
Truth, Lies and Work
Truth, Lies & Work is the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, the show has reached #2 in the UK Business Podcast Charts and consistently ranks as a Top 10 trending business podcast globally.With a unique blend of evidence-based insight and lived experience, Leanne and Al simplify the science of people and culture to help leaders attract, engage, and retain great talent.Episodes drop twice a week. Tuesdays feature a global people and culture news round-up, a hot take from an emerging or established voice, and the world-famous Workplace Surgery—where Leanne answers real listener questions with practical advice. Thursdays dive deeper with expert guests from across the business and psychology worlds, sharing fresh perspectives and actionable strategies.Whether you're scaling a startup or leading a large team, Truth, Lies & Work delivers the tools, thinking, and inspiration to build thriving, toxic-free workplaces that prioritise well-being and drive sustainable growth.Also, the hosts are married—so expect unfiltered honesty, occasional banter, and a real-life lens on work and life.
Latest episodes

Feb 6, 2025 • 46min
169. Will A.I. Take My Job? HubSpot’s Answer Might Surprise You! Featuring, Crevan O'Malley, VP Corporate Sales at HubSpot
Crevan O'Malley, VP of Corporate Sales at HubSpot, shares intriguing insights on how AI is reshaping sales and marketing. He emphasizes that AI isn't here to replace jobs, but rather to enhance human roles by automating administrative tasks. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations, like transparency and trust in AI applications. O'Malley highlights the importance of balancing AI efficiency with human connection, warning that businesses who resist AI risk falling behind in a competitive landscape.

Feb 4, 2025 • 56min
168. Netflix’s harsh take on family, redundancy red flags and why 'txt spk' is killing UR cred. PLUS! January resolutions are BS, Meenakshi Iyer's hot take!
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.Every Tuesday, we bring you This Week in Work—a roundup of the latest workplace news, a HOT TAKE from an industry expert, and our world-famous weekly workplace surgery, where Leanne answers your workplace dilemmas.🗞 News Roundup:
1️⃣ The 4-Day Workweek Goes Permanent for 200 UK Companies
Over 200 companies in the UK have committed to a permanent four-day workweek with no loss of pay.
Read more from The Guardian.
2️⃣ Netflix Founder Says ‘Stop Calling Workplaces a Family’
Marc Randolph, co-founder of Netflix, calls out companies using the “we’re a family” metaphor.
See Marc Randolph’s post here.
3️⃣ Using Text Abbreviations Makes You Seem Lazy and Fake
A new study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology finds that using abbreviations like “thx” instead of “thanks” makes people seem insincere and less engaged.
Check out the full research from the British Psychological Society.
🔥 Hot Take: Meenakshi Iyer on Why January Resolutions Are BS
Leadership coach Meenakshi Iyer, founder of NorthStar Solutions and Services LLC, challenges the idea that January is the best time for fresh starts.🌍 The Problem with Standardized Goal-Setting:
New Year’s resolutions are based on Western norms and ignore cultural differences, natural rhythms, and personal energy cycles.
In many cultures, spring or personal milestones are more meaningful times for setting goals.
Research shows that any temporal landmark (like a birthday or job anniversary) can create a mental reset—January 1st isn’t the only option!
Companies pushing “New Year, New Goals” initiatives in the middle of winter might be setting employees up for failure.
💡 Join Meenakshi Iyer at the 6th Annual World of Work ConferenceMeenakshi will be speaking at the 6th Annual World of Work Conference on February 28, 2025, where she’ll share insights on how organizations can rethink goal-setting, productivity, and employee well-being.🎟 Get Your Ticket: Click here to book your place💰 Exclusive Discount Code: Use SPEAKER10 at checkout for $10 off your ticket!💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery:
📌 Q1: Employee Surveys—Are They All the Same?
A small business owner asks if they really need to run engagement surveys or if they’re just corporate jargon.
📌 Q2: Redundancy Red Flags—How Do I Know If I’m Next?
A listener sees layoffs coming and wants to know the warning signs and how to prepare.
📌 Q3: Why Do My Manager’s Resolutions Die by February?
Every January, their manager gets big ideas—by February, they’re forgotten. Can team resolutions actually work?
🎧 What’s Next:
This Thursday, we sit down with Crevin O’Malley, VP of Corporate Sales at HubSpot, for a deep dive into sales leadership, culture, and career growth. And next Tuesday, we’ll be back with more This Week in Work!💡 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and tag us on LinkedIn with your thoughts. We’ll send you something nice!

Jan 30, 2025 • 48min
167: Why Your Next Hire Should Be 5,000 Miles Away, with Tony Jamous, OysterHR
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.In this fascinating conversation recorded from a rustic farmhouse in Northern Italy, Tony Jamous, CEO and founder of Oyster, shares his vision for the future of work and how distributed teams are transforming the global employment landscape.🗓️ Episode Overview:
Tony Jamous discusses how his journey from Lebanon to France, and eventually to founding a unicorn company, shaped his mission to democratize access to global employment opportunities. From selling his first company to Ericsson to building Oyster, Tony shares insights on leadership, distributed teams, and mission-driven business.🎧 Key Topics Covered:
The Future of Work is Distributed
Why traditional office-based work is changing
How remote work can help solve global talent shortages
The economic benefits of distributed teams for both companies and employees
Building Trust in Remote Teams
Why psychological safety is crucial for distributed teams
The importance of defaulting to trust
How to build relationships in virtual environments
Mission-Driven Leadership
The importance of aligning financial success with mission impact
How to become a "healthy leader"
Building sustainable, mission-driven organizations
💡 Key Takeaways:
The global talent shortage in the West could lead to $8.5 trillion in economic loss
Remote work enables companies to access global talent while allowing people to stay in their communities
Mission-driven companies can deliver better returns for investors while creating positive social impact
Leadership in distributed teams requires a focus on trust and clear communication
🎥 Links:
Connect with Our Guest:Visit Oyster: oysterhr.comConnect with Tony Jamous on LinkedIn🎧 What's Next:Join us next week as we record another thought-provoking conversation about the future of work - and we're home in Mostar! Woo hoo!General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Jan 28, 2025 • 57min
166: Buzzword bingo and managerless teams. PLUS! Rob Hosking's Hot Take on why adaptability is critical in 2025
Rob Hosking, a former frontline police officer and motivational TEDx speaker, emphasizes the critical role of adaptability in the future workplace. He discusses buzzwords like 'quiet vacationing' and 'ghost jobs,' humorously predicting trends for 2025. The conversation also delves into the rise of managerless teams, sharing strategies to navigate this shift. Additionally, the podcast explores generational sensitivities, challenging stereotypes and linking them to age rather than generational identity, all while underscoring the need for resilience in a changing work environment.

Jan 23, 2025 • 51min
165: Why Your Mind is Lying to You (And How to Fight Back) with James Fleming
Your brain is lying to you about what you can achieve - learn how to rewire your thinking with James Fleming, who went from nearly bankrupt to running a multi-million pound business by mastering the science of Motivational Intelligence.Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.Recording from the mountains of Northern Italy, Al and Leanne kick off 2025 with a powerful conversation about Motivational Intelligence (MQ) with James Fleming, co-founder of The Power Within Training and author of "You Can Have Success or Excuses: You Cannot Have Both."🗓️ Episode Overview:James Fleming shares his journey from a six-figure oil and gas executive to nearly bankrupt entrepreneur, and how this experience shaped his groundbreaking approach to leadership development through Motivational Intelligence (MQ).🎧 Key Topics Covered:Understanding Motivational Intelligence* What MQ is and why it matters more than IQ or EQ* How thoughts control emotions, not the other way around* The role of self-limiting beliefs in personal and professional growthTransforming Leadership Through MQ* Why traditional leadership training often fails* How to create lasting behavioural change in organisations* The power of shared language in cultural transformationPractical Applications of MQ* Breaking down goals into actionable steps* Managing negative thoughts and self-limiting beliefs* Building resilience through conscious choice💡 Key Takeaways:* Success requires getting comfortable with failure* Real change happens when we address our thoughts, not just our emotions* Leadership development needs to focus on sustainable behavioural change* Small, consistent actions lead to significant results📚 Featured Book:"You Can Have Success or Excuses: You Cannot Have Both" - Available on Amazon, Audible, and Kindle: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-SUCCESS-EXCUSES-Cannot-Both/dp/B0D9SV6RTDConnect with Our Guest:* Connect with James Fleming on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd* Visit The Power Within Training: https://thepowerwithintraining.com/* Follow on social media @PowerWithinTraining🎧 What's Next:Join us next week as we continue our Italian adventure, exploring more insights into workplace psychology and leadership development.Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Jan 21, 2025 • 51min
164. The TikTok Ban, Soft Quitting and 2025 Wellness Trends – This Week in Work 21st January 2025
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.After our January unfiltered series, we’re back to our This Week in Work format, bringing you the latest workplace news, expert insights, and solutions to your burning workplace dilemmas.🗓️ News Roundup
The TikTok Ban in the U.S.:We explore the upcoming federal ban on TikTok, set to take effect on January 19, 2025, unless ByteDance divests its U.S. operations. Source: TikTok ban explained – BBC NewsSoft Quitting:Dr. Diane Hamilton introduces the concept of soft quitting—subtler and potentially more harmful than quiet quitting. Source: What is soft quitting? – ForbesWellness Trends for 2025:Forbes highlights unconventional wellness trends that are set to transform the workplace, including financial wellness programs, menopause support, and biophilic office design. Source: Wellness Trends for 2025 – Forbes🔥 Paula Brockwell’s Hot Take: Why Vision and Values Won’t Fix Your CultureThis week’s hot take comes from the brilliant Paula Brockwell, a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and founder of The Employee Experience Project. With over 20 years of experience helping businesses untangle culture challenges, Paula is known for her no-nonsense, practical approach to sustainable change.Paula’s perspective on vision and values? They’re often used as a crutch in culture transformation, but they rarely deliver real results. 💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery
Unifying Management Across Locations:A listener asks for help standardizing management practices across multiple stores. Leanne provides tips for creating consistency without undermining individuality.Burnout in Engineering Teams:Late nights and weekend work are taking their toll on an engineering team. Leanne shares advice on approaching leadership about sustainable workload expectations.Adapting to AI Changes:A research analyst worried about AI’s impact on job security gets actionable steps to future-proof their career in an AI-driven world.General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 3min
163. Dr Ryan Martin, AKA The Anger Professor, Unfiltered Full Interview
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.This episode marks the final installment in our Unfiltered Series, where we’ve brought you the raw, unedited conversations with some of the most thought-provoking and inspiring guests we’ve ever had on the show. Today, we close the series with a conversation about anger—an emotion we’re all grappling with in these challenging times.Our guest is Dr. Ryan Martin, a psychologist, Dean at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and author of How to Deal with Angry People. Known as The Anger Professor on TikTok, Ryan combines humor, research, and practical insights to help us better understand anger and how to handle it in ourselves and others.🗓️ Episode Overview:
In this unfiltered conversation, Dr. Ryan Martin demystifies anger, separating fact from fiction and offering practical strategies to manage it effectively. From understanding why anger is often misunderstood to exploring how it impacts our personal and professional lives, this episode will leave you with valuable tools for navigating this powerful emotion.🎧 Key Topics Covered:
What Anger Really Is
The emotional response to being wronged, experiencing injustice, or facing goal-blocking.
Why anger is not the same as aggression and why that distinction matters.
Anger in the Workplace
How anger manifests at work and its impact on teams.
Strategies leaders can use to de-escalate tense situations and foster emotional balance.
Debunking the Catharsis MythWhy punching pillows or smashing plates doesn’t actually relieve anger—and might even make it worse.The Contagious Nature of AngerHow anger spreads through teams and communities, and the role of modeling in both childhood and adulthood.Practical Anger Management
Strategies for staying calm in the moment, from planning ahead to using non-complementary responses.
How to identify when it’s time to disengage from a toxic or unresolvable situation.
💡 Key Takeaways:
Anger is a normal and natural emotion, but how we express it defines its impact.
Understanding the root cause of anger—be it injustice, mistreatment, or frustration—can help us respond constructively.
Leaders play a critical role in modeling calm behavior and addressing anger proactively in the workplace.
Disengaging from toxic relationships or situations is sometimes the healthiest choice.
Connect with Our Guest:
Follow Dr. Ryan Martin on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TheAngerProfessor
Visit AllTheRageScience.com for more resources on anger management and Dr. Martin’s work.
🎧 What’s Next:
This concludes our Unfiltered Series! We want to thank all of our amazing guests—Rory Sutherland, Professor John Amaechi, Professor Sir Cary Cooper, Nora Burns, Bruce Daisley, and Dr. Ryan Martin—for their incredible insights.Next week, we’ll return to our usual This Week in Work format, bringing you workplace news, expert takes, and our world-famous workplace surgery. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it!General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

Jan 14, 2025 • 53min
162. Bruce Daisley Unfiltered Full Interview - Special Episode
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.This episode is part of our Unfiltered Series, where we bring you the full, raw, unedited conversations with some of the most brilliant minds shaping the future of work. Today, we welcome Bruce Daisley, workplace culture expert, bestselling author of The Joy of Work and Fortitude, and host of the acclaimed podcast Eat Sleep Work Repeat.🗓️ Episode Overview:
Recorded just in time for Blue Monday, Bruce Daisley challenges everything we thought we knew about resilience, burnout, and workplace culture. In this exclusive, unfiltered conversation, Bruce shares actionable insights on creating a workplace where people thrive—without toxic expectations or outdated ideas of resilience.🎧 Key Topics Covered:
The Truth About ResilienceWhy traditional resilience training doesn’t work and how resilience is actually a collective strength, not an individual trait.Tackling BurnoutEye-opening statistics on burnout in the modern workplace and why systemic change, not personal grit, is the solution.Building Stronger TeamsPractical advice for leaders on fostering connection, trust, and a sense of belonging, even in hybrid or remote work environments.The Importance of Laughter at WorkHow humor builds stronger teams and why laughing with colleagues can be a game-changer for workplace culture.The Future of WorkWhy flexibility and social connection are essential for sustaining healthy workplace cultures in a post-pandemic world.💡 Key Takeaways:
Resilience is drawn from the strength of our connections, not individual toughness.
Burnout is a symptom of broken systems, not personal failure.
Social connection—whether through team lunches, shared rituals, or crisp Thursdays—drives better culture and performance.
🎧 What’s Next in the Series:
Join us next week for the final episode in our Unfiltered Series with Ryan Martin, known as The Anger Professor, who will share insights on managing emotions in the workplace.💡 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to check out Bruce Daisley’s books, The Joy of Work and Fortitude, and his podcast, Eat Sleep Work Repeat. Visit brucedaisley.com for more resources.General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Jan 9, 2025 • 48min
161. Nora Burns, AKA The Undercover Candidate, Unfiltered Full Interview - Special Episode
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.This episode is part of our Unfiltered Series, featuring the full, raw, unedited interviews with some of the most inspiring voices in workplace culture. Today, we welcome Nora Burns, better known as The Undercover Candidate and a trailblazer in redefining recruitment and workplace culture.🗓️ Episode Overview:
First featured in Episode 74, Nora brings her groundbreaking research to the table, sharing eye-opening insights from over 250 undercover job interviews and frontline work experiences in Fortune 500 companies. If you’re navigating January’s prime recruiting season—whether as a job seeker or a hiring manager—this episode is packed with revelations that will transform the way you think about hiring, onboarding, and workplace culture.🎧 Key Topics Covered:
The Undercover Candidate ProjectNora’s unique journey of posing as a job candidate to uncover unethical, lazy, and sometimes illegal hiring practices.How Recruitment Shapes Workplace CultureWhy recruitment is the foundation of a strong workplace culture and how poor candidate experiences can set the tone for mistrust and disengagement.Trends in Onboarding and LeadershipInsights into why onboarding fails, how managers “throw corporate under the bus,” and the critical gap in developing leadership courage.Addressing Bias in HiringThe dangers of bias in traditional hiring processes and how AI might amplify these issues if not managed carefully.What Employers Get Wrong About HiringThe pitfalls of ghosting candidates, neglecting communication, and undervaluing the candidate experience.Nora’s Upcoming BookA sneak peek into Nora’s 2024 releases, including a mini book collection and her full-length book on the undercover candidate and employee experience.💡 Key Takeaways:
Recruitment is the starting point of the employment relationship—get it right, and the results will ripple throughout your culture.
Poor hiring practices not only harm your reputation but can cost you future candidates and customers.
Strong communication and respect for candidates' time are non-negotiable for building trust and engagement.
Resources:Connect with Nora: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noraburns/Pre-purchase Nora's book: https://www.theleadershipexperts.com/shop🎧 What’s Next in the Series:
Join us next week for an unfiltered conversation with Bruce Daisley, where we’ll explore resilience and rethinking work-life balance.General Support with Mental Health and Well-beingIf you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)Connect with Al and LeanneJoin the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanneEmail: Hello@truthliesandwork.comBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

11 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 53min
160. Professor Sir Cary Cooper Unfiltered Full Interview - Special Episode
In this engaging discussion, Professor Sir Cary Cooper, a leading expert in organizational psychology and workplace well-being, delves into crucial topics affecting modern workplaces. He emphasizes how financial stress significantly impacts employee productivity and mental health. Sir Cary also advocates for the vital role of line managers who blend technical expertise with emotional intelligence to foster a supportive environment. He explores the necessity of open conversations around financial well-being and shares insights on innovative management styles that prioritize employee satisfaction.