Relationships at Work - the Employee Experience and Workplace Culture Podcast

Part 2 of our 4-part conversation on turning adversity into opportunity at work.Failure feels personal — but it doesn't have to define you. In this episode, executive coach Whitney Faires talks with host Russel Lolacher about reframing adversity through mindset and self-reflection. Whitney shares how to separate emotion from fact, regulate your response, and see setbacks as chances for growth. Learn why resilience starts with self-awareness and how leaders can build strength on the other side of adversity.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

Part 1 of our 4-part conversation on turning adversity into opportunity at work.Setbacks are part of every workplace — but how do we define adversity without downplaying its impact? Executive coach and leadership expert Whitney Faires joins host Russel Lolacher to explain what adversity looks like at work, why leaders should avoid minimizing challenges, and how to clearly understand obstacles before responding. Discover why clarity is the first step to transforming adversity into opportunity.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

Corporate jargon might sound polished, but it's destroying trust, relationships, and humanity at work. In this Relationships at Work mini-episode, host Russel Lolacher — internationally recognized leadership speaker and host of this globally ranked top 5% podcast — breaks down why corporate speak fails and how leaders can replace it with clear, human communication. Learn why jargon alienates teams, what it signals about leadership, and three practical steps to create authentic connection through plain, honest language.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

Part 4 of our 4-part conversation on leadership design.What does a workplace look like when leadership design is at its core? Host Russel Lolacher is joined by Georgi Enthoven — global advisor and thought leader on purposeful, high-impact work — to reveal how cultures shaped by vision and contribution inspire employees to say, “I'm proud of what I do.” This episode explores how organizations can foster community, pride, and sustainability to create modern workplaces worth belonging to.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

Leaders often mistake strategy for identity, creating rigidity and disconnection. In this conversation, host Russel Lolacher and Georgi Enthoven — bestselling author and venture partner with deep experience advising businesses on impact and culture — discuss how leadership design helps teams align on a compelling vision. They explore how to co-create purpose with diverse perspectives and keep teams engaged without losing sight of the bigger picture.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 leaders design their impact if they don't know themselves first? Host Russel Lolacher sits down with Georgi Enthoven — a seasoned entrepreneur and podcast host who helps professionals align ambition with purpose — to uncover the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Georgi shares how identifying your unique strengths (not just fixing weaknesses) builds the confidence and clarity leaders need to show up authentically and drive meaningful change.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 explores what “leadership design” really means. Guest Georgi Enthoven — entrepreneur, venture partner, advisor to global family businesses, and USA Today bestselling author of Work That's Worth It — shares why leadership is more than profit or promotion. She explains how integrating impact into business models is becoming non-negotiable, and why younger generations are demanding leaders rethink what success looks like.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 of Relationships at Work, host and leadership communication expert Russel Lolacher challenges a common leadership blind spot: treating communication as one-way. Drawing from decades of experience and real workplace stories, Russel explains why leaders—not employees—carry the full responsibility for ensuring messages are understood.You'll learn practical actions to:Make communication relevant to employees.Deliver messages in ways that are easy to consume.Keep it interesting and interactive to build trust.Discover why true leadership is about adapting, clarifying, and trying again—because connection only happens through two-way communication.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

Part 4 of our 4-part conversation on shifting our leadership from friction to flow.Culture is built on behaviors, moods, and systems that either fuel friction or create flow. In this Relationships at Work episode, host Russel Lolacher talks with Margaret Graziano, keynote speaker and bestselling author of Ignite Culture, about how leaders can take responsibility for toxic environments and transform them into thriving, high-performing cultures. Learn how small moments of friction snowball into dysfunction, and how flow accelerates change, profitability, and retention.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

Part 3 of our 4-part conversation on shifting our leadership from friction to flow..What does a team in flow actually look like? In this Relationships at Work episode, host Russel Lolacher is joined by Margaret Graziano to unpack how leaders can shift their teams from defensive, draining dynamics into collaboration and empowerment. Discover why the “magic number” for team problem-solving is five to eight people, how laughter and trust fuel flow, and what leaders can do to unlock their team's best work.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

Part 2 of our 4-part conversation on shifting our leadership from friction to flow..Flow begins with you. In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with Margaret Graziano, culture transformation expert and bestselling author of Ignite Culture, about how ego, triggers, and old patterns affect leadership. Learn why personal awareness is the first step toward flow, and why leaders can't move their teams forward without first moving themselves.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

Part 1 of our 4-part conversation on shifting our leadership from friction to flow..What's the difference between friction and flow in the workplace? In this episode of the Relationships at Work podcast, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Margaret Graziano — CEO of KeenAlignment and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ignite Culture. Together they define friction in leadership, explore how it wastes energy and productivity, and explain how clarity helps leaders shift their people and organizations into flow.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 mini-episode, host Russel Lolacher shares a leadership tool that helped him retain a team for more than a decade: the team credo. Drawing from his own experience, Russel explains how a short, clear set of guiding principles can improve communication, build trust, and align your team around what matters most. You'll also get seven practical steps to create a credo that inspires and strengthens workplace culture.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

Wellness isn't just an individual practice — it has to be operationalized into the culture of the workplace. Host Russel Lolacher speaks with Stephen Kohler, founder of Audira, about how organizations can prove they value wellness through their calendars, budgets, and workload trade-offs. This episode explores how embedding wellness into culture improves retention, engagement, and the overall employee experience.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

Teams don't believe in wellness because of posters — they believe in it because of their leaders. Host Russel Lolacher is joined by executive coach Stephen Kohler to discuss why role modeling matters, how leaders can reinforce wellness with consistency and empathy, and why even small actions — like encouraging a teammate to take a walk — build trust and resilience across a team.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

The most important relationship a leader has is with themselves. In this conversation, host Russel Lolacher talks with Stephen Kohler — CEO of Audira and author of The Leadership Anthem — about how stress shows up in the body, what cortisol and fight-or-flight do to leadership, and how leaders can hold themselves accountable with a simple mind–body–spirit check. Protecting your own wellness first sets the stage for leading others well.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

Workplace wellness is more than perks, programs, or posters on the wall. In this episode, host Russel Lolacher explores how leaders can define wellness with clarity alongside executive coach and author Stephen Kohler. Together they look at why wellness requires alignment with your values, your relationships, and your community — and how clear definitions can shape healthier workplaces and stronger cultures.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 Relationships at Work episode, host Russel Lolacher explores one of leadership's most overlooked skills—tone. It's not just what you say, it's how you say it. From quick emails to team meetings, the wrong tone can undermine intent, damage relationships, and weaken trust. Russel shares a real-world example of how three simple words—“Perfect, for now”—changed the dynamic of a working relationship, and offers practical actions leaders can take to ensure their communication lands as intended.Learn how to adapt your tone to your audience, balance clarity with empathy, and use feedback to build stronger workplace connections. Because leadership isn't just about delivering information—it's about ensuring your message supports trust, psychological safety, and culture.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

Part 4 of our 4-part conversation on the Superloop framework.What does a healthy, human-centered workplace really look like? Susan Leger Ferraro — executive coach, speaker, and bestselling author of Superloop joins Russel Lolacher to reveal how her framework can transform organizational culture. From equity audits to leadership accountability, Susan shares proven strategies to align beliefs, biology, and behavior at every level, creating workplaces where people and performance thrive.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

Part 3 of our 4-part conversation on the Superloop framework.Strong teams aren't built by accident. In this episode, Russel Lolacher sits down with Susan Leger Ferraro — senior advisor, CEO of G3 Works, and author of the bestselling book Superloop. She explains how practices like clearing conversations, Feedforward, and Pathmaker roles help teams move beyond conflict and into connection. Learn practical steps from Susan's leadership framework for building trust, improving communication, and supporting your team with authenticity and accountability.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

Part 2 of our 4-part conversation on the Superloop framework.Your relationship with yourself determines how you show up as a leader. Susan Leger Ferraro — speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author of Superloop — shares why triggers aren't setbacks, but signals for growth. Discover how to use self-reflection, emotional hygiene, and conscious interruption of your Superloop to build resilience, confidence, and clarity 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

Part 1 of our 4-part conversation on the Superloop framework.In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher and Susan Leger Ferraro, author of Superloop, unpack how beliefs, biology, and behavior create the framework for everything we do as leaders and employees. Discover how awareness of this loop helps us stop running on autopilot and start shaping better outcomes for ourselves and our workplaces.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

Governance isn't just paperwork and policy—it shapes how employees are hired, managed, and treated every single day. In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with HR leader Dominique Brewer to dig into what HR governance really is, how it connects to the employee experience, and why leadership accountability is essential for it to succeed.From the Workhuman*LIVE event in Colorado, Dominique shares how frameworks and shared accountability can reduce risk, increase fairness, and build trust within teams—and why HR must be embedded in the business, not just sit beside it. From defining governance to navigating perception, communication, and culture, this conversation reframes HR from a department of compliance to a driver of equity and clarity.We explore:Why HR governance is more than “avoiding risk”How to assess whether governance is helping or hurting your cultureWhat good leadership looks like in a structured systemHow employee experience is shaped by policy clarity, or the lack of itWhether you're in HR, leadership, or just trying to understand the systems around you—this episode will give you a new lens on how organizations truly function (or don't).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

This is part 4 of a 4-part conversation on authentic leadership.You can't fake authenticity — and culture knows when you try. In this episode, author and executive coach Jim Fielding joins to discuss how leaders shape organizational culture through tone, vulnerability, and consistent behavior. As a former executive with teams of thousands at companies like Disney and Claire's, Jim shares the signals of inauthentic cultures, the role of curiosity in connection, and the daily actions that build psychological safety. His advice? Start listening. Start watching. Culture is built in the small moments — and leaders set the pace.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

This is part 3 of a 4-part conversation on authentic leadership.Team culture begins before day one. In this episode, executive coach, author, and former Disney exec Jim Fielding reveals how authenticity shows up in the hiring process, how to build trust through vulnerability, and why showing up as a fully human leader sets the tone for every team interaction. From performance conversations to “espresso machine culture,” Jim explains what real empowerment looks like — and how to create workplaces where people actually want to belong.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

This is part 2 of a 4-part conversation on authentic leadership.Self-awareness isn't optional if you want to lead authentically. In this episode, author and executive coach Jim Fielding explores the personal barriers that prevent leaders from showing up as their true selves. From trauma and identity to DISC profiles and 360 reviews, Jim shares the internal tools and honest moments that shaped his leadership journey — and how understanding your own story helps you lead with empathy, clarity, and presence. Jim is an executive coach and the author of All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive's Journey on Living and Leading Authentically.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

This is part 1 of a 4-part conversation on authentic leadership.Authenticity is often used as a leadership buzzword — but what does it actually mean? In this episode, Jim Fielding, executive coach and author of All Pride, No Ego, shares his clear and human-centered definition of authentic leadership. Drawing on his experience as a former executive at Disney, DreamWorks, and Fox, Jim explains how authenticity creates psychological safety, the importance of adapting in “the grey,” and why creating space for people to bring their whole selves is good for business — and culture.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 explore how recognition is more than praise — it's a cultural signal that defines values, fosters belonging, and drives performance.Host Russel Lolacher sits down with a workplace recognition expert from Workhuman to dig into:Why generic praise fails to make people feel seenHow meaningful recognition strengthens psychological safetyThe damage of performative or biased recognitionWhy culture is built from everyday moments, not posters on the wallThe global, generational, and leadership nuances in how people want to be recognizedIf you're a leader or HR professional looking to create a culture of trust, recognition may be the most underutilized lever you have.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

This is part 4 of a 4-part conversation on the context we need for improving leadership development.If your workplace culture isn't evolving, your leadership development probably isn't either. In this Relationships at Work episode, Dr. Rob Lion joins Russel Lolacher to explore how broken systems, poor communication, and lack of psychological safety derail leadership development efforts. They dive into what it takes to manage up, lead across, and build better—without waiting for permission.

This is part 3 of a 4-part conversation on the context we need for improving leadership development.Great leadership development isn't done in isolation—it's done with the team. In this Relationships at Work episode, Dr. Rob Lion explains how leaders can use trust, vulnerability, and shared growth to develop themselves and those around them. Russel Lolacher explores how team engagement and development can be intentional, relational, and central to leadership success.

This is part 2 of a 4-part conversation on the context we need for improving leadership development.You can't develop as a leader if you don't understand yourself. In this Relationships at Work episode, Dr. Rob Lion digs into the internal foundation of leadership development—mindset, identity, motivation, and the courage to seek help. With Russel Lolacher, he explores why self-awareness is non-negotiable and how leaders can stop outsourcing responsibility and start owning their growth.

This is part 1 of a 4-part conversation on the context we need for improving leadership development. Leadership development starts with understanding what leadership actually is—but most organizations skip that step entirely. In this Relationships at Work episode, Dr. Rob Lion joins Russel Lolacher to unpack the leadership confusion so many organizations suffer from. Together, they explore why we conflate productivity with leadership, why style-based development doesn't work, and how a lack of shared definition breaks everything downstream.

Inclusion is one of the most talked-about values in the modern workplace—but also one of the most misunderstood. We say the word, we build strategies around it, but do we actually know what it looks and feels like?In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher welcomes Peter Andrew Danzig — LSW, MSS, MA, CCPT, CPT — a trauma-informed therapist, inclusion strategist, and performing arts professional, to challenge conventional thinking around workplace inclusion.Together, they explore:Why the “everyone at the table” definition isn't enoughHow belonging is the true measure of inclusionThe crucial difference between responsibility and accountability in DEIThe cost of conflict avoidance in leadershipWhy HR can't (and shouldn't) shoulder inclusion aloneWhat it actually means to bring your full self to workThis conversation isn't about checking boxes. It's about redefining inclusion as a lived, evolving, and shared responsibility—and how organizations can move from intention to real impact.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

This is part 4 of a 4-part conversation on the work leaders need to do to incorporate belonging in the workplace with author and research Dr. Beth Kaplan. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture. Workplace culture often undermines belonging, even with the best of intentions. In this episode, we explore the difference between performative and real belonging, the disconnect between values and actions, and why DEI and belonging should be treated as distinct (but related) priorities. This is a wake-up call for leaders at every level.

This is part 3 of a 4-part conversation on the work leaders need to do to incorporate belonging in the workplace with author and research Dr. Beth Kaplan. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.Belonging doesn't happen by accident—it's built through consistent, intentional leadership. In this episode, we explore what care really looks like from a team perspective, how one-on-ones can foster trust, and the key leadership habits that make people feel seen, valued, and supported.

This is part 2 of a 4-part conversation on the work leaders need to do to incorporate belonging in the workplace with author and research Dr. Beth Kaplan. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.Before we can lead others into belonging, we need to start with ourselves. This episode explores how self-worth, trauma, and emotional safety play a foundational role in how we show up as leaders. We look at the internal work required to foster belonging—not as a reward for performance, but as a decision to value who we are.

Belonging isn't the same as fitting in—and the difference matters. In this episode, we define what belonging truly is and how most organizations misunderstand or misuse the term. We explore why clarity around belonging matters and how vague values and misaligned language can erode trust and workplace culture.

In this episode of Relationships at Work, we explore what it truly means to speak boldly in the workplace—and why it's more about connection than confrontation.Joining us is Verna Myers, renowned inclusion strategist, author, and former Netflix VP of Inclusion Strategy. She shares powerful lessons on how to challenge harmful behaviors, speak truth to power, and communicate across difference with clarity and courage. From managing emotions to knowing when to pause, Verna offers strategies for bold communication that builds trust—not fear.

This is part 4 of a 4-part series on leading through high pressure at work, with licensed psychologist Dr. Janna Koretz. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.Tired of waiting for HR or leadership to fix your toxic work culture? Dr. Janna Koretz gets real about what organizations won't do for your mental health—and how you can still thrive. We dig into the power of micro-shifts, how to lead by example, and why “playing the game” sometimes isn't avoidable. For leaders trying to be human in high-demand workplaces, this episode is a guide to navigating culture without losing yourself.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

This is part 3 of a 4-part series on leading through high pressure at work, with licensed psychologist Dr. Janna Koretz. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.High pressure leadership isn't just about surviving stress—it's about not spreading it. Dr. Janna Koretz shares how leaders can show up differently in tense environments and still support performance. You'll learn how self-regulation, calm communication, and empathy can ripple through a team—even if no one else is doing the work. Whether you're managing during crisis, growth, or daily chaos, this episode offers practical ways to lead without losing your people.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

This is part 2 of a 4-part series on leading through high pressure at work, with licensed psychologist Dr. Janna Koretz. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.Ever climbed the career ladder—only to realize it's leaning against the wrong wall? Dr. Janna Koretz explains how values misalignment—not lack of resilience—drives burnout in high pressure jobs. In this episode, we explore how self-awareness, flexible thinking, and small mindset shifts can transform your mental health, even when your workload won't change. For leaders, professionals, and perfectionists wondering “Why doesn't this feel good?”—this one's 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

This is part 1 of a 4-part series on leading through high pressure at work, with licensed psychologist Dr. Janna Koretz. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.What does “high pressure” actually mean in the workplace? In this episode, Dr. Janna Koretz—licensed psychologist and founder of Azimuth Psychological—joins host Russel Lolacher to reframe how we define stress at work. From Amazon warehouse workers to C-suite execs, no role is immune. You'll hear why blanket definitions don't work, how our relationship to pressure is deeply personal, and why even successful professionals end up burned out and lost. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating toxic hustle culture, performance anxiety, or leadership overwhelm.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

Change is constant—but connection doesn't have to suffer.In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores how leaders can build trust and protect the employee experience during times of change. Guest Dr. Devann Steele shares how transparency, empathy, and values-based communication can make or break your leadership.Learn how to:Avoid silence during uncertaintyCommunicate even when you don't have all the answersLead with “we” instead of “me”Match your messaging to the scale of changeCare for yourself while caring for your teamFor leaders navigating change, this is the communication episode you didn't know you needed.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

Forget the posters and buzzwords—real culture change starts with behavior, not branding. In this Relationships at Work episode, Kyle McDowell shares how principle-based leadership can reshape toxic or misaligned cultures by setting consistent expectations for how people work and lead. We explore how to create change at the team level (even without CEO buy-in) and why principles can ripple through an entire organization—and even into our personal lives.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

Great teams don't just work together—they challenge each other, support each other, and hold each other accountable. In this episode of Relationships at Work, Kyle McDowell explains how embracing challenge and setting clear expectations builds deeper trust, stronger team bonds, and long-term alignment. From confronting resistance to leading by example, this is a masterclass in principle-based team 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

Leadership isn't a title—it's an inner journey. In this Relationships at Work episode, Kyle McDowell shares why self-reflection is the essential first step to leading with integrity and impact. We talk about ego, self-awareness, the “mirror of truth,” and how knowing your blind spots isn't weakness—it's leadership strength. If you want to lead others, you have to lead yourself first.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 is principle-based leadership—and how is it different from values or mission statements? In this episode of Relationships at Work, Kyle McDowell, bestselling author of Begin With We, shares how leaders can gain clarity by establishing a framework for how teams behave, collaborate, and succeed. We explore the origin of his 10 WEs, why clarity fuels accountability, and how leaders can set the tone for excellence—by defining the how, not just the what.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

This is part 1 of 6 of our Workhuman LIVE series. In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher is joined by workplace culture and leadership expert Jason Lauritsen to explore the real obstacles leaders face when trying to build meaningful connections at work. From poor relationship training to fear of feedback, Jason breaks down why so many managers get connection wrong—and what to do about it.We talk about the role of self-awareness, why cultural misfits suffer in silence, how trust is lost through delegation, and what connection really means in leadership. If you're looking to improve employee experience, boost psychological safety, and become a more human-centered leader, this episode is for you.

This is part 4 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.Culture is shaped by what leaders do—not what's written on the walls. In this culture-focused conversation, Charlotte Otter joins Russel Lolacher to explore how reputation exposes the health of workplace culture. From social media transparency to unwritten norms and cross-functional relationships, they discuss the reputational risks leaders face when they don't match their messaging with their behavior.✅ How culture and reputation are interconnected ✅ Why unwritten norms influence perception ✅ Managing reputation during change and missteps ✅ The role of consistency and communication in culture-buildingAnd 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

This is part 3 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.Reputation isn't built behind closed doors—it's forged in everyday moments with your team. In this episode, Charlotte Otter shares how leaders gain or lose trust through their behavior, and how a bad reputation can create a fear-based culture that kills innovation. Together with Russel Lolacher, she breaks down how psychological safety, vulnerability, and honest feedback are essential for leadership success.✅ How fear damages culture ✅ Why vulnerability is key to recovery ✅ Leading with consistency and empathy ✅ What your team actually remembersAnd 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

This is part 2 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.Before you manage your reputation—know yourself. In this episode, Russel Lolacher and Charlotte Otter explore how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and personal responsibility form the foundation of a strong leadership reputation. Drawing from Charlotte's work with executive clients and her book We Need New Leaders, they discuss why personal brand, inner work, and behavioral alignment are essential for leadership growth.✅ Why self-audit is difficult but necessary ✅ The impact of therapy, coaching, and lived experience ✅ How triggers and empathy shape leadership reputation ✅ What personal brand has to do with your careerAnd 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