Episodios
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We’ve all heard the classic career question: “What’s your five-year plan?”
But in this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher flips it on its head—asking leaders to consider their five-year plan for their employees. Why? Because true leadership isn’t reactive—it’s intentional, strategic, and supportive. Russel explores how leaders can align employee growth with organizational goals, share industry insights, and build flexible development roadmaps. It’s time to turn career conversations into shared journeys, not solo missions.
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What if the way we talk about work is limiting how we lead it?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Graham Abbey—Chief Executive of Farleigh Performance and Professor in Practice at the University of Bristol Business School—for a deep dive into complexity in today’s organizations. From metaphors that reveal our worldview to the mechanical mindset still dominating leadership, Graham challenges how we think about control, purpose, ambiguity, and personal growth.
Together, they explore:
Why leadership isn’t about control—but about creating the conditions for emergenceHow metaphors and narratives quietly shape relationships at workWhy organizations may be capping our growth instead of nurturing itThe generational evolution in complexity thinkingA practical acronym for building complexity capacity: H.A.R.D.If you’ve ever felt like your workplace is running on outdated metaphors or you’re stuck solving the same problems over and over, this conversation will reframe how you see leadership—and what’s possible.
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.
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Caring makes you a better leader. But what happens when it starts to hurt?
In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher explores the emotional toll of leadership when we care too much. While empathy and passion can strengthen our connection with teams, they can also lead to burnout, blurred boundaries, and frustration—especially when others don’t seem to care as much.
Russel shares the signs of compassion fatigue and offers practical ways to protect your mental health while staying engaged as a leader. If you’ve ever felt like you were carrying the weight of your workplace on your shoulders, this episode is for you.
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Derrick Mains — speaker, consultant, and CEO of The Process Fixer — to dive into the power of building human-centered systems at work. Derrick shares why most businesses are unintentionally designed for failure, the hidden costs of command-and-control leadership, and how shifting from goals to aims can unlock unprecedented performance.
From real-world stories about industrial fans and sticky notes to lessons from WWII shipbuilding and Japanese manufacturing, Derrick makes the case for structure over chaos, fresh perspectives over legacy thinking, and why we urgently need a new version of capitalism — one that actually supports people.
Whether you're a leader looking to fix broken systems or someone wondering why your workplace feels harder than it should, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about efficiency, accountability, and 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.
And connect with me for more great content!
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You’ve defined your values. But are you still living them — or just assuming you are?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, we unpack the overlooked side of values in leadership. Not the usual “define your top five” — but the deeper, messier question of alignment. Are your values still showing up in how you lead, decide, and interact? Or have they quietly drifted out of sync with your environment… and yourself?
This episode explores how to test your values at work, why misalignment sneaks up on us, and how self-awareness and situational awareness play a critical role in staying grounded as a leader. Because living out of sync with your values doesn’t just affect you — it erodes trust, clarity, and the culture you’re trying to build.
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with Sean Vassilaros, CEO and co-founder of Kanny, about what’s missing from hiring—and it’s not experience or skills. It’s character.
Sean dives deep into how character—not personality—drives behavior, shapes culture, and ultimately determines long-term success in the workplace. He shares why traditional hiring tools like resumes and references are fundamentally flawed, how peer-driven feedback can bring accountability to both employees and hiring managers, and why data-backed character insights could be the future of leadership and culture.
We talk:
Why 75% of hires are still mis-hiresHow character traits like humility and accountability can be measuredThe rise of “Character Intelligence” as a cultural north starCreating development plans from day oneWhat Glassdoor reviews reveal about accountabilityOne question you should ask in every work relationshipIf you’ve ever made a bad hire, been burned by a toxic teammate, or want to build a team of high-character humans—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.
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In this episode, we explore the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways curiosity gets shut down in organizations—and the cultural cost of those missed questions. From assumptions that mask deeper issues to leadership habits that stifle innovation, Russel digs into how curiosity impacts employee retention, decision-making, and growth. You’ll hear real-world examples, warning signs to watch for, and practical ways leaders can model and build a curiosity-driven culture.
Because when curiosity isn’t baked into the culture… progress gets left behind.
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with renowned business philosopher and bestselling author Anders Indset to unpack the leadership philosophy behind his book The Viking Code: The Art and Science of Norwegian Success.
Anders explores how the values rooted in Norwegian culture have shaped a new model of leadership—where individual excellence and collective support are not at odds, but essential partners. He discusses how self-trust, intrinsic motivation, and brutal honesty can transform workplace relationships and performance. Plus, we dive into the role of ego, the danger of over-optimization, and how to navigate the uncertain future of AI and leadership.
🔹 In this conversation:
Why leaders must uplift others to elevate themselvesHow Erling Haaland demonstrates Viking Code values on the fieldThe power of subtracting what drains us to build self-trustWhat it means to lead in the “infinite game”How technology and humanity must evolve—together💬 “If I uplift others and I wanna be better… I will be rewarded.”
This episode challenges what we think we know about leadership—and inspires us to lead with more purpose, clarity, and connection.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. It’s packed with guest takeaways, the resources that inspire them, and my own tips on how we as leaders can be better humans for the humans the are responsible for. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Subscribe Now and help the workplace be more human.
And connect with me for more great content!
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As leaders, we often talk about the power of curiosity—but what happens when that curiosity is turned on us?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher explores what it really means to be open to questions, pushback, and challenges from our teams.
This isn’t about ego—it’s about emotional intelligence, active listening, and building a culture where curiosity is welcomed in all directions. Because leadership isn’t just about giving answers—it’s about creating space for better ones to emerge.
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Leadership isn't about checking boxes — it's about showing up with intention, clarity, and connection. In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with Pete Steinberg — executive coach, speaker, former national rugby coach, and author of Leadership Shock — to explore the real work behind authentic leadership.
Pete challenges the myths around “bringing your full self to work,” shares how authenticity drives sustainable leadership (and prevents burnout), and reveals why success often leads to leadership shock. He also breaks down the power of feedback loops, relationship-first priorities, and the intentional systems leaders need to grow.
Whether you're climbing into your first leadership role or navigating the C-suite, this conversation is your playbook for aligning who you are with how you lead.
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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Retention is often seen as an elusive workplace metric, but what if it wasn’t?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher shares his firsthand experience of leading and retaining the same team for 12 years. He dives into the framework that made it possible—P.E.R.F.O.R.M.—a leadership approach grounded in personal connection, empowerment, and meaningful work. Learn why retention isn’t luck but the result of deliberate leadership, and why calling it a "unicorn" completely misses the point.
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Respect isn’t just a workplace buzzword—it’s the foundation of trust, engagement, and culture. Yet, too many leaders overlook its impact, mistaking civility for true respect.
In this episode, Dr. Gena Cox joins Russel Lolacher to break down why respect is the missing piece in leadership, how it directly affects employee engagement, and why HR isn’t responsible for fixing workplace culture—leaders are.
They dive into:
✅ The difference between civility and real respect
✅ How leaders unknowingly erode trust in their organizations
✅ Why toxic cultures thrive when respect is absent
✅ The simple, daily actions leaders can take to foster respectIf you want to create a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and valued, this episode is a must-listen.
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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A vision and mission statement should be more than just corporate wallpaper—they should inspire, align, and drive meaningful action. Yet, most employees can’t even recall theirs.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, we dive into why so many organizations treat vision and mission as checkboxes rather than powerful tools for motivation and strategy. We explore what makes a great vision and mission statement, how they can transform engagement and decision-making, and the real cost of getting them wrong. If you want your team to care about the work they do, it starts with giving them something worth believing in.
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In this thought-provoking episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Nigel Thurlow, co-creator of The Flow System and former Chief of Agile at Toyota, to break down the hidden dangers of how we incentivize leadership.
We discuss:
✔️ How financial incentives can backfire and create toxic leadership
✔️ The difference between responsibility and accountability in leadership
✔️ Why many employees don’t want leadership roles—and how to change that
✔️ The real question leaders should ask: If you stopped paying people, would they still follow you?
✔️ Why "productivity theater" is ruining workplace culture
✔️ How distributed leadership can fix broken incentive systems🎧 Tune in for a game-changing conversation on leadership, workplace culture, and what it truly means to inspire others.
👉 Subscribe & follow for more episodes on building stronger relationships at work!
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.
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Every job is a communication job. Every leader is a communicator—whether they realize it or not. But too often, organizations mistake speaking at people for real communication.
In this episode, we break down the difference between broadcasting information and fostering true understanding.
Drawing from insights on leadership, engagement, and workplace culture, we explore how great leaders ensure they’re communicating—not just talking. From the power of two-way dialogue to practical ways to measure communication effectiveness, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their leadership impact.
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Leaders often think relationships are built on instincts, but what if they’re actually built on systems?
In this episode, executive and leadership coach Trevor Timbeck challenges the idea that relationship-building is purely emotional or intuitive. Instead, he breaks down how intentional systems—like structured feedback loops, proactive communication, and even remembering birthdays—can create stronger, more meaningful connections at work.
We dive into:
✅ Why every relationship already has a system, whether you realize it or not
✅ How leaders can shift from passive to proactive relationship management
✅ The power of feedback as a system (and why most leaders fail at it)
✅ How personal and professional relationships thrive on predictability and intentionBy the end of this conversation, you'll see relationships not as random but as repeatable, improvable systems that can transform workplace culture and leadership success.
🔊 Listen in and start building better relationship systems today!
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 mini-episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher dives into a tough but necessary conversation—why organizations need to stop passing the buck on bad leadership. Russel explores the hidden dangers of shifting problematic leaders to new roles without accountability, the ripple effects on workplace culture, and how teams often feel forced to "recommend" toxic leaders just to be rid of them. With a simple A.I.M. framework—Admit, Identify, Manage—Russel highlights how leaders and organizations can take responsibility, confront leadership blind spots, and foster real growth. It’s time to stop hiding leadership issues and start fixing them—because while they’re under your roof, they’re your responsibility.
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, Danielle Smeltzer, founder and CEO of Awarely Embodied Leadership, dives deep into the transformative power of trauma-informed leadership. She challenges conventional leadership narratives, revealing how emotions—like stress and even anger—serve as vital signals from our nervous system, not weaknesses to suppress. Danielle explains why curiosity is the cornerstone of self-awareness and how leaders can use it to build healthier, more empathetic workplaces.
We explore the myths around stress and burnout, the importance of co-regulation in team dynamics, and why trauma-informed leadership isn’t just another buzzword—it’s a lifelong practice. Danielle also shares practical insights on how leaders can balance empathy with accountability, break free from the "quick-fix" mentality, and truly connect with their teams on a deeper, more human level.
If you’re a leader seeking to foster more meaningful connections while navigating the complexities of modern work, this conversation 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.
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New ideas need curiosity, not immediate criticism. As leaders, our role isn’t to shut down innovation but to guide and refine it.
In this episode, we explore how the right questions can turn ideas into opportunities, while the wrong mindset can stifle progress. Learn how to shift from assumptions and dismissiveness to curiosity and engagement—building a culture where ideas thrive, and teams feel supported in their growth.
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Culture isn’t just a set of values on a website—it’s the daily actions, behaviors, and processes that shape how an organization truly operates.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Garrett Delph, founder and CEO of Clarity Ops, to dive deep into how to operationalize culture in a way that actually works.
Garrett shares:
✔️ Why most companies fail at culture (hint: lack of process and accountability)
✔️ The PPP (P3) framework for integrating culture into daily operations
✔️ How leadership must move beyond vision statements to reinforce culture in action
✔️ The role of measurement, accountability, and feedback in building a sustainable culture
✔️ Why cultural debt is just as dangerous as technical debt—and how to avoid itIf you’ve ever wondered how to turn workplace culture from an abstract concept into a measurable, actionable force for success, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for practical insights and real-world strategies to create a thriving, values-driven workplace.
🎧 Listen now!
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.
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