Leadership is messy because leaders are human. In this episode, we explore how to navigate the inevitable disappointments of leadership—whether as the one leading or the one being led. From missed expectations to tough decisions, we'll unpack why these moments happen, how to build trust through self-awareness and accountability, and how to foster understanding and compassion for the leaders around us. Let’s focus on growth, connection, and the shared journey of becoming better.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with coach, speaker, author Lyndsay Dowd on what it takes to inspire employees from the C-Suite of an organization.Lyndsay shares her experience and insights on...Inspiration comes from empowerment, not micromanagement.Tailoring leadership through listening.Power of vulnerability and transparency.Listening tours build trust and insight.Communication is key to to inspiring action.Informational interviews create cultures of trust, safety, and long-term loyalty.Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. It’s packed with guest takeaways, the resources that inspire them, and my own tips on how we as leaders can be better humans for the humans the are responsible for. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Subscribe Now and help the workplace be more human.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

It's the last week of Russel's vacation away to celebrate his 50th birthday, so we make one more stop into the Relationships at Work archives.In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with academic and best-selling author Hamza Khan on the importance of reinventing leadership to improve the workplace and the employee experience.Hamza shares his insights and experience in...Why essential skills are future-proof The reinvention history of leadershipHow crisis influences leadershipHow leaders are dropping the ball with return to officeThat S.I.D.E. is an answer to a chaotic world.Where to start in reinventing our leadershipHey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. It’s packed with guest takeaways, the resources that inspire them, and my own tips on how we as leaders can be better humans for the humans the are responsible for. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Subscribe Now and help the workplace be more human.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

It's week two (of three) of Russel's vacation away to celebrate his 50th birthday, so we dig once again into the Relationships at Work archives.In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer Stephanie Cadieux on the importance and benefits of embracing an accessible workplace.Stephanie shares her insights and experience in...The definition of accessibility.What organizations are missing out on by not being accessible.Where to start for your organization.Where organizations go wrong.What she fears the most in trying to implement accessibility standards.Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. It’s packed with guest takeaways, the resources that inspire them, and my own tips on how we as leaders can be better humans for the humans the are responsible for. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Subscribe Now and help the workplace be more human.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

While Russel is off celebrating his 50th birthday, we dig into the Relationships at Work archives. In this episode, Russel chats with author, speaker and age inclusivity advocate Patti Temple Rocks on ageism in the workplace, what it looks like and how to address it.Patti shares her insights and experience with:What is ageism and being ageist in the workplaceHow ageism can impact mental healthMisconceptions about age at workWhy we need to value older workersSome of the warning signs of ageismThe role of ageism and genderHey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. It’s packed with guest takeaways, the resources that inspire them, and my own tips on how we as leaders can be better humans for the humans the are responsible for. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Subscribe Now and help the workplace be more human.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode, host Russel Lolacher tackles  the pervasive issue of "checked-box leadership" in leadership training — when organizations send employees to leadership programs without a strategic plan for continued growth. Education and professional development are vital, but without follow-up, support, and real opportunities to apply new skills, they become wasted efforts. We'll share stories like the HR professional who left a conference inspired but unsure how to implement her newfound knowledge back at the office. Join us as we outline actionable steps to move beyond ticking boxes, including providing ongoing coaching, setting measurable goals, fostering peer learning communities, and integrating leadership skills into performance evaluations. Let's explore how organizations and leaders can truly invest in their teams' development, turning initial training into a stepping stone for continuous growth.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Roberta Matuson—keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of seven influential books on leadership and talent management, including "Can We Talk? Seven Principles for Managing Difficult Conversations at Work" and the latest edition of "Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around."With nearly 30 years of experience helping top companies like GM, Microsoft, and Takeda Pharmaceutical attract and retain talent, Roberta shares her insights on the critical skill of managing up.In This Episode, You'll Learn:What managing up truly means and how it benefits you and your teamHow to decode your boss's leadership style and align with their expectationsPractical tips for building strong relationships with superiorsWays to navigate office politics effectively and ethicallyWhether you're a new manager or an experienced leader, this episode is packed with actionable advice to enhance your workplace relationships and advance your career.Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. It’s packed with guest takeaways, the resources that inspire them, and my own tips on how we as leaders can be better humans for the humans the are responsible for. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Subscribe Now and help the workplace be more human.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher shares key insights and observations about one of the most common challenges in the workplace—employees feeling undervalued. We highlight the critical signs leaders should be aware of, from disengagement to burnout, and offer practical steps to address these issues. Join us as we explore how to create a culture where every team member feels appreciated and motivated to contribute to the bigger vision.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Morgan Williams, co-founder and CEO of Peak HR, and founder of MWHR Consulting, to discuss the growing disconnect between executives and employees in today’s workplace. Drawing on her extensive experience in HR, psychology, and conflict management, Morgan dives into the real reasons behind the widening gap—post-pandemic priorities, employee motivations, and leadership’s failure to adapt. She offers powerful insights on how executives can reconnect with their teams by showing genuine empathy, understanding personal struggles, and leading with emotional intelligence. Morgan also shares actionable strategies for fostering trust and accountability, ensuring that leadership isn’t just about directives, but about building meaningful, reciprocal relationships in both in-office and remote work environments. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of leadership and how organizations can evolve to meet the changing needs of their workforce.Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. It’s packed with guest takeaways, the resources that inspire them, and my own tips on how we as leaders can be better humans for the humans the are responsible for. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Subscribe Now and help the workplace be more human.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode, we dive into the concept of moral imagination as an antidote to the arrogant assumptions that can easily creep into leadership. Inspired by Jacqueline Novogratz's book Manifesto For A Moral Revolution, we explore how leaders can envision a more just and inclusive future by embracing humility, empathy, and authenticity. We'll discuss practical steps for developing moral imagination, from building trust to challenging the status quo, and how these actions can shape a healthier, more equitable workplace for everyone.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime