Aileen and Glenda dive into the complexities of power in the workplace with Harvard Professor Julie Battilana, co-author of Power, for All: How it Really Works and Why It’s Everyone’s Business and founder of the Social Innovation and Change Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School.Together, they explore how power shapes behavior, influences decision-making, and impacts relationships with colleagues. From understanding power dynamics to avoiding "power poisons," they share strategies for leveraging influence in positive ways—whether you're a leader or just starting out. Listen in for insights on using power ethically, navigating hierarchy, and creating more inclusive (and less toxic) work environments. Resources: You can buy Julie’s book, Power, for All  here.  To see the overview of the online Harvard course she teaches, Power and Influence for Positive Impact, click here.  If you’re interested in a scholarship, here’s the link to the application form and eligibility requirements.  Episode Breakdown Introduction to Power Dynamics in the Workplace Understanding Power: Definitions and Misconceptions The Relational Nature of Power Power Poisons and Their Effects Strategies for Using Power Effectively Case Study: Vera Cordero and Power for Good Building a Culture of Accountability Democratizing Power in Organizations Evolving Governance: Employee Representation in Decision Making Social Enterprises: A Model for Democratic Decision Making The Challenge of Change: Corporate Transformation and Profit Focus Changing the Rules: The Need for New Metrics and Accountability Understanding Power: Agitation, Innovation, and Orchestration Power Dynamics: Approaching Conversations with Empathy Hope and Collective Action: The Future of Change Additional Episode Sources: Don't Let Power Corrupt You - HBR How power affects the brain | BPS 5 Traps to Avoid as You Gain Power as a Leader - HBR Credits: Co-hosts: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Produced by Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Script: Aileen Merciel Edited and Mixed by Aileen Merciel Original theme song: Chaliwa Music The rest of our music is by BlueDot sessions Advertise with Us! If you want to advertise on Surfing Corporate, write to us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Halloween, we’re turning the spotlight on the spookiest stories of all—the ones that happen at work. Join us as we dive into horrific embarrassing moments that people have experienced in the office, from group chats gone terribly wrong to falling face first in front of your new boss, and the story of coworker gift that scarred lives forever. We’ve gathered the most cringeworthy corporate confessions that will have you laughing, gasping, and maybe even feeling a little better about your own work mishaps. So grab your pumpkin spice latte, turn off your work notifications, and get ready for a fun ride through the land of corporate horror stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Surfing Corporate, we tackle the often-overlooked topic of ageism in the workplace with special guest Maureen Wiley Clough, host of the It Gets Late Early podcast and newsletter. Together, we discuss shocking research, including how tech workers over 40 are 26% less likely to be hired than their younger peers, and why women experience ageism at nearly double the rate of men. More importantly, we provide actionable strategies for overcoming age-based bias, staying competitive, and fostering an age-diverse workforce. Chapters Introduction and Personal Experiences Defining Ageism and Examples Gendered Ageism and Youngism Ageism in the Tech Industry Including Age in Diversity and Inclusion Programs The Power of a Positive Mindset about Aging Combatting Ageism and Valuing Older Workers Calling Out Ageism and Shifting Perspectives Challenges Faced by Women in the Workplace Strategies for Individuals: Leveraging Networks and Reframing Age Strategies for Companies: Creating Awareness and Educating Employees The Value of Intergenerational Teams in the Workplace About our guest: Want to hire Maureen to come talk to your team about ageism? Can can reach out to her on her website, LinkedIn, Instagram and Threads. Listen to her podcast It Gets Late Early here and we highly recommend you subscribe to her newsletter. Episode Sources 10 Things You Should Know About Age Discrimination - AARP Ageism in the Workplace: Statistics to Know | Built In Ageism at Work Is Getting Worse, AARP CEO Says. It’s Bad for Everybody. New Survey Reveals that Almost 80 per cent of Women Face Ageism in the Workplace The New Glass Ceiling: Research Proves That Women Face “Gendered Ageism” Throughout Their Careers How older workers can push back against the reality of ageism Credits: Hosts: Aileen Merciel & Glenda Pacanins Producers: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Script, editing and post: Aileen Merciel Surfing Corporate's original theme song is by Chaliwa Music. Interested in advertising with Surfing Corporate? Write to us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aileen and Glenda challenge the traditional view of categorizing bosses as either good or bad, focusing instead on those who embody both traits. Leaders who can be inspiring and brilliant, but also mean and volatile. Join us as we explore the psychology behind these unpredictable corporate characters. We talk about what it’s like to work for leaders like Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs’, and we share our own experience working for a Jekyll and Hyde boss. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Jekyll and Hyde Bosses Research Insights Aileen and Glenda's personal experience with brilliant but volatile bosses Case Studies: Elon Musk & Steve Jobs Survival Strategies Key Takeaways Sources: Washington Post article: “The worst kind of boss is not the one who’s always a jerk.” The study, led by Fadel Matta from Michigan State University, discusses how employees fare better with consistently bad bosses than with unpredictable ones. Leaderonomics.com article: “How To Manage Having A Brilliant Jerk for a Boss.” This article explores the book The Brilliant Jerk Conundrum: Thriving with and Governing A Dominant Visionary by Marc Epstein and Rob Shelton, discussing how dominant visionary leaders can become brilliant jerks. Elon Musk case study: “Amazing and Terrible, What It's Like to Work with Elon Musk," which includes accounts from two of his former executives, Esther Crawford (former Director of Product Management at Twitter) and Jim Cantrell (former SpaceX executive). Steve Jobs case study: The episode references the biography of Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, highlighting how Jobs’ demanding personality and perfectionist tendencies impacted his team. Credits: Co-hosts: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Produced by Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Script: Aileen Merciel Edited and Mixed by Aileen Merciel Original theme song: Chaliwa Music The rest of our music is by BlueDot sessions Advertise with Us! If you want to advertise on Surfing Corporate, write to us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether by choice or necessity, career pivots are becoming more common as industries shift, layoffs are rampant, and personal values evolve. Aileen and Glenda break down the key drivers behind career changes, and offer insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with starting over. The episode features a candid interview with Daniela Chaparro, a former high-powered marketing executive who left her corporate career to start over doing social work, helping families of autistic children. Daniela shares her inspiring journey, the hurdles she faced, and valuable advice for anyone considering a major career shift.  Sources: What to Ask Yourself Before a Career Pivot 5 Common Career Change Challenges (And How To Conquer Them) How To Successfully Change Careers In Your 40s Episode Highlights - Motivations for a Career Pivot - Challenges and Pressures of Making a Career Change - Facing Pushback and Warnings - Starting over from Scratch - Making a Difference and Finding Reward -Navigating Financial Constraints - Adjustments and Personal Growth - Advice for Career Pivots Credits: Hosts: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Producers: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Editing and Postproduction: Aileen Merciel Want to Advertise on Surfing Corporate? Write to us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aileen and Glenda discuss the challenges and implications of political discussions in the workplace, especially during an election season. They explore the impact of political polarization on work dynamics and relationships, and they offer strategies for managing tricky political interactions effectively while maintaining professionalism and respect in the workplace.  00:00 Navigating Political Conversations at Work 05:05 The Impact of Political Discussions on Workplace Dynamics 10:02 Legal Considerations and Free Speech in the Workplace 15:00 State Laws and Employee Protections 19:57 Social Media's Role in Political Discourse 24:58 Strategies for Managing Political Discussions 30:11 Finding Common Ground in a Divisive Environment Sources: 3 Reasons Why It’s Unethical To Discuss Politics At Work Politics in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know | Littler Mendelson P.C. To avoid talking politics with friends or co-workers, try the 'white flag approach,' Stanford communication expert says How to Manage Political Discussions in the Workplace 3 Strategies For Managing Political Conversations At Work Credits: This episode of Surfing Corporate was produced by Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins. Writing, editing and post production is by Aileen Original theme song: Chaliwa Music Other music: BlueDot Sessions Check out our website and follow us on IG and Threads Reach out to us at surfingcorporate@gmail.com If you're interested in advertising on Surfing Corporate, email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second part of our interview, we discuss Amazon's promotion process—often described as a 'black box'—and we explore how the company treats men and women differently. We also discuss the pivotal moments that led Kristi to quit drinking alcohol, a decision that became a turning point in her life. Finally, we uncover the powerful reasons behind her choice to walk away from the world’s largest company, despite the staggering financial incentives that came with staying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what it's really like to work at Amazon? In the first episode of our two-part season premiere, we sit down with Kristi Coulter, former Amazon executive and author of Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career. Kristi pulls back the curtain on the high-pressure, high-stakes culture inside one of the world's most influential companies. From the notorious Jeff Bezos question mark emails to the iconic six-pager memos that set the tone for every meeting, Kristi shares how she navigated the relentless pressure and constant ambiguity that define life at Amazon. You can learn more about Kristi here and more about Surfing Corporate here. Follow Surfing Corporate on Instagram and write to us at surfingcorporate@gmail.com The podcast we referenced during the episode is It Gets Late Early. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:29 Kristy Coulter's Career Journey and Decision to Join Amazon 08:13 First Impressions of Amazon's Work Culture 14:44 The Lifeboat Exercise: Ranking Employees 22:43 The Challenges of Working at Amazon 25:07 Changes in Amazon's Work Culture 25:46 High Turnover and Lack of Recognition 37:43 The Pressure to Do More 43:58 Unique Aspects of Amazon's Culture 46:48 The Stress of Question Mark Emails 48:31 Challenges Faced by Employees 48:37 The Power and Pitfalls of Six-Pagers 55:30 Lessons from Calista: Being Tough but Fair 01:00:24 Navigating the Brutal and Demanding Culture at Amazon 01:16:01 Promotions and Achievements at Amazon 01:21:16 The Sexist Culture at Amazon 01:26:34 Conforming to a Masculine Ideal 01:35:26 The Boozy Culture and Struggle with Alcohol 01:40:42 Addressing Gender Dynamics and Creating Inclusive Work Environments 01:41:30 From Viral Essay to Career Opportunities 01:43:13 Transformation and Lessons Learned at Amazon 01:46:21 Strong Bonds and Lasting Connections Want to advertise on Surfing Corporate? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Show Credits: Cohosts: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Producers: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Script, editing, music design: Aileen Merciel Theme Song: Chaliwa Music Other music: BlueDot Sessions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frenemies are a slithery and dangerous corporate species that can be found in all types of workplaces, in every industry, country, continent, or planet. Frenemies are people who pretend to be your friend, but they’re also in some ways an enemy or rival. They can be charming and very likable one minute, and then stab you in the back with a recently sharpened machete the next (ouch). A recent study found that interactions with frenemies can heighten our stress responses MORE than aversive relationships. And over the long term, that seems to provoke worse cardiovascular health. So the sooner you learn tools to deal with frenemies, the better. EPISODE SOURCES How to Navigate Your Relationship With a Workplace Frenemy “Why workplace frenemies are our most stressful colleagues”  How to get along with your work frenemy and protect yourself CREDITS Hosts: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Intern: Stephany Gil de Sucher Original theme song by Chaliwa Music Library Music: Blue Dot Sessions Check out Surfingcorporate.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss our latest updates (we go full LinkedIn-style bragging about our recent 2024 Ambie Nomination), we talk about our new podcast partners, and we dive deep into what studies says about work recognition, and how this practice can substantially employee behavior and employer brands. For more info about The Ambies, click here. Check out the other awesome shows of the Airwave Podcast Network! Episode Sources: The Importance of Employee Recognition: Research & Statistcs - Quantum Workplace Why Employee Recognition is More Crucial Than Ever - Forbes Episode Credits: Co-hosts: Aileen Merciel & Glenda Pacanins Production, editing and sound design by Aileen Merciel Intern: Stephany Gil De Sucher Orignal Theme Song: Chaliwa Music Other music by BlueDot Sessions Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter at our website. If you're interested in advertising on Surfing Corporate, email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive into the riveting journey of Peggy Northrop, a true publishing powerhouse, as she unravels the invaluable lessons acquired over 30 years in the corporate arena. From navigating the cut-throat publishing landscape in the 90s to earning her "Corporate Ph.D." under the mentorship of Vogue Magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, Peggy swiftly ascended to the coveted role of Editor-in-Chief at prestigious publications like Reader’s Digest, More Magazine, and Sunset. In the face of unprecedented challenges, including the digital transformation of print media and the economic upheaval of 2008, Peggy not only weathered the storms but emerged stronger. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her independent publishing company, a feat achieved while balancing a demanding full-time corporate role. Now, as a seasoned consultant, trusted advisor, board member, and investor in female-driven enterprises, Peggy reflects on her three-decade journey, sharing insights that transcend the pages of her illustrious career. Highlights: Peggy's first company was SheBooks. https://shebooks.net/ To learn more about the foundation that supports women in under developed countries is SheCan. The author Peggy mentioned is Joie Seldon. You can learn more about her here : https://joieseldon.com/about/ SUPPORT US! If you like Surfing Corporate and would like us to make more episodes, you can donate by clicking on this link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/surfingcorporate Follow SurfingCorporate on Instagram and LinkedIn. CREDITS Co-hosts: Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Production, editing and sound design: Aileen Merciel Intern: Stephany Gil de Sucher Original theme song: Chaliwa Music Other music if by BlueDot Sessions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent study at a major company found that women there were 14% LESS likely to be promoted than their male counterparts every year. Researchers found that a major factor was the fact that women were consistently judged as having lower leadership potential than men. But why and more importantly, is that finding widespread across industries? During this episode, we dive into this topic and learn more about why this happens, and how we can all do better.Po SOURCES: Women Aren’t Promoted Because Managers Underestimate Their Potential | Yale Insights Overlooked Leadership Potential: The Preference for Leadership Potential in Job Candidates Who Are Men vs. Women - Frontiersin.org https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220222-proof-verus-potential-problem https://chief.com/articles/hiring-for-potential Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As more and more companies are mandating return-to-office policies to their employees (many of whom deem those mandates as unnecessary and counterproductive), workplace culture takes on more importance for employees and management alike. So, how can you balance the needs of both employees and employers? If you ask @Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at Vayner Media, employers need to step up their game and create work cultures that employees actually want to be a part of. She’s determined that, at Vayner Media, employees will find it both appealing AND beneficial to work in-person with their colleagues and superiors. In this episode, Claude shares her philosophy on work and what it actually means to be a Chief Heart Officer (trust us, it makes a lot of sense). She also talks about the tactics that lead their employees to be excited about work and event in-person meetings (yes, it is possible). Spoiler alert: it’s not about ping-pong tables and free Kombucha! If you like Surfing Corporate and would like us to make more episodes, you can donate by clicking on this link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/surfingcorporate Follow SurfingCorporate on Intagram and LinkedIn. Original theme song: Chaliwa Music Other music if by BlueDot Sessions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://bmc.link/surfingcorporate Aileen and Glenda catch up on their summer vacation adventures, share updates on season 4, and somehow end up discussing the Barbie movie. Support Surfing Corporate! "Friendly reminder" that our pod is completely self-funded (and it takes A LOT of work). If you like what we do, please consider making a donation by clicking here. It would mean SO MUCH to us to be able to keep making this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We look back at the best moments of the season and also discuss hot new topics, like the current female-driven movement on social media that is making the case for women to write emails more like men (more assertive, less apologetic). We also unpack the new corporate buzzword that is giving us hives: ProcrastiWorking. FRIENDLY REMINDER! Surfing Corporate is completely self-funded, and it takes a lot of work! If you like what we do, please consider making a donation here.  It would mean SO MUCH to us :) Sign up for our newsletter at SurfingCorporate.com so we can stay in touch over our Summer hiatus! This episode of Surfing Corporate was produced, edited and co-hosted by Aileen Merciel. Co-host is Glenda Pacanins, queen of corporate decks and corporate lingo. Our fabulous intern is Stephany Gil de Sucher. Our original theme song is by the amazing folks of Chaliwa Music & Sound.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the Better Business Bureau, approximately 14 million people encounter job scams annually in the U.S. alone! 😱😱In 2022, CNBC reported that Americans lost $68 million to this deceitful practice. With the rise of remote job opportunities, scammers have unlocked a whole new level of potential victims. In this episode, we tackle the very current issue of job scams, and we talk about "ghost posts" (positions that companies post on major online professional platforms, but they have no real intention of filling) and why that’s actually a thing. We also interview Callie Heim, a marketing professional who was scammed via LinkedIn's Easy Apply feature, and we connect with recruiting expert Daniel Space (@danfromhr) who shares advice on how to avoid this from happening to you. FRIENDLY REMINDER! Surfing Corporate is completely self-funded, and it takes a lot of work! If you like what we do, please consider making a donation here. It would mean SO MUCH to us :) EPISODE SOURCES: Don't be scammed by fake job listings - Business Insider.com Job Listings Abound, but Many Are Fake - WSJ Americans lost $68 million to job scams this year—here's what to look out for - CNBC.com Fake job scams are skyrocketing online — and they're getting harder to detect - LATimes.com CREDITS: This episode was produced and edited by Aileen Merciel, and improved by the feedback of Glenda Pacanins.  Surfing Corporate's intern is Stephany Gil de Sucher. Our original theme song is by Chaliwa Music. The rest of our music is by BlueDot Sessions. Check out surfingcorporate.com and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week’s episode, we have a treat for our Spanish-speaking fans, since Aileen and Glenda interview our fan favorite guest, Susana Sala Bosch, but this time, 100% in her native Spanish. She’s as insightful, honest and funny as ever, and now, en español! Estamos felices de compartir nuestro primer episodio especial de Surfing Corporate. En este episodio, conversamos con Susana Sala Bosch, una ejecutiva senior con una amplia experiencia navegando exitosamente las aguas (a veces turbulentas) de “Corporate America”. Con su trayectoria como líder de recursos humanos, operaciones y planificación estratégica en las industrias del entretenimiento, bebidas alcohólicas y producción de alimentos, Susana ofrece una perspectiva única sobre cómo los profesionales extranjeros pueden tener éxito en el mundo corporativo americano. Descubrirás cómo se adaptó a las diferencias culturales, cómo lideró equipos en un entorno multicultural y cómo aprendió rapidito a decir “F*ck” en vez de “Joder”. Si eres extranjero y trabajas en Estados Unidos o si quieres entender mejor acerca de diferencias culturales en el ámbito laboral, este episodio es para ti.    Surfing Corporate is financiado enteramente por nosotras y lleva un MONTON de trabajo. Si te gusta lo que hacemos, por fa consideren donar con tan solo hacer clink en este link.  Significaría mucho! Créditos: - Producción Ejecutiva: Aileen Merciel y Glenda Pacanins - Pasante de producción (intern): Stephany Gil de Sucher - Música original de Surfing Corporate: Chaliwa Music - Música de librería: BlueDot Sessions   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know that Executive Assistants perform key administrative tasks, but the scope of their role goes WAY beyond what appears on their job description. They are psychologists, secret service agents, strategists, magicians, cheerleaders and general advisors. They also have a special “chaos radar” that allows them to detect and get ahead of any potential issue before it becomes a massive mess. Their duties vary from buying multi-million dollar homes for their bosses to influencing top-level corporate decisions, handling highly confidential information and also, sometimes even picking up dog sh*t if needed.This job promises one thing: it will never be boring. For this episode, we talk with two Executive Assistants who share their insider’s POV of a role that keeps so many of the corporate players – and pieces – in place, and all this without most people even knowing it. FRIENDLY REMINDER: Surfing Corporate is completely self-funded, and it takes A LOT of work. Please consider making a donation by clicking on this link. This would mean so much to us.  EPISODE SOURCES: https://www.zippia.com/executive-personal-assistant-jobs/demographics/ Executive Assistants Are Superheroes Without The Cape The Case for Executive Assistants. The CEO's Secret Weapon     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In movies and TV shows, women in the workplace are often pitted against each other to ramp up the drama and tension among characters. Think Meryl Streep’s fabulous “Miranda Priestley” in The Devil Wears Prada. But does is this kind of “Queen Bee” behavior true in real life? Or more of an exaggeration? And f it is true, why would women sabotage other women in the workplace? During this episode, Aileen and Glenda delve into the controversial topic of workplace “Queen Bees”, discussing research on the topic that can be both enlightening and infuriating. We also share highlights from our fascinating conversation with Andie Kramer, who is an accomplished attorney, a nationally recognized authority on gender equality, a best-selling author on the subject and someone who’s worked tirelessly to increase women’s leadership opportunities. Andie and her husband and co-author Al Harris have written three award-winning books: Beyond Bias: The PATH to Ending Gender Inequality at Work; Breaking Through Bias: Communication Techniques for Women to Succeed at Work; and It’s Not You, It’s the Workplace: Women’s Conflict at Work and the Bias That Built It. They are contributing writers to Harvard Business Review’s On Women and Leadership, and Andie is a contributing writer on gender issues in the workplace for Forbes.com. They are also the authors of hundreds of articles on diversity and overcoming gender stereotypes that have been featured in a wide variety of national media outlets including HBR.org, The HuffPost, The New York Times, NBC News, The Chicago Tribune, and Fast Company. FRIENDLY REMINDER: Surfing Corporate is completely self-funded, and it takes A LOT of work. Please consider making a donation by clicking on this link. This would mean so much to us.  EPISODE SOURCES Books - Beyond Bias: The PATH to Ending Gender Inequality at Work, by Andie S. Kramer and Alton B. Harris [- It’s Not You, It’s the Workplace: Women’s Conflict at Work and the Bias That Built It, by Andie S. Kramer and Alton B. Harris](its not you its the workplace) - Breaking Through Bias: Communication Techniques for Women to Succeed at Work, by Andie S. Kramer and Alton B. Harris - The Stiletto in Your Back: The Good Girl's Guide to Backstabbers, Bullies, Gossips and Queen Bees at Work, by Michelle Villalobos -Mean Girls, Meaner Women: Understanding Why Women Backstab, Betray and Trash-Talk Each Other and How to Heal, by Erika Holiday and Joan I. Rosenberg - Tripping the Prom Queen: The Truth About Women and Rivalry, by Susan Shapiro  Articles: Why Women Don't Always Support Other Women - Forbes.com Sheryl Sandberg on the Myth of the Catty Woman - The New York Times Why Do Women Bully Each Other at Work? Queen Bee syndrome: Workplace inequality encourages women to sabotage one another https://www.gailgoldenconsulting.com/insights/the-myth-of-the-bad-female-boss Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMBrR5YgfC0 Credits: This episode was produced, written and edited by Aileen Merciel Executive Producers are Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins Surfing Corporate's intern is Stephany Gil de Sucher Original Theme Song is by Chaliwa Music The rest of our music is by BlueDot Sessions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that the average employee spends nearly 2.5 hours per day in drama? Yup, we spend 150 minutes a day gossiping, tattling, withholding buy-in, and resisting change. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Imagine having the right tools to leave the drama ––AKA emotional waste –– behind, and instead spend your time and energy on your actual work and wellbeing. This is the goal of Cy Wakeman, a therapist accidentally turned drama researcher who is recognized for cultivating a counter-intuitive, reality-based approach to leadership. During this episode, Cy shines a light on the part that we ourselves play in creating workplace drama (it’s not just a problem that everyone else has) and she provides techniques to improve the way we face these challenging moments in our interactions with colleagues. She also shares her most embarrassing moments ever on stage. Cy is a New York Times best-selling author and a sought-out consultant and speaker for many Fortune 500 companies. She’s been featured on the TODAY Show, the AskGaryVee Show with Gary Vaynerchuk, The New York Times, Business Insider, The Daily Muse, SHRM.com and many more. Now she can add being on the Surfing Corporate podcast to her accolades.  You can learn more about Cy Wakeman by checking out her website.  You can also follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Tiktok. FRIENDLY REMINDER: Surfing Corporate is completely self-funded, and it takes A LOT of work to make each episode. Please consider making a donation by clicking on this link. This would mean so much to us! Credits: Surfing Corporate is produced and edited by Aileen Merciel. Cohosts are Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins. Our Intern is Stephany Gil de Sucher. Surfing Corporate's original theme song is by Chaliwa Music. The rest of our music is by BlueDot Sessions.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices