Cubicle Confidential

Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Are you ready to be your own boss? Are you trying to decide whether to go it alone or have a business partner? And, really, is it a bad idea to go into business with a family member? In this episode, Mary and Chris share their combined 56 years of entrepreneurship to answer listeners’ questions about starting their own businesses.  Seeking Autonomy...

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Like you were an outsider looking in? In this episode, Mary and Chris answer questions from listeners who feel rejected or left out.   A young woman in Milwaukee feels ostracized from her childhood friends after landing an impressive corporate job.  An experienced accounting professional in Durham has to play second fiddle to colleagues who are deemed “hi...

Welcome to Season Two!  In this episode, Chris and Mary tackle questions from listeners who want to improve their career prospects in the New Year.  “Underutilized in Urbana” wants to know how to regain their favored role and responsibilities after a corporate reorganization.  “There’s A New Sherriff in Towson” is a new manager and wants to hold his underperforming team accountable.  “Looking Ahea...

Chris and Mary challenge each other on their knowledge of workplace etiquette. Who will win? They try to stump each other in areas such as declining requests, business meals, elevator etiquette, office gifts, exchanging business cards, making introductions, and much more!  It’s the workplace Etiquette Battle Royale . Join us to test and hone your workplace etiquette. If you have workplace dilemmas...

In this special episode of Cubicle Confidential Mary Abbajay and Chris De Santis were invited to answer viewers' questions live at the Non-Profit Symposium sponsored by the Greater Washington Society of CPAs. The audience had questions about creating change, workplace culture, getting promoted, dealing with toxic bosses, and succeeding in a hybrid environment. You can also view the video for...

Den Mother in Denver wants to know how to survive a six-week, off-site team engagement without losing her mind. Spare Me in Saratoga is sick of attending office “hell-ebrations” like birthday and gender reveal parties.  And Dawn of the Dead in Detroit has an annoying and cantankerous customer that makes her life miserable.  Is there a way to deal with annoying customers and colleagues without losi...

Have you ever been the subject of workplace gossip? When, if ever, is it okay to share inside information with colleagues? What if I have information that is too juicy to keep to myself?  In this episode, Chris and Mary give advice on how to identify the difference between idle chit-chat and gossip. They explore strategies to stay on the right side of workplace gossip. If you have workplace dilemm...

Am I supposed to get my boss a gift? Should I say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?  Should I bring my spouse to the party? Do I have to attend the office party? What if I got drunk at the last office holiday party?  In this week’s special holiday episode, Mary and Chris help listeners navigate the Ho Ho Horrors of office life during the holidays. If you have workplace dilemmas or career question...

What is the real deal with generational differences at work? In this episode, Chris and Mary tackle the myths and realities of generational clash points. Listeners have questions about navigating a multi-generational workplace. Boomers vs Millennials. Gen Z wants a voice. Who the hell is Gen X? If you have workplace dilemmas or career questions, send them to us! Email us: info@cubicleconfidential....

In this week’s episode, Mary and Chris help out listeners who are grappling with how to succeed in the “new normal.” A hiring manager in Kansas City wonders how he can compete with bigger national firms who are stealing his talent; A copy editor wants to convince her employer to let her stay remote and; A customer care representative feels lonely and isolated. If you have workplace dilemmas or car...

Crafting a satisfying career can be confusing! In this episode, Mary & Chris advise listeners at different career phases. Down and Out feels like a failure. Empty Nest on a Quest is trying to re-enter the workforce. This, That, or Something Else wants to break into show business.   Send us your workplace or career dilemmas! Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com or tweet us: @cubicleconfide1....

Are you trying to climb up the corporate food chain? Trying to crack that promotion code? Or are you tired of being passed over for promotions? If so, then this episode is for you! Mary and Chris answer questions on how to power up your promotion prospects. Hint: Just doing your job isn’t enough… Send us your workplace dilemmas! Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com or tweet us: @cubicleconfide1....

In this episode, Mary and Chris answer questions about mentoring and provide seasoned advice on how to make the most of any mentoring relationship!  An old white guy is intimidated by his younger, hipper, and racially diverse mentee. A young tech professional wants to know how to find a mentor. Both listeners want to know how to make their mentoring experiences successful!  Send us your workplace...

In this episode, Chris and Mary help listeners answer the perennial career dilemma: How do you know when it’s time to grit or time quit that job (or that boss)?  Wanting it all in Winnipeg wants to know how to grit it out with a toxic boss--until she can get out. Bored in Baton Rouge wants to know if boredom is a good enough reason to quit a job. (Hint, Mary says “yes”, and Chris says “no”). Movin...

Mary and Chris tackle questions on dealing with bad bosses. Conflicted on the Crew wants to know if and how he should intervene on a difficult boss. Recovering in Rhode Island needs advice in dealing with a gaslighter.  Tips abound in this episode for navigating difficult and toxic bosses! Send us your workplace dilemmas! Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com or tweet us: @cubicleconfide1. All na...

How much do first impressions matter during a job interview? Do hiring managers rely too much on gut instinct? What kind of interview questions actually matter? And finally, should you lose that man bun? Chris and Mary set both hiring managers and job candidates straight on what works and what doesn’t work for a successful job interview. Send us your workplace dilemmas! Email us: info@cubicleconfi...

Is it ever okay to rat someone out at work? What is the difference between being a whistleblower or a tattle tell? When is it appropriate to report the misdeeds of others?   Chris and Mary tackle questions on when, how, and why to throw that colleague under the bus.   Send us your workplace dilemmas! Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com or tweet us: @cubicleconfide1. All names will be changed to...

A hiring manager bemoans the lack of passion in candidates. A mother worries about her daughter’s lack of ambition. A recent college graduate questions the pursuit of happiness over the revulsion of the rat race. Mary and Chris answer these questions and more on this week’s episode!  Send us your workplace dilemmas! Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com or tweet us: @cubicleconfide1. All names wi...

Are you comfortable with self-promotion? Can you promote yourself without feeling shame? What’s the difference between confidence and arrogance? How do you self-promote with humility and confidence? What’s the difference between self-promotion and bragging? These tricky questions are front and center in this episode as Chris and Mary help listeners understand the ins and outs of self-promotion. In...

Do you hate networking? Do you feel awkward at networking events? If so, this episode is for you! Chris and Mary answer listeners’ questions about how to work a room, make authentic connections, and avoid common networking etiquette errors.  Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, this episode will help you learn the do’s and don’ts of making a positive impression at your next event. Send us...

Presentation skills take center stage as Chris and Mary take questions on how to become better at presenting and public speaking. You asked and we answered! Pro tips include: overcoming stage fright, connecting with your audience, creating a stage presence, and performing well in a virtual medium. If you want to present with polish and poise--this episode is for you! Send us your workplace dilemma...

Is your workplace going hybrid? Does it work? In this timely episode, Mary and Chris tackle two questions on how to successfully navigate and manage a hybrid workplace. Send us your workplace dilemmas! Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com or tweet us: @cubicleconfide1. All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent... Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn!

Funny or not? What kind of humor is off-limits at work? Should the office comedienne can it?  What to do when good jokes go bad? Mary and Chris tackle these questions and more as they sort out the do's and don'ts of office humor. And for the record, neither Chris nor Mary think Benny Hill is funny. But Chris likes the Three Stooges. Go figure. Send us your workplace dilemmas! Email us: i...

Selling sucks. Mary and Chris bemoan the horrors of cold calling and selling while answering listeners' questions about cold calling and dealing with difficult salespeople. Chris claims he doesn’t have to sell his services. Mary calls B.S. Despite their differences, they explore strategies to be better at selling.  Send us your workplace dilemmas! Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com or twe...

Chris and Mary tackle questions about leading and managing. What is the difference between managers and leaders? Should you promote the brilliant jerk? How do you go from bud to boss? Chris offers brilliant insight and advice on changing behavior and setting expectations. Mary has no tolerance for bosses who lack impulse control.   Send us your workplace dilemmas! Email us: info@cubicleconfidentia...