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In this episode, host Russel Lolacher tackles the pervasive issue of "checked-box leadership" in leadership training — when organizations send employees to leadership programs without a strategic plan for continued growth.
Education and professional development are vital, but without follow-up, support, and real opportunities to apply new skills, they become wasted efforts. We'll share stories like the HR professional who left a conference inspired but unsure how to implement her newfound knowledge back at the office. Join us as we outline actionable steps to move beyond ticking boxes, including providing ongoing coaching, setting measurable goals, fostering peer learning communities, and integrating leadership skills into performance evaluations.
Let's explore how organizations and leaders can truly invest in their teams' development, turning initial training into a stepping stone for continuous growth.And connect with me for more great content!
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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Roberta Matuson—keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of seven influential books on leadership and talent management, including "Can We Talk? Seven Principles for Managing Difficult Conversations at Work" and the latest edition of "Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around."
With nearly 30 years of experience helping top companies like GM, Microsoft, and Takeda Pharmaceutical attract and retain talent, Roberta shares her insights on the critical skill of managing up.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
What managing up truly means and how it benefits you and your teamHow to decode your boss's leadership style and align with their expectationsPractical tips for building strong relationships with superiorsWays to navigate office politics effectively and ethicallyWhether you're a new manager or an experienced leader, this episode is packed with actionable advice to enhance your workplace relationships and advance your career.
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!
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher shares key insights and observations about one of the most common challenges in the workplace—employees feeling undervalued.
We highlight the critical signs leaders should be aware of, from disengagement to burnout, and offer practical steps to address these issues. Join us as we explore how to create a culture where every team member feels appreciated and motivated to contribute to the bigger vision.And connect with me for more great content!
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Morgan Williams, co-founder and CEO of Peak HR, and founder of MWHR Consulting, to discuss the growing disconnect between executives and employees in today’s workplace.
Drawing on her extensive experience in HR, psychology, and conflict management, Morgan dives into the real reasons behind the widening gap—post-pandemic priorities, employee motivations, and leadership’s failure to adapt. She offers powerful insights on how executives can reconnect with their teams by showing genuine empathy, understanding personal struggles, and leading with emotional intelligence. Morgan also shares actionable strategies for fostering trust and accountability, ensuring that leadership isn’t just about directives, but about building meaningful, reciprocal relationships in both in-office and remote work environments. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of leadership and how organizations can evolve to meet the changing needs of their workforce.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!
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In this episode, we dive into the concept of moral imagination as an antidote to the arrogant assumptions that can easily creep into leadership.
Inspired by Jacqueline Novogratz's book Manifesto For A Moral Revolution, we explore how leaders can envision a more just and inclusive future by embracing humility, empathy, and authenticity. We'll discuss practical steps for developing moral imagination, from building trust to challenging the status quo, and how these actions can shape a healthier, more equitable workplace for everyone.And connect with me for more great content!
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with COO and entrepreneur Matt Verlaque on the necessity of stay interviews for the health of your organization.
Stay interviews assess personal and professional fulfillmentCandid communication builds strong teams.Frequent one-on-ones create continual growth opportunities.Frequent feedback prevents surprises.Stay interviews promote candid feedback and culture alignment.Organizations often deprioritize stay interviews due to short-term productivity focus.Leaders should inspect what they expect, but not as micromanagers.
Matt shares his experience and insights on...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!
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We’ve hit a major milestone—200 episodes! Since launching Relationships at Work in January 2022, it's been an incredible journey, evolving from a weekly interview show to twice-a-week episodes, including mini solo episodes every Thursday. Whether you've listened, watched, or supported us through this newsletter, thank you!
In this special episode, I reflect on some of the most important lessons learned along the way, from the power of defining leadership terms, to the profound impact daily, small actions have on building trust, and why leadership’s true influence can be life-changing. I’ve had the privilege of learning from global experts on leadership, and the insights gained have been both inspiring and sobering.
Tune in for my top takeaways on leadership’s ripple effect across the workplace, why the “missing middle” of employees deserves more attention, and how incorporating more humanity into leadership—kindness, empathy, curiosity—can truly transform workplace culture.
Let’s reflect on what we’ve achieved and look forward to even more impactful conversations.
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, we celebrate the 200th episode of the show. To mark the occasion, Russel invites back former guests and a few listeners to share their personal experiences with the work relationships that have shaped their leadership journeys.
What is the most impactful work relationship you've ever had and why was it impactful?What have your work relationships taught you about being a better leader?With all the hindsight and experience you have now, what do you wish you would have done sooner to build better relationships at work faster?
We ask these experts three questions and learn so much from their answers.Learn more from the leadership journeys of:
Jen BuckHamza KahnChris HsiungMike VardyBonnie Low-KramenBailey ParnellMeredith BellStacy ShermanMaureen McCannIan FossRichard HalliburtonKate NasserLeslie O'FlahavanDr. Angela StopperRob VolpeAmii Barnard-BahnHey! 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!
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In leadership, even the best-intentioned among us can fall into the trap of making assumptions, often without realizing it. This week, we’re diving into a common leadership pitfall: the arrogant assumption. Inspired by Jacqueline Novogratz's Manifesto for a Moral Revolution, I explore how these assumptions can impact our teams, business relationships, and organizational culture.
From dismissing ideas without consideration to believing we know better than others, these assumptions communicate an unintended arrogance. We’ll break down ten common ways this behavior can show up, how it diminishes innovation and psychological safety, and why it's crucial to replace arrogance with curiosity and moral imagination.
I’ll also share some of my own leadership moments where assumptions got in the way of growth. We all want to lead well, but it’s vital to align our intentions with our impact. In a future episode, we’ll explore practical ways to address assumptions, but first, don’t miss our special 200th episode celebration next week! See you then!
And connect with me for more great content!
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher welcomes leadership and employee strategist Marc Haine to dive deep into one of the most important but overlooked aspects of leadership: guiding your team through their employee journey.
Marc shares personal stories and invaluable insights on why leaders must shift from being mere managers to becoming true coaches, supporting their team at every milestone. From onboarding to creating workplace ambassadors, Marc explains how journey mapping and continuous support can transform your corporate culture and boost employee engagement. If you’re a leader looking to inspire and retain top talent, this episode will equip you with practical tools and fresh perspectives to ensure your team thrives.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!
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Is the traditional leadership culture broken?
In this episode, we explore the fractured state of leadership from the executive level to emerging leaders. Learn why organizations reward productivity over people skills and discover how leaders at every level can take control and redefine what leadership truly means for a thriving workplace culture. Empower yourself to become the leader your team needs.And connect with me for more great content!
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with executive coach, author, and international speaker Michele Molitor on avoiding the dangers of pursuing perfection as leaders.
Perfection is personal and subjective.Embracing imperfections is healthier.Perfectionism as a trauma response.Striving for excellence vs. toxic perfectionism.Vulnerability as a strength.Self-awareness of personal motivators improves connection.
Michele shares her insights and experience on...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!
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Are you tired of surface-level solutions to deep-seated workplace issues?
In this episode, we dive into why traditional reactions like reprimanding a bad boss or throwing pizza lunches at disengaged employees only address symptoms, not the disease. Discover how focusing on root causes—like toxic cultures, poor management practices, and systemic flaws—can lead to genuine, lasting change. We’ll explore real examples, from high turnover to low engagement, and share actionable strategies like Root Cause Analysis and data-driven decision-making to help leaders dig deeper and create a truly impactful workplace. Stop the quick fixes and start making a real difference.And connect with me for more great content!
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with senior instructor and principle at Bold Type consultancy Grace Aldridge Foster on how leaders can be more impactful writers and build connection with their teams.
Thoughtful communication in leadership writing.Writing as a model for expectations.Audience awareness is essentialThe ART tool for writing and strategic communication.Impact of writing on relationships.Jargon and complexity can alienate.The power of storytelling.
Grace shares her insights and experience with...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!
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In a world where leaders often feel pressured to have all the answers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of faking it. But what if the real power of leadership lies in admitting when you don't know?
In this episode, we tackle the toxic advice many leaders receive—lie if you don’t know—and why embracing vulnerability is the key to building genuine trust. Discover practical steps for handling the unknown with integrity, the impact of transparent communication on your reputation, and how owning your truth sets the standard for a healthier workplace culture. It's time to redefine leadership—one honest conversation at a time.And connect with me for more great content!
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, speaker and former pro athlete Dre Baldwin on the benefits of having a sports philosophy when engaging a team in the workplace.
Team dynamics mirror sports teams.Caution against "family" culture.The role of competition in the workplace and driving performance.Sports mentality in sales.Functional diversity is the right kind of diversity.Importance of feedback and adaptability in a rigid sports mentality.Balancing intensity and sustainability.
Dre shares his insights and experience on...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!
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Before you can build the work culture you envision, do you truly understand the culture you have now?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, we explore the importance of taking a hard look at your current organizational environment before setting future goals. Using real-life examples, we discuss why leaders often fail to transform their teams and how tools like employee surveys, cultural audits, and direct observation can provide the crucial insights needed to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.And connect with me for more great content!
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, mayor and lawyer Ukeme Awakessien Jeter on the importance of embracing immigrant leadership in the workplace.
The unique leadership skills of immigrants.Intersectionality in DEI and bias.ImmiGrit as a concept.Transformative resilience over traditional resilience.Positional leadership in immigrant success.Why we need to revamp leadership development programs.Authentic networking for immigrants.
Ukeme shares her insights and experience in...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!
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How can new leaders earn trust from day one?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership expert Russel Lolacher dives into the importance of honoring past legacies when joining a team. Whether you're stepping into a new role or leading an established group, understanding the history behind their successes and challenges is key to effective leadership. Russel shares practical steps for respecting the past, engaging with the present, and shaping the future.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, keynote speaker, research and success coach Simon Bailey on what it takes for leadership resilience and brilliance.
Resilience is a double-edged sword.Brilliance is a necessary compliment to resilience in leadership.Generational differences in resilience and emotional expression.Hybrid work and resiliency.The importance of care in leadership.
Simon shares his insights and experience in...And connect with me for more great content!
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