Alright, let’s get real—tech’s so-called “meritocracy” is doing more harm than good, and it’s time to face it head-on. This week we’re bringing you an episode of the Radical Respect podcast. Kim and Wesley sit down with Ellen Pao, founder of Project Include, to dig into how the industry’s obsession with merit often masks deep-seated bias, exclusion, and outright harassment.

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Feeling overwhelmed by workplace polarization, the loneliness epidemic, and the constant whirl of change? You’re not alone—and neither are your teams. We’ve got your back. Tune in as Kim and Amy bring in Heather McGowan, future-of-work strategist, to dig into why we’re so divided and distracted at work—and what leaders can actually do about it.

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Caught in the middle of a boss who’s all care but no action and a team lead who’s full steam ahead with no brakes? That’s a workplace tightrope no one wants to walk. Your ability to Care Personally and Challenge Directly can seriously be affected when communication falls apart on both ends of the spectrum, and it’s not just frustrating—it’s debilitating. How do you stay productive and keep your sanity when you’re managing up and down with people who either dodge conflict entirely or bulldoze through it?

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Ever feel like caring about a coworker is just…not in the cards? Same. Here’s the thing though – you don’t have to be besties to show respect and keep things productive. In this episode, Kim, Amy, and Jason tackle the tough question of how to Care Personally when someone’s driving you up the wall.

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Pay transparency—yikes, it’s one of those topics that makes everyone squirm, but avoiding it does more harm than good. Let’s be real: when salaries are shrouded in secrecy, it doesn’t just make things awkward—it allows inequity and mistrust to thrive. And here’s the kicker: people are already talking about pay, just in whispers instead of open, productive conversations. In this episode, Kim and Jason take a no-nonsense approach to tackling the discomfort.

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Promotions gone wrong? Yeah, it’s a thing. On this episode, Kim and former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo tackle a listener’s tale of missed opportunities, broken promises, and a management team that just can’t get it together. From the cringe-worthy red flags to the frustrating aftermath, they explore how leadership missteps can wreak havoc on trust and motivation. Tune in for sharp insights, practical advice, and a whole lot of “what NOT to do” when navigating messy workplace dynamics. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a system that doesn’t seem to work, this episode will help you find your way forward.

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Let’s get into it: oversharing at work — we’ve all done it, and we’ve all cringed after. But here’s the tea: when we spill sensitive info without thinking, we’re not just breaking trust. We’re tanking our ability to Care Personally and Challenge Directly. In this episode, Kim, Jason, and Amy dig into a listener’s story about sharing too much too soon and just how quickly oversharing can derail trust and create chaos. They unpack why these missteps happen, how different company cultures play into it, and what it really takes to find that sweet spot between transparency and discretion. If you’ve ever found yourself in the awkward aftermath of an overshare, this one’s for you.

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We’re shaking up the workplace and diving deep into the raw reality of whistleblowing and the courage it takes to speak up with this special episode from the Radical Respect podcast. Kim, Wesley, and special guest Susan Fowler Rigetti, author of Whistleblower, break down the challenges of calling out toxic systems while being real with yourself.

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Brace yourself—this episode is all about navigating post-election 2024 workplace tension with Radical Candor. Kim and Amy team up with Denise Hamilton, author of Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences Into a Stronger Future, to tackle the complicated landscape of workplace polarization and the radical power of respect. Denise, known for her “irrational optimism,” sheds light on how we can bridge deep divides, even when it feels impossible and that respect isn’t something earned through understanding—it’s the baseline that makes understanding possible.

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We need to talk about nepotism and workplace bullying, because WHEW, does it ever mess with our ability to Care Personally and Challenge Directly! Here’s the real deal — when family ties eclipse talent, we’re not just hurting individual careers. We’re poisoning the well of psychological safety that teams need to thrive. How can you tell someone to “bring their whole self to work” when the rules aren’t the same for everyone? On this week’s episode, Kim, Jason, and Amy are diving into the complexities of nepotism, looking at how it gives unfair advantages and impacts the culture at work.

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