Biz

Workplace oversharing making you cringe? Your messy ex just applied to work at your company? And someone definitely overheard you venting about colleagues to your husband? This week, we're tackling the most awkward workplace situations that have you lying awake at 3am wondering how to fix them. We decode the delicate art of telling a colleague they share way too much personal information, reveal what to do when your romantic history collides with your professional life, and share the exact words to use when your private conversation becomes very public. What you'll discover: • The Oversharer's Dilemma: How to address a colleague who won't stop talking about their period and sex life without becoming the office prude • The Ex-Files: Real strategies for when your messy breakup threatens to invade your workplace (plus Em's brutal confession about sabotaging an ex's job application) • The Overheard Conversation: Exactly what to say when someone catches you venting about work to your spouse • The Boundary Setting Masterclass: Why reading the room is everything and how different workplaces have wildly different tolerance levels • The Awkwardness Antidote: Why addressing uncomfortable situations head-on is always better than letting them fester Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks. Want $10 + a free month of Mamamia? We've got you.We're cooking up something exciting and need your brilliant opinions to help us make even better content.It's just 20 minutes of your time, and you'll get: $10 e-gift card 1 month Mamamia subscription (or gift it to someone if you're already a subscriber) Survey hereT&Cs here THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest...stuff like "personal branding" and "networking" can feel so cringey. But this kind of work - building relationships, putting yourself out there, making sure people know what you do - isn't optional anymore. This week, we're tackling the awkward space between wanting recognition and not wanting to feel like you're constantly selling yourself. We explore why 70% of Australian jobs happen through the "hidden job market" and how making your "invisible work" visible is key to career growth without the cringe factor. From the difference between visible work (what's in your job description) and invisible work (the relationships you build and unique perspective you bring) to navigating LinkedIn's evolution from professional networking to... whatever it is now. We unpack how to do it in a way that feels like you - not like you're selling yourself - plus practical ways to start showing up without feeling like a walking LinkedIn post. What you'll learn: Why "idea promotion" feels so much better than self-promotion (and gets better results) The low-effort, high-impact strategies to start building visibility this week How to use LinkedIn authentically without becoming one of those people with the em-dashes Why commenting meaningfully beats posting your own content when you're starting out The art of casual networking that doesn't feel like networking at all How to reconnect with former colleagues without it being weird Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Want $10 + a free month of Mamamia? We've got you.We're cooking up something exciting and need your brilliant opinions to help us make even better content.It's just 20 minutes of your time, and you'll get: $10 e-gift card 1 month Mamamia subscription (or gift it to someone if you're already a subscriber) Survey hereT&Cs here Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do networking events make you want to hide in the bathroom? Your colleagues keep dumping their disasters on your desk? And everyone's talking about "conscious unbossing" like it's the career move of the century? This week, we're diving deep into the workplace trends that are reshaping how we think about success. We decode the viral conscious unbossing movement that's got Gen Z turning down promotions (and whether it's genius or career suicide), plus we tackle the networking game without sounding desperate and reveal the diplomatic ways to tell colleagues their chaos isn't your problem. What you'll discover: • The Conscious Unbossing Reality Check: Why turning down promotions might be the smartest move you never considered • The Zookeeper's Power Move: How one woman refused every promotion to stay happy (and why her boss loved it) • The Networking Breakthrough: The one question that transforms awkward coffee chats into real connections • The Boundary Setting Bible: Diplomatic ways to say "that's not my job" without burning bridges • The Small Talk Truth: Why everyone who says they "hate small talk" is missing the point Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks. Want $10 + a free month of Mamamia? We've got you.We're cooking up something exciting and need your brilliant opinions to help us make even better content.It's just 20 minutes of your time, and you'll get: $10 e-gift card 1 month Mamamia subscription (or gift it to someone if you're already a subscriber) Survey hereT&Cs here THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited. Mamamia's studios are furnished with thanks to Fenton & Fenton. For more head to their website here. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever suggest something new at work only to hear "that's just how we do things here" and watch the energy completely deflate? Yeah, we've all been there. This week, we're chatting with Wade Kingsley about breaking free from status quo thinking and actually getting your ideas heard without being shut down or laughed at (been there too). Wade breaks down why most workplaces are set up to reward playing it safe, how to identify whether you're a Dreamer, Doer, or Doubter on your team, and the genius strategy of testing ideas in kitchen conversations before you pitch them to the boss. Plus, we dive into why creativity isn't about having the most artistic job - it's about getting curious and asking "but what if we tried this instead?" when everyone else just accepts the way things are. What you'll learn: The Three Creative Types and why your team needs all of them (spoiler: it's not just about the big idea people) Why you should never pitch your brilliant idea to the boss first - and who to talk to instead The 'Five Whys' technique for getting to the real problem (not just what's on the surface) How to frame risky ideas as "experiments" so people actually want to try them The art of separating brainstorming from reality-checking so ideas don't get killed instantly How to build creative confidence even when you've been shot down before Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem GUEST: Wade Kingsley SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your boss just stole your brilliant idea. Again. While you're sitting there feeling invisible, they're presenting "their" genius solution to the entire leadership team. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Idea theft is alive and well in Australian offices, and this week we're giving you the tools to fight back. We're also tackling the mortifying moment we've all had - crying at work - and helping a millennial navigate the tricky waters of managing a team of boomers. This week we're solving workplace dilemmas that hit close to home, from generational clashes to protecting your intellectual property! What you'll learn: • The Authority Paradox: How to earn respect when you're the youngest person in charge • The Credit Protection System: Simple tactics to stop your boss stealing your ideas • The Crying Recovery Plan: How to bounce back professionally after showing emotion at work • The Generational Bridge: Why adapting your style (temporarily) isn't selling out • The Paper Trail Strategy: Creating evidence that protects your contributions • The Salary Reality Check: Australia's highest-paying jobs revealed (surgeons still dominating at $472K) Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks.THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited. Mamamia's studios are furnished with thanks to Fenton & Fenton. For more head to their website here. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working your way up isn't just about putting in more hours or waiting your turn. It's about being strategic, being visible, and knowing how to navigate the messy middle - like relationships, timing, and office politics. This week, we're giving you the exact playbook to stop waiting around for someone to tell you that you're ready for a promotion and how to actually make it happen instead. We dig into how to know if you're actually ready to move up (spoiler: time in seat doesn't equal readiness), the art of asking for advancement without sounding pushy or awkward, and how to build the kind of reputation that makes people want to champion your career. Plus, we tackle what to do when you tick all the boxes but still don't get the promotion - and why that might actually be the best thing that could happen to you. What you'll learn: The Readiness Reality Check: How to get honest feedback about where you stand and what a "10 out of 10" performance actually looks like The Promotion Conversation Reframe: Why you should never use the word "promotion" and what to say instead to get results The Trust Factor: Why promotions go to the most trusted person, not the loudest, and four quiet ways to build your reputation The Sponsor vs Mentor Distinction: Understanding the difference and why having a sponsor is crucial for career acceleration The Rejection Recovery Plan: Four strategic experiments to try when you don't get the promotion (that set you up for success either way) Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hardest worker in the office used to get ahead. Now they just get... tired. While you're burning out at your desk, your colleagues are booking year-long "micro retirements" and somehow still getting promoted. This week we're cracking the code on why grinding harder isn't working anymore - and revealing what actually gets you ahead instead. We decode the viral micro retirement trend that's got twenty and thirty-somethings quitting their jobs to travel (spoiler: it's not for everyone), plus we tackle the corporate jargon takeover and expose a workplace trick that's stealing your paycheck. What you'll discover: • The Hard Worker's Trap: Why staying late is sabotaging your success • The Micro Retirement Test: Should you quit your job to travel? (The honest answer) • The Deathbed Reality Check: What people actually regret about their careers • The Jargon Shutdown: How to kill corporate speak without looking difficult • The Part-Time Scam: The simple trick to stop doing full-time work for part-time pay Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! Resources That Actually Help:  The Top Five Regrets Of Dying SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks.THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Tina Matolov BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited. Mamamia's studios are furnished with thanks to Fenton & Fenton. For more head to their website here. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going from mate to manager can get weird, fast. One day you're in the group chat laughing with your colleagues, the next day they might be laughing at you behind your back. This week, we're tackling one of the trickiest workplace transitions: becoming the boss of your former teammates. We dig into why this shift feels so bloody awkward (spoiler: it's not just you), how to navigate the immediate identity crisis when suddenly nobody wants to gossip with you anymore, and the art of setting expectations without turning into a micromanager overnight. Plus, we reveal the coaching trick that gets people to solve their own problems, why letting your team do "B plus work" is actually good leadership, and when to recognise that management might not be for you - and that's completely okay. What you'll learn: The Reset Conversation: How to acknowledge the shift without making it weird The B Plus Work Philosophy: Why perfectionist managers fail their teams The Question Technique: The coaching trick that creates ownership instead of dependency The Identity Shift Reality: Why your value isn't in doing the job anymore, it's in helping others do it well Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon! HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Tina Matolov Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When workplace flirting gets dangerously hot, should you risk everything for a colleague you can't stop thinking about? This week we tackle the steamiest workplace dilemma we've ever received: months of "dangerous flirting" that's reached breaking point. Then we solve what happens when your dream job becomes a nightmare faster than you can update your LinkedIn, and reveal why three weeks is the worst possible time to make any career decisions, plus the one conversation that could save you from a massive mistake. Plus, is there a colleague at work who makes you feel like the awkward new kid while they're the popular one everyone knows? We tackle workplace insecurity head-on, revealing the simple strategy that transforms your biggest workplace threat into your secret career weapon. What you'll learn:  The Insecurity Antidote: How to transform workplace jealousy into career advancement The 3-Week Rule: Why this timeline is too early to judge any new role (and what to do instead) The Safety vs Challenge Framework: How to know if you're craving security or genuinely unhappy The Office Romance Risk Calculator: The one question that determines if workplace attraction is worth pursuing The Colleague Dating Commandment: Why casual dating rules don't apply at work (and what does) The Worst-Case Scenario Test: The mental exercise that prevents career-destroying decisions Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! Resources That Actually Help:  When I started dating a coworker, all the men in my office suddenly treated me differently Looking for an office romance? You want to be in one of these professions. SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks.THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Thom Lion Mamamia's studios are furnished with thanks to Fenton & Fenton. For more head to their website here. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Be prepared to stretch and take yourself out of your comfort zone - there is incredible learning and growth in that." In this special episode, Em had the opportunity to get online with Sarah Harden, (the Australian powerhouse who co-founded Reese Witherspoon's $100 million media empire Hello Sunshine) reveals the career strategies that transformed her from a Melbourne politics graduate into one of Hollywood's most influential female executives. No theoretical fluff—just the exact mindset shifts and strategic moves that built the company behind Big Little Lies, The Morning Show, and Little Fires Everywhere. Listening to this episode will teach you: The specific career move that accelerates everything (and why most women never make it) How to replace self-doubt with curiosity when evaluating opportunities Why stepping into discomfort is the fastest path to exponential career growth The exact framework for turning consumer insights into multi-million dollar business decisions How to build authentic company culture from day one Sarah's "show, don't tell" philosophy has proven that women's stories aren't just culturally important—they're massively profitable. Her partnership with Reese Witherspoon demonstrates the untapped business potential in female-focused storytelling, reaching 150 million women weekly. Connect with Sarah and Hello Sunshine: Follow Hello Sunshine on Instagram Learn more about Drop of Sunshine wines Visit their website: Hello Sunshine Must Watch Shows:  Morning Wars Big Little Lies  Little Fires Everywhere Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  GUEST: Sarah Harden HOSTS: Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.