Relationships at Work - a trust-driven leadership podcast
By: Russel Lolacher
Language: en
Categories: Business, Management, Society, Culture, Relationships, Education, Self Improvement
Relationships at Work - the leadership podcast helping you build workplace connection, improve culture, and avoid blind spots. A relatable and honest show on leadership, organizational culture and soft skills, focusing on improving employee engagement and company culture to inspire people to apply, stay and thrive. Because no one wants leadership that fosters toxic environments at work, nor should they.Host, speaker and communications leader Russel Lolacher shares his experience and insights, discussing the leadership and corporate culture topics that matter with global experts help us with the success of our organizations (regardless of industry). This show will give you th...
Episodes
The Mentorship Gap No One Talks About
Jan 08, 2026Mentorship is everywhere in leadership conversations — yet many leaders still feel stuck without the guidance they actually need.
In this solo mini-episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores why so many mentorship attempts fall flat, what truly makes a mentor valuable, and how to stop searching for advice that sounds good but doesn’t help you grow.
If you’ve ever wondered why mentorship feels harder than it should, this episode is for you.
And connect with me for more great content!
Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow... Duration: 00:09:44Why DEI Gets Stuck in the Middle
Jan 05, 2026Most organizations talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion at the executive level — or delegate it to HR.
But that’s not where DEI actually succeeds or fails.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel speaks with Jonathan Njus about why middle managers are the real linchpin of DEI efforts — and why so many initiatives stall once they reach the middle of the organization.
Jonathan breaks down:
Why middle managers quietly shape hiring, performance reviews, and team cultureHow DEI often fails because of language, not valuesWhy psychological safety must extend to lea... Duration: 00:52:50Leadership Isn’t Neutral: Understanding the Power You Hold
Jan 01, 2026Every leader has power—whether they acknowledge it or not.
In this solo mini-episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher explores the often-overlooked reality of leadership influence and how even small words, actions, or moments of absence can leave a lasting imprint on people at work.
Drawing from real leadership experiences and patterns he’s seen across hundreds of conversations, Russel breaks down why leadership impact is never neutral—and why intent doesn’t cancel out impact. From offhand comments to missed support, leaders shape trust, confidence, and culture in ways they may never see… but...
Duration: 00:09:18Are We Part of the Problem at Work?
Dec 29, 2025Most people can spot dysfunction at work.
Bad bosses. Endless emergencies. Burnout masquerading as productivity.
But the harder question is this: what role do we play in it?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, author and executive leader Eric Charran joins Russel Lolacher to unpack how dysfunctional workplaces actually take hold — and why self-assessment is often the missing step in breaking the cycle.
They explore how leaders reward busyness instead of outcomes, why bad behaviors get normalized, and how managing up, setting boundaries, and understanding your ow...
Duration: 00:59:59When Managing Your Boss Becomes the Job
Dec 25, 2025What happens when doing your job quietly turns into managing your boss’s ego?
In this Relationships at Work mini-episode, Russel Lolacher unpacks the real damage caused by bootlicking cultures — where praise is safer than honesty, silence is rewarded over truth, and employees spend more energy protecting leaders than improving the work.
Through a simple story and clear leadership reflections, this episode explores how fear-based leadership erodes psychological safety, engagement, trust, and culture — often without leaders even realizing it’s happening.
You’ll also hear three practical leadership shifts that help move teams...
Duration: 00:09:15When Leaders Mean Well — and Still Get It Wrong
Dec 22, 2025Most leaders mean well.
That doesn’t mean the impact lands well.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, leadership coach and author Dr. Joel Pérez draws on insights from his book Dear White Leader to unpack why good intentions often fall apart at work — and what leaders miss about power, identity, and impact.
A grounded conversation about how leadership actually shows up, especially when culture, trust, and accountability are tested.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. It’s packed w...
Duration: 00:59:36What a Christmas Table Taught Me About Employee Retention
Dec 19, 2025Employee retention isn’t built with perks, programs, or forced fun.
It’s built in the moments where leaders choose to listen, trust, and let teams be themselves.
In this mini-episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher shares a simple Christmas decorating story that explains why his team stayed together for nearly 12 years — and why high retention is never an accident or a “unicorn.”
This episode breaks down:
Why autonomy matters more than engagement initiativesHow leaders accidentally push people away by enforcing conformityWhat retention really looks like in everyday leadership decisionsIf you’re...
Duration: 00:09:25How Influence Really Works at Work
Dec 15, 2025Influence gets thrown around like a leadership buzzword — but most people misunderstand what it actually is. It’s not authority. It’s not persuasion. And it’s definitely not performance.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel sits down with author and former CIO Brad Englert to unpack the real mechanics of influence inside organizations — the kind that builds trust, shifts culture, and turns critics into advocates.
Brad shares stories from his career at Accenture and the University of Texas that reveal:
Why influence is rooted in understanding goals, setting expectations, and genuin... Duration: 00:50:09Fixing the Leadership Blame Game
Dec 11, 2025It’s easy to blame a leader. They’re visible. They’re the face of decisions. They’re the ones we point to when work feels confusing, frustrating, or overwhelming.
But what if the problem isn’t just the leader—what if it’s the system that shaped them?
In this mini-episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher breaks down the real reason so many leaders struggle: they were never given the clarity, tools, or support to lead well in the first place. Drawing from the R@W Note newsletter, Russel explore...
Duration: 00:11:39Soul Health at Work: The Missing Layer of Leadership
Dec 08, 2025We talk a lot about mental health and physical wellbeing at work — but almost never about the part of ourselves that drives meaning, connection, energy, and authenticity.
Enter soul health.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, founder and CEO of Quantum Sense Pam Buchanan joins me to unpack why so many employees still feel unseen and unfulfilled, even in workplaces overflowing with perks. We explore why leaders default to ego-driven decisions, how energy (not time) shapes performance, and what it looks like to create environments where people feel valued at a dee...
Duration: 00:54:09Leaders vs. Managers: The Cost of Mixing Them Up
Dec 04, 2025Too many workplaces use “leader” and “manager” interchangeably — and it’s hurting their people and their culture. In this solo episode, Relationships at Work host Russel Lolacher explains the real difference between leadership and management and why misunderstanding the two leads to frustration, disengagement, and poor decision-making.
Russel explores how:
Leadership focuses on people, growth, and purposeManagement focuses on tasks, timelines, and resourcesCalling every manager a “leader” hides harmful behaviourOrganizations weaken culture when they don’t define the roles clearlyYou’ll also hear three concrete actions to help teams name, model, and develop leadership and management as di...
Duration: 00:08:03Why Development Is a Relationship
Dec 01, 2025Most leaders treat development like a checkbox — a course, a conference, an annual review.
But what if the real key to growth and retention isn’t an event… but a relationship?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel sits down with leadership and career development expert Julie Winkle Giulioni to rethink how growth actually happens at work — through trust, curiosity, and small, meaningful moments shared every day.
Julie breaks down why:
Development only happens when people feel supported“No time” is a leadership myth (and how great leaders use micro-mom... Duration: 00:54:12Why Leaders Must Celebrate Impact, Not Effort
Nov 20, 2025In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher digs into a leadership trap that quietly damages culture, disengages teams, and derails real progress: celebrating effort instead of impact.
We hand out recognition for hard work, long hours, new initiatives, “busy-ness,” and well-packaged plans—but rarely pause to ask the only question that matters: Did any of this create meaningful change?
Russel explores why organizations reward motion instead of momentum and how this leads to checkbox leadership, abandoned initiatives, and teams who stop believing anything is going to be different. Drawing from r...
Duration: 00:09:14Beyond Busyness: Turning Time Poverty Into Time Wealth
Nov 17, 2025We’ve been taught that being busy means being successful — but what if it’s actually holding us back? In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with performance optimization expert and author Peggy Sullivan about how to escape “time poverty” and achieve more by doing less.
Peggy shares how leaders can recognize the traps of constant hustle, eliminate low-value activities, and replace them with purpose-driven priorities. From tackling meeting overload to setting better boundaries and aligning time with values, this conversation offers practical steps to shift from burnout to balance — and from busynes...
Duration: 00:45:32Why You Need to Speak Up for Your Results
Nov 13, 2025You’ve heard it before — “let your results speak for themselves.” But in reality, results don’t talk — you do.
In this solo episode, Relationships at Work host Russel Lolacher breaks down why staying silent about your success can stall your career and how communicating your impact with clarity, alignment, and presence helps leadership truly see your value.
Russel shares actionable ways to advocate for yourself and your team:
Align with leadership priorities so your wins connect to what matters most.Tell a story with your data that answe... Duration: 00:10:12How Leaders Inspire Accountability: Turning Ownership Into Trust
Nov 10, 2025Accountability in leadership isn’t about blame — it’s about ownership.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with leadership expert Michael Timms on how great leaders inspire accountability by modeling it first. Together they explore how to move beyond micromanagement, empower teams through clarity, and build trust that fuels performance.
You’ll learn how to:
Redefine accountability as ownership, not punishment.Model accountability to inspire your team.Build a culture where people take pride in results.Michael Timms is the author of How Leaders Can Insp...
Duration: 00:53:11How Do You Know You've Even Taken a Break?
Nov 06, 2025We talk a lot about the importance of taking breaks — but how do you know when you’ve actually had one?
In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher shares what happened when he took a real pause from creating, producing, and strategizing — not because he stopped caring, but because he cared too much to keep going unsustainably.
Through small grounding habits, reflection, and honest self-checks, Russel explores what it means to step away with intention — and how to return with clarity instead of clutter.
Because a true break is...
Duration: 00:10:17Getting Organizational Design Right
Nov 03, 2025Most leaders think their organizational problems are structural — that if they just rearrange the boxes on the org chart, everything will flow better.
But as organizational design consultant and executive coach Susannah Robinson explains, that’s rarely the real issue.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher and Susannah break down what organizational design actually means — and how it connects directly to leadership behavior, culture, and employee experience.
Together, they explore:
Why most “structure problems” are really leadership and communication problemsHow to align your str... Duration: 00:48:53How Leadership Can Stop Investing in Cultural Debt
Oct 27, 2025Originally released: June, 2024
In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher discusses the causes and answers to cultural debt.
Technical debt is a common term in software development to explain growing issues caused by not properly addressing problems. By only implementing "band-aid" solutions, the root problems only continue to grow and fester. Cultural debt is the same in that organizational issues unaddressed or avoided, will just poison the company little by little over time until it's not something that can be fixed anymore.
Russel provides e...
Why Respect Outshines Professionalism in Today's Workplace
Oct 20, 2025Originally released: August, 2024
What if being 'professional' is actually holding your workplace back? In this episode, host Russel Lolacher challenges the traditional norms and reveals why respect, not rigid professionalism, is the key to a thriving, diverse workplace.
The idea of professionalism is usually about aligning behaviours, dress codes, communication styles and work ethics around the norms of the dominant culture. This is a barrier to diversity and innovation, while promoting uniformity. Let's be respectful instead.
Russel shares real world examples of what we can do as leaders to encourage a respectful...
Leadership Alert - Avoiding the Pitfalls of Change Management
Oct 13, 2025Originally released: April, 2024
In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher showcases common resistances to change at work and how leaders can avoid these pitfalls.
Change is a constant in the workplace, but so is resistance to it. The success and failure of change will be found in how leadership introduces, leads, implements and follows up on that change, and in how they respect what's come before. Russel shares five common pitfalls that leaders encounter when implementing change and ways in which we can think differently in...
Stop Babysitting, Start Leading - A Leadership Mindset Shift
Oct 06, 2025Originally released: January, 2025
Ever felt like you’re "babysitting" your team instead of leading them? You’re not alone. Many leaders hit a point of frustration, but that feeling is a signal—an opportunity for reflection and growth.
In this episode, we explore why some leaders feel this way, what it says about their leadership approach, and, most importantly, how to shift from micromanaging to mentoring. Learn actionable steps to empower your team, foster accountability, and redefine your leadership mindset. Because great leadership isn’t about control—it’s about trust, coaching, and clarity.
Leader Shout Out! - Stop Keeping Your Values All To Yourself
Sep 29, 2025Originally released: May, 2024
In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher recommends we share our values publicly to build better connection.
Knowing our values is vital to our self-awareness and in helping us make decisions and setting boundaries that help our career and our employee experience. But they are too valuable to keep to ourselves. Share them. With everyone. It'll benefit us as leaders, our teams and the organization. Russel provides real-world examples of what sharing our values looks like and the many benefits to doing...
Leadership Gap - What Leaders Believe and Employees Know
Sep 22, 2025Originally released July, 2023.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the gap between leadership assumptions and employee reality.
Numerous surveys have been conducted by SHRM, Deloitte, Forrester showing executives have a very different perception of their organizational culture than those who work for them.
Russel asks the question, "but how do you know?" to challenge those leaders who make assumptions, dismiss data they don't agree with or have far too small of a network to know what's really going on. He also o...
Stepping Back Before Burnout: Why Pausing Is Powerful Leadership
Sep 19, 2025In this Relationships at Work mini-episode, host Russel Lolacher gets real about the warning signs of burnout and why stepping back is one of the most important — and overlooked — leadership skills. Drawing from his own experience producing daily episodes, running a newsletter, and working a full-time job, Russel shares how to recognize when your passion is turning into a grind, and how to model sustainable leadership by setting boundaries.
You’ll learn:
The early signs burnout is creeping in — before it hits hardWhy pausing isn’t failure but a necessary leadership practiceThree actionable steps to spot an... Duration: 00:12:01Building Cultures That Learn from Failure
Sep 18, 2025Part 4 of our 4-part conversation on turning adversity into opportunity.
Organizations often say they embrace failure — but do they really? Executive coach Whitney Faires and host Russel Lolacher dive into how leadership accountability and honest feedback shape a healthier workplace culture. From avoiding toxic positivity to taking extreme ownership, Whitney shares why cultures that accept setbacks as learning opportunities unlock trust, loyalty, and long-term success.
And connect with me for more great content!
Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on Ti... Duration: 00:15:36Leading Teams Through Setbacks with Confidence
Sep 17, 2025Part 3 of our 4-part conversation on turning adversity into opportunity at work.
When adversity hits, teams look to their leaders for guidance. Executive coach Whitney Faires joins host Russel Lolacher to explore how leaders can normalize setbacks, create space for mistakes, and help teams grow through challenges. Whitney explains how modeling resilience, encouraging problem-solving, and maintaining perspective builds trust and motivation. Learn how to guide your team through adversity without losing momentum.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on... Duration: 00:12:46Resilience and Self-Awareness: Turning Setbacks into Strength
Sep 16, 2025Part 2 of our 4-part conversation on turning adversity into opportunity at work.
Failure feels personal — but it doesn’t have to define you. In this episode, executive coach Whitney Faires talks with host Russel Lolacher about reframing adversity through mindset and self-reflection. Whitney shares how to separate emotion from fact, regulate your response, and see setbacks as chances for growth. Learn why resilience starts with self-awareness and how leaders can build strength on the other side of adversity.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Yout... Duration: 00:14:08What Adversity Really Means for Leaders
Sep 15, 2025Part 1 of our 4-part conversation on turning adversity into opportunity at work.
Setbacks are part of every workplace — but how do we define adversity without downplaying its impact? Executive coach and leadership expert Whitney Faires joins host Russel Lolacher to explain what adversity looks like at work, why leaders should avoid minimizing challenges, and how to clearly understand obstacles before responding. Discover why clarity is the first step to transforming adversity into opportunity.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on... Duration: 00:19:00Corporate Speak Is Killing Connection – Here’s How to Fix It
Sep 12, 2025Corporate jargon might sound polished, but it’s destroying trust, relationships, and humanity at work.
In this Relationships at Work mini-episode, host Russel Lolacher — internationally recognized leadership speaker and host of this globally ranked top 5% podcast — breaks down why corporate speak fails and how leaders can replace it with clear, human communication. Learn why jargon alienates teams, what it signals about leadership, and three practical steps to create authentic connection through plain, honest language.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Link... Duration: 00:08:30Building a Culture Inspired by Leadership Design
Sep 11, 2025Part 4 of our 4-part conversation on leadership design.
What does a workplace look like when leadership design is at its core? Host Russel Lolacher is joined by Georgi Enthoven — global advisor and thought leader on purposeful, high-impact work — to reveal how cultures shaped by vision and contribution inspire employees to say, “I’m proud of what I do.” This episode explores how organizations can foster community, pride, and sustainability to create modern workplaces worth belonging to.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube F... Duration: 00:13:59Keeping Teams Aligned Through Vision, Not Just Strategy
Sep 10, 2025Part 3 of our 4-part conversation on leadership design.
Leaders often mistake strategy for identity, creating rigidity and disconnection. In this conversation, host Russel Lolacher and Georgi Enthoven — bestselling author and venture partner with deep experience advising businesses on impact and culture — discuss how leadership design helps teams align on a compelling vision. They explore how to co-create purpose with diverse perspectives and keep teams engaged without losing sight of the bigger picture.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Foll... Duration: 00:11:22Why Leadership Design Starts with Self-Awareness
Sep 09, 2025Part 2 of our 4-part conversation on leadership design.
How can leaders design their impact if they don’t know themselves first? Host Russel Lolacher sits down with Georgi Enthoven — a seasoned entrepreneur and podcast host who helps professionals align ambition with purpose — to uncover the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Georgi shares how identifying your unique strengths (not just fixing weaknesses) builds the confidence and clarity leaders need to show up authentically and drive meaningful change.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtub... Duration: 00:09:48Defining Leadership Design for the Future of Work
Sep 08, 2025Part 1 of our 4-part conversation on leadership design.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher explores what “leadership design” really means. Guest Georgi Enthoven — entrepreneur, venture partner, advisor to global family businesses, and USA Today bestselling author of Work That’s Worth It — shares why leadership is more than profit or promotion. She explains how integrating impact into business models is becoming non-negotiable, and why younger generations are demanding leaders rethink what success looks like.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes S... Duration: 00:17:44Two-Way Communication: A Leader’s Path to Connection
Sep 05, 2025In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership communication expert Russel Lolacher challenges a common leadership blind spot: treating communication as one-way. Drawing from decades of experience and real workplace stories, Russel explains why leaders—not employees—carry the full responsibility for ensuring messages are understood.
You’ll learn practical actions to:
Make communication relevant to employees.Deliver messages in ways that are easy to consume.Keep it interesting and interactive to build trust.Discover why true leadership is about adapting, clarifying, and trying again—because connection only happens through two-way...
Duration: 00:09:07Turning Workplace Friction Into a Flow-Based Culture
Sep 04, 2025Part 4 of our 4-part conversation on shifting our leadership from friction to flow.
Culture is built on behaviors, moods, and systems that either fuel friction or create flow. In this Relationships at Work episode, host Russel Lolacher talks with Margaret Graziano, keynote speaker and bestselling author of Ignite Culture, about how leaders can take responsibility for toxic environments and transform them into thriving, high-performing cultures. Learn how small moments of friction snowball into dysfunction, and how flow accelerates change, profitability, and retention.
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... Duration: 00:13:49From Friction to Flow: How Teams Thrive Together
Sep 03, 2025Part 3 of our 4-part conversation on shifting our leadership from friction to flow..
What does a team in flow actually look like? In this Relationships at Work episode, host Russel Lolacher is joined by Margaret Graziano to unpack how leaders can shift their teams from defensive, draining dynamics into collaboration and empowerment. Discover why the “magic number” for team problem-solving is five to eight people, how laughter and trust fuel flow, and what leaders can do to unlock their team’s best work.
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Si... Duration: 00:13:35Leadership Starts with Self-Awareness: Moving from Friction to Flow
Sep 02, 2025Part 2 of our 4-part conversation on shifting our leadership from friction to flow..
Flow begins with you. In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with Margaret Graziano, culture transformation expert and bestselling author of Ignite Culture, about how ego, triggers, and old patterns affect leadership. Learn why personal awareness is the first step toward flow, and why leaders can’t move their teams forward without first moving themselves.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on... Duration: 00:11:45Friction vs Flow at Work: Leadership Clarity for Better Results
Sep 01, 2025Part 1 of our 4-part conversation on shifting our leadership from friction to flow..
What’s the difference between friction and flow in the workplace? In this episode of the Relationships at Work podcast, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Margaret Graziano — CEO of KeenAlignment and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ignite Culture. Together they define friction in leadership, explore how it wastes energy and productivity, and explain how clarity helps leaders shift their people and organizations into flow.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love...
Duration: 00:27:33How a Team Credo Builds Trust and Alignment
Aug 29, 2025In this solo mini-episode, host Russel Lolacher shares a leadership tool that helped him retain a team for more than a decade: the team credo. Drawing from his own experience, Russel explains how a short, clear set of guiding principles can improve communication, build trust, and align your team around what matters most. You’ll also get seven practical steps to create a credo that inspires and strengthens workplace culture.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me... Duration: 00:09:41Building Wellness into Organizational Culture
Aug 28, 2025Part 4 of our 4-part conversation on embracing wellness as a part of leadership..
Wellness isn’t just an individual practice — it has to be operationalized into the culture of the workplace. Host Russel Lolacher speaks with Stephen Kohler, founder of Audira, about how organizations can prove they value wellness through their calendars, budgets, and workload trade-offs. This episode explores how embedding wellness into culture improves retention, engagement, and the overall employee experience.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on L... Duration: 00:15:12How Leaders Can Model Wellness for Their Teams
Aug 27, 2025Part 3 of our 4-part conversation on embracing wellness as a part of leadership..
Teams don’t believe in wellness because of posters — they believe in it because of their leaders. Host Russel Lolacher is joined by executive coach Stephen Kohler to discuss why role modeling matters, how leaders can reinforce wellness with consistency and empathy, and why even small actions — like encouraging a teammate to take a walk — build trust and resilience across a team.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtu... Duration: 00:06:46Why Wellness Starts with the Leader
Aug 26, 2025Part 2 of our 4-part conversation on embracing wellness as a part of leadership..
The most important relationship a leader has is with themselves. In this conversation, host Russel Lolacher talks with Stephen Kohler — CEO of Audira and author of The Leadership Anthem — about how stress shows up in the body, what cortisol and fight-or-flight do to leadership, and how leaders can hold themselves accountable with a simple mind–body–spirit check. Protecting your own wellness first sets the stage for leading others well.
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Duration: 00:16:26What Workplace Wellness Really Means for Leaders
Aug 25, 2025Part 1 of our 4-part conversation on embracing wellness as a part of leadership..
Workplace wellness is more than perks, programs, or posters on the wall. In this episode, host Russel Lolacher explores how leaders can define wellness with clarity alongside executive coach and author Stephen Kohler. Together they look at why wellness requires alignment with your values, your relationships, and your community — and how clear definitions can shape healthier workplaces and stronger cultures.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Fo... Duration: 00:18:42The Wrong Tone in Leadership
Aug 22, 2025In this Relationships at Work episode, host Russel Lolacher explores one of leadership’s most overlooked skills—tone. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. From quick emails to team meetings, the wrong tone can undermine intent, damage relationships, and weaken trust. Russel shares a real-world example of how three simple words—“Perfect, for now”—changed the dynamic of a working relationship, and offers practical actions leaders can take to ensure their communication lands as intended.
Learn how to adapt your tone to your audience, balance clarity with empathy, and use feedback to buil...
Duration: 00:07:49Transforming Workplace Culture with the Superloop Framework
Aug 21, 2025Part 4 of our 4-part conversation on the Superloop framework.
What does a healthy, human-centered workplace really look like? Susan Leger Ferraro — executive coach, speaker, and bestselling author of Superloop joins Russel Lolacher to reveal how her framework can transform organizational culture. From equity audits to leadership accountability, Susan shares proven strategies to align beliefs, biology, and behavior at every level, creating workplaces where people and performance thrive.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Fo... Duration: 00:14:11From Conflict to Connection: Superloop Practices for Better Teams
Aug 20, 2025Part 3 of our 4-part conversation on the Superloop framework.
Strong teams aren’t built by accident. In this episode, Russel Lolacher sits down with Susan Leger Ferraro — senior advisor, CEO of G3 Works, and author of the bestselling book Superloop. She explains how practices like clearing conversations, Feedforward, and Pathmaker roles help teams move beyond conflict and into connection. Learn practical steps from Susan’s leadership framework for building trust, improving communication, and supporting your team with authenticity and accountability.
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Sign Up for R... Duration: 00:18:44Breaking Patterns: Triggers, Self-Awareness & the Superloop at Work
Aug 19, 2025Part 2 of our 4-part conversation on the Superloop framework.
Your relationship with yourself determines how you show up as a leader. Susan Leger Ferraro — speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author of Superloop — shares why triggers aren’t setbacks, but signals for growth. Discover how to use self-reflection, emotional hygiene, and conscious interruption of your Superloop to build resilience, confidence, and clarity in leadership.
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Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow... Duration: 00:13:46Clarity in Leadership: Understanding the Superloop of Beliefs, Biology, and Behavior
Aug 18, 2025Part 1 of our 4-part conversation on the Superloop framework.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher and Susan Leger Ferraro, author of Superloop, unpack how beliefs, biology, and behavior create the framework for everything we do as leaders and employees. Discover how awareness of this loop helps us stop running on autopilot and start shaping better outcomes for ourselves and our workplaces.
Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. It’s packed with guest takeaways, the resources that inspire them, and my own ti...
Duration: 00:26:47The Real Role of HR Governance in Your Workplace
Aug 01, 2025Governance isn't just paperwork and policy—it shapes how employees are hired, managed, and treated every single day. In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with HR leader Dominique Brewer to dig into what HR governance really is, how it connects to the employee experience, and why leadership accountability is essential for it to succeed.
From the Workhuman*LIVE event in Colorado, Dominique shares how frameworks and shared accountability can reduce risk, increase fairness, and build trust within teams—and why HR must be embe...
Duration: 00:31:19Building a Culture of Authenticity at Work
Jul 31, 2025This is part 4 of a 4-part conversation on authentic leadership.
You can’t fake authenticity — and culture knows when you try.
In this episode, author and executive coach Jim Fielding joins to discuss how leaders shape organizational culture through tone, vulnerability, and consistent behavior. As a former executive with teams of thousands at companies like Disney and Claire’s, Jim shares the signals of inauthentic cultures, the role of curiosity in connection, and the daily actions that build psychological safety. His advice? Start listening. Start watching. Culture is built in the small moments — and leaders set the p...
Duration: 00:15:03Authenticity Starts with Who You Hire
Jul 30, 2025This is part 3 of a 4-part conversation on authentic leadership.
Team culture begins before day one.
In this episode, executive coach, author, and former Disney exec Jim Fielding reveals how authenticity shows up in the hiring process, how to build trust through vulnerability, and why showing up as a fully human leader sets the tone for every team interaction. From performance conversations to “espresso machine culture,” Jim explains what real empowerment looks like — and how to create workplaces where people actually want to belong.
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Sign Up... Duration: 00:15:13The Inner Work of Authentic Leadership
Jul 29, 2025This is part 2 of a 4-part conversation on authentic leadership.
Self-awareness isn’t optional if you want to lead authentically. In this episode, author and executive coach Jim Fielding explores the personal barriers that prevent leaders from showing up as their true selves. From trauma and identity to DISC profiles and 360 reviews, Jim shares the internal tools and honest moments that shaped his leadership journey — and how understanding your own story helps you lead with empathy, clarity, and presence. Jim is an executive coach and the author of All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive’s Journey on Livi...
Duration: 00:14:36What Authentic Leadership Really Looks Like
Jul 28, 2025This is part 1 of a 4-part conversation on authentic leadership.
Authenticity is often used as a leadership buzzword — but what does it actually mean?
In this episode, Jim Fielding, executive coach and author of All Pride, No Ego, shares his clear and human-centered definition of authentic leadership. Drawing on his experience as a former executive at Disney, DreamWorks, and Fox, Jim explains how authenticity creates psychological safety, the importance of adapting in “the grey,” and why creating space for people to bring their whole selves is good for business — and culture.
And connect with me f...
Duration: 00:21:44How Recognition Shapes Workplace Culture, Belonging and Leadership
Jul 25, 2025In this episode of Relationships at Work, we explore how recognition is more than praise — it's a cultural signal that defines values, fosters belonging, and drives performance.
Host Russel Lolacher sits down with a workplace recognition expert from Workhuman to dig into:
Why generic praise fails to make people feel seenHow meaningful recognition strengthens psychological safetyThe damage of performative or biased recognitionWhy culture is built from everyday moments, not posters on the wallThe global, generational, and leadership nuances in how people want to be recognizedIf you're a leader or HR professional looking to...
Duration: 00:28:35Culture Won’t Change Without Leadership Development
Jul 24, 2025This is part 4 of a 4-part conversation on the context we need for improving leadership development.
If your workplace culture isn’t evolving, your leadership development probably isn’t either. In this Relationships at Work episode, Dr. Rob Lion joins Russel Lolacher to explore how broken systems, poor communication, and lack of psychological safety derail leadership development efforts. They dive into what it takes to manage up, lead across, and build better—without waiting for permission.
🔍 You’ll learn:
Why leadership development can’t live in silosWhat to do when your culture isn’t ready to suppor... Duration: 00:14:33Leadership Development Is a Shared Journey
Jul 23, 2025This is part 3 of a 4-part conversation on the context we need for improving leadership development.
Great leadership development isn’t done in isolation—it’s done with the team. In this Relationships at Work episode, Dr. Rob Lion explains how leaders can use trust, vulnerability, and shared growth to develop themselves and those around them. Russel Lolacher explores how team engagement and development can be intentional, relational, and central to leadership success.
🔍 You’ll learn:
How to integrate development into 1:1s and team meetingsWhy vulnerability is key to real engagementHow to grow trust through sha... Duration: 00:10:12Leadership Development Starts With Self-Awareness
Jul 22, 2025This is part 2 of a 4-part conversation on the context we need for improving leadership development.
You can’t develop as a leader if you don’t understand yourself. In this Relationships at Work episode, Dr. Rob Lion digs into the internal foundation of leadership development—mindset, identity, motivation, and the courage to seek help. With Russel Lolacher, he explores why self-awareness is non-negotiable and how leaders can stop outsourcing responsibility and start owning their growth.
🔍 You’ll learn:
Why mindset is the foundation of leadership developmentThe difference between motivation and driveWhat coaching (not outsourcing... Duration: 00:12:41Why Leadership Development Fails Without Clarity
Jul 21, 2025This is part 1 of a 4-part conversation on the context we need for improving leadership development.
Leadership development starts with understanding what leadership actually is—but most organizations skip that step entirely. In this Relationships at Work episode, Dr. Rob Lion joins Russel Lolacher to unpack the leadership confusion so many organizations suffer from. Together, they explore why we conflate productivity with leadership, why style-based development doesn’t work, and how a lack of shared definition breaks everything downstream.
🔍 You’ll learn:
Why clarity is foundational in leadership developmentThe danger of copying poor role modelsWhe... Duration: 00:20:17What Inclusion Really Means at Work (And Why We’re Still Getting It Wrong)
Jul 18, 2025Inclusion is one of the most talked-about values in the modern workplace—but also one of the most misunderstood. We say the word, we build strategies around it, but do we actually know what it looks and feels like?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher welcomes Peter Andrew Danzig — LSW, MSS, MA, CCPT, CPT — a trauma-informed therapist, inclusion strategist, and performing arts professional, to challenge conventional thinking around workplace inclusion.
Together, they explore:
Why the “everyone at the table” definition isn’t enoughHow belonging is the true measure of inclusionThe crucial diff... Duration: 00:33:51Belonging Isn’t HR’s Job—It’s Everyone’s Responsibility
Jul 17, 2025This is part 4 of a 4-part conversation on the work leaders need to do to incorporate belonging in the workplace with author and research Dr. Beth Kaplan. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
Workplace culture often undermines belonging, even with the best of intentions. In this episode, we explore the difference between performative and real belonging, the disconnect between values and actions, and why DEI and belonging should be treated as distinct (but related) priorities. This is a wake-up call for leaders at every level.
🎙️ Featuring the expertise of Dr. B...
Duration: 00:12:10Leading with Care: The Everyday Actions That Build Team Belonging
Jul 16, 2025This is part 3 of a 4-part conversation on the work leaders need to do to incorporate belonging in the workplace with author and research Dr. Beth Kaplan. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
Belonging doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through consistent, intentional leadership. In this episode, we explore what care really looks like from a team perspective, how one-on-ones can foster trust, and the key leadership habits that make people feel seen, valued, and supported.
🎙️ Featuring expert commentary from belonging researcher Dr. Beth Kaplan.
Key takeawa...
Duration: 00:11:01You Can’t Create Belonging for Others If You Don’t Have It Yourself
Jul 15, 2025This is part 2 of a 4-part conversation on the work leaders need to do to incorporate belonging in the workplace with author and research Dr. Beth Kaplan. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
Before we can lead others into belonging, we need to start with ourselves. This episode explores how self-worth, trauma, and emotional safety play a foundational role in how we show up as leaders. We look at the internal work required to foster belonging—not as a reward for performance, but as a decision to value who we are...
Duration: 00:11:29What Belonging Really Means at Work (And Why Most Get It Wrong)
Jul 14, 2025This is part 1 of a 4-part conversation on the work leaders need to do to incorporate belonging in the workplace with author and research Dr. Beth Kaplan. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
Belonging isn’t the same as fitting in—and the difference matters. In this episode, we define what belonging truly is and how most organizations misunderstand or misuse the term. We explore why clarity around belonging matters and how vague values and misaligned language can erode trust and workplace culture.
🎙️ Featuring expert insight from Dr. Beth Kaplan...
Duration: 00:17:28How to Speak Boldly at Work (Without Burning Bridges)
Jul 11, 2025In this episode of Relationships at Work, we explore what it truly means to speak boldly in the workplace—and why it’s more about connection than confrontation.
Joining us is Verna Myers, renowned inclusion strategist, author, and former Netflix VP of Inclusion Strategy. She shares powerful lessons on how to challenge harmful behaviors, speak truth to power, and communicate across difference with clarity and courage. From managing emotions to knowing when to pause, Verna offers strategies for bold communication that builds trust—not fear.
🗣️ Topics include:
The difference between speaking and truly commu... Duration: 00:30:31You Can’t Rely on Culture to Save You (But You Can Still Lead Change)
Jul 10, 2025This is part 4 of a 4-part series on leading through high pressure at work, with licensed psychologist Dr. Janna Koretz. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
Tired of waiting for HR or leadership to fix your toxic work culture? Dr. Janna Koretz gets real about what organizations won’t do for your mental health—and how you can still thrive. We dig into the power of micro-shifts, how to lead by example, and why “playing the game” sometimes isn’t avoidable. For leaders trying to be human in high-demand workplaces, this episode...
Duration: 00:14:23Leading in High Pressure Without Burning Out Your Team
Jul 09, 2025This is part 3 of a 4-part series on leading through high pressure at work, with licensed psychologist Dr. Janna Koretz. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
High pressure leadership isn’t just about surviving stress—it’s about not spreading it. Dr. Janna Koretz shares how leaders can show up differently in tense environments and still support performance. You’ll learn how self-regulation, calm communication, and empathy can ripple through a team—even if no one else is doing the work. Whether you're managing during crisis, growth, or daily chaos, this episode...
Duration: 00:10:44When Success Feels Empty: Realigning Values in High Pressure Careers
Jul 08, 2025This is part 2 of a 4-part series on leading through high pressure at work, with licensed psychologist Dr. Janna Koretz. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
Ever climbed the career ladder—only to realize it’s leaning against the wrong wall? Dr. Janna Koretz explains how values misalignment—not lack of resilience—drives burnout in high pressure jobs. In this episode, we explore how self-awareness, flexible thinking, and small mindset shifts can transform your mental health, even when your workload won’t change. For leaders, professionals, and perfectionists wondering “Why doesn’t this f...
Duration: 00:12:54What High Pressure Really Means at Work (And Why We Keep Getting It Wrong)
Jul 07, 2025This is part 1 of a 4-part series on leading through high pressure at work, with licensed psychologist Dr. Janna Koretz. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
What does “high pressure” actually mean in the workplace? In this episode, Dr. Janna Koretz—licensed psychologist and founder of Azimuth Psychological—joins host Russel Lolacher to reframe how we define stress at work. From Amazon warehouse workers to C-suite execs, no role is immune. You’ll hear why blanket definitions don’t work, how our relationship to pressure is deeply personal, and why even successfu...
Duration: 00:17:11What Belonging Really Means at Work (And Why Most Get It Wrong)
Jul 07, 2025Belonging isn’t the same as fitting in—and the difference matters.
In this episode, we define what belonging truly is and how most organizations misunderstand or misuse the term. We explore why clarity around belonging matters and how vague values and misaligned language can erode trust and workplace culture.
🎙️ Featuring expert insight from Dr. Beth Kaplan, author of Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point.
Topics covered:
What belonging actually meansThe difference between inclusion and belongingWhy performative values harm cultureHow to tell if your organization is doing it rightAnd connec...
Duration: 00:17:28Communicating Change Without Losing Trust
Jul 04, 2025Change is constant—but connection doesn’t have to suffer.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores how leaders can build trust and protect the employee experience during times of change. Guest Dr. Devann Steele shares how transparency, empathy, and values-based communication can make or break your leadership.
Learn how to:
Avoid silence during uncertaintyCommunicate even when you don’t have all the answersLead with “we” instead of “me”Match your messaging to the scale of changeCare for yourself while caring for your teamFor leaders navigating change, this is the communicat...
Duration: 00:34:48How Principles Drive Culture Change
Jul 03, 2025Forget the posters and buzzwords—real culture change starts with behavior, not branding.
In this Relationships at Work episode, Kyle McDowell shares how principle-based leadership can reshape toxic or misaligned cultures by setting consistent expectations for how people work and lead. We explore how to create change at the team level (even without CEO buy-in) and why principles can ripple through an entire organization—and even into our personal lives.
And connect with me for more great content!
Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on... Duration: 00:17:36Building Trust and Accountability in Teams
Jul 02, 2025Great teams don’t just work together—they challenge each other, support each other, and hold each other accountable. In this episode of Relationships at Work, Kyle McDowell explains how embracing challenge and setting clear expectations builds deeper trust, stronger team bonds, and long-term alignment. From confronting resistance to leading by example, this is a masterclass in principle-based team leadership.
And connect with me for more great content!
Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime Duration: 00:14:55Leadership Starts with Self-Reflection
Jul 01, 2025Leadership isn’t a title—it’s an inner journey.
In this Relationships at Work episode, Kyle McDowell shares why self-reflection is the essential first step to leading with integrity and impact. We talk about ego, self-awareness, the “mirror of truth,” and how knowing your blind spots isn’t weakness—it’s leadership strength. If you want to lead others, you have to lead yourself first.
And connect with me for more great content!
Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email Duration: 00:20:31What Is Principle-Based Leadership?
Jun 30, 2025What is principle-based leadership—and how is it different from values or mission statements?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Kyle McDowell, bestselling author of Begin With We, shares how leaders can gain clarity by establishing a framework for how teams behave, collaborate, and succeed. We explore the origin of his 10 WEs, why clarity fuels accountability, and how leaders can set the tone for excellence—by defining the how, not just the what.
And connect with me for more great content!
Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follo... Duration: 00:11:19Why Workplace Connection Fails — And How Leaders Can Fix It
Jun 27, 2025This is part 1 of 6 of our Workhuman LIVE series.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher is joined by workplace culture and leadership expert Jason Lauritsen to explore the real obstacles leaders face when trying to build meaningful connections at work. From poor relationship training to fear of feedback, Jason breaks down why so many managers get connection wrong—and what to do about it.
We talk about the role of self-awareness, why cultural misfits suffer in silence, how trust is lost through delegation, and what connection really means in lea...
Duration: 00:35:33The Say-Do Gap: What Reputation Reveals About Your Culture
Jun 26, 2025This is part 4 of a 4-part series on reputation management with Charlotte Otter, author of We Need New Leaders. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
Culture is shaped by what leaders do—not what’s written on the walls. In this culture-focused conversation, Charlotte Otter joins Russel Lolacher to explore how reputation exposes the health of workplace culture. From social media transparency to unwritten norms and cross-functional relationships, they discuss the reputational risks leaders face when they don’t match their messaging with their behavior.
✅ How culture and reputation...
Duration: 00:16:41How Leaders Earn (or Erode) Reputation with Their Teams
Jun 25, 2025This is part 3 of a 4-part series on reputation management with Charlotte Otter, author of We Need New Leaders. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
Reputation isn’t built behind closed doors—it’s forged in everyday moments with your team. In this episode, Charlotte Otter shares how leaders gain or lose trust through their behavior, and how a bad reputation can create a fear-based culture that kills innovation. Together with Russel Lolacher, she breaks down how psychological safety, vulnerability, and honest feedback are essential for leadership success.
✅ How fear d...
Duration: 00:11:39Reputation Starts with You: Self-Awareness in Leadership
Jun 24, 2025This is part 2 of a 4-part series on reputation management with Charlotte Otter, author of We Need New Leaders. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
Before you manage your reputation—know yourself. In this episode, Russel Lolacher and Charlotte Otter explore how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and personal responsibility form the foundation of a strong leadership reputation. Drawing from Charlotte’s work with executive clients and her book We Need New Leaders, they discuss why personal brand, inner work, and behavioral alignment are essential for leadership growth.
✅ Why self-audit is diffi...
Duration: 00:12:01What Reputation Really Means at Work (and Why It Matters for Leaders)
Jun 23, 2025This is part 1 of a 4-part series on reputation management with Charlotte Otter, author of We Need New Leaders. Each episode explores a different theme—clarity, self-awareness, team dynamics, and workplace culture.
What is reputation in the workplace—and how should leaders define and manage it?
In this clarity-focused episode, Russel Lolacher speaks with Charlotte Otter, reputation strategist and author of We Need New Leaders, to uncover the fundamentals of reputation management. From the definition used by scholars to the realities of perception, this episode breaks down the importance of consistency, narrative, and trust for every lead...
Warning Signs Your Employees Don’t Feel Valued
Jun 19, 2025Unseen. Unheard. Unappreciated.
It’s the feeling behind the sighs, the silence, and the sudden sick days. And according to research, it’s one of the top reasons employees leave.
In this replay episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher explores the all-too-common experience of feeling undervalued at work—and the leadership blind spots that let it happen. Backed by Gallup and Workhuman data, he shares the nine warning signs that your employees may not feel seen or supported, from subtle disengagement to visible burnout.
You’ll learn:
What behaviours signal an emplo... Duration: 00:09:21How Leaders Can Prevent and Navigate Conflict at Work
Jun 17, 2025Conflict doesn’t always show up as yelling matches or angry emails. Sometimes it’s silence in a meeting, a passive-aggressive Slack message, or the word “fine” said through gritted teeth.
In this replay episode of Relationships at Work, we’re digging into the real roots of workplace conflict—and how to better recognize, prevent, and resolve it.
I’m joined by Carol Bowser, a workplace conflict expert, mediator, speaker, and former employment lawyer who’s spent decades helping organizations navigate tough conversations. Together, we explore how conflict lives in hybrid and remote work environments, why “win-win” mig...
Duration: 00:46:21Why the Relationships at Work Podcast Is Evolving (And What That Means for You)
Jun 12, 2025In this solo episode, host Russel Lolacher shares a personal and pivotal shift in the Relationships at Work podcast—introducing a new episode format designed to better serve leaders who want to improve workplace culture, build meaningful connections, and avoid leadership blind spots.
You’ll learn the why behind the change, how the show has evolved from a simple curiosity into a transformative leadership resource, and what to expect going forward:
✔️ Four themed episodes each week—Clarity, Relationship with Self, Relationship with Team, and Organizational Culture
✔️ Bite-sized leadership insights you can actually use
✔️ Friday solo episodes with...
Why Leaders Feel Lonely at Work — And What to Do About It
Jun 10, 2025Leadership can be isolating—even when you're constantly surrounded by people.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher speaks with licensed psychologist, executive coach, and TEDx speaker Dr. Adam Dorsay, author of Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love.
They explore why loneliness in leadership is so common, how disconnection silently affects workplace culture, and what organizations can do to foster genuine human connection at work.
Dr. Dorsay brings insights from neuroscience, psychology, and his own wor...
Duration: 00:52:01Why Great Leaders Feel Alone – And How to Find Community
Jun 05, 2025Leadership can be incredibly lonely—especially when the people above you aren’t actually leading.
In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher explores the hidden loneliness of good leaders and what to do when you're surrounded by hierarchy, but not support.
You'll hear:
Why great leaders often feel disconnected in toxic or stagnant systemsThe toll of misaligned leadership expectations on mental healthWhy building community sideways—not just upward—is essentialThree actionable ways to build or find your leadership networkIf you're a people-first leader frustrated by the lack of leadership around yo...
Duration: 00:08:02How New Leaders Can Lead With Intention and Build Culture
Jun 03, 2025Becoming a leader for the first time can feel like being dropped into the deep end—especially in a remote or hybrid world.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, principle of The Collective Good LLC Britt Hogue joins Russel Lolacher to explore what new leaders often get wrong, and how intentional leadership can build trust and team connection, even when everyone’s not in the same room.
They discuss:
How remote work exposes lazy leadership habitsWhy relationship-building must be intentionalWhat new leaders should prioritize in their first 90 daysHow culture starts with consi... Duration: 00:47:52Why Great Leaders Rely on Nuance—Not Just Labels Like 'Toxic'
May 29, 2025It’s easy to label. It’s harder to understand.
“Our culture is toxic.”
“That leader is horrible.”
“This system is broken.”
But are they? Or are we missing the nuance and context that give us the real story?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher challenges the rise of black-and-white thinking in leadership and workplace culture. He explores how embracing nuance and context isn't just helpful—it's essential for meaningful, human-centered leadership.
With real-world examples and actionable strategies, you’ll learn:
Why binary thinking breaks down effective l... Duration: 00:08:50Old World Wisdom for Modern Leadership w/ Fabrice Desmarescaux
May 27, 2025In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher welcomes Fabrice Desmarescaux — McKinsey partner, leadership advisor, and author of The Art of Retreats — to explore how ancient wisdom can help solve very modern leadership challenges.
Fabrice draws from a range of traditions, from Eastern philosophies like Taoism and Buddhism to Western teachings and monastic practices, to show how leaders can reconnect with purpose, presence, and clarity in a fast-paced, performance-driven world.
💬 Topics discussed include:
Why short-term thinking is eroding leadership impactHow retreats create space for connection and insightThe role of mindfulness, reflect... Duration: 00:52:19Workhuman LIVE Insights on Leadership, DEI, AI, and Resiliency
May 22, 2025At Workhuman LIVE, experts and thought leaders shared practical insights on the future of work—uncovering hidden potential, redefining psychological safety, and building resilient teams equipped for change.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, I break down the biggest takeaways across leadership, DEI, artificial intelligence, and resiliency. Learn how brave spaces challenge comfort, why AI demands clean data, and how true resilience is built through preparation and growth.
Discover insights that will help you lead with purpose and transform your workplace culture. Tune in.
And connect with me for more great content!
... Duration: 00:18:59The Lost Art of Handwritten Leadership w/ Amy Weinland Daughters
May 20, 2025In this episode of Relationships at Work, we’re diving into the almost-forgotten power of handwritten communication with Amy Weinland Daughters, award-winning author of Dear Dana and passionate advocate for intentional connection.
Amy shares how a simple handwritten note can redefine relationships in the workplace, cutting through the noise of digital communication to create moments that are tangible, memorable, and deeply personal. We explore how these small gestures of appreciation can override mistakes, build trust, and even boost retention, all with just a pen and a few minutes of time.
Discover why handwritten no...
Duration: 00:39:27Talking Isn’t Doing: Why Leadership Needs More Than Words
May 15, 2025We’ve all heard it before—promises of change, assurances of action, and commitments to improvement from leaders. But too often, words are mistaken for progress.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, we’re diving into the dangerous gap between talking and doing in leadership. When leaders say, "We’re working on it," but nothing changes, trust erodes, and relationships suffer. We explore real-world scenarios like resolving workload issues, addressing toxic behavior, and improving feedback loops, and we provide actionable steps leaders can take to ensure their words match their actions. Because in leadership, talking isn’t enough—do...
Duration: 00:07:38Systemizing Inclusion for Lasting Change w/ Inclusion Strategist Amri B. Johnson
May 13, 2025In this episode of Relationships at Work, I sit down with Amri B. Johnson, executive advisor, organizational consultant, and founder of Inclusion Wins, to explore what it truly means to systemize inclusion. We break down his Emergent Inclusion System—an approach that goes beyond checkboxes and surface-level DEI initiatives to create lasting, impactful change in the workplace.
Amri shares how organizations can operationalize inclusion through everyday practices, empowering skilled operators to carry the message forward, and building resilience that strengthens through adversity. We also discuss the importance of cultural intelligence, accountability through action—not just mand...
Duration: 00:49:41Expectation vs. Reality: Leading When Leadership Is Missing
May 08, 2025When we show up to work, we bring expectations—with how we’ll be treated, how we’ll grow, and how we’ll be led. But what happens when the person responsible for our development… isn’t really a leader at all? In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher unpacks the frustration that comes when leadership expectations crash into the reality of untrained, unresponsive supervisors. He offers tangible advice for how employees can lead up when support is lacking—and how real leaders can better manage the expectations placed on them by staying curious and communicative...
Duration: 00:10:46Why Leaders Need Neuro-Fitness: Building Regulation and Real Impact w/ Mallory Meyer
May 06, 2025What does it mean to be a neuro-fit leader?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher is joined by trauma-sensitive, polyvagal-informed leadership and neuro coach Mallory Meyer to unpack the real power of nervous system regulation in leadership. Together, they explore why leaders can’t think their way to better leadership — they have to feel it. Mallory shares how neuro-fitness supports emotional agility, improves decision-making, and helps leaders show up with authenticity and calm in high-stress environments.
They also discuss:
– Why resilience gets misused in the workplace
– What co-regulatio...
Six Hard Truths About Leadership (After 250 Episodes of Relationships at Work)
May 01, 2025After 250 episodes of exploring leadership, workplace culture, and the human side of work, certain truths just won’t stay quiet.
In this solo episode, host Russel Lolacher reflects on the six most consistent, hard-earned lessons that keep showing up — no matter the industry, the title, or the team. From the emotional impact of leadership to the systems that silently shape it, these are the truths every leader needs to face if they want to do better, lead better, and build workplaces worth staying in. This isn’t a checklist — it’s a challenge.
And connect with me for...
Duration: 00:12:40How Leaders Can Spark Purpose and Inspiration at Work w/ Dr. Alise Cortez
Apr 29, 2025urpose isn’t a poster on the wall — it’s an everyday practice.
In this episode of Relationships at Work, Dr. Alise Cortez joins Russel Lolacher to explore how leaders can move beyond surface-level engagement and truly ignite meaning, connection, and inspiration in the workplace.
Drawing from her research in logotherapy, workplace meaning, and leadership development, Alise shares:
✅ Why leaders must first be inspired by their own lives
✅ How to embed purpose into workplace culture from onboarding onward
✅ The critical role of recognizing and rewarding kindness, empathy, and courage
✅ How relationships can e...
Flip the Script: What’s Your Five-Year Plan for Me?
Apr 24, 2025We’ve all heard the classic career question: “What’s your five-year plan?”
But in this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher flips it on its head—asking leaders to consider their five-year plan for their employees. Why? Because true leadership isn’t reactive—it’s intentional, strategic, and supportive. Russel explores how leaders can align employee growth with organizational goals, share industry insights, and build flexible development roadmaps. It’s time to turn career conversations into shared journeys, not solo missions.
And connect with me for more great content!
Sign Up for R@W Notes Subs... Duration: 00:06:30Leading Through Complexity: Rewriting the Narrative of Work w/ Graham Abbey
Apr 22, 2025What if the way we talk about work is limiting how we lead it?
In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Graham Abbey—Chief Executive of Farleigh Performance and Professor in Practice at the University of Bristol Business School—for a deep dive into complexity in today’s organizations. From metaphors that reveal our worldview to the mechanical mindset still dominating leadership, Graham challenges how we think about control, purpose, ambiguity, and personal growth.
Together, they explore:
Why leadership isn’t about control—but about creating the conditions for emerge... Duration: 00:47:22The Cost of Caring Too Much: How to Lead Without Losing Yourself
Apr 17, 2025Caring makes you a better leader. But what happens when it starts to hurt?
In this solo episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher explores the emotional toll of leadership when we care too much. While empathy and passion can strengthen our connection with teams, they can also lead to burnout, blurred boundaries, and frustration—especially when others don’t seem to care as much.
Russel shares the signs of compassion fatigue and offers practical ways to protect your mental health while staying engaged as a leader. If you’ve ever felt like y...
Duration: 00:07:44Design the Work, Empower the People: Human-Centered Leadership w/ Derrick Mains
Apr 15, 2025In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Derrick Mains — speaker, consultant, and CEO of The Process Fixer — to dive into the power of building human-centered systems at work. Derrick shares why most businesses are unintentionally designed for failure, the hidden costs of command-and-control leadership, and how shifting from goals to aims can unlock unprecedented performance.
From real-world stories about industrial fans and sticky notes to lessons from WWII shipbuilding and Japanese manufacturing, Derrick makes the case for structure over chaos, fresh perspectives over legacy thinking, and why we urgently need a new...
Duration: 00:46:18