A Word With Yourself

In this episode, we dig into the role of degrees in modern hiring—and whether they’re still relevant in a skills-based world. Lesley and Jennifer explore how requiring a degree for roles that don’t need them can limit talent, reinforce privilege, and quietly exclude great candidates. They also reflect on personal experiences from both sides of the hiring table, and what equity in recruitment reall...

In this episode, we look at the pros and cons of remote, hybrid, and full-time office work — and the economics that keep standardization so appealing to management. We discuss how control, proximity bias, and outdated ideas about productivity continue to shape corporate decision-making, and why a one-size-fits-all model is the easiest way out, but rarely the right one. Time Stamps: 00.00 – 06:00:...

After a packed week at Elevate Conference, Lesley and Jennie unpack everything from the rise of Canada-first tech talk to the overuse of “AI” as a buzzword. Plus, an unexpected repetitive strain injury, an emergency room detour, and a cultural deep dive into high-fives.

In this episode of A Word With Yourself , we explore how Large Language Models (LLMs) are reshaping the way people find information, make decisions, and engage with brands. As more of us turn to tools like ChatGPT for product research and recommendations, the traditional rules of SEO are being rewritten. We discuss what this shift means for marketing teams — from why credibility and context now ou...

In this episode of A Word With Yourself , we talk about the little rituals that get us through the day — even when they’re not exactly helpful. From the comfort of take-out coffee cups to scrolling ourselves into a hole, we unpack why certain habits feel productive even when they’re not. Plus: why fidgeting helps some of us think, and the endless appeal of a new notebook.

Spooky season is here—and what better time to talk about ghosting? 👻 This week on A Word With Yourself , Jennifer Mitchell and Lesley Fennelly dive into ghosting in the workplace. From candidates and companies vanishing mid-process, to the dreaded Slack “hi,” to cold outreach that won’t quit, we explore why silence stings and how it shapes trust at work. We share a wild “never came back from lunc...

We’re back from summer break—and unfortunately, so are return-to-office mandates. In this episode, we talk about Ontario’s decision to drag public servants back to the office five days a week, the real reasons behind it (spoiler: it’s not productivity), and the ripple effects for equity, burnout, and retention. We unpack why “quiet cracking” is just burnout in a rebrand, how performative presentee...

A CEO and HR exec caught on a kiss cam—what could go wrong? We break down the viral scandal, the Streisand Effect in action, and why some company statements make things worse. Plus, we get into office romances, PR missteps, and the importance of knowing when not to speak. Oh, and Tipperary won the hurling.

Why is saying no so hard? And why does it matter for your career? In this episode of A Word With Yourself , we explore the power of setting boundaries at work, why saying no is a leadership skill that separates decision-makers from doers, and how to do it without damaging relationships. We’ll also talk about workplace culture, people-pleasing, and—because life is about balance—our obsession with D...

In this episode of A Word with Yourself , Lesley and Jennie explore why the most consistent and efficient people at work are often the least recognized. We talk about the mid performer—the dependable pro who doesn’t chase promotions—and the lazy genius who quietly finds faster, smarter ways to get things done (and then gets handed even more work for it). We unpack the myth that everyone should wan...

In this episode of A Word With Yourself , we unpack the shrinking world of entry-level jobs thanks to AI—and why that might be a bigger problem than it seems. We talk about the value of "grunt work," how junior roles are often where you learn the most, and what happens when the intern is ChatGPT. We also dive into the increase in return-to-office mandates, companies justifying it with identical co...

From Slack and Teams etiquette to camera culture, we unpack the unspoken rules of modern work. This episode covers how to communicate clearly without creating extra work for others, why vague messages like “hi” can backfire, and the underrated impact of small talk. Plus, a few detours: Eurovision commentary, ice bath routines, and other workplace-adjacent curiosities.

In this episode of A Word With Yourself , we unpack the “one-size-fits-most” hybrid work model, how Irish professionals can adapt to Canada’s work culture, and why being modest might be your biggest job-hunting mistake. They share tips on how to network like a local, what to say in interviews, how to negotiate vacation (yes, you can), and why your CV is now a résumé. Timestamps: 0:00 – 7:10 → Hybr...

In this episode, we unpack the results of Canada’s recent federal election—why the Conservatives lost despite gaining seats, how strategic voting shaped the outcome, and the continued failure to reform the first-past-the-post system. We also explore why so many bad managers end up in leadership roles, and how promoting technical experts without assessing their people skills can quietly damage cult...

AI is changing everything — but not without reflecting the same old biases we've spent decades trying to fix. In this episode, we unpack what happened when AI generated images of us (and why we all somehow looked like the same middle-aged man).We dive into how bias shows up in AI, the hidden risks it brings to hiring and career growth, and why trades and skilled work are becoming more valuable tha...

Ever worked for someone who seemed charming to leadership but left a trail of misery behind them? In this episode of A Word With Yourself , we dig into the unsettling reality of the corporate psychopath —how they get ahead, why no one stops them, and what it feels like to work for one. Then we shift gears and talk practical strategy: managing up —what it actually means, how to do it well, and why...

In this episode, we wrap up our series on cognitive biases and logical fallacies with a practical guide to spotting and sidestepping them at work. From the halo effect and groupthink to recency bias and moral licensing, we break down how these mental shortcuts sneak into meetings, hiring decisions, and brainstorms. Plus, we explore why “make it pop” is the vaguest feedback of all time—and what it...

In this episode of A Word With Yourself , we unpack the halo effect, groupthink, recency bias, overconfidence—and why people still can’t figure out how to behave on the subway. From mistaking charisma for competence to promoting the wrong people and making questionable decisions just to keep the peace, we look at how these biases creep into the workplace (and life). Expect a few tangents and a rem...

In this episode, we continue our discussion on cognitive biases and fallacies that influence our decision-making—often without us realizing it. Building on our previous conversation, we explore three more biases that subtly impact our workplace interactions, negotiations, and overall perceptions. We break down: 🔹 Ad Hominem Bias – When we judge ideas based on the person presenting them rather tha...

From confirmation bias shaping hiring decisions to the bandwagon effect influencing workplace groupthink, this episode of A Word with Yourself is part 1 of our deep dive into biases and logical fallacies in the workplace and unpacks the sneaky ways our brains mess with us at work. We also take a detour into workplace communication, why people naturally follow "desire paths," and the mysterious phe...

Ever had your idea ignored—only for your boss to use it as their own? Or worked in a place where everything is urgent or an emergency? In this episode of A Word with Yourself, we’re diving into more workplace red flags, from idea-stealing managers to poor delegation and unnecessary power plays. Plus, we share smart ways to handle these situations without losing your sanity. Next time, we’re tackli...

In this episode of A Word with Yourself, we uncover the top workplace red flags you might be missing—from loud desk calls to subtle gender biases in company materials. Discover how these seemingly small behaviors can signal bigger issues and learn actionable steps to address them. Don’t miss this insightful take on creating a better work environment!

In this episode, we unpack everything from political theatrics at the White House to the latest twists in celebrity lawsuits—and how media narratives shape public opinion. We also dive into misleading job descriptions, the hiring process, and why some roles ask for everything but the kitchen sink. Plus, a debate on the Daily Mail as a guilty pleasure, a questionable marketing plan, and an unexpect...

We take a deep dive into the communication from Amazon’s CEO announcing the company’s return-to-office mandate. Our discussion covers the strategic framing of the message, potential employee reactions, and the broader impact on company culture and operational efficiency.