エピソード

  • 223. Why small talk is exhausting (according to science), with Associate Professor John Michel

    223. Why small talk is exhausting (according to science), with Associate Professor John Michel
    2025/08/14
    Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Thursday deep-dive with a workplace expert. 🎙️ This Week's Guest: John Michel Associate Professor at Loyola University of Maryland, John discovered that awkward small talk doesn't just make people uncomfortable — it leads to emotional exhaustion, the precursor to burnout. His research reveals the dark side of workplace chatter that's hiding in plain sight. 💡 Key Takeaways from John Michel Surface-level is better. Until trust develops, keep workplace conversations professional. Personal topics can harm professional image. Forced fun backfires. Don't mandate Fun Fridays. Organic socializing builds stronger relationships than manufactured activities. Uncomfortable conversations isolate. Bad small talk makes people feel excluded, reducing their support network and increasing burnout risk. 🎧 Want more from John Michel? – Website: https://johnwmichel.wordpress.com/ – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-michel-33883a5/ 🎧 Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave us a review — and join us Tuesday for our summer session where we chat about the fun side of work. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork – Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
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    44 分
  • 222. Ask old people! Answering Reddit’s funniest nostalgia questions - Summer Sessions Episode 3

    222. Ask old people! Answering Reddit’s funniest nostalgia questions - Summer Sessions Episode 3
    2025/08/12
    It’s week three of our Summer Sessions and in the same week AOL dial-up finally went quiet, we’re taking a trip down memory lane… with help from Reddit’s Ask Old People thread. Armed with gin, sunscreen, and questionable wisdom, we answer some of the internet’s best nostalgia questions — from “what’s a behaviour you no longer tolerate” to “how did we find out a song name before Shazam?” Plus, we unpack the workplace quirks, fashion crimes, and tech disasters that shaped our early careers. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Back in our day… From office smoking rooms to fax machine rage, we share the work habits and cultural norms we’re glad to leave in the past. 📌 Career curveballs The ‘Plan B’ moments that turned out better than Plan A — and why it’s worth embracing the detours. 📌 Finding music before the internet Yes, it involved cassette tapes, patience, and sometimes a lot of guesswork. 📌 What really earns respect The small but meaningful actions that instantly win us over in colleagues and leaders. 📌 Stress that didn’t exist What younger generations worry about now that simply wasn’t on our radar growing up. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work – Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
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    55 分
  • 221. Is chasing success making you unhappy? With Carolina Lasso, former Google and AmEx high-flyer

    221. Is chasing success making you unhappy? With Carolina Lasso, former Google and AmEx high-flyer
    2025/08/07
    This week’s guest is Carolina Lasso — a former Google and AmEx high-flyer who, on her 34th birthday, realised she had everything she'd ever worked for… and felt absolutely nothing. What followed was a six-month sabbatical, a solo trip around the world, and a radical redefinition of what it means to be successful. Let’s get into it. 🔑 Key Takeaways 📌 When achievement becomes identity Carolina opens up about using her accomplishments to feel loved, and how this deep-rooted drive masked real emotional needs — until her health and happiness collapsed. 📌 “I am busy” isn’t a flex She explains why constantly saying you're “too busy” might be a warning sign, not a badge of honour — and how to start replacing output obsession with genuine wellbeing. 📌 Flourishing isn’t about being happy all the time Forget peak performance. Carolina’s idea of success is being able to say, “I am well,” even when things aren’t perfect — and she shares how to get there. 📌 Your ego isn’t your enemy In a surprising twist, Carolina reframes the ego as a protective force. When it’s chasing achievement, it’s often trying to secure love and belonging. 🔗 Resources & Links Explore Carolina’s work:🌐 https://www.carolinalasso.com Follow her journey on Instagram:📸 https://www.instagram.com/carolinalasso_/ Connect on LinkedIn:💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinalasso 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: ⁠mind.org.uk/information-support – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email ⁠jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work – Al Elliott: ⁠linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: ⁠linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: ⁠hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: ⁠savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
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    43 分
  • 220. Remote Work Roulette: the best (and worst) places we’ve ever worked - Summer Sessions, Episode 2

    220. Remote Work Roulette: the best (and worst) places we’ve ever worked - Summer Sessions, Episode 2
    2025/08/05
    This is Episode 2 of our Summer Sessions — and this week, we’re going global. After visiting nearly 50 countries together, we’re spilling the tea on where to go, where to avoid, and how to actually get work done without melting, buffering, or losing your mind. From long-stays in Southeast Asia to one-night stands in Northern Europe, we’re unpacking the joy and chaos of remote work around the world. Expect real talk, surprising tips, and at least one mosquito-related meltdown. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Best countries for remote working Where Wi-Fi, weather, and work-life balance all hit that sweet spot (hint: not Bali). 📌 Holiday vs. Nomad: don’t get it twisted Why not every dreamy destination is cut out for your inbox. 📌 Places we’ll never return to (for work) Loud, cold, lonely or just plain awkward — the countries that didn’t make the cut. 📌 The unexpected winners Countries we didn’t expect to love as a base… but it totally surprised us. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork – Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
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    55 分
  • 219. What is holiday anxiety - and why can’t we switch off? With clinical psychologist, Dr Elaine Smith

    219. What is holiday anxiety - and why can’t we switch off? With clinical psychologist, Dr Elaine Smith
    2025/07/31
    This week we’re breaking down the science behind switching off — and how to finally reclaim your holidays. From boundary-setting to return-to-work anxiety, clinical psychologist Dr. Elaine Smith shares what it really takes to disconnect (without guilt). 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Email addiction is realDr. Elaine explains why our brains are wired to check messages — even on holiday — and how to break that cycle with simple psychological strategies. 📌 Setting better boundaries at workFrom crystal-clear out-of-office messages to handling pushy colleagues, Elaine lays out exactly how to protect your time off without burning bridges. 📌 Toxic holiday culturesWe hear from a listener who was told to check emails daily while on leave — and got angry messages when they didn’t. Elaine breaks down what’s really happening in these workplaces and how to respond. 📌 The secret to a smooth returnWhy your return-to-work inbox shouldn’t ruin your last two days off — and Elaine’s practical plan for managing the emotional spike that comes with coming back. 🎧 Want more from Dr. Elaine Smith? Explore her work: www.drelainesmith.com Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elaine-smith-creating-compassionate-workplaces/ Try her Holiday Headspace masterclass:https://www.drelainesmith.com/beat-annual-leave-anxiety Use code truthlieswork20 for 20% off (normally £39) 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne– Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
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    41 分
  • 218. The F-ckup Files: Our biggest work (and life!) failures. Summer Sessions, Episode 1

    218. The F-ckup Files: Our biggest work (and life!) failures. Summer Sessions, Episode 1
    2025/07/29
    This week we’re diving into our biggest professional disasters — and the personal embarrassments we still think about in the shower. From losing £103k on a failed business to being demoted out of a dream job, these are the moments that shaped us. And the ones we usually keep quiet. Recorded poolside with a gin in hand, this is the first of our Summer Sessions — stripped-back, slightly tipsy, and very real. 🔥 What We Cover 📌 Leanne’s first big management flop The dream promotion that turned into a living panic — and what she learned about boundaries, leadership, and starting again after being publicly demoted. 📌 Al’s bankruptcy at 26 The booze delivery startup that collapsed under licensing laws — and the brutal lessons in risk, resilience, and recovering from £103k of debt. 📌 Public fails and poolside humiliation Leanne’s wedding faceplant in Thailand. Al’s Tesco meat counter catastrophe. We relive the awkward moments that taught us more than any win ever has. 📌 Why failure is worth sharing We talk honestly about panic attacks, identity crises, and the long tail of shame — and why we still believe in taking big swings. 🎧 Want more from Truth, Lies & Work? – Website: https://truthliesandwork.com – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork – Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott – Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne – Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com – Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
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    53 分
  • 217. What makes a better boss? With The Economist’s Andrew Palmer, host of Boss Class Podcast

    217. What makes a better boss? With The Economist’s Andrew Palmer, host of Boss Class Podcast
    2025/07/24
    Andrew Palmer has spoken to the head executives form Stripe, Netflix, LinkedIN, Google, Toyota - and he's uncovered the counterintuitive leadership lessons from all of them! Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Thursday deep-dive with a workplace expert. 🎙️ This Week’s Guest: Andrew Palmer Bartleby columnist and senior editor at The Economist, Andrew is also the host of Boss Class — a podcast that goes behind the scenes with the leaders of some of the world’s most admired companies. From Toyota to Netflix, IKEA to Unilever, Andrew’s spent the last year asking one deceptively simple question: What makes a better boss? In this conversation, he shares the themes that kept coming up — and the surprising patterns that didn’t. 💡 Key Takeaways from Andrew Palmer Great bosses know when to shut up. The best leaders don’t try to win the room. They create the space for others to think — and listen before they speak. Trust is built slowly — and breaks fast. The CEOs who lead well focus less on controlling people and more on designing systems that earn trust every day. There’s no ‘one way’ to lead. From the founder of Patagonia to the CEO of Toyota, the styles vary wildly. But what they share is a clear sense of purpose — and an ability to reflect on their own behaviour. Being a boss means learning constantly. The best leaders aren’t finished products. They’re works in progress who stay curious, ask questions, and remain open to being wrong. 🔗 Find out more Andrew Palmer on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-palmer-a3012a3/⁠ Boss Class podcast: ⁠https://www.economist.com/audio/podcasts/boss-class⁠ 🎧 Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave us a review — and don’t forget to catch Tuesday’s episode for the latest workplace news, hot takes, and real listener dilemmas. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being – Mind UK: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/⁠ – Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email ⁠jo@samaritans.org⁠ – Mental Health at Work: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/⁠ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne – LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work – Al Elliott: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott⁠ – Leanne Elliott: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne⁠ – Email: ⁠hello@truthliesandwork.com⁠ – Book a call: ⁠https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat⁠
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    46 分
  • 216. The intruder paradox, hiring extremes and return-to-office pressure. PLUS! Should you ever admit you’re planning to quit? With Becky Simms

    216. The intruder paradox, hiring extremes and return-to-office pressure. PLUS! Should you ever admit you’re planning to quit? With Becky Simms
    2025/07/22
    Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Tuesday news round-up, workplace surgery, and expert take — all in one. 🔥 This Week’s Stories 📌 1. The Intruder Paradox: Is imposter syndrome actually a workplace problem?New research says it’s not always your confidence that’s the issue — it’s your environment. We explore the study behind a new term: the intruder paradox — and what it means for inclusion at work. 📰 Source: https://asmepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/medu.15741 🗞️ Commentary: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matt-smeed-b6033922_intruder-paradox-activity-7346916286867681281-O3Kv 📖 Read more: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/imposter-syndrome-isnt-your-fault-it-s-a-workplace-problem-c2e00fbe67df 📌 2. How to hire an A-player: Tough love or recruitment theatre?A viral hiring post lays out a bold approach: multi-hour interviews, deep reference checks, and a “hard truths first” philosophy. But does this really help you hire better — or just scare off the best people? Al and Leanne unpack the thinking behind this controversial method and explore what hiring top talent really takes. 📌 3. Return-to-office rules are harming wellbeing — even before they’re enforcedA new Hays poll finds that just the threat of stricter office policies is denting morale. We unpack the anticipatory anxiety building across the UK workforce. 🗣️ Featuring insight from SWAA’s December 2024 data and Hays UK research. 🔥 Hot Take: Should you talk openly about quitting? Guest: Becky Simms (CEO, Human First Collective) It’s the workplace conversation nobody wants to have — until it’s too late. Becky explains why talking about career moves before they happen could be the secret to better retention, stronger trust, and less awkward exits. 📬 Register your interest to support Aspiration Digital: https://forms.gle/qFSqSurv1soNF4sL8 📱 Follow Aspiration Digital on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspirationdigital/ 📱 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aspirationdigital 💬 Workplace Surgery This week, we’re joined by experts from The Curve Group to answer 3 complex HR dilemmas: ❓ “How do you handle a workplace complaint when one employee wants to make amends — and the other wants them gone?” 🎧 Response from: Catherine Coggins – Head of HR & Legal at The Curve Group ❓ “Are job boards still worth it for small businesses?” 🎧 Response from: Liam Reed – Head of Recruitment Operations at The Curve Group ❓ “How do bank holidays work for compressed hours?” 🎧 Response from: Catherine Coggins – Head of HR & Legal at The Curve Group 🎧 Enjoying the show? Follow, share, and leave us a review — and don’t forget to join us Thursday as we’re joined by Boss Class host and The Economist senior editor Andrew Palmer for a deep dive on leadership lessons from the world’s best-run companies. 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org– Mental Health at Work: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne– LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne– Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
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    55 分