

Relationships at Work - a trust-driven leadership podcast
Russel Lolacher
Relationships at Work - the leadership podcast helping you build workplace connection, improve culture, and avoid blind spots. A relatable and honest show on leadership, organizational culture and soft skills, focusing on improving employee engagement and company culture to inspire people to apply, stay and thrive. Because no one wants leadership that fosters toxic environments at work, nor should they.Host, speaker and communications leader Russel Lolacher shares his experience and insights, discussing the leadership and corporate culture topics that matter with global experts help us with the success of our organizations (regardless of industry). This show will give you the information, education, strategies and tips you need to avoid leadership blind spots, better connect with all levels of our organization, and develop the necessary soft skills that are essential to every organization.From leadership development and training to employee satisfaction to diversity, inclusivity, equity and belonging to personalization and engagement... there are so many aspects and opportunities to build great relationships at workThis is THE place to start and nurture our leadership journey and create an amazing workplace.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 14, 2023 • 7min
Don't Ignore the Relationship in Employee Recognition
In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher asks leaders to consider their relationship with their team when providing employee recognition. The challenge is understanding that not all kudos are created equal. Russel shares the dangers of assumption when it comes to good relationships and multiple steps to consider in ensuring employee recognition has the impact and benefit we as leaders intend. Rather than hurting the relationship further. 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

Sep 12, 2023 • 46min
Why We Need Rethink and Modernize Human Resources with Dr. Angela Stopper
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with UC Berkeley's Chief Learning Officer and Director of People and Organizational Development Dr. Angela Stopper on why and how we need to rethink and modernize Human Resources. Angela shares her experience and insight on...Why it's important to earn transformation before you do.Who's in charge of HR transformation.How do you sell improving HR to executive.How the pandemic accelerated change.What to look for when hiring for a new version of HR.How do you know a new HR is working?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

Sep 7, 2023 • 12min
Hey Leadership, It's Time to End the Passion Tax
In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares ways we can stop the passion tax and support the mental health of our team."The reward for good work is more work." We've heard that before and it's a common problem in many organizations. But what's forgotten is the impact, the tax, of taking advantage of those who are passionate about the work they do - anxiety, stress, burnout. Russel shares how leaders/employers can prevent their organization from inflicting the passion tax and employees can defend themselves from having to pay it. 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

Sep 5, 2023 • 52min
How Leaders Can Recognize and Address Anxiety at Work with Dr. MH Pelletier
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and psychologist Dr. Marie-Helene (MH) Pelletier on how to address anxiety in the workplace and how to be better prepared for it.MH shares her insights and experience with...What the reality of anxiety can look like.How helpful context can be in combating anxious environments.The role of boundaries in resilience to anxiety.The leader's and organization's role in managing employee anxietyWhere companies get it wrong in addressing mental health.The differences between stress and anxiety.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca 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

Aug 31, 2023 • 8min
Leadership and Performance Reviews - Does Our Employer Care About Our Success?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares the questions we need to ask to know if the organization we work for cares about us.It's important to understand that our success is our responsibility, but that doesn't let company's off the hook when it comes to investing in its employees. How do we know that the organization that we invest our time and effort into isn't just looking at us as a means to an end but rather as a partner in growth, productivity and creating value? Russel poses some questions we can ask to review the performance of the organization we've committed to. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca 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

Aug 29, 2023 • 42min
What It Takes To Light the Spark in Leadership for Meaningful Change with Gregg Brown
Author, consultant, and keynote speaker Gregg Brown shares insights on sparking action and leading change in the workplace. Topics include self-awareness, dealing with naysayers, approaching risk-averse organizations, the timing of action, and the power of storytelling in influencing change.

Aug 22, 2023 • 47min
How Leadership Can Fix The Work Relationship With Time Management with Mike Vardy
Russel chats with productivity expert and author Mike Vardy on our relationship with time management in the workplace. They discuss the changes in productivity with the pandemic, why 'time management' is the wrong term, and the relationship between mindset and tactics. They explore whether it's the responsibility of individuals or management to have a relationship with time and provide tips on addressing overwhelm. Mike also shares his trial and error experience with time management personalization.

Aug 17, 2023 • 8min
Always a Great Time to Reset Our Leadership
In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares the importance of proactively reassessing ourselves as leaders, whenever we want.Russel tells the story of how we look to established dates like New Years, or fiscal year end, to learn and refocus our efforts. To reinvest in what's working and address any failures. But it's important to understand the power in not waiting.As leaders, we have the power to take in information daily and use it frequently to improve our leadership, our teams and our organization. We shouldn't be waiting for a yearly survey to understand our employees and support them. Russel breaks down how identity fits into our reflection, the questions we could ask to understand our relationships and when we can start to make things better (spoiler - anytime). If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca 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

Aug 15, 2023 • 46min
How To Find Belonging for the LGBTQIA+ Community at Work with John Volturo and Peter Galdolfo
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with executive coaches and consultants John Volturo and Peter Gandolfo on the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community at work and steps needed to be more inclusive.John and Peter share their thoughts, stories and experience with...The challenge of the rainbow glass ceiling.Who is responsible for diversity and equity in an organization.What to look for and do to ensure an organization was LGBTQ+ supportive before applying.How organizations can support the creation of ERGs (employee resource groups).How remote work can be supportive of diversity and inclusion.Why the language and phrases we use matter in relation to inclusivity.The ingredients to a successful ERG to support LGBTQ+.Why listening sessions and who is included is so vital.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca 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

Aug 10, 2023 • 8min
Soft Skills Suggestion - Really Listen to the One Word Answer
In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher asks us to see one word answers as a red flag for employee disengagement.Russel tells the story of how employees and colleagues using one word answers to questions and requests can be a sign of a cracked relationship. And the opportunity it offers leaders to proactively investigate the issue and create a safe space to the disengagement together. Curiosity, empathy and proactive leadership are key in mending a broken relationship, we just have to be ready to listen to the signs we're in one. Russel offers suggestions on how we can take steps to rebuild those relationships at work. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca 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


