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TitlePub. DateDuration
Neurodiversity in the Workplace — Stop Fixing People, Start Fixing Work with Paula Brockwell18 févr. 202600:52:01

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Neurodiversity in the workplace isn’t an accommodation issue.

It’s a design issue.

Paula Brockwell returns to The Elephant in the Org — following her Season 1 appearance, which remains one of our most downloaded episodes — to go deeper into the structural realities of neurodiversity at work.

In this conversation, we move beyond awareness and compliance to examine workplace architecture itself.

If your neurodivergent employees are masking, burning out, or underperforming, the issue is rarely capability.

It’s rigid processes.
It’s behavioural conformity.
It’s systems optimised for predictability instead of outcomes.

We explore:

• Why “reasonable adjustments” are tolerance — not enablement
• How workplace systems unintentionally create disability
• The cost of masking for neurodivergent employees
• Why outcome-based management improves psychological safety
• How inclusive workplace design drives retention and performance

This episode is a practical, systems-level conversation about neurodiversity in the workplace, inclusive leadership, psychological safety, and employee experience.

If you lead teams or design organisational systems, this conversation will stretch you.

—

About Paula Brockwell

Paula Brockwell is an organisational psychologist and founder of The Employee Experience Project, where she helps organisations redesign work to support neurodiversity, psychological safety, and high performance.

Connect with Paula:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulabrockwell/

The Employee Experience Project: https://theexproject.com

If you missed her original appearance in Season 1 (one of our most downloaded episodes), it’s worth revisiting after this conversation.

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Your Team is Already Neurodivergent — You Just Don’t Know It with Tara May04 févr. 202600:46:05

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Your team isn’t maybe neurodivergent.
It already is.

In this episode, we’re joined by Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech, to explore what it actually looks like to design workplaces that are welcoming by default—not just compliant when someone asks for help.

Tara leads a tech services company where more than 90% of the workforce is autistic, and she brings a deeply practical perspective on psychological safety, workplace design, return-to-office policies, and the real ROI of kindness.

This is not a conversation about awareness.
It’s about systems, trust, choice, and why most organisations are already behind the reality of their workforce.

If your organisation is redesigning offices, mandating returns, or struggling with retention and engagement—this episode matters.

Key takeaway:
Neurodivergence isn’t an edge case. It’s a design reality.

👤 About Our Guest

Tara May is CEO of Aspiritech, a mission-driven tech services company creating meaningful employment for autistic adults while delivering high-quality QA testing, accessibility testing, and data services. She is a recognised leader in the neurodiversity-at-work movement, serving as Co-Director of Neurowrx and on the strategic committee for HAAPE, advocating for neurodiversity and employment nationally and internationally.

With more than two decades of experience leading large-scale digital and cultural transformations across media and technology, Tara brings a rare combination of business rigour and human-centred leadership. She is also a parent of an autistic child and a vocal champion of the belief that when people thrive, business growth follows.

Aspiritech

Tara May (LinkedIn)

Link to Show Notes 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Why Your “Best Employees” Are Killing Innovation — with Mark Murphy21 janv. 202601:09:11

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We say we want innovation.
We reward compliance.
And then we wonder why nothing changes.

In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, we dig into a quiet but damaging contradiction inside modern organisations: the employees leaders like most are often the least innovative.

Our guest, Mark Murphy—New York Times bestselling author, Forbes senior contributor, and founder of Leadership IQ—shares research showing how “dependable,” low-friction behaviour gets mistaken for high performance, while challenge, dissent, and original thinking are subtly discouraged.

This conversation isn’t about bad managers or difficult employees. It’s about systems, incentives, and the unintended consequences of prioritising harmony over progress.

We explore:

  • Why compliance often gets rewarded as “performance”
  • How toxic harmony quietly shuts down innovation
  • The structural pressure middle managers face around risk
  • Why psychological safety doesn’t happen by accident
  • How meeting design determines who gets heard—and who doesn’t
  • Practical ways leaders can surface better thinking without chaos

If your organisation talks a big game about innovation but struggles to hear uncomfortable ideas, this episode will hit close to home.

About Our Guest

Mark Murphy is a New York Times bestselling author, Forbes senior contributor, and founder of Leadership IQ. His research on leadership, performance, and team dynamics has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Bloomberg Businessweek, and The Washington Post. Mark has advised organisations ranging from Harvard Business School to the United Nations and is the author of Team Players, Hiring for Attitude, Hundred Percenters, and HARD Goals.

🔗 Leadership IQ: https://www.leadershipiq.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamurphy/

Link to Show notes



📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Cute Survey. What Are You Going to Do About It? with Jeffrey Fermin 07 janv. 202601:06:42

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S3E13 — Cute Survey. What Are You Going to Do About It?
with Jeffrey Fermin (Host of People First, tech founder, advisor)

If your org runs surveys but never closes the loop, people don’t just get annoyed — they stop telling the truth. Silence becomes the culture.

In this episode, we get brutally practical about what happens after the survey:

  • Why surveys often become “listening theatre.”
  • How dashboards replace decisions
  • The trust damage caused by silence (and how fast it spreads)
  • A simple five-step Close-the-Loop Ladder you can steal and use immediately:
    Acknowledge → Prioritise → Commit → Explain “Not Yet” → Report Back

If you’ve ever read survey results and thought, “Cool… now what?” — this is your playbook episode.

Link to Show Notes

🔹 Jeffrey Fermin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfermin/

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Bonus Episode - Battery Hens, Bullshit & Burnout: HR’s 2025 “You’ve Got to Be F*cking Kidding Me” Year in Review17 déc. 202500:57:22

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BONUS EPISODE — and somehow, our 75th.
Your main event today is our conversation with Radhika Dutt, so if you only have time for one episode, go listen to her burn OKRs to the ground first. This bonus drop is the after-party.

Now… for everyone still emotionally recovering from HR in 2025, here’s our annual debrief: Battery Hens, Bullshit & Burnout — HR’s 2025 “You’ve Got to Be F*cking Kidding Me” Year in Review.

Danny, Marion, and Cacha look back at the most unhinged year HR has seen in decades — the RTO theatre, the DEI backlash, the AI delusion spiral, productivity cosplay, surveillance creep, and burnout so widespread it probably deserves its own ICD medical code.

We also celebrate the 23 incredible guests who joined us across The Elephant in the Org and RethinkAbility — a full-on stampede of elephants whose honesty, humour, and humanity kept us going.

If you’ve ever stared at a performance management template and thought, “I’m one KPI away from moving to the forest", this episode is your emotional support beverage.

Happy Holidays! We will see you again in the new year! 

Link to Show Notes

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

2025 – The Year We Fired OKRs — Radhika Dutt Brings the Matches17 déc. 202501:01:28

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What if the problem isn’t how you set goals… but the fact you’re using goals at all?

In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, we declare 2025 the year we fire OKRs — and we’ve brought exactly the right arsonist. Author, entrepreneur, and product leader Radhika Dutt joins Danny, Marion, and Cacha to explain why traditional goal-setting, targets, and OKRs were built for 1940s assembly lines, not modern, messy, knowledge work.

Radhika, author of Radical Product Thinking and advisor to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, has seen it all: pivotitis, obsessive sales disorder, hypermetrisemia, and leaders who cling to targets while flying blind. Her verdict? Goals don’t simply “need better implementation” — they structurally push people to hide bad news, optimise vanity metrics, and suffocate innovation.

So what’s the alternative?
Puzzle-setting.

Radhika walks us through OHLA — Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings, Adaptations — a practical, psychologically safe, reality-based way to shift from “Did you hit the number?” to “What did we learn and how do we adapt?” OHLA is built for complex, creative work — not the spreadsheet theatre most orgs mistake for strategy.

In this episode, we get into:

  • Why OKRs and targets quietly sabotage truth-telling and innovation
  • The 1940s origin story of goal-setting (and why it no longer applies)
  • How OHLA works in real organisations — and why it changes behaviour
  • What leaders have to unlearn to stop demanding fake certainty
  • How to build a bubble of psychological safety even inside a messy system

Full show notes

Connect with Radhika:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radhika-dutt/

🌐 Radical Product Thinking: https://www.radicalproduct.com

📚 Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter

If you’re gearing up for another annual goal-setting cycle and your inner voice is whispering, “there has to be a better way”… this episode hands you the blueprint.

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

“The HR Breakdown: Dr Jo Burrell on Why the Function That Fixes Everything Is Falling Apart.”03 déc. 202500:55:59

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The HR Breakdown: Dr Jo Burrell on Why the Function That Fixes Everything Is Falling Apart

HR isn’t “a bit stressed.” HR isn’t “managing fine.” HR isn’t “designed to be everyone’s emotional shock absorber.”
The latest data finally confirms what every HR human already knows in their bones:

The profession responsible for everyone else’s wellbeing is quietly falling apart.

In this raw, unfiltered, data-driven conversation, we sit down with Dr Jo Burrell — Clinical Psychologist, co-founder of Ultimate Resilience, and one of HR Magazine’s Most Influential Thinkers 2025 — to unpack her groundbreaking findings on HR mental wellbeing… and the systemic failures that put HR professionals at clinical levels of depression, anxiety, burnout, and moral injury.

Jo walks us through the research, the human cost, and the emotional labour nobody sees.
Then she introduces an actual solution: HR Supervision — the psychologically informed support model used in clinical professions that could finally make HR sustainable.

If you work in HR, lead HR, or have ever forwarded a problem with the phrase “Can HR just handle this?”, this episode is your reality check.

In This Episode

  • The shocking stats from Jo’s HR Mental Wellbeing Report
  • Why HR is experiencing clinical distress levels
  • The moral injury of delivering decisions you didn’t make
  • HR as the organisational “junk drawer”
  • Why employees blame HR instead of the actual decision-makers
  • The parentified-child → HR professional pipeline
  • Why self-care is not — and never will be — the solution
  • What HR Supervision is and why it matters
  • How to build a psychologically safe workplace when HR is drowning

Dr Jo Burrell on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jo-burrell-04901a96/

2025 HR Mental Wellbeing Survey Report (Free Download):

📄 Full Show Notes

Listen, subscribe, share

If this episode made you feel seen, vindicated, or slightly ragey in a productive way, send it to another HR human who needs it.
And leave us a ★★★★★ review — it does more for HR wellbeing than any corporate “resilience webinar” ever has.

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Free-Range Humans vs. Corporate Battery Hens — Michelle McDaid on Flexibility That Actually Works19 nov. 202500:59:44

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What happens when flexibility stops being a perk and becomes the backbone of inclusion, well-being, and high performance? In this episode, we sit down with Michelle McDaid, founder of The Leading Place and long-time engineering leader across FinTech and HR Tech, to unpack how trust, autonomy, and psychological safety reshape the modern workplace.

Michelle brings over two decades of experience leading and scaling global distributed product development teams — most recently as Senior Director of Engineering at Workhuman, and previously at Fidelity Investments and AIB. Now, through The Leading Place, she helps organisations design flexible, people-centred cultures that actually work. A qualified coach and MSc candidate in Work & Organisational Behaviour at Dublin City University, Michelle is widely recognised for her leadership in DEIB, gender equity, and Women in STEM. She has championed ERGs, mentored underrepresented groups, completed the 30% Club Ireland Board Ready programme with Deloitte, and has been honoured as a finalist in the Everywoman in Technology Awards and the Diversity in Tech Awards. She was also named in DiverseIn’s 133 Women Who Change The World.

🔗 Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleamcdaid/

Together with Danny, Marion, and Cacha, Michelle digs into the truth about flexibility:
Why it matters, who gets left behind when it’s taken away, and how brave leadership — not buzzwords — creates cultures where free-range humans thrive while battery-hen systems crumble.

We explore:
• Why flexibility is infrastructure, not a perk
• The weaponisation of resilience
• ADHD in women and the unseen cost of masking
• Gender equity and the real state of DEIB
• Trust as the starting point for performance
• Psychological safety inside rigid systems
• Courage vs. consistency in leadership
• The future of flexible work — and why it’s about design, not location

🔥 Full Show Notes

If you care about flexible work, inclusion, or building teams where people actually flourish, this episode will hit you right in the truth gland.

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Dan Smolen on WorkFit: Finding Joy in How We Work and Live05 nov. 202500:57:01

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What if “success” wasn’t someone else’s checklist—but a life that actually fits?
In this uplifting, reflective conversation, Dan Smolen—Executive Producer & Host of What’s Your Work Fit? and fellow member of the Future of Work Alliance—joins Danny, Marion, and Cacha to explore how purpose, passion, and fit overlap (and don’t), why agency over your day matters, and how “soft eyes and soft ears” help us hear what truly lights us up.

📄 Full Show Notes

We cover:

  • What WorkFit really means—and how to find it in your life
  • The difference between purpose, passion, and fit
  • Reclaiming curiosity and joy after chasing others’ definitions of success
  • Channeling pain into purpose (caregiving, identity, and advocacy)
  • Why side hustles and “crazy-quilt” careers can restore autonomy and hope

Top takeaways:

  • WorkFit isn’t a job; it’s a way of living
  • Stop optimizing for other people’s expectations
  • Agency and joy are the real metrics of success
  • Lead with “soft eyes and soft ears”—stay open to signals and seasonality
  • The future of work is hopeful when we design for fit

Connect with Dan Smolen:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansmolen/

• Substack: https://dansmolen.substack.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatsyourworkfit9441

• Email: dsmolen@dansmolen.com

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Crisis, Chaos, and Comms: Alison Arnot on Turning Panic Into Trust22 oct. 202500:52:59

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When crisis hits, clarity collapses — and HR is often left holding the mic.

In this episode, Marion, Danny, and Cacha sit down with Alison Arnot, award-winning consultant, trainer, and author of Internal Communication in Times of Crisis: How to Secure Employee Trust, Support, and Advocacy in Crisis Situations. From her early-career baptism during the 2007 Glasgow Airport terror attack to decades guiding organizations through chaos, Alison shares what really happens when comms go quiet and people are left to fill in the blanks.

She introduces her Seven S’s Framework — Surviving, Supporting, Sense-making, Stabilizing, Stimulating, Sustaining, and Strengthening — and explains how it helps teams move from panic to trust. Together, we explore how HR often becomes the crisis communications department by default, what psychological safety looks like when everything is on fire, and why connection—not control—is the cornerstone of any credible response.

🎧 Expect stories, strategies, and a few uncomfortable truths about leadership, silence, layoffs, and the human side of crisis.

🔗 Connect with Alison on LinkedIn

📘 Get Alison’s book from Kogan Page
with code ALISONARNOT2025 for 25 % off.

Link to Show Notes 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Want Inclusive Workplaces? Listen Up — and Hire Paul08 oct. 202501:12:20

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Want Inclusive Workplaces? Listen Up — and #HirePaul



This special episode of The Elephant in the Org isn’t just a conversation — it’s a call to action.

Meet Paul Meyer, a Deaf HR professional and inclusion advocate with extensive experience in talent acquisition, onboarding, and culture building. Paul has spent his career helping organizations make work truly inclusive, from hiring practices to day-to-day communication and leadership behavior.

We recorded this as our first fully accessible episode, featuring live ASL interpretation (Rebecca Davis) and CART captions (Annie Hargett, AH Real Time Captions). The audio version includes a full written transcript, and you can access the ASL + CC video via the YouTube link below.


🎥 Watch the accessible video version on YouTube → https://youtu.be/2fGpnCNUi1o

👉 Paul is actively job-seeking. Listen, learn, and help us #HirePaul.

In this episode:

  • Why “culture is communication”
  • How to build accessible onboarding that works
  • Why AI captions aren’t yet a reasonable accommodation
  • Practical team habits that build belonging
  • What HR can learn from lived experience


Connect & Support:
🔗 Connect with Paul on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmeyerpm/
💼 Share open roles or referrals
📣 Spread the word: #HirePaul #ElephantInclusive

Credits
Hosted by Marion Anderson & Danny Gluch
Guest: Paul Meyer
ASL: Rebecca Davis
CART: Annie Hargett, AH Real Time Captions
Collaboration: Greer Procich, Rethinkability

Link to Show Notes

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

From Grief to Advocacy: Don Ryan on Suicide, Empathy, and Healing at Work24 sept. 202500:54:19

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Episode Description:
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Suicide, grief, and trauma.

In this deeply human episode of The Elephant in the Org, we confront one of the hardest workplace conversations: suicide, loss, and mental health at work.

Our guest, Don Ryan — author of The Secret Struggle: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One and veteran social worker — brings both professional expertise and personal experience, having lost three close family members to suicide.

Together with Marion, Danny, and Cacha, Don explores:

  • Why grief can’t be treated as a “policy issue” with one-size-fits-all leave.
  • Equity vs. equality in crisis support — and why flexibility matters more than fairness.
  • How peers often notice warning signs first, and what leaders can do about it.
  • The role of postvention: planning before tragedy strikes.
  • The long-term impact of grief on trust, performance, and psychological safety.

Top Takeaways:

  • Grief doesn’t end after a week of leave — it changes people for the long term.
  • Psychological safety depends on trust built before a crisis hits.
  • Empathy and equity are essential leadership skills, not “nice to haves.”
  • Workplaces need a toolbox of supports, not blanket policies.

Guest Bio:
Don Ryan manages violence-reduction programs for Hennepin County, MN, and co-coordinates a veteran-specific suicide-prevention initiative. He is the author of The Secret Struggle: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One (2024), written to help others feel seen, heard, and less alone.
🔗 Connect with Don: LinkedIn | thesecretstruggle.com

Link to Shownotes

Resources:
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:

  • U.S.: Dial 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
  • U.K./ROI: Samaritans 116 123
  • Canada: Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566
  • Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14
  • 🌍 Global directory: findahelpline.com

Because grief doesn’t clock out — and silence in the workplace is never the answer.



📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Human in the Loop, AI in the Mix: Building Teams That Can Still Think — with Mark Evans (AI Special - Part 3) 17 sept. 202500:51:01

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When AI does the homework but skips the hard work, businesses will be the ones picking up the tab.

In this final episode of our AI trilogy, we’re joined by Mark Evans — serial entrepreneur, Fractional Chief AI Officer, and strategic advisor who’s spent 30 years building, scaling, and exiting tech ventures. Now, he helps leaders navigate AI adoption without outsourcing the very thing that makes us human: our ability to think.

From classrooms to boardrooms, Mark warns of a creeping danger — the illusion of mastery. Students, job-seekers, and even seasoned professionals are presenting AI-polished competence without the critical thinking, resilience, or authenticity to back it up. When that illusion flows into hiring and leadership pipelines, the long-term costs to businesses could be catastrophic.

We talk about:

  • Why “competence signaling” through AI is a hiring manager’s nightmare.
  • How academia and business are both scrambling to set guardrails.
  • The mental health fallout of outsourcing, struggle, and resilience to machines.
  • Why “human in the loop” isn’t optional — it’s essential for trust and capability.
  • What leaders can do now to avoid building a workforce of imposters.

Top Takeaways:

  • AI isn’t evil, but without guardrails, it creates dangerous illusions of mastery.
  • Critical thinking is the new currency — leaders who protect it will win.
  • Psychological safety erodes when people feel like imposters in their own roles.
  • Guardrails in education, hiring, and leadership are non-negotiable.

Guest Bio:
Mark Evans is the founder of 360 Strategy, a Fractional Chief AI Officer, and serial entrepreneur. With three decades of experience scaling and exiting tech ventures, he now works with leaders to ensure AI augments rather than replaces human capability. Based in Glasgow, Mark is passionate about preparing the next generation of talent to enter the workforce ready to think, not just prompt.

🔗 Connect with Mark: LinkedIn
📄 Read Mark’s paper featured in this episode: AI and the Corrosion of Academic Rigour
🌐 360 Strategy Website



📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

AI Will Save Us! The Great CEO Gaslight of the Modern Industrial Revolution with Felix Mitchell (AI Special - Part 2)10 sept. 202500:52:07

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“AI will make your job easier.”
Translation: Here’s a shiny new tool — now do 10x more with half the resources.

In Part 2 of our AI Trilogy, we’re joined by Felix Mitchell (Co-CEO of Instant Impact, host of We Need to Talk About HR) to unpack how leaders are spinning AI as a miracle cure — while quietly restructuring work, cutting jobs, and pushing employees harder than ever.

We dig into:

  • The 3 phases of AI adoption (and why most companies are stuck in Phase 1).
  • Why CEOs love to announce bold AI visions but skip the messy middle.
  • How “just upskill” became the new corporate gaslight when no one can define the skills.
  • The growing tension between efficiency, engagement, and psychological safety.
  • Why mid-size companies might actually come out on top in this industrial revolution on fast-forward.

This isn’t another glossy keynote about innovation. It’s a raw look at the human cost of AI hype — and why psychological safety may be the most important currency of the future of work.

Link to Show Notes Here

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

AI, HR, WTF?? Welcome Back to The Elephant in the Org - Season 3 Starts NOW! 03 sept. 202500:25:00

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We’re back, baby! 🎉 Season 3 of The Elephant in the Org kicks off with a bang — and a little chaos.

Marion, Danny, and Cacha dive into:

  • The HR scandal everyone’s pearl-clutching over (while ignoring the real workplace issues).
  • Why HR burnout is at crisis levels — and nobody’s talking about it.
  • What’s coming in our AI Trilogy: three straight episodes on how AI is reshaping trust, culture, and psychological safety at work.

Messy, spicy, unfiltered — exactly how you like us.

👉 Full show notes here

🎧 Listen now and let’s make work suck less. 🐘

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Catfished by Ralph: What a LinkedIn Social Experiment Taught Us About Bias, Voice & Authenticity with Aubria Ralph (AI Special - Part 1)03 sept. 202501:05:03

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What happens when ChatGPT decides you’re not a Black woman… but a 40-year-old white man named Ralph?

That’s exactly what happened to attorney and entrepreneur Aubria Ralph, who turned an AI glitch into a full-blown LinkedIn social experiment. She flipped her name, posted as “Ralph Aubria,” and watched the offers, DMs, and algorithm love roll in. The results? Both hilarious and deeply troubling.

In this episode, Marion and Danny unpack:

  • Why AI assumed “thoughtful leader” = white male.
  • How LinkedIn rewarded Ralph with more visibility than Aubria.
  • What happens when bias gets coded, amplified, and normalized online.
  • Why authenticity keeps getting buried under clickbait and copy-paste content.

This is Part 2 of our AI Trilogy — three back-to-back episodes exploring how AI is reshaping trust, work, and psychological safety.

🎧 Listen now to hear how a fake Ralph exposed real bias — and what it says about the future of voice and authenticity online.

Get the Show Notes here

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

ReThink Ability Series Finale - This Isn’t the End – It’s the Beginning29 juil. 202500:21:43

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It’s the final episode of Rethink Ability, and we’re wrapping the series with reflection, laughter, and a whole lot of heart.

Hosts Marion Anderson, Danny Gluch, and Cacha Dora are joined by Greer Procich and Lia Seth to revisit the mic-drop moments, hard truths, and big feelings from the series. From allyship to HR’s blind spots, from policy pitfalls to psychological safety — we’re talking about what hit hardest, what changed us, and what comes next.

This episode is more than a recap. It’s a call to keep learning, keep listening, and keep showing up.

💬 Topics include:

  • The emotional toll of disclosure — and why belief matters
  • Why saying “I don’t know” is powerful leadership
  • What HR keeps getting wrong about disability support
  • Creating proactive, not performative, inclusion
  • Why this work is just getting started

🎧 Part of the limited series Rethink Ability, brought to you by The Fearless PX, The Elephant in the Org, Invisible Condition, and The Performance Innovation Collective.

🌐 Learn more and sign up for the October virtual summit: rethink-ability.com

Link to episode show notes

Rethink Ability is a limited seven-part podcast series that explores the often unseen dimensions of disability in the workplace — and what it takes to build environments where everyone can thrive.

Brought to you by The Fearless PX and the team behind The Elephant in the Org, in collaboration with ReThink Ability,  Invisible Condition, and The Performance Innovation Collective, the series centers the lived experiences of disabled employees, HR leaders, and workplace change-makers. Across seven honest, human, and action-driven episodes, we unpack the gap between intention and impact and explore how to bridge it.

This is a call to rethink assumptions, redesign systems, and reshape culture.

If you’re tired of one-size-fits-all policies and hungry for real change, you’re in the right place. 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

ReThink Ability Episode 6 - The Real Disability? Workplace Ignorance About Equity, Empathy, and Basic Human Decency29 juil. 202500:45:24

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If your DEI strategy can’t even get someone a standing desk, we’ve got bigger problems.

In this bold and unfiltered episode, host Danny Gluch sits down with three powerhouse professionals who know what it’s like to advocate for equity — not just in theory, but in real life, in real workplaces, with real consequences. Together, they unpack the systemic ignorance disabled employees often face — and the everyday empathy that could fix it.

Pearl Brady – DEI practitioner and inclusion strategist with over 15 years of experience
Ashley Kera – Talent leader, coach, and founder of Kera Coaching & Consulting
Lia Seth – Director of People at Cylinder and self-proclaimed Accessibility Queen

Together, they tackle:

  • The emotional and professional toll of asking for “reasonable” accommodations
  • How fear, assumptions, and untrained managers weaponize policy
  • Why trust is more powerful than paperwork
  • What real equity looks like (spoiler: it’s not one-size-fits-all)
  • The $0 solutions organizations are still ignoring
  • And the golden rule we’re apparently still not following: Just be a decent human being.

This is the episode HR should be required to listen to. Because equity isn’t just a strategy — it’s how you treat people.

Link to episode show notes

Rethink Ability is a limited seven-part podcast series that explores the often unseen dimensions of disability in the workplace — and what it takes to build environments where everyone can thrive.

Brought to you by The Fearless PX and the team behind The Elephant in the Org, in collaboration with ReThink Ability,  Invisible Condition, and The Performance Innovation Collective, the series centers the lived experiences of disabled employees, HR leaders, and workplace change-makers. Across seven honest, human, and action-driven episodes, we unpack the gap between intention and impact and explore how to bridge it.

This is a call to rethink assumptions, redesign systems, and reshape culture.

If you’re tired of one-size-fits-all policies and hungry for real change, you’re in the right place. 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

ReThink Ability Episode 5 - Flare-Ups, Letdowns & Power Moves: Surviving Work on Unpredictable Terms22 juil. 202500:50:05

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What do you do when your body doesn’t follow the calendar, and neither does your capacity?

In this episode of Rethink Ability, co-hosts Danny Gluch and Cacha Dora are joined by Greer Procich, Lia Seth, and Megan Rees for a candid, humorous, and deeply validating conversation about the unpredictable nature of working while living with a disability.

We talk about surprise flare-ups, medical trial-and-error, navigating grief and identity, and the hard-earned skills that disabled professionals bring to the workplace — from empathy and adaptability to ruthless prioritization and setting real boundaries.

💬 Topics include:

  • Invisible conditions and being disbelieved
  • The emotional toll of uncertainty and delayed diagnosis
  • Medication roulette and scary side effects
  • Why disclosure is still a risk in hiring
  • What great managers actually do
  • Finding community and honoring your limits

Whether you're living it, leading others, or just starting to learn, this one will stick with you.

Full show notes & guest bios

Rethink Ability is a limited seven-part podcast series that explores the often unseen dimensions of disability in the workplace — and what it takes to build environments where everyone can thrive.

Brought to you by The Fearless PX and the team behind The Elephant in the Org, in collaboration with ReThink Ability,  Invisible Condition, and The Performance Innovation Collective, the series centers the lived experiences of disabled employees, HR leaders, and workplace change-makers. Across seven honest, human, and action-driven episodes, we unpack the gap between intention and impact and explore how to bridge it.

This is a call to rethink assumptions, redesign systems, and reshape culture.

If you’re tired of one-size-fits-all policies and hungry for real change, you’re in the right place. 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

ReThink Ability Episode 4 - “You Don’t Look Disabled”: Stereotypes We’re Still Fighting15 juil. 202500:50:12

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What’s the most common workplace stereotype about disabled people?
According to our live “Family Feud”-style panel game: "They’re not as capable as their peers."

In this fiery and funny episode of Rethink Ability, host Danny Gluch is joined by five powerhouse advocates and professionals to unpack the lazy assumptions, outdated beliefs, and quiet biases that disabled folks still face at work — especially if their disability isn’t visible.

We’re getting real about:

  • Why being “well-intentioned” isn’t enough
  • The real cost of rest — and why it’s not accessible for everyone
  • Spoon theory, short-term disability nightmares, and energy budgeting
  • How workplaces can move beyond performative allyship
  • Turning accommodations into standard practice (hint: they cost less than your happy hour)

Whether you're navigating your own disability, managing someone who is, or ready to unlearn what society taught you, this episode brings both insight and action.

🎧 Featuring:

  • Greer Procich – Founder, Rethink Ability & Head of Delivery, Sproutwise
  • Lia Seth – Director of People, Cylinder & Accessibility Queen
  • Dr. Akilah Cadet – Founder/CEO, Change Cadet & Author, White Supremacy is All Around
  • AnnE Diemer – Founder, aedHR & HR contradiction-embracer
  • Aubria Ralph, Esq. – CEO, Scrappy Girl Project & Creator of The Quantum Lead®

Rethink Ability is a limited seven-part podcast series that explores the often unseen dimensions of disability in the workplace — and what it takes to build environments where everyone can thrive.

Brought to you by The Fearless PX and the team behind The Elephant in the Org, in collaboration with ReThink Ability,  Invisible Condition and The Performance Innovation Collective, the series centers the lived experiences of disabled employees, HR leaders, and workplace change-makers. Across seven honest, human, and action-driven episodes, we unpack the gap between intention and impact and explore how to bridge it.

This is a call to rethink assumptions, redesign systems, and reshape culture.

If you’re tired of one-size-fits-all policies and hungry for real change, you’re in the right place. 

Link to Show Notes

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

ReThink Ability Episode 3 - They Built the System Without Us — And It Shows08 juil. 202500:50:57

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They say the system is broken. But for many of us, it was never built with us in mind in the first place.

In this raw and powerful episode, we explore the realities of invisible disability in the workplace — the ones you can’t see, the ones people don’t believe, and the ones we’ve been forced to explain, downplay, or hide to get by. From masking and microaggressions to inaccessible processes and performative allyship, our guests share what it's like to navigate work in a world not designed for them — and how we can do better.

Featuring:
Dr. Angela Young – A deaf, queer, non-binary, multiply disabled accessibility strategist and educator. With a doctorate in education and certifications in accessibility and leadership, Angela helps organizations design for equity and inclusion through bold, human-centered strategies.
Deb Haas – After 24 years in corporate HR, Deb was laid off — and set free. Now the founder of The Unexamined Mind, she helps people and companies reimagine work for the AI era, blending behavioral science, rebellion, and radical transparency.
Jessica Donahue – A trauma-informed leadership strategist and mental health advocate who helps organizations move beyond performative culture toward psychologically safe, purpose-driven workplaces.

Hosted by Marion Anderson and Danny Gluch of The Fearless PX, this conversation offers a no-BS look at what happens when systems are built without input from the people they’re meant to serve — and why the future of work must be intentionally inclusive, not just compliant.

Rethink Ability is a limited seven-part podcast series that explores the often unseen dimensions of disability in the workplace — and what it takes to build environments where everyone can thrive.

Brought to you by The Fearless PX and the team behind The Elephant in the Org, in collaboration with ReThink Ability,  Invisible Condition and The Performance Innovation Collective, the series centers the lived experiences of disabled employees, HR leaders, and workplace change-makers. Across seven honest, human, and action-driven episodes, we unpack the gap between intention and impact and explore how to bridge it.

This is a call to rethink assumptions, redesign systems, and reshape culture.

If you’re tired of one-size-fits-all policies and hungry for real change, you’re in the right place. 

Show Notes

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

ReThink Ability Episode 1 – Why We Had to Rethink Ability — and Made the Damn Series to Do It01 juil. 202500:20:14

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In this candid kickoff to Rethink Ability, co-hosts Marion Anderson, Danny Gluch, Cacha Dora, and Lia Seth unpack the personal journey that sparked this series — born from lived experience, late diagnoses, awkward conversations, and the realization that HR wasn’t trained for this.

What began as DMs and shared frustrations turned into a collaborative effort to rethink how we talk about disability at work — and to create the resource we all wish we had.

We talk about:

  • Becoming the one who needs accommodations
  • The gaps in HR training — and why they matter
  • Lia’s jaw-dropping wheelchair moment
  • Why ignorance still causes harm
  • What real inclusion actually takes

This one’s for every HR pro winging it, every unsure manager, and every disabled employee tired of being the explainer-in-chief.

Honest. Unfiltered. Necessary.

Marion Anderson
PhD researcher, founder of The Fearless PX, and a disabled HR leader working to make work suck less — especially for those the system forgets.

Danny Gluch
DEI strategist, philosopher, educator, and squinter-in-chief.

Cacha Dora
Cultural strategist, equity whisperer, and the person you want in hard conversations. Makes inclusion make sense.

Lia Seth
Director of People at Cylinder, disability advocate, Accessibility Queen. Lives in Seattle. Loves mountains.

🔗 Show Notes
🔗 Follow Rethink Ability on LinkedIn

Rethink Ability is a limited seven-part series exploring the unseen dimensions of disability at work — and what it really takes to build environments where everyone can thrive.

Brought to you by The Fearless PX and The Elephant in the Org, in collaboration with ReThink Ability, Invisible Condition, and The Performance Innovation Collective, the series centers disabled voices, advocates, and changemakers across seven honest, human, action-driven episodes.

This isn’t another checkbox DEI moment.
It’s a call to rethink assumptions, redesign systems, and reshape culture.

Perfect for HR pros and leaders ready to go beyond performative inclusion, with stories, insights, and tools to help make work truly inclusive.

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

ReThink Ability Episode 2 – From Relief to Rage: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Disability01 juil. 202500:55:13

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What happens after the diagnosis?

In this raw and revelatory episode, co-hosts Marion Anderson and Danny Gluch sit down with guests Lia Seth and Don Ryan to explore the emotional whiplash of becoming — or realizing you’ve always been — disabled. From the relief of finally having an answer to the quiet rage of having to justify your needs again and again, this conversation unpacks the emotional toll behind the label.

We talk about:

  • The surprise of late diagnosis and misdiagnosis
  • Shame, fear, grief — and how they isolate
  • The fight for accommodations and the sting of microaggressions
  • What good allyship actually looks like
  • Why managers need emotional fluency (and why it’s okay to mess it up)

This episode is for anyone navigating disability, supporting someone who is, or working in a system that still expects people to prove their pain before being believed.

Lia Seth is Director of People at Cylinder and a longtime HR pro. She’s an accessibility advocate, Girl Scout for life, and Seattle-based mountain enthusiast.

Don Ryan is a social worker and author of The Secret Struggle (2024), leading trauma and suicide prevention work in Minnesota with over 30 years of experience.

Link to Show Notes
ReThink Ability on Linkedin

Rethink Ability is a seven-part series on disability at work — and what true inclusion really takes.

Brought to you by The Fearless PX and The Elephant in the Org, in collaboration with ReThink Ability, Invisible Condition and The Performance Innovation Collective, it centers disabled voices and bold ideas to rethink culture, systems, and support.


📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Shortcut Culture: When Stack Ranking Replaces Real Leadership with Greer Procich25 juin 202500:58:56

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Stack ranking is back, y'all — and we’re not clapping. In our Season 2 finale, we’re calling out the lazy leadership, performative culture, and warped sense of “objectivity” fueling the comeback of rank-and-yank reviews.

HR strategist Greer Procich joins Marion, Danny, and Cacha to unpack why stack ranking never really went away — it just got rebranded. From AI-driven “calibration” to the gaslighting of good employees, we’re naming the elephant in the org (again).

We dig into:
• Why stack ranking is a shortcut, not a strategy
• The toll on collaboration, inclusion, and psychological safety
• How managers are set up to fail — and who benefits
• The weaponization of performance tools under the guise of “efficiency”
• What HR pros can actually do when stuck between values and a VP with a spreadsheet

💥 Plus: neurodivergence bias, TikTok therapy critiques, and a few too-real stories from inside the HR trenches.

It’s bold. It’s unfiltered. It’s the end of Season 2.
We’re taking a break for summer, but don’t worry — we’ll be back this fall with Season 3, louder and spicier than ever.

🔗 Connect with Greer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerprocich

Link to Show Notes

Let’s make work suck less. 🐘



📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

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Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

When the Mask Drops: Why Leadership’s Strongest Often Suffer in Silence with Nicole DuBois07 juin 202501:08:16

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What happens when the one holding it all together starts to fall apart?

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Nicole DuBois—HR exec, mom, author, and walking proof that vulnerability is leadership. Nicole takes us behind the scenes of her journey: managing a chronic illness, surviving divorce, raising a child, and leading a people function—all while hiding behind a mask.

We talk about why HR is often the least psychologically safe team in the org, how culture and identity shape what we’re allowed to show at work, and what happens when a leader finally says: “This is me.”

Whether you’re burnt out, breaking down, or just tired of pretending, this episode will hit deep.

🎭 The cost of masking in senior leadership
📚 Nicole’s journey from pseudonym to public truth
🧠 Chronic illness, identity, and workplace culture
🫶 Co-creation, compassion, and redefining strength

Connect with Nicole:
📖 Unparalyzed: Beating an Invisible Pre-Midlife Crisis – available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Archway Publishing
🔗 Nicole on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this one moved you.
Let’s make work suck less. 🐘

Link to show notes 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Burnout, Breakdown, and a Big F*ck You to the Corporate Cult with Deb Haas28 mai 202501:04:54

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Deb Haas spent 24 years in corporate HR before getting laid off — and finally getting free. Now, she’s helping others reimagine work for the AI era with transparency, humor, and zero tolerance for business as usual.

In this episode:
– The psychological toll of layoffs
– Late-stage capitalism & the myth of the “dream job”
– Why Gen Z won’t play along
– What leaders keep getting wrong about flexibility & safety
– Fractional work, portfolio careers & the future of employment

Deb is the founder of The Unexamined Mind,  where she helps people unlearn toxic career scripts and build work that works for humans.

🔗 Connect with Deb on LinkedIn

📄 Full Show Notes: Read Here

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

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💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

We Look Inclusive. We Just Don’t Act Like It. with Dr. Angela Young14 mai 202500:53:54

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Let’s talk about the difference between looking inclusive — and actually being inclusive.

In this powerful episode, Marion and Danny are joined by Dr. Angela Young, a bold advocate for digital accessibility, to break down the emotional labor, internalized ableism, and corporate gaslighting that so many disabled, neurodivergent, and non-binary professionals still face at work.

From rainbow logos to “awareness weeks,” companies love to brand themselves as inclusive — right up until someone asks for real change. Angela unpacks what performative DEI looks like from the inside, what happens when inclusion becomes inconvenient, and what true allyship really requires.

Whether you're an HR leader, line manager, or employee trying to survive in a system that wasn’t built for you — this conversation will challenge you to do better.


In This Episode:

  • The difference between diversity as presence and inclusion as practice
  • Why “palatable” often means “invisible”
  • How masking and code-switching drain disabled and neurodivergent employees
  • What performative inclusion looks like in real time — and why it’s not enough
  • Two free things every company can do today to make onboarding more accessible
  • The connection between psychological safety and real inclusion


About Our Guest:
Dr. Angela Young (they/them) is a deaf, queer, non-binary, multiply disabled accessibility strategist and educator. With a doctorate in education and certifications in accessibility and leadership, Angela empowers thousands through public speaking, training, and strategy focused on inclusive, human-centered design.

📍 Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

Link to this episodes show notes

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

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💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Data: Great for Marketing Plans, Terrifying for Fragile C-Suite Egos with Angelique Slob30 avr. 202500:50:53

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Leaders love to claim they're "data-driven" — right up until the numbers challenge their egos. In this episode, Marion, Cacha, and Danny sit down with Future of Work strategist Angelique Slob to dig into why industrial-era mindsets still dominate modern workplaces, why ignoring internal data is costing organizations dearly, and how real workplace experience data can future-proof culture, engagement, and leadership. Buckle up — the future’s here, and it doesn’t care about your feelings.

Link to Angelique on Linkedin

Link to Full Shownotes

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Your CEO Might Be a Narcissist… But Don’t Panic (Yet!) with Danny Wareham16 avr. 202500:59:07

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We’re going dark… but in a totally self-aware, psychologically fascinating kind of way.

This week on The Elephant in the Org, we’re diving into the Dark Triad — narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism — and how these personality traits show up in leadership. Our guest, the brilliant Danny Wareham (organisational psychologist, coach, and self-proclaimed bee-lover), joins us to unpack why some of these traits might actually be… useful? In the right context, of course.

We ask the real questions:

  • Is your CEO just confident… or kinda terrifying?
  • Are we accidentally rewarding toxic leadership?
  • Can a bit of narcissism actually drive performance?
  • What does culture have to do with personality?
  • And why does it always come back to self-awareness?

Expect a little sass, a lot of insight, and the usual banter from your favourite trio. Because sometimes, the elephant in the org is charming, powerful… and just a touch self-obsessed.

And if you’re a middle manager trying to survive all of this? This one’s definitely for you.


You can contact Danny: 

🔗 dannywareham.co.uk
🔗 firgun.co.uk
🔗 Danny on LinkedIn

Shownotes here

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

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💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

The Spy Who Slacked Me: Slack Honeypots, Turf Wars, and the HR Tech Hunger Games02 avr. 202500:45:28

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🎧 Special Edition – Oh Shit, What’s Happened Now?

This is one of those moments when we pause our scheduled programming because something in the news is just too wild to ignore.

In this special edition of The Elephant in the Org, we dive headfirst into the explosive lawsuit between HR tech giants Rippling and Deel — featuring Slack honeypots, alleged corporate spying, stolen sales data, and actual RICO charges (yes, the kind usually reserved for organized crime).

Rippling says Deel recruited a mole who conducted thousands of unauthorized internal searches to steal client data — all caught via a fake Slack channel set up as a digital trap. Deel says the whole thing is overblown. Meanwhile, the HR tech community is left wondering… who do we trust now?

We unpack:

  • What this means for psychological safety in high-growth tech
  • Whether surveillance culture is becoming the new norm
  • How this could shake employee trust, not just in vendors — but in work itself

And of course, we reflect on what this kind of chaos means for managers, employees, and all of us caught somewhere between hustle culture and HR values. Is this just startup life? Or have we officially entered the HR Tech Hunger Games?

LINK TO SHOW NOTES 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

The Fakecation Crisis: Why We Suck at Taking Time Off19 mars 202500:37:44

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Ever come back from a vacation feeling like you need… another vacation? Welcome to the Fakecation Crisis—where we take time off but somehow end up just as exhausted (or more) than before.

In this episode, Marion, Cacha, and Danny rank different types of time off based on how rejuvenating (or soul-sucking) they actually are. From all-inclusive beach lounging to visiting family (a.k.a. free labor disguised as a trip), we’re breaking down why so many of us are bad at unplugging—and how to actually take a break that works.

We discuss:
✅ The most rejuvenating vs. most draining types of time off
✅ Why your PTO shouldn’t involve a group chat, guilt, or a to-do list
✅ The surprising psychology behind why we self-sabotage rest
✅ How to stop treating vacations like productivity sprints

Whether you’re planning a getaway or just fantasizing about one, this episode is your permission slip to actually rest.

Link to Shownotes 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Strong, Silent, and Suffering: Miscarriage, Motherhood, and the Workplace with Ashley Kera05 mars 202500:59:04

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Pregnancy loss, infertility, and the challenges of motherhood remain some of the biggest workplace taboos—until now. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, co-hosts Marion, Cacha, and Danny sit down with Ashley Kera to break the silence around miscarriage, the emotional toll of pregnancy in the workplace, and the impossible balancing act so many women face when navigating career and family.

Ashley shares her own journey—one marked by loss, resilience, and tough choices—and unpacks the unspoken pressures that working mothers and aspiring parents experience every day. From outdated policies to workplace shame, we dive into why so many suffer in silence and what organizations (and individuals) can do to change that.

  • Why is pregnancy loss still so difficult to talk about at work?
  • How do corporate cultures contribute to shame and silence?
  • What policies actually support working parents—and which ones just look good on paper?
  • How can managers and colleagues show real support?

Whether you've experienced this firsthand, know someone who has, or just want to be a better ally in the workplace, this episode is a must-listen.

Guest Spotlight:
Ashley Kera is the founder of Kera Coaching & Consulting LLC, specializing in talent strategy, people operations, and leadership development. With 13+ years of experience, she helps startups and mid-sized organizations solve complex talent challenges while driving retention and performance. She holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and an Organizational Coaching Certification from Columbia University, bringing a people-first approach to every challenge she tackles.

Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

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💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Burnout Isn’t a Personal Failure – It’s a Systemic Sh*tshow with Cassandra Babilya02 mars 202501:00:18

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Burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systemic problem. 

Ever been told to do more with less? Yeah, us too. And we’re calling bullshit.

In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha sit down with the one and only Cassandra Babilya, creator of Make Work Suck Less, career coach, employee experience leader, and oh yeah—ex-spy (which is possibly the coolest career pivot ever).

🔥 We break down the burnout math behind why your workload keeps increasing while your headcount shrinks.
🔥 We expose how toxic performance reviews and forced rankings keep companies running their people into the ground.
🔥 We dig into why so many people feel trapped in jobs that are killing them—and what to do about it.

Cassandra brings the receipts on how burnout works, how companies create it (spoiler: it’s not accidental), and what needs to change. Whether you're a leader looking to break the cycle or an employee wondering why you feel like absolute garbage by Thursday, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Resources & Links

Connect with Cassandra Babilya:
➡️ LinkedIn
➡️ Make Work Suck Less – Newsletter

Read More from Cassandra:
📖 We’re All Burned Out
📖 All the Ways Burnout Sucks
📖 Six Ways Your Job is Driving Burnout
📖 The Burnout Off-Ramp: 10 Ways to Reclaim Your Energy
📖 How to Harness More Inspiration & Motivation at Work

Cassandra’s Book:
You Got This: Annual Intentions. Weekly Reflection. Daily Gratitude - Available on Amazon

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

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💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Disability Isn’t the Problem - Your Workplace Is with Lia Seth05 févr. 202500:59:38

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 If your workplace isn’t actively inclusive, it’s actively exclusive.

In this episode, we’re calling out the ableism hiding in your workplace—from HR’s internalized biases to managers who don’t know what they don’t know to “inclusion” efforts that are all show, no substance.

🔥 What’s Inside:
✔️ The jaw-dropping story of a manager who told Lia not to use her wheelchair in front of clients
✔️ How HR’s “I struggled, so you should too” mindset is failing disabled employees
✔️ Why equality ≠ equity—and what real inclusion looks like
✔️ Performative allyship vs. real change (yes, we’re naming names)
✔️ The hidden ableism in return-to-office mandates—and why flexibility is a disability issue

Ableism isn’t a disability issue—it’s a workplace issue. Let’s fix it.

⭐ Love the episode? Leave a review & share it!

 Connect with Our Guest:
Lia Seth on LinkedIn

Link to Show Notes

Disability Reimagined: From Red Tape to Real Access is a collaborative initiative led by The Fearless PX, The Performance Innovation Collective, and Invisible Condition—and we want you to be part of it.

🚀 Want to get involved? Ready to rethink disability in your workplace?
👉 Sign up here

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

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💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

What the Actual Zuck? Meta, Masculinity, and the DEI Backlash22 janv. 202500:45:52

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Mark Zuckerberg is back in the headlines—this time for claiming that workplaces need more "masculine energy"and blaming Sheryl Sandberg for Meta’s past DEI initiatives. But is this just another case of tech bro nonsense, or is there a bigger political and corporate strategy at play?

In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Cacha, and Marion dive deep into:
✔️ Marion’s viral LinkedIn post on Zuckerberg’s comments—and the firestorm it ignited.
✔️ What “masculine energy” actually means in the workplace—are we just rebranding toxic hustle culture?
✔️ Meta’s DEI rollback—coinciding with Zuck’s meeting with Trump and Stephen Miller (not a coincidence).
✔️ The corporate trend—some companies like Apple are doubling down on DEI, while others like Meta and Amazon are backing away.
✔️ What this means for leadership, workplace safety, and culture moving forward.

📢 What do you think? Is this just another tech bro flex, or should we be worried about a larger rollback on inclusivity and psychological safety in the workplace?

🔗 References:
📝 Marion’s viral LinkedIn post → Read here
📰 HuffPost: Mark Zuckerberg’s “Masculine Energy” Comment Sparks Backlash → Read here
📰 Men’s Health: Zuckerberg’s “Masculine Energy” and the Workplace Debate → Read here
📰 Economic Times: Zuckerberg Blames Sandberg for DEI Initiatives → Read here
📰 Axios: Meta’s DEI Rollback & Trump’s Influence → Read here
📰 Politico: Zuckerberg Aligning with Trump’s New Administration → Read here
📖 Karen Warren’s Ecological Feminism → Read here


📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Disruption with a Cause - The Leadership Skill of Harnessing Dissent08 janv. 202500:42:06

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In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha take on a leadership game-changer: how to transform dissent from a workplace disruption into a strategic driver of progress. The hosts explore why embracing rebels and fostering a culture of constructive dissent is critical for organizations to innovate, adapt, and thrive. Spoiler: it all starts with empowering middle managers.

  • Why dissent matters: Avoiding stagnation and fostering innovation hinges on inviting diverse perspectives.
  • Middle managers as changemakers: How training them early in psychological safety and facilitation skills creates a pipeline of inclusive leaders.
  • Lessons from Gallipoli: What leadership in the trenches teaches us about empowering those on the front lines.
  • Insights from Annie Duke’s Thinking in Bets: How probabilistic thinking encourages smarter decision-making and healthier debates.
  • Toxic cultures and short-term thinking: Why silencing dissent is a recipe for failure—and how to flip the narrative to prioritize long-term success.

The conversation also highlights the real-world challenges of creating a culture of dissent and why middle managers hold the key to breaking echo chambers and driving organizational innovation.

Link to Show Notes

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

2024: The Year of Hybrid Headaches and DEI Disasters17 déc. 202400:58:09

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From hybrid work hiccups to the turbulence in DEI initiatives, 2024 has been a whirlwind for HR and workplace culture. In this special year-end wrap-up of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha reflect on the defining “elephants” of the year.

We’re diving into the challenges that shaped the workplace, sharing key lessons from the year’s most heated debates, and unpacking how companies can avoid repeating their mistakes in 2025. Plus, we reveal what trends we’re most excited (and wary) about heading into the new year.

💡 Highlights from this episode:

  • Why hybrid work sparked more frustration than flexibility in 2024.
  • The downfall of performative DEI efforts—and how organizations can do better.
  • Lessons from our expert guests on building psychological safety and trust.
  • The workplace wins we’re celebrating and the mistakes we’ll leave behind.
  • What’s next for The Elephant in the Org in 2025.

📢 Special Mention:
We’ve collated a list of the most influential thought leaders shaping workplace culture, hybrid work, and DEI in 2024. Explore their insights and connect with them by checking out the full list in our show notes.

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Psychological Safety or Bust: Why Companies Keep Getting Wellness Totally Wrong11 déc. 202400:45:29

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Employee wellness programs are everywhere, but are they actually making a difference? In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha tackle the big questions about workplace wellness. From flashy perks and meditation apps to the critical need for psychological safety, we’re breaking down why so many wellness initiatives fall flat—and what companies need to do differently.

💡 Highlights from this episode:

  • Why wellness programs often fail to move from intent to impact.
  • The role of middle managers as the unsung heroes (and burnout victims) of workplace wellness.
  • How return-to-office policies are taking a toll on employee health, especially for those with disabilities.
  • The toxic trap of hustle culture—and why it’s time to let it go.
  • Practical steps to embed well-being into your organization’s culture all year round.

📢 Special Mention:
Marion shares details about her Ph.D. research on psychological safety and return-to-office policies. If you’re U.S.-based, work in the knowledge sector, and have been with your employer for six months or more, we’d love for you to participate! Help shape this critical research by completing the survey here: https://lnkd.in/gsNm9BKC

Join the Conversation:
How is your workplace tackling wellness? Are the efforts impactful or just another checkbox exercise? We want to hear your stories!

Articles Referenced:
Gallup: Despite Employer Prioritization, Employee Well-Being Falters

HBR: How Carewashing Alienates Employees

Show Notes

🐘 Let’s keep addressing the elephants in the org.



📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

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💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Gratitude in the Workplace: All Fur Coat and No Knickers? - The Thanksgiving Special!27 nov. 202400:45:28

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Happy Thanksgiving! This week, we’re serving up a hearty helping of gratitude—but is it heartfelt or just for show?

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha carve into the complex world of workplace thankfulness. 

Are annual "thank-you" emails and pizza parties really enough? Or are they just, as Marion says,  "all fur coat and no knickers?"

We discuss why performative gratitude often misses the mark and explore what it takes to make appreciation feel authentic and meaningful.

In this episode, we explore:
✅ The difference between performative and authentic gratitude (and why it matters).
✅ Why recognition programs and ritualized thank-yous can sometimes tick the wrong boxes.
✅ How managers can build authentic connections with their teams (spoiler: no pizza parties!).
✅ The gratitude gap: Why middle managers need more support to foster appreciation.

Plus, we share our personal reflections on gratitude this year and invite you to join the conversation about what true appreciation looks like in the workplace.

Whether you’re reflecting on how you recognize your team or rolling your eyes at yet another empty corporate "thank you" email, this special Thanksgiving episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the real impact of gratitude at work.

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Is ‘Work Family’ Just Corporate Love-Bombing in Disguise?20 nov. 202400:33:51

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In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, we’re tackling the controversial “work family” narrative. Is calling your workplace a family a sign of authentic connection, or is it just another way to blur boundaries and exploit loyalty?

Join Danny, Marion, and Cacha as they explore:

  • The red flags behind the "work family" narrative.
  • Why this language gives some people “the ick” and others a sense of belonging.
  • How workplace culture can foster real bonds without manipulation.
  • The fine line between psychological safety and toxic expectations.

From corporate love-bombing to performative culture, we’re breaking down what it really means to feel connected at work—and how companies can get it right (or very wrong).

Referenced Articles:
📄 We Need to Stop Referring to Work as Family—Here’s Why
📄 Company Culture: Why You Shouldn’t Refer to Your Team as a Family
📄 The Myth of Workplace Family and What Leadership Can Do to Cultivate Authentic Engagement
📄 The Toxic Effects of Branding Your Workplace a Family

Participate in Marion’s PhD Research:
Help shape the future of work by participating in Marion’s research survey on employees’ experiences with remote, hybrid, and in-office work, and how these affect psychological safety. Your insights will contribute to understanding workplace dynamics in a post-pandemic world.

👉 Take the survey here.

Listen now and decide: Is "work family" a comfort, a red flag, or something else entirely?



📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Elephants, Elections, and Office Anxiety – Oh My!30 oct. 202400:43:45

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Election season is upon us, and it’s not just your social media feed that’s feeling the heat—your workplace is, too. In this episode of *The Elephant in the Org*, hosts Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora tackle the tension that creeps into offices during politically charged times. From navigating differing opinions at work to managing post-election anxieties, we explore how to maintain psychological safety when emotions run high.  

Is it possible to keep things civil in the office when things get messy outside? Should organizations offer moderated spaces for political conversations, or are they just asking for trouble? And how do we support colleagues who might be struggling after the election without turning the workplace into a battlefield?  

It’s a lively, thoughtful discussion on what happens when *the personal becomes professional*. Whether you’re managing a team, navigating political conversations, or just trying to survive the watercooler talk, this episode offers practical insights with a healthy dose of humor.  

Tune in to hear our take on how to stay sane, civil, and connected at work—even when the world feels anything but.

Link to show notes 

**Referenced Articles and Books:**  

- [Navigating Politics in the Workplace During a Divisive Election Year]

- [How to Guide Your Workplace Through the 2024 Election Season]

- [Navigating Pre- and Post-Election Tensions in the Workplace: Part I]

- [2024 Election Impact on the Workplace]

- [What Employers Need to Know About Employee Voting Leave]

- [NPR: Death Threats and Harassment – 2024 Election Workers Are Already Scared]

- [Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know]



📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Caught in the Crossfire: Middle Managers vs. The C-Suite Disconnect16 oct. 202400:41:25

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In this explosive episode, Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora dive deep into the turbulent world of middle management. Inspired by the recent MSN article "Being a middle manager is getting increasingly toxic," our hosts explore whether it's the hardest it's ever been for those caught between the C-suite and the frontlines.

Our hosts unpack:

  • The growing toxicity in middle management roles
  • Why focusing on managers might be more crucial than employee experience
  • The dangerous disconnect between C-suite expectations and on-the-ground realities
  • How the push for efficiency might be crushing innovation and morale
  • The critical need for psychological safety in fostering effective leadership

From "time and attendance police" to "mouthpieces for bad news," we explore middle managers’ evolving and often thankless role. Are they set up to fail from the get-go? How can organizations better support these crucial linchpins?

Join us for a no-holds-barred discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh perspectives on empowering middle management. Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring manager, or simply interested in organizational dynamics, this episode is a must-listen.

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation. Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and let us know your thoughts!

Do you have an organizational elephant you want to discuss? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

Link to show notes 

**Reference:**

MSN. (2024). "Being a middle manager is getting more and more toxic." 

#MiddleManagement #LeadershipChallenges #OrganizationalDynamics #WorkplaceCulture #TheElephantInTheOrg




📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Dopamine Dealers: The Case for Professional Playfulness02 oct. 202400:52:16

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We are back! Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of "The Elephant in the Org"! 

Danny, Cacha, and Marion are thrilled to kick off a new season, bringing you fresh insights into workplace dynamics and organizational culture. While Marion is on assignment for this episode, Danny and Cacha are excited to welcome a very special guest: Acey Holmes, founder of BoredLess.

Acey is a playful work design consultant who's about to shake up everything you thought you knew about productivity and workplace enjoyment. With her vibrant energy and engaging style, Acey is transforming corporate cultures one playful interaction at a time.

As the mastermind behind BoredLess, Acey has made it her mission to revolutionize work environments by seamlessly weaving flexibility, purpose, psychological safety, and inclusion into the fabric of everyday work life. Her secret weapon? The power of play and flow.

Acey's unique blend of experience in education, speech-language pathology, and a deep understanding of neuroscience allows her to translate complex concepts into relatable, actionable strategies. As a TEDx and 4x DisruptHR speaker, she's inspired countless teams to unlock their creativity and foster collaboration in ways they never thought possible.

In this episode, Danny and Cacha dive deep with Acey into the world of playful work design. They explore how something as simple as an "emotional support pickle" on your desk can boost productivity, and why treating your workday like a strategy game might be the key to unlocking your potential.

Get ready for a conversation that will challenge your perceptions, tickle your funny bone, and maybe even inspire you to bring a little more play into your workday. It's time to get BoredLess and discover the elephant in the org – the untapped power of playfulness at work!


You can connect with Acey here

You can find this episode's show notes here

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Oh Shit, What Happened Now? Bonus Episode: "Alexa, Define 'Workplace Flexibility'... Amazon Style"25 sept. 202400:23:40

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Amazon's return-to-office mandate (sort-of) shocks the tech industry! 

Join The Elephant in the Org for a pre-season special as your favorite Fearless PX trio, Danny, Marion, and Cacha, analyze this game-changing decision.

Is Amazon redefining workplace flexibility or taking a step backward? We're dissecting this 5-day in-office requirement, covering:

• Debunking the myth: Does in-office presence really build company culture?

• Remote work vs. office work: Impact on employee productivity and job satisfaction

• Hybrid work models: Are they the future of work?

• The great return: How will this affect work-life balance and employee retention?

Plus, we'll brainstorm ideas for all that office space. A coworking hub for Amazon sellers, perhaps?  

If AWS can operate in the cloud, why can't Amazon employees?

Don't miss this data-driven, witty exploration of the corporate bombshell that's reshaping the tech workplace. 

Mark your calendars: Season 2 of The Elephant in the Org launches Wednesday, October 2nd!

Tune in now and join the debate. 

Inspired by: "Working in the office 5 days a week to build company culture is a myth, PwC report says" - MSN Money

You can find the show notes here: 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Our Season 1 Wrap-up24 juil. 202400:22:14

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As we close the chapter on Season 1 of The Elephant in the Org, join hosts Marion, Cacha, and Danny for a heartfelt reflection on our journey so far. In this special finale episode, we look back at the highs, the laughs, and the eye-opening moments that have shaped our podcast.

We'll reminisce about our favorite guests, from Jessica Donahue's candid talk on workplace trauma to Neil Pretty's thought-provoking discussion on psychological safety as a KPI. We'll share how these conversations have educated us and inspired change in our professional practices.

But it's not all nostalgia - we've got some news to share! Tune in to hear about our upcoming summer hiatus and why we're taking this important break. Don't worry, though - we've got some teasers about what to expect when we return in the fall for Season 2.

Whether you've been with us since episode one or just discovered us now, this wrap-up is the perfect way to celebrate the impact of open, honest conversations about the elephants in our orgs. Plus, we've got some exciting calls to action that will keep you engaged during our break.

So grab your favorite beverage, find a comfy spot, and join us for this season finale. Let's raise a toast to breaking down barriers, challenging norms, and continuing to evolve the world of HR together.

Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss our return in the fall. The elephant in the org may be taking a vacation, but trust us - it'll be back with even more to trumpet about!

Link to show notes.

Links to contact our amazing guests:
Adam Horne

Alastair Clarkson

Paula Brockwell

Ben O’Mahony

Hector Lujan Jnr

Jessica Donahue

Josie Batres

Michelle Minnikin 

Neil Pretty

Kim Minnick

Adam Weber

Ruth Crick

Jim Bentley

Greer Procich

Jim D’Angelo

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Bonus Episode - Oh Shit What's Happened Now? SHRM Drops the E Bomb!15 juil. 202400:22:55

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In an unexpected turn of events, SHRM has set the HR world ablaze with its shocking announcement to remove "equity" from its DEI acronym. As the HR community erupts in a chorus of disbelief and disappointment, we couldn't resist sharing our thoughts.

Join our Fearless PX trio Danny, Cacha, and Marion as they unpack this bombshell decision, exploring its implications for the HR profession and the future of workplace equity. Listen as they dissect SHRM's reasoning, analyze the community's passionate response, and ponder what this means for the evolution of HR practices.

But wait, there's more! Stick around for Danny's satirical eulogy to "equity" - a bittersweet farewell that'll have you laughing through the tears.

Whether you're an HR professional, a DEI advocate, or just someone who cares about workplace fairness, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a candid, no-holds-barred discussion on one of the most controversial HR decisions in recent memory.

Don't miss this special "Oh Shit, What Happened?" bonus episode of The Elephant in the Org. The equity may be gone, but the conversation is just heating up!

Upcoming Events: 

Join the roundtable discussion held by the Performance Innovation Collective and The Fearless PX on July 18th, 3-4 PM Eastern. Panelists Adam Horn, Jennifer Laurie and Catalina Coleman will be featured, co-moderated by Danny Gluch and Elena from PIC. Sign up here! 

Link to Episode Show Notes 



📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

From Quiet Quitting to Stealth Sunbathing: The Evolution of Workplace Rebellion10 juil. 202400:48:57

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In this eye-opening episode of The Elephant in the Org, hosts Marion, Cacha, and Danny tackle the latest trend in workplace rebellion: quiet vacationing. Inspired by a recent Korn Ferry article, our hosts dive deep into this stealthy practice where employees take time off without explicitly informing their employers.

Are your zoom backgrounds more present than you are? Is your cubicle turning into a secret escape hatch? We're uncovering it all!

Key discussion points include:

  • The art of the virtual vanishing act
  • Trust falls and quiet calls: navigating modern work culture
  • Why your best talent might be on a secret staycation
  • Moving beyond managerial whack-a-mole

Whether you're a manager wondering where your team disappeared to, or an employee considering a stealth sunbathing session, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable advice.

Join us as we explore how to create workplaces where employees don't need to play hide and seek for a mental health day. It's time to talk about trust, flexibility, and the future of work – no background required!

Tune in, turn up, and let's tackle the elephant in the org together!

The Telltale Signs of Quiet Vacationing

Link to Show Notes

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

The Swinging Pendulum: Moving Beyond Polarities in Organizational Culture with Jim D'Angelo.26 juin 202400:50:26

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In this insightful episode of the Elephant in the Org Podcast, Jim D'Angelo, Founder of Heartwired, joins hosts Marion Anderson, Danny Gluch, and Cacha Dora to explore the intricate balance between inclusion and exclusion in the workplace. The discussion centers around "Compassionate Excellence," which emphasizes caring for people while maintaining high-performance standards.

Jim illuminates the dangers of poorly executed inclusion practices, which can result in organizational chaos and a lack of accountability. He emphasizes the crucial role of consistent leadership and encourages managers to engage in uncomfortable conversations to promote growth and trust among employees.

The conversation also delves into the influence of ego and self-perception on receiving feedback and how leaders can address these challenges using techniques such as nonviolent communication. Jim introduces the notion of inviting employees to actively opt-in to the organization's culture rather than presuming their inclusion.

Throughout the episode, the group analyzes the "swinging pendulum" of organizational culture, where companies frequently oscillate between extremes like centralization and decentralization. Jim proposes moving beyond these polarities and adopting a contextual approach that harnesses the strengths of both ends of the spectrum.

Listeners will discover valuable insights on fostering a culture of psychological safety, vulnerability, and leadership that acknowledges the complexities of inclusion and exclusion. The discussion also highlights the significance of finding the right fit for employees within an organization, using the metaphor of "the right seat on the bus."

Link to show notes.

You can contact Jim here. 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

The Feedback Failure: Why Most Companies Suck at Performance Conversations with Greer Procich12 juin 202400:50:08

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Are your performance conversations falling flat? You're not alone. In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, hosts Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora are joined by special guest Greer Procich to explore why most companies struggle with effective performance management and continuous feedback. 

Discover the key barriers holding organizations back from meaningful performance conversations, such as lack of manager training, outdated annual review processes, and the need for better integration into daily workflows. Learn why leadership buy-in and accountability are critical for creating a feedback-rich culture.

Greer shares her insights on the importance of equipping managers with the tools and skills they need to coach their teams and provide constructive feedback. The group discusses strategies for making feedback a habit and shifting the focus from evaluation to professional development.

Join the conversation as the hosts and Greer offer practical advice for HR professionals looking to be strategic partners in implementing effective performance management practices. Whether you're a leader aiming to boost team performance or an employee seeking more meaningful feedback, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Don't miss this engaging discussion on transforming performance conversations in your organization! Subscribe to The Elephant in the Org podcast for more episodes exploring the challenges and opportunities in modern workplaces. Together, let's create a more positive, engaging, and growth-oriented culture.

This episode's show notes can be found  here
You can connect with Greer here.  

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Friendship Famine: The Declining State of Work Besties29 mai 202400:33:47

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Are your work friendships fading away? You're not alone. In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, hosts Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora dive into the declining state of work besties and its impact on employee engagement, happiness, and retention. Inspired by a recent Korn Ferry article, they explore the factors contributing to this trend, such as remote work, high turnover, and the time investment required to build close bonds in the workplace.

Discover why having a close friend at work is crucial for job satisfaction and how organizations can foster social connections in a remote or hybrid setting. Learn about the negative effects of isolation on senior leaders and the importance of creating safe spaces for team bonding.

Join the conversation as the hosts share insights on navigating the friendship famine and offer actionable tips for cultivating meaningful relationships at work. Whether you're a leader looking to boost team morale or an employee seeking to connect with colleagues, this episode is for you.

Don't miss out on this engaging discussion! Subscribe to The Elephant in the Org podcast and never miss an episode exploring the challenges and opportunities in modern workplaces. Together, let's create a more positive, engaging, and innovative organizational culture.


You can find the Korn Ferry Article Here 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at elephant@thefearlesspx.com

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

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