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

Is the traditional leadership culture broken? In this episode, we explore the fractured state of leadership from the executive level to emerging leaders. Learn why organizations reward productivity over people skills and discover how leaders at every level can take control and redefine what leadership truly means for a thriving workplace culture. Empower yourself to become the leader your team needs.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 executive coach, author, and international speaker Michele Molitor on avoiding the dangers of pursuing perfection as leaders.Michele shares her insights and experience on...Perfection is personal and subjective.Embracing imperfections is healthier.Perfectionism as a trauma response.Striving for excellence vs. toxic perfectionism.Vulnerability as a strength.Self-awareness of personal motivators improves 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

Are you tired of surface-level solutions to deep-seated workplace issues? In this episode, we dive into why traditional reactions like reprimanding a bad boss or throwing pizza lunches at disengaged employees only address symptoms, not the disease. Discover how focusing on root causes—like toxic cultures, poor management practices, and systemic flaws—can lead to genuine, lasting change. We’ll explore real examples, from high turnover to low engagement, and share actionable strategies like Root Cause Analysis and data-driven decision-making to help leaders dig deeper and create a truly impactful workplace. Stop the quick fixes and start making a real difference.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 senior instructor and principle at Bold Type consultancy Grace Aldridge Foster on how leaders can be more impactful writers and build connection with their teams.Grace shares her insights and experience with...Thoughtful communication in leadership writing.Writing as a model for expectations.Audience awareness is essentialThe ART tool for writing and strategic communication.Impact of writing on relationships.Jargon and complexity can alienate.The power of storytelling.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 a world where leaders often feel pressured to have all the answers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of faking it. But what if the real power of leadership lies in admitting when you don't know? In this episode, we tackle the toxic advice many leaders receive—lie if you don’t know—and why embracing vulnerability is the key to building genuine trust. Discover practical steps for handling the unknown with integrity, the impact of transparent communication on your reputation, and how owning your truth sets the standard for a healthier workplace culture. It's time to redefine leadership—one honest conversation at a time.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 author, speaker and former pro athlete Dre Baldwin on the benefits of having a sports philosophy when engaging a team in the workplace.Dre shares his insights and experience on...Team dynamics mirror sports teams.Caution against "family" culture.The role of competition in the workplace and driving performance.Sports mentality in sales.Functional diversity is the right kind of diversity.Importance of feedback and adaptability in a rigid sports mentality.Balancing intensity and sustainability.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

Before you can build the work culture you envision, do you truly understand the culture you have now? In this episode of Relationships at Work, we explore the importance of taking a hard look at your current organizational environment before setting future goals. Using real-life examples, we discuss why leaders often fail to transform their teams and how tools like employee surveys, cultural audits, and direct observation can provide the crucial insights needed to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. 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 author, mayor and lawyer Ukeme Awakessien Jeter on the importance of embracing immigrant leadership in the workplace.Ukeme shares her insights and experience in...The unique leadership skills of immigrants.Intersectionality in DEI and bias.ImmiGrit as a concept.Transformative resilience over traditional resilience.Positional leadership in immigrant success.Why we need to revamp leadership development programs.Authentic networking for immigrants.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

How can new leaders earn trust from day one? In this episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership expert Russel Lolacher dives into the importance of honoring past legacies when joining a team. Whether you're stepping into a new role or leading an established group, understanding the history behind their successes and challenges is key to effective leadership. Russel shares practical steps for respecting the past, engaging with the present, and shaping the future.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.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 author, keynote speaker, research and success coach Simon Bailey on what it takes for leadership resilience and brilliance.Simon shares his insights and experience in...Resilience is a double-edged sword.Brilliance is a necessary compliment to resilience in leadership.Generational differences in resilience and emotional expression.Hybrid work and resiliency.The importance of care in leadership.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