Truth, Lies and Work

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!

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.Segment 1: News RoundupThis week’s news roundup covers several thought-provoking (and silly!) topics: Doomscrolling and Its Impact on Mental Health: A study by Reza Shabahang and colleagues reveals how compulsive doomscrolling can increase existential anxiety, pessimism, and distrust in others. Read the study. Wisdom Work in a Multigenerational Workforce: Chip Conley’s article in Harvard Business Review introduces the concept of "Wisdom Work," emphasizing the importance of experience and foresight in a workplace that will soon include five generations. Read the article. The Breakfast Habits of Successful Executives: From turkey bacon wraps to green juices, the breakfast choices of top executives are as diverse as their leadership styles, as highlighted by Bloomberg Businessweek. Read the article. Segment 2: Workplace Time CapsuleIn our brand new summer segment, we travel back to the 1960s in Edinburgh, where Tarry's Chip Shop on Manse Road became a pioneer by offering the first-ever fish and chip delivery service. Originally broadcast on January 31, 1963, this segment showcases the early innovations in customer service that have shaped modern business practices. Watch the original broadcast.Segment 3: Weekly Workplace SurgeryIn this week’s Workplace Surgery, Al and Leanne tackle some challenging listener questions: Blindsided by a Resignation: A listener shares their shock at losing a key team member despite offering competitive pay and a flexible work environment. Al and Leanne discuss strategies for understanding the deeper reasons behind resignations and how to retain top talent. Championing Unwanted Change: Another listener is tasked with managing the transition to new software they don’t believe in. Al and Leanne provide advice on how to effectively lead change management, even when personal beliefs differ from organizational decisions. Can People Really Change?: A listener grapples with whether to promote a manager who previously committed fraud but has since shown exemplary performance. The hosts discuss the complexities of trust, redemption, and the risks of second chances in the workplace. 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.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. 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.

Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. In this week's episode of Truth, Lies & Work, Al and Leanne bring you a comprehensive breakdown of the most important developments in workplace culture, a nostalgic journey through work history, and practical advice for tackling modern workplace dilemmas.Segment 1: News Round-Up Leadership Lessons: Al and Leanne discuss the latest research and stories around effective leadership, including how managers can better understand and motivate their teams. They explore real-world examples of leadership gone wrong and the critical lessons that can be learned. Explore the story further: 7 Bad Bosses to Avoid and How to Spot Them During an Interview Gen Alpha in the Workplace: The hosts dive into how Gen Alpha, the newest generation entering the workforce, is influencing workplace dynamics. From their unique communication styles to their digital-first approach, understanding Gen Alpha is becoming crucial for businesses looking to stay ahead. Explore the story further: TikTok Video on Gen Alpha | Article on Gen Alpha's Workplace Impact Olympic Fever: With the recent Olympic Games still fresh in everyone's minds, Al and Leanne explore the psychology of crowd and how supports can influence athlete performance.Segment 2: Workplace Time Capsule: Lessons from the 60s, 70s, and 80sThis week, we dive ito the BBC archives and go back to 1974 to explore The Peter Principle. The Peter Principle, which states, "In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence." Developed by Dr. Laurence J. Peter, this principle explores the common phenomenon where employees are promoted based on their success in previous roles until they reach a position where they are no longer competent. Watch the original broadcast on YouTube: The Peter Principle Segment 3: Weekly Workplace Surgery Question 1: "I’m a software engineer and my girlfriend thinks I’m stealing from my boss. This is the situation. I work 100% remotely and I fix bugs and handle support tickets. I’m paid to work 40 hours a week but usually complete my work in 20-25 hours. What do you think, Lea?" Question 2: "I’m having to make a redundancy in the next few months. I have two people who do the same job. One is great to be around but not as effective, and the other is highly productive but kind of an asshole. What do I do?" Question 3: "Do I lie about being unemployed? I was let go last year and ended up working in fast food for a few months. Now I have an exciting interview in my field, but I’m not sure how to explain the gap in my work history. What should I do?"Support and Contact Info:Have a workplace question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Want to share your thoughts on today’s discussion? Get in touch with us: Email: info@truthliesandwork.com Website: truthliesandwork.com Follow Us: Truth, Lies & Work on Apple Podcasts Truth, Lies & Work on Spotify Visit our Website: Truth, Lies & Work Follow us on X (Twitter): @TruthLiesWork TikTok: @TruthLiesWork Instagram: @TruthLiesWork Mental Health Resources:United Kingdom: Mind: www.mind.org.uk Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org Mental Health America: www.mhanational.org Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org Rest of the World: International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): www.iasp.info Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org

Welcome to another episode of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. In this engaging episode, Al and Leanne discuss the latest trends in workplace culture, share insights from recent studies, and tackle your most pressing workplace dilemmas in our famous weekly workplace surgery.Segment 1: News Round-upLeanne on "Stress Bragging"Leanne introduces a new term: "Stress Bragging," where people talk about their stress levels as a badge of honor. She explains how this phenomenon can actually alienate colleagues and make us seem less competent. A study from Personnel Psychology by Jessica B. Rodell shows that stress bragging can create more workplace anxiety and reduce the willingness of coworkers to help.Read the full paper here: Rodell J. B., Shanklin B. C., & Frank E. L. (2024). "I'm so stressed!": The relational consequences of stress bragging. Personnel Psychology.Al on Gen Z SlangAl shares a guide to Gen Z slang from a recent Forbes article, highlighting terms like "No Cap," "That Slaps," and "Menty B." He advises caution for older generations trying to use these terms, comparing it to the embarrassment of watching your parents dance.Read the full article: Forbes Guide to Gen Z Slang.Leanne on Kamala Harris' LaughLeanne discusses an Inc article about Kamala Harris' laugh and its psychological impact. She highlights research showing that laughter can boost motivation and team effectiveness, and how positive emotions can lead to success.Read the full article: Inc on Kamala Harris' Laugh.Segment 2: Future of WorkWhat Will Work Look Like in 2074?Al and Leanne discuss a fascinating YouTube video that explores predictions for the future of work in 2074. They delve into potential changes in technology, workplace culture, and job roles.Watch the video: The Future of Work in 2074.Segment 3: Weekly Workplace SurgeryQ1: Using Memes in Workplace CommunicationA listener asks about the appropriateness of using memes in work chats. Al and Leanne discuss the balance between fun and professionalism, offering advice on how to encourage a light-hearted atmosphere without compromising on work ethics.Q2: Pets in Zoom MeetingsA remote team leader is concerned about pets distracting from work during Zoom meetings. Leanne and Al debate whether to ban pets from meetings and how to address this issue without sounding too authoritarian.Q3: Transitioning to a Management RoleA listener who is up for a promotion worries about transitioning from being a peer to a manager. Al and Leanne offer strategies for easing this transition and ensuring a smooth change in dynamics with coworkers.Book a MeetingBook a Call with Al & Leanne: https://book.calendly.com/AlandLeanneFollow Us Truth, Lies & Work on Apple Podcasts Truth, Lies & Work on Spotify Visit our Website X (Twitter): @TruthLiesWork TikTok: @TruthLiesWork Instagram: @TruthLiesWork Mental Health ResourcesUnited Kingdom: Mind: www.mind.org.uk Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org Mental Health America: www.mhanational.org Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org Rest of the World: International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): www.iasp.info Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org Stay tuned, subscribe, and we'll see you next week!