Truth, Lies and Work

Experts delve into the rise of toxic leadership and the urgent need for empathetic management practices. They discuss the growing issues of hope labor and invisible work, emphasizing the importance of recognition and fair compensation. Predictions highlight how career success will hinge on self-advocacy and personal branding. The childcare crisis takes center stage, pushing employers to provide better support for working parents. These insights shape a roadmap for navigating the workplace challenges of 2025 with optimism and action.

Welcome to a very special New Year’s Eve edition of Truth, Lies & Work! Normally, we'd be bringing you our regular Tuesday episode with the news roundup, workplace surgery, and hot takes, but today we’re doing something different. It's the holiday season—time to relax, reflect, and spend time with loved ones. So, to mark the occasion, we’re sharing the full, never-before-heard interview with one of our most exciting guests to date, Professor John Amaechi OBE.Professor John Amaechi is an extraordinary individual with an inspiring journey and impressive credentials. He’s the first Brit to play in the NBA, a Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School, founder of APS Intelligence, and non-executive director for a FTSE 250 company. John is also the author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Promises of Giants, where he offers a bold new approach to leadership. He’s a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, self-awareness in leadership, and the power of critical thinking. Plus, he’s got some very strong opinions on Star Wars and peanut butter—trust us, you’ll want to hear this.In this extended, unedited conversation, Leanne and John dive deep into what makes a great leader, the challenges of diversity in leadership roles, and the importance of self-awareness. Key Topics: Leadership vs Management: What sets true leadership apart from management and why this distinction is vital. Diversity & Inclusion: How inclusive leadership impacts business success, and why mediocrity is the real enemy in workplace diversity. The Importance of Self-Awareness: Why great leadership begins with understanding yourself, and how this critical skill can shape your effectiveness as a leader. The Role of Leadership in Society: Why leaders must be responsible for shaping both the culture within their organizations and the wider community. Star Wars & Peanut Butter: John’s take on the best Star Wars film (spoiler: it’s a good one) and the only acceptable way to eat peanut butter. Yes, we went there. Why You Should Listen:This interview is one for the books. Whether you’re a business leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone looking for a fresh perspective on leadership, John’s insights are invaluable. This episode dives into the real, human side of leadership, touching on vulnerability, self-awareness, and why leading with authenticity can be the key to success.Grab a coffee, relax, and get ready to be inspired by one of the most influential thinkers in leadership today.More from John Amaechi:Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaechi/The Promises of Giants: https://www.amazon.com/Promises-Giants-John-Amaechi/dp/1529345871APS Intelligence LTD: https://www.apsintel.com/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

In this insightful discussion, Chris Savage, CEO of Wistia, shares his predictions for the future of remote work and AI's transformative impact on the workplace. He emphasizes that companies will navigate a new balance in remote setups, leveraging AI to enhance collaboration. The conversation also highlights the rising value of soft skills, such as emotional intelligence and communication, as technical tasks become increasingly automated. Savage urges listeners to adapt to these changes for a more productive and fulfilling work environment.

Welcome to Part 1 of our special Christmas Eve episode of Truth, Lies & Work! This isn’t your typical holiday episode — we're taking a break from the usual work chatter to bring you something special.Today, we’re releasing the full, unedited interview with the one and only Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy & Mather and the founder of the Behavioral Science Unit at Ogilvy. Rory’s previous episode with us (Episode 83) was one of our most popular, and we’re beyond excited to bring you Part 1 of this extended conversation.This interview dives deep into Rory’s vast expertise in behavioral science, marketing, and leadership. Rory has been a thought leader in advertising for decades, and his insights on human behavior, creativity, and business strategy are nothing short of enlightening.In today’s episode, we talk about: The Future of Work: Insights into the evolving landscape and the need for businesses to adapt and thrive. Rory’s Journey: From Ogilvy’s Vice Chairman to launching a Behavioral Science Unit within one of the world’s largest agencies. Behavioral Science: How understanding human behavior drives success in advertising and leadership. Innovation & Creativity: The role of unconventional ideas in transforming businesses. Personal Reflections: Rory’s unique take on work-life balance, career growth, and the power of good storytelling. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Rory’s Books: Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don’t Make Sense Connect with Rory Sutherland: LinkedIn Twitter Ogilvy Don’t Miss Part 2!!Make sure to catch Part 2 of this interview, available exclusively on our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_hIyk9KjxJQ1lZWhiaqDwGeneral 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

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.This week’s Thursday episode features Louise Hill, co-founder and CEO of GoHenry, a fintech company empowering kids and families with financial literacy through their prepaid debit card and educational app.🗓️ Episode Overview: Louise Hill shares her journey from starting GoHenry in 2012 to leading the company’s growth to over 6 million members across five countries. With a mission to make every child smart with money, Louise discusses how GoHenry is transforming financial education, navigating rapid growth, and maintaining a strong workplace culture across multiple countries.🎧 Key Topics Covered: The Inspiration Behind GoHenryLouise explains how her kids’ spending habits on iTunes inspired her to create a tool that helps children understand the value of money in an increasingly digital world.How GoHenry WorksFeatures like pocket money tracking, savings goals, tasks and chores, and even micro-donations empower kids aged 6–18 to learn practical money skills.Maintaining Culture During GrowthThe “Little Red Book of GoHenry” captures the company’s core values, ensuring the culture remains strong as the team expands rapidly across countries.Challenges of ScalingLouise shares how she addressed bottlenecks caused by single points of failure in the business and fostered open communication within her team.Female Entrepreneurship and FundraisingLouise reflects on the challenges of being a female founder in a male-dominated industry and how she successfully raised $125 million in funding through multiple rounds, including record-breaking crowdfunding campaigns.Financial Literacy and Social MobilityResearch shows that financial education can improve lifetime earnings, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance savings, making it a critical tool for social mobility.The Importance of Culture in BusinessLouise discusses why embedding values like collaboration, embracing change, and daring to fail is essential for building a resilient and adaptable company.Find Out MoreConnect with Louise on LinkedInCheck Out GoHenry and win £500!🎧 What’s Next: Join us on Christmas Eve for the unedited interview with Rory Sutherland, and tune in New Year’s Eve for the full conversation with organizational psychology legend Professor John Amaechi, OBE.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

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. We bring you workplace news, expert hot takes, and practical advice to build amazing workplace cultures.📰 This Week’s Headlines: The Power of Talking to YourselfResearch featured in Time magazine shows that talking out loud to yourself can reduce stress and improve focus. Whether it’s hunting for lost items or navigating festive chaos, self-talk is a science-backed way to stay calm and productive during stressful times. Source: Time MagazineShould Bosses Have Favorites?Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky believes good leaders should pick favorites based on fair criteria to build great teams. But does favoritism boost morale, or does it alienate others? We explore the impact of this controversial leadership strategy.Source: CNBCWhy Young Professionals are Leaving the UKRevolut co-founder Vlad Yatsenko discusses the exodus of young professionals to Southern Europe. With better weather, lower taxes, and remote work flexibility, countries like Portugal and Italy are emerging as prime destinations for ambitious workers. Source: The Telegraph🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Dr. Enya Doyle Dr. Enya Doyle, an anti-harassment consultant, argues that the term “inappropriate” should be retired when discussing sexual harassment and violence. She suggests using stronger language like “unlawful” or “intolerable” to better reflect the seriousness of these behaviors. Dr. Doyle also emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies, accountability, and long-term cultural shifts to combat workplace harassment.Connect with Dr Enya DoyleLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-enya-doyleInstagram: www.instagram.com/theharassmentdoctorWebsite: https://enyadoyle.com/💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery: Middle Management Burnout:A manager struggles with unclear direction, constant fire-fighting, and losing passion for their role. Leanne shares strategies to address the challenges of middle management.Team Division Post-Restructure:A newly merged team faces tension between legacy and transformation groups. Leanne offers advice on rebuilding trust and collaboration to prevent an "us vs. them" dynamic.Wellbeing on a Budget:A leader wants to prioritize team wellbeing but has limited resources. Leanne provides practical tips for creating impactful initiatives without breaking the bank.🎧 Next Week’s Teaser: We’re taking a break from This Week in Work over Christmas, but don’t worry! We’re bringing you a series of full, unedited interviews with workplace culture legends, including a 2-hour conversation with Rory Sutherland and our annual predictions episode featuring insights from top industry leaders.💡 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast on LinkedIn. Tag us in your post, and we’ll send you a thank-you gift!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/

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 ongoing series on mental illness in the workplace, inspired by Mind CEO Sarah Hughes’ call to expand conversations around mental health. Previously, we explored psychopathy with Dr. Abby Marsh (Episode 131), and today, we’re diving into schizophrenia with mental health advocate Kody Green.🗓️ Episode Overview:Kody Green shares his extraordinary journey of living with schizophrenia, defying the odds, and thriving in the workplace. Kody, also known as Schizophrenic Hippie on TikTok, uses his platform to educate, inspire, and challenge misconceptions about schizophrenia, while offering practical advice for employers and coworkers.🎧 Key Topics:What is Schizophrenia?A breakdown of symptoms, challenges, and common misconceptions about the condition.Debunking Myths:Schizophrenia does not mean violent or dangerous.With the right support, people with schizophrenia can thrive in the workplace.Workplace Lessons:Practical accommodations employers can make.The value of open communication and proactive mental health policies.Coping and Advocacy:How tools like service dogs and smart glasses help Kody manage his symptoms.Using TikTok to raise awareness and inspire change.Resources: Learn more about Kody Green: kodygreen.com Follow Kody on TikTok: @SchizophrenicHippie Watch Kody on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/schizophrenichippie 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/

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, presented by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. 🗓️ Episode Structure: Tuesdays – This Week in Work: A roundup of workplace news, expert insights, and listener questions. Thursdays – In-Depth Interviews: Conversations with experts on building outstanding workplace cultures. 📰 This Week’s Headlines: What Motivates Older Workers?Leanne discusses a study from Occupational Psychology Outlook identifying four motivator types among older employees. Understanding these motivators is crucial as older workers are projected to comprise nearly half of the UK workforce by 2030. Source: Occupational Psychology OutlookThe Double-Edged Sword of Workplace SecretsAl examines research from Harvard Business Review on organizational secrecy, revealing that while secrecy can make employees feel valued, it also leads to stress and isolation. Source: Harvard Business ReviewApple Faces Lawsuit Over Employee PrivacyLeanne covers a lawsuit accusing Apple of monitoring employees' personal devices and iCloud accounts, even off the clock. Source: CEO Today🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Katie O’Malley on Leadership Training Katie O’Malley, founder of (en)Courage Coaching, tells us how traditional leadership training is flawed, noting a 12-year gap between employees' promotion to leadership roles and receiving formal training. She argues for: Training all employees as future leaders from day one. Focusing on self-awareness, effective communication, and conflict resolution. Recognizing "soft skills" as critical competencies essential for healthy, productive workplace cultures. Connect with Katie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateomalley/Website: https://encouragecoaching.org/💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery: Burnout and KPIs:A newly promoted Head of Sales faces a KPI-driven culture causing team burnout. Remote Work Boundaries:A senior account manager struggles with blurred work-life boundaries. Christmas Party Dilemma:A manager feels hurt after discovering team members plan to skip an expensive Christmas party for their own gathering. 🎧 Next Episode Teaser: Join us Thursday for a conversation with mental health advocate Kody Green, who shares his experience living with schizophrenia and thriving with workplace support.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

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. It’s presented by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, offering insights and expert advice on creating amazing workplace cultures.Trigger warning:This episode discusses grief, bereavement, and the challenges of navigating loss in the workplace, particularly during the holiday season. Some listeners may find the content emotionally distressing. If you feel this topic might be too difficult for you right now, we completely understand and encourage you to prioritise your well-being. You can skip this episode and join us next time.Episode Overview:This week, we tackle a deeply moving and essential topic: grief in the workplace. With the holiday season amplifying feelings of loss, this episode explores how organizations can better support bereaved employees and create compassionate spaces.Our guest, Maria Georgiou, is a mental health advocate and founder of MGAG. Her work focuses on bereavement and wellness, helping individuals and businesses navigate the challenges of grief. Maria shares her personal story of loss, including the passing of her father and daughter, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned about returning to work and supporting grieving colleagues.🗝️ Key Topics Discussed: The emotional, cognitive, physical, behavioral, and spiritual impacts of grief. Practical ways managers can support grieving employees, especially during emotionally charged times like the holidays. Why listening and active communication are essential skills for leaders. Creating effective policies for bereavement and compassionate return-to-work plans. How small gestures, such as acknowledging important dates, can make a big difference. 💬 Key Takeaways: Check-ins Matter: Ensure check-ins are separate from performance reviews to focus on well-being genuinely. Flexibility is Key: Tailor support to the individual, such as adjusting working hours or offering work-from-home options. Avoid Assumptions: Never tell a grieving colleague how they should feel. Instead, listen and validate their emotions. Structured Policies Help: Bereavement policies and training ensure that managers feel equipped to support employees while maintaining productivity. The Power of Small Gestures: Acknowledging anniversaries or sending a card can provide comfort and show empathy. Connect with Maria:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-georgiou-60b5b491/Website: www.emgeag.orgGeneral 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.UK Resources: Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org. Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463, or visit mind.org.uk. Cruse Bereavement Support: Call 0808 808 1677 or visit cruse.org.uk for resources and support with grief. US Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. GriefShare: Visit griefshare.org to find local support groups. Global Resources: International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): Visit iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ to find crisis centers worldwide. Befrienders Worldwide: Visit befrienders.org for global helplines. 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/

Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. It’s presented by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, offering insights and expert advice on creating amazing workplace cultures.📰 This Week’s Headlines:Dark Empaths in the WorkplaceLeanne discusses a fascinating article from BBC Science Focus on "dark empaths"—individuals with dark personality traits like narcissism and psychopathy combined with above-average empathy. In the workplace, this blend can lead to manipulation masked as understanding. Leanne explores how leaders can foster accountability and transparency to minimize these challenges.Link: Dark Empaths – BBC Science FocusHow to Mend a Broken Work RelationshipAl dives into an insightful Harvard Business Review article by Susan David. From learning to focus on shared goals to small gestures of goodwill, discover practical tips for mending workplace rifts.Link: HBR Podcast: Repairing Work RelationshipsThe Great Homeworking ExperimentLeanne examines the pros and cons of remote work, highlighting research by Gail Kinman and Christine Grant. While remote work boosts productivity and inclusivity, it also presents challenges like overwork and mental health strain. The takeaway? Tailored hybrid models might be the future of work.🔥 Hot Take of the Week:This week, we hear from Amy McKeown, a workplace health expert who’s challenging the status quo. Amy believes the term "wellbeing" is on its way out, arguing for clearer language and strategies focused on health and mental health. She also sheds light on how the industry is undergoing a massive correction.Learn more about Amy’s upcoming course, "Do Workplace Health Right," featuring workplace culture luminaries like Peter Cheese and Dr. Clayre Fernandez.Find out more about the course here.💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery:This week, Leanne answers three listener questions: Overwhelmed EA: An Executive Assistant struggling to juggle additional responsibilities outside their role. Salary Disparities: A manager grappling with knowledge of unequal pay after an accidental spreadsheet reveal. Anonymous Suggestion Box Shenanigans: A business owner balancing humorous feedback with serious workplace improvements. 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/