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Unseen. Unheard. Unappreciated.
Itâs the feeling behind the sighs, the silence, and the sudden sick days. And according to research, itâs one of the top reasons employees leave.
In this replay episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher explores the all-too-common experience of feeling undervalued at workâand the leadership blind spots that let it happen. Backed by Gallup and Workhuman data, he shares the nine warning signs that your employees may not feel seen or supported, from subtle disengagement to visible burnout.
Youâll learn:
What behaviours signal an employee feels disconnected or dismissedWhy âquiet quittingâ might be more about leadership than lazinessHow under-recognition is a silent killer of retention and trustWhat actions leaders can take to reestablish connection and careThis episode is a call to stop missing whatâs right in front of usâand start leading with intention before it's too late.
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Conflict doesnât always show up as yelling matches or angry emails. Sometimes itâs silence in a meeting, a passive-aggressive Slack message, or the word âfineâ said through gritted teeth.
In this replay episode of Relationships at Work, weâre digging into the real roots of workplace conflictâand how to better recognize, prevent, and resolve it.
Iâm joined by Carol Bowser, a workplace conflict expert, mediator, speaker, and former employment lawyer whoâs spent decades helping organizations navigate tough conversations. Together, we explore how conflict lives in hybrid and remote work environments, why âwin-winâ might set the wrong expectations, and how leaders can read the emotional roomâeven when itâs on Zoom.
Youâll learn:
Why trust breaks down before conflict shows upHow power dynamics and organizational culture shape tensionThe one question every leader should be asking to avoid conflict escalationWhat it actually means to resolve conflict (spoiler: itâs not always kumbaya)If youâve ever struggled to address tension on your team, felt unsure about when to step inâor stepped in too lateâthis episode is your leadership toolkit for navigating the uncomfortable with more clarity and connection.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. Itâs 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 solo episode, host Russel Lolacher shares a personal and pivotal shift in the Relationships at Work podcastâintroducing a new episode format designed to better serve leaders who want to improve workplace culture, build meaningful connections, and avoid leadership blind spots.
Youâll learn the why behind the change, how the show has evolved from a simple curiosity into a transformative leadership resource, and what to expect going forward:
âïž Four themed episodes each weekâClarity, Relationship with Self, Relationship with Team, and Organizational Culture
âïž Bite-sized leadership insights you can actually use
âïž Friday solo episodes with mindset nudges to reflect and rechargeIf youâve ever asked, âWhat does leadership really look like day to day?ââthis episode is for you.
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Leadership can be isolatingâeven when you're constantly surrounded by people.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher speaks with licensed psychologist, executive coach, and TEDx speaker Dr. Adam Dorsay, author of Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love.
They explore why loneliness in leadership is so common, how disconnection silently affects workplace culture, and what organizations can do to foster genuine human connection at work.
Dr. Dorsay brings insights from neuroscience, psychology, and his own work with executives and tech professionals to break down the four types of connectionâand how self-connection forms the foundation for psychological safety, belonging, and trust on teams.
đ In this episode:
Why being surrounded by coworkers doesnât prevent lonelinessHow vulnerability (not oversharing) creates real intimacy at workWhat leaders can do to build stronger, human-centered workplacesThe danger of ignoring connection as a cultural valueWhy quiet quitting and disengagement are often symptoms of disconnectionThe science behind awe, self-compassion, and relationship-buildingWhether you're a senior executive, team lead, or just trying to feel more seen and supported at work, this episode will help you understand why connection is more than a buzzwordâit's a business-critical skill.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. Itâs 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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Leadership can be incredibly lonelyâespecially when the people above you arenât actually leading.
In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores the hidden loneliness of good leaders and what to do when you're surrounded by hierarchy, but not support.
You'll hear:
Why great leaders often feel disconnected in toxic or stagnant systemsThe toll of misaligned leadership expectations on mental healthWhy building community sidewaysânot just upwardâis essentialThree actionable ways to build or find your leadership networkIf you're a people-first leader frustrated by the lack of leadership around you, this episode is your reminder: you're not aloneâand your leadership community may be closer than you think.
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Becoming a leader for the first time can feel like being dropped into the deep endâespecially in a remote or hybrid world.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, principle of The Collective Good LLC Britt Hogue joins Russel Lolacher to explore what new leaders often get wrong, and how intentional leadership can build trust and team connection, even when everyoneâs not in the same room.
They discuss:
How remote work exposes lazy leadership habitsWhy relationship-building must be intentionalWhat new leaders should prioritize in their first 90 daysHow culture starts with consistent action, not just messagingđŹ âIf youâre just sitting in your office all day, thatâs not leadership.â
Whether you're new to leadership or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you practical tools and a new perspective on what it takes to succeed in todayâs workplace.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. Itâs 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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Itâs easy to label. Itâs harder to understand.
âOur culture is toxic.â
âThat leader is horrible.â
âThis system is broken.âBut are they? Or are we missing the nuance and context that give us the real story?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher challenges the rise of black-and-white thinking in leadership and workplace culture. He explores how embracing nuance and context isn't just helpfulâit's essential for meaningful, human-centered leadership.
With real-world examples and actionable strategies, youâll learn:
Why binary thinking breaks down effective leadership.How to ask better questions before making assumptions.What situational awareness actually looks like in practice.This episode is a call to leaders to get curious, stay present, and stop letting oversimplified narratives drive decision-making.
Because great leadership doesnât live in absolutes. It lives in the grey.
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher welcomes Fabrice Desmarescaux â McKinsey partner, leadership advisor, and author of The Art of Retreats â to explore how ancient wisdom can help solve very modern leadership challenges.
Fabrice draws from a range of traditions, from Eastern philosophies like Taoism and Buddhism to Western teachings and monastic practices, to show how leaders can reconnect with purpose, presence, and clarity in a fast-paced, performance-driven world.
đŹ Topics discussed include:
Why short-term thinking is eroding leadership impactHow retreats create space for connection and insightThe role of mindfulness, reflection, and solitude in leadershipApplying ancient principles without bringing religion into the workplaceA simple mindset check that can shift any leadership interactionđŁïž âEverything I write about in the book is, as I said, 2000 or 3000 years old for the most part.â â Fabrice Desmarescaux
Whether you're leading a team or leading yourself, this episode offers a grounded, universal lens to rethink how we show up at work.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. Itâs 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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At Workhuman LIVE, experts and thought leaders shared practical insights on the future of workâuncovering hidden potential, redefining psychological safety, and building resilient teams equipped for change.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, I break down the biggest takeaways across leadership, DEI, artificial intelligence, and resiliency. Learn how brave spaces challenge comfort, why AI demands clean data, and how true resilience is built through preparation and growth.
Discover insights that will help you lead with purpose and transform your workplace culture. Tune in.
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, weâre diving into the almost-forgotten power of handwritten communication with Amy Weinland Daughters, award-winning author of Dear Dana and passionate advocate for intentional connection.
Amy shares how a simple handwritten note can redefine relationships in the workplace, cutting through the noise of digital communication to create moments that are tangible, memorable, and deeply personal. We explore how these small gestures of appreciation can override mistakes, build trust, and even boost retention, all with just a pen and a few minutes of time.
Discover why handwritten notes are more than just ink on paperâthey are symbols of care, recognition, and leadership that last far beyond the moment they're received.
đč In This Episode:
Why handwritten notes have more impact than emails or Slack messagesHow vulnerability in handwriting deepens trust and connectionOvercoming fear of imperfection when writing notesPractical tips to make handwritten notes part of your leadership styleIf you want to stand out as a leader who truly cares, you might just find your next powerful toolâŠin a pen.
Would you like me to craft a LinkedIn and Instagram promo post for this episode as well?
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. Itâs 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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Weâve all heard it beforeâpromises of change, assurances of action, and commitments to improvement from leaders. But too often, words are mistaken for progress.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, weâre diving into the dangerous gap between talking and doing in leadership. When leaders say, "Weâre working on it," but nothing changes, trust erodes, and relationships suffer. We explore real-world scenarios like resolving workload issues, addressing toxic behavior, and improving feedback loops, and we provide actionable steps leaders can take to ensure their words match their actions. Because in leadership, talking isnât enoughâdoing is what matters.
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In this episode of Relationships at Work, I sit down with Amri B. Johnson, executive advisor, organizational consultant, and founder of Inclusion Wins, to explore what it truly means to systemize inclusion. We break down his Emergent Inclusion Systemâan approach that goes beyond checkboxes and surface-level DEI initiatives to create lasting, impactful change in the workplace.
Amri shares how organizations can operationalize inclusion through everyday practices, empowering skilled operators to carry the message forward, and building resilience that strengthens through adversity. We also discuss the importance of cultural intelligence, accountability through actionânot just mandatesâand how real inclusion is built into the DNA of how we work, lead, and connect.
If you're looking to understand how to make inclusion sustainable, actionable, and transformative, this episode is your blueprint.
Listen now and discover:
How inclusion systems create lasting impactThe role of cultural intelligence in driving changePractical ways to operationalize inclusion dailyWhy accountability is a shared, ongoing processJoin us as we reimagine what inclusion canâand shouldâbe.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. Itâs 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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When we show up to work, we bring expectationsâwith how weâll be treated, how weâll grow, and how weâll be led. But what happens when the person responsible for our development⊠isnât really a leader at all? In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher unpacks the frustration that comes when leadership expectations crash into the reality of untrained, unresponsive supervisors. He offers tangible advice for how employees can lead up when support is lackingâand how real leaders can better manage the expectations placed on them by staying curious and communicative. Because not every manager is a leader, but every leader has the opportunity to rise to the challenge.
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What does it mean to be a neuro-fit leader?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher is joined by trauma-sensitive, polyvagal-informed leadership and neuro coach Mallory Meyer to unpack the real power of nervous system regulation in leadership. Together, they explore why leaders canât think their way to better leadership â they have to feel it. Mallory shares how neuro-fitness supports emotional agility, improves decision-making, and helps leaders show up with authenticity and calm in high-stress environments.
They also discuss:
â Why resilience gets misused in the workplace
â What co-regulation looks like in teams
â Tangible tools to reset your nervous system in real-time
â The connection between diversity, performance, and embodied leadership
â How modeling neuro-fitness can shift organizational culture from the inside outIf you're tired of performative leadership advice and ready for something rooted in humanity, science, and practical tools, this episode delivers.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. Itâs 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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After 250 episodes of exploring leadership, workplace culture, and the human side of work, certain truths just wonât stay quiet.
In this solo episode, host Russel Lolacher reflects on the six most consistent, hard-earned lessons that keep showing up â no matter the industry, the title, or the team. From the emotional impact of leadership to the systems that silently shape it, these are the truths every leader needs to face if they want to do better, lead better, and build workplaces worth staying in. This isnât a checklist â itâs a challenge.
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urpose isnât a poster on the wall â itâs an everyday practice.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Dr. Alise Cortez joins Russel Lolacher to explore how leaders can move beyond surface-level engagement and truly ignite meaning, connection, and inspiration in the workplace.Drawing from her research in logotherapy, workplace meaning, and leadership development, Alise shares:
â Why leaders must first be inspired by their own lives
â How to embed purpose into workplace culture from onboarding onward
â The critical role of recognizing and rewarding kindness, empathy, and courage
â How relationships can elevate â or erode â a sense of meaning at work
â What to do when your purpose no longer aligns with your workplace
â Practical ways leaders can grow people into their fullest potentialThis isnât about slogans or vision statements gathering dust. It's about operationalizing humanity in how we work, lead, and connect â every single day.
Whether youâre a leader ready to elevate your team, or an employee looking to reconnect to your own sense of purpose, this conversation will give you the tools â and the hope â to start.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. Itâs 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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Weâve all heard the classic career question: âWhatâs your five-year plan?â
But in this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher flips it on its headâasking leaders to consider their five-year plan for their employees. Why? Because true leadership isnât reactiveâitâs intentional, strategic, and supportive. Russel explores how leaders can align employee growth with organizational goals, share industry insights, and build flexible development roadmaps. Itâs 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 AbbeyâChief Executive of Farleigh Performance and Professor in Practice at the University of Bristol Business Schoolâfor a deep dive into complexity in todayâs 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 isnât about controlâbut 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 youâve ever felt like your workplace is running on outdated metaphors or youâre stuck solving the same problems over and over, this conversation will reframe how you see leadershipâand whatâs possible.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. Itâs 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 frustrationâespecially when others donât 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 youâve 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 â speaker, consultant, and CEO of The Process Fixer â 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 â 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. Itâs 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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