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Return-to-office is making people lonelier, AI is changing the rules of leadership, and most companies are still getting the human part of work wrong. Maya Kadar Kovalsky and workplace strategist Erica Keswin break down what actually makes workplaces feel connected, productive, and worth showing up for. Maya and Erica unpack why five days a week in the office is usually unnecessary, why some offices drain energy while others create real momentum and why intentional in-person days matter more than attendance for attendance’s sake. Erica Keswin is a bestselling author and internationally recognized speaker focused on human-centered leadership, employee engagement, and the future of work. She is the author of Bring Your Human to Work, Rituals Roadmap, and The Retention Revolution, and her LinkedIn Learning courses on human leadership have been watched by more than 120,000 people. Chapters: 00:00 — Why being in the office doesn’t guarantee connection 03:41 — Why “we’re like family here” can backfire 05:42 — Finding the office-day sweet spot 08:10 — Apprenticeship and why early-career employees value the office 09:23 — The research behind the Spaghetti Project 11:09 — The “magic question” for building workplace rituals 12:57 — Turning a daily habit into a meaningful ritual 15:05 — What leaders misunderstand about employee needs 17:25 — Staying human in the age of AI 19:24 — Why thank yous and feedback should stay personal  Resources and Links: The Official Workplace Weirdness Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/workplaceweirdnesspodcast  Erica Keswin: · Website :https://ericakeswin.com/ · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericakeswin/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericakeswin Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod · Substack: https://workplaceweirdness.substack.com/ Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

Welcome to Workplace Weirdness Season 3!  Maya Kadar Kovalsky kicks off the season with a special guest, VAN JONES, a political commentator, social entrepreneur, CNN host, Emmy Award-winning producer, bestselling author, and founder of Dream Machine Innovation Lab and Rapport.   Join a fascinating conversation about working across radically different environments, from the rules of working in the White House to Silicon Valley to the future of AI in the workplace. Van and Maya explore why psychological strength matters more than psychological safety and why the best managers need better tools to navigate a diverse, distributed, and divided workforce. If you manage people, lead teams, or just want to understand how humans actually work together, this episode is packed with practical insight and motivation. Chapters: 00:00 - Disagreeing agreeably 04:28 - Workplace slogans: Keep It, Kill It, or Fix It  09:47 - Can we be apolitical at work? 14:41 - Psychological safety versus psychological strength 18:18 - The three D workplace: diverse, distributed, divided 19:55 - Why Rapport exists and what problem it solves 25:47 - Why managers need help interpreting people data 28:59 - Technology can bring out the worst in people 29:39 - Culture shock across different work environments 35:10 - The weirdness of living and speaking on live TV 39:20 - High-amplitude careers come with real lows 44:43 - Final thoughts on Rapport and a free consultation offer Resources and Links: The Official Workplace Weirdness Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/workplaceweirdnesspodcast  Rapport · Website: www.rapport.co  Offer to our listeners: A 30-minute leadership and talent development strategy audit. Receive a complimentary, private 30-minute Leadership & Talent Development Strategy Session to uncover opportunities and sharpen your talent strategy. Email [email protected] and mention "Workplace Weirdness Podcast”. Van Jones · Rapport Website: www.rapport.co · Website: https://www.vanjones.net/ · Instagram: @vanjones68 · YouTube: @vanjones68 · Tiktok: @vanjones68 · Substack:https://vanjones.substack.com/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod · Substack: https://workplaceweirdness.substack.com/ Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

Welcome to Workplace Weirdness: Work Drama, a new series where we break down the workplace chaos happening on screen, so hopefully you never have to experience it in real life. In this special episode, we break down the hit Korean drama See You at Work Tomorrow, and explore the chaos, pressure, and quiet emotional survival of modern work life.  Join Maya as she examines the tension between speed and quality, the burden placed on capable employees, and the dysfunction of a manager who rules through fear instead of leadership while enjoying a masterpiece of Korean television. Whether you relate to Ji Yoon’s mission to leave on time, her quiet resistance to being overlooked, or that unexpected post-helicopter spark with Si-woo, this episode is packed with real takeaways for surviving the modern 9-to-5. Hit play to explore what it really costs to keep showing up, and how to protect your peace the moment you clock out.  Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments: what’s the hardest boundary for you to set at work? Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & Korean Drama Setup 00:46 - The Premise of See You at Work Tomorrow  01:34 - The Corporate Ladder & Team Dynamic  03:00 - Gi-yoon’s Boundary: Leaving on Time  04:15 - Fear-Based Leadership & High Expectations  05:52 - Helicopter Crisis & Bonding with Si-woo  07:12 - Burnout vs. Passion in Modern Work  08:35 - Quiet Resistance & Self-Preservation  09:48 - Final Reflections & Takeaways Resources and Links: Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod · Substack : https://workplaceweirdness.substack.com/ · Amazon Store: https://a.co/d/07aWiiPi Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

Work is weird - and these are the stories that prove it. From a possum trapped in the office to a naked neighbor derailing a meeting, Maya Kadar Kovalsky pulls the all-time weirdest, most cringe-inducing, and laugh-out-loud workplace moments from the last seasons and places them into The Workplace Weirdness™ Hall of Fame. Join Maya and enjoy true workplace chaos, uncomfortable stories, and good laughs that make your worst day at the office feel completely normal.  Because every 9-to-5 has a story to tell. Stay weird! Chapters: [00:12] Welcome to the Workplace Weirdness™ Hall of Fame [01:05] An unwanted nighttime visitor in the office [2:24] Free Tesla charging and breakfast [2:53] Meeting Anthony Kiedis at the urinal [4:16] A Bloody Mary gone wrong at 30,000 feet   [5:08] The goodbye Heimlich [6:07] The Bloody Interview [7:51] Mysterious white powder… [9:13] The drunk futurist  [11:34] BBC conflict zone training gone weird [13:48] The naked man on the rooftop [15:10] Maya’s final thoughts  Resources and Links: Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Karen Bochert · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenborchert Menaka Chang · Website: https://www.gofractional.com/member/menaka-chang Neil Sharma · Website: https://www.solarkal.com/ Ann Rhoades · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annrhoades Nicole Ramirez · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerayeramirez · Website: https://nrdigitalconsulting.com/ William Tincup · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup Dethra Giles · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dethragiles · Website: https://www.dethragiles.org/ Kane Calamari · LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kane-calamari-53268014 Lucy Adams · LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lucy-adams-1058b5252 Paul McDowall · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mcdowall-00b0b11 Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod · Substack : https://workplaceweirdness.substack.com/ · Amazon Store: https://a.co/d/07aWiiPi Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

In this episode of our Workplace Weirdness™ summer series, “Out of Office,” Maya Kadar Kovalsky discusses parental leave: the double standards parents face, the pressure to appear “serious” at work while caring for a family, and why parental leave parity matters for both moms and dads.  Our notable guests discuss how parental leave intersects with identity, ambition, caregiving, and workplace culture, using candid stories to show how maternal and paternal leave policies and leadership behavior can either support families or quietly penalize them.  The episode is a reminder that employees should never have to choose between starting a family and succeeding in their career. Chapters: [00:12] Why parental leave is really about identity, power, and workplace culture [00:42]  Leave policies only matter if people feel safe using them [1:07] The double standard: men praised for caregiving, women penalized for it [2:02]  A pregnancy “stretch assignment” turns into a public demotion [3:56] U.S. Parental leave system depends heavily on company policy [4:23] Leadership behavior sets the tone for whether parental leave is acceptable [4:50] Why parity in leave matters for both mothers and fathers [6:14] The pressure on dads to return early [6:41] How to request leave without apologizing for it [7:09] Setting boundaries early so family time is non-negotiable [7:38] Parenting and professional ambition should not be treated as opposites Resources and Links: Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Randi Braun · LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-braun-312a5423 · Website: https://www.somethingmajorcoaching.com/about-randi Peter Vincent · Website: https://www.vincentcs.com/ Nicole Ramirez · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerayeramirez · Website: https://nrdigitalconsulting.com/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected]· Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod · Substack : https://workplaceweirdness.substack.com/ Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

We sometimes feel that certain meetings could have been an email; yet in most cases we don’t have a choice. In this episode of our Workplace Weirdness™ summer series, “Out of Office,” Maya Kadar Kovalsky unpacks why poorly planned meetings can drain morale, hamper innovation, and signal a lack of respect for your team's time.  Our expert guests share eye-opening insights, such as how unresolved conflicts in meetings cost billions annually and how practical frameworks for empathy and inclusivity across time zones can enhance team inclusion.  Discover best practices that can redesign meetings from arbitrary routines into intentional, engaging experiences and transform meetings into powerful catalysts for collaboration and culture-building  Ready to make meetings better? Tune in now! Chapters: [00:12] The problems with unproductive gatherings   [00:40] The bigger picture: making meetings better, more creative, and more human [1:09] Conflict in meetings: unresolved issues costing billions annually [1:37] Why your meetings reflect your organizational culture [2:05] Designing purposeful meetings with clear goals and pre-work [2:34] The impact of post-COVID work culture on meeting frequency and quality [3:04] How to get better at meeting facilitation: tools, goals, and human-centered design [3:32] Emotional experience: making meetings feel valuable and engaging [4:01] The power of personality and humor in meetings for building trust [5:24] Managing time zone differences with empathy and transparency [5:54] Practical approaches to inclusive meetings: acknowledging time zones and involving participants [6:24] Strategies for making remote participants feel involved and valued [6:51] Why meetings shape company culture and how to improve them [7:20] Tips for creating engagement and making meetings worthwhile [7:49] Takeaways: your meetings are an extension of your organizational culture Resources and Links: Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Dethra Giles · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dethragiles · Website: https://www.dethragiles.org/ Hannah Dubin · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-feldberg-dubin · Website: https://www.thegroupforward.com/ David Homan · Website: https://orchestratedconnecting.com/ Nicole Ramirez · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerayeramirez · Website: https://nrdigitalconsulting.com/ Billy Somoa Saleebey · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billysamoa · Website: https://podify.com/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

In this episode of our Workplace Weirdness™ summer series, “Out of Office,” Maya Kadar Kovalsky explores one of the most underrated leadership skills: connecting people. Rather than focusing only on decision-making, great leaders notice who’s stuck, who’s working on similar problems, and who could benefit from knowing one another - then they make the introduction. Through guest stories and practical examples, the conversation shows how connecting works best when it’s rooted in empathy, curiosity, and service. From leadership assimilation sessions to everyday touch points that build familiarity and trust, the episode highlights how building your social capital can break down barriers, create relationships, strengthen teams, and unlock unexpected opportunities. Chapters: [00:12] Creating Connections with host, Maya Kadar Kovalsky [00:47] Fourth Tier Jock to NFL Superbowl Connections with David Homan [2:06] Leadership Assimilation Sessions with Kane Calamari [3:09] Bonding with Coworkers with William Tincup [3:57] Big Heart Energy Matters with Kat Kibben [4:57] Being a Genuine Human with Paul McDowall [5:58] Trust is Only Legal Enhancing Drug with David Hanrahan [6:25] Leaderships is About Connection Resources and Links: David Homan · Website: https://orchestratedconnecting.com/ Kane Calamari · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kane-calamari-53268014 William Tincup · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup Kat Kibben · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben David Hanrahan · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhanrahan Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

In this special summer-edition episode of Workplace Weirdness™, Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Alan Philips, founder and CEO of The Marketing Department, to unpack the strange, powerful forces behind brand obsession, company culture, and how to create an influential movement.  Alan shares his eccentric stories working with industry leaders and celebrities, from Mr. Beast to DJ Khalid at Reef Technology to the Golden Days of WeWork with Adam Neumann.  Maya and Alan talk about building consumer brands, offering candid lessons on ego, authenticity, and the difference between momentum and real value. From the “architecture of a movement” to the rise and fall of ambitious startups, this conversation explores what makes people believe in a brand and what happens when that belief outruns execution. Alan also opens up about his current ventures, including Sunshine Coffee and What's Good Miami, and why building something meaningful in a specific place can be the foundation for lasting success. Episode Chapters: 00:43 Inside WeWork's Rise and Fall 06:49 Trusting Yourself When Everyone Else Disagrees 11:17 Rapid Fire: Social media content creation is gold 13:18 Building What's Good Miami & Local Media 17:21 Reef Technologies, MrBeast Burger & DJ Khaled 23:23 Why Ghost Kitchens Didn't Last 25:14 Lessons on Branding, Leadership & Entrepreneurship Resources and Links: Alan Philips · Sunshine Coffee: https://sunshinecoffee.com/ · What’s Good Miami: https://www.whatsgood.miami/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · SubStack: https://substack.com/@workplaceweirdnesspodcast  · TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@workplaceweirdpod Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

In this episode of our Workplace Weirdness™ summer series, “Out of Office,” Maya Kadar Kovalsky shares her own bad boss story and revisits conversations with guests who have survived bosses of every variety, from the yellers, screamers, and office tyrants who throw things, to the masters of the backhanded compliment whose manipulation is far quieter, but no less damaging.  The episode is a must-watch for anyone who has ever experienced emotionally unpredictable managers, toxic work environments, and the psychological toll of bad leadership.  Chapters: [00:12] Introductions with host, Maya Kadar Kovalsky   [01:04] Toxic Leadership with Mita Mallick [4:04] Toxic Male Bosses with Randi Braun [6:29] Backhanded Compliments with Chester Elton [7:55] Prototypical Bad Bass with Maya Kadar Kovalsky [9:17] Fear Based work Culture Gary Ridge [10:37} Reflections and Conclusion Resources and Links: Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected]· Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod · Tiktok: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

In this episode of our Workplace Weirdness™ summer series, “Out of Office,” Maya Kadar Kovalsky explores the theme of "rookie mistakes" and “rookie smarts” in the workplace, highlighting how early career blunders often lead to valuable learning experiences.  We hear stories from various guests from past episodes who share their early career journeys, with missteps such as overconfidence in a corporate setting, accidental termination emails, inappropriate gifts and more.  Maya and her experts from throughout the season, emphasize the importance of maintaining a "rookie mindset," which allows for fresh perspectives and innovation.  Episode Chapters: [00:12] Introduction to Rookie Mistakes 
[00:50] Story of Overconfidence- Neil Sharma
 [02:45] Accidental Email Mishap- Peter Vincent 
[03:43] The Champagne Incident- Dorie Clark & Maya Kadar Kovalsky [05:02] The Wrong Office- Kavita Vora
 [5:58] Awkward Text Message - Yolonda Deon Tyler [06:28] Rookie Smarts- Billy Samoa Saleeby
 [8:44] It’s Amazing How Open Young People Are - Hannah Dubin [10:12] The Superpower of “Dumbassery”- Gary Ridge
 [12:34] Conclusion: Embracing the Mistakes Resources and Links: Neil Sharma, co-founder of SolarKal · SolarKal Website - https://www.solarkal.com/ · LinkedIn -⁠ / neil-sharma-045117  ⁠ Peter Vincent, executive coach and HR expert Dorie Clark, WSJ & USA Today Bestselling Author and Marketing strategist · Website:⁠ https://dorieclark.com/⁠ · Linkedin:⁠   / doriec  ⁠ Kavita Vora, Chief People Officer of BrainPOP Yolonda Deon Tyler, founder of Mindful Play Learning · Instagram -⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yolondadeon_/⁠ Billy Samoa Saleebey, founder and CEO of Podify · Podify Website -⁠ https://podify.com/⁠ · LinkedIn -⁠   / billysamoa  ⁠  · Instagram -⁠ https://www.instagram.com/billysamoa/...⁠  Hannah Dubin, founder of The Group Forward · The Group Forward -⁠ https://www.thegroupforward.com/⁠ · LinkedIn -⁠   / hannah-feldberg-dubin  ⁠  Gary Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 · LinkedIn -⁠   / garryridge  ⁠  · The Learning Moment -⁠ https://thelearningmoment.net/⁠ Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/⁠ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ · Website: ⁠workplace-weirdness.com⁠ · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

In this Summer special episode of Workplace Weirdness™ Out of Office, Maya Kadar Kovalsky turns real guest stories into a practical resource for anyone thinking about a career pivot. From unexpected job changes to bold reinventions and strategic "half-steps," guests from past episodes share stories of taking risks, embracing change, and discovering that careers rarely follow a straight line. Their advice? Stay curious, stay flexible, and don't be afraid to pivot when opportunity knocks. Resources and Links: Neil Sharma, co-founder of SolarKal· SolarKal · Website - https://www.solarkal.com/ · LinkedIn - / neil-sharma-045117   Billy Samoa Saleebey, founder and CEO of Podify · Podify Website - https://podify.com/ · LinkedIn -  / billysamoa    · Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/billysamoa/... · Facebook -  / billysamoasaleebey    · YouTube -   / billysamoa    Meredith Haberfeld, CEO of ThinkHuman Website - https://www.meredithhaberfeld.com/ · LinkedIn -  / meredith-haberfeld-she-her-29aa7a5    · Instagram -  / thinkhumankind    · ThinkHuman Website - https://think-human.com/ Menaka Chang, Fractional Chief People Officer · LinkedIn  / menaka-chang   Nicole Ramirez, Personal Brand Strategist · Website: nrdigitalconsulting.com · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerayeramirez Paul McDowall, Head of Strategic Growth Vault49 · LinkedIn - / paul-mcdowall-00b0b11    · clarkmcdowall - http://www.clarkmcdowall.com · Vault 49 - https://www.vault49.com/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

In this episode of Workplace Weirdness™, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky speaks with Amin Hasani, founder of Hasani Studio, about his journey as an industrial designer and the importance of accessibility and the impact of AI in product design. They also discuss the challenges faced by immigrants in the workplace, particularly regarding work visas, and share insights on navigating cultural differences.  The episode also features listener questions about career advice and workplace dynamics, providing valuable perspectives on the evolving nature of work. In this episode, they discuss: Amin Hasani's immigrant journey and career development Innovative accessibility solutions like the Curvd Accessibility Mug Workplace culture and managing expectations in the US The impact of AI on product design and fundamentals Challenges faced by H1B visa holders in tech and design [00:00] Introduction to Workplace Weirdness™ [01:09] Amin's Journey and Design Philosophy [05:55] The Importance of Accessibility in Design [11:59] Navigating Cultural Differences in the Workplace [18:08] The Immigrant Experience and Work Visa Challenges [24:01] Dealing with Negative Coworkers and Reading Between the Lines [28:03] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources and Links: Amin Hasani · Website: https://hasanistudio.com/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aminhasani · Instagram: @aminhasani @hasanistudio @thecurvd Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness™ · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod   Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

In this episode of Workplace Weirdness™, Maya talks to former journalist turned marketing consultant, Nicole Ramirez to talk about what’s really going on in the current workforce. From parental leave bias and return-to-office whiplash to burnout that nobody wants to admit out loud.  Nicole gets into why dads still get side-eyed for taking leave, how RTO can feel like a corporate plot twist, what burnout actually looks like inside a team (hint: it’s not just being tired), and how to build a personal brand that doesn’t read like a boring white paper—or an oversharing diary. They also dig into the Beyoncé boss controversy, ice-cold layoffs, workplace loyalty (is it real?), and why your reputation matters more than your resume. If you’re thinking about career growth, boundaries, leadership, remote work, or just trying to survive modern work culture with your sanity intact—this episode’s got you covered. In this episode: · Why LinkedIn remains a top platform for reaching decision-makers · Common misconceptions about personal branding and why most posts read like either “white paper” or a “diary entry” · How Nicole transformed a Forbes layoff into a successful personal brand and business · Why return-to-office mandates can feel like a bait-and-switch · What leaders should consider before attributing burnout to a lack of motivation · Why equal parental leave policies matter for both mothers and fathers · How to handle a manager who pressures you to shorten your parental leave · The consequences when a brand’s public image diverges from its internal    ethics · Why your reputation is critical when you, yourself are the brand · How to establish work boundaries proactively before the job starts defining them for you  Resources and Links: Nicole Ramirez · Website: nrdigitalconsulting.com · LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicolerayeramirez   Maya Kadar Kovalsky · LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayakadar   Workplace Weirdness · Email: [email protected] · Website: workplace-weirdness.com · Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod   Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations .

In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Laura Close, Co-founder of AI workforce data platform, Included,  to unpack how AI is changing hiring, career strategy, and what it really means to stay ready for what’s next. They also dig into what work looks like when middle management is shrinking, promotions keep going to external hires, and employees are stuck navigating misleading job descriptions and ethical pressure from leadership. Laura shares her blunt take on the modern labor market, why the employer loyalty contract is dead, and why more workers need to think strategically about leaving rather than waiting around for a company to suddenly do right by them. The conversation also explores how senior leaders can position themselves in an AI-driven job market, what to do when your role turns out to be completely different from what was promised, and how to handle workplace situations that cross an ethical line. This episode is a brutally honest look at promotions, workplace power, AI, and career survival when the rules of work are changing fast. In this episode: [00:00:10] Introduction to Workplace Weirdness: Host Maya Kawalski introduces the show's focus on office drama and "weird" situations. [00:00:45] Guest Introduction: Maya introduces Laura Close, an entrepreneur, executive advisor, and co-founder of the AI platform Included. [00:01:25] The Origin of Included: Laura explains how she used AI to solve "precision data questions" and eliminate reporting bottlenecks for HR leaders. [00:02:15] The "Zero Body Fat" Era: Laura describes the current labor market as a lean, athletic, and agile era where candidates must be self-reliant. [00:02:40] Extended Job Search Timelines: Laura notes that senior leader searches have shifted from 4 months in 2015 to roughly 12 to 18 months today. [00:03:15] Marketing Yourself Now: Advice on revamping resumes to focus on "owning and building systems" rather than general leadership or "soft" metrics. [00:04:45] AI Literacy and Certifications: A discussion on why no one is "AI native" yet and how to select certifications based on brand recognition and price. [00:08:50] The Weirdest Workplace Moment: Laura shares a story about a manager who loved pranking others but failed to acknowledge her own birthday, highlighting the "taker" vs. "giver" dynamic. [00:11:00] The Week in Work: Shrinking Middle Management: Analysis of companies cutting middle managers in favor of AI and efficiency, and advice for those affected to consider starting their own businesses. [00:14:40] Question 1: The External Hire Loop: A listener asks what to do when their company promotes external candidates over qualified internal ones. Laura’s blunt advice: "You have to leave the company". [00:18:15] Question 2: The "Strategic" Admin Job: A listener is stuck doing admin work despite a high-level job title. Laura suggests networking with peers and using tools like Codex to automate tasks and build a new skillset. [00:22:35] Question 3: Ethical Dilemmas in Sales: A listener is asked to lie to clients to hit targets. Laura advises never compromising ethics and suggests using diplomacy rather than internal reporting channels, which she views as "fragile". [00:26:30] Final Thoughts and Contact Info: Laura shares her website (closecohen.com) and Maya wraps up the episode Resources and Links:   Laura Close · Website: closecohen.com · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/closelaura/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky ·     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness ·         Email: [email protected] ·         Website: workplace-weirdness.com ·         Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod   Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

This is a special one-of-a-kind Turn the Tables episode of Workplace Weirdness. For the first time, Maya Kadar Kovalsky is in the hot seat. And stepping in as the guest host is Marketing Strategist and TOP 50 Business Thinker In The World, Dorie Clark. Maya opens up about her own weird workplace moments and lets us know the person behind the mic, how she thinks about work culture, and what shaped the voice of Workplace Weirdness. Maya also answers listeners' questions about everything from the reality behind “unlimited PTO” to the awkward rise of AI-assisted interviews. Dorie adds her unique perspective on leadership, career, and friendship.   This episode flips the format and goes deeper than usual. For the first time, you get a closer look at Maya, her background, leadership style, and personal take on workplace culture.  In this episode: Dorie Clark hosts, and Maya takes the hot seat  Why unlimited PTO sounds great, but doesn’t always work How to manage the stress of an AI-assisted interview What to do when you’re accused of leaking confidential company info How to handle awkward workplace situations when a holiday gift goes wrong The time when Maya was mentioned negatively in a Glassdoor post.   Chapters: [00:00:00] – Introduction: Dorie Clark introduces the special April Fools episode where she takes over as host, putting the usual host, Maya, in the "hot seat". [00:01:25] – Quickfire Warm-up: Dorie leads Maya through a series of rapid-fire questions covering personal preferences, such as being a morning person versus a night owl and interests in K-dramas versus romance. [00:02:40] – Management Style Questions: The warm-up shifts to workplace preferences, including the use of "talking sticks" in meetings and whether performance reviews should be conducted via emojis. [00:03:15] – Maya’s Weirdest Moment: Maya shares a story about a technical failure where she realized an hour into an interview that she had forgotten to press the record button. [00:05:15] – The "Champagne Incident": Maya discusses a "youthful mistake" where she sent champagne to employees during COVID-19, which resulted in an employee getting visibly intoxicated on camera during a mandatory training session. [00:11:58] – The Alumni Sweatshirt: Maya describes a tradition she invented—giving "alumnus" sweatshirts to departing employees, though they were withheld if the person left under "unsavory circumstances". [00:07:05] – The Unlimited PTO Trap: A listener asks for advice after receiving a warning email from HR for taking time off to care for a sick parent, despite the company's "unlimited PTO" policy. [00:13:37] – AI Over-reliance in Interviews: A job applicant worries about an upcoming in-person interview after relying heavily on AI to assist with nerves during the initial remote screening. [00:19:40] – The Confidential Leak Accusation: An employee seeks advice on how to defend themselves after being unfairly suspected of leaking internal documents simply because they were the only one not on vacation. [00:16:55] – Overheard Moments: Maya reflects on the sting of discovering a mean Glassdoor post about herself and how she eventually learned to let go of the non-useful feedback. [00:22:10] – The Counter-Offer Regret: Maya shares a story about a time she disagreed with a management decision to give a pay raise to an inadequate employee who had threatened to resign. [00:24:50] – Sign-off and Credits: Dorie and Maya wrap up the show with a "virtual cheers," and Maya provides the final production credits. Resources and Links:   Dorie Clark · Website: https://dorieclark.com/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doriec/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky ·     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness ·         Email: [email protected] ·         Website: workplace-weirdness.com ·         Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod   Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.