Relationships at Work - a trust-driven leadership podcast

This 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...

This 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...

This 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 organizatio...

In 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 wit...

This 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...

This 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 st...

This 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 h...

This 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 Lolache...

Change 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 uncertainty Communicate eve...

Forget 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...

Great 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 tea...

Leadership 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...

What 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 th...

This 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 wha...

This 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...

This 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...

This 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 fo...

This 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...

Unseen. 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...

Conflict 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 ex...

In 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 lead...

Leadership 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 di...

Leadership 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 systems The toll of misaligned lead...

Becoming 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 d...

It’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 cont...