health in High-Stress Jobs: Leanne shares a new study from the University of Quebec that reveals office workers with high-stress jobs are 97% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to strokes. Read the full research.Segment 2: Fresh VoicesIntroducing our new segment for September—Fresh Voices—where we spotlight emerging thought leaders and innovators. This week, we feature Rob Kalwarowsky, who recently delivered a TEDx Talk titled "How to Handle a Bad Boss." Rob shares his deeply personal story of dealing with a passive-aggressive boss and the toll it took on his mental health. We discuss three key takeaways from his talk: The Impact of Toxic Leadership on Mental Health: Toxic leadership isn’t just an HR issue—it’s a health crisis. The Subtlety of Toxic Bosses: Many destructive leaders aren’t overtly abusive but still create a toxic environment. Practical Strategies for Handling Bad Bosses: Rob offers actionable advice for dealing with various types of toxic bosses. Watch Rob Kalwarowsky’s full TEDx Talk.More About Rob and ServicesConnect with Rob on LinkedInSegment 3: Weekly Workplace SurgeryIn this week’s "World Famous Weekly Workplace Surgery," we tackle listener questions on workplace dilemmas: Encouraging Initiative in Your Team: A business owner asks how to get their team to take more initiative instead of relying on them for every decision. Politely Declining Extra Tasks: A listener struggles with saying no to extra tasks without appearing unhelpful. Socializing with Your Boss Outside of Work: Another listener wonders whether it’s a good idea to hang out with their boss outside of work and how to manage the potential risks of blurring professional boundaries. Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained 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 to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, chartered psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they explore the latest workplace trends, insights, and practical advice to help you create a thriving work environment.For the month of August, we're taking a bit of a break, so we're only bringing you one episode each week. But don’t worry, we’ll be back to our regular schedule soon! Starting next Thursday, our interview series returns with some incredible guests who are not only household names but are also building the next generation of the workplace. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out.Segment 1: News RoundupIn this week’s news roundup, Leanne and Al discuss three thought-provoking topics: Menowashing: Marketing Gimmicks or Genuine Support? Leanne introduces a new term—"menowashing"—which refers to brands capitalizing on the menopause movement by marketing products with little scientific backing. . Read more in The Telegraph. The Difference Between Managers and Leaders: Al shares a thought-provoking tweet by Rob Dance that highlights the difference between managers and leaders: "When I talk to managers, I get the feeling they're important. When I talk to leaders, I get the feeling I'm important." See the tweet. Australia’s New “Right to Disconnect” Law: Leanne brings hot-off-the-press news from Australia, where a new law now allows employees to ignore work-related communications after hours without fear of repercussions. Read more in Reuters.Segment 2: Workplace Time CapsuleOur final "Workplace Time Capsule" segment takes us back to 1968, where journalist Fyfe Robertson reports from a cigarette factory on the movement for equal pay for women. Watch the video.Segment 3: Weekly Workplace SurgeryIn this week’s "World Famous Weekly Workplace Surgery," Leanne and Al tackle listener questions on the following workplace dilemmas: Leading a More Experienced Team: A listener who’s just been promoted to manage a team older and more experienced than they are seeks advice on how to lead effectively without appearing insecure or overly bossy. Disagreeing with Your Boss in a Meeting: Another listener wonders whether it’s appropriate to voice disagreements during meetings or if it’s better to bring up concerns afterward. Encouraging PTO Without Guilt: A business owner in the financial services sector struggles with employees feeling guilty about taking their PTO days. Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained 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 X (formerly Twitter): Truth, Lies & Work on X 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. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to check out our podcast playlist with over 100 episodes to dive into!