Relationships at Work - the Employee Experience and Workplace Culture Podcast

What if leadership was never meant to be a solo act?In this episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership/communication expert Russel Lolacher speaks with executive team coach, keynote speaker, author, and founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, Keith Ferrazzi, about why the future of leadership depends less on individual authority and more on the strength of the team around us.Keith shares insights from his book Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship, exploring why collaboration is not enough, how “co-elevation” pushes teams to raise each other's performance, and why culture only changes when it is supported by real practices and processes. The conversation digs into psychological safety, candor, accountability, stress-testing ideas, and the social contracts that shape how teams actually work.This episode is a practical and provocative look at how leaders can stop carrying the burden alone — and start building teams that challenge, support, and refuse to let each other fail.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership expert Russel Lolacher speaks with business leader, speaker, CEO and author Rick Yvanovich on how purpose can help leaders and organizations navigate constant change.Rick shares why purpose is more than a goal, how the post-COVID workplace has reshaped our relationship with work, and why organizations need to make purpose real through clarity, equity, and action. The conversation explores hybrid work, generational expectations, personal values, and why leaders need to stop treating purpose as a slogan and start using it as a guide for better decisions.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership/communication expert Russel Lolacher explores why the words leaders use when things go wrong matter more than we think.A problem, challenge, and opportunity can all be useful terms — but they are not always interchangeable. Russel looks at how well-intended positivity can sometimes dilute urgency, dismiss employee reality, or create a culture where people feel they have to soften the truth.This episode is a reminder that trust-driven leadership is not about choosing the most optimistic word. It is about choosing the most accurate one — and helping teams move forward with honesty, clarity, and care.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

What makes employees truly buy into their work, their team, and their organization?In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with business strategist, leadership coach, and author Dave Garrison about what drives employee buy-in and why so many teams slide into disengagement. Dave shares why leaders often unintentionally shut people down, how curiosity and vulnerability create stronger connection, and what it takes to build a culture where people feel ownership, trust, and real commitment to the work.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership expert Russel Lolacher explores the difference between risk aversion and risk awareness — and why playing it safe can quietly damage trust, engagement, innovation, and culture.Russel shares how leaders can move beyond fear-based decision-making by asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and creating space for thoughtful experimentation. Because doing nothing is still a decision — and sometimes the riskiest one.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

What if better leadership isn't found in management books, but in nature itself?In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with executive coach and author Kelly Wendorf about what leaders can learn from nature to build healthier teams and stronger workplace cultures. Drawing from her book Flying Lead Change, Kelly shares insights on trust, psychological safety, curiosity, conflict, and why thriving leadership may look more like ecosystems than hierarchies. A fresh perspective on moving from power over to power with leadership.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

Saying yes isn't leadership.In this episode, Russel Lolacher explores the hidden cost of constant agreement — and how it impacts your team's capacity, priorities, and performance. Learn how to stay collaborative, set boundaries, and make better decisions about when to say yes… and when not to.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

What does conscious leadership actually look like at work?In this episode, Russel Lolacher talks with coaches Trevor Stevenson and Dale Allen of Conscious Lead Life about self-awareness, triggers, power, and how leaders can show up with more intention, care, and impact.If you want to lead without overpowering others or operating on autopilot, this conversation is for you.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

A single phrase overheard on a podcast stopped Russel mid-step — and it's been on his desk ever since. In this episode, communications and leadership veteran Russel Lolacher explores how swapping two small words can shift you from feeling buried by your day to actually owning it.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

What actually motivates people at work? In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher talks with leadership advisor, researcher, and The Motivation Mix co-author James Root about why motivation isn't one-size-fits-all. James shares how outdated workplace assumptions continue to shape leadership, talent, and team dynamics — and why understanding what truly drives people is essential to building healthier cultures and better results. A practical conversation on motivation, individuality, and leading people more effectively.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 YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

We hear it all the time in leadership: “You can't over-communicate.” But that's not always true. In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores how too much communication can feel patronizing, overwhelming, or even damaging to trust. This episode looks at why great leadership communication isn't about repetition for repetition's sake—it's about reading the room, understanding your audience, and adapting your message with intention. And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher talks with Karl Staib, founder of Systematic Leader, about why leadership needs more than good intentions. They explore how better systems shape habits, improve communication, strengthen accountability, and create healthier workplace cultures.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

What if the way we measure leadership is completely off? In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher challenges the usual focus on KPIs, deadlines, and delivery—and asks what really matters. Trust, growth, values, and the impact we leave on people may be the real leadership scorecard.And connect with me for more great content!Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on LinkedinFollow on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow on TikTokEmail me anytime 

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher speaks with Alejandra Ramirez, founder of Ready Cultures, about why internal communication often fails in organizations.They discuss how misaligned messaging damages workplace culture, why clarity matters in leadership communication, and how Alejandra's Head–Heart–Hands framework helps leaders communicate what's happening, why it matters, and what teams should do next.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

Most meetings focus on tasks, updates, and deadlines. Others focus on people, growth, and trust. Both are necessary—but they serve very different purposes.In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores the difference between management meetings and leadership meetings, and why leaders need to be intentional about which one they're running.Management meetings help move the work forward. Leadership meetings help move the people forward.When leaders confuse the two, teams either lose clarity around execution or connection to purpose. But when meetings are designed with intention, they become powerful tools for both productivity and culture.Russel also shares practical ways to define the purpose of your meetings, design agendas that match that purpose, and create the right balance between leadership and management over time.Because meetings aren't just calendar invites—they're culture in real 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

Leaders often complain about their teams — disengaged employees, poor performance, difficult conversations.But what if the real issue isn't the team?In this episode, Russel sits down with leadership expert David Dilger to explore how leaders shape the behavior, performance, and culture of their teams — often without realizing it.They discuss why avoiding tough conversations hurts everyone involved, how focusing on observable behaviors changes the way leaders manage performance, and why trust is built through consistent everyday interactions, not one big moment.Because the truth is simple: The culture you experience as a leader is often the culture you've created.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

Some of the most damaging leaders aren't the obvious tyrants. They're the ones celebrated on stages, praised in boardrooms, and admired on LinkedIn.In this solo episode, Russel Lolacher explores how performative leadership can hide behind recognition, results, and a polished public image. He challenges leaders to look beyond awards and social media presence to examine the real impact leaders have on their teams.Because leadership isn't defined by the story a leader tells — it's defined by the experience of the people they lead. 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 if conflict isn't the problem — but the engine of innovation?In this episode, innovation expert Jeff DeGraff joins Russel to explore why adaptability isn't about reacting to change — it's about embracing ambiguity, practicing paradox, and creating constructive conflict inside your teams.They discuss:Why over-alignment kills innovationThe difference between reacting and adaptive thinkingHow small experiments build momentumWhy culture isn't a “thing” — it's how leaders leadThe role of vision in holding chaos togetherIf you're leading through uncertainty, AI disruption, or organizational tension, this conversation reframes how real innovation actually happens.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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 leading from values — or reacting to emotions? In this solo episode, Russel Lolacher explores why values must anchor workplace decisions, culture, and accountability. Empathy matters. But without clear values, leadership becomes mood management.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

Is workplace positivity building trust — or masking real problems?In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher sits down with author Johanna Laurent to unpack the difference between authentic positivity and the kind that shuts people down.They explore:Why leaders focus on what's wrong instead of what's workingThe self-work required before you can lead others wellHow to create space for honesty without sliding into negativityWhy you can get results and build a great environmentThis isn't about pretending everything's fine.It's about being honest in the light — and leading from there.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

When did leadership stop being about people?The rise of the term “People Leader” sounds progressive — but it may reveal a deeper problem. If leadership needs a qualifier, something's already broken.In this solo episode, Russel challenges the language we use and what it says about how we actually lead.Because leadership without people… isn't 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

What can leaders learn from Olympic athletes?Former cycling champion and high-performance coach Lee Povey breaks down why winning is out of your control — and why focusing on process, feedback, and adaptability is what truly drives performance.This episode challenges hustle culture, fixed leadership styles, and ego-driven management.Because the Olympic mindset isn't about medals.It's about becoming better — every day.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

Putting time on a calendar isn't investment. Sending a survey isn't support.In this solo episode, Russel Lolacher challenges leaders to stop assuming and start asking: What does meaningful investment actually look like for my team?Because if they don't feel it — it doesn't count.Curiosity. Consistency. Personalization.That's the 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

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher sits down with leadership expert and author Kishshana Palmer to unpack why being “busy” has become one of the most damaging habits in modern leadership.They explore how busyness blocks clarity, weakens relationships with teams, fuels burnout, and quietly erodes organizational culture. Kishshana shares how leaders can shift from constant reactivity to intentional strategy, why clarity is a leadership responsibility, and what it really costs when productivity replaces care.If you've ever worn “busy” as a badge of honor, this conversation challenges what that habit is doing to you, your team, and your culture.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

“Let's start the conversation” has become a comfortable way for leaders to delay real change.In this R@W Note mini-episode, Host Russel Lolacher explores why talking about improvement isn't the same as starting it — and how conversation without follow-through quietly damages trust, morale, and credibility at work.Leadership isn't measured by what's said in the meeting. It's measured by what happens after it ends.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

Motivation is often treated as something leaders can manufacture from the outside — incentives, goals, performance systems. But without purpose, motivation rarely lasts.In this episode, Ryan Rigterink breaks down why purpose is personal, contextual, and constantly evolving — and why leaders get motivation wrong when they assume it's one-size-fits-all. We explore how identity, experience, and intention shape engagement, how trust underpins any meaningful motivation strategy, and why shared purpose isn't about conformity, but alignment.This conversation challenges inherited leadership assumptions and reframes work as a place for becoming — not just performing.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

Silence in leadership is rarely intentional — but it's never neutral.In this short R@W Note episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores how delayed communication, hesitation, and “waiting until we know more” can unintentionally create confusion, anxiety, and cultural drift on teams.Leaders often hold back for good reasons: they want clarity, the right answer, or more information. But while leaders are thinking, teams are interpreting — filling gaps with assumptions, stories, and uncertainty.This episode reframes leadership presence as communication in progress — not perfection — and offers practical ways to lead with clarity even when decisions aren't final.Because leadership isn't about speaking last. It's about speaking when it matters most.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

ADHD in the workplace is often framed as a performance issue — but what if the real problem is job fit?In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher sits down with ADHD career coach Shell Mendelson to unpack why capable, skilled ADHD employees struggle in roles that were never designed for how they think, focus, and work.Together, they explore why performance improvement plans miss the point, how workplace expectations quietly erode confidence, and why creativity and innovation only show up under the right conditions. This conversation challenges leaders to stop pathologizing behavior and start examining environments — and helps ADHD professionals better understand when a role is working against them.If you're a leader trying to support neurodivergent employees, or someone with ADHD questioning whether work “just isn't clicking,” this episode offers clarity without clichés.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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 say the right things about trust, empathy, and accountability—then quietly fail to follow through. In this short Relationships at Work episode, Russel Lolacher unpacks the difference between looking like a leader and performing as one. You'll learn how performative leadership erodes trust, why optics often get rewarded over impact, and how to audit your own actions to ensure your leadership shows up when it actually matters.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 really happens when you move up in an organization?In this episode, Russel Lolacher talks with Sabina Nawaz, leadership strategist, executive coach, and author of You Are the Boss, about the unseen pressures of leadership advancement.They explore why pressure—not power—changes how leaders show up, how advancement can quietly erode self-awareness, and the impact this has on teams and culture.A candid conversation for leaders preparing for promotion, navigating increased responsibility, or questioning how leadership has changed them.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

We talk a lot about what leaders say — but rarely about where they say it.In this short episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores proxemics — the hidden language of personal space — and how distance, positioning, and physical presence quietly shape trust, power, and connection at work.From offices designed to elevate authority, to feedback conversations that unintentionally trigger defensiveness, this episode unpacks how space communicates long before words do. You'll learn the four zones of proxemics, why they matter for leaders, and how even virtual settings carry unspoken spatial cues.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

Presence at work isn't about performance — it's about awareness.In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher talks with Ryan Carey, CEO of BetterOn, about what presence actually means in the workplace and why leaders often misunderstand it. They explore how self-awareness shapes trust, connection, and the employee experience — and why presence is a skill leaders can develop, not a personality trait.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

Mentorship is everywhere in leadership conversations — yet many leaders still feel stuck without the guidance they actually need.In this solo mini-episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores why so many mentorship attempts fall flat, what truly makes a mentor valuable, and how to stop searching for advice that sounds good but doesn't help you grow.If you've ever wondered why mentorship feels harder than it should, 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

Most organizations talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion at the executive level — or delegate it to HR.But that's not where DEI actually succeeds or fails.In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel speaks with Jonathan Njus about why middle managers are the real linchpin of DEI efforts — and why so many initiatives stall once they reach the middle of the organization.Jonathan breaks down:Why middle managers quietly shape hiring, performance reviews, and team cultureHow DEI often fails because of language, not valuesWhy psychological safety must extend to leaders, not just employeesWhat inclusion looks like in everyday decisions, not training sessionsHow reframing DEI as building the best team changes engagement entirelyThis conversation moves beyond acronyms and politics and focuses on what actually drives inclusion at work: how leaders show up, how teams experience fairness, and how relationships either build trust — or quietly erode it.If you're a middle manager, lead middle managers, or want culture change that actually sticks, this episode is for you.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

Every leader has power—whether they acknowledge it or not.In this solo mini-episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher explores the often-overlooked reality of leadership influence and how even small words, actions, or moments of absence can leave a lasting imprint on people at work.Drawing from real leadership experiences and patterns he's seen across hundreds of conversations, Russel breaks down why leadership impact is never neutral—and why intent doesn't cancel out impact. From offhand comments to missed support, leaders shape trust, confidence, and culture in ways they may never see… but employees never forget.You'll walk away with:A clearer understanding of how leadership power actually shows up day to dayWhy positive and negative leadership moments can echo for yearsPractical ways to reflect on your leadership impact and course-correct in real timeIf you lead people—or influence their experience at work—this episode is a reminder that leadership always leaves a mark. The question is whether you're choosing it intentionally.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

Most people can spot dysfunction at work.Bad bosses. Endless emergencies. Burnout masquerading as productivity.But the harder question is this: what role do we play in it?In this episode of Relationships at Work, author and executive leader Eric Charran joins Russel Lolacher to unpack how dysfunctional workplaces actually take hold — and why self-assessment is often the missing step in breaking the cycle.They explore how leaders reward busyness instead of outcomes, why bad behaviors get normalized, and how managing up, setting boundaries, and understanding your own worth can protect your mental health without surrendering your agency.This conversation isn't about blame. It's about clarity, self-awareness, and figuring out what's truly within your control — even when the system isn't working.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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 happens when doing your job quietly turns into managing your boss's ego?In this Relationships at Work mini-episode, Russel Lolacher unpacks the real damage caused by bootlicking cultures — where praise is safer than honesty, silence is rewarded over truth, and employees spend more energy protecting leaders than improving the work.Through a simple story and clear leadership reflections, this episode explores how fear-based leadership erodes psychological safety, engagement, trust, and culture — often without leaders even realizing it's happening.You'll also hear three practical leadership shifts that help move teams from ego maintenance to mutual respect — and from performance to real relationships at work.Because nobody was hired to be their boss's emotional support 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

Most leaders mean well. That doesn't mean the impact lands well.In this episode of Relationships at Work, leadership coach and author Dr. Joel Pérez draws on insights from his book Dear White Leader to unpack why good intentions often fall apart at work — and what leaders miss about power, identity, and impact.A grounded conversation about how leadership actually shows up, especially when culture, trust, and accountability are tested.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

Employee retention isn't built with perks, programs, or forced fun.It's built in the moments where leaders choose to listen, trust, and let teams be themselves.In this mini-episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher shares a simple Christmas decorating story that explains why his team stayed together for nearly 12 years — and why high retention is never an accident or a “unicorn.”This episode breaks down:Why autonomy matters more than engagement initiativesHow leaders accidentally push people away by enforcing conformityWhat retention really looks like in everyday leadership decisionsIf you're serious about keeping good people — not just hiring them — this episode reframes what employee retention actually requires.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

Influence gets thrown around like a leadership buzzword — but most people misunderstand what it actually is. It's not authority. It's not persuasion. And it's definitely not performance.In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel sits down with author and former CIO Brad Englert to unpack the real mechanics of influence inside organizations — the kind that builds trust, shifts culture, and turns critics into advocates.Brad shares stories from his career at Accenture and the University of Texas that reveal:Why influence is rooted in understanding goals, setting expectations, and genuinely caringHow culture change actually happens (and why it starts with consistency, not heroics)Why “haters” are often your best opportunity for relationship-buildingHow to map your influence — and who's influencing youThe mindset leaders need before they can expect influence to workIf you want influence that lasts longer than your job title, this conversation shows you how to build it.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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 blame a leader. They're visible. They're the face of decisions. They're the ones we point to when work feels confusing, frustrating, or overwhelming.But what if the problem isn't just the leader—what if it's the system that shaped them?In this mini-episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher breaks down the real reason so many leaders struggle: they were never given the clarity, tools, or support to lead well in the first place. Drawing from the R@W Note newsletter, Russel explores how organizations unintentionally set leaders up to fail—and what we can do instead.You'll learn:Why blaming individual leaders keeps us stuckThe missing definitions that derail leadership expectationsThe danger of promoting high performers without preparationHow real feedback loops help leaders actually growWhat it takes to build leadership ecosystems that support everyoneIf you want better leaders, better culture, and fewer leadership blind spots, this episode gives you a new lens—and practical steps—to start fixing the blame game for good.

We talk a lot about mental health and physical wellbeing at work — but almost never about the part of ourselves that drives meaning, connection, energy, and authenticity. Enter soul health.In this episode of Relationships at Work, founder and CEO of Quantum Sense Pam Buchanan joins me to unpack why so many employees still feel unseen and unfulfilled, even in workplaces overflowing with perks. We explore why leaders default to ego-driven decisions, how energy (not time) shapes performance, and what it looks like to create environments where people feel valued at a deeper level.Together, we dig into:what “soul health” actually means and why it's not about religionhow to spot when your soul is depleted (and what to do about it)practical ways leaders can support teams beyond mind + bodyhow small sensory shifts can transform workplace culturewhy bringing your whole self doesn't mean bringing everythingIf you've ever felt like something important is still missing in your work or leadership, this conversation might be the piece you've been searching for.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

Too many workplaces use “leader” and “manager” interchangeably — and it's hurting their people and their culture. In this solo episode, Relationships at Work host Russel Lolacher explains the real difference between leadership and management and why misunderstanding the two leads to frustration, disengagement, and poor decision-making.Russel explores how:Leadership focuses on people, growth, and purposeManagement focuses on tasks, timelines, and resourcesCalling every manager a “leader” hides harmful behaviourOrganizations weaken culture when they don't define the roles clearlyYou'll also hear three concrete actions to help teams name, model, and develop leadership and management as distinct skill sets — so the workplace can run well and feel 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

Most leaders treat development like a checkbox — a course, a conference, an annual review. But what if the real key to growth and retention isn't an event… but a relationship?In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel sits down with leadership and career development expert Julie Winkle Giulioni to rethink how growth actually happens at work — through trust, curiosity, and small, meaningful moments shared every day.Julie breaks down why:Development only happens when people feel supported“No time” is a leadership myth (and how great leaders use micro-moments)Curiosity is the gateway to better conversationsLeaders must model their own learningThe multidimensional career framework goes far beyond promotionsDaily questions can build engagement, growth, and retentionDevelopment transforms workplace culture one relationship at a timeIf you want to grow your people, deepen trust, build stronger teams, and become a leader people want to work for — this conversation will change how you think about development forever.

In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher digs into a leadership trap that quietly damages culture, disengages teams, and derails real progress: celebrating effort instead of impact.We hand out recognition for hard work, long hours, new initiatives, “busy-ness,” and well-packaged plans—but rarely pause to ask the only question that matters: Did any of this create meaningful change?Russel explores why organizations reward motion instead of momentum and how this leads to checkbox leadership, abandoned initiatives, and teams who stop believing anything is going to be different. Drawing from real stories, including an executive who celebrated a website without ever asking if anyone used it, Russel breaks down how leaders can shift the narrative.You'll hear:Why effort is the baseline—not the winHow valuing impact strengthens trust, engagement, and cultureThree practical actions to redefine success and hold leaders accountableIf you want to build a workplace where progress is real—not performative—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

We've been taught that being busy means being successful — but what if it's actually holding us back? In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with performance optimization expert and author Peggy Sullivan about how to escape “time poverty” and achieve more by doing less.Peggy shares how leaders can recognize the traps of constant hustle, eliminate low-value activities, and replace them with purpose-driven priorities. From tackling meeting overload to setting better boundaries and aligning time with values, this conversation offers practical steps to shift from burnout to balance — and from busyness to true productivity.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

You've heard it before — “let your results speak for themselves.” But in reality, results don't talk — you do. In this solo episode, Relationships at Work host Russel Lolacher breaks down why staying silent about your success can stall your career and how communicating your impact with clarity, alignment, and presence helps leadership truly see your value.Russel shares actionable ways to advocate for yourself and your team:Align with leadership priorities so your wins connect to what matters most.Tell a story with your data that answers “why should leadership care?”Show up where it counts — from one-on-one meetings to leadership briefings.If you've ever felt overlooked or under-valued despite great results, this episode is your reminder: hard work doesn't guarantee recognition — but smart communication can.

Accountability in leadership isn't about blame — it's about ownership.In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with leadership expert Michael Timms on how great leaders inspire accountability by modeling it first. Together they explore how to move beyond micromanagement, empower teams through clarity, and build trust that fuels performance.You'll learn how to:Redefine accountability as ownership, not punishment.Model accountability to inspire your team.Build a culture where people take pride in results.Michael Timms is the author of How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability: Three Habits That Make or Break Leaders and Elevate Organizational Performance.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. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It's where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. 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

We talk a lot about the importance of taking breaks — but how do you know when you've actually had one?In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher shares what happened when he took a real pause from creating, producing, and strategizing — not because he stopped caring, but because he cared too much to keep going unsustainably.Through small grounding habits, reflection, and honest self-checks, Russel explores what it means to step away with intention — and how to return with clarity instead of clutter.Because a true break isn't just time away from work — it's reconnection with who you are outside of it.If you've been feeling the pull to slow down or the guilt that comes with it, this episode is your reminder that rest is 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

Most leaders think their organizational problems are structural — that if they just rearrange the boxes on the org chart, everything will flow better. But as organizational design consultant and executive coach Susannah Robinson explains, that's rarely the real issue.In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher and Susannah break down what organizational design actually means — and how it connects directly to leadership behavior, culture, and employee experience.Together, they explore:Why most “structure problems” are really leadership and communication problemsHow to align your strategy, values, and design so your people can actually succeedThe difference between managing intent vs. managing impact as a leaderHow ego and fear of change block healthy redesignsWhat real accountability and trust look like when teams restructureWhether you're leading a department, a small business, or an entire organization, this conversation will help you see organizational design as a relationship practice — not a chart exercise.

Originally released: June, 2024In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher discusses the causes and answers to cultural debt.Technical debt is a common term in software development to explain growing issues caused by not properly addressing problems. By only implementing "band-aid" solutions, the root problems only continue to grow and fester. Cultural debt is the same in that organizational issues unaddressed or avoided, will just poison the company little by little over time until it's not something that can be fixed anymore. Russel provides examples of how we invest in cultural debt and the areas we can pay attention to to avoid it. Join us as we discuss. 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