Explore every episode of the podcast The Grey Areas Podcast with Kelsey Donlon
Dive into the complete episode list for The Grey Areas Podcast with Kelsey Donlon. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Duration
Rediscovering Passion and Purpose in Content Creation and Entrepreneurship with Danielle Moss
17 Jul 2024
00:51:32
Welcome back to another episode of The Grey Areas Podcast! I am thrilled to be here with you all again, diving into inspiring stories and meaningful conversations. Today, I am joined by the incredible Danielle Moss, a true powerhouse in the world of content creation and entrepreneurship.
Danielle's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As the founder of The Everygirl and The Everymom, and co-founder of Anecdote, Danielle has carved out a path that blends passion, purpose, and profound resilience. Her story took a significant turn when her daughter's cancer diagnosis prompted her to reevaluate her priorities, leading to a renewed focus on both personal happiness and professional fulfilment. Since then, Danielle has welcomed a third child and embraced a balanced life that allows her to create content that deeply resonates with her audience.
Today, we delve into Danielle's evolution through challenges, the pivotal role of trusting her instincts, and the intricacies of entrepreneurship. Join us as we explore her journey from starting her blog in 2007 to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and advocate for women's empowerment.
Listen in for more: • 6:15 - The beginning of Danielle’s blog and its transformative evolution over the years. • 10:30 - The time in Danielle’s life where she jumped into entrepreneurship as a blog designer. • 19:45 - The inception of The Everygirl and the dynamics of building and leading a team. • 27:30 - Networks that helped her overcome the early stage hardships or challenges of entrepreneurship. • 34:00 - Danielle’s decision to sell half her company and how it impacted her life, as well as prompting her to support others in similar situations. • 40:00 - A glimpse into Danielle’s daily life and how she balances her various roles with grace and purpose. • 46:15 - Cubicle Confessions: Making a career change with financial risk.
Tune in to hear Danielle Moss's inspiring journey firsthand and discover invaluable lessons in resilience, intuition, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. This episode promises to enlighten and empower you on your own path to success.
HR Visionary Stephanie Lemek Gives Us the Tools to Build Trauma-Informed Workplaces
19 Jun 2024
01:02:16
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Grey Area’s Podcast! This week, I am thrilled to sit down with Stephanie Lemek, a seasoned Culture, Talent, and HR expert with over 16 years of experience. Stephanie's journey spans from large-scale corporations to dynamic startups, where she has honed her expertise in HR, culture, and talent strategy. With a special focus on the built environment, Stephanie supports construction and engineering teams, navigating their unique challenges and rewards.
Stephanie is deeply passionate about creating inclusive organizational cultures where everyone can thrive. Her research in trauma-informed workplaces is groundbreaking, helping leaders understand and address the impacts of trauma on employee engagement and well-being.
In this episode, we delve into critical topics: • 12:15 - Workplace and HR strategies tailored for the construction industry. • 18:15 - Tactical examples of creating trauma-aware workplaces. • 21:30 - 7 principles of trauma-informed workplaces. • 27:30 - How to implement and measure the impact of these principles. • 34:00 - Various power dynamics within organizations. • 40:00 - Insights into how the 7 principles can aid new managers facing challenges in their roles. • 54:00 - Cubicle Confessions segment: work-life balance and specific challenges new managers encounter.
Join us as we uncover strategies to foster supportive workplaces and enhance employee engagement. Tune in for an episode packed with practical advice and deep insights into creating thriving organizational cultures. If you found value in today's discussion, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast on your favourite listening platform!
Welcome To The Grey Areas Podcast - we are SUPER excited to have you! Curious what that means? Well...
The Grey Areas Podcast with Kelsey Donlon is ready to disrupt corporate America! This is a space for candid conversations and deep dives into the complexities of the workplace. The mission: to empower women with transparent, inspiring narratives and challenge the status quo in corporate culture.
Grey Areas is a safe, non-judgemental digital platform, podcast and community that inspires and empowers women to navigate the grey areas in the workplace. So what does that mean? Well, the ‘grey area’ is an ill-defined situation…or in other words, it’s murky AF. Kelsey is here to help make this vague situation, much clearer. This community and podcast will hold corporations, executives and Human Resources accountable by leveraging legal education, transparency, and shared stories to drive change.
Each episode will tackle aspects of the grey area; managing anxiety in the workplace, tension between coworkers or managers, understanding employer boundaries, working with HR in an appropriate and effective way, navigating job loss, and so much more. So tune in, to hear Kelsey and her guests share a wealth of information and to be part of a safe space for people who have a hard time navigating the toxic workplace.
Creating a Culture of Inclusivity: Insights from Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity, and Impact at Carta
10 Apr 2024
00:42:43
Welcome to another episode of The Grey Areas Podcast! Joining me today is none other than the amazing Mita Mallick! She is currently the Chief Diversity Officer at Carta and has had an extensive career as a marketer in the beauty and consumer products good space. Her passion for change in the workforce around inclusion led her to write the Wall Street Journal and US Today’s bestseller ‘Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace.’ With many more impressive titles from co-host of the Brown Table Talk podcast, to LinkedIn Top Voice and DEI Thought Leader, Mita can be recognized as a corporate change maker.
Be a part of this conversation as we speak on inclusion and exclusion in the workplace and hear about Mita's personal experiences and the insights she has acquired throughout her impressive career!
Tune in to hear: • 2:00 - Mita’s personal journey: How inclusion and exclusion have driven her. • 5:40 - Social media’s role in fostering inclusion and company initiatives. • 8:50 - Leadership impact on diversity, inclusion and our personal responsibility for change. • 10:50 - Organizations strategies for measuring inclusion impact – narrowing down focus and making traction. • 13:00 - Evolution and challenges of diversity and inclusion in corporate settings. • 17:20 - Effectiveness of diversity, inclusion, and equity in hybrid and virtual work environments. • 20:42 - Inspiration behind writing ‘Reimagine inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace’ and readers' responses. • 29:30 - Mita’s experiences with grey areas and toxicity in the workplace. • 33:55 - Cubicle confessions: Gender bias, feeling excluded and dismissed despite expertise, wanting to promote diversity and inclusion in your company.
Do you have an anonymous Cubicle Confession you liked to share or ask about? Your experiences hold the power to inspire and guide others facing similar challenges! Head to https://greyareas.com/cubicle-confessions to write or record your message!
Thank you for joining me on another podcast adventure! If you found value in this episode, I'd greatly appreciate your support by subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast. Your engagement helps us in our mission to uplift women through candid, motivational stories, and to push boundaries in corporate norms!
Hiring, Firing & Managing with Jaclyn Johnson, Founder of Create & Cultivate and Cherub
10 Apr 2024
00:49:18
Welcome to the first episode of The Grey Areas Podcast! I am so excited to also invite my first guest Jaclyn Johnson to the show! A powerhouse and serial entrepreneur with an impressive track record, Jaclyn sold her first business by the time she was 28 and went on to launch and sell her second multimillion-dollar company, Create & Cultivate - before the age of 35. As an entrepreneur, Jaclyn recognized a gap in resources, events, and community for female entrepreneurs, and created Create & Cultivate as a solution, the first-of-kind platform that incorporated brands of all sizes and categories to uplift female entrepreneurs.This passion for supporting underrepresented founders has led her to create Cherub, a double-sided marketplace bridging the gap between founders and funders.
Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of everything surrounding hiring, firing and managing and a look into the leadership wisdom and advice Jaclyn has gained over her extensive career thus far!
Tune in to hear: • 3:30 - Qualities Jacyln looked for when hiring in her first business vs. hiring now. • 6:42 - How to figure out if someone is a good fit for the culture of a company and strategies for finding top talent. • 15:00 - Mastering systems and processes when onboarding new clients, as well as establishing critical feedback loops and valuable existing interviews. • 25:00 - Navigating the post-pandemic world with hybrid employees and how the idea of good leadership has changed in the workplace. • 31:55 - How to go about firing, and experiencing rejection from a job yourself. • 37:05 - Resetting after burnout and learning how to protect your boundaries and energy. • 43:01 - Cubicle Confessions: When you don’t get promoted, blending employees and the pressure of not disappointing your employer.
Do you have an anonymous Cubicle Confession you liked to share or ask about? Your experiences hold the power to inspire and guide others facing similar challenges! Head to https://greyareas.com/cubicle-confessions to write or record your message!
Thank you for embarking on this podcast journey with me! If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it if you could take a moment to subscribe, rate and review this podcast so we can continue to empower women with transparent, inspiring narratives and challenge the status quo in corporate culture!
Conscious Leadership Expert Ginny Clarke on Leading Effectively in a Rapidly Changing World
05 Jun 2024
00:51:45
Welcome back to another episode of The Grey Areas podcast! This week, we are thrilled to be joined by the incredible Ginny Clarke. Ginny is a world-renowned conscious leadership expert, sought-after speaker, author, instructor, and advisor. Her approach to leadership is rooted in the five dimensions of conscious leadership, which encourages leaders to deepen their self-awareness, embrace their truth, inspire love, expand their consciousness, and activate their mastery. Ginny empowers individuals to become radically accountable and fosters a space for healthy, authentic leadership.
With over 30 years of expertise in executive recruiting and talent management, Ginny has held leadership roles at Google and Spencer Stuart. Among her many accomplishments, she is the author of "Career Mapping: Charting Your Course in a New World of Work" and the host of the Fifth Dimensional Leadership podcast. Ginny teaches people to demonstrate empathy, honour their competency, and drive positive change and growth.
In this episode, Ginny sits down with us to discuss conscious leadership and building inclusive work cultures. Tune in to hear more on:
6:30 - How to lead from the soul.
11:30 - The five dimensions of conscious leadership.
20:30 - Finding the courage and bravery to uphold boundaries.
23:30 - The first steps to instil action and change in senior roles.
25:30 - Burnout: How it affects leaders and how to work through it
31:30 - Practical ways to approach uncertain corporate situations.
43:10 - Cubicle Confessions: Conflict, negativity, and high-pressure positions.
Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), Retaliation and Discrimination in the Workplace with Employment Law Attorney Craig Levey
29 May 2024
00:39:32
Welcome back to The Grey Area’s podcast! We're thrilled to welcome our next guest, Craig Levey, who you may recognize from TikTok where he shares his expertise. Craig is an employment and business attorney, using social media to advise workers on corporate behavior. On his TikTok page, Craig addresses many common red flags in corporate environments today.
Craig’s practice focuses on civil litigation with a specialization in employment and business matters. He represents both individuals and companies, handling cases related to discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, wage claims, and partnership disputes. With extensive experience in federal, superior, and district courts, Craig is here to discuss employment law, Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), retaliation, and discrimination in the workplace!
Tune in to learn more about: • 3:30 - The most important rights employees should be aware of in the workplace. • 4:50 - Practical steps employees can take if they feel their rights have been violated. • 8:00 - Performance Improvement Plans (P.I.Ps) – What are they? • 13:30 - Defining retaliation and how to prove it. • 17:45 - Discrimination in the workplace and how prevalent is it? • 24:40 - What to do if you think you are about to be fired and questions to ask. • 32:50 - Cubicle Confessions: Dealing with unclear P.I.Ps and navigating harassment.
Don't miss this insightful episode packed with valuable information for employees navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.
Brand Social Media, Mentorship & Employer Branding with Kate Winick
22 May 2024
01:07:44
I am so excited to welcome the next guest onto The Grey Area’s podcast this week, Kate Winick! Kate is a powerhouse in the realm of social media strategies and brand building, bringing her extensive experience as a fractional social leader consultant. She has served as the head of social at Peloton and led initiatives at Who What Wear, Clique Media, and ELLE Magazine. Some of her recent clients include Fossil Group, StubHub, The Aspen Group, and many more. Kate’s expertise extends beyond traditional marketing roles, as she is also an accomplished writer and editor. As a mentor and leader in her field, Kate is dedicated to nurturing social media teams and fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.
Join us today for an exclusive front-row seat to Kate’s insights and wisdom on mastering the art of social media and building brands that stand the test of time. Listen in as we dive into all things social media strategy, mentorship, and branding!
Tune in for more on: • 16:00 - The best and worst: Working on a social team at a large company. • 21:00 - How Kate demonstrated the value of her work and her team's efforts to essential stakeholders. • 29:15 - Transitioning from managing social media as a career to doing it for herself. • 34:00 - The most important qualities of a mentor and Kate’s approach to mentoring. • 38:30 - Key advice for non-social team members working with a brand's corporate social team. • 47:00 - Tips for individuals looking to grow their personal social media channels while adhering to social media policies. • 59:15 - Cubicle Confessions: Dealing with online trolls, mental health impacts, and internal pressures.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best in the business. Tune in and get ready to elevate your social media game!
Starland Alchemy Founder Whitney Howard on Workaholism and Astrology
15 May 2024
00:53:39
Welcome to this week's episode of The Grey Areas Podcast! Join me as I delve into a captivating conversation with the remarkable Whitney Howard. A powerhouse in her own right, Whitney wears many hats as a business consultant, professional mentor, and evolutionary astrologer based in LA.
In this episode, we explore Whitney's journey from her roles in corporate giants like Disney and Sony Music to founding her own venture, Starland Alchemy. She shares insights on navigating growth, redefining success, and advocating for a new paradigm in the corporate world.
Here's a glimpse of what we discussed: • 5:20 - Breaking down the essential qualities of a mentor and how they contribute to personal and professional growth. • 10:15 - Exploring the role of self-awareness in becoming an effective leader and fostering a positive work culture. • 12:30 - Techniques to maintain balance and prioritize well-being while navigating the demands of a career. • 27:30 - Strategies for dealing with emotional investment in workplace relationships and finding fulfillment in your career. • 39:00 - Dissecting the different types of success and how they can be defined. • 47:30 - Cubicle Confessions: Navigating scrutiny and micromanagement.
Tune in for an enriching discussion on mentorship, career development, astrology, and the pitfalls of workaholism. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the modern workplace and pave the way for a more fulfilling professional journey.
Using AI to Understand and Act on the Employee Voice with CultureX Co-Founder Charlie Sull
08 May 2024
00:45:29
Welcome back to The Grey Areas podcast! This week, we're breaking new ground as we welcome our first male guest, Charlie Sull, to the show. Charlie is not just any guest; he's a true visionary in the realms of corporate culture and artificial intelligence.
Join us as we delve into Charlie's expertise, which has reshaped the landscape of corporate culture understanding. As the co-founder of CultureX, Charlie's data-driven insights have sparked meaningful change across industries worldwide. His work has garnered global recognition, earning him features in prestigious publications like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
In this captivating episode, Charlie shares his unparalleled insights into the intersection of corporate culture and AI. We explore the strategies for enhancing organizational work culture and the intricate analysis of employee feedback and workplace dynamics.
Tune in as we explore: • 8:20 - Unveiling the process behind a culture audit and leveraging AI for transformative insights. • 15:30 - Tactical advice for leaders navigating toxic cultures head-on. • 21:00- The pivotal role of middle managers in shaping work culture dynamics. • 22:30 - Understanding the CEO's pivotal commitment to cultural detox efforts. • 30:20- Exploring the profound impact of workplace stress on organizational culture. • 34:50- Delving into the concept of psychological safety and its transformative power. • 39:00 - Cubicle Confessions: Tackling the challenge of navigating toxic leadership and the indispensable role of HR in fostering cultural change.
Don't miss this enlightening discussion as we unravel the intricacies of corporate culture and chart a course for meaningful transformation!
Do you have an anonymous Cubicle Confession you liked to share or ask about? Your experiences hold the power to inspire and guide others facing similar challenges! Head to https://greyareas.com/cubicle-confessions to write or record your message!
Resilience Rising: Marina Middleton Advice on Personal Branding, Layoffs, and Leadership
01 May 2024
00:54:58
Tune in to the latest episode of The Grey Area's podcast, where we're thrilled to host the incredible Marina Middleton! As a devoted mother, wife, and serial entrepreneur, Marina brings a wealth of experience to the table as CEO of Create & Cultivate. With a career marked by resilience and determination, she's championed women's empowerment in the entrepreneurial sphere. Marina's journey through marketing roles at Yahoo and Tumblr has equipped her with invaluable insights into brand building and career advancement.
Join us as Marina shares her wisdom on personal branding, navigating career shifts, and the art of cultivating your own empire. Through her Empowered Confidence platform, she's empowered countless women to harness their unique narratives and authenticity to forge thriving brands and communities!
Tune in to hear more about: 5:20 - How being an immigrant shaped Marina’s identity today. 7:30 - The transition from corporate to entrepreneurship. 14:45 - The biggest piece of advice for someone in the process of a layoff. 19:20 - Key components of a personal brand. 26:30 - Pitfalls you should avoid when building a personal brand. 39:00 - How Marina honors her own mental health and setting boundaries. 47:00 - Cubicle Confessions: Lack of prioritization, toxic managers, and handling expectations.
Do you have an anonymous Cubicle Confession you liked to share or ask about? Your experiences hold the power to inspire and guide others facing similar challenges! Head to https://greyareas.com/cubicle-confessions to write or record your message!
Former Barstool CEO Erika Ayers Badan on Why Nobody Cares About Your Career
24 Apr 2024
00:49:41
Welcome back to The Grey Area's podcast! This week, we're thrilled to have Erika Ayers Badan, the pioneering CEO of Barstool Sports, join us. A digital innovator and disruptor, Erika has redefined content creation, distribution, and monetization. With a career spanning high-level roles at AOL and Microsoft, Erika brings a wealth of experience to the table.
In this episode, we delve into the core of leadership, career growth, and the often harsh realities of the workplace. Erika shares invaluable insights from her journey and offers candid advice on navigating the corporate landscape. Plus, get a sneak peek into her upcoming book, "Nobody Cares About Your Career," slated for release on June 11th.
Tune in as we explore the nuances of leadership and uncover the secrets to thriving in today's dynamic business environment.
Tune in to hear:
6:30 - What leadership skills Erika gained from her time at Barstool Sports.
9:30 - How did Erika navigate the diverse ventures within the company?
14:30 - What was the inspiration behind her book “Nobody Cares About Your Career”?
21:20 - The importance of constructive feedback on your growth and how to solicit ideal feedback.
32:00 - How to navigate attaching your self-worth to your title or position.
41:15 - Erika navigates some grey areas with us.
44:00 - Cubicle Confessions: Setting boundaries on relationships, and dealing with ethical dilemmas
Do you have an anonymous Cubicle Confession you liked to share or ask about? Your experiences hold the power to inspire and guide others facing similar challenges! Head to https://greyareas.com/cubicle-confessions to write or record your message!
Thanks for joining us for another engaging podcast episode! If you found value in today's discussion, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast! Your support helps us continue our mission of spotlighting authentic, inspiring stories from women and reshaping corporate norms.
Spilling The Tea on Leadership and Toxic Work Cultures with Dr. Susanna Kislenko
17 Apr 2024
00:56:32
Welcome back to The Grey Areas podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce our esteemed guest, Dr. Susanna Kislenko! Dr. Susanna Kislenko wears many hats as a Skoll Center Postdoctoral Fellow at the Skoll Center for Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Oxford and Adjunct Research Professor at the School for Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University. With degrees in International Business and Political Science, she brings a wealth of expertise to her work in the nonprofit sector. But that's not all—Dr. Kislenko is also a dedicated yoga teacher, leading retreats annually and imparting wisdom in various leadership training programs.
In today's episode, Dr. Kislenko sheds light on the intriguing concept of "Founder Syndrome," drawing from her doctoral research. Join us as we delve into discussions about leadership, toxic work cultures, and the intricacies of navigating these challenges with Dr. Kislenko profound insights.
Tune in for:
3.25 - Learn what inspired Dr. Kislenko's research into leadership and Founder Syndrome.
8.10 - Learn what Founder Syndrome is and its impact.
10.10 - Dr. Kislenko shares what good leadership looks like.
29.45 - Spotting red flags in a toxic work environment and how to navigate them.
35.01 - Recommendations if you are wanting to be a better leader and how to achieve your leadership goals.
45.13 - Cubicle Confessions: Wanting autonomy and recognition, how to make your skills clear and what to do when you are feeling lost.
Do you have an anonymous Cubicle Confession you liked to share or ask about? Your experiences hold the power to inspire and guide others facing similar challenges! Head to https://greyareas.com/cubicle-confessions to write or record your message!
Thank you for accompanying me on another captivating podcast episode! If you gleaned insights from this instalment, I'd deeply appreciate your backing through subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast. Your involvement fuels our commitment to championing women through genuine, inspiring accounts and to redefining corporate standards!
Navigating The Complexities of Leadership Without Losing Yourself with Connie Gao
05 Mar 2025
00:56:13
Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! This week, we’re joined by Connie Gao, a leadership coach dedicated to helping smart, driven, and empathetic leaders unlock their full potential. With a background rooted in research-backed frameworks from Columbia Business School and real-world experience in both startup and corporate environments, Connie brings a structured yet empathetic approach to leadership development.
In this episode, we dive into burnout recovery, the grey areas of leadership, and how to balance empathy and accountability. We also explore the fine line between being a supportive leader and avoiding burnout yourself, plus why being the “cool boss” can sometimes backfire.
Highlights include: • 2:00 - Connie shares her journey from corporate roles to becoming a leadership coach and what inspired the transition. • 8:00 - Recognizing the early signs of burnout and how leaders can address them before it's too late. • 19:30 - Setting effective boundaries as a leader without compromising authority or approachability. • 23:30 - How to give negative feedback effectively using the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) framework. • 30:00 - Navigating ruthless prioritization with your team. • 39:45 - Common leadership traps in startups and how to avoid them.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for leaders at every stage. Tune in to hear Connie Gao’s expert advice on navigating the complexities of leadership without losing yourself in the process!
Reclaiming Time: Ashley Chang on Reshaping Careers and Family Life with Sundays
19 Feb 2025
00:33:57
Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! This week, we’re joined by Ashley Chang, the inspiring CEO and co-founder of Sundays, a company dedicated to accelerating parents' careers while creating more quality family time. After a decade in product management, Ashley witnessed firsthand how parents, especially moms, are often forced to choose between their careers and their families. With Sundays, she’s on a mission to help parents reclaim their time and thrive both personally and professionally.
Highlights include: • 2:00 - Ashley shares what inspired her to start Sundays and the moment that shifted her focus. • 6:30 - How Ashley finds the courage to tackle grey areas and controversial conversations around parenting. • 10:45 - How Sundays defines success for their clients, plus Ashley’s favourite examples of a "Sunday success." • 15:00 - Ashley’s thoughts on the long-term changes Sundays hopes to drive in corporate policy and societal attitudes toward working parents. • 22:30 - How Sundays helps parents navigate flexibility while setting boundaries between work and family. • 27:00 - Ashley’s advice for parents on regaining balance and using Sundays to support their goals. • 31:00 - Ashley’s vision for Sundays five years from now.
This episode is full of insights and actionable advice for parents, professionals, and anyone passionate about balancing work and family. Tune in to hear Ashley Chang’s inspiring story and how Sundays is paving the way for a better future for working parents!
Unpacking HR with DanfromHR: Insights on Careers, Feedback, and Advocacy
29 Jan 2025
00:54:18
Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Daniel Space, a seasoned HR business partner with experience at major companies like WebMD, Electronic Arts, and Spotify. Daniel is also the creator of the online persona DanfromHR, where he shares valuable career insights and debunks common HR myths through his content on TikTok.
With a wealth of experience in both HR and career development, Daniel has become a trusted voice in the job search space, reaching a wide audience through his engaging social media presence, articles, and podcasts. Beyond his online persona, he also consults with companies, helping them refine their HR practices.
Highlights include:
2:00 - What inspired Daniel to create DanfromHR.
4:00 - His consulting work and why transparency is lacking in HR.
6:45 - Key strategies he advises companies to implement right away.
8:30 - The disconnect between employees and HR, and how to bridge it.
11:00 - What to do if you feel stuck or undervalued at work.
16:45 - Is job-hopping a red flag in the HR world?
20:00 - How employees can advocate for themselves.
27:45 - Surprising feedback from social media on HR practices.
31:00 - Tips for negotiating salary with confidence.
38:40 - Best practices for feedback and manager training in companies.
This episode is filled with valuable tips for navigating HR, career development, and personal growth in today’s job market. Tune in for practical advice and deep insights from an HR expert who's reshaping how we approach career challenges!
The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids and Come Back Stronger Than Ever with Neha Ruch
22 Jan 2025
00:41:24
Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids and Come Back Stronger Than Ever. Neha is a trailblazer in reshaping how society views stay-at-home motherhood, offering a voice for ambitious women navigating career pauses or downshifts.
Neha shares her personal journey from brand strategist and Stanford MBA graduate to embracing motherhood full-time. She reflects on the outdated stereotypes she encountered and her mission to catalyze a societal shift through Mother Untitled, a platform empowering women during career pauses.
From Invisible to Influential: How Sophie Hirst, Workbaby CEO, Is Rewriting Early Career Rules
07 May 2025
01:07:02
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! This week, we’re joined by Sophie Hirst, career coach, viral TikTok creator, and founder of Workbaby. From magician’s assistant to Google exec, Sophie has done it all, and now she’s helping Gen Z navigate work with clarity, confidence, and influence.
In this episode, we dig into how to communicate like a leader, build credibility before the title, and manage up without the cringe. Sophie shares powerful mindset shifts, practical templates, and the career truths no one teaches but everyone needs.
Highlights include: 2:43 – The two versions of Sophie’s résumé: Why your career doesn’t need to make sense, but your story does. 4:38 – The five early-career cornerstones behind Workbaby and how to shortcut success without burnout. 8:47 – “You’re not special—and you’re very special”: The paradox mindset that builds resilience and growth. 15:29 – Communicate like the 1%: How “How We Work” sessions and bottom-line-first emails build instant credibility. 31:45 – Managing up made simple: Sophie’s 3-part framework to think ahead, get in your manager’s head, and close the loop. 46:50 – Influencing without authority: From strategic tone to individual connection, how to lead before you’re in charge. 59:45 – Cubicle Confession: Sophie’s advice on how to get noticed without faking it if you’ve ever felt overlooked at work
This episode is packed with tactical tools and honest insights to help you lead yourself and others, no matter your title.
What Are You Worth? Breaking the Silence on Pay Transparency with Hannah Williams
30 Apr 2025
01:06:44
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! If you've ever been told it's “rude” to talk about money, or worried that asking about salary might tank your chances, this episode is your reminder that transparency is a tool for equity, not conflict.
We're joined by Hannah Williams, creator of the viral movement Salary Transparency Street. What began as one bold video with a borrowed mic has become a national platform redefining how we talk about work, worth, and wages. Hannah shares her origin story, what she’s learned from thousands of candid conversations, and why values-first leadership is at the heart of her growth.
Highlights include: • 2:23 – The moment Hannah realized she was underpaid, and how it reshaped her entire career path. • 5:30 – What it was like walking up to strangers with a camera for the first time, and how she made people say “yes.” • 12:28 – Going viral, quitting her job three weeks later, and betting on the mission before the money. • 21:20 – Testifying in front of lawmakers on pay equity and why storytelling is a powerful policy tool. • 26:10 – Cutting her own salary to grow the team: why Hannah believes in reinvesting over quick wins. • 39:14 – What a transparent workplace actually looks like and how managers can lead with clarity, not secrecy. • 57:10 – Cubicle Confession: How to ask about salary mid-interview without sounding “pushy” or transactional.
This episode is full of empowering, real talk on leadership, worth, and disrupting the workplace status quo. If you’ve ever wondered what fair pay really means, or how to advocate for yourself and others, Hannah brings the insights, and receipts!
The Grey Areas of Parental Leave: Allison Whalen on Navigating Career Uncertainty Before, During & After Leave
23 Apr 2025
00:55:31
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! This week, we’re diving deep into the often-overlooked transition back to work after parental leave—and what employers are missing when it comes to retention, career progression, and leadership accountability.
We’re joined by Allison Whalen, co-founder and CEO of Parentaly, a platform reshaping how companies support employees during leave. Allison shares her raw and empowering journey through infertility, parental leave at a high-growth startup, and the career cliff so many new parents unknowingly face. From building a business while pregnant to surveying thousands of working parents, Allison brings unmatched insight on how to keep ambitious employees thriving without forcing them to choose between career and caregiving.
Highlights include: • 7:52 – The origin story of Parentaly: How two friends from different industries realized leave failures were systemic, not personal. • 13:43 – The early days of Parentaly, from a Google Doc pilot, to signing Fortune 100 clients. • 21:32 – 2024 Parentaly survey findings: Only 4% of parents who quit post-leave left the workforce entirely, so why are companies still losing top talent? • 27:45 – The most powerful, and simple, indicator of a positive leave experience? A written re-onboarding plan. • 30:23 – Why the danger zone isn’t just the return to work, but the 6–18 month stretch when confidence rebounds and resignation letters follow. • 38:12 – The #1 thing HR teams can do right now: Study the problem before selling the solution.
Whether you’re a founder, people leader, or a parent navigating your own return-to-work journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to rethink support and build cultures that retain talent through every season of life.
Jillian Richardson on Making LinkedIn Weird: Thought Leadership Without the Cringe
16 Apr 2025
00:50:31
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! If you’ve ever felt like you have nothing to say on Linkedin or worse, that you’ll get fired for saying the wrong thing, this episode is your permission slip to show up anyway (and make it weird).
We’re joined by the endlessly brilliant and hilarious Jillian Richardson, a ghostwriter, writing coach, and the mind behind the viral “Make LinkedIn Weird” movement. Jillian breaks down how to turn your thoughts into compelling content, why ghostwriting is basically therapy, and how to build a platform without losing your personality, or your mind.We unpack thought leadership for 2025, explore what it means to post with authenticity, and dig into what it really looks like to write from your values, not just your resume.
Highlights include:
1:57 – Why perfectionism and fear of visibility are the biggest blocks for founders trying to write online.
5:10 – The difference between writing as yourself vs. ghostwriting for someone still finding their voice.
8:33 – Why trying to “sound smart" is the biggest mistake leaders make in their writing.
17:26 – What to say when you feel like you have nothing to say: Jillian’s go-to prompts and exercises.
22:09 – Behind the viral “Be Weirder on LinkedIn” post and the creation of her Make LinkedIn Weird course.
41:22 – When content feels “too weird”: How Jillian balances intuition and audience readiness.
45:29 – Cubicle Confession: Advice for a mid-level manager scared of posting online, navigating the tension between boldness and career safety using the “Envy/Disgust” Matrix.
Whether you're ghostwriting for a CEO, building your own platform, or just trying to post without cringing, Jillian will help you bring your full self to the feed—and have fun doing it.
B2B Marketing is Mid: Creative Hot Takes & Insights with Bridget Poetker
09 Apr 2025
00:51:15
Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! Today’s episode is all about building a creative career that actually feels good, and what it takes to run a values-first business in a world obsessed with hustle.
Our guest is Bridget Poetker, a brand strategist, copywriter, and the co-founder of Creative Little Planet, a content collective helping brands find their voice and cut the fluff. With over a decade of experience across agency life, startups, and solopreneurship, Bridget shares what it really looks like to grow a business without selling your soul or burning out!
In this episode, we dive into client boundaries, creative confidence, and what B2B brands need to stop copying already.
Highlights include:
2:45 – How a decade in tech and too many layoffs, pushed Bridget to break out of the matrix and build her own.
10:50 – Strategy vs. Creativity: Why they're best friends, not enemies, and how to get cross-functional buy-in without selling out.
15:00 – Creating content for the comments section: Bridget’s approach to LinkedIn that brings in clients, not just likes. 20:45 – Client workshops that actually work: How Bridget gets execs aligned and turns internal chaos into brand clarity.
29:05 – Scoping work and setting boundaries: The business-side of creativity and how to say “that’s for the next project” with confidence.
44:15 –Cubicle Confession: A mid-level marketer stuck in “be bold” brand hell, and Bridget’s advice for getting real about risk tolerance and unlocking creative momentum.
This episode is a must-listen if you’re building a creative career, working inside a chaotic brand, or trying to grow without burnout. Bridget keeps it real, and her insights will help you do the same.
Leadership Without the Politics: Ashley Rudolph on Confidence, Influence & Emotional Intelligence
02 Apr 2025
00:58:38
Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! Today’s episode is all about navigating the messy middle, that murky space where leadership, influence, and emotional intelligence collide. Our guest is Ashley Rudolph, an executive coach, former tech VP, and the founder of a leadership coaching practice that empowers high achievers to rise fast without losing themselves along the way.
In this episode, we unpack how to build influence before you have the title, what it really means to lead with emotional intelligence, and why knowing your values might be the ultimate leadership hack.
Highlights include: • 2:10 – How a company-wide layoff became the catalyst for Ashley’s pivot into coaching, and how she showed up as the leader she wanted to be. • 10:30 – The myth that titles bring influence and why real leadership begins before you’re promoted. • 13:50 – Generational clashes in the workplace: How to lead Gen Z without pandering and motivate across differences. • 21:40 – From performance to confidence: Ashley’s framework for helping leaders actually feel as strong as they look on the outside. • 31:55 – How values-based leadership helps high performers avoid burnout and align ambition with well-being. • 36:40 – Crying at work? Ashley shares when it’s a powerful human moment and when it might be something else. • 52:30 – Dealing with a Grey Area: A manager undermined by a long-tenured direct report—and Ashley’s advice on rebuilding trust, setting boundaries, and asserting your role with clarity.
If you're ready to lead with confidence, no matter your title, this episode with Ashley Rudolph is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the gray areas of leadership with clarity and strength.
Bridging Generations: Navigating Gen Z, the Creator Economy, and Community Building with Lauren Vilips
26 Mar 2025
00:35:53
Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! Today, we’re diving into the intersection of brand building, creator partnerships, and how Gen Z is reshaping the future of marketing.
Our guest is Lauren Vilips, a powerhouse community builder and strategist who knows exactly how to connect brands and creators in meaningful, scalable ways. As the creator acquisition strategist at Mavely, Lauren leads recruitment programs and partnerships that keep creators engaged, invested, and thriving. Before that, she spearheaded Bumble’s nationwide ambassador network, crafting influencer campaigns, campus activations, and community retreats that put authentic engagement first.
In this episode, we break down what it takes to build lasting relationships between brands and creators, what Gen Z expects from corporate partnerships, and how community-led growth drives real results.
Highlights include: • 2:20 – How Lauren got her start in influencer and ambassador marketing and the unexpected Instagram DM that changed her career trajectory. • 7:10 – Balancing content creation with audience engagement: Lauren’s best advice for creators trying to do it all. • 10:25 – How brands can build inclusive communities and leverage customer feedback to improve their products. • 16:40 – Why Gen Z’s approach to career development differs from previous generations and work-life balance is key. • 30:30 – What’s next in the creator economy? Lauren’s trend predictions for the year ahead. • 31:45 –Cubicle Confessional: A young professional navigating pushback from leadership over her LinkedIn presence and Lauren’s expert advice on how to turn it into an opportunity.
This episode is packed with insights on digital marketing, influencer strategy, and career growth in the ever-evolving workplace. Tune in now to hear Lauren Vilips break down the future of brand-creator relationships!
Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge with Melody Wilding
19 Mar 2025
00:45:08
Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! This week, we’re joined by Melody Wilding, a human behaviour professor, award-winning executive career coach, and the author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge. Recognized as one of Insider’s most innovative career coaches, Melody blends psychology, neuroscience, and professional development to empower leaders to build trust, influence, and authority at work.
In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for managing up, setting healthy boundaries, and taking control of your career—without changing your job title.
Highlights include: • 3:45 – Discover the mindset shift that turns managing up into a tool for career empowerment. • 5:30 – Learn how women can advocate for themselves without coming off as manipulative. • 10:15 – Find out how to become a strategic partner to your boss and elevate your influence. • 18:30 – Tackle micromanagement head-on with actionable upward feedback techniques. • 22:15 – Master the “quitting conversation” framework to leave gracefully while protecting your reputation. • 28:15 – Set boundaries effectively to safeguard your mental health in high-stress environments. • 36:50 – Handle credit-stealing and difficult conversations with confidence and tact.
Tune in now to hear Melody’s expert advice on transforming workplace challenges into opportunities for growth and influence!
Rylie Godoy on Waiting for the Right Position to Open Up
12 Mar 2025
00:57:43
Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! If you've ever felt stuck in your career, overlooked for promotions, or like you're doing all the right things but still not getting ahead, this episode is for you.
This week, we’re joined by Rylie Godoy, a powerhouse career strategist who helps professionals break free from corporate stagnation and own their worth. After spending 13 years climbing the corporate ladder the hard way, Rylie realized the system wasn’t designed for people like her to succeed. Instead of playing by outdated rules, she took control—and now, she’s teaching others how to do the same.
Highlights include: • 3:45 - Rylie shares the wake-up call that changed everything. • 11:00 - Why waiting for recognition is holding you back, and what to do instead.. • 19:45 - Navigating workplace politics without getting caught in the drama. • 30:40 - How to set boundaries when your boss or coworkers lean on you too much. • 40:50 - The mindset shift that helps you own your worth and show up with confidence. • 51:45 - A listener's real-life Grey Area: Rylie breaks down the best way to handle it.
This episode is packed with practical, no-BS career advice that will help you stop waiting for opportunities and start claiming them. Tune in now to hear Rylie Godoy’s expert strategies for making your brilliance impossible to ignore!
The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance with Zach Mercurio
14 May 2025
00:56:17
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! This week, we’re joined by Zach Mercurio, a researcher, speaker and author of The Invisible Leader and The Power of Mattering. Through his work with global brands like the US Army, Delta Airlines, and the National Park Service, Zach shares how purposeful leadership creates cultures where people truly feel seen, valued, and essential.
In this episode, we dive deep into how leaders can build trust, repair broken relationships, and activate purpose at every level of an organization. Zach also shares real-world examples of how small, consistent acts of recognition can transform workplace culture.
Highlights include:
04:11 – The difference between feeling valued and knowing you matter—and why it’s crucial for leaders to understand both.
09:44 – How middle managers can create "microclimates" of mattering, even in challenging environments.
17:59 – Purposeful leadership: the traits that separate good leaders from great ones.
24:50 – The three core practices of mattering: Noticing, Affirming, and Needing, and how to apply them effectively.
33:46 – Real-world stories of leaders who prioritize mattering, and the powerful ripple effects it creates.
49:04 – Cubicle Confession: Zach advises a new manager on how to rebuild trust with a disengaged employee who’s been overlooked for years.
Tune in to discover how leadership grounded in mattering can reshape your team and redefine what it means to lead with purpose.
The Legal Wake-Up Call Every Founder Needs: Danielle Stead Blanton on Protecting What You’re Building
10 Jul 2025
00:58:32
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! Today’s guest is Danielle Stead-Blanton, attorney, business strategist, and founder of DSB, a modern legal and consulting firm for creatives, wellness professionals, and female founders. Danielle’s no-fluff approach helps entrepreneurs build protected, scalable businesses without the intimidation of traditional law firms.
In this episode, Danielle shares how she left Big Law burnout behind to create a business rooted in strategy and structure. We dive into hiring pitfalls, contract myths, and how to finally step into your CEO role with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot less chaos.
Highlights Include: • 03:44 – Danielle shares the jaw-dropping comment from a managing partner that made her realize corporate law was never going to be a safe space. • 08:32 – What burnout really looked like, and the personal moment that sparked Danielle’s decision to leave it all behind. • 12:45 – From fitness instructor to founder: how Danielle used her legal background to build a thriving business that meets founders where they are. • 19:28 – Why you’re never too early for legal help, and how one hour with the right attorney can save you 10+ hours, and thousands of dollars, later. • 27:09 – The real risks of hiring contractors vs. employees, and the legal missteps that can sink a small business. • 42:43 – Danielle’s approach to helping clients find their voice, stand in their power, and navigate hard conversations like a CEO. • 54:09 – Cubicle Confession: Danielle advises a social media consultant struggling with slow sales and offers a game plan to make her offers more sustainable.
This episode is packed with practical advice and powerful encouragement to help you run your business with more structure, more confidence, and way less fear.
Inside Active Burnout Recovery with Ex-Corporate Lawyer Kay Costa
25 Jun 2025
00:53:19
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Kay Costa, former attorney, first-gen professional, and the creator behind In Lieu of Laundry, where she documents her real-time recovery from corporate burnout. After five years of practicing law and realizing her career was no longer aligned with her values or well-being, Kay made the courageous decision to step away and start fresh.
Kay opens up about the emotional and physical toll of her legal career, how burnout quietly creeps in, and what it truly means to heal without a roadmap. We dive deep into identity loss, societal pressure, and the courage it takes to rewrite your story. Now, through honest storytelling and an unfiltered online presence, Kay’s redefining success and helping others feel less alone along the way. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a “dream job,” burned out by expectations, or scared to pivot. Kay’s story will remind you that walking away is sometimes the bravest thing you can do, and it’s just the beginning.
Highlights include: • 02:15 – Kay shares how her career in law began at 19 and when she first started to feel out of alignment. • 12:19 – The challenge of detaching identity from career after years of being “the lawyer girl.” • 19:08 – Why Kay chose to document her burnout recovery online and how it’s helping others do the same. • 25:38 – What healing from burnout really looks like day-to-day, from joy to panic. • 36:34 – Redefining rest and refusing hustle culture: Kay’s approach to true recovery. • 47:33 – Cubicle Confession: Advice for a lawyer feeling stuck, burnt out, and scared to leave it all behind.
Colin Rocker Gets Real: The Career Creator You Wish You Had at 22
18 Jun 2025
00:51:34
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! This week, I’m joined by Colin Rocker, executive coach, keynote speaker, and the founder of For The First, a vibrant community built to support ambitious, first-generation professionals. Colin’s journey from corporate consulting to creating a multi-platform brand is filled with intentional pivots, candid lessons, and powerful insights for anyone rethinking the traditional path to success.
In this episode, Colin breaks down what it truly means to design a career on your own terms. We discuss the importance of authenticity, how to network with purpose, and the art of using storytelling as a professional tool. Colin shares strategies for overcoming the fear of visibility, navigating layoffs with confidence, and becoming impossible to overlook, even in systems not designed for you.
Highlights include: • 02:51 – Colin reflects on the moment that sparked his transition from consulting to full-time creator. • 05:38 – What it means to be a “career creator” and how to build a working life that works for you. • 08:21 – How Colin navigated being laid off one week before his son was born and used it as fuel for reinvention. • 11:49 – The “Monkey Bar Method” for turning networking conversations into meaningful opportunities. • 18:55 – The three major hurdles first-gen professionals face: scarcity mindset, self-promotion, and leverage. • 24:21 – Why young professionals fear self-promotion and how to overcome internal and external barriers. • 47:21 – Cubicle Confession: A dependable employee feels invisible, Colin’s advice on how to go from overlooked to seen.
Whether you’re a creator, first-gen professional, or just feeling stuck in a career that doesn’t fit, this episode offers both practical strategies and empowering mindset shifts to help you reclaim your career on your own terms.
How To Move Forward Confidently After a Layoff with Top Agency Executive Recruiter Meghan Houle
11 Jun 2025
00:51:24
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! This week I’m joined by Meghan Houle, executive recruiter, career coach, and talent strategist with over two decades of experience helping professionals navigate job loss, career pivots, and bold new beginnings.
In this episode, Meghan shares her powerful roadmap for bouncing back after a layoff with clarity and confidence. We talk mindset, strategy, and how to cut through the noise to find roles that actually align with your values.
Highlights Include:
05:49 – The first thing you should do after a layoff and why frantic energy hurts more than it helps.
11:57 – Common mistakes professionals make right after being let go, and how to avoid them.
17:23 – The “non-negotiables” question every job seeker must ask before applying.
25:18 – Meghan’s go-to confidence booster to help you move forward with clarity.
32:46 – The ultimate interview power move: the one question that instantly builds connection and clarity.
37:40 – Why job descriptions are “wish lists” and how to pitch yourself even if you’re not 100%.
44:13 – Cubicle Confession: Meghan coaches a senior-level marketer navigating a career pivot and defends why it’s not a step back, but a strategic shift.
Whether you’re actively job hunting or just craving more alignment in your career, Meghan’s insights are the kind of tough love and tangible strategy we all need.
Navigating Leadership Grey Areas with Lia Garvin: How to Turn Struggling Managers into Effective Team Leaders
04 Jun 2025
00:50:41
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! This week, I’m joined by Lia Garvin, team operations expert, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author of The New Manager Playbook. With leadership experience at Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Bank of America, Lia has seen it all when it comes to management pitfalls and she’s here to make the hardest parts of leadership feel a whole lot easier.
In this conversation, we dive deep into the emotional toll of leadership, the power of trust, and the practical mindset shifts that help managers lead with confidence. Whether you’re managing a former peer, navigating team conflict, or trying to get out of micromanagement mode, Lia’s tools are tactical, empowering, and refreshingly honest. We talk about the ripple effects of leadership, good or bad, and why getting this right matters more than ever.
Highlights Include:
03:23 – Why Lia believes managing should feel easier and how her book helps leaders actually enjoy the job.
05:58 – The real reason delegating is so hard, and why not delegating is hurting your team more than you think.
11:27 – How to build trust through consistency, context, and follow-through.
15:30 – Rethinking feedback: From threat to tool, and how to frame it as support, not critique.
25:49 – Three red flags you’re micromanaging and what to do instead to empower your team and avoid burnout.
33:07 – What separates high-performing teams from the rest and the one question every leader should ask.
41:46 – Cubicle Confession: Lia coaches a new manager who's micromanaging out of fear, and shares how to reset trust and reclaim confidence.
Tune in to learn why leading with clarity, curiosity, and trust is the ultimate power move, and how you can start today!
The Language of Leadership: Bridging the Gap Between What Leaders Say & Employees Hear with Alejandra Ramirez Wells
28 May 2025
00:49:02
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! This week, I'm joined by Alejandra Ramirez Wells, internal communication strategist, facilitator, and founder of Ready Cultures. With over two decades of experience, including 15 years in Big Laws, Alejandra helps companies close the gap between what leaders say and what employees actually hear.
In this episode, Alejandra breaks down her “Head, Heart, Hands” framework and shares how clear, empathetic communication can transform culture from the inside out. From crisis comms, to navigating massive change, she unpacks the communication mistakes leaders make and what it really takes to build trust and alignment during uncertain times.
Highlights Include:
02:52 – The turning point during COVID that led Alejandra to launch Ready Cultures and centre employee experience in her work.
05:42 – The Head, Heart, Hands framework: A simple yet powerful tool for making leadership messaging clear, human, and actionable.
13:31 – Internal comms vs. HR: Why treating communication like a one-way broadcast breaks trust.
22:32 – How Alejandra coaches leaders through high-stakes moments like layoffs, mergers, and executive transitions with clarity and credibility.
29:06 – Alignment over agreement: What leaders often get wrong about employee buy-in.
44:10 – Cubicle Confession: Alejandra’s advice on navigating ethical tension and finding your voice to a healthcare comms lead who feels stuck between executive spin and employee panic
Tune in to hear how Alejandra is helping leaders and organizations go from performative to purposeful and why better communication is the first step toward better culture.
How to Stay Sane When Work Isn’t: Dr. Morray on Navigating Dysfunction, Stress, and Difficult People
21 May 2025
00:55:49
Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! This week, we’re joined by Dr. Elisabeth Morray, a licensed psychologist and the VP of Clinical at Alma, a platform supporting nearly 24,000 private practice clinicians nationwide. With expertise in evidence-based therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dr. Morray is dedicated to bridging mental health expertise with real-world application.
In this episode, we explore what it takes to thrive in high-stress workplaces, strengthen emotional intelligence, and manage anxiety effectively. Dr. Morray shares practical strategies for building resilience, setting boundaries, and navigating toxic work cultures with compassion and clarity.
Highlights Include:
02:53 – How to recognize the physical signs of burnout and listen to your body before it demands your attention.
12:00 – Understanding psychological flexibility: Why it's the key to managing anxiety and responding effectively in high-pressure situations.
18:39 – How toxic work cultures that praise burnout impact your sense of self, and what to do about it.
23:19 – The anxiety spiral: Why mornings can feel overwhelming and how to set the tone for a calmer, more focused day.
40:29 – The power of the pause: How learning to pause before reacting can transform your work relationships and emotional resilience.
48:33 – Cubicle Confession: Dr. Morray’s advice to a mid-level employee navigating toxic team dynamics and workplace gaslighting.
Tune in to learn how you can not only manage workplace stress but build the emotional strength to thrive in it.