Relationships at Work - the leadership podcast helping you build workplace connection, improve culture, and avoid blind spots.

Culture isn’t just a set of values on a website—it’s the daily actions, behaviors, and processes that shape how an organization truly operates. In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Garrett Delph, founder and CEO of Clarity Ops, to dive deep into how to operationalize culture in a way that actually works.Garrett shares:✔️ Why most companies fail at culture (hint: lack of process and accountability)✔️ The PPP (P3) framework for integrating culture into daily operations✔️ How leadership must move beyond vision statements to reinforce culture in action✔️ The role of measurement, accountability, and feedback in building a sustainable culture✔️ Why cultural debt is just as dangerous as technical debt—and how to avoid itIf you’ve ever wondered how to turn workplace culture from an abstract concept into a measurable, actionable force for success, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for practical insights and real-world strategies to create a thriving, values-driven workplace.🎧 Listen now!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

What’s your leadership style? It’s a common question, but the real answer shouldn’t be just one. In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher challenges the idea of rigid leadership styles and explains why adaptability is key to leading effectively.Different situations call for different approaches—whether it’s authoritative leadership in a crisis, transactional leadership for goal-driven teams, or servant leadership for collaboration. Sticking to just one limits your impact.Russel explores how leaders can assess their default style, develop new approaches, and build a more dynamic leadership toolkit. If you want to lead well in any environment, it’s time to expand your skill set.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

Fear, hesitation, and resistance—why do so many leaders struggle with DEI? In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Toby Mildon, diversity and inclusion architect and author of Inclusive Growth, to break down the misconceptions, challenges, and real business benefits of embedding DEI into workplace culture.Toby shares insights on:✔️ The biggest fears leaders have around DEI—and how to overcome them✔️ Why diversity isn’t just good ethics, but a competitive advantage✔️ The importance of embedding DEI into the DNA of an organization, not isolating it✔️ How inclusive leadership and equity drive long-term business successDEI isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s a necessity. Tune in to learn how organizations that prioritize inclusion not only foster better workplaces but also build resilient, high-performing teams.🎧 Listen now!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

Many leaders believe they’re fostering critical thinking and empowerment when they say, “Don’t come to me with problems, come to me with solutions.” But in reality, this approach can stifle innovation, discourage vulnerability, and create barriers between leaders and their teams.In this episode of Relationships at Work, we explore why this mindset is flawed and how it can unintentionally harm workplace culture. We’ll discuss:✔️ The hidden downsides of requiring employees to always have solutions✔️ How it limits collaboration and suppresses real problem-solving✔️ A better way to empower teams without creating unnecessary pressureInstead of shutting down conversations, let’s build a culture of trust, support, and innovation. Tune in to learn how.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

Confidence in leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing when you don’t. In this episode of Relationships at Work, Bill Lennan, leadership consultant and founder of 40 Percent Better, breaks down what true leadership confidence looks like, how mental models shape our ability to lead, and why vulnerability is a trust-builder, not a weakness. We also discuss how confident leaders protect their teams, why saying “I don’t know” can actually build credibility, and the small habits that create lasting confidence.Whether you're a new leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about confidence and give you actionable steps to lead with authenticity. Tune in now!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

Quiet quitting isn’t just an employee behavior—it’s something leaders have been unknowingly doing for years. In this episode of Relationships at Work, we explore what happens when leaders disengage, doing only the minimum required without investing in their teams, vision, or culture.We focus on practical steps to help leaders stay engaged: reconnecting with purpose, setting clear goals, building stronger relationships, fostering curiosity, and embracing change. Leadership is more than a role—it’s a responsibility to inspire, guide, and make a lasting impact.If you’re ready to re-engage and lead with intention, this episode is for you.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 Lolacher dives into relationship-building hacks with Susan Ireland, executive leadership coach and co-founder of Seasons Leadership. Susan reveals her proven strategies for strengthening workplace connections, including her "inside-out" and "outside-in" approaches to building trust and confidence.From small tweaks that boost how you show up to practical tools like the Relationship Matrix, Susan shares actionable advice for leaders and professionals looking to improve their relationships. Tune in to learn how aligning your values, nurturing trust, and staying curious can transform your workplace and leadership style.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

As leaders, how often do we pause to define success—not for our organizations or teams, but for ourselves? In this episode, we explore the deeply personal nature of success and the critical questions leaders must ask to align their actions with their values. From building team culture to balancing productivity and people, we dive into the trade-offs leaders face and the impact of their choices. Tune in for an honest conversation about how redefining success can reshape your leadership approach and legacy.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, we dive deep into the transformative power of mindset with Lisa Sharapata, Chief Marketing Officer at the Arbinger Institute. Lisa shares her insights on how leadership mindset drives behavior, shapes organizational culture, and creates lasting impact. From the power of vulnerability and self-awareness to fostering psychological safety, Lisa explains the tools and approaches leaders can adopt to build high-performing teams. Tune in for actionable advice, thought-provoking stories, and a fresh perspective on how shifting your mindset can redefine leadership.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

Ever felt like you’re "babysitting" your team instead of leading them? You’re not alone. Many leaders hit a point of frustration, but that feeling is a signal—an opportunity for reflection and growth. In this episode, we explore why some leaders feel this way, what it says about their leadership approach, and, most importantly, how to shift from micromanaging to mentoring. Learn actionable steps to empower your team, foster accountability, and redefine your leadership mindset. Because great leadership isn’t about control—it’s about trust, coaching, and clarity.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