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In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, Maya Kadar Kovalsky is joined by Randi Braun, CEO of Something Major and author of Something Major: The New Playbook for Women at Work, for a candid conversation about power, parenthood, and inequity at work. From salary parity and exploitative hiring practices to emotionally manipulative managers and the motherhood penalty, this episode tackles the real situations women face every day, and what to do when your workplace fails you. We discuss: • Why working moms hold themselves to stricter professionalism • The difference between guilt and fear of other people’s opinions (FOPO) • How companies exploit free labor during recruitment • How “flexibility” and “feedback” are often used as control • The hidden cost of salary inequity and being accidentally CC’d on the truth This is an honest, practical and sometimes weird conversation about navigating work without losing your integrity or yourself. Resources and Links Randi Braun ➤ Website - https://www.somethingmajorcoaching.com/ ➤ LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/randi-braun-312a5423 Maya Kadar Kovalsky ➤ Website - ⁠https://www.mayakadar.com/⁠ ➤ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/⁠ Workplace Weirdness ➤ Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ➤ SpeakPipe - ⁠http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness⁠ ➤ Website - ⁠http://workplace-weirdness.com⁠ ➤ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/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.

Is work actually merit-based, or do our systems just tell us they are? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion expert and thought leader Vernā Myers to unpack bias, inclusion, equity, and why conversations about difference have become so stigmatized at work. From the myth of merit-based workplaces to how difference actually fuels innovation, Vernā shares insights from decades of experience, including her time as Netflix’s first VP of Inclusion Strategy. They also tackle real listener questions about appearance-based bias, career risk, and when recommending a friend at work goes wrong. This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about fear, fairness, and what it really takes to build workplaces where people can thrive. Resources and Links Vernā Myers Website - https://vernamyers.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernamyers/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - ⁠https://www.mayakadar.com/⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/⁠ Workplace Weirdness Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ SpeakPipe - ⁠http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness⁠ Website - ⁠http://workplace-weirdness.com⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/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.

What happens when someone actually tells the truth about Human Resources, recruiting, and HR tech? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with HR industry truth-teller William Tincup for an honest, open and unfiltered conversation about feedback, broken HR systems, AI hype, onboarding failures, and why most HR tech is solving last year’s problems. William shares why he once told a founder to delete their entire product, why positive feedback is overrated, and why HR leaders don’t care how your tech works- only whether it works. We cover: Why unsolicited feedback is often useless The real problem with HR tech and AI What onboarding should actually feel like Why skills now expire faster than milk How leaders should think about talent, growth, and discomfort If you work in HR, lead people, sell HR tech, or just enjoy uncomfortable workplace truths- this one’s for you. Subscribe for more conversations about the weird, wonderful, and wildly human side of work. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction to William Tincup [01:08] Unpopular Opinions in HR Tech [03:29] The Reality of Workforce Planning [14:28] Listener Question #1: Transactional Office Friends [17:24] Listener Question #2: Feeling Left Behind [20:40] Cringeworthy Question: Onboarding Woes [24:18] Conclusion and Farewell William Tincup Website - https://wrkdefined.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/williamtincup Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/williamtincup/reels/?hl=en Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - ⁠⁠https://www.mayakadar.com/⁠⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/⁠⁠ Workplace Weirdness Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ SpeakPipe - ⁠⁠http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness⁠⁠ Website - ⁠⁠http://workplace-weirdness.com⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/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.

If your workplace runs on “vibes” and surprise criticism in Q4… congrats, you’ve unlocked the bad timeline.  In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, Kane Calamari breaks down what real leadership, employee engagement, and HR strategy look like inside Ace Hardware, a company he says “should be failing,” and yet keeps winning. We cover retail culture, co-op business models, leadership development, succession planning, retention strategy, and how to build trust with ongoing feedback instead of annual blindsides. Kane also shares how AI tools are already changing frontline work and why human leadership still matters most when cultures collide, teams merge, and communication breaks down (looking at you, Slack screenshots). Hit the like, share and subscribe buttons for more conversations about workplace culture, HR leadership, management, career growth, and the weird stuff that makes you say: “there’s no way this happened at work.” But it did. In This Episode [00:00] A Special Connection at a Hardware Store [01:13] Introduction to Kane Calamari [02:13] Ace Hardware's Unique Business Model [05:05] The Role of CHRO at Ace Hardware [06:07] Lessons Learned in Leadership [09:10] Weirdest Workplace Moment: The Drunk Futurist Incident [13:06] Week in Work: AI's Impact on Retail Jobs [17:07] Listener Question #1: Performance Review Blindsides [19:53] Listener Question #2: Company Culture Fusion [23:06] Cringeworthy Question: Slack Message Mishap [27:10] Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes Resources and Links Kane Calamari LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kane-calamari-53268014 Website - https://newsroom.acehardware.com/kane-calamari/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - https://www.mayakadar.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe - http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness Website - http://workplace-weirdness.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/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.

Do office holiday parties still have a place in today’s workplace? And what happens when AI is put in charge of planning your office festivities? Spoiler alert: things can get a little chaotic! We’ll dive into the dos and don’ts of office holiday parties, including the biggest mistakes employees make (hint: drinking too much and kissing colleagues are just the beginning). In this hilarious and insightful episode of Workplace Weirdness, we explore the intersection of AI, holiday parties, and the evolving workplace culture. We sit down with Jacob Morgan, a futurist, leadership expert, and author, to discuss how AI is reshaping office dynamics and what that means for both employees and employers. We also talk about AI’s impact on the future of work and how employees and leaders should navigate this tech-driven evolution. From AI-generated tasks to employee well-being, we explore the balance between automation and authentic connections in the workplace. Is AI a threat to company culture, or is it the future of employee productivity? This episode will help you remain future-ready as we head into the new year, whether you’re navigating the challenges of flexible work arrangements, AI technology, or workplace culture shifts. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Workplace Weirdness! Also, share it with your coworkers who might need a good laugh and some insights into the world of office oddities. In This Episode: [0:00] Introduction to Jacob Morgan: Futurist and Author [01:22] Understanding the Role of a Futurist [02:52] AI and the Future of Work [07:11] The Debate on Remote Work [09:50] The Coffee Incident: A Career Turning Point [12:05] Advice from CEOs: Taking Initiative [13:03] Weekly Workplace Trends: Holiday Party Don'ts [14:57] Listener Question #1: ADHD Accommodations [20:37] Listener Question #2: Email Overload [23:42] Cringeworthy Question: Religion at Office Parties [25:52] Conclusion and Farewell Resources and Links Jacob Morgan Books - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00703V3WO LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobmorgan8 Website - https://thefutureorganization.com/about/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - https://www.mayakadar.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe - http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness Website - http://workplace-weirdness.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/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.

Still using outdated hiring methods? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, we’ve got Lou Adler, the man behind Performance-Based Hiring, here to tell you why your traditional hiring process is not working for long term success. Lou’s been helping big names like AIG, LinkedIn, and McKinsey recruit top talent for decades, but he focuses on what candidates will actually do, not just their skills and experience. Forget the old-school “ideal candidate” fantasy; Lou’s performance-based approach is changing the game. Lou’s method leads to better retention, higher performance, and lower turnover rates (which we can all agree is a win-win). Oh, and don’t think you can just throw AI at the problem; human judgment is still key to hiring success. So if you want to get the best talent and build a killer team culture, Lou's got the secret. Subscribe to our channel for more of this and learn how to hire smarter, not harder! In This Episode: [00:00] Meet Digital Lou [01:17] Introduction to Lou Adler [02:33] The Importance of Performance-Based Hiring [06:04] The Role of AI in Hiring [13:25]  Week in Work: Audacious Hiring Practices [17:39] Listener Question #1: When Wisdom Gets Mocked [21:42] Listener Question #2: The Nonprofit Rollercoaster [24:43] Cringeworthy Question: Facebook Faux Pas [27:27] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Mentioned Book: Hire With Your Head: Using Performance-Based Hiring to Build Outstanding Diverse Teams by Lou Adler - https://www.amazon.com/Hire-Your-Head-Performance-Based-Outstanding/dp/111980888X https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Guide-Hiring-Getting-Hired/dp/0988957418 Lou Adler Website - ⁠⁠https://www.louadlergroup.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/louadler Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - ⁠⁠https://www.mayakadar.com/⁠⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/⁠⁠ Workplace Weirdness Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ SpeakPipe - ⁠⁠http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness⁠⁠ Website - ⁠⁠http://workplace-weirdness.com⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/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.

Remote work just got a lot weirder. In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, we dive into a real-life story that reveals just how far remote workers are willing to go to keep up appearances while pulling off this remote work scam. You won’t believe the lengths some employees are going to: working two full-time jobs without anyone knowing! But it’s not just about the scam. We’re also joined by David Hanrahan, SVP of People Success at SolarWinds, who shares his insights on remote work culture, hybrid teams, and how to build a strong company culture that can prevent remote work fraud. David has over 20 years of leadership experience from top companies like Niantic, Electronic Arts, Twitter, Universal Pictures, Zendesk, and Eventbrite, and he shares his experiences shaping company culture, the challenges of leading in a hybrid workforce, and how organizations can foster employee trust, collaboration, and transparency as the workplace evolves. From remote work issues to building high-performing teams, leadership development, and employee engagement, this episode covers everything you need to know about the current state of work and the crazy ways people are trying to take advantage of it. Learn how to tackle challenges in the remote work environment, work-life balance struggles, and ways to foster a healthy workplace culture. Hit subscribe to get more stories about remote work, leadership challenges, and the weirdness that goes on behind closed office doors. In This Episode [00:00] The Suspicious Remote Worker [01:44] Introduction to David Hanrahan [02:51] Pokemon Go and Company Culture [06:17] Building a Winning Culture at SolarWinds [10:32] Week in Work: In-Person Interview Comeback [16:03] Listener Question #1: Remote Work Challenges [20:06] Listener Question #2: Salary and Equity Issues [24:07] Cringeworthy Question: Break Room Ritual [27:57] Conclusion and Final Thoughts David Hanrahan LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhanrahan Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - ⁠⁠https://www.mayakadar.com/⁠⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/⁠⁠ Workplace Weirdness Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ SpeakPipe - ⁠⁠http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness⁠⁠ Website - ⁠⁠http://workplace-weirdness.com⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/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.

How can you foster a work environment that is productive through effective leadership and emotional intelligence?  Leading with authenticity, building teams that collaborate and thrive, and creating a workplace where everyone can flourish is crucial in a successful business. In this episode, we explore the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and the transformative impact of vulnerability on building strong, authentic workplace cultures.  Claude Silver, the Global Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work, shares her insights on how emotional optimism, bravery, and efficiency can shape the future of leadership and team success. She dives into the importance of acknowledging and regulating emotions at work, showing how self-awareness and emotional resilience can lead to empowered leadership. Through genuine, empathetic leadership, you can foster a workplace environment that is both productive and compassionate, encouraging individuals to bring their whole selves to work. As we discuss the challenges of balancing emotional expression with professional responsibility, Claude shares how to embrace vulnerability without compromising effectiveness and why emotional intelligence is the key to better leadership, stronger team collaboration, and creating a healthy work culture.  Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations on leadership, career growth, and the most unexpected moments in office life! In This Episode: [00:00] Unexpected “Sick” Call [01:22] Introducing Claude Silver [02:35] Emotional Optimism, Bravery, and Efficiency [08:08] The Role of Chief Heart Officer [10:46] Identifying Superstars and Avoiding Politics [16:13] Weirdest Workplace Moment [16:53] Week in Work: The Modern Way of Navigating Overwhelm? [20:52] Listener Question #1: Feeling Overlooked at Work [24:53] Listener Question #2: Emotional Breakdown at Work [29:13] Cringeworthy Question: Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior [33:27] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Mentioned Book: Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Be-Yourself-Work-Groundbreaking-Standing/dp/0063392437 Claude Silver Website - ⁠⁠https://www.claudesilver.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/claudesilver/?hl=en Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - ⁠⁠https://www.mayakadar.com/⁠⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/⁠⁠ Workplace Weirdness Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ SpeakPipe - ⁠⁠http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness⁠⁠ Website - ⁠⁠http://workplace-weirdness.com⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/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, we dive deep into the world of workplace anxiety, recognition, and the impact of gratitude in leadership. Ever had the infamous Sunday scaries or struggled to manage a toxic boss? If so, this episode will resonate with you. We’ll discuss how mental health plays a crucial role in the workplace, especially when it comes to leadership and company culture. We’ll also tackle the challenges that come with workplace burnout, the overwhelming pressure to be “always on,” and how certain employees thrive in chaotic environments. Along the way, we'll explore the importance of gratitude practices to combat workplace stress and boost employee morale, and how creating a positive work culture can lead to better team dynamics and productivity. We’re joined by Chester Elton, bestselling author of The Gratitude Habit and Anxiety at Work. Chester shares valuable insights on mental health in the workplace, resilience, and how recognition and gratitude can transform a workplace from toxic to thriving. We also chat about his experiences in the corporate world, managing stress, and how showing kindness at work isn’t a sign of weakness but of strong leadership. Subscribe and hit the bell for more tips on workplace culture, employee engagement, and creating a supportive work environment! In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction to Chester Elton [03:35] The Power of Gratitude Journals [05:34] Kindness in Unexpected Places [07:44] The Importance of Gratitude in Leadership [11:55] Weirdest Workplace Moments [15:13] Week in Work: Meta vs. ChatGPT [18:03] Generosity and Gratitude in the Workplace [19:11] Listener Question #1: Thriving in Office Chaos [25:30] Listener Question #2: Tokenism in DEI Initiatives [29:59] Cringeworthy Question: Borrowing Money from Coworkers [33:34] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources & Links Mentioned Book: The Gratitude Habit - https://www.amazon.com/Gratitude-Habit-90-Day-Journal-Grateful/dp/B0CKWTZL9C Book: Anxiety at Work - https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Work-Strategies-Resilience-Uncertainty/dp/0063046156 Chester Elton Website - ⁠⁠https://chesterelton.com/ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chestereltonInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chester.elton/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - ⁠⁠https://www.mayakadar.com/⁠⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/⁠⁠ Workplace Weirdness Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ SpeakPipe - ⁠⁠http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness⁠⁠ Website - ⁠⁠http://workplace-weirdness.com⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/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.

Let’s take a deep dive into the most chaotic part of office life: bad bosses. What do you do when your boss is the definition of toxic leadership? Do you run, or do you stick it out and learn from them? In this Workplace Weirdness episode, we’ll explore how toxic bosses can make or break your career, and how understanding their behavior can help you develop better leadership skills. We’ll discuss how bad bosses affect the workplace culture, create HR nightmares, and leave employees struggling with stress, confusion, and low morale. We also share how you can take control of the situation and grow into the kind of leader who turns chaos into opportunity. We’re joined by Mita Mallick, author of The Devil Emails at Midnight, who’s lived through some of the worst boss experiences imaginable. From glass offices to tantrums that made you jump out of your seat, Mita shares how these bad bosses actually helped shape her career. We’ll explore how toxic work environments can get worse, how vulnerability in leadership can make you a stronger boss, and what we can all learn from the worst leadership styles. If you’ve been there, survived that, or just want to know what NOT to do as a leader, this episode is your guide to turning even the worst work situations into growth moments. Make sure to subscribe and hit the bell for more episodes covering everything from workplace chaos to leadership lessons and more! In This Episode: [00:00] The Nightmare Boss Experience [01:55] Introducing Mita Mallick [02:58] Exploring Bad Boss Archetypes [04:30] Personal Reflections on Bad Bosses [05:26] The Impact of Personal Life on Leadership [07:33] Toxic Positivity in the Workplace [09:29] Weirdest Workplace Moments [13:30] Week In Work: Interview Tips to Spot Bad Bosses [16:03] The Importance of Culture Chats in Hiring [17:09] Listener Question #1: Watching TV at Work [23:28] Listener Question #2: Dealing with a Bad Boss [27:37] Cringeworthy Question: Oversharing Boss [31:34] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Mita Mallick LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822 Website - ⁠https://www.mitamallick.com/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - ⁠https://www.mayakadar.com/⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/⁠ Workplace Weirdness Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ SpeakPipe - ⁠http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness⁠ Website - ⁠http://workplace-weirdness.com⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/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.

Welcome to Season 2 of Workplace Weirdness! In this episode, we share funny stories about workplace crushes, dating disasters, and cringe-worthy encounters that will make you cringe (and laugh) out loud.  Have you ever had a crush on a colleague or found yourself in an unexpected workplace romance? You might relate to this episode! We share experiences on workplace crushes, dating a coworker, and the awkward moments that happen when romantic relationships mix with professional life. We’ll talk about the dos and don’ts of dating at work, how to keep things professional while managing a relationship with a coworker, and how HR should step in when things get complicated. We also discuss workplace dating policies, the hidden dangers of dating at work, and what happens when that office crush turns into a full-blown romance. We’re joined by Lian Zucker, co-founder and CEO of Loop, who shares her take on navigating romantic relationships at work, setting boundaries, how to keep things professional when workplace dynamics start to get complicated, and how sometimes, things just don’t go as planned. So if you're looking for guidance on how to date at work without crossing any lines, or just want to hear some crazy stories about dating coworkers, you’ll love this one. Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories about office culture, workplace etiquette, and the weirdest HR moments. In This Episode: [00:00] Introducing Lian Zucker and Loop [02:51] The story behind Loop's inspiration [05:04] How Loop works [07:27] Building a company with family [09:03] Navigating workplace culture [10:35] Weirdest workplace moments [12:57] The week in work: Coldplay gate [19:26] Listener question #1: Setting boundaries with colleagues [24:26] Listener question #2: Struggles of a new manager [29:05] Cringeworthy question: Awkward office flirtations [32:41] Conclusion and guest farewell Notable Quotes [06:19] “Dating is less of a volume problem than you think, and much more so a problem of trust. When you get a warm introduction from someone you know or from someone in your community, you're much more likely to feel that trust.” — Lian Zucker [07:34] “My joke is often that the best thing I've done for the company is to convince my brother to build it with me.” — Lian Zucker [11:58] “Humans are so much more than checklists, and friends and matchmakers can really help you kind of overcome.” — Lian Zucker [14:12] “Infidelity is inexcusable. I think it's been equally disheartening to kind of see the schadenfreude involved a lot of public shaming, and ultimately their families were wrecked.” — Lian Zucker [16:35] “Historically, meeting in the workplace was very, very common. It can be a really great place to meet someone.” — Lian Zucker Lian Zucker LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianzucker/ Loop - https://www.loopmein.me/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - https://www.mayakadar.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe - http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness Website - http://workplace-weirdness.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/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 chats with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, about leadership, learning from failure, and why “dumbassery” might just be the secret ingredient to great leadership. Gary explains how embracing vulnerability, admitting you don’t have all the answers, and messing up a few times along the way can actually make you a stronger leader. Gary opens up about his time at WD-40, the iconic blue-and-yellow can that’s been fixing squeaky hinges and rusting parts for decades. He explains how building a culture of learning and being okay with failure helped the company thrive. They also tackle listener questions about navigating awkward workplace situations, like surviving a gratitude circle after layoffs, handling the micromanagement label, and escaping an unexpected weekend shift at a trampoline park. Tune in, you might just look at leadership a little differently after this one. Key Takeaways Embracing mistakes and vulnerability can unlock authentic leadership. Great leaders don’t just manage, they coach and support their team through change. Recognizing the power of asking “I don’t know” can create a more open, collaborative work environment. Transparency and humility are key to gaining trust after tough situations like layoffs. In leadership, authenticity outweighs trying to look like you have all the answers. Setting clear boundaries, even with a boss, is essential for maintaining professional integrity. In This Episode [00:00] What is WD-40? [01:01] Meet Garry Ridge [02:59] Why “Dumbassery” Is a Leadership Superpower [07:25] Coach vs. Manager: What’s the Difference? [09:18] Turning Mistakes into Learning Moments at WD-40 [16:01] Weirdest Workplace Moments [19:01] Week in Work: Why Fear-Based Leadership Backfires [26:01] Listener Question #1: Navigating Gratitude Circles After Layoffs [33:12] Listener Question #2: Micromanagement Feedback and How to Handle It [39:01] Cringeworthy Question: How to Decline an Unwanted Social Invitation [44:27] Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts Notable Quotes [03:26] “ Admitting you're wrong and saying you don’t know is actually a superpower.” — Garry Ridge [06:14] “ Success in business is not you being the smartest person in the room. It's you being in a room bringing out the smarts of everybody else. And once you expose yourself and display vulnerability, everybody else relaxes and suddenly you get an enormous amount of brain strength that comes out in the room.” — Garry Ridge [20:27 “ If leaders think that building a fear-based culture where people want to escape from their workplace instead of escape to it, they have a wake up call coming for them.” — Garry Ridge [34:17] “When your team calls you a micromanager, that’s feedback, not a defense.” — Garry Ridge Garry Ridge LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge The Learning Moment - https://thelearningmoment.net/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - https://www.mayakadar.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe - http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness Website - http://workplace-weirdness.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/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.

What does neuroscience have to do with leadership? How do you pivot from frog dissections to Fortune 500 boardrooms? And what do you do when your boss says you’re "great behind closed doors"... and not in a good way? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky is joined by the ever-dynamic Meredith Haberfeld, CEO of ThinkHuman and longtime advisor to companies like Spotify, SoulCycle, and Goldman Sachs. Meredith takes us on her wild journey from whitewater rafting guide to one of the most trusted names in executive coaching. And yes, there are weird workplace moments aplenty. Together, they unpack everything from awkward culture faux pas and executive presence mishaps to burned-out CEOs, dueling project management systems, and what to do when you accidentally "like" your boss’s shirtless Instagram post from 2017. (Spoiler: Don’t panic.) Key Takeaways Why executive presence is less about posture and more about connection How to lead teams through major change even when it's messy What to do when your role changes... but no one told you first Creative solutions to cross-functional dysfunction Why emotional intelligence and business strategy must go hand-in-hand How to handle embarrassing social media moments with humor and grace In This Episode [00:00] Introduction to Meredith Haberfeld [04:19] Developing Executive Presence [10:35] ThinkHuman: Finding the Right Fit [13:18] Weirdest Workplace Moments: Boss calls her a "banger behind closed doors" [16:13] The Week in Work: CEO Exodus [23:01] Listener Question #1: Dueling Project Management Systems [30:22] Listener Question #2: Outsourced Team Challenges [36:50] Cringeworthy Question: Accidentally Liked My Boss’ Old Swim Selfie! [40:35] Closing Remarks and Credits Notable Quotes [06:01] - “ I can take things on that I feel totally not equipped to do, and if I just relentlessly go for it, I eventually will be able to do it.” - Meredith Haberfeld [09:11] - “ Sometimes women more than men might struggle with how to modulate their persona into a presence that can be taken seriously.” - Maya Kadar Kovalsky [13:36] - “ In the startup world, for anybody who works in it, you end up with more in places you don't belong in a good way, 'cause you're like, all right, well we're a small team trying to build something, and here I am.” - Meredith Haberfeld [19:41] - “ I really think leading is an incredible privilege. So if somebody is called to that and feels inspired toward that, hold it with the level of care that it deserves.” - Meredith Haberfeld [27:52] - “ I think that the idea of purely digital written communication in a virtual or hybrid environment is just a fail.” - Meredith Haberfeld Resources and Links Meredith Haberfeld Website - https://www.meredithhaberfeld.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-haberfeld-she-her-29aa7a5 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thinkhumankind/ ThinkHuman Website - https://think-human.com/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - https://www.mayakadar.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe - http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness Website - http://workplace-weirdness.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/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.

Ever wondered what happens when you trade agency ownership for creative leadership?  In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Paul McDowall, brand architect, former agency owner & co-founder of ClarkMcDowall, to discuss his unconventional career journey from Liverpool to New York and his transition into leadership at Vault49. Paul shares insights from decades in branding, touching on the challenges of staying culturally relevant without losing brand identity. He opens up about the personal and professional growth that comes from letting go of ego, embracing new roles, and learning from failure. They also explore how to navigate tricky workplace dynamics, including handling conflicting feedback from leadership, weighing the pros and cons of moving into consulting, and recovering gracefully from Zoom call blunders. Tune in to hear reflections on leadership, resilience, and the joy of embracing the weirdness in the workplace! Key Takeaways You don’t have to lead to lead: A creative life can thrive without the title. Ego can be a culture killer; humility and humanity build stronger teams. Your brand’s future is written in its past... Go back to the DNA. Flexibility and authenticity are driving today’s shift toward small consultancies. If you’re stuck between bosses, don’t pick sides: document, clarify, and protect yourself. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction to Paul McDowall [02:18] Paul’s journey in the creative world [06:00] Lessons from running a business [09:10] The transition from boss to peer [13:29] Paul’s weirdest workplace moment [17:29] Week in Work: Un-bossing yourself [20:32] Freelancer vs. consultant lifestyle [21:09] Flexibility and challenges of small agencies [21:36] Massive shifts in the industry [23:34] Navigating conflicting bosses [23:45] Creating supportive workplaces in education [25:14 ] Listener Question #1: Stuck between feuding bosses [30:31] Listener Question #2: Consulting as a career pivot [36:09] Cringeworthy Question: Job hunting caught on Zoom [39:24] Final thoughts and farewell Notable Quotes [03:02] “You can leave Liverpool, but Liverpool never leaves you.” — Paul McDowall [06:24] “Fear is the biggest thing that holds us back.” — Paul McDowall [07:17] “ Define your authentic self, your own tone of voice. That takes away a lot of the pressure.” — Paul McDowall [08:40] “Ego silos us and it destroys culture.” — Paul McDowall [11:43] “Gut instinct is there for a reason. It's why we think with our stomachs.” — Paul McDowall [12:06] “For a brand to survive, you need to survive in culture.” — Paul McDowall [18:05] “ For many managers who wanna un-boss themselves, letting go of management responsibilities can also be a little bit psychologically challenging.” — Maya Kadar Kovalsky [31:47] “The  hardest question in life is ‘what do I want?’”— Paul McDowall [41:16] “The world doesn't need another a*****e. So don't be one.” — Paul McDowall Resources & Links Paul McDowall LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mcdowall-00b0b11 clarkmcdowall - http://www.clarkmcdowall.com Vault 49 - https://www.vault49.com/ Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - https://www.mayakadar.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe - http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness Website - http://workplace-weirdness.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/workplaceweirdpod/ Mentioned WSJC Article:  Can You 'Unboss' Yourself Without Ruining Your Career?  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.

Meetings often get a bad rap, but did you know they can actually be the cornerstone of a positive workplace culture? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky is joined by Hannah Dubin, founder of The Group Forward and a powerhouse facilitator with a background in camp leadership, corporate consulting, and culture design. Together, they explore what it really takes to lead humans—awkward moments, messy emotions, and all. Hannah shares how her early work in summer camps shaped her facilitation style and why she believes your meetings reflect your workplace culture more than anything else. Hannah and Maya touch on topics like design thinking, power dynamics, and the importance of emotional intelligence in group settings. They also discuss the role of AI in the workplace and how to foster a culture of experimentation without fueling anxiety. Key Takeaways How design thinking helps build smarter solutions—with real human input. AI adoption isn’t just about tech—it’s reshaping workplace power and pace. Pitching yourself after a layoff? Package your value. Show, don’t tell. How to deal with negative workshop feedback (and how to not take it personally). When pets and professionalism clash—and what your dog’s behavior says about your judgment. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction to Hannah Dubin [04:10] Getting into facilitation and early inspiration [07:15] Designing meetings for humans [08:56] AI’s role in facilitation and experimentation [10:33] Weirdest workplace moment [13:47] Power literacy in the workplace [14:54] Week in Work: AI reshaping the workplace [26:08] Listener question #1: Edtech career pivot [32:35] Listener question #2: Handling negative training feedback [36:55] Cringeworthy question: pet-friendly office mishap [41:12] Closing thoughts Notable Quotes [05:50] “You don’t change the world by telling people what to do. You change the world by asking, “Do you want to explore this question with me, and what do we want?" — Hannah [07:30] "Your meetings are your culture. Period." — Hannah [08:22] "How do I want the humans to feel before, during, and after the experience? You might have plowed through and crushed it on goal one, but if everybody feels like crap, then was that worth it?." —Hannah [18:02] "I’ll tell you the truth. I feel like there is fear around AI, and anything we can do to dissipate that fear, I think, is positive. On the other hand, the fear comes from this end-of-the-world scenario where we think robots are taking over." — Hannah [24:06] “'I love the idea of teams working together to build something, and I see work as a shared culture toward a positive goal.” — Hannah [36:27] “You make yourself vulnerable when you stand in front of a room of people, and you’re just going to get better with more practice.” — Maya Hannah Dubin The Group Forward - https://www.thegroupforward.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-feldberg-dubin Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website - https://www.mayakadar.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/ Workplace Weirdness Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe - http://speakpipe.com/workplaceweirdness Website - http://workplace-weirdness.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/workplaceweirdpod/ Mentioned Forbes Article on AI Reshaping the Workplace - https://www.forbes.com/sites/solrashidi/2025/05/31/ai-is-reshaping-the-work-faster-than-companies-can-upskill/ 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.