Entitlement at work gets a bad rap, but is it always a bad thing? In this season’s season finale, Chris and Pinaki unpack how expectations shape what we think we deserve, how entitlement shows up across generations, and what happens when organizations and employees aren't aligned. From working remotely to self-advocacy, we explore the tension between earned rights and perceived demands – and how empathy can bridge the gap.

Leadership sounds aspirational… but the reality can feel isolating, exhausting, and downright confusing. In this episode, we explore what really motivates people to lead, the emotional cost of leadership, and why we often promote the wrong people for the wrong reasons. Join Pinaki and Chris as they unpack perceptions of power, responsibility, and what it takes to lead with humanity in today’s workplace.

Let’s be honest – when someone says, “Don’t tell anyone, but…” – you lean in. Gossip is a natural part of work culture, but is it harmless bonding or a trust killer? In this episode, Chris and Pinaki dig into why we love to spill the tea, when gossip strengthens connections, and when it turns toxic. Can workplace rumors be used for good? Let’s find out.

We’ve all seen it: the team member who always knows the right thing to say to the boss vs. the one quietly doing the heavy lifting with no recognition. In this episode, Pinaki and Chris explore the often misunderstood practice of managing up. Is it self-advocacy or sucking up? We unpack cultural differences, power dynamics, and how real influence can support a win-win-win for you, your leader, and your team.

AI is changing how we work – but why does using it sometimes feel like cheating? Chris and Pinaki explore the ethical dilemmas, workplace impact, and the uneasy balance between innovation and trust. Is AI a game-changer or a double-edged sword? Tune in to find out.

Nobody wants to be *that* person at work, but sometimes, do we unintentionally cross the line? In this episode, Pinaki, Chris, and special guest Chuck Gose explore workplace a**holery: what defines it, why it happens, and how culture, leadership, and stress can bring out the worst in us. Tune in for insights, humor, and practical ways to foster a better workplace.

Why does asking for help at work feel like admitting failure? In this episode, Pinaki and Chris explore the fears, workplace norms, and personal barriers that make seeking support so uncomfortable. From family wisdom to broken dryers, they unpack why self-reliance is often mistaken for strength and how leaders can create a culture where asking for help is seen as collaboration, not weakness.

We’re constantly influenced – by social media, corporate trends, and even office culture – but how often do we stop to question it? In this episode, Chris and Pinaki explore how workplace habits form, why we blindly follow certain individuals, and the hidden ways influence shapes our decisions. It will make you stop and wonder, are we thinking for ourselves?

We say we value honesty, but at work, speaking the truth can feel risky. Whether it’s pushing back on a bad idea or admitting burnout, honesty often comes with consequences. In this episode, Pinaki and Chris unpack why transparency is so difficult, the dangers of inauthentic relationships at work, and how to create a culture where honesty is safe.

Change is inevitable, but why does it feel so uncomfortable at work? From sudden reorgs to shifting expectations, employees are often left feeling powerless. In this episode, Chris and Pinaki explore why change is so hard to navigate, how uncertainty workplace culture, and what leaders can do to make transitions smoother. Let’s rethink how we approach change so that it feels less like a disruption and more like an opportunity.

Season 2 is here. Join Pinaki Kathiari (Local Wisdom) and Chris Lee (Gallagher) as they dig into the contradictions of modern work culture—like why change feels scary and gossip feels great. It’s honest, human, and maybe a little uncomfortable. New episodes dropping soon. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio podcasts.

Have you ever made a big mistake at work or felt like you failed at doing your job? Of course you have – we’re all human! In this episode, we’ll talk about ways to change our mindset regarding failure and how to utilize the power and learning opportunities that failure brings.

Have you ever questioned the data on something, just because your gut and intuition were telling you that something was off? Having access to data is an incredibly powerful asset, but we must take the surrounding narrative and context into account. In this episode, we’ll talk about why it’s important to be critical of the information we’re presented with and how to ensure we’re mixing both storytelling and data into our everyday decision-making.

Have you ever put the needs of your company before your own? Do you struggle with finding an appropriate work-life balance? In this episode, we’ll talk about why prioritizing self-care and mental health is not only better for you, but why it is better for your organization, as well.

Have you ever thought about why organizations spend so much time and effort to create an incredible customer experience, yet overlook the importance of creating a decent employee experience? Why is there not as much focus on creating a consumer-grade experience at work for our own internal teammates? In this episode, we’ll talk about how an enhanced employee experience makes the organization more successful overall.

Have you ever felt like you couldn’t reply to a group email, even though you had something important or encouraging to say? In this episode, we’ll talk about why we withhold participating in these types of conversations and how the “unwritten rules” of office etiquette impact our communication styles.

Have you ever felt like your colleagues or bosses were speaking a different language at work because of all the buzzwords that they were using? Corporate jargon can be confusing, alienating, and unnecessary. In this episode, we’ll talk about how this can impact our communication, our relationships, and our work.

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong at work? In this episode, we’ll be joined by the incredible Priya Bates, President of “Inner Strength Communication Inc.” and author of “Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”, for a meaningful and impactful conversation about DEIB.

Have you ever played hooky from work? Have you ever felt guilty for not working when it’s within the hours of your traditional workday – even if you know that you’ll make up that time later in the week? In this episode, we’ll talk about why it’s more beneficial – for you and your organization – to work when you’re feeling most productive.

Have you ever felt like you couldn't say no to your boss, even when you really wanted to? Or maybe you've disagreed with a coworker, but you didn't feel comfortable voicing your opinion. In this episode, we'll talk about why it feels so wrong to do these things – and we aim to empower you to say “no” more often when just saying “yes” goes against your core beliefs.