

Tough Day Podcast
Katherine von Jan and Everywhere Ventures
Welcome to the Tough Day podcast, hosted by Katherine von Jan, CEO and co-founder of Tough Day. This podcast is dedicated to helping workers at all levels navigate tricky situations in the workplace. In each episode, we interview experts—from exceptional managers and HR professionals to leaders in various fields—sharing authentic stories and insights from the real world of work. When work gets tough, the tough get working. Join us and let’s tackle these challenges together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 24, 2024 • 54min
Bridges, Chutes and Ladders
Ever feel stuck at work, waiting for the next opportunity to drop into your lap? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! In this episode Tough Day, KVJ dives into the twists and turns of internal mobility (a.k.a. career chutes and ladders) with Michelle Stone, COO of Hawaii Employers Council, and Dr. Eric Solomon, a leadership expert who has spent nearly 30 years blending marketing, technology and psychology.They tackle everything from the benefits of taking on new roles within a company to how managers can encourage career growth. Whether you’re a sprinter aiming for that next promotion, an explorer testing out new paths, or a trooper keeping your head down, this episode’s got you covered.In this episode, you will hear:Defining the concept and why it’s more than just moving “up.”How to advocate for your own internal moves (without burning bridges).When and how to start the conversation about your next career move.Creating a supportive environment for employees to explore new roles.The Sprinter, The Trooper, and The Explorer—how to navigate your career based on your goals.How management styles can impact your team’s mobility and performance.Learn more about Michelle Stone:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kim-stone-0409112/Website: https://www.hecouncil.org/index.phpLearn more about Dr. Eric Solomon:Website: https://www.thehumanos.co/Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 24, 2024 • 40min
Balance and Burnout
In this episode of Tough Day podcast, KVJ sits down with Lori Sherer, a partner at Bain & Company, and Wagner Denuzzo, author of "Leading to Succeed: Essential Skills for the New Workplace" to chat about strategies, myths, and real-life scenarios to help you tackle tricky work situations. Lori and Wagner open up about their personal journeys and offer practical advice for managing high-stress roles, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, psychological safety, and continuous learning in today’s workplace. They also share their insights on creating a supportive work environment and achieving balance in a competitive world.In this episode, you will hear:Concept of work-life harmonization versus traditional work-life balance. Creating psychological separation in a home workspace.Team norms and clear roles to mitigate after-hours work pressure.Setting boundaries and creating clear team norms to avoid burnoutAdapting to changing work environments and avoiding binary thinking.Issue of imposter syndrome, particularly among women in high-pressure rolesFlexibility in work environments and reciprocity in expectations and boundaries.Strategies for managing energy and authenticity in the workplace.Learn more about Lori Sherer | Bain & Company | Bain's Global Advanced Analytics PracticeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lorishererWebsites: https://www.bain.com/ | https://www.bain.com/insights/consulting-services-insights/advanced-analytics-insights/ Learn more about Wagner Denuzzo | Leading to Succeed: Essential Skills for the New WorkplaceLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wagnerdenuzzo Book: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Succeed-Essential-Skills-Workplace/dp/1632261421 Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 13min
Manager Excellence
Discover the secrets to exceptional leadership and management with Stefani Okamoto and Kyle Fiore from ServiceNow. Stefani and Kyle share transformative experiences that emphasize empowerment, trust and respect in leadership roles. Explore the evolution of managerial roles post-pandemic and learn practical strategies for fostering growth, building strong teams and navigating performance management. Dive into ServiceNow’s inclusive culture, underscoring the ways on how to overcome common managerial challenges with empathy and human connection. In this episode, you will hear:The importance of empowerment, trust and respect in management. Contrasting empowering leadership with fear-based micromanagement. Role of managers post-COVID-19.How ServiceNow fosters an inclusive, people-centered culture.Practical strategies for handling team dynamics and promoting high performers.Navigating performance management and building strong managerial skills.Insights on fostering psychological safety, transparency and vulnerability.Significance of work-life balance and meaningful work in modern management. Strategies for breaking through the mid-manager glass ceiling.Real-world scenarios and advice for new managers.Learn more about Stefani Okamoto | ServiceNow LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefani-okamoto-1376039 Website: https://www.servicenow.com/ Learn more about Kyle Fiore | ServiceNow LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kyle-fiore Website: https://www.servicenow.com/ Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 10, 2024 • 48min
Navigating Politics
Discover how to navigate workplace politics as KVJ welcomes Cie Nicholson, a Board Director at Selective Insurance and Katie Lacey, a Board Member at Designer Protein, in this episode of Tough Day podcast. Learn how to identify and tackle subtle gender biases while leveraging the power of politics as a tool for organizational growth. From their book, “You Should Smile More,” Cie and Katie share practical advice for women, leaders and allies, peppered with anecdotes from their early careers that underscore the importance of trust and credibility in the workplace. Uncover the often misunderstood world of workplace dynamics and the decisive role politics play in it. Cie and Katie also shed light on the necessity of understanding both official and unofficial channels for decision making. In this episode, you will hear:Insights from Cie Nicholson and Katie Lacey on mastering workplace politics. Practical advice from their book, “You Should Smile More.”Real-life examples highlighting the challenges women face. Role of mentorship and sponsorship.Tips on building meaningful relationships and trust in the workplace.Benefits of clear communication and authenticity in professional growth.Significance of fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented mindset.Advice on navigating hierarchical and competitive environments while staying true to personal values.Learn more about Cie Nicholson | Selective Insurance | The Band of Sisters | Smile MoreLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cienicholson Websites: https://www.selective.com/ | https://thebandofsisters.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Should-Smile-More-Dismantle/dp/1947951521 Learn more about Katie Lacey | Designer Protein | The Band of Sisters | Smile MoreLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wagnerdenuzzo Websites: https://designerwellness.com/ | https://thebandofsisters.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Should-Smile-More-Dismantle/dp/1947951521 Learn more about KVJ | Tough Day Website: https://tough.day/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kvonjan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.