Explore every episode of the podcast Corporate Strategy
Dive into the complete episode list for Corporate Strategy. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Your Job Can Change Overnight, So Build A Career That Can Move
07 May 2026
00:47:08
We go from breath-holding chaos to a surprisingly practical conversation about layoffs, AI-driven job shifts, and why people are quitting even when they are not the ones getting cut. We share a simple resume test for AI filters, then get real about identity, fear, and how to stay ready without spiraling on LinkedIn. • Pasting your resume into Notepad to see what AI and ATS tools actually read • Why fancy formatting, images, and broken bullets can quietly tank applications • Using Markdown thinking to make your experience clearer and more machine-readable • Layoffs plus voluntary exits as a culture and trust signal • Asking “who does the work now?” after headcount cuts and AI replacements • Separating personal identity from work identity before a crisis hits • Talking about value you bring, not just tasks you did at your last company • ABL as a default habit: always be looking, always be learning • Researching the market, picking a direction, then learning the missing skills • Building a savings fund when possible to reduce panic decisions
If you want to connect with us, you can do so by getting in our Discord. You can do that by looking in the podcast show notes. If you're watching on YouTube, you can do us a big favor by like, commenting, and subscribing. If you want to help us out, you can join our Patreon.
We start with a chaotic live setup and a soda taste test, then tumble into a real health scare that turns into a blunt check on stress, hydration, and the urge to work through everything. From there, we zoom out to AI hype, betting culture, and how companies monetize attention while we argue about what we lose when we stop doing the thinking ourselves. • the behind-the-scenes reality of going live and messing it up • trying an Italian cola and why it tastes like older Coke • a sudden hospital visit for chest pain and what the tests revealed • dehydration and inactivity as underrated drivers of pain and stress • a simple hydration routine with electrolytes and water targets • Allbirds “AI pivot” headlines and why markets reward buzzwords • what Polymarket is and why betting culture feels everywhere now • AI that is useful with tight context versus AI that is pure fluff • the risk of outsourcing research, recall, and judgment to machines • corporate FOMO tactics from prediction markets to trading cards • Magic: The Gathering crossovers and how monetization changes fandom • Exit 8 as a reminder that creativity still matters If you want to join the Discord, you can do so by going to our Linktree If you want to help out and make the show better, sign up for our Patreon Like, share, subscribe
We swap aliases for real names, thank new YouTube subscribers and Patreon supporters, and weigh Discord’s privacy risks before diving into a full blueprint for documentation that actually gets used. From biathlon analogies to AEO tactics, we map how to build living docs that reduce chaos and speed up onboarding.
• live show update and community shoutouts • discord verification risks and alternatives • vibe check and the chaos scale at work • winter olympics biathlon and mountaineering analogies • proactive vs just-in-time documentation • video-first tutorials with searchable transcripts • confluence labels, ownership, and review cadence • reducing tribal knowledge and speeding onboarding • AEO for AI-friendly, accurate documentation • testing docs with real users and feedback loops
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Have you ever wondered if your voice has the power to hypnotize? Bruce and I, Clark, certainly did, and we couldn't resist discussing the captivating effect a unique timbre can have in our latest conversation. Beyond the chuckles and playful debate on vocal prowess in politics and podcasting alike, we also shared a collective sigh over the year's swift passage. It's a tale of two dudes pondering the mysterious case of the missing January, our personal anecdotes adding color to the universal wish for just a bit more time in our days.
Retirement looms and work never seems to slow down, a topic Bruce and I tackle with a mix of morbid curiosity and humor. The tech revolution promised us leisure but delivered a doubled workload, and we find ourselves weighing the price of our days against the fantasy of financial freedom. Could you put a price on a day of your life? It's a whimsical yet poignant conversation that ends with me musing over future grandkids gathered around, hopefully enthralled by more than just my voice, as I recount the good ol' days.
Finally, we get real about the nitty-gritty of corporate life, sharing strategies for productivity that go beyond the typical 9 to 5 grind. From my morning fitness rituals to Bruce's tactics in managing teams and cutting through the monotony of office culture, we don't shy away from the challenges of leadership and the quest for that elusive work-life harmony. Tune in to discover the surprising ways we tackle the daily hustle, dodge the burnout bullet, and keep our teams—and ourselves—from becoming another cog in the corporate machine.
Ever found yourself chuckling at the absurdities of airline travel or the tightrope walk of work-life balance? Join us, Bruce and Clark, as we swap tales from the corporate trenches and share strategies to conquer the chaos. We're not holding back; from the unpredictable thrills of business trips to the West Coast to juggling jet lag and dietary dilemmas, we're peeling back the curtain on the not-so-glamorous side of working on the go.
As we steer through the labyrinth of airline loyalty programs, we question whether the pursuit of status is a fool's game for the casual traveler. Our conversation takes a sharp turn into the evolving culture of alcohol consumption among different generations, before we tackle the thorny issues surrounding the EU's Digital Markets Act and the potential ripples it could create in app development and consumer choice. Who knew a chat about app distribution could be as gripping as your favorite thriller? Well, buckle up, because we're also forecasting the trajectory of wearable tech and how it could shift our digital landscape.
Wrapping up with some heart-to-heart moments, we dive into the art of maintaining sanity amidst the daily grind. From crafting a morning routine that doesn't start with the dreaded alarm to the art of conducting meetings without losing your soul, we've got anecdotes and advice aplenty. And don't miss our playful debate on handshake etiquette—because in our world, even the smallest interactions are up for discussion. So, whether you're a startup maverick or a seasoned business traveler, take a seat at our table and let's navigate this wild ride together.
Ever questioned the quirky origins of phrases like "cut your teeth"? Prepare to have your mind tickled with linguistic trivia, as we explore the unexpected roots of corporate speak and how it reflects our personal and professional growth. Our Corporate Strategy family welcomes Chief Podcast Topic Submitter Officer Squid Boy, celebrating his contribution to the whirlwind of discussions we share. Plus, we've got a life hack for Discord users that will change the way you manage those overwhelming notifications.
From examining the bold choice of livestreaming layoffs to candidly sharing the trials of parenting, we traverse a broad spectrum of real-life experiences. We break down the viral impact of corporate transparency and the ongoing pursuit of gender equality in the office. Our guests share personal tales, from Bruce's airport antics to navigating awkward social scenarios, and we collectively query the evolving landscape of workplace interactions and the power of the words we choose.
Join us as we dissect the culture of inefficient meetings and the art of concise communication—because no one enjoys a meeting that should've been an email. Armed with anecdotes and a dash of humor, we're here to guide you through improving your professional practices for a more respectful, honest, and efficient work environment. And remember, always keep your belongings close, your humor closer, and your Discord notifications under control.
Ever been called terse in a professional setting? I sure have, and it sparked quite the contemplation about corporate communication and emotional baggage. That's why we kick off our latest episode by dissecting the term and its implications in the workplace. But it's not all seriousness; we veer into a hilariously peculiar airport encounter that'll make you reconsider the definition of personal space. Through these tales, we examine generational divides and the often comical reality of human behavior in public spheres.
Climbing the corporate ladder can seem like a game of strategic chess, so we delve into the qualifications and pathways to those elusive C-suite roles. With CES 2024 insights and AI innovations up our sleeves, we contrast the vibrant startup culture with the calculated moves within corporate giants. Listen in for a dose of reality on MBAs, industry expertise, and the paradox that is the CEO position, served with a side of debate on whether internal promotion trumps external hiring for top executives.
Wrapping up, our episode takes an unexpected turn towards the lighter side of authority – caped corporate overlords and mentorship memes, anyone? We celebrate the growth of our Discord family and the vibrant discussions unfolding within. Join us, CEO Clark and Bruce, for a heartfelt thanks to you, our listeners, and a reminder to keep life's juggling act manageable. You won't want to miss the fun, insights, and occasional oddities in this wild ride of an episode.
Ever wonder if there's ever a wrong time to chase after new horizons? We kick off with a tale about a peculiar woodchuck that somehow spirals into a lively discussion on the art of embracing change and seizing the moment to set goals that truly resonate with you. Alongside that, we dive into the realities of working through holidays and how critical it is to snatch those precious days off to rejuvenate. The startup world is no joke, and we navigate the tightrope walk of fostering team spirit while keeping a lid on the sensitive info that could spill the beans too early.
Let's face it, the workplace is a complex beast, and we're pulling back the curtain on the elusive creature that is psychological safety. Is there such a thing as too cozy a workplace? We explore whether comfort could be the kryptonite of high performance in certain job scenarios. Shifting gears, we share insights from our own career paths, discussing the challenges of maintaining autonomy as companies expand and ponder over how to find that sweet spot of satisfaction when the corporate world starts to feel like a straitjacket.
We wrap things up by dissecting the trials and tribulations of product management and the balancing act of keeping your team on track while your eyes are on the tech horizon, like AI's promising future. The conversation moves to the pivotal role of feedback and personal values in the quest for employee satisfaction and retention. To top it all off, we lighten the mood with our game "What Do You Mean?" and extend an open invitation to continue the banter on our Discord channel. Join us for a journey that's as informative as it is entertaining, with the occasional meme for good measure.
As Bruce and I, Clark, wrap up the tumultuous journey of 2024, we invite you into our candid conversation where revelations about money's true worth and personal well-being unveil the art of balance. The year's been a teacher, showing us that bigger paychecks don't necessarily fill the happiness quotient, and we're eager to share the unexpected lessons learned. Venture with us beyond the festive facade and into the heart of what truly matters, as we dissect the intricate dance of financial security and the quest for a life filled with purpose and joy.
The global stage set an unpredictable scene this year, with healthcare hurdles and work-life conundrums at the forefront of our collective minds. Bruce and I navigate through the high-stakes terrain of the U.S. medical system and the ripple effects of China's middle-class boom on our own economy, without holding back on our speculations and insights. Meanwhile, the workplace sees a seismic shift with Gen Z's 'great negotiation', and we muse over the peculiar prophecies of 'The Simpsons', exploring the boundaries of technology's ever-growing influence on our everyday lives.
Rounding out this year's reflection, we return to our CACC framework—culture, autonomy, challenge, and compensation—that's become our compass in the realm of job satisfaction. Tracing our experiences and the wisdom gained, we tussle with the nuances of leadership and the stable yet sometimes monotonous nature of compensation. And because we love to mix profundity with play, we cap off with our cherished game show segment, decoding memes with a dash of humor. So, join us as we laugh, learn, and look ahead to the changes on the horizon.
Amidst the holiday frenzy, have you ever stopped to ponder the delicate dance of managing work stress and personal well-being? As flu season collides with year-end deadlines, our latest episode serves up a heartening blend of humor and resolve. We swap tales of seasonal ailments and overfilled calendars, contemplating the need for a new tradition—perhaps updating resumes by the fireside—to remind us of our pursuit for a healthier work-life harmony.
Reflect with us on the past year's shifting American consumer patterns and Chick-fil-A's operational choices, all through the lens of our podcast's milestones. Joining us in this celebration is Alex Restrepo, who sparked our most riveting dialogues on late-stage capitalism, while contributions from Squid Boy and Keelan Austin shed light on the nuances of corporate culture. We're brimming with excitement for the year ahead, teasing plans for our Discord community and video content ventures, and a nod to our future forays into merchandise, inviting artistically inclined listeners to play a part.
As we wrap up for the holidays, we embrace the rare corporate kindness of a Christmas break, sharing how we navigate the complexities of time off and unexpected work emergencies. Our exchange is kept merry and bright, steering clear of cynicism as we extend festive wishes to you, our listeners. Tune in for an episode that's as much about candid work-life chatter as it is about fostering a welcoming community, filled with the joy of memes—even if we can't show them to you.
Ready to tackle the question of emotional intelligence and its impact on your work life balance? We come together in this engaging chat to explore everything from personal sleep patterns to the art and science of emotional intelligence. Using our unique perspectives and experiences, we delve into the concept of open-mindedness and self-reflection, highlighting how these key traits can affect our efficiency and overall performance at work.
Do you struggle to manage the ever-increasing demands of a bustling work environment? We've got you covered! We discuss the challenges that come with the territory and share advice on everything from task management to mastering time efficiency. We also get real about meeting dynamics and communication, offering insights on maintaining productivity amidst workplace negativity. And if you're grappling with the nuances of a hybrid work environment, we've got some thoughts on striking that delicate balance between friendliness and effectiveness.
Finally, we'd like to take a moment to appreciate you, our listeners. Your engagement fuels our passion and inspires us to deliver the most compelling content. We encourage you to share this treasure trove of corporate strategy wisdom with your friends and colleagues - after all, knowledge is wealth! Stay tuned for our next episode; we can't wait to reconnect and continue this insightful journey together.
Linke to documentary mentioned in this ep: https://youtu.be/yjpYzFtxfjU?si=Gi0KpKzfJoEqu_lP Hold on tight because we're about to untangle the complex web of capitalism with our seasoned capitalism correspondent, Alex Restrepo. Ever wondered how the world of finance and economics influences your daily life? Get ready for an insightful exploration of the current economic landscape, the looming threat of inflation, and the potential strategies that the US might implement to dodge a hard recession. We're diving headfirst into the often misunderstood concept of late-stage capitalism, and Alex is here to defend the tenets of free market capitalism, guided by the wisdom from Adam Smith's seminal work, The Wealth of Nations.
We're not stopping there, though! We'll take a journey through time, examining the fascinating parallels between the Gilded Age and our current era. We'll explore how the meteoric rise of technology and AI has amplified wealth inequality, and how this mirrors the societal shifts during the Gilded Age. We'll also look back at the evolution of the American economy from the early 1900s to the late 1960s, a period marked by the "middle class boom." Delving into the critical roles played by worker rights, labor movements, and influential factors like the GI Bill, we will discuss the need for political pressure and the importance of finding common ground to spearhead change.
But it's not just about understanding the problem, it's about creating solutions and sparking change. And that's where you come in. We'll discuss the importance of having critical conversations, spreading awareness, and educating others to bring about meaningful change. We'll also take an entertaining detour to talk about the power of memes in communication, and how our Discord channel uses them to keep the conversation going. Our goal is to emphasize the need to move beyond unproductive discussions and nurture a sense of unity to effect change. So, are you ready to reshape the conversation on capitalism? Let's do it together, one episode at a time.
Who knew emojis could become the language of a podcast? Welcome to our centennial milestone episode of Corporate Strategy podcast, where we've used emojis to do the talking! As we reminisce our shared experiences over Thanksgiving and query about striking the right work-life balance, we also navigate through several diverse and stimulating topics.
Curious about brain implants or frustrated with Apple's messaging standards? Well, you won't want to miss our engaging conversation revolving around these and the trust we put in the FDA approval process. We then rekindle our classic debate, pitching meetings against emails, drawing examples from Sam Altman's Open AI situation. Agile methodologies, enhancing communication strategies, and improving project management are also on our discussion plate, all aiming to showcase how a productive work culture can be built and sustained.
And as a special treat, we have our guest, Restrepo, joining us in our Discord community where we will exchange thoughts on late-stage capitalism and much more. So, gear up for an enlightening blend of corporate strategy insights, a dash of humor, and thought-provoking discussions in our 100th episode. Let's continue to learn, laugh, and grow together in this extraordinary journey.
The masks are off. After five years and 200 episodes, we share our real names, real faces, and the real playbooks behind our careers—what worked, what didn’t, and why we’re changing how this community grows.
We start with the origin story: two friends who turned lunch rants into a living archive of corporate survival. Anthony traces a winding path from QA to automation, into sales engineering and national architecture, before vaulting into marketing with a technical edge. Michael recounts a non-linear climb through Apple business sales and support into software engineering, then product management, where he learned to earn trust by knowing both the customer and the code.
From there we get honest about the messy middle—blocked promotions due to rigid bands, the danger of cutting core expertise, and the decision points that demand courage. We break down why great sales engineers talk value, not features, and why the most effective PMs can test a beta, read a stack trace, and still explain decisions in plain English. We contrast startup scope with big-company prestige, exploring how wearing every hat accelerates learning, and how leading global product teams at a theme park changes how you think about friction, scale, and burnout.
This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a guide for navigating pivots, negotiating pay ceilings, moving from support to SE, or stepping from engineering into product without losing the plot. We share the CAC framework—culture, autonomy, challenge, compensation—to evaluate whether to stay, reshape, or go. And we open the door wider: more guests, more live streams, and more practical help shaped by your questions.
If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the next move, get unstuck under a manager who blocks growth, or translate technical depth into career leverage, you’ll find clear steps and real stories here. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help others find the show. Then tell us: what career puzzle should we tackle next?
Ever wondered how a weekend recap can turn into a stimulating discussion about trends in artificial intelligence, micromanagement in the workplace, and financial planning? Join your hosts, Bruce and Clark, as they take you on a journey from casual chitchats to thought-provoking discussions. A must-listen for all tech enthusiasts, we explore the potential of building custom GPT models for your data with OpenAI's Dev Day and how it can revolutionize the way we process information.
This episode isn't just about tech, we also get personal and discuss essential workplace dynamics. From the value of weekly team meetings where we share lightning talks to the delicate balance between micromanagement and recognition, we leave no stone unturned. We dive deep into the significance of individual priorities and key metrics, and how they can shape the productivity of a team. We highlight the importance of team shoutouts and recognition, and why it's crucial for managers to set clear expectations for their employees.
As we near the end, we navigate the complexities of budget allocation and the importance of cross-functional collaboration. We shine a light on the potential pitfalls of underspending and how to be a budget hero by completing projects under budget. We also emphasize the value of meeting engagement and how anonymous feedback can drastically improve future meetings. Lastly, we explore the merits of efficiency and collaboration in the workplace, and how to make the most of the tools at your disposal. Join us for this rollercoaster episode - an eclectic mix of tech, the workspace, and personal banter.
Ready for a deep-dive into the mindset of Gen Z employees, AI's role in marketing, and the secret recipe for a collaborative team environment? This episode is just the ticket. We start by pulling back the curtain on why Gen Z workers are avoiding promotions, and it's not about the money. It's about the need for support, clear career trajectories, and a sense of fulfillment. Breaking the traditional corporate ladder climbing, we shed light on how these factors are reshaping the way businesses strategize for growth and retention.
We then shift gears to AI's role in marketing. Our candid conversation takes on the ethics of recruiters asking candidates to work for free, and the potential and limitations of generative AI in content creation. We share insights on why, despite technological advancements, the human touch remains indispensable for quality content. We also provide tips on hiring Gen Z talent, emphasizing the importance of meeting their unique needs and expectations.
Finally, we tackle the art of fostering effective team collaboration. From debunking the effectiveness of forced icebreakers to promoting meaningful meetings, we unearth strategies that promote genuine camaraderie and engagement. We talk about the importance of recognizing individual achievements, sharing knowledge, and improving processes for a collaborative environment. And, we don't shy away from discussing team roadblocks, the role of product updates, and the best way to approach company events. So, buckle up and join us in this enlightening conversation that promises to change your perspective on workforce dynamics and team collaboration.
What's the future of jobs in an AI-dominated world? We're diving headfirst into that question, inspired by none other than Elon Musk's dire warnings about AI rendering human labor redundant. As we grapple with the thought of a world with virtual intelligence, we delve into what it could mean for society if the majority of jobs became obsolete, and how that might redefine not just our economies, but us as individuals.
Picking up the thread on AI, we shift our focus to its application in the gaming universe, specifically Bethesda's Starfield game. We're exploring the dynamic interplay of humans and AI, challenging the notion that AI will replace us. Instead, we propose a future where AI is a tool that amplifies human potential, helping us achieve more than we ever thought possible.
Finally, we're offering some candid insights into the consulting field - a career path that's as challenging as it is rewarding. If you're a young go-getter contemplating a move into tech consulting, we've got some hard-earned advice for you. We're also drawing a comparison between financial advisors and consultants, exploring the implications of a mostly youthful consulting workforce. To wrap it up, we're talking corporate strategy, unionization, and the importance of finding work that fuels your passion. Prepare for a wild ride through this thought-provoking conversation.
Ready to challenge the status quo? Discover why tech staff are striking over a return to office, and how unions are playing a crucial role in this shift as we embark on our first of many discussions about the latest happenings in the corporate world. We also take you through the emerging hybrid work situations, their perks, and the underlying challenges – and as a bonus, we reveal some strategies to manage your work-life balance, especially if you're in a cross-time-zone role.
Ever wondered how the tussle between CMOs and CEOs impact corporate decisions? Curious about the implications of EU's data collection practices on Meta and the litigation between Mark Zuckerberg and the Irish data privacy commissioner? We've got you covered. In our deep-dive, we unpack these issues and more. We also share our thoughts on Apple's controversial switch to USB-C and Simon Sinek's perspective on the role of CEOs in the modern corporate world. Plus, we question if C-level executives truly understand customer needs and ponder over the future of an ad-free, subscription-based model for Meta apps. Tune in to join the conversation and gain insights into the intricate world of corporate strategy.
Feeling under the weather? Don't worry, so is our co-host, Clark! This episode packs a punch, blending together the unlikely mix of illness, horror movies, and workplace certifications. We're sorry for the delay in delivery, but when one host is 90% virus, things can get a little chaotic. Now, Clark might be battling a cold, but it doesn't stop him from sharing his thoughts on the latest AI developments, our mutual love for hair-raising horror flicks, and the controversial concept of a limb-chopping hero story.
Ever wondered if certifications are your golden ticket to success in the corporate world? Squid Boy and Individual Contributor have! So, we decided it was high time we addressed this ongoing debate. While Clark and I are in agreement that certifications can be advantageous, especially if your company foots the bill, we don't view them as an essential element of success. And yes, we also share how certifications could give your resume's SEO a nice little boost!
But we don't stop there. Our curiosity piques as we further delve into various IT certifications, including those from Cisco, AWS, and CompTIA Linux Plus. We believe that certifications can play a pivotal role in climbing the corporate ladder, especially if your chosen field is tech-oriented. So, if your company offers to pay for them, why not grab the opportunity? Let's unpick the world of certifications, their relevance in the fast-paced tech industry, and how they can help future-proof your career. Don't forget to tune in for our unique blend of tech talk, movie madness, and the latest on Clark's health, only on our podcast.
94. AI in the Driver's Seat: Giving Rise to Robotic Executives
09 Oct 2023
00:19:01
Prepare to have your mind blown as we unravel the untold story of a Polish drinks company that dared to navigate uncharted waters by employing an AI-powered robot as its CEO. Yes, you read that right! We delve into the intriguing complexities of this gutsy move, exploring what prompted their decision, and teasing apart the ethical dilemmas it raises. We also draw parallels to the uncannily similar scenario from the TV show Silicon Valley. Strap in for a riveting exploration of how technology is not just reshaping our world but also challenging and redefining traditional notions of leadership.
As we venture deeper into this surreal AI-driven landscape, we then shift gears to consider the broader implications of AI CEOs in the business world. Can innate human biases hamper sound decision-making, and could an AI leader be the panacea? We take a leaf from Nintendo's book, a company that dared to gamble in a doomed industry and emerged victorious. Would you be open to working under an AI CEO? We stir up this conversation on our Discord and invite you to join in. Wrapping up, we express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our listeners, delve into the trials of corporate strategy, and mull over the possible perils of an over-reliance on AI-driven decisions. Catch all this and much more in this thrilling episode. Don't forget to subscribe for an ad-free experience!
93. Understanding the World of Unions: With Labor Lawyer Keelin Austin
02 Oct 2023
00:34:04
Have you ever wondered about the complexities of labor unions and collective bargaining agreements? In this captivating discussion with Keelin Austin, an in-house labor and employment attorney, you'll be taken on a journey to understand the inner workings of unionized workplaces better. We delve into the pivotal role of the National Labor Relations Act and take a closer look at how unions get their start. Keelin provides valuable insights into when it might be time to think about starting a union and the positive impact it can bring.
Buckle up as we investigate the intriguingly controversial 'Right to Work' laws and their effects on unions and individual workers. Keelin shares his views on the pros and cons of union membership, discussing everything from collective negotiation and job protection to financial cost and the often contentious issue of seniority-based wage scales. Unions are complex entities, and we delve into the realities of ensuring equality when it comes to raises and promotions – it's a discussion you won't want to miss.
As we reach the conclusion of our enlightening discussion, we ponder the potential benefits and drawbacks for companies with a unionized workforce. Keelin helps us understand the integral role unions play in safeguarding employee rights, preventing exploitation, and facilitating dispute resolution. You'll walk away with a clear understanding of how to move forward with unionizing a workforce and where to find support for such a significant initiative. Whether you're an employee, entrepreneur, or HR professional, this episode will give you a comprehensive understanding of labor unions you can't afford to miss.
92. More Best Tips To Survive in the Corporate World Part 2: EVEN MORE TIPS!
25 Sep 2023
00:48:46
Have you ever walked into work to find HR at your desk, and wondered if it’s time to update your resume? We've been there too. Welcome back to another episode with your hosts, Bruce and Clark, where we dissect the corporate world and offer survival tips for navigating office politics. We start off with the often intimidating arrival of Human Resources in the workplace, and why it might be a cue for you to polish up your CV.
Moving on to the early stages of your career, we share insights on how to embrace challenging work to turbocharge your skills. Instead of seeing learning as a grueling process, we encourage you to view it as an opportunity to better yourself. Remember, a job that tests your abilities while aligning with your values is worth its weight in gold. And when it comes to interpersonal dynamics in the office, understanding motivations and mastering the art of 'agreeing to disagree' are key tools for success.
Rounding off our discussion, we delve into personal expression and social media usage in the corporate sphere. We can't stress enough - if a post could raise eyebrows, it's probably best kept private. It's about maintaining professionalism while being authentic. We'll also explore how to balance power structures in a way that fosters respect for all. So tune in as we navigate the choppy waters of the corporate world together, reminding you at every step that being true to yourself is the ultimate power move.
91. How to Survive in the Corporate World? 30 Best Tips Part 1: The Tips
18 Sep 2023
00:47:04
Squidboi has thrown down the gauntlet, and we are parsing through this massive list of sometimes great, sometimes questionable tips for newcomers to corporate. Go with us on this journey.
Asking for more money isn't easy. Getting it is even harder. This episode is dedicated to all those who deserved a raise but got snubbed by the man. Get that ched y'all.
We turn a hungry cold-open into a sharp look at authenticity at work, comparing blue-collar bluntness with white-collar polish and the role trust plays in both. We share ways to build psychological safety on corporate teams, when to change teams, and why culture beats theater.
• ad slogans and a Handy Way Subway bit leading to a comfort-food debate • Florida cold snap as a frame for pressure, resilience and team response • Reddit claim that blue-collar is authentic and white-collar is performative • trust curves in blue-collar vs white-collar and why filters differ • cheerleader culture, Kool-Aid vibes and why it erodes trust • how to manufacture psychological safety on corporate teams • delivery over theater and modeling consistent behavior • spotting bad culture: cliques, vague feedback, surprise decisions • practical exits: coalition building, team changes, planned moves • nostalgia for great teams and why culture is a scarce asset • tease: documentation debate coming next week; share thoughts in Discord
Join the Discord completely free, stay anonymous, submit a topic. Share, like, comment, subscribe, ring the bell. Please share this episode with a friend—do the Corporate Strategy Roulette and send it to the random contact you land on
This week's episode focuses entirely on the idea of work. Is email work? What about sitting at your desk staring into oblivion? What about your lunch break? We answer all these questions and more on a very work-related episode.
88. Pentagram of Panic, or the Five Person Project Problem
22 Aug 2023
00:34:14
y mor wyrds wen few do trick
This week we take on a listener topic around dealing with a project that is bound by five different stakeholders, all asking for different things, all with different priorities... basically, the project from hell. I think we solved it, but you tell us. See you in the discord.
Following up on our previous episode about the act of performing performance reviews, we act out a non-simulated performance review of the performance of this very podcast. It's not confusing at all, I swear. Alex joins us again for another tantalizing talk all about giving feedback and receiving it appropriately when you are locked in a room with just your manager.
84. Ask Your Doctor if Marketing is Right for You!
17 Jul 2023
00:18:32
Today's topic is all about the marketing dept, specifically how to know if it's the right career path for you to walk down. I highly advocate for it, but that's just me, corporate marketing man.
Recruiting aint easy. Have you ever tried to interview someone like Bruce or Clark? We both talk about our current recruitment efforts and what to do when it comes to gathering good potential candidates and being good candidates.
82. Who Drives the Business (and are they licensed?)
03 Jul 2023
00:37:14
There are a lot of departments with skin in the game, engineering, sales, marketing, and product management, but who is the real throat to choke when it all breaks down? Do we blame the customer? How do you build a better product when we can't identify what happens next? It would be great if we competently answered even half of these questions, but you listen to this pod and know what you get!
This was supposed to be a typical episode, but we ended up just doing an impromptu chat on travel. There are many facets to traveling for business, and we have learned a few tips/tricks to make it easier.
Back to your regularly suggested topics next week!
We skip the intro and get real about college, internships, and how to build a career in a world where AI changed the entry ladder. We share honest regrets, better playbooks for freshers, and why managers should hire for outcomes over pedigree.
• how a recording glitch shifts the vibe and sparks a candid tone • reflections on ignoring goals and the cost of busy seasons • cold weather banter that turns into perspective on change • megaquake anxiety as a metaphor for rapid shifts in work • college regrets and the case for work first, education second • why internships and apprenticeships create the right why • adult learning barriers and degree bloat frustrations • AI reshaping entry-level programming and utility work • hiring for outcomes, portfolios, and referrals over degrees • building people skills through teams, clubs, and sports • learning broadly while you can, then specializing with purpose • practical guidance for freshers to find direction and community
Join our Discord: go into your show notes, click the link tree, join the Discord. If you want to support the show, you can do so by buying us a coffee. If you want to get some swag, you can do that in the link tree as well. Please consider sharing corporate strategy with someone you care about, a fresher perhaps.
Technology is the future but also the past. The present but also the future. How do you stay on top of something that's constantly changing? What if you don't even work in tech? We answer all these questions on today's episode and knock out pt 2 of the topic, specifically offering guidance for teams seeking to innovate.
79. The Posi-pod! Topicpalooza! Featuring Alex Restrepo
23 May 2023
00:58:32
This episode is MASSIVE! Alex helps us put a positive spin on the most burning corporate questions directly from the discord, including:
Will families ever be able to own a house on a single salary again?
How many improvements to the corporate world can come down to affecting change from within as opposed to forcing better practices from outside, such as via government regulation?
Is Elon Musk the Antichrist?
Is CYA culture a necessary evil, or is it just evil
my Q - what is the point of all of this, not the podcast or Alex, but the point of corporate structure
Corpo “workplace surveys”: anonymous or not? Blatant candor or tell em what they want to hear?
why does/should pay exponentially grow past the VP+/CxO levels?
Is HR, as a business area, impenetrably opaque or does it suffer from decades of terrible comms execution?
What’s an indicator that you’re yelling into the void? Or is everything the void?
It's always tough when you have just started and realize that things are pretty funky on the job. You have ideas on how to fix it, but should you stay quiet? Wait 90 days? Go all out? We discuss the pros, cons, and strategies for handling those good ideas when you haven't gotten a foothold at the new place.
77. You Don't Deserve a Promotion... LOL Yeah You Do!
10 May 2023
00:39:10
Thanks again to Individual Contributor for submitting yet another trifecta of banger topics. We break down the act of promotion, what to do when you aren't giving 120%, and avoiding the Peter Principle. It's a jam-pact episode full of cheddar movements and bangers you won't wanna miss.
Sometimes loyalty can be a curse, mainly when you second guess your ability and value after spending years at a corporation now giving you the boot. In this episode, Clark and Bruce dig into ways we get into our heads and how to turn that uncertainty into strength in the interview.
We always do our best to help others around us. That's why today I'm doing my best to evaluate and offer any advice to support Clark's current "people problem," if we can really call it that. Often people get the bad rap for process/technology when it fails them, and what about when companies fail people? Is their reaction to this failure problematic? We discuss all of this and more in this weeks people focused episode.
We love it when it happens, and we got a listener-submitted topic, and it's a tough one. What do you do when quitting your job (and finding a better one) is not an option? Micromanagers, lousy culture, herding cats, it's all on the table to fix. It isn't easy, but Bruce and Clark tackle the challenge head-on by using CACC to help evaluate and reverse Uno the non-ideal situation into something (hopefully) better.
Today we are talking about the things we couldn't give up, the tools that make our jobs more accessible, and how much we can't survive without them. Google says they are reducing laptop refreshes to stop a firing, I say fire me before I give up that sweet M2 Macbook upgrade, but I could be convinced to switch to Windows XP with an excellent trackball roller mouse.
Culture, Autonomy, Challenge, and Compensation. We took a test to evaluate three of the four and see how we are fairing at our jobs, and the numbers don't lie. Evaluating CACC is something we encourage everyone to do in their jobs, and as you will see, the reflection this exercise has generated is fascinating. This is one of the weirder eps we have done, so apologies if you are joining us for the first time. I swear we are usually not this spreadsheet oriented.
PPT is an adage for companies, but Clark brings a hard-hitting topic on managing it effectively. This episode runs long and details our experience managing people, processes, and technology, how to evaluate them, and what to do when everything breaks.
We compare hands-on craft with hands-on leadership and ask whether the best managers must be able to do the job. Stories of bad HR-only management, better coaching habits, and how trust plus context beat micromanagement every time.
• tradeoffs between art, craft, and making a living • repair culture vs modern tech and subscriptions • practitioner managers vs HR-only managers • why context matters in software and product work • how micromanagement kills learning and autonomy • using a 30-60-90 reset when inheriting teams • when HR models work in unions and first response • sales as a domain that demands expert lineage • interview questions to spot supportive managers • outcomes, trust, and stepping in only when needed
Join our Discord: scroll to the show notes, hit the Discord button, and hop in You can be completely anonymous, lurk, or play our AI image challenge Support the show: Buy us a coffee or grab some swag Share this with coworkers, friends, family, and neighbors
Job fulfillment can come in many forms: netting a baller salary, finishing a massive project, and working a soul-sucking 18 hours daily. We evaluate and discuss what fulfills us and how you can find yourself on a better path to happiness both in and out of work.
Clark brings us possibly some of the most heinous interview questions ever asked, and we take them kinda seriously. It's another discussion filled with tips on how to be the best interviewee and when to drop that Zoom call and run for your life. Nice.
Halleluja, We are in purgatory this week and are discussing everyone's favorite subject. Religion in the workplace! Is it okay? Does it elevate your work? Will it send you straight to HR hell? We answer all these questions in this week's divine episode.