The Lonely Office

In an era where everyone seems to be monetizing their passion, the line between day job and side hustle grows increasingly blurry. When Chelsea's vintage artifact business collided with her corporate role, she learned the hard way that not all companies embrace the hustle economy.From MMA fighters turned TikTok food critics to corporate employees building startups in secret, we explore how to balance your dreams with your day job. Is the remote work revolution making it easier to pursue your passion, or just easier to get caught?Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoListen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Before you start a podcast, talk to Aaron!Leah OvaFollow Leah on TikTok Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

How much do failing companies and countries have in common? In this episode of The Lonely Office, we follow Lianna, a young attorney watching her dream of partnership fade away as her firm’s leadership hoards profits and power.Inspired by the Nobel Prize-winning book Why Nations Fail, we explore how the "extractive policies" that doom nations—concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a few—also plague companies. From Blockbuster's $50M Netflix blunder to today's imploding startups, we examine how resistance to change, decision-making concentrated in the hands of the CEO and close executives, and a lack of organizational justice—such as undeserved promotions—can collectively pave the way for spectacular collapses.Are modern companies built to last, or are they simply extracting value on their way to inevitable failure?Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoListen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Before you start a podcast, talk to Aaron!Leah OvaFollow Leah on TikTok Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Your past doesn’t always stay in the past—especially online. In this episode of The Lonely Office, we dive into the surprising ways our digital footprints, from Roblox handles to controversial posts, can resurface in professional settings. Are employers justified in scrutinizing these digital traces during interviews, or has the line between personal history and professional qualifications blurred beyond reason? Tune in as we explore stories of online embarrassments haunting job seekers, the ethics of digital privacy, and what it all means for your next promotion.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoListen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Before you start a podcast, talk to Aaron!Leah OvaFollow Leah on TikTok Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Remember when delegation meant sharing the workload, not abandoning ship? When Zoe, the intern, found a critical company audit on her desk, with no boss in sight and only "Ask ChatGPT" as guidance, she knew something was wrong.From absentee managers to entry-level employees running entire departments, we explore why modern delegation has gone off the rails. Is your boss actually leading or just delegating their job away?Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoListen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Before you start a podcast, talk to Aaron!Leah OvaFollow Leah on TikTok Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Remember when getting a promotion was a good thing? This week, Ellie was offered a better title and salary, she did the unthinkable—she turned it down. And she’s not the only one. 30% of today’s workers quit within a month of promotion.From endless Zoom calls to "forced fun" events, we explore why more professionals are saying "No, thanks!" to moving up. Is the traditional career ladder broken, or are we finally asking for what we're worth?Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoListen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Before you start a podcast, talk to Aaron!Leah OvaFollow Leah on TikTok Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

This week, we start with the story of a Citigroup analyst, who unexpectedly found himself internet-famous, blending work and social media in ways he hadn’t foreseen.Join us as we dive into the world of low-key influencers—employees hiding behind cubicles by day and thriving online by night. How does this new professional reality affect our workplaces? And what happens when your side hustle becomes the main event?Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoListen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Leah OvaFollow Leah on TikTok Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

We all remember our first adulting moment. For some, it was their first paycheck; for others, it was moving to the big city. For Amani, it was getting kicked off the family phone plan.When does adulthood start? Do you have to stop chasing your dreams to pay the bills? This week, we discussed moving out, paying rent, and everything #Adulting.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoListen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Leah OvaFollow Leah on TikTok Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

In this discussion, Daniel Zhao, the lead economist at Glassdoor, shares his expertise on the intricacies of the job market. He delves into the impacts of hurricanes and strikes on employment statistics, using relatable analogies to clarify the data. The conversation touches on the stagnant feelings many workers experience, the importance of remote work for achieving work-life balance, and the dynamics of ageism in hiring. Listeners gain valuable insights into how these factors shape today’s employment landscape.

As the sparkling promise of a college education turned into the shadow of crushing student debt, many are signing up to be mechanics, technicians, and electricians—and desk workers are yearning to make the switch.Are the tides finally turning on the trades? Or is it a case of romanticizing the other, and wanting what you can’t have? This week, we talk the pros and cons of blue collar jobs, living to work vs. working to live, and the quest for meaning within it all. Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoListen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Leah OvaFollow Leah on TikTok Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Negotiation isn’t just about numbers; it’s an art that can be mastered. Discover how athletes like Shohei Ohtani and Michael Jordan leverage unique contract structures and 'love of the game' clauses. Learn about creative approaches to salary discussions and how an empowered mindset can transform your negotiations. From innovative compensation models to cautionary tales in sports, unravel valuable strategies that can help you negotiate like a pro in any field.