Relationships at Work - a trust-driven leadership podcast

This is part 1 of a 4-part series on reputation management with Charlotte Otter, author of We Need New Leaders. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.What is reputation in the workplace—and how should leaders define and manage it? In this clarity-focused episode, Russel Lolacher speaks with Charlotte Otter, reputation strategist and author of We Need New Leaders, to uncover the fundamentals of reputation management. From the definition used by scholars to the realities of perception, this episode breaks down the importance of consistency, narrative, and trust for every leader.✅ What reputation is (and isn’t) ✅ How perception drives opportunity ✅ Why leaders need clarity on their narrative ✅ The role of values and the “say-do” gapAnd 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

Unseen. Unheard. Unappreciated.It’s the feeling behind the sighs, the silence, and the sudden sick days. And according to research, it’s one of the top reasons employees leave.In this replay episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher explores the all-too-common experience of feeling undervalued at work—and the leadership blind spots that let it happen. Backed by Gallup and Workhuman data, he shares the nine warning signs that your employees may not feel seen or supported, from subtle disengagement to visible burnout.You’ll learn:What behaviours signal an employee feels disconnected or dismissedWhy “quiet quitting” might be more about leadership than lazinessHow under-recognition is a silent killer of retention and trustWhat actions leaders can take to reestablish connection and careThis episode is a call to stop missing what’s right in front of us—and start leading with intention before it's too late.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

Conflict doesn’t always show up as yelling matches or angry emails. Sometimes it’s silence in a meeting, a passive-aggressive Slack message, or the word “fine” said through gritted teeth. In this replay episode of Relationships at Work, we’re digging into the real roots of workplace conflict—and how to better recognize, prevent, and resolve it.I’m joined by Carol Bowser, a workplace conflict expert, mediator, speaker, and former employment lawyer who’s spent decades helping organizations navigate tough conversations. Together, we explore how conflict lives in hybrid and remote work environments, why “win-win” might set the wrong expectations, and how leaders can read the emotional room—even when it’s on Zoom.You’ll learn:Why trust breaks down before conflict shows upHow power dynamics and organizational culture shape tensionThe one question every leader should be asking to avoid conflict escalationWhat it actually means to resolve conflict (spoiler: it’s not always kumbaya)If you’ve ever struggled to address tension on your team, felt unsure about when to step in—or stepped in too late—this episode is your leadership toolkit for navigating the uncomfortable with more clarity and connection.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 solo episode, host Russel Lolacher shares a personal and pivotal shift in the Relationships at Work podcast—introducing a new episode format designed to better serve leaders who want to improve workplace culture, build meaningful connections, and avoid leadership blind spots.You’ll learn the why behind the change, how the show has evolved from a simple curiosity into a transformative leadership resource, and what to expect going forward: ✔️ Four themed episodes each week—Clarity, Relationship with Self, Relationship with Team, and Organizational Culture ✔️ Bite-sized leadership insights you can actually use ✔️ Friday solo episodes with mindset nudges to reflect and rechargeIf you’ve ever asked, “What does leadership really look like day to day?”—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

Leadership can be isolating—even when you're constantly surrounded by people. In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher speaks with licensed psychologist, executive coach, and TEDx speaker Dr. Adam Dorsay, author of Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love.They explore why loneliness in leadership is so common, how disconnection silently affects workplace culture, and what organizations can do to foster genuine human connection at work.Dr. Dorsay brings insights from neuroscience, psychology, and his own work with executives and tech professionals to break down the four types of connection—and how self-connection forms the foundation for psychological safety, belonging, and trust on teams.🔍 In this episode:Why being surrounded by coworkers doesn’t prevent lonelinessHow vulnerability (not oversharing) creates real intimacy at workWhat leaders can do to build stronger, human-centered workplacesThe danger of ignoring connection as a cultural valueWhy quiet quitting and disengagement are often symptoms of disconnectionThe science behind awe, self-compassion, and relationship-buildingWhether you're a senior executive, team lead, or just trying to feel more seen and supported at work, this episode will help you understand why connection is more than a buzzword—it's a business-critical skill.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

Leadership can be incredibly lonely—especially when the people above you aren’t actually leading. In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores the hidden loneliness of good leaders and what to do when you're surrounded by hierarchy, but not support.You'll hear:Why great leaders often feel disconnected in toxic or stagnant systemsThe toll of misaligned leadership expectations on mental healthWhy building community sideways—not just upward—is essentialThree actionable ways to build or find your leadership networkIf you're a people-first leader frustrated by the lack of leadership around you, this episode is your reminder: you're not alone—and your leadership community may be closer than you think.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

Becoming a leader for the first time can feel like being dropped into the deep end—especially in a remote or hybrid world. In this episode of Relationships at Work, principle of The Collective Good LLC Britt Hogue joins Russel Lolacher to explore what new leaders often get wrong, and how intentional leadership can build trust and team connection, even when everyone’s not in the same room.They discuss:How remote work exposes lazy leadership habitsWhy relationship-building must be intentionalWhat new leaders should prioritize in their first 90 daysHow culture starts with consistent action, not just messaging💬 “If you’re just sitting in your office all day, that’s not leadership.”Whether you're new to leadership or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you practical tools and a new perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s workplace.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 easy to label. It’s harder to understand.“Our culture is toxic.” “That leader is horrible.” “This system is broken.”But are they? Or are we missing the nuance and context that give us the real story? In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher challenges the rise of black-and-white thinking in leadership and workplace culture. He explores how embracing nuance and context isn't just helpful—it's essential for meaningful, human-centered leadership.With real-world examples and actionable strategies, you’ll learn:Why binary thinking breaks down effective leadership.How to ask better questions before making assumptions.What situational awareness actually looks like in practice.This episode is a call to leaders to get curious, stay present, and stop letting oversimplified narratives drive decision-making.Because great leadership doesn’t live in absolutes. It lives in the grey.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 welcomes Fabrice Desmarescaux — McKinsey partner, leadership advisor, and author of The Art of Retreats — to explore how ancient wisdom can help solve very modern leadership challenges.Fabrice draws from a range of traditions, from Eastern philosophies like Taoism and Buddhism to Western teachings and monastic practices, to show how leaders can reconnect with purpose, presence, and clarity in a fast-paced, performance-driven world.💬 Topics discussed include:Why short-term thinking is eroding leadership impactHow retreats create space for connection and insightThe role of mindfulness, reflection, and solitude in leadershipApplying ancient principles without bringing religion into the workplaceA simple mindset check that can shift any leadership interaction🗣️ “Everything I write about in the book is, as I said, 2000 or 3000 years old for the most part.” – Fabrice DesmarescauxWhether you're leading a team or leading yourself, this episode offers a grounded, universal lens to rethink how we show up at work.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

At Workhuman LIVE, experts and thought leaders shared practical insights on the future of work—uncovering hidden potential, redefining psychological safety, and building resilient teams equipped for change. In this episode of Relationships at Work, I break down the biggest takeaways across leadership, DEI, artificial intelligence, and resiliency. Learn how brave spaces challenge comfort, why AI demands clean data, and how true resilience is built through preparation and growth.Discover insights that will help you lead with purpose and transform your workplace culture. Tune in.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