Are companies loyal to you—or just to shareholders? In this episode of Work Trauma: How Corporations Really Work, we unpack the hard truths about corporate loyalty, layoffs, and why “job security” is more myth than reality. You’ll learn how to reframe your employment as a fair, reciprocal transaction—results for pay—without burning out or being exploited.We dig into real-world stories (layoff scripts, brand-loyalty pressure, “go above & beyond” abuse) and translate them into practical career strategy: document impact, negotiate compensation, keep your résumé current, and align with leaders who foster healthy culture.Walk away with a clear checklist of what to expect from employers—fair pay, healthy environment, growth, impact—and what they should expect from you. If this helps you build a better career (and nudge companies to be better), please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE.#CareerAdvice #WorkCulture #Corporate #Layoffs #jobsecurity Chapter markers00:00 - Should You Be Loyal?01:25 - Corporations Aren’t Loyal02:32 - The Social Contract03:09 - It’s Just a Transaction04:33 - Recalibrate the Relationship06:23 - Inside Layoffs: The Script07:33 - The “Above & Beyond” Trap16:09 - The Job Security Myth22:38 - What You Should Expect24:33 - Be Loyal to People, Not CompaniesThanks for Watching!Legal Disclaimer:The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the opinions and experiences of the host and guests. It is not intended to serve as professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, or psychological guidance. Listeners should consult their own advisors or seek professional assistance tailored to their specific circumstances. The host and podcast team disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information discussed in this episode.

Corporate “culture” isn’t what you think — and loyalty won’t save you. In Part 2 of this brutally honest conversation on Work Trauma: How Corporations Really Work, host Michael Denisoff continues his deep dive with Dan Denisoff, a veteran executive from Pepsi, Pernod Ricard, and Ole Smoky. Together, they dissect how the modern workplace twists ideas like loyalty, leadership, and culture into corporate theater. They cover: The truth about corporate loyalty and why it’s always transactional How executives disguise bad leadership as culture programs Why “We’re like family” usually means “We’ll lay you off next quarter” Real stories of executive ego, toxic bosses, and fake culture campaigns The philosophy of honest leadership and pay-for-performance Why you can’t outperform bad leadership — and what real leaders do instead This episode is a masterclass in understanding what actually drives company behavior — and how great leaders cut through corporate nonsense with transparency and accountability. 01:30 Loyalty vs. fairness: What employees really want 03:00 Pay for performance vs. fake appreciation 04:35 Culture vs. compensation — what actually matters 06:00 When executives fake culture with money 07:03 “Work isn’t family” — Dan’s blunt reality check 07:46 Inspiring excellence over fake motivation 08:26 “Money makes people happy — not BBQs” 08:44 Pay-for-performance done right 09:17 Caring leadership without performative fluff 10:07 The Pepsi story: “That was stupid.” 11:18 Don’t sell your soul for a job 12:10 The rose story: corporate appreciation gone wrong 12:54 Why honesty matters more than slogans 13:46 Leadership lessons from sports coaches 14:45 The brutal truth about mediocrity 15:15 Why companies fail — and always will 16:16 What blue-collar workers really want 16:52 Executives who stop leading once they get paid 17:50 Dealing with egos and bad leadership 18:36 Confidence vs. arrogance in executives 19:30 How bad leadership creates collateral damage 20:33 The Cracker Barrel example 21:11 Corporate missteps and tone-deaf decisions 22:22 “The fish rots from the head down” 23:03 Worst boss ever: measuring success by exhaustion 24:03 You can’t outperform bad leadership 25:14 Advice to your younger self 26:14 Listen more, talk less 27:22 The art of humility and learning 28:04 The purpose of Work Trauma 28:46 Stop with the fluff and distractions 29:11 Turning chaos into excellence 29:30 The power of a trusted ally 30:25 Find your sounding board 31:01 Closing thoughts & wrap-up Thanks for Watching! Legal Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the opinions and experiences of the host and guests. It is not intended to serve as professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, or psychological guidance. Listeners should consult their own advisors or seek professional assistance tailored to their specific circumstances. The host and podcast team disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information discussed in this episode.

What really goes on inside corporate America?In this episode of Work Trauma: How Corporations Really Work, host Michael Denisoff, CEO of Denisoff Consulting Group, sits down with his brother Dan Denisoff — a seasoned executive who’s led manufacturing operations for Pepsi, Pernod Ricard, and Ole Smoky.Together they break down:-The truth behind corporate loyalty and the myth of “we’re like family.”-Why mission statements are mostly marketing lies (and what they really mean).-How executives balance shareholders, employees, and their sanity.-The evolution of work culture from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, and why each generation thinks the other is crazy.-What “work trauma” actually feels like for those who’ve lived decades inside the machine.This episode is part one of a two-part deep dive into how leadership, ethics, and human decency survive inside corporate systems designed for profit first.🎧 Subscribe for unfiltered conversations about corporate culture, toxic workplaces, and the real psychology of leadership.⏱️ YouTube Chapter MarkersTimestamp Chapter Title00:00 Is Michael too cynical about big corporations?00:23 Welcome to Work Trauma: How Corporations Really Work00:44 Introducing operations executive Dan Dennisoff02:06 From loading trucks at Pepsi to running plants03:20 Climbing the ranks: Austin Nichols & Pernod Ricard04:13 Building Ole Smoky’s new Myrtle Beach facility06:10 Finding purpose in operations work07:29 Lessons from 40 years of management08:08 The note that started it all: “I’m not as cynical as you”09:31 Executive pressure: balancing shareholders vs. people11:18 The fallacy of mission statements12:32 Work-life balance across generations13:21 The Gen Z workplace dilemma14:18 Why Gen Z sees corporations as the enemy16:18 What “work trauma” really means17:01 Mentors, mistakes, and surviving bad leadership19:35 Winning over a resistant corporate culture21:28 Building teams and changing toxic systems22:47 Consulting lessons and red flags in leadership23:31 The Romanian “Operation Maniac” story25:41 Choosing integrity over survival25:58 Closing thoughts and tease for Part 2Thanks for Watching!Legal Disclaimer:The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the opinions and experiences of the host and guests. It is not intended to serve as professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, or psychological guidance. Listeners should consult their own advisors or seek professional assistance tailored to their specific circumstances. The host and podcast team disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information discussed in this episode.

This episode covers what everyone should really learn about the Cracker Barrel Debacle. It is more than an outrageous mistake but says something about the insanity in corporations.

Is your job slowly draining your soul? You’re not imagining it.In this brutally honest episode of Work Trauma: How Corporations Really Work, Michael Dennisoff, CEO of Dennisoff Consulting Group, unpacks what “work trauma” really means — and why it’s not just you. From manipulative leadership to systemic dysfunction, we break down how toxic corporate structures DESTROY employee well-being... and what to do about it.🎙️ Topics include:What “work trauma” actually isWhy so many companies are dysfunctionalThe shift from leadership to self-preservation in executive cultureThe inner circle, scapegoating, and the corporate mafiaHow to survive and stay sane in a broken system📢 Subscribe for more real talk about workplace culture, career navigation, and executive-level truth bombs.👇 Drop a comment: What’s the most toxic thing you've ever experienced at work?—🔗 Join the conversation📩 Email: [YourEmailHere]📱 Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok: @WorkTraumaPodcast🌐 Website: www.worktraumapodcast.com#worktrauma #toxicworkplace #corporateculture #leadershipfailures #executivelife #jobburnout #workculture #employeewellbeing #quietquitting #greatresignation Timestamp Chapter Title00:00 Intro – What is Work Trauma?00:56 Common workplace damage everyone has01:48 Why corporations are demoralizing02:28 40 years of failed leadership training03:21 Executive conversations behind closed doors04:52 Companies running at 40% effectiveness06:02 Leadership development burnout story07:21 The shift: From innovation to preservation08:47 Jody’s story: Promotion turns toxic10:12 Why people stop rocking the boat11:04 Power vs. company success12:14 Leaders weaponizing values & vision12:50 Executive types: The spectrum of dysfunction16:20 Even good leaders look away18:14 Internal comms and the image machine19:07 Inner circle logic & alliances20:16 How executives get away with it21:27 Scapegoating and spin doctors22:48 Excuses, excuses: Cloudy sales and fake genius23:11 Weak hires and the executive mafia24:28 Why they won’t give up the lifestyle25:14 Business loyalty myth26:00 What can be done?26:45 Small biz and solopreneur alternatives27:20 Time for structural revolution28:43 WWE, ethics, and being the good guy29:26 Final thoughts & how to stay smartThanks for Watching!Legal Disclaimer:The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the opinions and experiences of the host and guests. It is not intended to serve as professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, or psychological guidance. Listeners should consult their own advisors or seek professional assistance tailored to their specific circumstances. The host and podcast team disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information discussed in this episode.

Performance reviews are broken — outdated, confusing, and often used as tools of control rather than actual development. In this episode, we break down how corporations weaponize performance management, what employees really want from their work, and how both managers and workers can shift toward something more honest and effective.Join us for an unfiltered conversation about:-The origins of performance reviews-How they’ve become a corporate checkbox ritual-Why your job is making you question your worth-What “good” management should actually look like🔔 SUBSCRIBE for brutally honest takes on corporate culture, leadership, and work trauma.💬 Drop a COMMENT: What’s the worst review you’ve ever received?#PerformanceReview #CorporateTrauma #HRSystems #PerformanceManagement #WorkplaceCulture #AnnualReview#FeedbackAtWork #BadManagers #ToxicLeadership #EmployeeDevelopment #BrokenHR00:00 - Intro: Why performance reviews cause trauma 01:06 - The real purpose of this podcast 02:30 - What managers *think* their job is 04:45 - How performance management became a tool for control 06:07 - What employees actually want from work 07:17 - What companies actually want from employees 09:29 - Kiss up, kick down: The toxic management style 14:33 - What goal-setting is supposed to look like 20:06 - Ridiculous HR rating systems 25:02 - Overcomplicating performance management 28:20 - What good performance management should be 31:15 - The 5 components of a win-win agreement 35:01 - Performance feedback should be like a football game 37:12 - End-of-year reviews should be a formality 40:14 - Why companies hate reviews—and what that causes 42:16 - Final advice for employees and managersLegal Disclaimer:The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the opinions and experiences of the host and guests. It is not intended to serve as professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, or psychological guidance. Listeners should consult their own advisors or seek professional assistance tailored to their specific circumstances. The host and podcast team disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information discussed in this episode.

Are TED Talks just corporate comfort food in a turtleneck? In this episode of Work Trauma: How Corporations Really Work, host Michael Denisoff rips into the most iconic TED Talks of all time — Brené Brown and Simon Sinek — asking the hard questions:❌ Are they saying anything new?🤔 Are we just paying for validation?📉 Has “inspiration” replaced actual insight?With sharp humor, lived leadership experience, and zero patience for corporate fluff, Michael dissects the storytelling, the buzzwords, and the self-congratulatory tone of modern business thought leaders.Plus, a bonus roast of one of the most eye-roll-worthy corporate ads from iHeartMedia.Whether you're a burned-out employee, a skeptical manager, or just tired of seeing “vulnerability” packaged as a leadership tactic — this one's for you.📣 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay in the loop on how corporate culture REALLY works.#tedtalks #tedtalkcritique #tedtalkreview #leadershipmyths #corporateculture #WorkTraumapodcast 00:00 - Intro: Are TED Talks even good anymore?00:44 - Welcome to Work Trauma: The Real Corporate Playbook01:20 - TED Talks: Vanity or Value?02:55 - The Pay-to-Play Problem03:30 - Everest, Sherpas, and TED Talk Flex Culture04:16 - TED Talk Pablum vs. Real Leadership Truth05:11 - Do TED Talks Actually Change Behavior?06:00 - Dissecting Brené Brown: Cult Vibes & Clichés09:00 - Shame, Fear & Excruciating Vulnerability™13:03 - Are These Ideas Even New?16:26 - The Narcissism of "I Am Worthy"20:00 - When Vulnerability Becomes a Brand22:10 - Simon Sinek: Begin With Why... Again?24:07 - The Alpha Dog CEO Metaphor25:02 - Companies Want Your Soul... and Your Flesh28:37 - The “Why” is Overrated31:00 - Zuckerberg’s Real Why33:17 - Companies Talk Purpose, But Mean Profits35:29 - Bonus: Moderna’s “We Pivot Fearlessly” Ad Roast39:20 - Final Thoughts & How to Spot Corporate NonsenseLegal Disclaimer:The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the opinions and experiences of the host and guests. It is not intended to serve as professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, or psychological guidance. Listeners should consult their own advisors or seek professional assistance tailored to their specific circumstances. The host and podcast team disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information discussed in this episode.

In Season 2 Episode 3 of Work Trauma: How Corporations Really Work, Michael Denisoff pulls back the curtain on how corporations are designed to control rather than empower. From the illusion of flat org charts and “employee empowerment” to toxic executive behavior and fear-based manipulation, this episode explores:-Why corporate control is built into company structure-How fear keeps talented people silent-Why promotions often reward loyalty over competence-The real reason most culture programs fail-How to survive (or escape) toxic workplace power plays🚨 This is a must-watch for anyone navigating career politics, toxic bosses, or corporate mind games.🔔 Subscribe for more no-BS episodes: leadership takedowns, TED Talk reactions, and brutal honesty about work culture.#corporatecontrol #worktrauma #toxicworkplaces #leadershiptruth #corporateculture #executivemindgames #micromanagement #corporateamerica #careertruths00:00 - Are corporations trying to control you?01:45 - Consent vs. control: The social contract04:00 - Flattening org charts: Why it backfires06:30 - Zappos, Holacracy, and the illusion of empowerment10:00 - The socialism experiment that failed12:30 - When control becomes toxic14:45 - CEOs and the addiction to power17:00 - How fear is weaponized at work22:00 - Why execs crave obedience25:30 - The Mushroom Principle: Keep workers in the dark29:00 - Communication spin and HR manipulation33:00 - The illusion of engagement and feedback35:00 - Loyalty goes one way in corporations37:00 - Fear-based leadership in action40:00 - Critical thinkers get punished42:00 - How toxic managers survive and rise45:00 - Real solutions: Control without being controlling47:00 - How to build accountability and fairness50:00 - Personal advice for navigating corporate controlLegal Disclaimer:The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the opinions and experiences of the host and guests. It is not intended to serve as professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, or psychological guidance. Listeners should consult their own advisors or seek professional assistance tailored to their specific circumstances. The host and podcast team disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information discussed in this episode.

Are corporate culture programs truly about improving the workplace, or are they a strategic MANIPULATION to make employees work harder for the benefit of executives? In this episode of the Work Trauma Podcast, we expose the hidden truths behind leadership gurus, engagement programs, and corporate culture initiatives that claim to ”empower” employees—but often serve as a smoke screen for executive self-preservation. Host Michael Denisoff dives into: • The guru industrial complex and why some leadership experts are frauds • Why corporate culture programs often distract from real workplace issues • How companies weaponize employee engagement to extract more work • The social contract of employment—what companies owe workers vs. reality • Why you don’t owe loyalty to a company that wouldn’t hesitate to fire you

Are ”Best Places to Work” rankings legit, or is it all just corporate propaganda? In this episode of the Work Trauma Podcast, Michael Denisoff uncovers the truth behind workplace rankings, how business media manipulates narratives, and why corporate awards are often pay-to-play scams. We break down: • How companies rig their rankings • The role of business media in pushing false narratives • Why corporate culture isn’t what it seems • What Glassdoor & LinkedIn reviews don’t tell you • The shocking parallels between Enron, WeWork, Theranos, and FTX DON’T GET FOOLED! Do your own research before trusting corporate lists.

Is HR really as bad as we think? In this episode of Work Trauma: How Corporations Really Work, host Michael Denisoff dives into the deep-rooted issues with Human Resources in corporate America. From outdated paradigms to ineffective leadership, we explore why HR still struggles nearly 20 years after Fast Company’s infamous “Why We Hate HR” article. Key Topics Covered: • Why HR often fails employees and executives alike • The most common (and frustrating) HR archetypes • How corporate policies and legal complexities make HR ineffective • What great HR should actually look like • Why most CEOs don’t know what to do with HR

In this episode of Work Trauma: How Corporations Really Work, host Michael Dennison dives into the messy truth of decision-making in organizations. We explore: • The illusion of leadership confidence • Why executives prioritize self-preservation over company success • The 12 ways managers dodge decisions • The myth of ”consensus” and how it stalls progress • How to build a workplace culture that fosters real, strategic decision-making. • Whether you’re a leader, manager, or just fed up with corporate dysfunction, this episode reveals the power struggles, delays, and self-serving tactics happening behind closed doors Have a work horror story? Drop it in the comments!

Are TED Talks still relevant, or have they officially jumped the shark? 🦈 In this episode of Work Trauma: How Corporations Really Work, Michael Denisoff takes a hilarious (and brutally honest) look at the rise, fall, and awkward Steve Jobs impersonations happening on TED stages everywhere.🚨 We’re pulling no punches as we react to some of the "top" TED Talks about leadership, business, and professional development — and asking the real questions:Are TED Talks helping your career?Are leadership gurus actually leading anything?Has vulnerability at work gone completely off the rails?Whether you're a corporate warrior, recovering from a bad manager, or just someone who’s watched one too many TED Talks during lunch breaks, this episode is for you.🎯 Topics We Cover:Why TED Talks might be hurting more than helpingThe truth about leadership development mythsWhen "bringing your whole self to work" becomes a bad ideaAnd why watching 4000 hours of TED Talks still won’t make you a better leader👉 LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more hilarious breakdowns on how corporations really work.💬 Got a TED Talk you want us to roast? Drop it in the comments below!🔔 New episodes of Work Trauma every week – because healing starts with laughter.#WorkTraumaPodcast #TEDTalks #LeadershipDevelopment #CorporateLife #PodcastClips00:00 - Are TED Talks Still Relevant? 00:23 - Welcome to Season 2 of Work Trauma01:02 - Introducing TED Talk Takedown01:21 - Why TED Talks Feel Productive (But Aren’t)02:01 - How TED Talks Jumped the Shark02:50 - Everyone Wants to Be Steve Jobs03:35 - Telling People What They Want to Hear04:13 - Lack of Original Ideas05:04 - Storytelling or Story-Stealing?06:50 - Vanity Projects Disguised as Leadership07:12 - Watching a TED Talk ≠ Action08:02 - How We'll Review These Talks09:58 - TED Talk #1: "What It Takes to Be a Great Leader"11:24 - Billions Spent, Still No Good Leaders?13:09 - Observers vs Doers in Leadership17:02 - Rosalind’s Three Questions for Leaders18:17 - Why Stretch Assignments Beat Classrooms18:52 - TED Talk #2: "How to Claim Your Leadership Power"20:06 - Personal Accountability and Leadership22:06 - Is This Really TED-Worthy?25:45 - TED Talk #3: "Bring Your Whole Self to Work"27:15 - The Myth of Full Self at Work28:04 - When Work Became Your Validation29:06 - Soft Messages About Vulnerability32:09 - How Leadership Messaging Got Distorted38:07 - Final Thoughts: TED Talks and Work Trauma39:42 - Future Episodes + Guest Announcements40:17 - Like, Comment, Subscribe!TED Talks discussed in today's episode:What it takes to be a great leader | Roselinde Torres | TEDhttps://youtu.be/aUYSDEYdmzw?si=5do5WrRGoiaShqB6How to Claim Your Leadership Power | Michael Timms | TEDhttps://youtu.be/dIYmzf21d1g?si=PFQBEapgLq-ljyy-Bring your whole self to work | Mike Robbins | TEDxBerkeleyhttps://youtu.be/bd2WKQWG_Dg?si=jnrutkLfeht2S562Legal Disclaimer:The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects the opinions and experiences of the host and guests. It is not intended to serve as professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, or psychological guidance. Listeners should consult their own advisors or seek professional assistance tailored to their specific circumstances. The host and podcast team disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information discussed in this episode.

Why is this Podcast Needed: The Work Trauma Podcast pulls away the curtain so you can see how corporations really work so 1- we can start to build better companies 2- you can better navigate the realities of your organization and manage your career and life.

Is it me or are there a sizable number of bad executives in these large corporations? No, its not you, it’s them. Seriously, there are a lot of  truly bad executives out there running things while still keeping their jobs.  How is that possible?

After all these years of training programs why is there still a dearth of good managers and leaders in corporations?  I’ll bet you have had way more terrible bosses than good ones.  How can this still be the case?

Power moves, positioning and playing “the game”---I’m exhausted and may have threw up in my mount a little bit.  But one must learn how these play into your work experience to be successful and stay sane.

Ever notice that the wrong person always seems to get promoted at work? Everyone hates nepotism and cronyism until it benefits them.  Learn how people really get promoted at work.

Brand Integrity, Bug police and the the role of mediocrity on the Marketing Function. Is marketing as a department much overrated-- you betcha. Why marketing need and overhaul.  And how to make marketing better.

What started off as a great idea turned into something almost meaningless.  Some of the worst and most toxic companies have the most noble sounding Mission Statements, Visions and Values.  What went wrong?